Life Fragrance: What is Expressed When You are “Pressed”?

Life Fragrance

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As we seek to live with purpose and peace, it helps to draw metaphors from Nature to more clearly understand God’s purposes and God’s ways. The fragrance released when grass is cut is both beautiful and refreshing. As it grows undisturbed, the fragrance of grass is mild; but, when grass is cut, the fragrance it emits is aromatic and powerful.

We can bring this fragrance metaphor to our own lives and ministries.”For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.” (2 Corinthians 15) It is natural for us to view favorably the periods of ease. Yet, when our lives flow undisturbed and without trial, the true depth and strength of our love and faith is concealed.

When, however, we are in the midst of trials – when we are cut and squeezed and pressed – the essence of who we are flows forth for the world to experience. If we are filled with the Holy Spirit, the fragrance of the Spirit beautifully rises from us. God’s Love and Light flow through us as an incredible testimony, a fragrant evidencing of Him. We discover that “we are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair.” (2 Corinthians 4:8)

As we commit to purposeful living, it is helpful to evaluate the fragrance we emit…for our fragrance evidences our essence. Trials are opportunities in which to release our fragrances, to bear our fruit, to expose to others the Spirit of the Lord which resides within us.

The following steps will help us to embrace trials and challenges as opportunities:

– Reflect upon the essence that fills your heart. What flows forth from you in times of trial, the times of pressing? Is it love, patience and forgiveness? Or is it anger, resentment and overwhelm? Write about specific circumstances of trials in your life and the fragrances revealed in your responses and feelings.

– Review the times in your life in which challenge ultimately yielded incredible good. Journal about these periods and the resulting positive outcomes.

– Determine what you can do to sweeten your life fragrance. Do you need to practice forgiveness? Could you incorporate more time for prayer and meditation? Do you need more involvement with your church family? Do any sinful patterns exist that prevent the Holy Spirit from fully dwelling within you? Is your relationship with God deeply personal and continuously growing? Take time to closely meditate on these questions and to journal about your discoveries.

As you journey purposefully, pause to enjoy the delightful fragrances of Nature. Reflect also upon your own life essence. When trials arise, what aroma will flow forth from you? “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” (Romans 12:1) How can your life of living sacrifice grow more fragrant and holy and pleasing to God? Trials and challenges are indeed opportunities, for they reveal the depth of faith and love that lies within heart.

~*~

What steps will you take to sweeten your life fragrance today?

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Aug 9, 2011 By Caroline Gavin Spiritual Growth, Vocation / Career / Calling 7 Comments

The Positive “No”

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As we commit to living purposefully, we discover an appreciation for the proper uses of “yes” and “no.” Simple as these words may seem, both carry a lot of weight; it helps to learn the practice of the positive “no.”

Often we perceive the word “no” to bear a negative connotation, and understandably so. After all, the word “no” is defined as a negative or an opposite. That being said, we need to look not at the word but at the context in which the word is used. In doing so we can determine if “no” is used positively or negatively.

Many of us, including myself, can struggle with saying “no” – especially to others. The word, however, can be used in a positive manner if aligned with our goals and purposes – if, of course, our goals and purposes are aligned to God’s will. When we want to say “no” but instead say “yes,” we disobey God’s Word. Jesus commanded: “Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.” (Matthew 5:37) Although Jesus was speaking in reference to taking oaths, His words apply also to misaligned thought, word and action. If we say “yes” when we want to say “no,” our words are no longer aligned with our thoughts. This misalignment causes disharmony, and disharmony is not from God.

We know that saying “no” to sin is saying “yes” to truth and to freedom in Christ. It is clear that saying “no” to sin is positive. But what about saying “no” to things that are not sinful? What about saying “no” to a social event invitation, for example? Is it selfish or insensitive to say “no” to an invitation? Prayer, reading God’s Word and careful consideration of our purposes will direct us in such a circumstance. If you know that God is calling you to do something other than attend this social event, trust Him and follow Him. “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.” (Psalm 32:8)

Most of us have experienced the overwhelm that comes with being over-committed. There are twenty-four hours in a day, as God ordained, and we must use them wisely. “Man is like a breath; his days are like a fleeting shadow.” (Psalm 144:4) There are many noble activities to which one can commit, but our time on earth is limited; one simply cannot commit to all. If certain activities draw us away from priorities and hinder the momentum of doing God’s work, it is beneficial to step away from such activities – as good as they may be – and step forward instead on our purposeful pathways. Our focus then is not on that to which we say “no” but rather on that to which we say “yes.”

This principle takes practice; but the more we master the art of saying “no” purposefully, the more we say “yes” to moving forward, “yes” to focus, “yes” to momentum, “yes” to harmony and “yes” to serving God.

Today, as you walk upon your purposeful pathway, take notice of when you say “yes” and when you say “no.” Carefully note your motivations for saying both. Are your mind, body, spirit – thought, word, action – aligned when you say either word? What is your motivation for saying “yes” and for saying “no” in each situation? You will likely discover that sometimes your reasons for saying “yes” are not necessarily rooted in the dedication to your purpose and to God’s work. Through prayer and meditation upon God’s Word, we can determine the proper balance and allotment of daily activities. If you deem in the Spirit that your time would be better spent in one activity rather than another, follow the Spirit – and say “no” in order to say “yes.”

I encourage you to gratefully embrace this ability to choose, this ability to say “yes” and “no.” And I encourage you to master the art of saying “no” purposefully in order to make your “yes” more powerful.

~*~

How will you use the Positive “No” today?

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Aug 6, 2011 By Caroline Gavin Holistic Healing, Spiritual Growth, Vocation / Career / Calling 10 Comments

Fear-Based or Faith-Based?

Faith-Based or Fear-Based?

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A useful tool for purposeful living is identifying the emotional motivation for your decisions.

It helps to ask: “Is this decision fear-based or faith-based?”

Many of our decisions can be rooted in fear on some level. We can fear not having enough income, or we can fear losing approval from others. We can fear the anger of someone, or we can fear the unknown. We can fear change, and we can fear letting go.

It is generally easier to identify fear-based thinking relative to larger decisions. As we reach a momentous crossroads, we evaluate what hinders us; at such a point we often discover elements of fear. With smaller decisions, however, we often do not reflect long enough upon the decision to recognize the fear. Smaller decisions accumulate over time. Continually making decisions from fear rather than from faith diminishes not only one’s testimony but also one’s quality of life.

“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear: because fear has torment. He that fears is not made perfect in love.” (1 John 4:18)

If perfect love casts out fear, it follows that we have not fully accepted God’s love when we do fear. When we fear other people or situations, when we fear scarcity or disapproval, when we fear the unknown – when we fear in any situation – we are not acting out of love. We cannot openly receive God’s love in a state of fear, and thereby we cannot overflow with love. Without fully embracing God’s love, we are sensitive and vulnerable to everything around us: people, events and situations. Fear clenches and closes the heart…preventing it from giving and receiving love.

Fully accepting God’s love awakens our trust in Him and in His Promises. Our hearts open to embrace His love. Our open hearts then freely love Him and others in return. It is then, with this widely open heart, that our decisions become firmly based on faith. We seek only God’s approval, and we need not know the outcome of obeying Him. We trust Him that “all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

God is love (1 John 4:8); when we align our will with His, our actions and decisions flow freely from a state of love. When our fear is only of God, we discover freedom and truth. “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.” (Psalm 111:10)

Today, as you continue upon your purposeful pathway, notice the decisions you make – both big and small. Is there a hint of improperly-placed fear? Do you fear anyone or anything besides God? Perhaps today you can share your faith more freely? Or perhaps you can learn to say “no” to commitments when your time would be better spent in other activities? Perhaps you can move more boldly in a direction to which you sense God is calling?

In all that you do, today and every day, embrace God’s love with an open heart. Release your fears to Him and walk faithfully with Him…

Aug 4, 2011 By Caroline Gavin Holistic Healing, Spiritual Growth, Vocation / Career / Calling 7 Comments

Heal, Hear, Heed

Heal, Hear, Heed

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Traveling my own purposeful pathway, I have discovered that we must heal in order to clearly hear God’s voice. Spiritual and emotional wounds prevent God’s voice from flowing freely to and through us. When we submit to God, however, His powerful, living and active Word heals us – and His Holy Spirit dwells within us. This indwelling of Spirit brings divine healing in all dimensions: physical, emotional, spiritual. We are then able to commune with God, for we know Him by worshipping Him in spirit and in truth. “God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth.” (John 4:24)

Full and free forgiveness is one aspect of submitting to God. Forgiveness heals an individual of bitter blood; blood literally assumes an acidic quality when one is in a state of unforgiveness, a state of bitterness. The acidic quality of blood breeds cancers and other diseases. Forgiveness improves the physical quality of blood to a slightly alkaline – and thereby healthy – state. Forgiveness also brings emotional and spiritual healing; as she forgives, an individual is chained no longer to abuse nor abuser. Forgiveness therefore allows us to grow closer to God; it opens our hearts such that God’s love and light flows through us. Where unforgiveness blocks, forgiveness opens.

Forgiveness is one area of submission; there are many areas in which we submit to God. The more complete our submission, the more complete our healing. Obeying God from a loving heart allows His power to remove the clutter in our lives. Trustful obedience in Him destroys the sinful blocks. We instead grow aligned with God and with His Will. In this state of alignment we can hear His voice clearly regarding direction and timing. Our hearts touch His, and we feel His Presence…and discern His lead. “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6) So we must heal in order to clearly hear God’s voice, and we must clearly hear to heed His word. It is important also to be still, for He can speak to us with clarity in these moments of stillness.

As you journey today, I encourage you to evaluate areas in which you may need God’s healing. If you have not already done so, request the free downloadable workbook, Purposeful Pathway: Journey to Joy by submitting your name and email address in the form on this site. Listen closely and with stillness to hear God’s voice. Then, as you heal and hear, gratefully and joyfully heed His direction!

“You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” (Psalm 16:11)

Jul 30, 2011 By Caroline Gavin Holistic Healing, Spiritual Growth, Vocation / Career / Calling 4 Comments

My Personal Purposeful Pathway

Sharing My Personal Purposeful Pathway

I thoroughly enjoyed sharing about my personal purposeful pathway on the FINDING YOUR VOICE Internet Radio show with Joel Boggess.

I am grateful to Joel for taking the time to interview me, and it was an honor to speak about where God has led me and where He now leads. It is a tremendous blessing to recognize how all circumstances in my life – both good and bad – have been woven into a beautiful tapestry. Truly our LORD does work all for good to those who love Him.

My hope and prayer is that the interview will both encourage and inspire you. May you continue to heal so that you can hear His voice. May you continue to grow more like Christ so you can grow more into your true self. May you continue to keep your eyes fixed on eternity so that your feet will step surely upon your own purposeful pathway…

http://www.4pointscoaching.com/032-finding-your-voice-a-passion-to-bring-healing/

Jul 26, 2011 By Caroline Gavin Holistic Healing, Spiritual Growth, Vocation / Career / Calling Leave a Comment

Embracing the Challenge

Embracing the Challenge

One of the most powerful methods for purposeful living is embracing each challenge as both blessing and opportunity. Power lies not in simply accepting or resigning to challenges – but in fully and gratefully embracing them.

As we journey upon our purposeful pathways, we discover that challenges and obstacles exist to strengthen us and to mold us more like Christ. If we encounter a pattern of similar trials, we find that it is in this area of challenge that we have not yet yielded fully to God. Our Lord speaks through these challenges and calls us to transform ourselves by abiding in Him. “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1:2-4)

God desires to have a relationship with each of one of us, and He desires for us to grow more like Christ. The more faithfully we abide in Christ, the more we live for God’s glory. The more we resemble Christ, the more we live as our authentic selves – selves untainted by the anxieties, the deceptions and the sinfulness of the world.

Trials, therefore, provide incredible opportunity to examine ourselves, to grow more like Christ and to know Him and love Him more deeply. When we yield to God, we are aligned with His Will. His power is able to flow through us and transform us. “That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (1 Thessalonians 2:9)

Submitting to God and allowing Him to work in our weakness manifests a compelling testimony to others. The secret is to embrace rather than resist or simply resign to the challenges. For the more you gratefully accept the challenges, the more His power can work through you to fulfill His loving plan.

Walking upon your purposeful pathway today, I encourage you to embrace the obstacles which lie before you. A stronger, more loving, more Christ-like you lies on the other side of the challenge…

How will you practice embracing the challenge today?

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Jul 23, 2011 By Caroline Gavin Spiritual Growth 8 Comments

Nature: God’s Word and Works

Nature: God’s Word and Works

As we journey upon our purposeful pathways, we are able to commune with God in various ways.

One way we experience God’s Word and Way is through Nature. One can hear His voice in the birds, in the gentle rustling of the trees…and one can feel His light and warmth through the rays of sunlight.

“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” (Psalm 19:1)

The better we understand Nature, the more we appreciate how natural patterns reveal the wisdom and love of God’s Laws. Nature is God’s creation, and nature therefore exudes God’s glory. Natural laws and patterns display the laws and patterns of human existence. For example, the thoughts, words and actions of man are akin to seeds which are sown. “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.”(Galations 6:7) The results made manifest in one’s life bear witness to the nature of one’s heart, such as fruit mirrors the health of a tree. “Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit.”( Matthew 7:17-18)

It is exciting to draw parallels between natural patterns and life patterns. We find deeper meaning in the seasons, in the animal habits and habitats, in the designs and colors…and in the order. “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities‑ His eternal power and divine nature‑ have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.” (Romans 1:20)

One theme in Nature is God’s abundance. Reflecting upon Nature, we can release ideas of scarcity and instead embrace the eternal Source of good things: “How many are your works, O LORD! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. There is the sea, vast and spacious, teeming with creatures beyond number‑ living things both large and small.” (Psalm 104:24‑25)

Yes, we can take comfort that God provides – and provides abundantly – when we trust in Him. “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” (Matthew 6:26)

Traveling upon your purposeful pathway today, I encourage you to spend quality time in Nature. Reflect upon natural ways. What metaphors do you see? What laws are evident? What comfort lies therein? What praise flows forth? Rejoice in God’s creation, for He beautifully demonstrates His Word through His Works…

How do you see the Creator in His creation? How do you see God’s Nature in the natural world?

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Jul 18, 2011 By Caroline Gavin Spiritual Growth 7 Comments

Flowing with Time

Flowing with Time

Any motivated individual can find herself in a state overwhelm. We can strongly sense having too much to do and not enough time to do it. This perception, however, is an illusion. Such an idea is not rooted in truth. God does provide enough time in which to do the work He gives us. Additionally, He allots specific times in which to do each thing, as “there is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1)

If we feel we have too much to do, we likely do not see in which “season” we stand. Is it a time to work? Or is a time to play? Conflicts arise with competing obligations. If we feel that we must complete work-related tasks but also fulfill family commitments, for example, the sense of time scarcity arises. We want to spend time with our families, but we also know the importance of completing our work. At such a point we should seek God for clarity regarding the proper use of our time.

If we feel tension and unease, both which are symptomatic of fear, we lose touch with His love and with our full trust in Him. We are encouraged to “not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:6) With a grateful and humble heart, let us seek God for direction and answers. Let us believe He will guide and then gratefully follow His lead.

The following are practical steps for embracing each “season” of time:

– Begin each day by asking God to make clear the priorities for the day. Setting the proper tone for the day brings focus. As we fulfill the priorities He has set upon our hearts, the sense of time scarcity diminishes. We begin to step into the flow of time. List clearly the must-do items of the day and order the according to importance.

– Trust in God’s providence, as “my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.”(Philippians 4:19) Yes, this includes providing enough time. Fully trust that God provides enough time for the things which need our attention (which may not be all things which want or demand our attention).

– Learn to say “no” with purpose to those things which pull you away from your goals and purposes…in order to say “yes” with power to those things which brings you closer to them.

– Take time to be present and fully aware of the moment. Feel the sensations, hear the sounds, smell the scents…experience the moment with all your senses. Remember that ultimately all is eternal now. It is therefore important to embrace the present, as doing so connects you with the flow of time.

– When sensing overwhelm, take some time to step back before stepping forward with tasks. Overwhelm often results from the lack of larger perspective. When stepping back and viewing the variety of tasks from a broader standpoint, you can appreciate the importance (or lack thereof) for each of the individual tasks at hand.

As we travel purposefully upon our personal pathways, let us wholeheartedly seek God’s guidance regarding the use of time. Let us embrace each moment, discern our “season” and begin to flow with rather than resist the movement of time. Let us remember also to live each moment in a state of love, for this truly is living on and with purpose.

How do you find yourself flowing with time?

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Jul 13, 2011 By Caroline Gavin Spiritual Growth 4 Comments

High Wire

High Wire

One of my mantras is “Look neither to the left nor the right: simply write.”

It is easy to get distracted with concerns about what others want to hear or what others will think. But how can I share what I know if I censor what I know? How can I share who I am if I hide who I am? How can I give freely if my heart hesitates? How can I? And how can you?

Proverbs 4:25-27

^““Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee.

Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established.

Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.”

Walking with God is akin to walking a high wire. One rises above impossible situations, sees everything from a new and broad perspective and experiences the beauty of moving forward as in flight. As a high wire artist does, we must ponder the ways which we walk. Looking to the audience on the left and the right for approval distracts and causes stumbling. Stopping out of fear interrupts the graceful momentum of moving forward. Walking too quickly certainly makes one subject to fall. Looking down creates the fear of height. Looking behind one’s self triggers imbalance. Looking forward “straight before thee” – yes, this is the key. Keeping our eyes fixed on the destination and making purposeful, intentional steps, one by one, allows the completion of seemingly impossible feats.

As we travel upon our purposeful pathways, I encourage you to “ponder the path of thy feet.” Let us make each decision, each step, based upon God’s Will for us and by fixing our eyes straight upon His Kingdom. “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33) As we seek His Kingdom, our ways will be established on the solid rock of Truth.

What can you do today, traveling on your purposeful pathway, to more firmly fix your eyes upon God and His Kingdom?

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Jul 9, 2011 By Caroline Gavin Spiritual Growth 8 Comments

Step Back…to Step Forward

Step Back to Step Forward

I have noticed in life that it often helps to step back before stepping forward. Stepping back allows us to gain clarity and perspective about situations, people and our own selves.

So how do we step back to step forward? We tend to see ourselves as the center of the situations (whether we realize this or not). Love diminishes this self-centered view. A parent, with love for her child, places the child’s needs before her own. God, being love (1 John 4:8), is the utmost example of giving and looking beyond self. “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13)

As we grow in love and in faith, we are able to step back and gain perspective more quickly and readily. For example, an individual may find himself in recurring unhealthy relationships. Growing in his relationship with God, however, he can begin to step back and discern his own relationship patterns and cycles. He may recognize codependent tendencies and thereafter seek God (rather than a partner) to fill his every need – for love, security, significance. Only God can fill these needs adequately. With God’s grace, the process of stepping back will enable this individual to discover the beauty of moving forward into a relationship as whole and complete.

Stepping back even further, this individual can view not only the patterns of his relationships but also the context of these relationships within his entire life. Why did these relationship patterns continually surface? What life lessons lie in these patterns? What beliefs are not rooted in truth? What sinful patterns exist? Stepping back to view patterns in his life, he is able to dislodge false beliefs and instill truth. The Lord promises that the truth will set us free when we obey His teachings (John 8:31-32). Additionally, as we delight in God, He grants us the desires of our heart (Psalm 37:4). Yes, He literally gives us desires that are aligned to His will.

In stepping back even further, each of us is able to view not only relationships and situations from the context of our entire lives but also our lives within the larger contexts of our families, our communities, our nation, our world today and all eternity. It is humbling to view ourselves in the grand tapestry of life and eternity. Yet doing so inspires us to bring value and light and love. As we step back, we long to weave our lives beautifully into this eternal tapestry.

Stepping back is therefore a powerful process. We gain perspective, humility, healing and wholeness when righteously responding to the discoveries. God sees everything in eternity (Hebrews 4:12); yet He also sees each one of us in an intimate manner. He knows the number of hairs on our heads (Matthew 10:30), and He knit us fearfully in our mother’s wombs (Psalm 139:13). In stepping back and seeing ourselves as God does, as a part of the world and eternity, we gain the proper perspective by which to move more deeply into our own selves. Seeing ourselves from the eternal scale, we can then ask pervasive questions. In what areas can I grow? How can I improve my relationship with God and with others? How can I bring more value? Am I seeking first God’s Kingdom? How can I love more freely and generously? How can I better use my talents and experiences for God and others? How can I live in better alignment to God’s will?

Often when I sense confusion or lack of clarity, I step back and view my life from the eternal standpoint. I then step forward and inward to ensure my mind, body and spirit are in harmony with God’s Will. From what situations can you step back today before stepping forward?

Stepping back, and now I see

My very life with clarity

Blurry confusion at once clears

Seeing minutes, hours, days, years

Stepping back, and now I know

In which direction I must go

Farther from self, yet closer still

Aligning my all with God’s Will

What examples can you give of this? How do you step back to step forward?

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Jul 8, 2011 By Caroline Gavin Spiritual Growth 5 Comments

Life Fragrance: What is Expressed When You are “Pressed”?

Life Fragrance

The Positive “No”

The Positive “No”

Fear-Based or Faith-Based?

Faith-Based or Fear-Based?

Heal, Hear, Heed

Heal, Hear, Heed

My Personal Purposeful Pathway

Sharing My Personal Purposeful Pathway

Embracing the Challenge

Nature: God’s Word and Works

Flowing with Time

High Wire

Step Back…to Step Forward

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