Remembering...



{Photo by Caboindex on Flickr}

"As my sufferings mounted I soon realized that there were two ways in which I could respond to my situation -- either to react with bitterness or seek to transform the suffering into a creative force. I decided to follow the latter course."

— Martin Luther King Jr.

On this MLK Day I want to remember!  Remember what an inspirational man he was and life he led!  How beautiful that he used his life to make a difference for others, to make our world a better place. 

I want that.... to make a difference, even a small one.

I truly feel God has put each of us here with a purpose, a purpose larger than ourselves, to make a difference in this world for Him and for others.  I know He has also equipped us with everything we need to carry that purpose out and He wants us to look to Him for strength, inspiration, courage and help persevering along the way.  

This is something I am so passionate about; discovering your God given gifts, your purpose, and putting them to use.  A few years ago I read a book that changed my life: Pathway to Purpose for Women: Connecting Your To-Do List, Your Passions, and God's Purposes For Your Life.   This was the beginning of a new path for me, an understanding of my purposes in life.  I was very focused on being a good wife and mother, and I love those roles and cherish them, and want to be good at them...but I was missing a piece of myself.  I wasn't nurturing the creative being within me, the creative soul that God made me to be.  So, I began painting again and creating new art, for the first time in many many years.  I was (and still am) so inspired by Him, His Word and His influence in my life and the lives of others in ways I've never been inspired before!  I want my art to be a light in this world.  A glimpse into who this amazing God is.  I want to use the gift He has given me to make a difference!

I continue to move forward now and pursue that purpose, to use my art for His Glory, to share His hand print on my life with others.  I don't know where He is taking me, but I'm committed to this journey and enjoying all that I'm learning about Him and myself along the way.  I have big, scary (to me) plans and I can't wait to see how He blesses them and what the future holds!!!

Thank you Mr. Martin Luther King, for changing our world for the better.  Thank you for making a difference in all of our lives.  Thank you for inspiring me to listen to God's whisper in my heart and not be afraid to move forward with the purpose He has for me.

What is your purpose?  I'd love to hear all about it!!! :)