Life is so daily, a quote by a dear friend of mine from my book, Re-Set. Life has been filled with some twists and turns since posting question 5. As is true for most of us, the unexpected is around every corner. Look with me at question #6 from chapter 1.
What wounds has God allowed in order to produce in you the character that accurately reflects His Son, Jesus?
In Chapter 1 we looked at the concept of sharing our individual journey of pain in order to assist others in their journey through the lessons we have learned. The statement in the chapter says that at times our loving Creator will allow a wound in order to produce the character in us that accurately reflects the nature of Jesus.
It is not that we have a masochistic God that desires to harm us. On the contrary. He wishes to bless us however at times we get in the way of His plan. When we get a splinter we do what we can to remove the obstruction. In our character surgery by Holy Spirit at times a wound occurs. We can push back against the process of realignment that or we can evaluate what changes we need to make in order to move forward in our quest to be more like Christ.
Next time a wound occurs, step back, evaluate what opportunity you may have been given for realignment, ask for His help in making the changes that will propel you forward and celebrate whatever growth you realize, by trusting Him with and in the pain.
Saturday, July 8, 2017
Sunday, May 21, 2017
Re-Set, Chapter 1, Question 5
When you fall, do you see yourself as up, or getting up?
The book opens with the line: "I get up, I get up, I get up." Think for a minute about the last time you had a 'fall' or a 'fail'. For many, the internal dialogue begins to rehearse all the previous failures that have occurred along life's path. It requires intentionality to change the internal dialogue. It is indeed possible to change your outlook on the circumstances that impact you and me. The choice to change begins before the crisis occurs. A plan is established that will assist you in maneuvering the pitfalls that are inevitable in each life. Begin now to formulate a plan of how you can respond differently the next time you experience a 'fall'. As you apply this process over time it will become a habit and before long it will be automatic rather than focused redirection. So for now, decide how you would like your next situation to play out, make a plan and determine you will follow your plan.
The book opens with the line: "I get up, I get up, I get up." Think for a minute about the last time you had a 'fall' or a 'fail'. For many, the internal dialogue begins to rehearse all the previous failures that have occurred along life's path. It requires intentionality to change the internal dialogue. It is indeed possible to change your outlook on the circumstances that impact you and me. The choice to change begins before the crisis occurs. A plan is established that will assist you in maneuvering the pitfalls that are inevitable in each life. Begin now to formulate a plan of how you can respond differently the next time you experience a 'fall'. As you apply this process over time it will become a habit and before long it will be automatic rather than focused redirection. So for now, decide how you would like your next situation to play out, make a plan and determine you will follow your plan.
Saturday, May 13, 2017
Re-Set, Chapter 1 Question 4
What is your authentic core? When you hear the word 'authentic' what pictures or words come to mind? Some think of the following words: real, new, genuine. An online dictionary adds this: representing one’s true nature or beliefs; true to oneself or to the person identified. How can we apply those definitions to our own core person? I like the description in the Velveteen Rabbit: "Real isn't how you are made, it is a thing that happens to you. It takes a longtime. generally by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, your eyes drop out and you get loose in the joints and very shabby. But these things don't matter because once you are Real you can't be ugly, except to people who don't understand."
That is quite an unflattering description of the process of life well lived. We enter the world with no preconceived ideas or plans. We develop our life outlook as we grow and mature. We have strengths and weaknesses that emerge. We have likes and dislikes. We develop personality attributes. All these are part of our growth process. Somewhere in the fray, life has unexpected moments that visit us. Each of us respond differently to these collisions. We begin to develop defense mechanisms to navigate the unexpected. It is natural to respond in this way. These responses become part of our core. When I asked the question, 'What is your authentic core" most of us struggle to answer that. I struggled to answer that. Then I took the time to dissect the process of 'becoming' which I described above. As I removed one layer at a time I was able to identify my strengths and weaknesses, my calling, my personality strengths, my intellectual and spiritual strengths, and the avenues that aligned with my destiny.
Untangling life takes intentional time, effort, patience, encouragement and drive. My hope is that the information in the book, Re-Set, will assist you in that process.
That is quite an unflattering description of the process of life well lived. We enter the world with no preconceived ideas or plans. We develop our life outlook as we grow and mature. We have strengths and weaknesses that emerge. We have likes and dislikes. We develop personality attributes. All these are part of our growth process. Somewhere in the fray, life has unexpected moments that visit us. Each of us respond differently to these collisions. We begin to develop defense mechanisms to navigate the unexpected. It is natural to respond in this way. These responses become part of our core. When I asked the question, 'What is your authentic core" most of us struggle to answer that. I struggled to answer that. Then I took the time to dissect the process of 'becoming' which I described above. As I removed one layer at a time I was able to identify my strengths and weaknesses, my calling, my personality strengths, my intellectual and spiritual strengths, and the avenues that aligned with my destiny.
Untangling life takes intentional time, effort, patience, encouragement and drive. My hope is that the information in the book, Re-Set, will assist you in that process.
Saturday, April 29, 2017
Question #3 from Chapter 1 of Re-Set, The Challenge of Soul Changes states:
Have you stepped away from the familiar to experience the extraordinary?
This is a tough concept to wrestle with. Most people get into ruts that feel 'safe' and rarely move beyond them. Most of us like the comfort of safety and do not willingly move toward the unknown with arms open wide. What would provoke you or motivate you to step out of the mundane or the monotony of the ordinary and reach for more? At times, life events move us in those directions. Most often we are not challenged externally to do so. That leaves internal motivation. If we are not moving forward in our personal growth we are stagnating. It is impossible to stay in self created ruts of routine and move forward in growth. Think with me for a minute about stagnation. Have you ever viewed water that is sitting in a pond that has no external feed and no outlet. It becomes putrid and stagnant. The water smells and is unhealthy for water creatures. So too is our life without internal growth. We become stagnant and the filter of our outlook, in-look and up look is skewed. If I am unable to see clearly then all my decisions will be affected. So the choice of ordinary vs. extraordinary boils down to stagnation or freshness. The beauty of life is that you get to choose.
Have you stepped away from the familiar to experience the extraordinary?
This is a tough concept to wrestle with. Most people get into ruts that feel 'safe' and rarely move beyond them. Most of us like the comfort of safety and do not willingly move toward the unknown with arms open wide. What would provoke you or motivate you to step out of the mundane or the monotony of the ordinary and reach for more? At times, life events move us in those directions. Most often we are not challenged externally to do so. That leaves internal motivation. If we are not moving forward in our personal growth we are stagnating. It is impossible to stay in self created ruts of routine and move forward in growth. Think with me for a minute about stagnation. Have you ever viewed water that is sitting in a pond that has no external feed and no outlet. It becomes putrid and stagnant. The water smells and is unhealthy for water creatures. So too is our life without internal growth. We become stagnant and the filter of our outlook, in-look and up look is skewed. If I am unable to see clearly then all my decisions will be affected. So the choice of ordinary vs. extraordinary boils down to stagnation or freshness. The beauty of life is that you get to choose.
Monday, March 27, 2017
Re-set, teaching 2
What is a soul inventory? Our soul is our mind, emotions and will. A soul inventory would include checking on what thoughts are on ‘repeat’ in our mind, what emotions might be out of control in our responses and if our will is lining up with the God, if that is your belief system. All of us have work to do in this area. All of us can find areas to improve on. Many times we are unaware of reoccurring thoughts that plague us. Often our emotions lead us down roads that we would not have chosen if we thought more about the path. Take time to do a self inventory.
Friday, March 24, 2017
Re-Set, The Challenge of Soul Change Teaching 1
Here is the first teaching from Re-Set Chapter 1.
I have found over the years that there is something to learn each time the familiar in my life shifts. I can choose to ignore the changes or I can dissect them and learn from them. It is often much less difficult to continue on and ignore the glaringly obvious rather than do the hard work of change. What do you do when you realize that a relationship you have is unhealthy for you or even damaging? You could choose to stay in the relationship. You could choose to end the relationship. You could choose to confront the dysfunction and work through it. Whatever path you choose, an important consideration is to make the changes that are the right changes for you. What path do you choose when you realize that you are in a job that is unfulfilling or even stifling? Do you stay because the money is good or it is simply easier to stay than start over, mean while your soul is in atrophy mode? Daily we have lessons that impact our lives. What are you learning from the lessons? Which lessons need attention first? What is your best approach to making the changes you need to make?
I have found over the years that there is something to learn each time the familiar in my life shifts. I can choose to ignore the changes or I can dissect them and learn from them. It is often much less difficult to continue on and ignore the glaringly obvious rather than do the hard work of change. What do you do when you realize that a relationship you have is unhealthy for you or even damaging? You could choose to stay in the relationship. You could choose to end the relationship. You could choose to confront the dysfunction and work through it. Whatever path you choose, an important consideration is to make the changes that are the right changes for you. What path do you choose when you realize that you are in a job that is unfulfilling or even stifling? Do you stay because the money is good or it is simply easier to stay than start over, mean while your soul is in atrophy mode? Daily we have lessons that impact our lives. What are you learning from the lessons? Which lessons need attention first? What is your best approach to making the changes you need to make?
Thursday, March 23, 2017
Re-Set, The Challenge of Soul Change
Hi all you fellow sojourners. I have updated my website to reflect the launch of my new book called, Re-Set, The Challenge of Soul Change. This book has been a 2.5 year process of writing, rewriting, editing, wrestling with concepts, learning about being a better writer and having fun with the process. This has been perhaps one of the most difficult and most rewarding parts of my journey to this date. I hope you will take a moment to check out my updated website and my new book. Here is my opening statement in chapter 1:
"The hardest work you will ever do is work on you. I live, I love, I try, I fail, I fall down, I get up, I get up, I get up." If life has knocked you down repeatedly this book offers you encouragement and ideas about getting back up. You will be encouraged as you are exposed to the difficult life journeys, tragedies and triumphs of 3 people who continue to become, 'more like Jesus one day at a time.' Blessings on your path...
https://www.amazon.com/Re-Set-Challenge-Change-Brenda-Vanderpool/dp/1540492982/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1490311826&sr=8-1&keywords=re-set+the+challenge+of+soul+change
"The hardest work you will ever do is work on you. I live, I love, I try, I fail, I fall down, I get up, I get up, I get up." If life has knocked you down repeatedly this book offers you encouragement and ideas about getting back up. You will be encouraged as you are exposed to the difficult life journeys, tragedies and triumphs of 3 people who continue to become, 'more like Jesus one day at a time.' Blessings on your path...
https://www.amazon.com/Re-Set-Challenge-Change-Brenda-Vanderpool/dp/1540492982/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1490311826&sr=8-1&keywords=re-set+the+challenge+of+soul+change
Tuesday, February 9, 2016
So I have been busy getting a couple books published on Amazon. I am going to be posting excerpts from these books for a few weeks for your enjoyment and edification. The books are available on Amazon.
Here is the first entry from Intentional Pauses Volume I.
ABANDONMENT
Some will associate this word abandonment with a negative event that may have occurred in their life at some point. Others will find solace in this word. It is interesting to consider one word with two very different connotations. If this word is associated with distress in your vocabulary I will offer you an alternative association to bring balance to your struggle. The waves in this picture abandon themselves to the greater force of the sea. They are at the mercy of the great body of water that tugs them from shore to shore. Their beauty is not diminished in their abandonment, rather it is increased as each wave yields itself to be formed and absorbed as the sea would choose. As you yield yourself to your Creator and abandon your will to His will He is free to shape you and use you as He chooses. He forms you into a beautiful creation that you cannot yet imagine or fathom. His desire is that in your abandonment you can be conformed to His image and reflect His glory. When you consider this word abandonment in the future consider a ‘free-fall’ into His waiting arms of grace and allow Him to conform you more deeply into His image. Romans 12:2…be transformed (NLT)
Here is the first entry from Intentional Pauses Volume I.
ABANDONMENT
Some will associate this word abandonment with a negative event that may have occurred in their life at some point. Others will find solace in this word. It is interesting to consider one word with two very different connotations. If this word is associated with distress in your vocabulary I will offer you an alternative association to bring balance to your struggle. The waves in this picture abandon themselves to the greater force of the sea. They are at the mercy of the great body of water that tugs them from shore to shore. Their beauty is not diminished in their abandonment, rather it is increased as each wave yields itself to be formed and absorbed as the sea would choose. As you yield yourself to your Creator and abandon your will to His will He is free to shape you and use you as He chooses. He forms you into a beautiful creation that you cannot yet imagine or fathom. His desire is that in your abandonment you can be conformed to His image and reflect His glory. When you consider this word abandonment in the future consider a ‘free-fall’ into His waiting arms of grace and allow Him to conform you more deeply into His image. Romans 12:2…be transformed (NLT)
Tuesday, November 3, 2015
Destiny: DO IT NOW
I heard someone speaking Sunday and he said, “Do It Now.” That “it” may be different for each of us with our differing talents and interests. Regardless of our “it”, the time is now for some to move toward their “it”.
I have been waiting for the timing to pursue my “it” and the revelation of what that would be for me. I have known for eons that I have something to do, a destiny calling to me, a greater work to be done, more lives to impact. I have felt like Moses wandering in the desert for 40 years. Some of us take a long time to train! All I had learned previously had to be unlearned so it could be relearned correctly or at least at a deeper level and more accurately. During my desert wanderings I have experienced heartache and loss of loved ones, changes in career, changes in location, a dismantling of my pride and arrogance, agonizing periods of silence longing to hear the voice of my Father calling to me in His still small voice. I have asked God for great things not realizing that the prep time would require such obliteration of me at my core.
So you may be asking what is relevant to you if you have stopped by my blog to check it out. You may be wondering how I have described a chapter from the book of your journey. You may be glad that you have not had to walk my path. Here is some great news, not everyone has to live in the desert to get the deep things that God wants to implant in you. Some of us, however, must take that path so that all that is not of God is decimated and replaced with His character. Is the work done, certainly not. Has the surrender to the process moved me toward my destiny, a resounding yes.
I called this post, “Destiny”. There are many books about this topic, many articles written, self help books and programs and a litany of other information. Unhesitatingly I say that 5 steps of this or 10 changes here or there will not reveal your destiny, nor change you enough to move you into place in your purpose. I have written a book, not yet published, with a chapter dedicated to discussing the purpose of our lives being the process we go through to transform into Christ likeness. Our destiny is using what we have learned in the process to make a difference where we are directed to go.
I started a blog a couple years ago just to test the waters and determine if I enjoyed blogging. After a few entries I let it set. I started different blog a year ago and again after a few entries I let it set. I am revisiting the venue of blogging because of the “Do it now” message I heard today. Of a few things I am certain: I like to write, I enjoyed setting up the blog space, I still had much to learn before I became a regular blogger, I still have much to learn, I am beginning to have glimpses of what I was created to do, and lastly for now, I have never given up, only sought different paths to move toward my destiny.
Today I leave you with some questions:
What is your destiny? What hope or dreams burns in you that you have never let go of?
What are your gifts and talents that could be used in that area?
Have you surrendered yourself to the Creator to let Him form in you what only He can?
We will talk more next time about Destiny, Purpose, Process and possibly some other things. Until then, keep your forward momentum!
Brenda
I heard someone speaking Sunday and he said, “Do It Now.” That “it” may be different for each of us with our differing talents and interests. Regardless of our “it”, the time is now for some to move toward their “it”.
I have been waiting for the timing to pursue my “it” and the revelation of what that would be for me. I have known for eons that I have something to do, a destiny calling to me, a greater work to be done, more lives to impact. I have felt like Moses wandering in the desert for 40 years. Some of us take a long time to train! All I had learned previously had to be unlearned so it could be relearned correctly or at least at a deeper level and more accurately. During my desert wanderings I have experienced heartache and loss of loved ones, changes in career, changes in location, a dismantling of my pride and arrogance, agonizing periods of silence longing to hear the voice of my Father calling to me in His still small voice. I have asked God for great things not realizing that the prep time would require such obliteration of me at my core.
So you may be asking what is relevant to you if you have stopped by my blog to check it out. You may be wondering how I have described a chapter from the book of your journey. You may be glad that you have not had to walk my path. Here is some great news, not everyone has to live in the desert to get the deep things that God wants to implant in you. Some of us, however, must take that path so that all that is not of God is decimated and replaced with His character. Is the work done, certainly not. Has the surrender to the process moved me toward my destiny, a resounding yes.
I called this post, “Destiny”. There are many books about this topic, many articles written, self help books and programs and a litany of other information. Unhesitatingly I say that 5 steps of this or 10 changes here or there will not reveal your destiny, nor change you enough to move you into place in your purpose. I have written a book, not yet published, with a chapter dedicated to discussing the purpose of our lives being the process we go through to transform into Christ likeness. Our destiny is using what we have learned in the process to make a difference where we are directed to go.
I started a blog a couple years ago just to test the waters and determine if I enjoyed blogging. After a few entries I let it set. I started different blog a year ago and again after a few entries I let it set. I am revisiting the venue of blogging because of the “Do it now” message I heard today. Of a few things I am certain: I like to write, I enjoyed setting up the blog space, I still had much to learn before I became a regular blogger, I still have much to learn, I am beginning to have glimpses of what I was created to do, and lastly for now, I have never given up, only sought different paths to move toward my destiny.
Today I leave you with some questions:
What is your destiny? What hope or dreams burns in you that you have never let go of?
What are your gifts and talents that could be used in that area?
Have you surrendered yourself to the Creator to let Him form in you what only He can?
We will talk more next time about Destiny, Purpose, Process and possibly some other things. Until then, keep your forward momentum!
Brenda
Saturday, February 28, 2015
Right Reason
I just returned from an incredible training that provided me with an opportunity to learn more about adding value to others. On the way home I was reading a book by John Maxwell and came across this statement: The right thought plus the right people in the right environment at the right time for the right reason = the right result. That is a lot of things to get 'right' at the same time. If I had to sum it up with one statement I pick "Right Reason" which I believe encompasses all the the others. I wonder, do you have a 'right reason' that is driving you in this season of your journey? Many people have good reasons; less have the right reason. I have spent much time pondering my motivation in life. Think for a moment about your response to: What is your reason for doing the things you do? Don't answer too quickly. We would all like to say it is to add value to others, but really think about it. Go below the first few layers of reasoning and surface responses to look deeper inside. As you peel back layers you will eventually get to your core and to the real answer to the question. Until we all deal with our humanity at our core level it is difficult to define an impeccable, altruistic 'right reason'. I challenge you today to begin exploring your 'right reason' if you have not done so and if you have looked at it, I challenge you to take it a little deeper. Never stop probing, never become lax in your search, never stop stop looking inside. It may scare you but ultimately it will bring the peace and freedom you and I long for. Have a great weekend!
Sunday, February 8, 2015
It has been a while since I have posted a blog in this space. I have been busy setting up a website for Navigating Authenticity that you can access at: www.navigatingauthenticity.com.
I have also been finishing a book that will be a teaching tool I will use on the website. The book is about how life events over time cause each of us to build layers of protection for our core being. At some point in the journey we can even lose touch with our core. The book will give you snippets of life from a couple who experienced life's harshness and from a season in my own life. You will learn to navigate the hidden fortresses of your soul and reconnect with your authentic core. I am currently putting the finishing touches on the book and will be hosting a book launch team in the spring.
I look forward to sharing this book with you and believe it will be a tool to assist you in your life journey.
Blessings!
Brenda
Sunday, September 28, 2014
Have you ever wondered about the grain of sand in the oyster? When the sand entered it brought irritation to the oyster. The oyster then covers it so that the irritation goes away. How like the oyster we are. We cover hurts and pains in our soul with layers of life and after years we no longer know or understand our core. This is why it is important to peel back the layers of life and rediscover our core authenticity. Stay with me on this journey...
Life is filled with unexpected lane changes. How well do you maneuver through debris fields you encounter? Part of the teaching that will be coming in late October will address 'sudden lane changes' in life. These events impact our authenticity and at times derail our forward momentum. Join us in October to explore this more deeply. Until then lean into your unexpected shifts and keep pressing forward.
Have you ever navigated a route for a trip? We often spend much time researching the roads if we are driving or the flights if we are flying. How much more important is careful navigation of our day to day journey through this life. Have you given much thought to navigating each day. Some do this with the use of Day timers or Google Calendars. Others do this with a list of 'to do' items for each day. While these are great tools to keep us on track with our daily goals they are not all that is needed...sometimes we need to dig a little deeper, peel back the layers of life that have lulled us into a false sense of serenity, and fight our way to our core. This site and this community of people will go on this journey together...the journey to the center of 'you' and 'me' and anyone that is interested in going deeper. Looking forward to taking the journey with you. Watch for the first class beginning in late October. Hope to see you there. Details will be posted here when the date is confirmed.
The definition of Authentic is: real or genuine, not copied or false, true and accurate, true to one’s own personality, spirit or character.
That is a definition to spend some time reflecting on. Each of us are at a different place in our journey toward authenticity. Recognizing where we are in the journey is an important discovery. The process of peeling back the layers of life that have clouded our vision is difficult yet it is achievable. Through the website I will be offering classes to assist in this process. Through the Facebook page we will have a place to connect and discuss that process. If you would like to be a part of the Navigating Authenticity Tribe feel free to "like" this page and follow the community and discussion that will develop in the future. At some point we will have a tribe page that will only be available to those who have participated in and/or completed some level of the training available through the website. Until then we will continue to meet here on this page as the teaching material is developed. The anticipated start date for the first teaching class is the last week of October. Details will be posted here as the time gets closer. I look forward to connecting with you in the future and being a part of your journey to the center of 'you'. Have a blast today!
Wednesday, July 30, 2014
T.................................C..................................E..................................S
This obviously does not spell a word so what could it be?
I like conversation starters. A very wise man once wrote these words: Think Clearly and Exercise Self-Control (hence T,C,E,S, the first letters of the words). How would that look in your life and in mine? What does that have to do with authenticity? Only everything! Our thinking is a key to our mental, emotional, physical and spiritual health. For anyone not inclined toward spiritual thinking, consider this is that part of you that communicates without words to the world around you. Psychics might call it your aura. Christians would call it your spiritual aspect. Regardless of your belief system there is a part of us that transcends the boundaries of the the earth-suit we wear. We can sense negativity in a room, or joy. Some call it negative energy. I am not too bothered by that. I would then call joy 'positive energy'. Thinking clearly is a major step toward living an authentic life. We will unpack that more in future blogs. For now, begin to do the following exercise:
1. Think about what you are thinking about. No really, I mean it. Take a thought
inventory.
2. Jot some notes about the different types of thoughts that pass through your mind.
3. Take note of which thoughts you lingered on and spent more time rehashing.
That should keep you busy until we chat again. Thank you for investing time in me and my blog and in yourself!
Blessings...
Tuesday, July 29, 2014
What does it mean to be authentic?
The definition of authenticity is:
In a world where there are so many possibilities it is relatively simple to blend in, to 'hide in a crowd', to look like those around us, to 'act' out a part in an unwritten script that others around us may have authored.
My hope and passion is to help those who want to pursue an authentic life achieve their goal through teaching, mentoring, and writing. I will be sharing excerpts from a book I am writing, work sheets, questions to consider and suggestions to wrestle with in future blogs. I would count it an honor to invest in your journey toward authenticity.
May your journey be filled with wonder, excitement, challenges and satisfaction in your decision to pursue an authentic life!
The definition of authenticity is:
"Real or genuine, not copied or false, true and accurate,
made to be or look like an original."
In a world where there are so many possibilities it is relatively simple to blend in, to 'hide in a crowd', to look like those around us, to 'act' out a part in an unwritten script that others around us may have authored.
My hope and passion is to help those who want to pursue an authentic life achieve their goal through teaching, mentoring, and writing. I will be sharing excerpts from a book I am writing, work sheets, questions to consider and suggestions to wrestle with in future blogs. I would count it an honor to invest in your journey toward authenticity.
May your journey be filled with wonder, excitement, challenges and satisfaction in your decision to pursue an authentic life!
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