Monday, November 29, 2010

The Purpose of Life: Is it All About Me? BIG SURPRISES on Wednesday!

Hi Everyone~

I hope that you each enjoyed time with family and friends over the Thanksgiving Holiday, here in America, and over the weekend!  (Unless you planned on taking a long nap and reading a good book...better yet, The Great Book, The Best Seller Ever...The Bible, over the weekend!)

Today you will find:
  •   Neon Snowman Card
  •   Colossians1:16, Psalm 16:11
  •   Who am I?  Why am I here?  The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren
  •   Will you join the Card Fund Raiser the American Cancer Society?
On the right you see a super quick card.  I used a snowman stamp, which my niece sent me a page full of images of...as well as using my Spellbinder's Nestabilities Classic Oval Large to cut and layer those colorful ovals.  I used some snowflakes from years gone by, and some incredible ribbon from "Wrights."  It is the ribbon that is basted-- to gather...but I only wanted a 3" piece, and only had a bit of ribbon, I just cut the basting out.  A quick "Season's Greetings" and some child will be happy!  The inside is the neon green, with some random snowflakes falling here and there.  It is 78 degrees here today...a little chill in the air would probably be welcome by all!  OK--some!

I  have been re-reading the book The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren, and published by Zondervan. It was written to help let us know where to find the BIG answers to the BIG question! Why am I here? What am I here for?

"For everything, absolutely everything, above and below, visible and invisible...everything got started in Him and finds its purpose in Him."  Colossians 1:16

Mr. Warren goes on to tell us we make a mistake from the very beginning of our search. It is not about us! It is ALL about Him! So, self help books that just line the shelves in every book store...all start off at the wrong point. They all go to the thought that WE (the humans) are the starting point. Hello? WRONG!

Mr. Warren writes,"The purpose of your life is far greater than your own personal fulfillment, your peace of mind, or even your happiness. It's far greater than your family, your career, or even your wildest dreams and ambitions. If you want to know why you were placed on this planet, you must begin with God. You were born by his purpose ."

(Note:  ,Mr. Warren did not capitalize the word 'his" when referring to God, in his book, therefore, I am not when quoting him, even though I believe that whenever using a word to mean the Creator of the World and so much more...I use a capital letter indeed!)

We were made by God and for God!  Until we realize this important, basic point, we will never get any further.  It all starts with Him! 

Mr. Warren goes on to write, "God has not left us in the dark to wonder and guess.   He has clearly revealed his five purposes for our lives through the Bible.  It is our Owner's Manual, explaining why we are alive, how life works, what to avoid, and what to expect in the future."

"You will show me the path that leads to life; your presence fills me with joy and brings me pleasure forever."  Psalm 16:11

Pray.  Read.  Listen.  Basically, I believe that is what He wants us to do when faced with questions or concerns.  The listening part is just as important as the praying part.

So, please, open up those Bibles.  Don't wait until the children are asleep all of the time...though that may help with the "Listen" part.  Let them see you refer to the Bible through life...so they will.  Buy them a child's Bible.  And, when there is a particular issue...let's say "picking on their sibling", show them where to look, and perhaps read it together.  Please don't leave all of your child's Spiritual Readiness up to their very talented Sunday School teachers.  You come first in their lives.  They won't have the tools they need in life, if you don't show them, and show them how to use it...how to pray, read, and listen...quietly.  Please think about that! 

I have a wonderful surprise to share with you on Wednesday...it includes a Special Give  We will have the "Card of the Week" Give-Away, and this other give-away, also!  I hope you will be here...it will be exciting!-Away!

Most of you know that I am assisting my mother in the American Cancer Society's FundRaiser.  They help people with all types of cancer, and they help build awareness also!  My Mom is the Chair of the Event.  I am only putting together and holding a card drive and could really use help in a big way or a little way, and I would greatly appreciate your assistance.  I only need 39 more sets (10 cards and envelopes) in a set, by the beginning of next week or as close to it as possible.  PLEASE, even if you can only send a couple of cards, they will be put to great use.  If you can send a set or 2 of blank or lined cards...all of the money raised goes to the American Cancer Society's Re-lay for Life here in East Orlando.  Please read the side bar... which will be detailed there until next Tuesday for any information. 

This is a wonderful way to live out the following Scripture:


Matthew 25:35-40:
   " For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
   “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
   “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

I thank each of you for stopping by the He IS Able blog.  I really love to read your comments.  It doesn't have to be about the post.  I'd love to hear how you share Jesus with your children or grandchildren.   I would really love to hear your thoughts about the Lord.  That is what the blog is here for.  I would love to know if you saw anything differently today.  Where did you see Him today?  Give me an example. 

 I would love to really build up the community part of this blog.  I would love for someone to share their thoughts on Christmas, Christmas Past or the Christmas Season, next Monday. I would like to continue this with different people, on each Monday through December.  Please prayerfully consider doing this. It is a truly a blessing! It doesn't need to be scholarly...just share from the heart.  Or your favorite Verse and Why...you name it.  If you are interested...just send me the email.  Please have a contact email, so that I can reach you if I have any questions.  I will post it next Monday for you.  Please contact me with your name as soon as possible, so I can save a Monday for you!

If you have family visiting you for the Holidays...maybe share this blog with them.  Maybe it will interest them, or share something they have needed to hear all of their life!

Remember, BIG SURPRISES on Wednesday! 

Reminder:  Hanukkah begins Wednesday evening at sun down for your Jewish friends.  It is a minor holiday...but has built up importance commercially here in the States.  The main theme is "Dedication."  A "Happy Hanukkah!" greeting is wonderful.  Remember, Jesus was a Jew, also!

He IS Able!
Traci S.

"May the Lord bless you and keep you. May He make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you all of the days of your life." Numbers 6:24-25.   I love that Verse...


Please let me know if you are signing up to share on a December Monday...and if you think you will be able to help me with the card drive to help end cancer.  Would that be a huge blessing?!!  It would!!!!

4 comments:

  1. Traci, you mentioned about sharing on how we share (or in my case "shared") Jesus with our kids. You know as parents sometimes we do things that we don't even totally understand the full reason we do things, but God does something special with our attempts. We were stationed overseas and the Great Aunt our kids were so fond and had been living with us for a couple of years, came back to Oregon. The kids missed their Aunt so much and had a tough time consoling them at bedtime. We decided that we had to do something, so we were able to come up with enough money to purchase a boom box with a speaker for each bedroom. We had the entire Bible on tape and we played that each night. It ended up that our kids became really grounded in the Word. We didn't even realize the effects until Sunday School teachers started coming to us saying, "Where have the kids learned all the scripture". That is when we realized that even though we thought we were doing something to soothe them, it was filling their spirit. They are now 26 and 28 and the Word is really grounded in their lives. We had them in church, we were worship leaders and were there every time the doors opened. But I believe that the tapes filled them to overflowing with the Word. I'm so thankful that God is so faithful and what we as parents are so inadequate, He isn't!

    Blessings!

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  2. There is obviously a lot to know about this. I think you made some good points in Features also. Keep working ,great job!.

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  3. I have wanted to post something like this on my website and this gave me an idea. Cheers..

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  4. I usually don’t post in Blogs but your blog forced me to, amazing work.. beautiful …

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