Why Are We Here?

In my life, there have been many ups and downs. Sometimes it feels like that are more downs than ups, but when you have a wonderful family and an incredible love for the Gospel, you can tend to find the light in the darkest of darks. Ever since I was a teenager, I have had a burning desire for ministry. I became a worship leader at my church at the age of 15, and at the age of 18 I moved from a small town in Ohio to Colorado Springs to attend the New Life School of Worship by the guiding of the Holy Spirit. There, I would not only attain some of the most influential knowledge of music and ministry, I also met the woman who would soon become my loving, beautiful wife. From there, we have experienced many heartaches and many triumphs, but we have been led and guided by the Holy Spirit to further my education, so we can be more influential in the expansion of the Kingdom of God.

All my life I’ve been trying to find my purpose. I always knew that my purpose in life was to help people, but I didn’t know how I really wanted to accomplish this. Upon graduating high school I was confused

I was completely satisfied raising my son and being engaged in everything he was involved in. However, the closer it came for him to graduate from high school the more I began to think about what my new life would be like. I had to deal with the persisting question of what did I want to do with the rest of my life. Overall, I felt like I was a pretty decent mother, an awesome friend, a loving sister and I have a faith based foundation. Even with all those great attributes I still didn’t know what my true purpose was here on earth.

God offered us the life to live, it is up to us to go on this journey as desire pushes us to see what the purpose in life is. John Eldredge’s book is very inspirational. As we go about our daily lives, we often go to God in prayer, watching and waiting patiently for God to open doors for us. This book helped me see that we have a desire burning in our soul, and part of this desire is to remind us that we must stay focused on Him. Moreover, we should be open and be real with our Creator. One quote I feel fits the book’s theme is, “Desire is powerful. One of the most powerful forces in our lives. At least, it was meant to be....How you handle your heart's desire will in great measure determine what comes of your life. So let us take the journey together. (pp. vii, ix). Our desire comes from the condition of our heart whether it be

As a child we are always asked, “ What do you want to be when you grow up?” I just never really knew how to answer that. I always had a love for sports and taking care of others. I went back and forth and just never could decide what to do, then of course life gets busy and school got put on the back burner. I knew I wanted a career and not just a job, something I would love to do and not just the daily grind. My husband and I prayed for God to lead us in a direction that would work for us and our family. Of course God’s plan might be different then yours.

Many people are not aware of their purpose and I think the closer a person gets to God, the more he understands his purpose. Purpose helps one to walk worthy of the gospel. With God, all things are possible and His love will help one to be a partner in the gospel. Statement # 7 (From The Cradle, The Cross, and The Crown Chapter 14, Loc 17217 of 28382, 1st Paragraph) “Jesus was God-yet he humbled himself, not once but repeatedly, in an ever-descending sequence: from God to man; from man to slave; from obedient slave to death- a death on an ignominious Roman

I have lived a good bit of time searching for something meaningful I could not find. But, after contemplating in my mind, I realized it was in and around me all the time. I have worked as a police officer, mental health tech, pastor, even as a CNA (certified nursing assistant), I knew God was showing me that counseling therapy was the way. I prayed, ponder, and wondered how I was going to achieve my goal while I still aging and growing old, for I am determined.

I have gone though many events that have helped form my present and will form my future. Alaska and my life their being the first even. The next being the move from Alaska to Indiana. Moving from the large public school to the small Christian school in my town. Meeting Zac Hess, Drew Nevien, and Katlyn Black. I was taught what love is by two special girls with the same name. I chose Grace College because of my two major’s, biblical studies and sports ministries which Grace offers. I have changed so much since I started here at Grace nearly two months ago. I have developed many relationships with roommates, hall mates, with Christ, and still waiting on a relationship with a special girl. All of these have played a role in forming me into the man I am today, and the one I will become. This has helped me to refine what my life calling is. I believe that my calling is to be a missionary for Christ in China and many other places that God calls me to. The future might be a scary thing, but I will not fair because I can do my part to form it for Christ. However no matter what happens it does not matter because my God is sovereign and his will will be done in me. So I do not need to worry about what my calling is or what future holds because I know who holds

It has shown me that life is too short so you have to step up and do the work to get the things that you want. Sometimes the work that you need to accomplish is not entirely pleasant, but to accomplish your goals you have to keep pushing forward. Living a goal oriented life will have its influence on my academic career. I desire to go to a Christian based school, hopefully with Colorado Christian University, so that way I can learn more about my Spiritual History. Learning more in depth about my faith and its history through a Christian based school will help me be able to help more people that have gone through similar experiences as myself. Due to personal growth I am looking at the next steps in my life. Part of those next steps is to go back to school and gain more knowledge. Personally, I try to keep my goals fluid. I know that ultimately God has the final say in everything in my life, so the plans that I make are subject to change depending on what God wants me to do. I don’t know what I will do after I attend these courses. Prayerful the Lord will lead me in my next

Fast forward to when I was a teenager and I really struggled to be happy and to have a purpose. I never really had aspirations or goals and it really started to feel like a then. Plus we all had teen angst and I was no exception. Maybe that’s why my parents wanted to come to church. I really think it was because of their business. My parents work in construction and like most self-employed small businesses, they were really struggling and I think they were looking for answers.

Earlier this year I was blessed enough to hear God’s calling for me. Yet, ever since this moment I’ve felt like as much as I’m working to reach this new purpose in life…. I’m kind of walking in circles. Like I’m on the hamster wheel all over again, not matter how inspired I am. I keep sitting here waiting for God to show me another sign.

The discovery of my purpose came during one of my life’s storms. Yep, I discovered my purpose through my pain. It wasn’t very clear at first, but the revelation came after the storm, during my healing process. I went through a lot during that time and even though it was a painful experience, I am glad that God allowed something beautiful to come out of it. (Romans 8:28)

*This story is based on my own experience, and all the challenges I encountered that I believe have guided me in discovering my purpose in life. I hope you can find yours, since I 'm still pursuing mine.

I have fallen short in many ways towards the goals that I have made in my life.

Jeremiah 29:11 assured me that God indeed has a specific purpose for my life, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, but to give hope and a future.” Jeremiah goes on to spell out how to receive His wisdom and carry out His plan. "Then when you call upon Me and come and pray to Me, I will hear you. When you search for Me, you will find Me; if you seek Me with all your heart" (Jeremiah 29:12-13) As I began to actively seek God’s leading, I have seen His confirmation of my efforts through reflection and the counsel of those I respect.