Well, I just got out of a hot tub, and am ready to write!  I am reading a book that I would recommend to ANY woman- Pathway to Purpose for Women by Katie Brazelton.  I wanted to sort of share some insiights from it.  My friend, Audra, is doing something called "Anticipate 2008" on her blog (see previous post for link), and I am excited to tie into it, because that is what my goal for this blog is for me, and everyone "tuning in".

The book describes itself as "connecting your to-do list, your passions, and God's purposes for your life".  A dear friend gifted me with this book, and at first I thought- "I don't really want to read another book about finding a PURPOSE.  I just want to live my life without the constant stress of trying to figure it all out!!!- to be content where I am NOW!!!"  Well, I decided to start reading it anyway.

She breaks the steps of the pathway down into "Stepping Stones".  I thought I would share them with you, over the course of several days, as I read the book.  If you'd like to join me, grab a copy from the bookstore or amazon.com or someplace- or the library might even have a copy!

The first "stepping stone" is to Leave Your Past Behind.  This was a very hard chapter for me- and I'm probably not through with the step just because I'm through with the chapter!!  I got very angry, and almost didn't finish the book while reading this chapter.  Doubts, fears, panic, anger, hatred... all emerged from hidden parts of my heart.  Memories flooded back into my brain that I had THOUGHT I'd let go- but apparently were still alive and well somewhere deep inside.  I know they are not finished with me yet- and I need to find the courage to face them head on and hand them over to God.  I'm trying!!  I do feel more of an inner peace- like I dealt with some stuff more actively, and even though a lot of it still doesn't make sense to me about it's purpose in my life, I am more ready to:

Forget(ting) what is behind and strain(ing) toward what is ahead,

I press on toward the goal to win the prize

for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

(Philippians 3:13-14)

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Travel update:  we got great tickets through SKYBUS to Ft. Lauderdale, where we will meet our cruise ship that will cruise us out to the Bahamas in February!! 

I also went to TJ MAXX after work today and got a REALLY cute long sweater jacket- sort of chocolate brown with a faint spattering of soft gray and cream all through, super soft and fluffy, love it!!- and a chocolate brown soft t-neck to go under.  I haven't bought any new clothes in AGES.  It felt so nice!!

Will stay abreast of the book with you. Sounds interesting. If I find the time this weekend I may try to go get it. I love to read!!!

The books sounds really interesting. I'll definitely follow along with your posts on it. Hey - what to you know - I can interlibrary loan it. Hopefully it will arrive soon. :)