Saturday, January 10, 2009

Day 3 - What Drives Your Life?

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DAY THREE

Point to Ponder: Living on purpose is the path to peace.

Verse to Remember: "You, LORD, give perfect peace to those who keep their purpose firm and put their trust in you." Isaiah 26:3 (TEV)

Question to Consider: What would my family and friends say is the driving force of my life? What do I want to be?


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8 comments:

  1. It's neat that this chapter made us stop and think about what drives us. Jess and I both feel driven by a need for approval (from parents), and I also feel partially driven by fear resulting from a highly-controlled home life. It is easy to be driven by earthly things stresses, and situations but they will never provide eternal happiness. The only way to do that is by looking to God and relying on him to shape us and to point us to ways to best serve Him for the future. We both liked the statement that "we are products of our past but we don't have to be prisoners of it." The reality is that God is the only One whose approval we really need, and He loves us unconditionally.

    I really liked the "benefits of knowing your purpose." I believe in living a life of simplicity. Too many things get us bogged down, and it makes sense that pruning even good/healthy activities based on my purpose makes life easier.

    Thanks for inviting us to be part of this journey. We look forward to learning God's purpose for our lives!!!

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  2. Jer and Jess,

    Welcome, and thanks for sharing your thoughts!

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  3. For the past two years I felt like what Job said (pg 30), "My life drags by- day after hopeless day." Even though my faith was in the right place, I felt the passion for God diminishing as crisis and responsibilities took his place.

    I know people see me as God driving my life. Sometimes I think my friends think I have it together. But inwardly, I struggle with fear- fear for trying new things. Fear that I am not qualified enough to take on certain tasks. I definitely struggle with doubts.

    I am also driven by approval. I don't like to say "no". I am a sucker when someone is in need. I will be the first to help someone with a project or when they need someone to talk to. These are not bad things, but I do need to protect the time that I do have. It is very easy to allow people to consume every ounce of free time that I have. So I need to realize it's okay to say "no" at times and set boundaries.

    I hope for a simpler life. Having more time and confidence to pursue passions and purposes for God.

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  4. This was a great chapter for me! So many truths and applications for my life! I think tht I have been driven, at one time or another in my life, by ALL of the things mentioned- fear, materialism, resentment and anger, guilt, need for approval. What an eye-opening chapter and a great reminder to me about what my purpose is and what really matters! You can waste so many moments, days- years of your life getting bogged down by distractions!

    I think that there would be varying opinions as to what drives my life. I think some would say my kids, some maybe day to day survival. I know that I have been on a long journey to make my life focused on God and his purpose for me and hopefully that has begun to shine through. I am definately a work in progress but I love to see the changes God has made in my life and I can't wait to see what's next! I would like my purpose to be solely living for him- because when you do EVERYTHING else falls into place. Yes there are still life issues, but when you are living for God life is easier, more rewarding and peaceful!

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  5. I am not sure what my friends and mother would say is the driving force in my life. I want happiness. I keep on changing until I am happy and if I am no longer happy with something I will change again. I have desire to have a career that will allow me to make a difference in someones life. I could also see myself driven by financial success, but only to the point of finding myself in a position that, when it is time, I can care for my mother and not have financial constraints. I am interested in what all of you think is my driving force.

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  6. God is driving me! My desire is to feel at peace more than I do now, when I get the minutes or seconds of peace I want more. I am greedy for God. I want/need God then I want to help others, the more of God I feel the better help I can be. Guilt disconnects from Gods presence, that was great to read that just makes me want to always remember that statement. I don't want to be disconnected so if guilt comes over me I will try to remember I am sabotaging my purpose.

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  7. Evie,I see your driving force as wanting to care for everyone else. Your always there to listen to anyone that needs a sound board and always respond in a very caring way. I saw this in you as a child, always giving away toys and always opened our door to everone. I loved you for that (and worried). You always put others first and at times scraficed for others happiness. You are entitled to happiness for yourself.

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  8. Evie, I agree with your mom. You are definately a person that likes to try and please everyone and do things for others. It shows through in many areas of your life. In my life you have been there so many times to help me when I needed it, and I don't have many friends I can say that about.
    I also think that you are driven by a desire to be a good person and be at peace. You have told me so often about a book you're reading or a cd by a motivational speaker that you're listening to. I feel that shows your desire to be the best you can be and find out your life meaning.

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