Purpose. Driven. Life.

Several years ago when this monumental book, Purpose Driven Life hit the shelves, I had determined to never read it. I am a bit of a rebel when it comes to jumping on the "have you read it? have you seen it?" bandwagon. I don't really like the hype of the next greatest thing out there to change your life syndrome. It kind of annoys me truthfully. I just want people to get a grip and read their Bibles and do what God says. I think sometimes people are so infatuated by popularity of something that their focus is fantasy and not reality. Mmm...just saying.

But, somehow, Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren found it's way into my life.

Let's just say, I'd owe Mr. Warren an apology if I ever ran into him.

This book was worth all the hype and I am so glad I humbled myself enough to read it.

And read it I have. I am now going through it, with my hubby Joe, for the third time. I actually pick up every copy at Salvation Army that I find so I can give them away. And for my third time through, I actually grabbed one of those extras to use so I could start with no markings whatsoever.

I wanted to see it afresh.

Underline anew.

Be challenged again.

I am only on day 3 but I want to share some of the points I read today.

They are share-worthy, my friends. If you haven't read this book, go get it today. It will change your outlook on life and maybe even change your life.

The Benefits of Purpose-Driven Living

1. Knowing your purpose gives meaning to your life.

• We were made to have meaning.

• The greatest tragedy is not death, but life without purose.

• Hope is essential to your life as air and water.

• You need hope to cope.

2. Knowing your purpose simplifies your life.

• Your purpose becomes the standard you use to evaluate which activities are essential and which aren't.

• You simply ask, "Does this activity help me fulfill one of God's purposes for my life?"

• Without a clear purpose you have no foundation on which you base decisions, allocate your time, and use your resources. You will tend to make choices based on circumstances, pressures, and your mood at that moment.

3. Knowing your purpose focuses your life.

(This is by far my most favorite point)

• You become effective by being selective.

• It's human nature to get distracted by minor issues.

• There is nothing quite as potent as a focused life, one lived on purpose.

• If you want your life to have impact, focus it! Stop dabbling. Stop trying to do it all. Do less. Prune away even good activities and do only that which matters most.

4. Knowing your purpose motivates your life.

• Purpose always produces passion.

• Passion dissipates when you lack a purpose.

• Nothing energizes like a clear purpose.

5. Knowing your purpose prepares you for eternity.

• Ultimately what matters most will not be what others say about your life but what God says.

• Living to create an earthly legacy is a short-sighted goal.

• A wiser use of time is to build an eternal legacy.

• You weren't put on earth to be remembered. You were put here to prepare for eternity.

Point to Ponder...
"Living on purpose is the path to peace."

I concur.

Having purpose + Focused living = Satisfaction

I want to flesh this out in my life. So easy to read... not always so easy to do. Most of the time I just sit around wondering,

"What is my purpose?"

I have one, I know. Maybe it is blurred by all the "minors" around me. Maybe deep down I know but I am afraid. Maybe it really is not as complicated as I make it.

One thing I know, looking forward and not back is key. Pressing on. Perservering. Never giving up.

"Forget the former things. Do not dwell on the past. See, I. am. doing. a. new. thing!"

Isaiah 43:18

And He is. And He is always ready and willing to give you a fresh start today if you need one. Don't let your past determine your future.

LIVE WITH PURPOSE!