Before I head off to dream land, I needed to take a moment to share a word of thanks and appreciation for the thanks and appreciation that you showed me and my family on Sunday.

Thank You To My Grace Place Spiritual Family!  This past Sunday, the Grace Place family surprised me and my family with a Pastor Appreciation Sunday.  They recognized us and presented each of us with gifts and then we all enjoyed a very sweet lunch together.

The really special thing for me, was the recognition of my family.  I cannot express how much it meant to me, that someone actually took the time to recognize and appreciate the contribution and sacrifice of my family.  The outfits that you so carefully picked out for my two girls, was an amazing expression of love, because it was evident that you took time to think through and pick them out something from stores that reflect their personalities and tastes.

The Pandora bracelet that you gave to Joy and the special charms mean more than any of you could possibly have any idea.  And the debate about what to give me and the decision to let me decide for myself, touched me, because I know that you actually took the time to really want everything to be special and just right.

I do love each of you and I just want to say thank you so much from my heart to yours.  It is a beautiful thing to be appreciated and made even more beautiful and special because of your attention to detail.

The big question about will I be replacing my ipad and with what is still a mystery, but I will let you know just as soon as I figure it out and will be blessed to say to everyone who sees it:  “Look at what my spiritual family gave to me!”

What is the purpose of your life?  Figure this out and you will be well on your way to experiencing fulfillment that will amaze and bless you in ways that will allow your life to be an inspiration and encouragement to others.

Below is a short video to help us start thinking about this very important question:  What is my purpose?  Thanks for watching the video and I hope you will enjoy the journey over the next couple of weeks…

Life as created by God is everlasting.  It is more than just a moment in time, it is more than time.  It is more than the acquiring of stuff and the achieving of goals.  It is infinite, limitless, intertwined and allows us to exist for much more than simply self.

When we begin to see life as it really is, then this changes our lives and their living.  This is why we must take on the ego.  The ego must go, because it gets in the way, corrupts and blocks the flow of life and living.

Real life and living is a paradox!  We give and receive, not receive and give.  We put ourselves last and become first, not first to begin with.  We meet the needs of others and our needs are met.

Ego is never satisfied and always hungers for something more than it already has.  It requires its slaves to seek more of everything, anything, just more.  Learning to live from the center of our created purpose, removes us from chaos and takes us to a higher place of living, where we discover fulfillment and live in peace.

Take some time to practice the discipline of generous thinking toward others, with whatever it is that you have to be generous with.  Practice by serving others above and beyond yourself.  Your service does not have to be big, just simple, random acts of kindness that allow you to move out of the ego of self-satisfaction and into the wide open universe of service.

You can strive or arrive, the choice is yours.  Activate the loving energy that created you by reaching out with your positive thoughts and encouraging behaviors.  Focus on the moments and the opportunity they offer you to do something for someone else.  This connects you to life and allows you to experience satisfaction that lives above and beyond the circumstances.

Open the eyes of your heart.  Be still and see how life comes to you.  You will soon learn that you are life.  Breath!  The air is a gift of life.  Drink!  This water is a gift of life.  Eat!  This food is a gift of life.  Feel!  The warmth from the sun or the coolness of the breeze is a gift of life provided by the Creator for His creation.

Stay appreciative and learn to enjoy the moment, because the moment is life.  Stop the chase and quit wearing yourself out, because life is more that what we make it.  Take the time to witness and enjoy all that comes, goes and flows to, through and around you.  When we learn to live with open hands, our Creator is able to put good things in them for us to use for His glory and other’s blessing!