LiveOnPurpose

The Power of Focus

2010-09-10T12:11:00.001-07:00

I am passionate about living on purpose. I have spent the last several months thinking about what this means in more depth, and rearranging my life to execute "living on purpose." I have learned several important things.

First, I learned that I am propelled by an innate need for goals and progress. Since Spring 2008, I've been dealing with some really tough family difficulties: various health problems; sitting on three pieces of real estate that haven't sold yet due to the market downturn; helping my parents with some tough situations; my dad's cancer diagnosis (from which he has been completely healed--"Thank You, Lord!"); and a lot of other things. From Fall 2009 through June 2010, I was just trying to survive. All sorts of bad things seemed to hit one after the other, and surviving was all I could do.

Somewhere along the way, I noticed that I had lost my focus. I used to be so motivated by goals, but I hadn't written a goal in months. I used to wake up excited about every day, but I was fighting the blues.

I realized that I had lost my focus. I was trying to shoulder the burden for things I can't control, and so I had no power to impact things I can control. So, I took steps to solve this problem.

First, I eliminated things and activities that are nice, but that I'm not called to do.

Second, I made a list of unfinished projects and things I need to get done. I assigned dates to get those projects done.

Then I started working off that list. Except for one thing, I've not picked up a new project in months - I've been finishing lots of old things.

This new focus - concentrating my energy on what God has called me to do, instead of expending my energy on things that seem to be good ideas - has totally turned me around. I'm actually getting things done again, getting my momentum back, overcoming and not getting discouraged.

Thank You, Lord, for the power of focus.
Jamie

Eagles' Group meeting tonight cancelled

2009-08-10T10:23:00.000-07:00

The Eagles' Group meeting tonight has been cancelled. We will start up again this fall with a slightly different emphasis. Feel free to email me with any questions or updates on how you are doing. Have a great evening to yourself!

Jamie

Putting Your Toes In The Water

2009-06-14T12:51:00.000-07:00

I frequently have people ask me, "How can I tell what is the right thing to do when I have so many different options?" There are many answers to this, but one of the things I always encourage my workshop participants to do is to do something. It's easier to redirect a moving object than one that is sitting still! So, you should listen to what God is saying, evaluate your options, and generally, you should act! Chances are you will be on track, but even if you are slightly off course, I take great comfort in knowing that my God is big enough and strong enough to keep me from getting entangled in something that is not from Him. He opens doors of opportunity and He also shuts doors of opportunity, and a wise person will be sensitive to whether a door is truly open or closed.

I've been living this principle lately. I have had some opportunities come my way that are directly related to my calling and passions in life. However, there were some definite roadblocks - things that would need the definite intervention of God to remove. Well, my God is in the business of definite intervention. I wasn't totally sure whether or not I should walk through these doors of opportunity, so I decided to 'put my toes in the water' and see what would happen.

For those of you that are not familiar with the water reference, it comes from the Bible. When the Jews had left Egypt, spent 40 years wandering in the wilderness, and were finally ready to cross the Jordan River and go into the Promised Land, they needed supernatural help to get their millions of people across the river. God told them to pack up, send the priests ahead, and He would make a way. He did, too - but not until the priests were actually wading into the river and their feet were in the water! They had to start out trusting Him to take care of it - and then He rolled the Jordan River back and made a dry ford all the way across. The water stayed back until all the people got across!

Sometimes when making an important decision, we need to gather all the facts and do a little investigating and probing to see if doors of opportunity are truly open for us. So that's what I've been doing. I've probed and found two opportunities that, although they look great, do not appear to be right for me at this time as the dramatic barriers have not moved. I'm ok with that, though - I've been praying for God to protect me from entering into anything that is not His plan for me, and to help me enter into everything that is His plan for me!

Sometimes life isn't black and white; sometimes it's more fluid. Sometimes you have to "Ask, and it shall be given to you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and the door shall be opened unto you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks, the door shall be opened." (Matthew 7:7) Sometimes the door that opens is not the same one you thought would open in the beginning, but God will always bring you into His plan for your life if you will ask Him!

Here's to asking, seeking and finding!
Jamie

2nd Eagles' group meeting tonight, 6:30 PM at Abba's House

2009-06-08T08:25:00.001-07:00

Our second Eagles' group meeting will be tonight from 6:30 - 8 PM in the Faith building at Abba's House. Abba's House is very near Northgate Mall. Driving directions: From Northgate Mall, get on Hixson Pike northbound; after 2-3 blocks, you will pass the Steak-N-Shake on the right; Abba's House is about one block farther on the right. It's very large; you can't miss it. The Faith building is the first building you see if you are coming from the south side (the Northgate Mall area). It has a little porch that cars can drive under. We will meet in Room 408.

We will be catching up, potentially meeting some new folks, studying marketing and business skills and entrepreneurship, motivating each other and having a great time. I can't wait to see you all there!

Jamie

Encouraging Word for Today

2009-06-02T16:54:00.000-07:00

I've been sensing lately that God is doing something big, but I haven't been sure what it is exactly. I get an encouraging word over email from Bill and Marsha Burns every weekday morning - www.spiritofprophecy.com. (If you don't already get it, I would highly recommend that you sign up for their daily bulletin. You'll be amazed.) God has been telling them that He is bringing about change in His kids' lives, and that we'll be taken into a new time of new, awesome opportunities that will help bring about our destiny.

For the last few days, I've been feeling an overwhelming burden to pray. It's been as if I just want to lay down at the feet of Jesus every moment and just weep and pray, not in a bad way, just in an extra-sensitive-to-His-Presence way. And I haven't known why exactly. I've been praying for a lot of my friends and family, but it's bigger than that.

This evening I asked the Lord to tell me what is going on. These are the impressions I got:
1. This is June 2009. In my mind's eye, it was like I saw the numbers - 6/2009. The 6 is made up of 3+3, and the 9 is 3+3+3. Three is the number of the Trinity - God the Father, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. I felt like the first "3" meant God has been glorified; the 2nd "3" meant Jesus has been manifested in the character, hearts and actions of His people; and the 3rd "3" meant the Holy Spirit is now moving in ways that only He can do - "Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord of Hosts" - (Zech. 4:6).

2. I also felt like this is a time of perfecting. I, and all other Christians too, have been praying for God to do certain things for a long time - things that He promised to do, but we just haven't seen happen yet. I read 1 Peter 5:8-10, which says: "Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you." I believe this is a time when God is doing that perfecting in us.

3. I felt impressed to pray for the restoration of God's people a lot. I know many people who have had a lot of things stolen from them in life, and God promises that He will restore everything that was stolen many times over.

4. I read 1 Peter 1:3-4, which states God's mercy is abundant; we have been changed by God so that now we have "a living hope"; and that we have an inheritance from God that is incorruptible.

5. One of the best parts was that I felt like God spoke the following to me. I wrote it down one phrase at a time. It's for you, too, if you read this and feel gripped by it: "I love you. I will bless you. You have waited long. Doors are swinging wide open and I shall cause you to go through. "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)."

I hope this encourages you as it did me. Always remember, God loves you. His heart yearns for you and beats for you.
Love, Jamie

New location for Eagles' group

2009-05-28T07:37:00.000-07:00

Hello! For all of you who attend or would like to attend our Eagles' group, we have a permanent location! The group will be hosted at Abba's House in Hixson at 6:30 PM on the 2nd Monday of each month. For those of you who are not already familiar with it, to get to Abba's House from 153 Northbound, you exit at Hixson Pike North, pass the Steak-N-Shake, past a little auto repair garage on the right, and it's the next big complex on the right. I don't know which exact classroom we'll be using yet, but will post it as soon as I do. Our next meeting will be June 8. We'll catch up with one another (or get to know one another for the first time), talk about our individual goals, learn some marketing principles to help us in our businesses, encourage each other and have a great time! Come on down!
Jamie

What an awesome night!

2009-05-12T03:38:00.001-07:00

Wow! What an AWESOME NIGHT! Thanks to all of you who came out to the Eagles' group last night. We had an incredible time. First, we just all got caught up on what has been going on in our lives and the progress we're making and want to make. Then we started talking about marketing.

We talked about the difference between a client and a customer (if you didn't know, you want to have clients, not customers);
We talked about the three ways to grow a business;
We discussed our USPs (Unique Selling Propositions) and how to show our clients what is special about our businesses;
We talked about risk reversal and how to make it risk-free for a new client to try our product or service;
We talked about add-ons and cross-selling, which are NOT ways to just get a client to buy more;
We discussed Google Ads and how to use them to monetize informational websites;
Keri brought brownies (thanks Keri!);
We talked about some cool marketing ideas for each of us;
People made some cool connections with one another - strategic contacts to help them with their goals; and
So much more I just can't begin to describe it all! We had the best time! We laughed! We joked! We got so much education in! We motivated! I'm pumped!

Our next meeting will be June 8, location TBA. Come on out for the get-together - you definitely don't want to miss it, and we can't wait to see you there!
Jamie

They Shall Doubtless Come Again Rejoicing

2009-05-12T03:29:00.000-07:00

Some of you know that we have been going through a really tough real estate situation. We've had an extra house on our hands and have been paying both mortgages for a year. Last night, our little house rented. I almost cannot describe the joy and relief I am experiencing. Reminds me of one of my favorite poems:

Psalm 126
"When the Lord brought back the captivity of Zion,
We were like those who dream.
Then our mouth was filled with laughter,
And our tongue with singing.
Then they said among the nations,
"The Lord has done great things for them."
The Lord has done great things for us,
And we are glad.
Bring back our captivity,
O Lord,
As the streams in the South.
Those who sow in tears
Shall reap in joy.
He who continually goes forth weeping,
Bearing seed for sowing,
Shall doubtless come again with rejoicing,
Bringing his sheaves with him."

Location for first Eagles' group meeting - come one, come all!

2009-05-07T07:53:00.001-07:00

Our first Eagles' group meeting will be held on Monday, May 11, from 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM at Chattanooga State's CBIH building in Classroom 230-A.

This group is free and open to everybody. We will be motivating each other, inspiring each other, learning about marketing, sales and customer service for entrepreneurs, and generally having a great time. Come on down! I can't wait to see you there!

Jamie

Priceless

2009-05-04T16:30:00.001-07:00

One kitty = free
Litter box, food, litter, collar, scratching post (still unused), catnip, toys = $80 or so
Shots = $80
One bloody owner when kitty scratches her to pieces = free
One laser two-paw declaw surgery = $387
One emergency vet visit when kitty licks his wounds open = $187
One Elizabethan collar, another vet visit, antibiotics = $55
Nudges and purrs from loving kitty who can't get enough head scratching = priceless.

'Nuff said. What's that number for pet insurance, again?
Jamie

New Eagles' Group - Come On Down, It's Free!

2009-04-23T17:39:00.001-07:00

Our recent workshop participants have expressed an interest in starting an Eagles group that meets monthly. An Eagles group is a group of like-minded people that get together to keep track of one another, keep each other motivated and encouraged, learn together and generally keep each other sharp. The meetings are free. We will have time to chat with each other and, by the request of the group, I will then facilitate discussions and learning regarding marketing, sales, and other similar business topics.

We will be meeting the 2nd Monday of each month, starting Monday, May 11, 2009 at 6:30 PM. The location is pending - I'm working on securing a convenient location for us to meet, but I won't have the word on that for about another week. Stay tuned for that, but it will be here in Chattanooga for sure.

The first book we will start with is called "Getting Everything You Can Out Of All You've Got: 21 Ways You Can Out-Think, Out-Perform, and Out-Earn the Competition" by Jay Abraham. This book is awesome for everyone who would like to build a business, increase your current business, build your customer pool, etc. It's a book about marketing and selling your product and how to serve your client in the best possible way. If you need this knowledge, (and who doesn't?), come on over to the Eagles group and meet us! The group is open to all; there is no charge to attend; and you'll leave motivated, inspired and with a passel of new friends that all think outside the box. If you have questions, email me or post to the blog. See you there!

Jamie

My New Favorite Artist: Kate Townley Smith

2009-04-23T17:25:00.000-07:00

One of the businesses that was born (or perhaps reborn) as a result of the recent 48 Days class is an art business by artist Kate Townley Smith. She is definitely my new favorite artist. She has an art education but was working in a different field that didn't fit in with her passions and dreams. So she has changed careers and is now focusing on her art full-time. I'm so excited for her!

Kate's work is incredibly happy and charming; it's colorful and modern. In my opinion, it's perfect for a happy, stylish home. (Some art I have seen I wouldn't want anywhere near me, but I'd happily fill my walls with Kate's pieces.) Check out her website, including her Etsy store, at http://www.katetownleysmith.com/.

She brought one of her pieces to the last 48 Days class and I fell in love with it and bought it immediately. I asked Kate if I can blog about it and she sent me a low-res image of the piece. Here it is; it's called "My Mom Loves to Knit":

Isn't it gorgeous? I've already put it up in my office. Kate, thanks for producing such a wonderful piece and chasing your dreams! You're a great example. I can't wait to see your progress!

Jamie

A Big Decision

2009-04-23T17:15:00.000-07:00

Bruce and I have made a big decision.

We are going to add another member to our family.
Now, wait, those of you who have been waiting for years to give me a bunch of Pampers. No, it's not that time yet. We're going to rescue a kitty cat.

I've wanted a pet for a long time. I'd like to have a Golden Retriever, but a dog takes a lot of care that we really can't provide right now. A cat, on the other hand, is a little more independent and a little less rambunctious. I really like cats, and I work with a lady who has one that needs a home.

You know why this was a big decision? Bruce told me he's ok if we get it and ok if we don't. So, the ball was in my court. I wanted it really badly but then almost talked myself out of it because of all the money we'll have to spend on litter, scratching posts, food, collar, etc. (He's already been fixed and he's already had all his shots, which is a good thing.) But you know what? A person could talk herself out of about anything that's beneficial if you focus on all the negative. I finally decided to get the cat (Moses is his current name; not sure if I'll rename him or not) when I realized that if I wait for a convenient time, I'll never get a pet. I think the fun and enjoyment of giving Moses a good home and getting to love him, pet him and snuggle him will completely beat out the negative aspects of having a kitty around.

Of course, you know me. There has to be an object lesson somewhere. Does this sound familiar? Are you waiting to live your dream until a more convenient time? I'd be surprised if that time ever comes. Start now whether it's convenient or not, and things will fall into place. Just give it time, lots of patience, prayer and hard work.

Jamie

Life Balance: Creating Success In All Areas

2009-04-22T12:48:00.000-07:00

One of the things I teach in my workshops is the importance of life balance – paying attention to all areas of life and being successful in each of them, rather than letting one thing, like WORK, dominate your life. Another thing I talk about a lot is the need to guard against your weaknesses.

Well, since I began to do work I love, I have noticed that sometimes I get so excited about a new project or business idea that I’ll let it take up too much space in my life. That’s one of my weaknesses. The biggest thing I tend to do is to let work push around my exercise routine. It’s so easy to tell myself that I’m going to exercise at lunchtime, and then when lunchtime rolls around I’m more excited about working, so I neglect exercise and work instead.

Well, I’ve had it with doing that. If I don’t take care of myself physically, I won’t be able to do any of the things I love! So, I’m putting my fitness goals here on my blog so the entire world can keep me accountable.

Here’s my very short-term goal:
I’m exercising at lunch every day this week. I love to walk or run for exercise, so that’s what I’m going to do. I started (again) today. Yayy! I only walked a mile, but prying myself away from my desk and getting it done was the hard part. When I was out there in the sunshine, though, it felt really good! I had a blast!

I’ve also signed up for a race – the “5 Mile Run for Education” – on May 2. That will give me an incentive to keep my lunchtime workout going next week. I’ll sign up for another one after that one is over.

Everyone has weaknesses like this, and we all have to make a focused effort to create success in all areas of our lives. What is out of control in your life? Do you need to spend some extra time with your spouse? Need to exercise, clean the house or get to work on that business plan? Don’t procrastinate! Make the change today!

Remember: You will only change when the pain of staying the same exceeds the pain of change.

I dare you to post a blog message that outlines your goals for the next week or two! Let us and the rest of the world keep you accountable too!

Jamie

Welcome to our new blog!

2009-04-11T09:59:00.000-07:00

We're starting a blog at LiveOnPurpose so we can easily provide you with updates to upcoming classes, workshops, networking meetings, and other cool info. Our local "48 Days To The Work You Love" class participants will soon be starting a monthly get-together "Eagles' group," so if you'd like to attend, stay tuned! It's a great way to get inspired, motivated, focused, and make new friends with like-minded, out-of-the-box thinkers!
Jamie