Podcasts about abundant purpose

As Christians, God offers us an abundant purpose filled life. In this podcast, we see how we can receive God's plan and purpose for us. Why do so many question their purpose in life? How can Christians miss out on living with abundant purpose.To listen to more podcasts and information on books: davidcfriendauthor.comTo subscribe to podcasts: cpnshows.com

Grace Bible Church exists to Exalt God, Exposit the Scriptures, Equip the Saints, and Evangelize the Lost

Grace Bible Church exists to Exalt God, Exposit the Scriptures, Equip the Saints, and Evangelize the Lost

May 29, 2022 | Tim Ma | Downtown

You were made to make a meaningful difference. Maybe you do it by making people laugh, and helping them escape their problems for a bit. Or perhaps your gift of artistry touches people’s souls through song or paints. Or maybe you simply provide a listening ear, an open heart, a compassionate spirit, or an accepting smile to people. I know some people who make their difference in the privacy of their homes, where only they and God are aware, as they lift people up in prayer, and move spiritual mountains on behalf of the hurting and helpless.   It doesn’t matter what you are gifted and drawn to do, what matters is that you actually do it. Otherwise, not only do you miss out, but so does the world. Let me tell you a brief story from my own life, that proved to me once again, that honing my raw talents into something truly usable helped me make a meaningful difference. But as I share, don’t just think about me.   Think about you. What are you made to do? Who are you meant to help? What might you be missing out on if you don’t gather your courage and act on that dream whispering into your soul?  Just a couple of days ago, I attended a book study group meeting. The group leader, Angela, had invited me to come talk with their growing number of members to discuss how my book, Exceedingly: Spiritual Strategies for Living on Purpose, with Purpose, and for an Abundant Purpose was impacting the them. I arrived a few hours early, so Angela and I could spend some time together first. We had a great time, talking about many aspects of life. Then the group members began to arrive, along with some surprises.   I was first shocked at the mix of men and women. For some reason, I did not expect that many men would even read Exceedingly, much less be so actively involved in a discussion of the book. I assumed the group consisted almost exclusively of women—boy was I wrong.   Secondly, once we ate our meal (which was amazing), and started talking, I was struck by the level of emotion among most of those in attendance. Women teared up, but actually, even more of the men did. And the stories that unfolded that night! Some of them brought me to tears. Multiple times as I stood in front of the group, I thought about the privilege of touching lives in this way. I was living my own book out—this was exceedingly, abundantly more than I could have ever imagined or thought!  When the evening ended, each person lined up and waited patiently for their turn to talk with me. I was again deeply touched, as some spoke in almost a whisper, entrusting their dreams to me, or to tell me how Exceedingly was stirring a renewed desire to discover and live out their purpose. Some even had new stories of recent events that had taken place, because the book had given them the courage to take action in meaningful ways, instead of letting fear hold them back.   The entire evening was an author’s dream. To meet people face-to-face whose souls are ignited with passion, and who are fired up to go out and make a difference in the world, because of the influence of words you penned through emotional sweat, tears, and blood? Now that’s an amazing moment.   I’ve also received emails from complete strangers, or read their reviews on Amazon, Goodreads, and other online sites, saying things like this line about my book, Getting Through What You Can’t Get Over, “Your book saved my life, I was going to commit suicide, and what you wrote helped me not give up.”   Or the person who wrote about Exceedingly, “After reading it, I purchased five more copies to study with friends. I read it quickly the first time, over half in the first day, but now I want to go back and absorb it, while discussing the questions at the end of each chapter with my friends.”  Or the lady at the book study group the other night who said, “It really struck me when I was reading Exceedingly, that I need to quit wasting my life. In chapter 4, you asked two questions: ‘How will I feel if your entire life passes and I reach the end wondering, What if?’ And, ‘What’s the worst thing that happens if I try and fail?’ Now I’m committed to fulfilling my purpose before it’s too late.” (Now you see why I was brought to tears more than once at that meeting.)  But why do I tell you this?   Because I want you to know how close I came to never having made the meaningful difference these people are saying I’m making through my books. I came VERY close to letting fear have its way, so that I never took those early steps to pursuing my dream of being a published author. Even though I had dreamed about seeing my name on a book from the time I was a little girl, when it came to actually doing something, the thought caused the blood to rush to my head, and anxiety seemed to grip my heart with its ice-cold claws. Thankfully, I prayed and persisted through. Otherwise, I would not have the honor of impacting other people today. I get to influence people to live out their dreams, like I hope I’m doing for you today.   I want you to experience the amazing feeling of seeing your dreams come true. I want you to know the thrill of making your meaningful difference. I urge you—do not let fear have its way in your life. Do something. Anything. Within the next 24 hours. Toward the pursuit of your dream. I promise it’s true—you WERE made for more. You WERE made to make a meaningful difference.    Filling Needs:  When was the last time you did something proactive toward pursuing your dream? What could you start today that will get you closer to turning your dream into reality? Why do you think you are holding yourself back?  What is one single step you can take to get you started at making your dream come true?   This episode’s Dream Tending Tips: Allow yourself to imagine what it would feel like to accomplish your dream. Where would you go? Who would you see? How would others react in positive ways?  When negative images try to play on your mind—shut them down! This is fear’s greatest weapon in trying to hold you back.  Ask the people around you how you are, or can, make a meaningful difference?  Why do you think we are wired to make a meaningful difference? Why does it matter to you? When do you feel the most alive? Is it making people laugh? Listening? Seeing people’s reactions when you use your talents, giftings, and abilities?  If you work for someone else, where can you make a meaningful difference there? Sometimes our talents and dreams are best used right where we already are.  Give yourself permission to live the life of meaning you were made for. Don’t hold back. You can’t go wrong by making it your mission to make a difference.  I also have some special eBook pricing for you. Type in the code TYDeb50 to get your copy of 4x4 Habit Overhaul, or One Minute Intervals™: Sixty Seconds to a Healthier, Foodier You, or Depression Busters, at over half off the normal price. Purchase a book bundle using the same code, and save even more.   But ACT NOW, before this special eBook discount offer is gone.   You can also get autographed copies of any of my books from my website.   Until next time, remember, your dreams are waiting for you to grab and tend:   Take courage.  Excel daily.  Never stop believing.  Dare to dream bigger.  Host Anita Agers-Brooks can be found on various social media platforms, and you can discover additional dream tending tips at tendyourdreams.com.

I want to start this episode by saying thank you. Thank you for tuning in, for telling people, for sharing on social media, and whatever else you’re doing to help get the word out about Tending Your Dreams™. The number of unique listeners has been doubling monthly since the beginning of the year—and it’s all because of you.   I appreciate all of your support as I strive to encourage, challenge, and influence other dream tenders. I want you and your friends and family to know how amazing it is when you make your dreams come true and maintain them when you do.   And now, let’s get to this week’s talking point. I want to discuss the importance of mental breaks and emotional escapes. In other words, we’re going to cover the power of play.   In chapter five of my new book, Exceedingly: Spiritual Strategies for Living on Purpose, with Purpose, and for an Abundant Purpose, I go into deeper detail. But I want to read you a few short excerpts from that chapter, because I am so passionate about this subject. I believe one of the great dangers to our dreams is the potential for burnout. Fatigue and overwhelm will cause your body, mind, and spirit to shut down—making it impossible to tend your dreams. But it doesn’t have to be that way.    On page 71 of the printed version of Exceedingly, I open Chapter 5 with this:   Spend fifteen minutes in the presence of children at play and tell me their joy isn’t contagious. The company of laughing adults is much more pleasant than somber ones. When you see a married couple giggling together, don’t you think, I want that? I wanted to address the topic of play early in this book. Why? Because if you are going to unearth your abundant purpose or even make an attempt to do so, the balance of playful moments will sustain you and give you the strength you need.  This is especially true as we tend our dreams. If we don’t infuse ourselves with some fun and laughter, joy and happiness, refreshment and relaxation, we will not have the steam we need for the long haul of dream tending. And we will have nothing to offer, because an empty cup has nothing to pour into others.  So let me pour a little light-heartedness into you. On page 75 of Exceedingly, I share a story an old farmer told me back in my banking days. Actually, he told me the same story a few times, forgetting I’d heard it before. But it’s so cute, and a bit thought-provoking, that I didn’t mind. It broke up the monotony, and sometimes the overwhelm from an overflow of customers who were requesting loans during the lower percentage rate mortgage rush of that time.  See if this tale doesn’t trigger a few chuckles and deeper thinking for you. A Dream Tender’s Stress-Relieving Tale  On the first day, God created the dog and said, “Sit all day by the door of your house and bark at anyone who comes in or walks past. For this, I will give you a life span of twenty years.”  The dog said, “That’s a long time to bark. How about only ten years and I’ll give you back the other ten? Deal?”  On the second day, God created the monkey and said, “Entertain people. Do tricks and make them laugh. For this, I’ll give you a twenty-year life span.”  On the third day, God created the cow and said, “You must go into the field with the farmer all day long and suffer under the sun, have calves, and give milk to support the farmer’s family. For this, I will give you a life span of sixty years.”  The cow said, “That sounds like a tough life. You want me to live for sixty years? How about twenty, and I’ll give you back the other forty?”  On the fourth day, God created man and said, “Eat, sleep, play, marry, and enjoy your life. For this, I’ll give you twenty years.”  But man responded, “Only twenty years? Could you possibly give me my twenty, the forty the cow gave back, the ten the monkey returned, and the ten the dog refused? That makes eighty. Okay?”  So that is why the first twenty years we eat, sleep, play, and enjoy ourselves. For the next forty, we slave in the sun to support our families. During the next ten years, we do monkey tricks to entertain the grandchildren. And for the last ten, we sit on the front porch and bark at everyone. Simple Ways to Create Mental Breaks and Emotional Escapes Didn’t that tickle your funny bone, boost your energy a bit, and make you feel refreshed? That’s the power of mental breaks and emotional escapes—even short ones. The power of playful moments provides fuel and drives us toward success as we tend our dreams.  Filling Needs:  When was the last time you gave yourself permission to play? How often do you get (take) mental breaks to refuel and recharge? What restores your balance and energy, especially after a highly-focused period of dream tending?  Where can you incorporate more power from play into your dream tending schedule?   This episode’s Dream Tending Tips: Take a weekly Sabbath. Mine is Sunday, where after checking in at church, I most often turn off my phone, set aside my devices, remove my Apple Watch, and leave my computer closed, so I can focus on the things most important to me: faith, family, and friends.  Get outdoors. Multiple studies have shown that our creativity heightens and our mental acuity sharpens when we spend time outside in nature, smelling the fresh air, watching the breeze blow tree tops, listening to song birds try to outdo each other, feeling the earth beneath our feet. If it’s summer and you have a chance, even grab a taste of nature’s healing power by nibbling a ripe, red tomato, a deep, onyx blackberry, a plump, dark blueberry, or some other natural treat.  Remember that the word recreation (another word for play), originates from the terms re-create or renew. Our energy resurges and our creativity restarts when we set aside to rest and play. This is something we need often as we tend our dreams. Schedule a weekend getaway or daycation with your spouse or a good friend. There are many inexpensive options if you want to concentrate your funds on investing in your dreams. I’m blessed to work with and have relationships with resort owners and outfitters across the country, and almost all of them have certain seasons and days where their prices are lower. Call and ask a recreation location near you if they offer discounts or have reduced rates at any time.  When you’re alone in your car, let loose and sing. Personally, I do this all the time as an emotional escape and stress-reliever. I take songs like, I’m a Believer by the Monkees, or The Fighter by Keith Urban and Carrie Underwood, and I sing them to Jesus. It doesn’t matter what you sing or to who, what matters is the effect of allowing music to speak a refreshing language to your soul.  Climb a tree. Roll down a hill. Play Red Rover with a group of kids. Do anything silly that is reminiscent of childhood when adulting wasn’t even on your radar. The laughter and courage of letting your hair down will renew your spirit.   Make games out of the business of tending your dreams when possible and appropriate. Sometimes, I don’t feel like starting on a project, so I tell myself I only have to work for five minutes, but that’s enough to launch my momentum. Other times, I compete with myself for times, word counts, or the numbers of things I can check off my list. Even though I’m still working, this “gamer attitude” provides a mental break and an emotional escape for my mind and soul.   I also have some special eBook pricing for you. Type in the code TYDeb50 to get your copy of 4x4 Habit Overhaul, or One Minute Intervals™: Sixty Seconds to a Healthier, Foodier You, or Depression Busters, at over half off the normal price. Purchase a book bundle using the same code, and save even more.   But ACT NOW, before this special eBook discount offer is gone.   You can also get autographed copies of any of my books from my website.   Until next time, remember, your dreams are waiting for you to grab and tend:   Take courage.  Excel daily.  Never stop believing.  Dare to dream bigger.  Host Anita Agers-Brooks can be found on various social media platforms, and you can discover additional dream tending tips at tendyourdreams.com.

Abundant Purpose

The subject came up again. Bi-weekly, I facilitate an entrepreneurs’ online mastermind group, and during last night’s session, I took them through an exercise I call a Celebration and Checkpoint Review. I asked them to think about and write down their answers to these four questions: What are 3 things you've learned since we started? 3 things you’ve implemented? 3 things you still need to improve on? 3 groups you would like to influence or target to help? From the answers shared, I noticed a pattern I’ve heard from many people I’ve spoken to or done trainings for. It either comes as a complaint or a confession. What is this commonality?  The lack of execution for creative concepts, opportunities, or commitments. As I often remind those I interact with, “You can know a lot, have the greatest amount of knowledge, or become privy to important information, but if you do nothing with what you know, it means nothing. The difference between knowledge and wisdom is execution.”  Let me give you a positive and inspiring example of a great executor. Her name is Gina. Everyone who meets her says they want a Gina. I want a Gina!  What I know of Gina’s story is that she has worked her way up from volunteer, to part-time helper, to administrative assistant, to titles like Director of Operations and now in her current role as Executive Pastor at her church, CLC Rolla. But there is no secret to her success.   Gina excels at execution. She follows through on every task, and she does so with the best of attitudes. She may not always feel happy (especially when she has to clean up after those who don’t execute—again), but you will not know it by her tone of voice, facial expressions, body language, or verbiage.   She presents herself calmly, respectfully, professionally, and maturely, but this does not mean she shies away from dealing with hard truths or difficult issues. You never want to misinterpret Gina’s kindness as weakness—she’s one of the strongest young women I know.   Does she get frustrated, disappointed, and maybe even angry sometimes? Of course, she’s human. But she handles herself with the utmost dignity, committed to not letting her emotions rule her choices, she gets the job done despite challenges. Gina decides daily to exercise execution to the best of her ability. When I think of excellent executors, Gina always comes to mind.   Gina is the epitome of the kind of person I described in my book, First Hired, Last Fired: How to Become Irreplaceable in Any Job Market. She’s the person that though someone else might step in to do her job, things would never quite be the same. She is truly irreplaceable. I cannot imagine anyone else fulfilling Gina’s role or making her impact, as well as she does.   So let’s talk about the traits that have led to Gina’s success, and how her example can help you become a solid executor for tending your dreams.    Defining Excellent Execution: Acting with integrity—doing the same things whether you believe anyone else can see or hear you or not. An excellent executor holds themselves accountable and makes good use of their time when no one else is around.  Being a promise-keeper versus a promise-breaker. (We’ve talked about this on previous shows.) An excellent executor is someone others can trust and count on to follow through.  Focus on what you can—not on what you cannot. An excellent executor does not wallow in self-pity or negative self-talk, instead, they work out of their strengths and are teachable and willing to learn in areas of weakness.  Choosing to do any job with the heart of a servant leader. An excellent executor has a motive to care for others, and to do so with compassion along with a drive to give more than receive.  Treating your clients, customers, or audiences as if their needs are truly important. Saying is not the same as doing. An excellent executor makes statements they mean and means the statements they make.  Working their way up. An excellent executor doesn’t waste energy grumbling or complaining, they simply dig in and get what needs to be done finished, gaining credibility and opportunities for growth along the way.  Filling Needs:  Honestly assess yourself right now—would the people who know you, work with you, and need your help say you are an excellent executor?   Where could you improve in order to become an excellent executor for the benefit of others and the tending of your dreams? Are you willing to commit to a life of excellent execution? If so, write it down, sign and date your resolution, and then, keep your word.  What have you allowed to get in the way of your execution efforts up to this point?   This episode’s Dream Tending Tips: Pick three things this week that you will commit to executing on when it comes to tending your dreams. Remember, dreams don’t just happen by themselves—you have to partner your efforts with God and tend until you make them happen.  If someone owes you money, don’t procrastinate—execute. Create an invoice and send it to them. Many dream tenders struggle with this in the early days of making their dreams come true. Track your time—in black and white. Don’t kid yourself about time management or productivity, measure for accuracy, and then work to improve when you identify areas of weakness. Tending your dreams successfully means having solid information to work with. Consider the Zaccheaus Zeal challenge from my book, First Hired, Last Fired. Resolve to give back four times what you take: in time, energy, resources, and value. Try it dream tender, and I promise, you will receive more than you pour out.   Don’t take on more than you are capable of executing. Delegate, teamwork, collaborate—these are terms wise executors and dream tenders know. Excellent execution is not about doing it all yourself.  In order to become irreplaceable, a difference must be evident. And becoming an excellent executor is a difference others are looking to work with and support.  Execute support and celebration for other dream tenders. As I shared in my new book, Exceedingly: Spiritual Strategies for Living on Purpose, with Purpose, and for an Abundant Purpose, when we authentically and selflessly lift others up, our dreams get a boost, too.  I also have some special eBook pricing for you. Type in the code TYDeb50 to get your copy of 4x4 Habit Overhaul, or One Minute Intervals™: Sixty Seconds to a Healthier, Foodier You, or Depression Busters, at over half off the normal price. Purchase a book bundle using the same code, and save even more.   But ACT NOW, before this special eBook discount offer is gone.   You can also get autographed copies of any of my books from my website.   Until next time, remember, your dreams are waiting for you to grab and tend:   Take courage.  Excel daily.  Never stop believing.  Dare to dream bigger.  Host Anita Agers Brooks can be found on various social media platforms, and you can discover additional dream tending tips at tendyourdreams.com.

Few people I meet would define their lives as exceedingly abundant. Instead, sadly, most describe a stuck-in-a-rut, barely-getting-by existence. I do not believe this is what we were made for. Most definitions of abundance refer to a degree of plentifulness or ample quantity. I like the word image of life to the full, or the biblical picture painted in the 23rd Psalm, where it says, “My cup runneth over.” Though rare, I’ve seen people who exemplify a life to running over the brim.  Thomas Edison is one of those people. But not because he had a perfect life, or because everything ran smoothly. He spoke from experience when he said, “I have not failed. I have just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”  He also said, “Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.”  I would add, “Most people are not plugged into the reason they exist. They don’t understand the more they were made for.”  I understand how this feels. In my new book, Exceedingly: Spiritual Strategies for Living on Purpose, with Purpose, and for an Abundant Purpose, among other true stories, I share a few of my own. And for the first time, I wrote about the secret revelation surrounding my identity. I’m going to tell you a little about it today.  It started with a Facebook message from an acquaintance. The question she asked me started a cascade that changed my entire life. I discovered that most of what I believed about myself wasn’t true. “Do you know someone by the name of _______________?”  Stunned, I wrote back, “I think that’s my dad. Why do you ask?”  It felt like forever before she answered. Finally, a new message came through. “I’m so sorry. I thought you’d tell me this was a distant cousin or something. I had no idea he was your dad. I’m not sure if you knew this or not, but I’m adopted. I found my birth mother shortly before she died. This is the name she gave me.”  Stunned, I had to catch an emotional breath before my friend and I met a couple of nights later. I took notes on the details she had, but stopped when she asked, “Would you see if your dad would take a DNA test with me?”  That one was tough. I hadn’t seen my dad in a few years. My parents were divorced and he had moved on, mostly leaving his former family behind. Oddly though, I was flying out within the week, and planned to visit him on that trip. Still, asking him to take a DNA test was not something I felt comfortable with. And when I told my mom about the request, what she said made the thought feel even more awkward. Much more!  “She wants me to see if Dad will take a DNA test with her,” I said.  My mom’s reaction wasn’t what I expected. When she suggested that my brother should test with my friend, and then changed the subject, something made me ask what I believed was a rhetorical question. I was chuckling when I blurted out. “Dad’s absolutely my father. Right?”  I waited for her laughter in return, but instead, she began to wail. That’s the moment I found out my paternity was in question. Within two weeks, I received the DNA results. I was shocked to discover that my dad is not my biological father. You can read the details in Exceedingly, but for this episode, the entire story isn’t my point. It’s what I went through in the days following the revelation about my identity. When I was in the throes of grief, I struggled with a recurring thought, I’m an accident, and I should not exist. It took time, but eventually the truth began to seep in. A close friend said to me, “God sure must have wanted you to exist. You are the only person with your exact mix of DNA on the planet.” Her statement, along with some other dramatic moments, finally convinced me of the truth. I exist on purpose, with purpose, and I was created for an abundant purpose. I believe the same is true of you.    Filling Needs:  Look at your history and search for emotional lies that have convinced you there’s no purpose for your life. If you have not figured out why you exist, go on a quest to unearth the reason.  Allow yourself to believe you deserve an abundant life. How are your dreams connected to the way you view yourself?   This episode’s Dream Tending Tips: Stop settling for a stuck-in-a-rut, barely-getting-by existence. Pursue your abundant purpose. Does your cup run over? If not, how can you start refilling yourself?   Have you ever gotten close to success, but then things got dark, difficult, or dangerous, making you quit?  Remember, it’s never too late for a fresh start with fresh faith. If you’ve given up on your dreams, consider resurrecting them.   If you’ve tried and failed 9,999 times, resolve to go for 10,000. Dreams and purpose fit like hand in glove—unlayer one and you’ll find the other.  You exist on purpose, with purpose, and for an abundant purpose—if you don’t believe this already, dare to discover yours.  Grab the Tending Your Dreams’ free giveaway at tendyourdreams.com/freebie37 for your gift, just for tuning in. I also have some special eBook pricing for you.  Type in the code TYDeb50 to get your copy of 4x4 Habit Overhaul, or One Minute Intervals™: Sixty Seconds to a Healthier, Foodier You, or Depression Busters, at over half off the normal price. Purchase a book bundle using the same code, and save even more.  But ACT NOW, before this special eBook discount offer is gone.    Until next time, remember, your dreams are waiting for you to grab and tend: Take courage.  Excel daily.  Never stop believing.  Dare to dream bigger.  Host Anita Agers Brooks can be found on various social media platforms, and you can discover additional dream tending tips at tendyourdreams.com.

Pastor Miles DeBenedictis John 10:7-10 “Abundant Purpose” https://storage.googleapis.com/ccchurch_media/20190120_431007.mp3 MP3 Download | Download Sermon Guide PDF The post Life On Purpose 3 – “Abundant Purpose” appeared first on Cross Connection Church.

Delina Fajardo is America's Purpose Coach. She's a bestselling author of the Purpose Now Series. She's also a top coach for Tony Robbins and a Medical Professional, having helped heal people mentally, physically and spiritually. Delina has had the honor and privilege to coach leaders from all walks of life, helping them to find their purpose and become their best selves. Her work has been read far and wide and she continues to learn and grow in a humble and contribution focused way.   Brad Hart is an expert investor, trader, advisor and entrepreneur. His articles and blogs have been featured multiple times in Forbes magazine and have been read over 300,000 times. After building several successful ventures in various industries he's refocused on what he loves most: building businesses, mentoring, coaching and helping others to create abundance in their lives. You'll find that his approach to personal development and creating an abundance mindset is effective and thought provoking . He is a unique leader that has been in networks amongst the best including Tim Ferriss, Richard Branson, Neil Strauss and John Romaniello.  For show notes, links, information and How to Attract, Sell and Deliver like a Million dollar Online Coach go to http://www.onlinesupercoach.com