Emerging Courageous Newsletter 51 temp Marilyn Dixon Pfanstiel

Emerging Courageous Newsletter 51
Marilyn Dixon Pfanstiel, Editor
Feb. 9, 2004

Last week I asked you "What is God leading you to do in your life? What is your purpose?"
Have you spent any time contemplating that question? Many of us only contemplate that question when we are having difficulties in our life or we are forced to make serious life changes. In the past ten years I have reflected on this idea periodically. I have found that putting things down in writing seems to make the thoughts more realistic and reasonable. Journaling or doing "Morning Pages": putting thoughts, worries, concerns, joys, hopes, dreams down in black and white, all seems to help me look at things more objectively, less emotionally. As we face adversity and look within for strength, we can emerge victorious. Take time to pause and think...What is my purpose? Marilyn

*There were many responses from last weeks newsletter so I wanted to share some with you. MP

***"What is God leading you to do in your life? What is your purpose?"

* " It does seem God is using me in so many ways, it is exciting to get up each morning and meet the world, knowing God is in control. I think my purpose in life is to glorify Him with my life. I believe He also desires me to encourage and inspire others, and to stimulate them to think upon their blessings. I also think He wants me to show others there is joy and humor amidst adversity and the mundane. It seems at this time he is calling me to write and to speak; tomorrow he will lead me into what it is he desires. I am excited to see what will be next! Betty King

* "God has an ever-growing plan and purpose for you...And you are called to continue to pursue the goals that God has helped you set for your life." shared by Teh Eng Chuan [email protected] email for the article on "Persisting Until You Succeed" by Dr. Charles Stanley.

I* Isn't life such the gift that we can do whatever we desire? So few amongst the 6,000,000,000 people on earth recognize that they are blessed. Some of us are just coming to realize what this means." Tony DeLiso

*Know that you are perfect in your imperfections, for you are just as you need to be for this life experience. You are standing just where you need to stand to learn the next thing, experience the next thing, be the next thing, grow into the next thing you can and will be." Quadro shared by Carrie Hart

*"I wasn't always easy to put my thoughts into words but I have learned a lot from living in pain and I have great friends who encouraged me to write as a way to cope and to heal a lot of emotional pain. Here are some poems
and my pain story on my "In My World" website found here: http://ca.geocities.com/ladyinpain2002/ I have written
much on friendship, faith and hope and many other things. God chose to put me on this path in life and it was up to
me to find out just what it was I was supposed to do with it but now that I have, everything is totally great! How I
wish everyone could come to see the world as I do...not perfect...but anything is possible if you simply open yourself
up to it."... Love N Hugs, Ruth Gallant

* Check out "The Purpose Driven Life" by Rick Warren. "But there is a God who made you for a reason, and your life has profound meaning! " shared by Grace .

*Perks Pearl of Wisdom: "Never believe in anything but "I can!" It always leads to "I will", "I did" and "I'm glad!"
Bob Perks

* "Each of us has a spark of life inside us, and our highest endeavor ought to be to set off that spark in one another." by Kenny Ausubel shared by bette tolnai

***Humorous Quote:
*"You'll notice that a turtle only makes progress when it sticks out its neck." author unknown. sent in by Bette Tolnai

***Check out this site: Sir Froggie's Positive News Network http://www.sfpnn.com/
Please join me in welcoming SFPNN’s newest Featured Author, Aunt Bette! A recent SFPNN subscriber, Aunt Bette, has been a wonderful source of motivation and inspiration as she’s taken the time to write and contribute positive tidbits on a regular basis. Look for Aunt Bette’s award-winning selections every Friday in SFPNN and on her webpage at: http://www.sfpnn.com/aunt_bette.htm.

Don't say you're not important,
It simply isn't true,
The fact that you were born,
Is proof, God has a plan for you.

Enjoy the novel as it reads,
It will stand throughout the ages,
Savor each chapter as you go,
Taking time to turn the pages.

author unknown
shared by Malta
*If you know the author of this poem, please notify me. Marilyn

***More From the Mailbag:
* "Thank you so much for your time and sharing my poems with your readers of the wonderful magazine you are putting out.
I will surely pass the word to others as I have opportunity too. Hugs and keep on writing...you are a real treasure God has opened for us to share your wealth of talents. Hugs and God bless and keep you and all you love today and always with HIS angels all round all. "Leona Ebling P.S. So blessed to have you for a friend and editor. Praise God for you and for your labors sharing with us. I am always honored to have my writings in your magazine.
Thank you. Leona

* "I have enjoyed my visit to your site. Your work is wonderful. I love your stories of courage and found them inspirational. Thank you so much for sharing them with the world!" Karen