Understanding Purpose.

Dictionary.com defines purpose as:
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/purpose

1. The reason for which something exists or is done, made, used, etc.

2. An intended or desired result; end; aim; goal.

3. Determination; resoluteness

There are so many of us going through our everyday lives in a fog of confusion. The confusion is not being able to find our way to the place or position that we are longing for or feel that is missing in our everyday lives. For some it is a matter of finding our purpose, and for others it's learning how to walk in their newly found purpose. If you have these feelings or thoughts, then you are on at the starting line to something GREAT!

Like I tell my clients that I am coaching who are trying to find their purpose in life, once you get a grip on your purpose in life it is the best feeling ever! No one likes to drive or walk around lost trying to get to their destination, it gives an uneasy feeling of being out of control, confused, and frustrated. When you finally get tired of trying to find your way and you stop, at the gas station and ask for directions, or you phone a friend to help you find your way. You finally feel a sense of relief knowing that you won't be lost forever because you now have some direction. As you get back on your path to the intended destination you are a little more at ease, because you are no longer lost.

Those same feelings arise in the quest to find your life's purpose. Walking around aimlessly trying to understand why we are so unhappy in our day to day lives. For some working at a job that is making us mentally and physically sick and having a desire to do more than what we are currently doing. For others we know our purpose and that is half the battle, but figuring out how to execute it is the part that has us "stuck".

For those of you that are searching for your purpose, I am so happy for you, and the desire that you have to live a fulfilled life. Please understand that what you are looking for is already in you. Yep that's right your purpose is already in you, so that should take some of the pressure away. God has already designed and purposed you to be what HE wants you to be from day one, from the time you were just a twinkle in your mother's eyes.

Here is a tip to get you started,

Pray for direction, and understanding as you go forth in discovering your purpose,and in owning what your purpose calls for you to do in life

If you have already tapped into your God given purpose, congrats to you for trusting God and loving yourself enough to seek the next level of walking in your purpose. Going forward write down the things that you can do to enhance your walk, and start moving forward. If your purpose is public services orientated then start offering your service on a volunteer basis. God will honor the desire that you have to do his will and everything else will fall into place.

Whichever stage you are in don't get overwhelmed, God does not work in confusion keep praying and moving forward!

Scriptures on Purpose: Proverbs 19: 21, Isaiah 14: 24, Ephesians 3: 20, Jeremiah 29: 11, John 6: 40, Romans 8: 28, Ecclesiastes 3: 1

 Shayla
"Trust God and Love Yourself!"































Ephesians 3: 20

Stop Your Detour

     I set out with a willing heart for things to come in 2011. I must say that I remember the fire being a little hotter during the start of 2010. Why the difference you may ask? The simple answer would be that I started 2011 with my own plan of action. Yes, I believed that God had my back all the way, but I had taken the lead. We always want to control it…when will we learn God does his job perfectly well? LOL.
I will say that I had the same desires that I had in 2010 going into 2011, and that was to do more and be a better me. Not to mention my heart and mind when it comes to helping the youth and others was still a top priority in my life.
I can say that 2011 offered a little more on my plate than 2010, with regards to helping family. 2011 has been challenging in ways that I did not originally expect. Regardless of the challenges I have to endure them to get the things on my list of goals complete.

I will share something with you guys since I know we can speak to each other from the heart...right?

I have always loved to write I like that I can express myself-feelings and thoughts uninterrupted and get my point across. My love for books and reading is only second to that. However during my school days right around 9th grade or so, things that I thought that I understood about my English and writing classes didn't come so easy and it showed in my grades (my outside life also played a part in this as well).

Long story short I found myself feeling hurt, and not loving to write as much as I used to. I had accepted doubt that I would ever be a good writer, and along the way I was also told by someone that writers don't make much money, so I should consider something else.
I recently found out that I did not get into the nursing program (this is also a heartfelt passion of mine...to help others that cannot help themselves). This is something that I really wanted to do in my life, and the opportunity was stripped from me.
The falling down of my great war to conquering my goals and knocking down any challenge that stood in my way came to a sudden stop…now what do I do?

I felt like, determination was not even worth the “d” it started with. Taking me back to thoughts of my 9th grade English class, here we go with another passion being taken away.
I have since come to realize, thanks to prayer, encouraging words, and tough talk with love from some mentors that “I” determine my fate. No one (human person) can take anything from me. I have to be committed to making it happen for self.

Nursing may still be in my future. Or writing could be the key. I am praying and taking "signs" for what they are -signs pointing me in the direction that I should go.

So to you I would say don't let what did not happen last year, or what did not start off right this year detour you from what your heart desires along with what God has for you.

Just P.U.S.H Pray Until Something Happens!
Please share this blog with at least 2 friends. Thanks

Shayla

-"Trust God and Love Yourself!"

2011

I fell so blessed as I reach closer to yet another year. I think back on 2010 and all the goals that I set, some I am still working on, some I reached and had to let go, and some I reached and even surpassed. All in all I can still say "Thank You Lord!" I have come to realize that it is not necessarily how the goal turned out, but I have this warm and fuzzy feeling that I at least put the goal in motion.

When I think back over my life (not going to break into song over here…Lol) I must say I have come a long, long way. Remembering to thank God daily for things ("we" may consider small) like my children being healthy, my husband being the great man he is, and being in my right mind. The Lord knows I have been boarder line some days on feeling as if I was losing my marbles...lol thank you Jesus for peace! Wishing you all a Blessed and Fulfilled New Year!

One of my resolutions for the upcoming year is to read even more books! "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge…" Hosea 4:6 (KJV)

I would like to share my “Credit Report” with you, be sure to pass it on!

Shayla,

Trust God and Love Yourself!

MY CREDIT REPORT

If my life was a credit report and I was trying to obtain salvation, based on my score I wouldn't get it.

My history shows that I've been delinquent in praise, past due in prayer, my worship has been in collections and I've missed a few payments (tithes) or only paid half (you know how we put $20 in the basket and feel like we've done God a favor).

Not to mention that my debt (sin) to income (blessings) ratio is too high .

BUT I thank God that I was able to file bankruptcy (repentance) and it cleared me of all of my debt (sin). Now I have a co-signer ( Jesus ) whose score is FLAWLESS... Not one blemish (sin) on his report.

So now.... I QUALIFY for EVERYTHING! Most importantly I've inherited eternal life and I didn't have to put one penny down.

All of my closing costs were covered when Jesus laid down His life for me!!!! I hear that my future home has all of the upgrades too.

Hardwood floors? Please!! I'll be walking on gold! : - )

Thank You Lord for Your unmerited mercy, grace & favor!!
Author-Unknown
(I do not claim any credit for the "Credit Report". Author unknown to me.)

Do something NICE....

Hello all.  I just wanted to take a moment and ask a question of each of you. When is the last time that you did for, said to or gave something to someone else?

What better time to try then now?  We easily get caught up in our own day to day life, that it is so easy to forget about others.  Do you know someone in the nursing home or hospital?  How would you feel to be in the hospital and not have anyone come by for a visit or just to say hi.

Maybe the next time you are driving across the toll you can pay for the person or persons (yes, it's okay to be double nice) behind you in the toll line.

Let's get a little more bold maybe you will pay for someone's groceries at the store.

I know, I know- who has money to give away to others right?
Well your not getting off the hook that easily.
You can donate your time as well. 
Drop your neighbor or friends kids off for school, allowing mommy to sleep or relax for the morning.
These are just a few suggestions, their are so many different things that we can do to "be nice" to others.
Give it a try, and let me know how it worked out for you.  Be Blessed in ALL that you do.
Email me at shayla81@hotmail.com
twitter: @shaylasmart
facebook.com/shaylasmart

Trust God and Love Yourself!
-Shayla

What's New....

Hello everyone.  It has been a while, but I have been working hard. The web site for Anointed Gifts and Baskets is up! http://www.anointedgiftsandbaskets.com/  A gift basket is a great gift to give for Mother's Day. You may also order by phone for delivery options if you are in the Houston Area.

Triple LLL'C (Ladies Living Life w/Christ) is a new group for Ladies! We are putting together our 1st annual trip.  We are going to NYC!!!! I am soooooo excited!  We will have our first conference call on Tues. May 11th at 8:30 pm please email me directly at shayla81@hotmail.com if you are interested in joining.  The trip is April of 2011 so you have plenty of time to plan.  We will reverence God, Shop, Eat, Share, and have a whole lot of FUN!!!!!  I look forward to hearing from those that want to participate! Please include your email so that I can give you the free conference call phone number and pin for the conference call.

 I am also seeking speaking engagements to youth groups, and church youth groups.  I am also avaliable to speak to women's groups, and stay at home mom's. 

I am still working on the autobio of how I survived my teenage years....the Grace and Mercy of God!  It will be a great read for all ages.

Please check out my new YouTube video at youtube.com/shaylas81
I will be posting more vid's with contest on the next one stay tuned!  Be Blessed!


-Shayla

"Trust God and Love Yourself!"

Anointed Gifts and Baskets new logo

Hello to everyone, I just wanted to share the new logo for Anointed Gifts and Baskets with you!  Be Blessed in all that you do. Easter and Admin. Prof. Week is coming up in April, please contact me for your gift basket orders. M-F 10am -4pm and Sat. 10am-3pm CST
                       (281) 501-9447      Web site coming soon!

-Shayla
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Effort Pursuit, and Accompllishment

A quick reflection  on 3 things: Effort, Pursuit, and Accomplishment.


As most of you know about me, I am writing my autobiography, participating in speaking engagements as they come along, as well as preparing for the grand opening of my business Anointed Gifts and Baskets. I will use myself as an example. I love all that I am doing right now in life. I am writing ,and participating in speaking engagements first because God told me too tell my story. Secondly I love it because it gives me a chance to tell my testimony and help someone else to heal or tell their story. Thirdly I enjoy the process because it is the truth, it is honest, and most of all God ordained it so he is blessing it!   I am building a business partly because I want to work and contribute to my families needs, and not have to be far from my kids while they are so young. Effort, Pursuit, and Accomplishment.

We know that faith without works is dead...right? If you are working toward something, a goal, hobby, or even finishing school you have to  push forward in the effort, until your pursuit turns into your accomplishment!

Simply put you must put forth effort, it's not just going to fall in your lap. If you want to be better, if you want to do better, if you want to have better then start pursuing what you want. Again if you are just moping around saying what you wish you had and not making any moves towards it ...do you really want a change in your life, or life style? When you start pursuing your passsion, or dream don't let anything or anyone stop you, press on push forward, and make sure God is your guide.