I have a sign above my computer desk with this saying on it. It's always an inspiration to me when I sit down to write:
"Make time for the quiet moments
as God whispers and the world is loud."
domingo, 16 de noviembre de 2008
sábado, 15 de noviembre de 2008
What a Mission Statement IS... and What it's NOT
Your mission statement should be a simple summary of who you are and where you're going in life. It reminds you and others of what your call is.
Here is a helpful list of what your mission is NOT.
Your mission is NOT: your JOB. Your current JOB is not the same as your mission. Your job will change several times during your lifetime; your mission most likely won't.
It is NOT: your ROLE. First, you were a baby, then a child, then a teen, then a college student, then a "real" adult, then an employee, then possibly a husband or wife, then maybe a mom or dad, a businessperson, an artist, a writer, and so on. But your role is not the same as your mission. Don't let your current role overshadow your mission.
It is NOT: your TO-DO LIST. I don't know about you, but I sure do have the tendency to let my to-do list take over my day sometimes. And when I do, I notice the empty feeling I have when I realize that my relationships with God and others have taken the backseat to "urgent" tasks that are really unimportant in the grand scheme of things.
Other truths from The Path:
You probably are already living your mission in some form or fashion. You just need to think about it, define it, limit it enough that it can be helpful, and then use it.
You are important enough to have a mission. Everyone needs one.
Your mission doesn't have to be grandiose. You can change the world one life at a time, even if your job or ministry is behind the scenes or seemingly not that important.
Your mission doesn't have to be full of suffering to be valuable.
Your geography is not your destiny. If you're not living in a place or situation where you can fulfill your mission, move on!
If you're not married and you are involved in a dead-end relationship that is keeping you from fulfilling your mission in life, ditch it. Life's too short! Focus on what God has gifted you to do.
Here is a helpful list of what your mission is NOT.
Your mission is NOT: your JOB. Your current JOB is not the same as your mission. Your job will change several times during your lifetime; your mission most likely won't.
It is NOT: your ROLE. First, you were a baby, then a child, then a teen, then a college student, then a "real" adult, then an employee, then possibly a husband or wife, then maybe a mom or dad, a businessperson, an artist, a writer, and so on. But your role is not the same as your mission. Don't let your current role overshadow your mission.
It is NOT: your TO-DO LIST. I don't know about you, but I sure do have the tendency to let my to-do list take over my day sometimes. And when I do, I notice the empty feeling I have when I realize that my relationships with God and others have taken the backseat to "urgent" tasks that are really unimportant in the grand scheme of things.
Other truths from The Path:
You probably are already living your mission in some form or fashion. You just need to think about it, define it, limit it enough that it can be helpful, and then use it.
You are important enough to have a mission. Everyone needs one.
Your mission doesn't have to be grandiose. You can change the world one life at a time, even if your job or ministry is behind the scenes or seemingly not that important.
Your mission doesn't have to be full of suffering to be valuable.
Your geography is not your destiny. If you're not living in a place or situation where you can fulfill your mission, move on!
If you're not married and you are involved in a dead-end relationship that is keeping you from fulfilling your mission in life, ditch it. Life's too short! Focus on what God has gifted you to do.
viernes, 14 de noviembre de 2008
What's Your Mission?
Author Karen Dinesen wrote in Out of Africa, "My biggest fear was that I would come to the end of my life and discover that I had lived someone else's dream."
We were put on this earth for a reason. As Christians, artists, writers, or people from any walk of life, we sometimes wonder if we've arrived at that mission or if we're just wandering through life without any real sense of purpose. Creating a personal mission statement can help you get in touch with God's call on your life and keep you from "living someone else's dream."
In her book The Path, Laurie Beth Jones writes, "My uncle once told me that during World War II if an unidentified soldier appeared suddenly in the dark and could not state his mission, he was automatically shot without question. I wonder what would happen if we reinstituted that policy today...A mission statement is, in essence, a written-down reason for being-whether for a person, or for a company. It is the key to finding your path in life and identifying the mission you choose to follow."
Jesus' mission statement was, "I came that they might have life, and have it more abundantly" (John 10:10). He also said, "The Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost" (Luke 19:10).
Laurie Beth Jones continues, "There are three simple elements to a good mission statement.
1. A mission statement should be no more than a single sentence long.
2. It should be easily understood by a twelve-year-old.
3. It should be able to be recited by memory at gunpoint."
Now, hopefully, you'll never be called on to recite it at gunpoint, but her point is that you need to be able to remember and recite your mission statement in order for it to really work for you and change your life.
Tomorrow, I'll blog about some of the false assumptions that people make about their mission statements. Please stop by Leap of Faith!
Blessings-
Marla
We were put on this earth for a reason. As Christians, artists, writers, or people from any walk of life, we sometimes wonder if we've arrived at that mission or if we're just wandering through life without any real sense of purpose. Creating a personal mission statement can help you get in touch with God's call on your life and keep you from "living someone else's dream."
In her book The Path, Laurie Beth Jones writes, "My uncle once told me that during World War II if an unidentified soldier appeared suddenly in the dark and could not state his mission, he was automatically shot without question. I wonder what would happen if we reinstituted that policy today...A mission statement is, in essence, a written-down reason for being-whether for a person, or for a company. It is the key to finding your path in life and identifying the mission you choose to follow."
Jesus' mission statement was, "I came that they might have life, and have it more abundantly" (John 10:10). He also said, "The Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost" (Luke 19:10).
Laurie Beth Jones continues, "There are three simple elements to a good mission statement.
1. A mission statement should be no more than a single sentence long.
2. It should be easily understood by a twelve-year-old.
3. It should be able to be recited by memory at gunpoint."
Now, hopefully, you'll never be called on to recite it at gunpoint, but her point is that you need to be able to remember and recite your mission statement in order for it to really work for you and change your life.
Tomorrow, I'll blog about some of the false assumptions that people make about their mission statements. Please stop by Leap of Faith!
Blessings-
Marla
lunes, 10 de noviembre de 2008
Best Mexican Food in the World
Okay... as a foodie, I just have to give a shout out to my friends at Cristina's Fine Mexican Restaurant in Frisco and let my readers know that this restaurant serves the best Mexican food on earth. Plus, the service is fantastic. The waiters and waitresses have become personal friends of mine and are just the best EVER!!!!
Also, the manager, Francisco, is truly a wonderful man who will ensure that every element of your experience is fabulous.
The chips and salsa are the bomb (best chunky salsa anywhere, ever - try it if you don't believe me). I love the chicken fajitas, tacos de fajitas, and so many more dishes... and my husband thinks the chicken flautas are the most amazing dish, which they are. Oh, and for something a bit healthier, the chicken tortilla soup is fabulous, as well.
If you live in the Metroplex and you've not tried Cristina's, you are missing out, folks. Stop by and say hi, and tell them I sent you! :)
Here is the website for more info: cristinasmex.com. The address is 8210 Highway 121, Frisco, Texas, 75034. The phone number for reservations or parties is: (214) 618-8230.
Enjoy!
Also, the manager, Francisco, is truly a wonderful man who will ensure that every element of your experience is fabulous.
The chips and salsa are the bomb (best chunky salsa anywhere, ever - try it if you don't believe me). I love the chicken fajitas, tacos de fajitas, and so many more dishes... and my husband thinks the chicken flautas are the most amazing dish, which they are. Oh, and for something a bit healthier, the chicken tortilla soup is fabulous, as well.
If you live in the Metroplex and you've not tried Cristina's, you are missing out, folks. Stop by and say hi, and tell them I sent you! :)
Here is the website for more info: cristinasmex.com. The address is 8210 Highway 121, Frisco, Texas, 75034. The phone number for reservations or parties is: (214) 618-8230.
Enjoy!
lunes, 3 de noviembre de 2008
Share the Reason for the Season...
Halloween season is now transitioning into the TRUE Christian holiday season - the time of celebrating Thanksgiving and Christmas. At this time of year, we begin to invest more mental and emotional energy into focusing on spiritual issues. Our thoughts and desires naturally turn toward spending time with family, giving thanks for all we have, celebrating another year of God's blessings, and planning special ways to help our families commemorate Christ's birth, which ushered God incarnate into the world over 2000 years ago.
Unfortunately, the holiday season is also a sad time for many people. Those who have lost loved ones, those who are lonely or depressed, those who are ill or have no family nearby, may be experiencing a spiritual struggle or a crisis of the soul. This year, when every person you meet will naturally be thinking about deeper issues of God, faith, and family, why not start some spiritual conversations with others? If you need help knowing how to do this, our book Generation Hex will help you engage others in a way that is genuine, open, truthful, and compelling. Why not help others discover the best Christmas gift ever given - salvation through Jesus Christ? Introduce someone to faith in God this holiday season.
Unfortunately, the holiday season is also a sad time for many people. Those who have lost loved ones, those who are lonely or depressed, those who are ill or have no family nearby, may be experiencing a spiritual struggle or a crisis of the soul. This year, when every person you meet will naturally be thinking about deeper issues of God, faith, and family, why not start some spiritual conversations with others? If you need help knowing how to do this, our book Generation Hex will help you engage others in a way that is genuine, open, truthful, and compelling. Why not help others discover the best Christmas gift ever given - salvation through Jesus Christ? Introduce someone to faith in God this holiday season.
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