Purpose or Passion

 

God created each of us for a purpose. Before He formed you in your mother’s womb, God already knew what He had planned for you. How does passion relate to purpose? Passion is more about emotions. Purpose is the reason we do what we do. Our purpose affects others while passion makes one feel good inwardly because of outward actions.

While passion and purpose can influence each other, they are not the same. We can have many passions throughout our lives, but our purpose is the same forever. Purpose may look different in each season of life, but the core does not change. God created us in His image to do His will. Our purpose is what we do in this world to accomplish God’s vision for our lives. How you accomplish it may change, but not your purpose.

If you are struggling to discover ways to fulfill your purpose, be attentive to the people who God brings into your path. What do they ask of you? Often God will use other people to pull out of us what we don’t want to give. If people are constantly coming to you with the same request, then you may have what they need.  As a mother of young children, women could ask me to mentor them. I had no interest in doing that. My hands were full. The Holy Spirit revealed to me that one way to fulfill my purpose was to impact the lives of women. Well, twenty-six years later I’m still impacting the lives of women. It looks a little different from how I started, but the purpose is the same. Now I write books and speak to women. I teach classes for women, coach, and mentor women.

I made excuses why I was not the person. Thankfully, God in His mercy used me, anyway.  Your dreams, passions, and desires may or may not connect to your purpose. Your passion will drive you, it gives you energy, while your purpose tells you who you are. We can be passionate about many things, but our purpose will give us clarity. Your purpose will be what you offer mankind and how you fulfill God’s plan for your life. Only you can fulfill your purpose, others may be passionate about the same things that you are passionate about, but only you can accomplish it the way God designed you to accomplish it. One excellent rule of thumb to keep you on track is to always strive to bring glory to God in all that you do and you will fulfil your purpose. To read more about this topic, visit my website and purchase my books.

Visit my website for an online course to find out more about being confident in who God calls you to be.

Evelyn Johnson-Taylor

Value of a Season

 

“Each season can teach us something. How we respond is totally up to us”

The experiences we have each season can either block us or propel us. In our world today, we are facing challenges like we’ve never seen before. Social distancing is changing the way we live. Our church buildings are less accessible to us. In seasons like these we can experience sadness because we lack the company of others. Many people are uncomfortable being alone because God created us to be in relationships.  In Genesis 2:18 “And the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.”

This season of quarantine and social distancing can be especially difficult for widows and widowers. Many are just beginning to adjust to living without their spouses. Now they are separated from their support systems making life extra difficult.

How do we combat loneliness during this time of isolation? I’ve used my time to reach out to friends and family that I normally don’t have time to connect with.  I’ve reached out to widows, caregivers, and others that I know who are alone. I’ve caught up on projects and spent extra time in prayer and worship. It’s important that during this time we give what we want to receive. I am convinced that the best way to combat any challenge is to pour into someone else’s life. Try offering encouragement and hope to those who may experience fear and anxiety during this season.

How about working on a project you may have pushed aside? Perhaps God has placed something in your heart, and in this time of reflection and solitude you can work toward that goal. Start writing that book you’ve always wanted to write. Teach yourself a new skill. Everything is on YouTube these days. Maybe you’ve always dreamed of starting a business. This is a good time to write out a business plan. In my book A Woman’s Call Living a Life of Purpose, the chapter titled Entrepreneurship; I cover some of what you need to know to start a business. Take some of the free time you now have to sit down and write out a plan, listing steps on how to proceed. It won’t always be like this and wouldn’t you love to be a step ahead when things turn around?

Many unbelievers are searching for hope in this unprecedented time. What a great opportunity to share the hope of Jesus Christ. A phone call to encourage someone or pray with them is a good thing to do. Even amid everything that is going on, people still have problems. Their marital problems didn’t suddenly subside because of a pandemic. They probably are worse because couples are spending more time together. Children didn’t suddenly stop making unwise decisions. Financial issues have most likely gotten worse. What I am saying is that many still need encouragement and hope. Shut downs and quarantines do not hinder the power of prayer.  God can still meet people right where they are and do whatever they need Him to do.

Now that your schedule is free, spend quality time in prayer, studying, praise and worship.

Remember, God is always with you.

“Let your manner of living be without covetousness, and be content with such things as ye have. For He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” Hebrews 13:5.

Dr. Evelyn Johnson-Taylor

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I’ll Do It All Differently (This Year)!

How are you doing with your New Year’s goals?

 

 

I’ll Do It All Differently (This Year)!

by Karynthia Phillips

 

“Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”     Joshua 1:9

Take Authority of Your Life

The phrase “I’ll do it all differently!” is the sentiment of thousands the first week of the New Year as planners are purchased and calendars reviewed.   Each new year the same thoughts and struggles are evident by the end of the first quarter of the year.  Beyond just saying “I’ll do it all differently” – you actually can!  Today I recommend that you downsize your life and focus on you.  It is not selfish. “Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start now and make a brand new ending.” – Carl Bard

Change Demands Attention to Priorities

First, daily quiet time is a primary source of spiritual self-care.  Secondly, consideration of your mental health and development is necessary for emotional stability, and lastly attention to your physical health and wellness, which all combine to create the essence of who you really are.  It is essential to your personal productivity and fulfillment of your life’s purpose to live in harmony with yourself.  Taking time for you decreases the volatile effects of undue stress on spirit, mind, and body.

Try one or more of these exercises: set aside quiet time (even if for brief periods); purchase a coloring book and color a page each day; or take a walk and turn your cell phone off.  These exercises will relax and renew each component of your being by nurturing the spirit, mind, and body. When scheduling your day, week or month, ask yourself a few questions: “God, is this your will?”, “How is this task going to prepare or assist me in my journey?”;  and “Do I really have the time to do this?”.   It is important to remember that it is OK (and not ungodly) to say, “No, I cannot do this at this time.”

It is Up to You (to Make and Keep Your Commitments to Change)

Retrain your responses, and do not allow yourself to be bullied by guilt or manipulated into accepting tasks you are not predestinated to do. Yes, you may have the gifts and skills; however, is it what God wants you to do?   During the process of downsizing your life, you will begin to find and schedule time for tasks that you have desired to do for years.

“They always say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself.”    ― Andy Warhol

“The steps of a good man (or woman) are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way.”         

Thank you Karynthia Phillips for keeping us on track.

To learn more about Karynthia Phillips

 

To learn more about Evelyn J Taylor Ministries

 

It’s a New Season

It’s a New Season

Thanksgiving

 ^“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good his love endures forever.”

1 Chronicles 16:34 NIV

 

Heavenly Father

Thank you for all of your many blessings. We thank you for all that you have provided so that we may live the life you have designed for us to live. You have blessed us abundantly and we do not take your blessings for granted. During this season of thanksgiving let us remember those who are without. As we gather with family and friends, help us to be mindful of those who are sad and lonely. Remind us to share our blessings with others. Whether it is a kind word or gesture, may we always acknowledge that everything that we have comes from you. In Jesus Name I pray, Amen.

To learn more about Dr. Johnson-Taylor

Change Brings Growth

Guest blogger- Linda Ray Center

“Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.” –John F. Kennedy

Growth is a task God sets before us. Change is a fast-forward journey to the future. You might be going through a change right now. It could be a beginning or an ending of a relationship, a move to another state, or an upcoming opportunity. There is power to see how God works His direction for our good. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose.”(Romans 8:28)

On a recent cruise, my day began with a walk around the ship. I filled my lungs with salty air and knew God was near. The warmth of sun on my face confirmed His presence. I felt it necessary to drop a few commitments when I returned home and invest in understanding God’s direction for my life. Sometimes I hear the “go” but not the how. The future is a mystery, so I started praying for wisdom. James 1:5 tells us, “If any of you lacks wisdom ask God.” In my prayer time, I asked the big question, “What’s next?”

Three years ago, I felt the call to write and speak about God’s goodness. After the divine nudge, I became acutely aware of my academic shortcomings and have struggled to accomplish this task. As a child, my focus in school was wrong. Moving to six different schools before I graduated from high school was difficult. Making new friends became the hardest part, and as a result, I concentrated more on fitting in than my education. 

In short, I needed to relearn the fundamentals of writing. My journey began with short articles about relationships, but it grew into something bigger. I developed a strong leading to inspire children to take their education seriously. 

I’m often stretched beyond what I think is achievable, but I know with God, all things are possible. Just as God equipped Moses, who had a speech disability and yet spoke and led his people. He gave Esther courage to face her calling. The Lord equips His children for the tasks He sets before them. 

My passion for writing deepens more each day. God uses change to cause good things. Change brings opportunities to grow closer to Him.

How do you embrace change? 

What growth opportunity taught you a valuable lesson?

Guest blogger

Linda Ray Center

Linda Ray Center is an author and inspirational speaker addressing the importance of education to children. As a communicator, she encourages God’s design in relationships of all kinds and for all ages. Center and her husband reside part-time between Tennessee and Florida. She loves her blended family and will showcase her grandchildren’s pictures at any given moment. 

To learn more about Linda

Thank you Linda for sharing your gift with the readers.

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Perfect Peace

Thou will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”   (Isaiah 26:3 NIV)

I love to walk. Some days, I walk over 25,000 steps. 

I especially like walking in my neighborhood, using the opportunity to reflect on what is going on with my own life. I think about my goals and the areas I may have fallen short. But I have to admit, it’s also a time for me to catch up on my emails and respond to text messages.

We all know how dangerous driving and texting can be. Walking and texting present some challenges as well. One afternoon, I was responding to a text messages. Just as I sent my response, I looked up and saw a snake on the sidewalk just a few steps in front of me. My heart raced. Thankfully, I looked up just in time to avoid a potentially dangerous situation. My distraction almost caused a real problem for me.

 We often walk into situations that could pose real problems for us because we are distracted. We encounter many distressing circumstances by not focusing on God and His plan for our life. When we allow ourselves to become consumed with the things of the world, we become apprehensive.

 Sure, the world has many problems, but we have a promise from God. He will keep us in perfect peace if our minds are committed to Him. When we get distracted, and our minds are not committed to God, we may find ourselves in situations that lead to frustration and anxiety. 

 If I had kept my mind on walking, rather than becoming distracted with texting, I would have seen the snake ahead of time. If I had seen it from afar, I could have crossed to the other side of the street and avoided unnecessary panic. When we keep our minds focused on and committed to God, He will show us how to avoid some dangerous situations. But we must listen for God’s voice. Even when we face challenges, the peace of God is promised to those who keep their mind centered on Him.

 What kinds of things are distracting you from the peace that God offers?

Dr. Evelyn Johnson-Taylor

For more information

Things Are Not Always What They Appear – Arise DAILY Devos

Focus on the Future-Giver rather than the future itself.
— Read on arisedailydevos.wordpress.com/2019/07/13/things-are-not-always-what-they-appear/

A Father’s Love

Let’s talk about fathers and what they bring to the table. As a little girl in elementary school I was often teased on the school bus. Not being familiar with the word bullied, we called it teasing. Regardless of the word used, I was being treated in a way that made me feel uncomfortable. I recognized if I told my father the situation would be taken care of. Anytime something wasn’t right, I could count on my dad to handle it. I never discerned or cared how he handled the situation. The mere act of telling him my woes made me feel better.

The same kind of relationship with the Heavenly Father is available to those who are born again. He doesn’t have to tell us how He will handle our request; just telling Him will make us feel better. Our faith in God allows us to leave our troubles with Him. We have the confidence that He hears us and will answer. We don’t have to worry about the details because we trust that our Heavenly Father’s love for us will move Him to act on our behalf.

I didn’t identify it as a little girl, but I was demonstrating faith in my natural father. I had confidence that he would handle any situation and I didn’t focus on the solution. I had done my part by telling dad. Once my concerns were expressed, I could rest in his love for me, confident that he would act in my best interest.

After I was married, I prayed asking God for girls and that they would have a strong relationship with their dad. I wanted our daughters to have the same daddy-daughter experience I had enjoyed growing up. God answered my prayer far beyond anything I could have predicted. One of the great joys in my husband’s life was being a dad. He treated our daughters like royalty and they enjoyed many great moments with him. My challenge was teaching them responsibility because their dad desired to do everything for them. We often discussed my wish to prepare them for adulthood while he wanted them to always be his little girls.

Not being a dad, I couldn’t understand the logic behind his thinking. But being a daughter I understood that even as an adult, daughters always feel like daddy’s little girls. We always want to bring our cares and concerns to our dads. The impact of a good father in the life of his children is invaluable. My husband, our daughter’s father left us on June 20, 2018 but the love he poured into them will never diminish. How do I know this? My father has been absent from this earth for nearly 30 years and I’m still living out the many things I learned from him.

It doesn’t matter how old we are, we can always bring our cares and concerns to our Heavenly Father. If you didn’t have a good earthly father, God your Father is there for you. Maybe like me and my daughters your earthly fathers are no longer alive, but Father God promise never to leave us. We can rest in His love knowing He will cover and protect us always.

Would you please share a memory of your father?

Evelyn Johnson-Taylor Ph.D.

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Remembering my dad and husband this Father’s Day. 

Bishop Martin Luther Johnson 12/04/1908 – 09/10/1990   

Pastor Scott Barry Taylor 09/23/1959-06/20/2018

Mother’s Day

During my years of elementary school, our class would go on at least one field trip in the spring of each year. Traditionally on these trips there would be time to shop for souvenirs. In appreciation for our parents’ contribution we would bring back a gift for our mom or dad. This was our way of recognizing that their generosity made it possible for us to go on these trips. The field trips were not free even though we were in a public school there was a cost to ride the bus to the designated location and perhaps an entry fee to whatever site we were going to.  And spending money made the trip more fun. On one particular field trip, I don’t remember where, or what grade I was in but I do remember the gift I brought back for my mother. It was a poem that she proudly displayed in her bedroom. I am not sure who the author is of this poem. My research reveals author unknown. If you know who the author is, please let me know so I can include the name in this blog post.

To One Who Bears The Sweetest Name, And Add Luster To The Same, Long Life To Her, For There’s No Other Who Takes The Place Of My Dear Mother. Author Unknown

When my mother went to heaven ten years ago, imagine how pleased I was to be the recipient of that same plaque still proudly displayed in her bedroom. The gift I gave my mother over 50 years ago I now humbly display in my bedroom.

On this Mother’s Day, let’s honor the women who have graced our lives in such an unforgettable way. There is no one who can take the place of a good mother.  I am thankful that God blessed me to have a good mother who always put her children’s needs before her own.

I would say two of my mother’s greatest qualities were her patience and her attitude of gratitude. She was so appreciative of anything that anyone did for her. Never responding in conceit or “you owe me” mentality, but simply grateful. It didn’t matter the size, from the smallest gesture to the largest gift. Always, “thank you, I realize you didn’t have to.” Even as I write this today, it suddenly became clear to me, why it was so important to us as children to bring something back from each field trip for our parents. All the time, my mother was teaching us by example, “thank you I realize you didn’t have to.” we were only demonstrating what had been modeled. A good mother is truly a gift from God. What would you say was one of your mother’s greatest qualities?

 

 

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