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Our Purpose Uncovered

 

What is God's Purpose for My Life?

On April 15, we went Dumpster Diving!

That's right: Dumpster Diving to uncover God's purpose for our lives!

 

Susan Penning gave us encouraging and thoughtful words to consider. First we wrote down something that we can not change. She gave us 5 minutes to mentally “throw a fit and complain” about that situation. Then, we crumpled those papers and literally threw them away. We are not to think about them again! The following are notes from a handout Susan gave each lady.

Throwing away those things
that we can not change.

We are created for a divine purpose.

“Teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12

Scripture confirms that we are created for a divine purpose.

God gives us unique skills, talents, and desires meant to work together to fulfill His master plan for our lives. We are unique treasures, capable of making a mark on the world no on else can make.

“God's glory is man fully alive!” John 10:10

 

 

God's designed us so that in order to be fully alive, we must operate from the center of His will. This begins with obedience to his Word and submission to the Holy Spirit.

Why don't we live out God's purpose for our lives?

TOP 2 REASONS

WHY We Don't Live Out God's Purpose For Our Lives:

1. We are (consciously and subconsciously) sabotaging it.

“FEAR” is a four-letter word. It is Satan's use of massive destruction.

5 Core Fears:

* Fear of failure,

* Fear of success,

* Fear of rejection,

* Fear of change, and

* Fear of worthlessness

Circumstances don't control me. The Holy Spirit controls me.

People don't direct me. God directs me.

 

2. We can't figure out what it is.

This is the time to do some dumpster diving of the heart.

When we take time to reflect on some of our life experiences, we can uncover many useful clues to our divine purpose.

Your calling may be more an act of recovery than discovery.

How do we uncover God's purpose?
Ask yourself these questions....

HOW TO Uncover God's Purpose for your life:

Peruse the past, looking for clues that may help you better understand what path you should take.

Here are some questions to ask yourself.

1. What have I accomplished that has made me feel significant? _________________

2. What projects/moments have brought me joy and satisfaction? ____________________

3. What have I been praised for? _______________________

4. How would I like to make a difference in the world? _____________________

5. What causes or situations have moved me emotionally, compelling me to take actions? ________________

6. What do I want people to say about me at my funeral? __________________

Then, explore patterns of opportunity. Recall situations when doors easily opened for you.

1. When was I called upon as a subject matter expert or asked for advice on a topic? _____________________

2. What could I do for a long time without paying attention to the clock? _________________________

3. What do I seem to be good at doing? ____________________

We have the opportunity to experience immense
 joy, peace, and fulfillment

Susan encouraged the ladies to look back at our answers to the questions. Were there any intersecting opportunities or patterns? When choosing future jobs and projects, be discerning and consider only the opportunities that complement those answers (whenever possible).

 

She concluded with, “If we look for ways to use our God-given skills, talents and desires to accomplish a greater purpose, we have the opportunity to experience immense joy, peace, and fulfillment.

“For I know the plans I have for you,

declares the Lord,

plans to prosper you

and not to harm you,

plans to give you a hope and a future.”

Jeremiah 29:11



 

You Are Created for a DIVINE PURPOSE!!

  Check out Susan's blog!

Go to our "Links" page above.

Our LAST event of the season - Mark Your Calendars!!!!
May 20– Purpose: Spring Picnic

At 10:00 am (note time change), we will meet at the park in McAlisterville. Come share ideas for outdoor fun for both children and adults. Bring your own sandwiches and a finger food to share. Drinks, cups, and napkins will be provided. Childcare workers will be on location.

 

 

 

 

Dumpster Diving

Our next event will feature the return of a popular speaker: Susan Penning. 

Do you ever feel your life has no purpose?  Susan will take us “Dumpster Diving to Uncover God’s Purpose for Your Life”. This is a free event and as always, LIFT is open to all women not matter your age or church affiliation. Free childcare is available in 3 supervised age groups plus a homeschool group. If you have any questions call 734-2122.

 

 

 

 

 

A Hopping Good Time

Our Spring Craft was a hopping success!!

The ladies could each select a wooden rabbit

and paint it any way they chose.

Embellishments of wooden figures or a bow could be added.

Then a simple face was applied with sharpie markers.

----------S  W   E   E   T----------

March 18 Spring Craft



The rabbits took on a unique style!

"Blessed are the merciful, for they
will be shown mercy."

Mashelle encouraged us by reading the Beatitude verses in the book of Matthew. She focused on "Blessed are the merciful for they will be shown mercy." Matthew 5:7

Although people let us down and we can face lots of hurts and discouragement, there is freedom in forgiving others.

An author wrote: "When I saw the image of my father in his face, my enemy became my brother."

When you choose to forgive, you set enemy and yourself free!

Only two LIFT events remain this year!

Mark your calendars

 

April 15– Purpose: What is My Purpose?

Do you ever feel your life has no purpose? 

Our speaker Susan Penning will take us

“Dumpster Diving to Uncover God’s Purpose for Your Life”.

 

May 20– Purpose: Spring Picnic

At 10:00 am (note time change), we will meet at the park in McAlisterville.

Come share ideas for outdoor fun for both children and adults.

Bring your own sandwiches and a finger food to share.

Drinks, cups, and napkins will be provided.

Childcare workers will be on location.

 

Rabbit Craft Samples for March 18

Choose from a selection of paint colors. Add a simply face
and choose if you want to add a wooden accent.
C U T E N E S S

Spring Craft, March 18

All supplies will be provided.
You may want to bring a paint shirt.
Sample photos may be available soon.

Surviving the Teen & Tween Years

"Surviving the Teen Years" with speaker Danny Reed

One of the LIFT founders, Rosie Gingrich,
spoke about starting the group and about
raising children to adulthood.

February 18, 2015

"Surviving the Teen

and Tween Years"

Devotions were led by founder Rosie Gingrich. She shared about started LIFT (formerly called MOMS). Rosie gave us encouraging words about raising children to adulthood.

Beth W. provided yummy favors, ice molds were centerpieces, and ladies enjoyed chatting with each other.

Central PA Youth Ministries

Danny Reed of Central PA Youth Ministries gave helpful tips to ladies of all ages. Reed has been in youth ministry for 21 years and says what kids want the most is to be loved. Some kids scream out for attention, look for love in bad places, form bad habits, or harm themselves to dual their pain. “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” 1 John 4:8

Danny Reed of CPYM

“The internet and smartphones let teens escape and create their own world,” Reed explained. Spending too much time online can develop an unhealthy lifestyle. Online there is an unrealistic mindset where teens can feel popular. The web offers nearly unlimited freedom, but teens do not know how to handle that. “Parents need to talk to their teens about online dangers just as much as they do about drugs and alcohol,” Reed pointed out. Kids are addicted to their phones. They can go farther on their phones than they can outside their house.

 

There are many temptation online that teens do not know how to handle. Filters are good, but not full proof. Reed noted that a lot of problems can be tracked back to a lack of love or a lack of communication within the home. Counselors and pastors may be able to help teens in unhealthy addictions.

Limit teens time online

“Teens feel like they can say anything without repercussions,” Reed warned. Drama at school does not end when teens arrive at home. With smartphones, teens never have a chance to unplug from their friends. God created us to be social creators, but not constantly. We need time away from each other and teens do too.

Reed suggested that parents limit phone and computer time.

Drama at school does not end
when teen arrive home.

Homework being done first, no phones at meal time, and parental controls are ideas that Reed offered. He even pointed out that apps like “Yik Yak” should be avoided altogether because teens can post anonymously. Bullying can occur online that can lead teens into loneliness, depression, and cutting. Again Reed suggested seeking the help of counselors and pastors.

Reed asked the group, “How can we keep teens away from all this?” He gave seven points.

1. Get teens involved with church and youth group, but make sure they feel like they're connecting.
2. Get teens physical. This does not have to be a sport, but it can mean any outside activity.
3. Communicate. Talk while in the car together or ask your teen what you can do together today.
4. Show Love. Never be afraid to give a hug. Showing love to your spouse also displays a positive example of love to your teen.
5. Establish boundaries and stick to them.
6. Discipline. Don't be their buddy, you're not their same age.
7. Give freedom and choices. “Give them some rope so they can stumble, but be there to pick them up. Teens need to learn consequences,” Reed added.   

Proverbs 22:6 was read, “Train a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not turn from it.” Reed closed by saying, “God needs to come first in all our lives. If God stays in the forefront, there is less chance your teen will stray.”

 

 

LIFT provided free structured childcare by age.
Ladies are also welcome to keep their young children
with them during our events.

 

Next Month:

March 18– Purpose: Easter Craft

It’s spring! 

Come celebrate the season change with an Easter craft. 

We will be decorating a wooden rabbit.

 

Theme Verse:

“My purpose is that they may be encouraged

in heart and united in love,

so that they may have full riches

of complete understanding.” Colossians 2:2a