Poetic Inspirations and Practical Applications for Blissful Living

Guest Post: Weeds

Weeding Through the Garden of Life

Guest Post by Heart and Soul Health Coach Mike Fenton

     Just as we must keep our garden free of weeds in order for our plants to grow healthy and strong, and with some produce fruit and vegetables, we must also keep our life free from those things that will not allow us to grow to our potential as well. Just as a weed will sneak its way into a garden and strangle out the healthy plants, there are things in life that will sneak their way into our world leaving us bewildered, confused and sometimes limiting us in our effectiveness to do God’s work. It may be subtle, but the result will be the same.

     We must pay attention as we are reminded in Matthew 13:25 of what happens if we are not on guard “But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away”. In life that is how Satan operates, he plants his evil seeds in our minds hoping they will take root, strangle our faith, and in the end dampen our spirit. Even the strongest of men have fallen prey to his lies and deceit, men that were blessed by God with great physical strength were reduced to mere mortal men. We are reminded in 2 Peter 3:17Therefore, dear friends, since you have been forewarned, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure position”.

     If we are to have a chance that this will not happen to us we must live a life of Total Wellness. Our bodily actions must reflect a mind that is sound and in good health and a spirit that lives in God’s word. We must watch not only what we feed into our bodies, but what we feed into our mind. Using good judgment in what we watch on television, what books we read, what we see and do on the internet are good places to start in preventing those things that serve no good purpose from entering into our mind.

     Weeding through the garden of life and eliminating those “weeds” that prevent us from growing into the Christians God wants us to be and the Christians the Church needs us to be is more important now than ever. We live in a time of apostasy and the call is now for all those in faith to come forth in strength. To come forth in Total Wellness – when mind, body and spirit all come together in good health.

Guest Post: Just Another Brick

Just Another Brick in the Wall

Guest Post by Heart and Soul Health Coach Mike Fenton

  

Image courtesy of Rawich at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

     How easy it is to build a wall around ourselves when we don’t want to deal with the daily problems life presents? Rather than deal with a situation we build a wall to hide behind. From behind the wall we no longer see our problems and once they are out-of-sight, they are out-of-mind. The problem however is even though we no longer see our problems, they are still there. It is only when we face our problems and deal with our problems that they go away.

     We cannot continually add more bricks to the wall thinking we are safe from the daily issues life presents us because at some time we will have to emerge from our haven and when we do, reality will set in. It is always better to keep confronting the issues life puts upon us, if we don’t they will only grow bigger and more difficult to handle.

     If we cannot deal with the occasional problems that arise we must ask ourselves honestly, why am I having such a difficult time facing reality? Why do I run? Why do I hide? Why do I turn to drugs or alcohol to forget when I know my problems are still there? Running, hiding, turning to alcohol and drugs is not the answer and never will be. Faith in God is what we need! When we turn to Him and pray for direction and guidance, and when we turn to Him for inner strength, we will have what we need to deal with life’s obstacles.

     Life also becomes easier when we strive to keep ourselves in good health (mentally, physically and spiritually) we find we have a higher tolerance for what bothers us and what is to come into our future. For instance, when we are in Total Wellness (when mind, body and spirit come together in good health) the things that used to bother us in the past no longer seem to be so bothersome. We find ourselves taking down the walls and telling life, come on, give me your best shot, I am ready.

     When we take down the walls we find the view to be much better as well. We look at life from a much better perspective, our sense of “daily urgency” is not so great and we actually find time to quiet our mind in peace. We have time to enjoy the life we will now have.

    

  

 

 

Small Hinges, Big Doors

Small Hinges, Big Doors

Small Hinges, Big Doors

Small Hinges, Big Doors

Image courtesy artur84 at www.freedigitalphotos.net

 

Purposeful Pathway is the haven for faith-based entrepreneurs. Part of my mission is equipping faith-based businesses with information that is practical, actionable and Scriptural.

The theme of this post is small hinges open big doors!

The gorgeous weather is here, and I love to be out and about exploring new places. Recently, though, I hit a bump in my travel plans. More accurately: my car started making distressing clunking noises every time it hit even the smallest of bumps. The noises were quite loud and made me uncomfortable to drive the car. I thought perhaps the suspension was compromised, and I prepared myself for an afternoon of time and expense at the automotive shop. Thankfully the source of the noise was simply a loose exhaust cover; the mechanic put it back into place, and I was on my way to enjoy the summer weather once again. The situation reminded me of life and business. So often we have “noisy” problems that seem huge; perhaps these are income-flow challenges, relationship stressors or health concerns. Sometimes the challenges truly are substantial. Yet so often the remedies are rather easy. As it has been said often, small hinges open big doors. I invite you to think about adjusting those small hinges today.

 

Let’s explore five ways:

1. Listen to the loud noises. What exactly are the “loud noises” in your life? Is one noise your income flow? A health concern? A relationship challenge? Write down, one by one, the current “noises” in your life.

2. Seek the sources. Having determined the “noises” in your life, ask God to reveal the sources of these symptoms. View the “noises” not as problems in themselves but rather as indicators or red flags. They are valuable tools for discovering deeper issues.

3. Administer adjustments. Having dug deeper to inspect the sources, contemplate now adjustments to administer. If, for example, the source of an income-flow challenge is your mindset, what can you do to shift your mindset? Daily prayer for this request? Meditation on the matter? Scriptural affirmations each morning? Determine the appropriate adjustments for each of the “noises” in your life. “But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was…” (James 1:22-24)

4. Step by step. Once you start administering adjustments, seek God’s wisdom for every next step thereafter. It is important to make adjustments even if you do not know the full sequence of steps. Trust God to reveal one step at a time, as often He does this in order to strengthen our reliance upon and intimacy with Him.  “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” (Psalm 119:105)

5. Dance through doors. Once you have faithfully followed the previous steps, begin to witness big doors opening on those small hinges….and then dance delightfully through them! God is gracious to bring fruit from our labors and to richly bless our faith! “God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.” (Hebrews 6:10)

 

I encourage you to adjust those small hinges and watch those big doors open wide!

 

If you need help with adjusting small hinges or with building your business overall, I invite you to attract your ideal clients and powerfully boost your business over the next 40 days! There is no need to reinvent the wheel. I have organized my knowledge and experiences in business into an implementable 40-day series of actionable daily steps, instructional videos and powerful worksheets. If you need a serious boost in business, I encourage you to take the next step by visiting  Purposeful Pathway Business Academy today!


Let’s Pray:  Divine Daddy, we thank You for the doors You place in our lives. Help us to see the true sources of our challenges and help us to adjust the “hinges” as need be. We desire to glorify You in all we do; we desire to delight in You as we dance through doors. We love you with every fiber of our beings, every moment of every day, every step of the pathway…and it is in Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.

I Treasure Your Thoughts and Comments

Poem: I Trust in You, Jesus

Forever Joyful Inspirational Christian Poem by Caroline Gavin of Purposeful Pathway Christian Life Coaching www.PurposefulPathway.com

I Trust in You, Jesus

I Trust in You, Jesus

Image courtesy siraphat at www.freedigitalphotos.net

 

“When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You.” (Psalm 56:3)

 

 

When I am afraid,

I will trust in You,

Sweet Lord Jesus,

I promise to.

 

On whom else can I call?

To whom else can I cling

Who else to me

Gives everything?

 

Who else will wipe

The tears from my eyes?

Who else will dry

The rain in the skies?

 

Yes, when I am afraid,

I will trust in Your name,

For with You, my Lord,

Nothing is the same.

 

The gray days grow

Luminously bright,

The sunshine glows

Through dark of night,

 

The joyful songs spring

From depths of sorrows,

Mournful yesterdays

Become blissful tomorrows,

 

Endless valleys

Become tops of the mount,

The parched desert

Becomes the flowing fount…

 

So here and now

When the tears do fall,

Your Name, Sweet Jesus,

I do call.

 

Surely You wipe

The tears from my eyes,

Your kisses fall

As rain from the skies,

 

And to Your hand

I joyfully cling,

As surely to me

You give everything…

 

Yes, when I am afraid,

I know what to do:

Sweet Lord Jesus,

I will trust in You!

 

© 2014 Caroline Gavin

What are some ways in which trusting in Jesus has brought you peace and joy?

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Biz Tip: Netting from Networking

Netting from Networking

 

Netting from Networking

Netting from Networking

Image courtesy Just2Shutter at www.freedigitalphotos.net

 

Purposeful Pathway is the haven for faith-based entrepreneurs. Part of my mission is equipping faith-based businesses with information that is practical, actionable and Scriptural.

The theme of this post is netting from networking!

Networking events can be powerful for business building. Yet so many entrepreneurs find themselves pouring tremendous time and energy while bearing little fruit in the process. They find themselves netting very little from networking…and so they give up.

 

It is, however, possible to enjoy fun and fruitful networking. Let’s explore five ways:

1. Go to give. As in all things, put others before yourself. Genuinely seek how you can serve others. When stepping into a networking event, pray for the grace to give. Heed God’s Spirit and look for the opportunities. “In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.'” (Acts 20:35)

2. Inquire to inspire. People enjoy sharing about themselves and their businesses. Ask others about themselves and what they do; then listen with an interested ear. Embrace what you learn and contemplate how you can help with assistance, referrals or resources. “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger…” (James 1:19)

3. Create real relationships. Seek to build real relationships rather than to pass out business cards. Be more eager to receive business cards than to give your own; be more eager still to enjoy strong conversations rather than quick card exchanges. Truly connect with others; focus on quality rather than quantity.

4. Faithfully follow up. Faithfully follow up with phone calls, letters, emails and/or gifts. Thank each professional for his or her time and recall certain enjoyable parts of the conversation. Include your business card in mailings and your contact information in emails; always offer to help. “The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.” (2 Corinthians 9:6)

5. Give more, and do not give up. Often you will not reap fruit immediately from networking. Do not give up. Faithfully attend events with a giving heart and then faithfully follow up. In doing so, you will not only reap fruit but also have fun.

 

When you go to give, you will surely net from networking. “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9)

 

If you need help with networking or with building your business overall, I invite you to attract your ideal clients and powerfully boost your business over the next 40 days! There is no need to reinvent the wheel. I have organized my knowledge and experiences in business into an implementable 40-day series of actionable daily steps, instructional videos and powerful worksheets. If you need a serious boost in business, I encourage you to take the next step by visiting  Purposeful Pathway Business Academy today!


Let’s Pray:  Faithful Father, thank You for the precious people you place upon our pathways. Help us to give generously by Your grace. May we seek to serve others for Your glory and honor. Bless our work with Your wonderful and eternal fruit. We love you with every fiber of our beings, every moment of every day, every step of the pathway…and it is in Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.

I Treasure Your Thoughts and Comments!

Poem: Love, Love, Love

Poem: Love, Love, Love

Love, Love, Love

Poem: Love, Love, Love

Image courtesy arztsamui at www.freedigitalphotos.net

 

“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you…” (Matthew 5:44)

 

 

Child, why do

Tears brim in your eye?

Tell Me why

In your heart you sigh?

 

Why do you let

These pains ever sting?

Why do you not

Give Me everything?

 

Look up, little one,

Look up now at Me,

For then how to love

You will clearly see.

 

When you are injured,

Choose then to love,

When you are hurt,

Set your eyes above,

 

When you are betrayed,

Love all the more,

When you are maligned,

Let your love pour,

 

When you are angry,

Let love be your release,

When you are upset,

Let love be your peace.

 

Yes, precious child,

Love to you I teach,

All the riches of My love

Are within your reach.

 

I promise to share

All that is Mine,

To love as I love

Is delightful and divine.

 

So let your heart

Be happy and light,

Let My love

Shine into your night,

 

Let Me shower

My riches of gold,

Let Me share with you

My secrets untold,

 

Let Me transform

Your winter into spring,

Let Me give you

My endless blessing…

 

Yes, let Me turn

To blue your gray sky…

Let love, love, love

Shine forever in your eye!

 

© 2014 Caroline Gavin

How have you grown to love, love, love others more by Jesus’ grace?

Leave a Comment

 

 

 

 

 

Biz Tip: Treasures under Triggers

Treasures under Triggers

Treasures under Triggers

Treasures under Triggers

Image courtesy James Barker at www.freedigitalphotos.net

 

Purposeful Pathway is the haven for faith-based entrepreneurs. Part of my mission is equipping faith-based businesses with information that is practical, actionable and Scriptural.

The theme of this post is finding treasures under your triggers!

Finding beautiful trails, waterfalls and vistas is among my favorite pastimes. Some of the prettiest views accompany some of the most challenging trails, but this is a fun part of the treasure hunt. Yet there is another treasure hunt that I have noticed as of late: finding the treasures hidden under my triggers. Yes, there are gorgeous gems hiding underneath those ugly emotions. Those very things that challenge, unsettle or upset us are valuable tools for uncovering wounds to heal deep below the surface…and to revealing beauty that God has in store for us.

How exactly do we find treasures under triggers? Let’s explore five ways:

1. Care to be aware. Be aware of the fact that you do have triggers. All of us live in a fallen world and have been wounded in many ways. Choose to discover your triggers that you may better understand your innermost pains. The next time you find yourself feeling threatened, uncomfortable, fearful, anxious, unsettled or any other “negative” feeling, decide to dig deeper. Choose to embrace the gift in the learning experience.

2. The task of asking. Once you discover a trigger, ask God what the feeling means. Is the source simply the situation at hand? Or is there more to the story? Commit to asking Christ for clarity, and He will surely reveal answers to you.“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” (James 1:5)

3. Explore some more. Once God reveals to you past wounds, look at the past situations from a space of love. This will require prayer and grace. Choose to forgive the offenders, to embrace the experiences as part of your path, and to release any bitterness or anger. “For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.  But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” (Matthew 6:14-15) The deeper the wound, the more difficult this will be…and the more likely you will need to revisit this. Nonetheless, remember that “with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26)

4. Begin new behaviors. Having uncovered the wound and having forgiven the offenders, choose to see the current “triggering” situation from a new perspective. Likely it will not sting as much; your joy will deepen as you learn more about yourself, others and God. Your heart will expand as you choose to embrace every situation, even painful ones, as treasures. Choose to behave differently when these triggers arise; choose to pause purposefully before reacting; choose to proactively respond with love. “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2)

5. Release and repeat. The more you practice the previous four steps, the more you will release your past hurts and wounds to the Lord. “Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.” (Psalm 55:22) That being said, expect this process to continue throughout your life. Repeat the steps and find refreshment for your soul. Both your growth and your joy will be phenomenal when you choose to find the treasures under your triggers.

 

I encourage you to find the treasures under your triggers to deepen your joy and boost your business. Often our business challenges stem from deep-rooted misaligned beliefs. Finding treasures under triggers is a beautiful, purposeful path to happiness and heavenly blessing.

 

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” (James 1:2-4)

 

If you need help with finding treasures under triggers or with building your business overall…I invite you to attract your ideal clients and powerfully boost your business over the next 40 days! There is no need to reinvent the wheel. I have organized my knowledge and experiences in business into an implementable 40-day series of actionable daily steps, instructional videos and powerful worksheets. If you need a serious boost in business, I encourage you to take the next step by visiting  Purposeful Pathway Business Academy today!


Let’s Pray:  Timeless Treasure, Glorious God, we are so thankful for the treasures You reveal to us under our triggers. Truly we are richly blessed by You, and we ask for Your wisdom as we uncover these wonderful gifts. We love you with every fiber of our beings, every moment of every day, every step of the pathway…and it is in Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.

I Treasure Your Thoughts and Comments!

Poem: Sunshine You Are to Me

Sunshine You Are

Sunshine You Are to Me

Sunshine You Are

Image courtesy dan at www.freedigitalphotos.net

 

“Again Jesus spoke to them, saying,
‘I am the light of the world.
Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness,
but will have the light of life.'” (John 8:12)

 

 

When dark and gray

Are the clouds above me,

When tossed are the branches

Of the tree,

 

When deeply quiet

Is the bird’s song,

When the wind blows

Fierce and strong,

 

When rain falls

Upon the ground,

When dampness and cold

Seem to abound,

 

I cry out for You,

Your Name I call,

Asking You to save me

From it all,

 

To lift me high

In Your arms,

Where Your embrace

Wonderfully warms,

 

To dry my tears,

To kiss away the rain,

To wash away my hurt,

To erase my pain,

 

To sing of Heaven,

To smile with Your love,

To remind me of treasures

Waiting high above…

 

And suddenly sunshine

Seems to abound,

For eternal light

In Your eyes I’ve found,

 

Your Voice, my Jesus,

Is the sweetest song,

In Your arms

I forever belong,

 

Yes, when dark and gray

Are the clouds above me,

I rejoice in the Sunshine

You are to me!

 

© 2014 Caroline Gavin

How do you celebrate Jesus’ Sunshine?

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