Pursuing Your Passion

As I've said before, I'm working hard to get Book Three- Emanate - ready for publication. As I've been RE-reading through it- (again because it takes like a hundred times to get it right)- I'm struck over how the basic theme is using your talents.

Alyra struggles to be open about hers, fearing rejection. Jerin has to find what his actual calling truly is- because it's not exactly what he thinks. Katrina fights with not letting hers go to her head. Lotari finds himself overwhelmed with his mission. And Stitch still really wants his beard to hurry up grow in.

This morning I was gearing up for a day of edits- By skimming through my Facebook feed- when I came across this video.

Go check it out. Real quick. Right click and open in another tab, then come back here. I'll wait.

Tanner's Story | Shoot The Skies

Are you back? What did you think?
Two things stuck out at me. First, Tanner decided to use his passion to make a difference. He loved photography. He decided to do something meaningful with his talent. The second thing was when he said he wanted to be generous with his passion. Living generously. 

Using your passion to make a difference by being generous with it. 

What does that mean? Really.
Well, I've been thinking a lot about this over the past couple of days, honestly. First, finding your passion is the big, huge, important step. What makes your heart soar? What do you love to do more than anything, but push it aside because you know it might never pay the bills or provide a retirement fund?

Practically is the killer of invention, I believe. Why? Because Practically is what I've struggled with over the past twenty years of wanting to write, but fearing nothing would ever come of it.

But... but... but, I finally had to come to terms I could forever wish to be a writer... someday. Or I could step up and become what my heart has wanted since I was a child. That's a long time to hold back a passion.

Alyra is afraid to let her "light" shine, so to speak, because of lies she's been told about her abilities. I had to come to terms with some of the lies I'd bought into and decide this is what I do. What I love doing. This is what I was created for.

Jerin thinks his skills will take him in one direction, but he finds out there are sometimes side roads we need to be willing to take. The writing I envisioned as a child, isn't what I ended up doing. And that's okay.

Now, I'm seeking balance. How to put my passions to use in a way that will benefit not only me, by like, making a living doing what I love, but will glorify God and bless others, too. It's not difficult to let our passions overwhelm us until we see nothing else.

There's still a beautiful world out there to see, and explore, and people to enjoy. Yes, the path is narrow, but that doesn't mean our vision needs to be narrow, too.

I'm excited about this next book and eager to get it out for you to read. It's helped me think a lot about what I hope to do with the talents God has given me. And, it's a fun story. I love, love, love, Granny Fila. She's really come alive in these pages. And Stitch with his beard dilemma- along with trying to grow into his hooves. Love him.


Dear friends, find your passion, your talents.
The world needs you to be generous with them. Everyone is always going on about how bad this world is getting. Stop the complaining and figure out what small things you can do to make it better. It doesn't even have to be something artistic. Maybe you have the gift of hospitality... people love feeling welcomed and wanted. Listening? Everyone needs someone who is willing to hear them out. Do you give good hugs? Is your laugh infectious? Are you a hard worker? Do you enjoy just sitting with friends and hanging out. Big. Small. Find it, and do it.

This world is a wonderful place. It is. We only need to open our eyes and find the beauty. It's there. I promise.

Scriptures for the Journey: Day Three

Scripture for the Journey

Day Three

John 10:10
I came that they may have life and have it more abundantly.
The Message: A more and better life than they ever dreamed of.

Pondering:

Imagine, God really wants us to have a better, more abundant life. that's why he sent Jesus to earth, to walk and talk with us. To show us how to live that better life.

Jesus' teachings are wise council, not hard-to-follow rules. He healed sickness and said we could do the same. Though he had nothing, he had everything. If only we'd read Jesus' teaching and apply his wisdom.

Our lives can be so much better. Even more so than we can possibly imagine.



Application:
Here's something you can do for the fun of it. If you had no limitations, what would you want to be doing in the next year? Five years? Ten years? Dream big. Don't hesitate or hold back.
Write it all down.
Now, here comes the challenge. Take this list before God. Ask him which of your dreams line up with his plan for your life? Don't fret. Give this a few days. Listen. Keep your eyes open for confirmation. Ask your friends and spiritual leaders to discuss your list with you.
I bet, in a short while, a firm goal will begin to form, a destination, blended together from your heart and God's heart. And this is exactly what you want. To line up your dreams with God's desires. Be patient and allow the process to happen. He has good plans for you. Seek him and find out what they are.

Please feel free to share this devotional, I only ask that you link back to here where you originally found it. Thank you. 

Being the Piece You're Meant To Be

If you listened to the Luminosity playlist, you might have noticed I started off with Casting Crown's City on a Hill song. (listen to song at the end of this post.) When I first heard the song a few months back, I was astounded over how much the theme of the song went along with Luminosity's story theme. And I couldn't help but wonder, is the Holy Spirit trying to say something? Maybe.

When I first started the White Road Chronicles, there were two things I had to include in the storyline. The Meeting Halls and the Medallions which signify a person's gifting. We must have BOTH in our walk with God. We need the fellowship of believers, a support group to help us on our journey, and we need to know where we are going.

Not everyone will travel the same path. There are many White Roads in this life. Sometimes they crisscross, but they all head in the same direction. God is a God of diversity. Everywhere we look, we see it. Even to the point that it's near impossible to find two leaves exactly the same on the a tree. Our fingerprints are unique. Our eyes. Our looks! In all the billions of gazillions of people in this world, there are not two who are exactly alike. Even with twins. There are slight variances between the two individuals that mark them as individual.

So why, with all the uniqueness right before our eyes, would we think there is only one way to get something done? Why? Why would we think our way is better than his or her way? Why would we ever dare to believe we are better than someone else?

Truth is, God designed us as individuals with unique talents and unique abilities so He could reach this diverse world He created. I know not everyone will agree with me on this, but it's Biblical. I Cor. 12:4-6. Different talents, but the same spirit that gives them. The same source. The same one and only God who endows his children with what they need to bring his Kingdom to fruition.

If you're looking around at how bad the world has become, and nobody can deny it's not great, the real question that needs to be asked is what are we doing with the talents God has given us to make his Kingdom whole?

These are some of the questions presented in Luminosity. Questions Alyra has to come to terms with, and her brother Ethan. And the others, as well, who must find what they are capable of - great or small - and decide how will they use what have to help and not hinder their King?

From Chapter 9 in Luminosity:

Ethan interjected, “But the Academy only accepts selected warriors, Your Highness. What about those who are not imparted with the emblem, yet still wish to fight?”

Issah also accepted a cup of tea from the Okbold. Alyra shook her head, unable to stomach anything else. The tension in the room hung like dense clouds on a stormy day.

“Son, if everyone would simply use the giftings they’re given, to their fullest capacity, then eventually, we’ll succeed in overcoming Darnel’s influences. There are many ways to fight the enemy that does not require taking up weapons.”

“But Issah, the towns are unprotected.” Ethan persisted.

“You yourself have gone into many of these towns to deliver instructions on how they should protect themselves. Did you find listening ears, son?”

Ethan shook his head and turned toward the flames. “Still, we can’t abandon them.”

“Abandoning is never my intention.” Issah sipped his tea, then gave DezPierre a appreciative nod. The creature stood a bit straighter, looking pleased.

Shelton’s wife, Dulcet spoke next, “We’ve already lost one son and fear losing more. Please, Issah, tell us what to do.”

“Daughter, do what I’ve commissioned you to do when you received your medallion. That is all I expect from anyone.” Issah reached over and grasped Alyra’s hand. “Speaking of medallions, we should discuss the reason you’ve come tonight.”

~~*~~

What have you been given to do? Not sure? Have you ever taken a spiritual inventory, or personality test? That might be a good place to start. Here's the links for a few places that offer free tests. Take them a more than once and see what seems to stand out the most. Talk to your pastor, parents or a trusted leader about what strengths the quizzes show you. Finding your strengths will help you live at your strongest and be most successful in your life.

Free Spiritual Gifts Analysis
LifeWay Spiritual Gift test

Myer's Briggs Personality Test

When I come across more, I'll be sure to post the links on this site.
Happy travels!

Here's the video I mentioned above from Casting Crowns talking about the story behind City on a Hill. And following is the actual song which is also found in the playlist.

The Road of Your Dreams vs. The Road of Practicality

For some reason, as I was skimming through facebook working this morning a memory hit me. And since I needed something to write about anyway, I decided to share it with you. I think it's important. Especially if you are now where I was then.

The memory flashed in my mind of me sitting in vocational class way, way... way... back when I was in High School. Let's just not worry about how far back it was. Not so far I can't still remember what happened. Okay?

Anyway, I was sitting in this class watching a video (yes, they had them back then) of possible careers we could venture into. Careers that would keep us from flipping burgers, or in my case, spinning pizzas.

What I really, really wanted to do was go to college. But I'd grown up in a single-parent welfare family. College was out of the question. I was a senior and knew I needed to figure something out and quick.
So I sat there, watching the lady talk about various careers that only required a technical school to get a license. A career would be better than jumping out there into the hodgepodge of low paying jobs available to high schoolers. 

With chin propped on my fist, I remember thinking, "What am I meant to do? How will I support myself when I'm done here?"

And on the screen flashed Cosmetologist. My head snapped up, as a bubbling excitement sizzled in my chest. I had a cousin who went into that field. I remembered how excited she'd been after passing her test and getting her license. We'd all celebrated with her as she painted our nails, fixed hair and laughed. A lot of laughter. Last I'd heard, she'd stuck with it and enjoyed her works.

A reassuring peace settled on me. It wasn't what I really wanted for my life, but I knew it was the first step of getting out on my own. I could have a career. That was a start.

From there, one thing led to another. I didn't stay a hairstylist for too long. Perhaps six years or so, before I felt my path making another turn toward a different occupation.

Oh, and the college dream? I got that. When the time was perfect. And just when I thought it would never happen, God made a way. I attended. I came out owing a miniscule loan. The majority was paid for by grants. How about that? And I now have a degree that I use... well with my writing and when I help people. My degree is in rehabilitation counseling which gives me the knowledge needed to help people overcome obstacles and live the best life they can.

Something I can use on a daily basis.
Despite the many paths, I've used the knowledge gained in my writing.

Illuminated is all about finding the road that will lead you to your life dreams. The next book will be about using the talents you've been given to make the world a better place. That's the basic premise behind a story filled with dragons, centaurs, a quest and finding love. Oh, and so much more.

I don't know if what I'm doing is my final path. Perhaps eventually the road will turn again and head in another direction. My story is far from over.

So is yours. Don't worry if the path you're on isn't really your life dream. Keep asking the Dream-giver for direction. Keep following the open paths He lays out for you. You'll get there. I did.

Sometimes, we start with the practical roads before we can step into our real dreams. Don't lose heart. Just keep walking.

Are You up for the Journey?