August 18, 2023 • 22 mins
Your aspirations reflect your core values and dreams, while goals are the building blocks to realizing your aspirations. Join Jill Lillard, MA LPC as she explores these concepts in a spiritual context, discussing the role of faith in shaping our lives with intentional and disciplined goal setting. This episode is part of the series on Being & Doing, and unveils the importance of daily practices that honor God, helping us to love others and perceive ourselves in relation to the greater whole.
Uncover how to effectively set goals that align with your aspirations and create impactful results. We'll use the scientific method to draw hypotheses and guide our goal-setting process, providing insights into the importance of prayerful commitment. As we walk through this process, you'll learn that working towards your goals doesn’t have to be a burden. We also delve into the energy required to realize our aspirations. Prepare yourself to journey through life and faith, grow in character, and experience the greatness of God.
Check out all my resources and ways to work together at www.thehappiestlives.com.
Discover ways to work with me at www.thehappiestlives.com or www.myhappyvault.com
Questions? Email Jill directly at Jill@thehappiestlives.com
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
You are listening to the Happiest Lives podcast with
Jill Lillard, episode number 16.
Welcome to the Happiest Livespodcast, where you'll learn to
think better, feel better andbecome the woman God says you
already are.
Here's your host, jill Lillard.
Hey friends, thanks for joiningme today.
I'm really excited to be herethis month as we consider the
(00:24):
concept of being and doing.
Let's talk about aspirationsand goals.
You might not think so, butthese concepts are very
relational in nature, as theyare about our relationship with
ourselves, our creator and theworld around us.
When you are being the womanGod called you to be abiding in
(00:45):
his truth, you will not belooking for your marriage or
other people to fill you up andmake you happier.
You will recognize there is somuch more to your life.
We enjoy relationships when wearen't expecting people to meet
our deepest longings or give usworth.
In the same way, we enjoy ourachievements when we aren't
(01:07):
idolizing them, expecting themto give us something that only
God can.
If your thoughts create yourfeelings, which fuel your
actions, which get you results,then you can see that there is a
relationship between youraspirations, the results you are
getting and the things you do.
Though they are related, thereis a distinction between our
(01:28):
aspirations and goals.
Aspirations reflect our desires, dreams, values, that long-term
vision.
They encompass our spiritualbeliefs, interests and the
desire for purpose andfulfillment.
All the things that you wantand pray for are your
aspirations.
Goals, on the other hand, aremore concrete and
(01:51):
action-oriented, typicallyfocused on tangible outcomes
within a defined timeframe.
They serve as the means torealize our aspirations, acting
as the building blocks that leadus closer to our broader vision
.
Let's say you aspire to becomea successful writer.
Your goals might includecompleting several writing
(02:13):
projects, attending workshops orsubmitting your work to
publishers.
These goals align with youraspiration of becoming a writer,
helping you move closer tofulfilling your vision.
If you aspire to be a happywife, your goals might include
using the talk table to havecalm conversations, looking at a
(02:34):
daily heart scan to manage yourmind and emotions better, and
identifying five ways you'retrying to change your husband
and replacing those with actionsthat help you take 100%
ownership for yourself.
When I think of the overarchingaspiration of my life to live my
life for the glory of God thisaspiration becomes a belief and
(02:57):
a result I want to create withmy life, to make it concrete and
tangible.
I then ask myself what are theactions, the things I'm doing
that help me make that vision areality?
These are my goals To createand live out this result.
There are four goals For dailyactions I take that fall under
(03:18):
this aspiration.
One is I'm very intentional toread or listen to my Bible daily
, asking the Lord to show me whoHe is and what He desires.
I also find time to pause dailyand ask the Lord to search for
my heart and renew my mind.
What this looks like for me isI sit down with a pen and a
(03:39):
journal each morning and a cupof coffee, using the heart scan
process to engage with the Lordand be prayerful about whatever
comes up, including attitudes ofmy heart, decisions I need to
make and results I'm creating.
Throughout the day, iintentionally center my energy
on the Lord.
I do this by playing worshipmusic in my car and speaking out
loud my own words or scripturesthat exalt the name of God,
(04:02):
which sounds something like thisJesus, I worship you and I
exalt your name With all ofcreation, with the sun, moon and
stars.
I praise you.
You are great and worthy ofpraise.
Holy is your name.
Lastly, i view myself inrelationship to the greater
(04:23):
whole where we're all part ofone body.
I ask the Lord to show me, inspecific situations, how to love
others more.
As I make decisions, i look notjust to my own interests but
also to the interests of others,not to gain approval from other
people, but as a way to honorthe Lord and express His love.
Mark 12, 30 and 31 reads Youshall love the Lord, your God,
(04:46):
with all your heart, with allyour soul, all your mind, all
your strength.
The second is this You shalllove your neighbor as yourself.
There is no commandment greaterthan these.
Loving God and loving others isthe heart's desire of a
spirit-filled person, and as webring our desires to the Lord in
prayer, he will align them withthe desires of His heart Within
(05:11):
each of us.
God has given us giftings,personalities and interests.
He made us uniquely, and so,though we have a shared
aspiration of knowing and lovingGod, he also gives us specific
heart longings and callings.
I don't know about you, but Ilove to have goals.
I know some people argue thatgoals get in the way of just
(05:34):
being present in our lives andrelying on the Lord to lead us
and provide, but I think theopposite, because I am
intentional with my time in whatI do, i am able to be more
present in my life.
As I push myself and live adisciplined life, i rely on the
Lord to lead and provide for meas I cast off all that hinders.
(05:54):
I like to do my goals in such away that I'm not striving to
earn or be something.
I do them from a place of beingand having.
I love the imagery in Hebrews12 where we imagine that we're
running the race of our life,persevering, pressing on toward
(06:18):
the prize ahead of us, with acloud of witnesses who have gone
before us.
We run in partnership with theHoly Spirit that dwells inside
of us, and so it's very excitingand life-giving, even when you
come to the end of yourself,because you can find the eyes of
Jesus and know it doesn't alldepend on you.
(06:38):
His sweet grace is always therewith us.
Goals are a great way to giveyour brain direction and focus.
When we have a vision, we findmotivation and inspiration.
Our lives become moreinteresting as we ignite our
passion, drive and determination.
There's a deep sense ofsatisfaction and purpose as we
(07:01):
live an intentional life,honoring our highest values.
As I aspire and do my goals, Igrow in knowledge, skills and
experiences.
I step into what God hasequipped me to do and discover
capabilities I didn't know I had.
And you can do that too.
As we persevere, we willdevelop character and our faith
(07:25):
will grow legs.
If you can't tell, i reallyvalue self-discipline.
However, i strongly believeit's important to have a certain
amount of flexibility,adaptability and an openness, so
that you don't become so rigidand unrelational.
Make space for the Lord to leadyou and in this way, you will
(07:47):
keep and step with a spiritduring the journey which is more
important than the achievedgoal.
Knowing Him in the process isthe goal.
Now, even though I love goals,my life is not defined by
achieving my goals.
I know achievement will notmake me a better or happier
person.
(08:07):
The reason you want to havegoals is to meaningfully direct
your life, opening yourself upfor growth, not to hit some
magical place where you havearrived, because, my friends, we
will never arrive until heaven.
We are always becoming who wealready are.
As you pursue your goals, iencourage you to enjoy the
(08:28):
present moment and experiencethe Lord in the process.
Let your goals be a means togreater connection, not
disconnection.
Anytime you set a goal, therewill be an obstacle, there will
be a reason not to do it,justifications for taking the
easy road and excuses to do thestatus quo.
(08:48):
Obstacles are actually a greatreason to set goals, as they
become an opportunity todiscipline your flesh and lean
into the spirit.
As you plan your course,remember it is the Lord who
establishes your steps.
We read that in Proverbs 16.9.
So, even as we face obstacles,we can trust in God's sovereign
(09:11):
plan and submit to His guidance.
The Bible often shows us thatthrough the process of wanting,
pressing on and facing obstacles, we can experience the
greatness of God.
In 2 Corinthians 12.9, paulrecounts the words of the Lord
to him My grace is sufficientfor you, for my power is made
(09:32):
perfect in weakness.
This teaches us that in ourmoments of weakness and
limitation, we can witness thepower of God working in and
through us.
Goals provide our brain withstructure, supervision and
direction.
To create the new results, wehave to think differently, which
will fuel new emotions leadingto the required actions.
(09:53):
You are going to be creating aresult in your life either way,
so don't you want to do it withintention?
So what are your aspirations?
What do you dream about?
What do you find yourselfwanting When you imagine your
future.
What is happening?
(10:14):
It's possible.
God gave you these desires as ameans of glorifying His name,
the attributes and tendencies Hehas given you, your personality
, the way He wired you.
It may be a natural way for youto love Him and love others.
As you contribute to thegreater whole.
(10:35):
With the gifts He has given you, you get to build up the body.
The Bible teaches that God hasgiven each person unique talents
and abilities.
In 1 Peter 4-10, believers areencouraged each of you should
use whatever gift you havereceived to serve others as
(10:55):
faithful stewards of God's gracein its various forms.
Oftentimes we find ourselvesstuck in the mindset of struggle
, where we're always putting outfires or surviving the
circumstances.
We may view our lives as beingat the effect of what is
happening around us, and so wedon't show up purposefully or
with intention.
(11:15):
I love the verse in 1Corinthians 10-31, whatever you
do, do it all for the glory ofGod, and Colossians 3-23 reminds
us in whatever you do, do itwith your whole heart.
So whether I'm working, eating,drinking or cleaning my house,
i can do that for the glory ofGod.
I can find purpose and meaningin my mundane and ordinary
(11:38):
things.
I don't have to just bereacting to my life.
Many of us want things and thatdesire causes us pain because it
reminds us of what we don'thave.
We are wanting from a place ofemptiness and not having already
.
And yet Scripture reminds meagain and again that I have all
(11:59):
that I need.
Always, i can want from a placeof wanting what I have already
and making petitions with praiseand thanksgiving.
Think about things in your lifethat you want already and thank
the Lord for those things.
So often we are so focused onwhat we don't want or things we
(12:20):
want that we don't have, that weget in a mindset of lack rather
than abundant, which is socrazy when our loving Father is
Lord of everything and takessuch good care of us.
I love to thank God for all Hehas given me.
Even as I ask for things Idesire.
I ask from that place of havingnot lack.
(12:44):
In Philippians 4, 11, and 12,the Apostle Paul writes I have
learned to be content whateverthe circumstances.
I know what it is to be in needand I know what it is to have
plenty.
I have learned the secret ofbeing content in any and every
situation.
This passage teaches us thattrue fulfillment and joy come
(13:05):
from a contented heart thatrests in God's provision and
trust in His plan.
Rather than being solelyfocused on achieving specific
goals or desires or attainingcertain things, it does not mean
we stop wanting or striving andpersevering in our lives.
I am including verses aboutpursuing goals, diligence,
(13:26):
working hard inside thescripture study this month for
those in clarity and courage, soI hope you check it out.
The bottom line is we can andwe should be intentional to
fulfill our purposes inaccordance to God's will, and we
should do so with a heart thatrelies on the Lord.
So now that I have shared myperspective on the Lord's
(13:49):
purpose and the purpose of Hispurpose, my perspective on
aspirations and goals, i want toshare some practical ways that
I approach goal setting.
The reason to set goals is tocreate a specific result.
So first you have to decidewhat result it is that you want.
This is your aspiration.
Look at where you are now andwhere you want to be.
(14:13):
What do you want to create thatdoesn't exist right now?
Some examples of new resultsare starting a business,
learning a new language, gettingstrong and lean, creating a
happy marriage, getting acertification or making a
positive impact in yourcommunity.
(14:34):
For those familiar with doingheart scans and models, put this
on your result line.
Whatever your aspiration is,whatever that result is you want
, put that on the result line ofyour model.
Now ask, if that result existed, what are all the actions I
took to get it?
(14:54):
Now you may not really knowwhat those actions will be.
This is a process of discovery.
I like to use the scientificmethod and make a hypothesis.
What do I think might work tocreate that result?
This becomes my goal.
If you want the results ofhaving a calm conversation, you
(15:17):
might set a goal of doing thefollowing things.
The first goal might be tomaintain a steady tone during
the conversation.
A second goal would be toactively listen to the other
person by not interrupting andasking questions that invite
sharing.
The third goal would be tomanage your emotional response
(15:38):
by noticing sensations in yourbody during the conversation and
just allowing them to be therewithout reacting.
Another type of result you maywant to create is hosting a
dinner party for eight people.
I like to go to the party in mymind, where everyone is seated
at the table, and then I workbackwards of how I got there?
(16:00):
What's on the table?
What's on the menu?
When do I cook the food?
What does my house look like?
My goals for hosting thisdinner party would look like
this First thing, i would createa menu and a shopping list.
What are all the things that Ineed to have this party?
(16:21):
I would then plan and prep whatfood I can make in advance.
I would also need to clean myhouse, and I love to do the
chore lottery.
It is a fun way to clean yourhouse.
So if I set aside time that I'mgoing to clean my house to get
ready for the party, i wouldwrite down all the things I need
to do The floors, the counters,the bathrooms, whatever all of
(16:45):
these.
Those things are the paperpiles.
I write them all down and thenI put them in a drawing and I
pick one at a time.
Whichever one I get, i do ituntil I complete the whole list.
That makes cleaning the house alittle bit more interesting and
fun, because you don't knowwhat's going to help happen next
and you don't get overwhelmedabout okay, where should I start
?
And another action that I wouldput on this list for hosting
(17:09):
the dinner party is make aschedule of when each thing will
be done the planning, theshopping, the cooking, the
cleaning.
So those are some examples ofthe actions, of the goals that
you would set to create theresult of a dinner party for
eight people.
You may also have goals thatrequire bigger commitments of
(17:31):
resources, time, money andenergy.
I like to be prayerful as Imake these commitments so I'm
clear on my decision of pursuingthe goal.
That way, when it gets hard, asgoals can, i'm able to
persevere, I'm able to have myback and to continue forward.
When I decided to start thispodcast, i felt like the idea
was there so very, very quietly,maybe for even a few years.
(17:54):
It was not something I feltpassionate about or I was even
really desirous of doing, butthere was this gentle nudging
that became stronger and clearer.
I believed that was the HolySpirit prompting me.
I felt like he put a quiet hintout there and then one day he
(18:14):
was like hey, girl, it's time.
It was gentle, but it was clearand I quickly followed, without
getting caught in thinkingabout it, because if I did, i
think I would have talked myselfout of it, thinking I was not
capable.
I would have gotten confusedabout the whole idea.
I could have thought it wasgoing to be too much work and
(18:34):
how am I going to find time forthis?
But I just quickly respondedwith okay, it's time I'm going
to do this.
So I went into this pursuit byfollowing the spirit's gentle
promptings.
I brought into it a gentle,trusting energy.
There were moments I was like,how am I going to get this done
(18:55):
every week?
What have I gotten into?
But I would just feel the Lordwhisper to me I got you, don't
you worry.
I then told myself well, in ayear, if this doesn't seem
fruitful, i can say I did it andthen I can be done.
And so I don't know where Iwill be in a year.
But I have seen so much fruitalready and I've sensed the
(19:16):
spirit's presence helping me andleading me.
There is a striving andpersevering and taking on
something like this.
It's a lot of work.
You don't just sit back andwait for a podcast to just
appear with your name on it.
I have created a process formyself which includes a creation
and recording schedule, alongwith a map of future episodes.
(19:38):
I'm on top of this work so thatit won't become burdensome.
I have to be very diligent toproduce one podcast a week on
top of everything else that Iwas already doing.
So there is an aspiration, a newresult.
I'm moving toward it and I havegoals, actions that I take to
(20:00):
make it happen.
If I didn't take those actionsthen it wouldn't happen.
But equally important to thethings that I'm doing is the
energy I bring into the process.
The energy that is what isfueling the actions, and the
energy that I am intentionallybringing into this is peace.
(20:20):
The thought creating thatfeeling of peace is the Lord is
leading and providing for me.
That makes me feel reallypeaceful.
When I feel peaceful, i am ableto press on and move forward in
a way that is clear andconfident.
I really believe that.
(20:40):
I believe the Lord is leadingand that He will provide.
I can feel the peace and I giveeach podcast production over to
the Lord.
I relax, i let go and Idiligently follow a schedule,
creating time to create recordand plan.
So whether a million peoplelisten to my podcast or not, it
(21:02):
doesn't matter Who I become andwhat I discover in the process
of making it.
That is worth its weight ingold.
So what are your aspirations?
How are you making them areality?
What is the energy fuelingthose actions.
What do you have to believe tocreate that energy?
(21:23):
The journey of life and faithinvolves exploring your heart's
desires, recognizing your ownbiniteness, relying on God's
strength, persevering throughchallenges and surrendering to
His will.
In this process, we canexperience the greatness of God,
growing faith and character andultimately, we find our
(21:46):
strength and hope in Him.
I've loved talking to you todayabout aspirations and goals.
I'm going to be cheering you on, knowing that God can show you
His love as you turn toward Him.
Trust Him with all your desires.
It's been my pleasure to spendthis time with you and I will
talk to you again soon.
You are listening to the Happiest Lives podcast with
Jill Lillard, episode number 16.
Welcome to the Happiest Livespodcast, where you'll learn to
think better, feel better andbecome the woman God says you
already are.
Here's your host, jill Lillard.
Hey friends, thanks for joiningme today.
I'm really excited to be herethis month as we consider the
(00:24):
concept of being and doing.
Let's talk about aspirationsand goals.
You might not think so, butthese concepts are very
relational in nature, as theyare about our relationship with
ourselves, our creator and theworld around us.
When you are being the womanGod called you to be abiding in
(00:45):
his truth, you will not belooking for your marriage or
other people to fill you up andmake you happier.
You will recognize there is somuch more to your life.
We enjoy relationships when wearen't expecting people to meet
our deepest longings or give usworth.
In the same way, we enjoy ourachievements when we aren't
(01:07):
idolizing them, expecting themto give us something that only
God can.
If your thoughts create yourfeelings, which fuel your
actions, which get you results,then you can see that there is a
relationship between youraspirations, the results you are
getting and the things you do.
Though they are related, thereis a distinction between our
(01:28):
aspirations and goals.
Aspirations reflect our desires, dreams, values, that long-term
vision.
They encompass our spiritualbeliefs, interests and the
desire for purpose andfulfillment.
All the things that you wantand pray for are your
aspirations.
Goals, on the other hand, aremore concrete and
(01:51):
action-oriented, typicallyfocused on tangible outcomes
within a defined timeframe.
They serve as the means torealize our aspirations, acting
as the building blocks that leadus closer to our broader vision
.
Let's say you aspire to becomea successful writer.
Your goals might includecompleting several writing
(02:13):
projects, attending workshops orsubmitting your work to
publishers.
These goals align with youraspiration of becoming a writer,
helping you move closer tofulfilling your vision.
If you aspire to be a happywife, your goals might include
using the talk table to havecalm conversations, looking at a
(02:34):
daily heart scan to manage yourmind and emotions better, and
identifying five ways you'retrying to change your husband
and replacing those with actionsthat help you take 100%
ownership for yourself.
When I think of the overarchingaspiration of my life to live my
life for the glory of God thisaspiration becomes a belief and
(02:57):
a result I want to create withmy life, to make it concrete and
tangible.
I then ask myself what are theactions, the things I'm doing
that help me make that vision areality?
These are my goals To createand live out this result.
There are four goals For dailyactions I take that fall under
(03:18):
this aspiration.
One is I'm very intentional toread or listen to my Bible daily
, asking the Lord to show me whoHe is and what He desires.
I also find time to pause dailyand ask the Lord to search for
my heart and renew my mind.
What this looks like for me isI sit down with a pen and a
(03:39):
journal each morning and a cupof coffee, using the heart scan
process to engage with the Lordand be prayerful about whatever
comes up, including attitudes ofmy heart, decisions I need to
make and results I'm creating.
Throughout the day, iintentionally center my energy
on the Lord.
I do this by playing worshipmusic in my car and speaking out
loud my own words or scripturesthat exalt the name of God,
(04:02):
which sounds something like thisJesus, I worship you and I
exalt your name With all ofcreation, with the sun, moon and
stars.
I praise you.
You are great and worthy ofpraise.
Holy is your name.
Lastly, i view myself inrelationship to the greater
(04:23):
whole where we're all part ofone body.
I ask the Lord to show me, inspecific situations, how to love
others more.
As I make decisions, i look notjust to my own interests but
also to the interests of others,not to gain approval from other
people, but as a way to honorthe Lord and express His love.
Mark 12, 30 and 31 reads Youshall love the Lord, your God,
(04:46):
with all your heart, with allyour soul, all your mind, all
your strength.
The second is this You shalllove your neighbor as yourself.
There is no commandment greaterthan these.
Loving God and loving others isthe heart's desire of a
spirit-filled person, and as webring our desires to the Lord in
prayer, he will align them withthe desires of His heart Within
(05:11):
each of us.
God has given us giftings,personalities and interests.
He made us uniquely, and so,though we have a shared
aspiration of knowing and lovingGod, he also gives us specific
heart longings and callings.
I don't know about you, but Ilove to have goals.
I know some people argue thatgoals get in the way of just
(05:34):
being present in our lives andrelying on the Lord to lead us
and provide, but I think theopposite, because I am
intentional with my time in whatI do, i am able to be more
present in my life.
As I push myself and live adisciplined life, i rely on the
Lord to lead and provide for meas I cast off all that hinders.
(05:54):
I like to do my goals in such away that I'm not striving to
earn or be something.
I do them from a place of beingand having.
I love the imagery in Hebrews12 where we imagine that we're
running the race of our life,persevering, pressing on toward
(06:18):
the prize ahead of us, with acloud of witnesses who have gone
before us.
We run in partnership with theHoly Spirit that dwells inside
of us, and so it's very excitingand life-giving, even when you
come to the end of yourself,because you can find the eyes of
Jesus and know it doesn't alldepend on you.
(06:38):
His sweet grace is always therewith us.
Goals are a great way to giveyour brain direction and focus.
When we have a vision, we findmotivation and inspiration.
Our lives become moreinteresting as we ignite our
passion, drive and determination.
There's a deep sense ofsatisfaction and purpose as we
(07:01):
live an intentional life,honoring our highest values.
As I aspire and do my goals, Igrow in knowledge, skills and
experiences.
I step into what God hasequipped me to do and discover
capabilities I didn't know I had.
And you can do that too.
As we persevere, we willdevelop character and our faith
(07:25):
will grow legs.
If you can't tell, i reallyvalue self-discipline.
However, i strongly believeit's important to have a certain
amount of flexibility,adaptability and an openness, so
that you don't become so rigidand unrelational.
Make space for the Lord to leadyou and in this way, you will
(07:47):
keep and step with a spiritduring the journey which is more
important than the achievedgoal.
Knowing Him in the process isthe goal.
Now, even though I love goals,my life is not defined by
achieving my goals.
I know achievement will notmake me a better or happier
person.
(08:07):
The reason you want to havegoals is to meaningfully direct
your life, opening yourself upfor growth, not to hit some
magical place where you havearrived, because, my friends, we
will never arrive until heaven.
We are always becoming who wealready are.
As you pursue your goals, iencourage you to enjoy the
(08:28):
present moment and experiencethe Lord in the process.
Let your goals be a means togreater connection, not
disconnection.
Anytime you set a goal, therewill be an obstacle, there will
be a reason not to do it,justifications for taking the
easy road and excuses to do thestatus quo.
(08:48):
Obstacles are actually a greatreason to set goals, as they
become an opportunity todiscipline your flesh and lean
into the spirit.
As you plan your course,remember it is the Lord who
establishes your steps.
We read that in Proverbs 16.9.
So, even as we face obstacles,we can trust in God's sovereign
(09:11):
plan and submit to His guidance.
The Bible often shows us thatthrough the process of wanting,
pressing on and facing obstacles, we can experience the
greatness of God.
In 2 Corinthians 12.9, paulrecounts the words of the Lord
to him My grace is sufficientfor you, for my power is made
(09:32):
perfect in weakness.
This teaches us that in ourmoments of weakness and
limitation, we can witness thepower of God working in and
through us.
Goals provide our brain withstructure, supervision and
direction.
To create the new results, wehave to think differently, which
will fuel new emotions leadingto the required actions.
(09:53):
You are going to be creating aresult in your life either way,
so don't you want to do it withintention?
So what are your aspirations?
What do you dream about?
What do you find yourselfwanting When you imagine your
future.
What is happening?
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It's possible.
God gave you these desires as ameans of glorifying His name,
the attributes and tendencies Hehas given you, your personality
, the way He wired you.
It may be a natural way for youto love Him and love others.
As you contribute to thegreater whole.
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With the gifts He has given you, you get to build up the body.
The Bible teaches that God hasgiven each person unique talents
and abilities.
In 1 Peter 4-10, believers areencouraged each of you should
use whatever gift you havereceived to serve others as
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faithful stewards of God's gracein its various forms.
Oftentimes we find ourselvesstuck in the mindset of struggle
, where we're always putting outfires or surviving the
circumstances.
We may view our lives as beingat the effect of what is
happening around us, and so wedon't show up purposefully or
with intention.
(11:15):
I love the verse in 1Corinthians 10-31, whatever you
do, do it all for the glory ofGod, and Colossians 3-23 reminds
us in whatever you do, do itwith your whole heart.
So whether I'm working, eating,drinking or cleaning my house,
i can do that for the glory ofGod.
I can find purpose and meaningin my mundane and ordinary
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things.
I don't have to just bereacting to my life.
Many of us want things and thatdesire causes us pain because it
reminds us of what we don'thave.
We are wanting from a place ofemptiness and not having already
.
And yet Scripture reminds meagain and again that I have all
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that I need.
Always, i can want from a placeof wanting what I have already
and making petitions with praiseand thanksgiving.
Think about things in your lifethat you want already and thank
the Lord for those things.
So often we are so focused onwhat we don't want or things we
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want that we don't have, that weget in a mindset of lack rather
than abundant, which is socrazy when our loving Father is
Lord of everything and takessuch good care of us.
I love to thank God for all Hehas given me.
Even as I ask for things Idesire.
I ask from that place of havingnot lack.
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In Philippians 4, 11, and 12,the Apostle Paul writes I have
learned to be content whateverthe circumstances.
I know what it is to be in needand I know what it is to have
plenty.
I have learned the secret ofbeing content in any and every
situation.
This passage teaches us thattrue fulfillment and joy come
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from a contented heart thatrests in God's provision and
trust in His plan.
Rather than being solelyfocused on achieving specific
goals or desires or attainingcertain things, it does not mean
we stop wanting or striving andpersevering in our lives.
I am including verses aboutpursuing goals, diligence,
(13:26):
working hard inside thescripture study this month for
those in clarity and courage, soI hope you check it out.
The bottom line is we can andwe should be intentional to
fulfill our purposes inaccordance to God's will, and we
should do so with a heart thatrelies on the Lord.
So now that I have shared myperspective on the Lord's
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purpose and the purpose of Hispurpose, my perspective on
aspirations and goals, i want toshare some practical ways that
I approach goal setting.
The reason to set goals is tocreate a specific result.
So first you have to decidewhat result it is that you want.
This is your aspiration.
Look at where you are now andwhere you want to be.
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What do you want to create thatdoesn't exist right now?
Some examples of new resultsare starting a business,
learning a new language, gettingstrong and lean, creating a
happy marriage, getting acertification or making a
positive impact in yourcommunity.
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For those familiar with doingheart scans and models, put this
on your result line.
Whatever your aspiration is,whatever that result is you want
, put that on the result line ofyour model.
Now ask, if that result existed, what are all the actions I
took to get it?
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Now you may not really knowwhat those actions will be.
This is a process of discovery.
I like to use the scientificmethod and make a hypothesis.
What do I think might work tocreate that result?
This becomes my goal.
If you want the results ofhaving a calm conversation, you
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might set a goal of doing thefollowing things.
The first goal might be tomaintain a steady tone during
the conversation.
A second goal would be toactively listen to the other
person by not interrupting andasking questions that invite
sharing.
The third goal would be tomanage your emotional response
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by noticing sensations in yourbody during the conversation and
just allowing them to be therewithout reacting.
Another type of result you maywant to create is hosting a
dinner party for eight people.
I like to go to the party in mymind, where everyone is seated
at the table, and then I workbackwards of how I got there?
(16:00):
What's on the table?
What's on the menu?
When do I cook the food?
What does my house look like?
My goals for hosting thisdinner party would look like
this First thing, i would createa menu and a shopping list.
What are all the things that Ineed to have this party?
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I would then plan and prep whatfood I can make in advance.
I would also need to clean myhouse, and I love to do the
chore lottery.
It is a fun way to clean yourhouse.
So if I set aside time that I'mgoing to clean my house to get
ready for the party, i wouldwrite down all the things I need
to do The floors, the counters,the bathrooms, whatever all of
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these.
Those things are the paperpiles.
I write them all down and thenI put them in a drawing and I
pick one at a time.
Whichever one I get, i do ituntil I complete the whole list.
That makes cleaning the house alittle bit more interesting and
fun, because you don't knowwhat's going to help happen next
and you don't get overwhelmedabout okay, where should I start
?
And another action that I wouldput on this list for hosting
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the dinner party is make aschedule of when each thing will
be done the planning, theshopping, the cooking, the
cleaning.
So those are some examples ofthe actions, of the goals that
you would set to create theresult of a dinner party for
eight people.
You may also have goals thatrequire bigger commitments of
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resources, time, money andenergy.
I like to be prayerful as Imake these commitments so I'm
clear on my decision of pursuingthe goal.
That way, when it gets hard, asgoals can, i'm able to
persevere, I'm able to have myback and to continue forward.
When I decided to start thispodcast, i felt like the idea
was there so very, very quietly,maybe for even a few years.
(17:54):
It was not something I feltpassionate about or I was even
really desirous of doing, butthere was this gentle nudging
that became stronger and clearer.
I believed that was the HolySpirit prompting me.
I felt like he put a quiet hintout there and then one day he
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was like hey, girl, it's time.
It was gentle, but it was clearand I quickly followed, without
getting caught in thinkingabout it, because if I did, i
think I would have talked myselfout of it, thinking I was not
capable.
I would have gotten confusedabout the whole idea.
I could have thought it wasgoing to be too much work and
(18:34):
how am I going to find time forthis?
But I just quickly respondedwith okay, it's time I'm going
to do this.
So I went into this pursuit byfollowing the spirit's gentle
promptings.
I brought into it a gentle,trusting energy.
There were moments I was like,how am I going to get this done
(18:55):
every week?
What have I gotten into?
But I would just feel the Lordwhisper to me I got you, don't
you worry.
I then told myself well, in ayear, if this doesn't seem
fruitful, i can say I did it andthen I can be done.
And so I don't know where Iwill be in a year.
But I have seen so much fruitalready and I've sensed the
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spirit's presence helping me andleading me.
There is a striving andpersevering and taking on
something like this.
It's a lot of work.
You don't just sit back andwait for a podcast to just
appear with your name on it.
I have created a process formyself which includes a creation
and recording schedule, alongwith a map of future episodes.
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I'm on top of this work so thatit won't become burdensome.
I have to be very diligent toproduce one podcast a week on
top of everything else that Iwas already doing.
So there is an aspiration, a newresult.
I'm moving toward it and I havegoals, actions that I take to
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make it happen.
If I didn't take those actionsthen it wouldn't happen.
But equally important to thethings that I'm doing is the
energy I bring into the process.
The energy that is what isfueling the actions, and the
energy that I am intentionallybringing into this is peace.
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The thought creating thatfeeling of peace is the Lord is
leading and providing for me.
That makes me feel reallypeaceful.
When I feel peaceful, i am ableto press on and move forward in
a way that is clear andconfident.
I really believe that.
(20:40):
I believe the Lord is leadingand that He will provide.
I can feel the peace and I giveeach podcast production over to
the Lord.
I relax, i let go and Idiligently follow a schedule,
creating time to create recordand plan.
So whether a million peoplelisten to my podcast or not, it
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doesn't matter Who I become andwhat I discover in the process
of making it.
That is worth its weight ingold.
So what are your aspirations?
How are you making them areality?
What is the energy fuelingthose actions.
What do you have to believe tocreate that energy?
(21:23):
The journey of life and faithinvolves exploring your heart's
desires, recognizing your ownbiniteness, relying on God's
strength, persevering throughchallenges and surrendering to
His will.
In this process, we canexperience the greatness of God,
growing faith and character andultimately, we find our
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strength and hope in Him.
I've loved talking to you todayabout aspirations and goals.
I'm going to be cheering you on, knowing that God can show you
His love as you turn toward Him.
Trust Him with all your desires.
It's been my pleasure to spendthis time with you and I will
talk to you again soon.
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