Your Journey: Created for a Purpose

 

**Take Me Back to that Hard Wooden Bench**

Take me back to that old, hard wooden bench—sitting quietly in that old country church, when everything felt simple, pure, and full of hope. Life felt less complicated without the constant hurry, the rush, the always-on-the-go attitude, and the noise of what we call cell phones, the endless distraction of notifications, texts and phone calls.  When did we become so busy. Sitting on that bench during a worship service everything seemed to fade away—the worries, the noise, the chaos of the world. It was just me and God. 

It was on that humble bench that I first realized I was created for a purpose—your purpose. In that quiet moment, I saw the truth that my identity is rooted in You, and that my calling was alive and real.  Nothing has changed—your call on my life still remains the same. You, Lord, remain the same. Your purpose remains steady and sure.

Life can become hectic and overwhelming—pressures from work, relationships, doubts, and fears can weigh heavy on us. But in those quiet moments, I will choose to stay rooted in You. I know I’ll mess up—yes, sometimes I’ll feel like I’ve really fallen hard. But with each mistake, I will get back up. Every time I stumble, I will rise again because I trust in Your grace. When people stare, judge, gossip, lie, oppose me, or try to erase me from their lives—I will remember that old wooden bench from years ago. In that stillness, You revealed a purpose in my heart—a purpose I cannot escape. It’s deep, woven into my soul, and You’re the One who placed it there.

God is faithful. I will stand firm—unshaken—because I trust that He has a plan for my life, and for yours as well. Don’t pay attention to the naysayers, the stares, or those who judge, gossip, lie, or accuse. Live with a purpose— the purpose that Jesus has for you. It’s so much greater than any negativity or doubt. It’s the greatest life you can live. Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, and don’t look back. Remember who you are in Him. Step forward in His love and embrace the abundant life He’s prepared for you—a life filled with grace, hope, and purpose.

The Journey of Worship: Honoring God for Who He Is, Our Creator

**Worship for Who He Is: Our Creator - Beyond Blessings**

Today, I heard someone say, "We should simply worship God because He is our Creator." That statement made me pause and begin to reflect. Are we truly worshiping Him for who He is, or are we only drawn to worship because of the blessings we receive?

Are we spoiled—so accustomed to His grace that we forget the essence of true worship. What if no more blessings were given? How would our lives change if we had the mindset of - Even if You choose not to bless me, I will still choose to worship Him, for He is our Creator - Maybe it would lead to a more authentic faith - one that stands firm in abundance or hardship, always honoring God for who He is. 

Worship rooted in gratitude for His presence, regardless of circumstances, is the purest form of honoring our Creator. It’s not dependent on what He gives us but on who He is—our loving, faithful, unchanging God.

I choose to worship Him for who He is—our Creator, Sustainer, and Redeemer—regardless of what I have or don't have. Because true worship is a response to His nature, not just His blessings. Will you join me?

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**I Love Christmas — But Don’t Forget Why We Celebrate**

I love Christmas. I love the decorations that light up the streets and homes, the beautiful trees decorated with ornaments, the joy of giving and receiving gifts, the colorful wrapping papers, and the sweets and candies that make the season even sweeter. I love the cheerful songs that fill the air, the sparkling Christmas lights that brighten the night, and even the Christmas paper scattered on the floor from wrapping presents. I cherish the family get-togethers, the laughter, the warmth, and everything that makes this season special.

But in the middle of all the beauty and fun, I want to remember one important thing: Christ didn’t come so that we could have all these things. Christmas is about so much more than decorations, gifts, and festivities. It’s about celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ—the Savior who came into the world to bring love, hope, and salvation.

It’s a time to reflect on the greatest gift of all—the gift of Jesus. As we enjoy the lights, the songs, and the celebrations, let’s also remember the true meaning of Christmas and hold onto the love and hope He brought into our lives.

Merry Christmas — may the joy of Christ fill your heart today and always.

 

**Christmas Is Almost Here – Time to Enjoy Every Moment!**

Can you believe Christmas is just around the corner? It’s only a few days away, and I’ve been soaking up all the adorable ideas for making this holiday extra special. From cozy Christmas movies to fun candy recipes, the season is full of joy and magic.

Have you thought about your Elf on the Shelf ideas? It’s such a fun tradition that sparks giggles and surprises every morning. And don’t forget about your Christmas Eve traditions—whether it’s reading a special story, baking cookies, or lighting candles, these moments create lasting memories.

Speaking of traditions, those adorable Christmas outfit photos are always a hit! Pajama family pictures, in particular, make for cute keepsakes to look back on for years to come.

While all these ideas are wonderful, the most important thing is to truly enjoy the moment. Take time to notice the smiles, hear the laughter, and feel the warmth of being together. Don’t worry about the trash on the floor—the Christmas paper and bows will get picked up eventually. Let the tree stay up a few extra days longer if you want. It doesn’t have to come down immediately. Just enjoy the time with your family, relive memories, and savor the present.

Talk about what’s to come, share your hopes and dreams, but above all, remember why we celebrate Christmas. It’s a celebration of a beautiful baby boy born in a manger—Jesus Christ—who came into this world to bring us peace, love, and joy. All of this is found in Him.

So this Christmas, slow down a little, soak in every smile, and cherish the true meaning of the season. After all, that’s what makes this time of year so unforgettable.

The Journey of Choosing Boundaries and Moving Forward

 

**Is It Okay for Christians to Set Boundaries?**

Many Christians wonder if it’s right to set boundaries. The answer is without hesitation yes! Boundaries are healthy and biblical.

The Bible teaches us about love, respect, and self-control. Jesus Himself showed us how to care for ourselves by withdrawing to pray and rest. 

Proverbs 4:23: "Guard your heart, because everything you do flows from it." This shows the importance of protecting ourselves from being hurt too much.

**Why are boundaries especially important for church leaders?**  

Many pastors and leaders face intense stress and mistreatment. According to a 2017 survey by the Barna Group, nearly half of pastors have considered quitting ministry because of burnout. About 1,700 pastors in the U.S. leave ministry each month, often due to feelings of exhaustion, loneliness, and being overwhelmed.

Even more heartbreaking are stories of pastors who have faced verbal abuse, criticism, and mistreatment from church members. Some leaders are pushed to the point of depression or despair. Sadly, there have been cases where pastors and church leaders have taken their own lives after years of emotional hurt and feeling unsupported. For example, in 2013, Pastor Andrew Stoecklein of California died by suicide after battling depression caused by the pressures and criticism of ministry. His story shocked many and brought awareness of how severe the toll can be.

**Why does this happen?**  Often, it’s because leaders don’t set healthy boundaries. They give too much of themselves and don’t protect their emotional space. Without limits, the stress and abuse can become overwhelming.

**What is the solution?**  Setting boundaries is a way of loving ourselves and our communities. It helps us stay strong, healthy, and able to serve with joy. Boundaries are not signs of weakness—they’re signs of wisdom, love, and obedience to God’s call to care for ourselves.

In summary, if you’re in leadership or even in the pew, remember that taking care of your emotional and spiritual health is biblical and necessary. Setting boundaries isn’t selfish; it’s an act of love—both for yourself and for those you serve.

**And for those in pastoral ministry feeling overwhelmed, remember this encouragement:**  

*“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”* — Matthew 11:28  

Jesus cares about our well-being and offers us rest. Don’t be afraid to set healthy boundaries—**"A decision I have made intentionally, no second-guesses and no looking back."** 

The Journey of Truth: Unmasking Myths Along the Way

 

So-Called Truths

In a world overflowing with information, it’s easy to accept what we hear as truth. From childhood stories to viral headlines, many “truths” get passed down through generations, shaping our beliefs and behaviors. But here’s a thought: what if some of these so-called truths are actually myths in disguise?

Before you take something at face value, pause for a moment. It just might be a myth that’s been accepted as fact all along.

We’ve all been told cracking knuckles will lead to arthritis. But the truth? The sound you hear is caused by gases escaping from joint fluid. Studies show that cracking your knuckles doesn’t damage your joints or increase arthritis risk. So go ahead—crack away if it helps you feel better!

Carrots contain vitamin A, which is essential for eye health. But eating a lot of carrots won’t give you super-vision or make you see in the dark. They help maintain healthy eyesight—but that’s about it. No superhero powers here!

Think lightning only strikes once and then moves on? Think again. Lightning can and often does strike the same place multiple times—especially tall, isolated objects like skyscrapers or trees. It’s more common than you might imagine.

The Moral of the Story

The next time someone shares a “truth,” don’t just accept it blindly. Take a moment to verify the facts. With a little curiosity and critical thinking, you might discover that many of these so-called truths are actually myths that have been accepted as fact.

Just because someone says something doesn’t make it true. Question, research, and verify—your understanding will become clearer, and you’ll be better equipped to navigate the sea of information around you.

Don’t believe everything you hear—because some “truths” are really myths in disguise. And remember, the messenger delivering the myth may also be disguised as well.

The Unexpected Curveballs in Life: Embracing Your Journey of Growth

**Catching Life’s Curveballs**

Life is full of surprises, and not all of them come in a straight line. Sometimes, just when you think you have everything figured out, a curveball is thrown your way. These unexpected challenges can feel overwhelming, but they also offer valuable lessons.

Curveballs test our resilience, adaptability, and strength. They push us to grow in ways we never anticipated. Instead of seeing them as obstacles, try to view these moments as opportunities for growth.

Remember, it’s not about avoiding the curveballs but learning how to swing at them. With a positive mindset and a bit of flexibility, you can turn life's surprises into stepping stones toward a stronger, wiser you.