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<channel><title><![CDATA[Finding Purpose and Joy - Blog]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.findingpurposeandjoy.com/blog]]></link><description><![CDATA[Blog]]></description><pubDate>Sun, 18 Jan 2026 19:45:12 -0800</pubDate><generator>Weebly</generator><item><title><![CDATA[I REALLY DO NEED A KIDNEY]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.findingpurposeandjoy.com/blog/i-really-do-need-a-kidney]]></link><comments><![CDATA[http://www.findingpurposeandjoy.com/blog/i-really-do-need-a-kidney#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Wed, 09 May 2018 23:27:39 GMT</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.findingpurposeandjoy.com/blog/i-really-do-need-a-kidney</guid><description><![CDATA[ I   I really do need a kidney!It is difficult for me to write this and ask for a healthy kidney from another person.&nbsp; That said, IU Health who is guiding me through the potential transplant process has strongly advised me to do this.My kidney function began declining at a greater rate a couple of years ago around the time that I got sick on a mission trip to Honduras.&nbsp; Since then the disease has continued to progress.&nbsp; I am now interacting with IU Health regularly who does the tr [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<span class='imgPusher' style='float:left;height:0px'></span><span style='display: table;width:auto;position:relative;float:left;max-width:100%;;clear:left;margin-top:0px;*margin-top:0px'><a><img src="http://www.findingpurposeandjoy.com/uploads/2/9/0/9/29093081/published/i-need-a-kidney-2.png?250" style="margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 10px; border-width:0; max-width:100%" alt="Picture" class="galleryImageBorder wsite-image" /></a><span style="display: table-caption; caption-side: bottom; font-size: 90%; margin-top: -10px; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: center;" class="wsite-caption"></span></span> <div class="paragraph" style="display:block;">I</div> <hr style="width:100%;clear:both;visibility:hidden;"></hr>  <div class="paragraph"><strong><font color="#24678d"><span><font size="7">I really do need a kidney!</font></span><br /><br /><span>It is difficult for me to write this and ask for a healthy kidney from another person.&nbsp; That said, IU Health who is guiding me through the potential transplant process has strongly advised me to do this.</span><br /><br /><span>My kidney function began declining at a greater rate a couple of years ago around the time that I got sick on a mission trip to Honduras.&nbsp; Since then the disease has continued to progress.&nbsp; I am now interacting with IU Health regularly who does the transplants in Indianapolis and on the kidney wait list. &nbsp;</span><br /><br /><span>Since I have &ldquo;O&rdquo; type blood, it could take 5 or so years for me to get a kidney through the wait list.&nbsp; I am not on dialysis yet and they tell me that the chances are greatly enhanced of surviving and having a quality life if I can have a transplant before dialysis is necessary.</span><br /><br /><span>If a person is potentially interested in donating a kidney particularly with &lsquo;O&lsquo; blood type (although through the &rsquo;swap&rsquo; program, any blood type will help) he or she can learn much more about the process without any obligation by&hellip;</span><br /><br /></font></strong><ul><li><strong><font color="#24678d">Visiting <a href="https://iuhealth.org/find-medical-services/transplant"><span>https://iuhealth.org/find-medical-services/transplant</span></a></font></strong></li><li><strong><span><font color="#24678d">Calling 1-800-382-4602 (IU Health)</font></span></strong></li><li><strong><span><font color="#24678d">Or simply contacting me at rogerlaidig@gmail.com</font></span></strong></li></ul> <font color="#24678d"><strong><span>While I am not able to pay someone to donate a kidney, my insurance will cover the medical costs and I am able to compensate the donor for lost time at work and any travel expenses.</span><br /><br /><span>Thanks for caring!&nbsp; And please feel free to share this email if you feel led to do so.</span><br /><br /><span>With a grateful heart,</span><br /><br /><span>Roger</span></strong><br /></font><br /></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[WOULD YOU LIKE LESS STRESS IN 2018?]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.findingpurposeandjoy.com/blog/would-you-like-less-stress-in-2018]]></link><comments><![CDATA[http://www.findingpurposeandjoy.com/blog/would-you-like-less-stress-in-2018#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Fri, 29 Dec 2017 18:44:14 GMT</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.findingpurposeandjoy.com/blog/would-you-like-less-stress-in-2018</guid><description><![CDATA[       Would You Like Less Stress and&nbsp;More Joy in your life?    Click to request your FREE audiobook &quot;FINDING PURPOSE AND JOY&quot;    Most of us spend the early part of our adult lives trying to grow in our careers, make more money, strive to live in nicer homes, and drive nicer cars.&nbsp; At the same time as we have children, we want to make sure that they achieve and so we get them involved in many activities so that they can keep up with or do better than their friends.&nbsp; And  [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;text-align:center"> <a> <img src="http://www.findingpurposeandjoy.com/uploads/2/9/0/9/29093081/less-stress_orig.jpg" alt="Picture" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>  <div class="paragraph"><font size="4"><strong><font color="#24678d"><em>Would You Like Less Stress and&nbsp;More Joy in your life?</em></font></strong></font><br /></div>  <div style="text-align:left;"><div style="height: 10px; overflow: hidden;"></div> <a class="wsite-button wsite-button-large wsite-button-highlight" href="http://www.findingpurposeandjoy.com/contact.html" target="_blank"> <span class="wsite-button-inner">Click to request your FREE audiobook &quot;FINDING PURPOSE AND JOY&quot;</span> </a> <div style="height: 10px; overflow: hidden;"></div></div>  <div class="paragraph"><font color="#24678d">Most of us spend the early part of our adult lives trying to grow in our careers, make more money, strive to live in nicer homes, and drive nicer cars.&nbsp; At the same time as we have children, we want to make sure that they achieve and so we get them involved in many activities so that they can keep up with or do better than their friends.&nbsp; And yet, something seems to be missing.<br /><br />If this describes your life at least to some degree, does life seem to feel like somewhat of a 'rat race' filled with anxiety?&nbsp; Or maybe you're experiencing relationship challenges, your job situation is uncertain, or you&rsquo;re struggling with debt.&nbsp; In the depths of your soul are you wondering, "Is this all there is to life?"&nbsp; If so, there is reason for hope.&nbsp; Where you are at today is not your destination.&nbsp; Rather, it's just the first day of the rest of your life.</font><br /><br /><font color="#24678d">So as you move forward on your life journey, this book and the Purpose and Joy Mentoring&nbsp;Programs are being offered with the desire to help you find purpose and joy in your remaining days. This can and should be the greatest season of your life.</font></div>  <div style="text-align:left;"><div style="height: 10px; overflow: hidden;"></div> <a class="wsite-button wsite-button-large wsite-button-highlight" href="http://www.findingpurposeandjoy.com" target="_blank"> <span class="wsite-button-inner">Click to learn about &quot;FINDING PURPOSE AND JOY&quot; book and life mentoring programs</span> </a> <div style="height: 10px; overflow: hidden;"></div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[WOULD YOU LIKE TO "FIND MORE PURPOSE AND JOY WITH LESS STRESS... Listen to the audiobook for free.]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.findingpurposeandjoy.com/blog/would-you-like-to-find-more-purpose-and-joy-with-less-stress-listen-to-the-audiobook-for-free]]></link><comments><![CDATA[http://www.findingpurposeandjoy.com/blog/would-you-like-to-find-more-purpose-and-joy-with-less-stress-listen-to-the-audiobook-for-free#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Wed, 27 Dec 2017 02:55:51 GMT</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.findingpurposeandjoy.com/blog/would-you-like-to-find-more-purpose-and-joy-with-less-stress-listen-to-the-audiobook-for-free</guid><description><![CDATA[       WOULD YOU LIKE TO "FIND MORE PURPOSE AND JOY WITH LESS STRESS... Listen to the audiobook for free.    You may know that I wrote a book a couple of years ago titled &ldquo;Finding Purpose and Joy, It&rsquo;s a Journey&rdquo;.&nbsp; It has been and still is available in paperback and Kindle format on Amazon.com.&nbsp; Recently I was encouraged by a new friend from Kenya to make it available in Audible form.&nbsp; So with that urging, I moved forward with that project and it now is available [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;text-align:center"> <a> <img src="http://www.findingpurposeandjoy.com/uploads/2/9/0/9/29093081/purpose-and-joy-front-cover-square_orig.jpg" alt="Picture" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>  <h2 class="wsite-content-title"><strong><font color="#24678d"><span>WOULD YOU LIKE TO "FIND MORE PURPOSE AND JOY WITH LESS STRESS... Listen to the audiobook for free.</span> </font></strong><br /> <br />  <span>You may know that I wrote a book a couple of years ago titled &ldquo;Finding Purpose and Joy, It&rsquo;s a Journey&rdquo;.&nbsp; It has been and still is available in paperback and Kindle format on Amazon.com.&nbsp; Recently I was encouraged by a new friend from Kenya to make it available in Audible form.&nbsp; So with that urging, I moved forward with that project and it now is available at Audible.com.</span> <br /> <br />  <span><strong>So if you would like to listen to it, Audible.com has made a way for me to provide several early release audiobooks for FREE.&nbsp; Just email me at rogerlaidig@gmail.com and I will send you the information to get it.&nbsp; Or if you have a friend that you feel might benefit from it, please pass this on to them.&nbsp; The offer is good as long as they are available.</strong></span> <br /> <br />  <font color="#24678d"><span>If you are interested, here is more background to my journey that led up to this...</span>  <br />  <span>Having a heart attack in 1999 significantly changed my life direction and journey.&nbsp; It caused me to look at the gift of life through new glasses.&nbsp; In the first half of my life a lot of my focus was on getting ahead... job, home, cars, family, sports, etc.&nbsp; It was kind of a rat race trying to keep up with all that was going on as well as with others.&nbsp; I didn&rsquo;t think that I was experiencing stress in my life because &lsquo;everybody&rsquo; seemed to be doing it too.&nbsp; But it turned out that I did have a lot of stress that I was blind to. &nbsp;</span>  <br />  <span>The heart attack was God&rsquo;s way of causing me to take a pause in life and &ldquo;be still&rdquo; and know He is God.&nbsp; It was at that point, I unconsciously began a new phase in life that led me to write the book &ldquo;Finding Purpose and Joy, It&rsquo;s a Journey&rdquo;.&nbsp; When I wrote it, I didn&rsquo;t have a specific purpose for doing it.&nbsp; That said, it helped me more clearly identify &lsquo;my&rsquo; purpose in life.&nbsp; That purpose is to help others to evaluate their lives to consider if they are living without clear purpose, living with excess stress, and feeling robbed of joy.&nbsp; So if you resonate with these tendencies and would like to change the direction of your life, I really do look forward to hearing from you!&nbsp; Today is the first day of the rest of your life and your future choices really can and will make a huge difference.</span> </font><br /></h2>  <div style="text-align:left;"><div style="height: 10px; overflow: hidden;"></div> <a class="wsite-button wsite-button-large wsite-button-highlight" href="http://www.findingpurposeandjoy.com" target="_blank"> <span class="wsite-button-inner">Click to learn about "FINDING PURPOSE AND JOY" book and mentoring programs</span> </a> <div style="height: 10px; overflow: hidden;"></div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[ARE YOU WEARING A MASK?  (Short Blog)]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.findingpurposeandjoy.com/blog/are-you-wearing-a-mask-short-blog]]></link><comments><![CDATA[http://www.findingpurposeandjoy.com/blog/are-you-wearing-a-mask-short-blog#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Sun, 29 Oct 2017 20:52:08 GMT</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.findingpurposeandjoy.com/blog/are-you-wearing-a-mask-short-blog</guid><description><![CDATA[       Halloween is a time that people wear masks, isn&rsquo;t it? &nbsp;But what does it mean to wear a mask in everyday life?&nbsp; Don&rsquo;t we wear masks when we want to hide what&rsquo;s really going on inside us?&nbsp; Perhaps there are secret sins that we don&rsquo;t want others to know about.&nbsp; Maybe we feel that we&rsquo;ll be perceived as weak if others would know how we really feel.&nbsp; What would they think if they knew that we don&rsquo;t have it &ldquo;together&rdquo;?&nbsp [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;text-align:center"> <a> <img src="http://www.findingpurposeandjoy.com/uploads/2/9/0/9/29093081/170171-you-can-not-have-a-healthy-relationship-with-people-who-are-wearing-a-mask_orig.jpg" alt="Picture" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>  <div class="paragraph"><strong><font size="4" color="#24678d">Halloween is a time that people wear masks, isn&rsquo;t it? &nbsp;<br /></font></strong><br /><span></span><strong><font size="4" color="#24678d"><span>But what does it mean to wear a mask in everyday life?&nbsp; Don&rsquo;t we wear masks when we want to hide what&rsquo;s really going on inside us?&nbsp; Perhaps there are secret sins that we don&rsquo;t want others to know about.&nbsp; Maybe we feel that we&rsquo;ll be perceived as weak if others would know how we really feel.&nbsp; What would they think if they knew that we don&rsquo;t have it &ldquo;together&rdquo;?&nbsp; What other masks might we be wearing maybe even unknowingly?</span><br /></font></strong><br /><span></span><strong><font size="4" color="#24678d"><span>Isn&rsquo;t the underlying theme &ldquo;PRIDE&rdquo;?</span><br /></font></strong><br /><span></span><strong><font size="4" color="#24678d"><span>When you think about it, isn&rsquo;t it likely that wearing a mask would add stress to your life?&nbsp; Wouldn&rsquo;t you likely experience much more peace if you could just be honest with yourself and others without feeling shame?</span><br /></font></strong><br /><span></span><strong><font size="4" color="#24678d"><span>If you want to experience more joy in your life, maybe it would be a good idea to find a person that you trust inherently and begin a relationship of being genuinely honest and open.&nbsp;</span><br /></font></strong><br /><span></span><strong><font size="4" color="#24678d"><span>If you do, it&rsquo;s highly likely that you&rsquo;ll begin discovering your purpose in life filled with joy.&nbsp; It&rsquo;s your choice.</span><br /></font></strong><br /><span></span><strong><font size="4" color="#24678d">www.findingpurposeandjoy.com</font></strong><br /><span></span><br /><br /><span></span></div>  <div style="text-align:left;"><div style="height: 10px; overflow: hidden;"></div> <a class="wsite-button wsite-button-large wsite-button-highlight" href="http://www.findingpurposeandjoy.com" target="_blank"> <span class="wsite-button-inner">Click to learn about "FINDING PURPOSE AND JOY" book and life mentoring programs</span> </a> <div style="height: 10px; overflow: hidden;"></div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Do you think “IMPOSSIBLE” OR “IT’S POSSIBLE?”]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.findingpurposeandjoy.com/blog/do-you-think-impossible-or-its-possible]]></link><comments><![CDATA[http://www.findingpurposeandjoy.com/blog/do-you-think-impossible-or-its-possible#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Wed, 02 Aug 2017 15:40:45 GMT</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.findingpurposeandjoy.com/blog/do-you-think-impossible-or-its-possible</guid><description><![CDATA[       MONTHLY INSPIRATION  Do you think &ldquo;IMPOSSIBLE&rdquo; OR &ldquo;IT&rsquo;S POSSIBLE?&rdquo;&nbsp; Either way, you&rsquo;re probably right.&nbsp; The difference though can make a huge difference, can&rsquo;t it?When a person thinks something is &ldquo;IMPOSSIBLE&rdquo;, it&rsquo;s likely that person has given up or lost hope.&nbsp; On the other hand if a person thinks &ldquo;IT&rsquo;S POSSIBLE&rdquo;, isn&rsquo;t it probable that person will likely keep on keeping on with hope for th [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;text-align:center"> <a> <img src="http://www.findingpurposeandjoy.com/uploads/2/9/0/9/29093081/do-you-think-22impossible-or-it-s-possible-22_1_orig.png" alt="Picture" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>  <div class="paragraph" style="text-align:center;"><strong><font color="#24678d" size="6">MONTHLY INSPIRATION</font></strong></div>  <div class="paragraph"><strong><font color="#2a2a2a" size="4">Do you think &ldquo;IMPOSSIBLE&rdquo; OR &ldquo;IT&rsquo;S POSSIBLE?&rdquo;&nbsp; Either way, you&rsquo;re probably right.&nbsp; The difference though can make a huge difference, can&rsquo;t it?<br /></font></strong><br /><span></span><strong><font color="#2a2a2a" size="4"><span>When a person thinks something is &ldquo;IMPOSSIBLE&rdquo;, it&rsquo;s likely that person has given up or lost hope.&nbsp; On the other hand if a person thinks &ldquo;IT&rsquo;S POSSIBLE&rdquo;, isn&rsquo;t it probable that person will likely keep on keeping on with hope for the future?</span><br /></font></strong><br /><span></span><strong><font color="#2a2a2a" size="4"><span>Obviously there are exceptions to every rule.&nbsp; That said, if you are wanting more purpose and joy in your life, why not keep the door open to &ldquo;IT&rsquo;S POSSIBLE&rdquo;?</span><br /></font></strong><br /><span></span><strong><font color="#2a2a2a" size="4">In fact the Bible (paraphrased) tells us that &ldquo;I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength&rdquo;.&nbsp; It&rsquo;s mindset.&nbsp; Believe it and experience far more joy in life... and your purpose will show up!</font></strong><br /><span></span><br /></div>  <div style="text-align:left;"><div style="height: 10px; overflow: hidden;"></div> <a class="wsite-button wsite-button-large wsite-button-highlight" href="http://www.findingpurposeandjoy.com" target="_blank"> <span class="wsite-button-inner">Click for "FINDING PURPOSE AND JOY" book and life coaching programs.</span> </a> <div style="height: 10px; overflow: hidden;"></div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[What is a Paraprosdokian?]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.findingpurposeandjoy.com/blog/what-is-a-paraprosdokian]]></link><comments><![CDATA[http://www.findingpurposeandjoy.com/blog/what-is-a-paraprosdokian#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Mon, 03 Jul 2017 20:15:41 GMT</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.findingpurposeandjoy.com/blog/what-is-a-paraprosdokian</guid><description><![CDATA[       Paraprosdokians are figures of speech in which the latter part of a sentence or phrase is surprising or unexpected and is frequently humorous.Isn&rsquo;t some humor really important if we desire to live a life filled with Purpose and Joy?&nbsp; With that in mind, the purpose of this blog is hopefully to simply lighten your load just a bit.&nbsp; So here are some &lsquo;paraprosdokians&rsquo;&hellip;1. Where there's a will, I want to be in it.&nbsp;2. Since light travels faster than sound, [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;text-align:center"> <a> <img src="http://www.findingpurposeandjoy.com/uploads/2/9/0/9/29093081/what-is-a-paraproskokian-2_orig.png" alt="Picture" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>  <div class="paragraph"><strong><font color="#24678d"><font size="5">Paraprosdokians are figures of speech in which the latter part of a sentence or phrase is surprising or unexpected and is frequently humorous.</font><br /></font></strong><br /><br /><span><strong><font color="#2a2a2a" size="4">Isn&rsquo;t some humor really important if we desire to live a life filled with Purpose and Joy?&nbsp; With that in mind, the purpose of this blog is hopefully to simply lighten your load just a bit.&nbsp; So here are some &lsquo;paraprosdokians&rsquo;&hellip;</font></strong></span><br /><br /><span><strong><font color="#2a2a2a" size="4">1. Where there's a will, I want to be in it.&nbsp;</font></strong></span><br /><br /><span><strong><font color="#2a2a2a" size="4">2. Since light travels faster than sound, some people appear bright until you hear them speak.</font></strong></span><br /><br /><span><strong><font color="#2a2a2a" size="4">3. If I agreed with you, we'd both be wrong.</font></strong></span>&#8203;<br /><br /><span><strong><font color="#2a2a2a" size="4">4. War does not determine who is right, only who is left.&nbsp;</font></strong></span><br /><span><strong><font color="#2a2a2a" size="4">&nbsp;</font></strong></span><br /><span><strong><font color="#2a2a2a" size="4">5. To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism. To steal from many is research.</font></strong></span><br /><span><strong><font color="#2a2a2a" size="4">&nbsp;</font></strong></span><br /><span><strong><font color="#2a2a2a" size="4">6. I didn't say it was your fault, I said I was blaming you.</font></strong></span><br /><span><strong><font color="#2a2a2a" size="4">&nbsp;</font></strong></span><br /><span><strong><font color="#2a2a2a" size="4">7. In filling out an application, where it says, "In case of emergency, notify&hellip;&rdquo;, I answered &ldquo;a doctor."</font></strong></span><br /><span><strong><font color="#2a2a2a" size="4">&nbsp;</font></strong></span><br /><span><strong><font color="#2a2a2a" size="4">8. You do not need a parachute to skydive. You only need a parachute to skydive twice.</font></strong></span><br /><span><strong><font color="#2a2a2a" size="4">&nbsp;</font></strong></span><br /><span><strong><font color="#2a2a2a" size="4">9. I used to be indecisive, but now I'm not so sure.</font></strong></span><br /><span><strong><font color="#2a2a2a" size="4">&nbsp;</font></strong></span><br /><span><strong><font color="#2a2a2a" size="4">10. To be sure of hitting the target, shoot first and call whatever you hit the target.</font></strong></span><br /><span><strong><font color="#2a2a2a" size="4">&nbsp;</font></strong></span><br /><span><strong><font color="#2a2a2a" size="4">And finally, going to church doesn't make you a Christian, any more than standing in a garage makes you a car.</font></strong></span><br /><span><strong><font color="#2a2a2a" size="4">&nbsp;</font></strong></span><br /><strong><font color="#24678d" size="5">So here&rsquo;s a reminder&hellip; be sure to laugh each day and may your life be filled with more Purpose and Joy!</font></strong></div>  <div style="text-align:left;"><div style="height: 10px; overflow: hidden;"></div> <a class="wsite-button wsite-button-large wsite-button-highlight" href="http://www.findingpurposeandjoy.com" target="_blank"> <span class="wsite-button-inner">Click to learn about "FINDING PURPOSE AND JOY" book and life mentoring programs</span> </a> <div style="height: 10px; overflow: hidden;"></div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT GOD?]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.findingpurposeandjoy.com/blog/what-do-you-think-about-god]]></link><comments><![CDATA[http://www.findingpurposeandjoy.com/blog/what-do-you-think-about-god#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Tue, 06 Jun 2017 14:26:50 GMT</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.findingpurposeandjoy.com/blog/what-do-you-think-about-god</guid><description><![CDATA[       Does God love you because you are good or does God love you because He is good?As I write this blog, my desire is not to tell you how to think, but rather, cause you to think about who God is.&nbsp; Why is this important?&nbsp; It seems like many of us tend to paint our own picture of God based on how we think.Probably most of us would claim that God loves us unconditionally.&nbsp; It seems like 1 Corinthians 13: 4-7 paints a pretty good picture of what unconditional love looks like, does [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;text-align:right"> <a> <img src="http://www.findingpurposeandjoy.com/uploads/2/9/0/9/29093081/what-do-you-think-about-god_orig.png" alt="Picture" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>  <div class="paragraph"><font color="#ae40a5"><strong><span><font size="6">Does God love you because you are good or does God love you because He is good?</font></span></strong><br /></font><br /><strong><font color="#2a2a2a"><font size="4"><span>As I write this blog, my desire is not to tell you how to think, but rather, cause you to think about who God is.&nbsp; Why is this important?&nbsp; It seems like many of us tend to paint our own picture of God based on how we think.</span></font><br /><br /><font size="4"><span>Probably most of us would claim that God loves us unconditionally.&nbsp; It seems like 1 Corinthians 13: 4-7 paints a pretty good picture of what unconditional love looks like, doesn&rsquo;t it?</span></font><br /></font></strong><br /><strong><font size="4"><font color="#24678d"><em>&ldquo;Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.&nbsp;Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.&nbsp;It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.&rdquo;</em></font></font><br /></strong><br /><strong><font size="4" color="#2a2a2a"><span>It this passage just for marriage?&nbsp; Or is this also a true picture of who God really is and how he loves us?&nbsp; If so, when does it apply?&nbsp;</span></font></strong><br /><strong><br /><font size="4" color="#ae40a5">Does God love you because you are good or does God love you because He is good?</font></strong><br /><br /><strong><span><font size="4" color="#2a2a2a">May this lead to your life being filled with purpose and joy!</font></span></strong><br /><br /><br /></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[How can you find your purpose in life?]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.findingpurposeandjoy.com/blog/how-can-you-find-your-purpose-in-life]]></link><comments><![CDATA[http://www.findingpurposeandjoy.com/blog/how-can-you-find-your-purpose-in-life#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Tue, 02 May 2017 19:43:22 GMT</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.findingpurposeandjoy.com/blog/how-can-you-find-your-purpose-in-life</guid><description><![CDATA[       &#8203;After I had a heart attack in 1999, I began thinking about the questions, &ldquo;Why am I on this earth and why did God spare me?&rdquo;&nbsp; What became apparent to me is that relationships with people were far more important than things and stuff.&nbsp; I also noticed that I was becoming involved in much deeper conversations with people about the struggles that they were facing in life.&nbsp; When I began thinking more about the meaning of my life, my desire became &ldquo;to liv [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;text-align:center"> <a> <img src="http://www.findingpurposeandjoy.com/uploads/2/9/0/9/29093081/the-meaning-of-life-is-to-find-your-gift-the-purpose-of-life-is-to-give-it-away-william-shakespeare-heading_orig.png" alt="Picture" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>  <div class="paragraph">&#8203;<strong><font color="#2a2a2a"><font size="4">After I had a heart attack in 1999, I began thinking about the questions, &ldquo;Why am I on this earth and why did God spare me?&rdquo;&nbsp; What became apparent to me is that relationships with people were far more important than things and stuff.&nbsp; I also noticed that I was becoming involved in much deeper conversations with people about the struggles that they were facing in life.&nbsp; When I began thinking more about the meaning of my life, my desire became &ldquo;to live with the attitude of Christ&rdquo;.&nbsp;<br /><br />So when I retired from Laidig Systems, Inc. it was pressed on my heart that what would bring me the most joy would be to help other people find purpose and joy in their lives.&nbsp; This ultimately began the journey toward me writing the book, &ldquo;Finding Purpose and Joy in Life, It&rsquo;s a Journey&rdquo; at the urging of a few people.&nbsp;&nbsp; Now I am able to use the book as a guideline as I mentor people on their journey.<br /><br /><br />What about you?&nbsp; Have you thought the meaning of your life&hellip;&nbsp; and then how to take action on finding your purpose through giving your gift(s) away to others?&nbsp; If so, congratulations!&nbsp; It makes every day more enjoyable, doesn&rsquo;t it?&nbsp; If not, consider setting some regular times in your schedule to <u>be still </u>to reflect and listen to God&rsquo;s direction.&nbsp; Here are a few suggestions about some questions you might want to really think in depth about:<br /><br />#1: What is important to me?<br />#2: What am I truly good at?<br />#3: What is my potential?<br />#4:&nbsp; What brings me joy?<br />&#8203;<br />Then as you more clearly understand the meaning of your life, think about how you can give your gift(s) to help others.&nbsp; When you do that, I can nearly promise you that you will find more purpose and joy in your life!</font></font></strong></div>  <div style="text-align:left;"><div style="height: 10px; overflow: hidden;"></div> <a class="wsite-button wsite-button-large wsite-button-highlight" href="http://www.findingpurposeandjoy.com" target="_blank"> <span class="wsite-button-inner">Click to learn about "FINDING PURPOSE AND JOY IN LIFE" book and life mentoring programs</span> </a> <div style="height: 10px; overflow: hidden;"></div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Do you taste your words before you speak them?]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.findingpurposeandjoy.com/blog/-do-you-taste-your-words-before-you-speak-them]]></link><comments><![CDATA[http://www.findingpurposeandjoy.com/blog/-do-you-taste-your-words-before-you-speak-them#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Sun, 02 Apr 2017 23:03:25 GMT</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.findingpurposeandjoy.com/blog/-do-you-taste-your-words-before-you-speak-them</guid><description><![CDATA[       THINK BEFORE YOU SPEAK!  Have you ever spoken some words that you wish you could have back?&nbsp; I know I certainly have.&nbsp; I am in a Friday Men&rsquo;s Group and recently one of the men challenged us to &lsquo;T H I N K&rsquo; before we speak.&nbsp; You&rsquo;ve probably heard or seen this before but I believe that it&rsquo;s good to be reminded once in a while.&nbsp; So if you agree, this is &lsquo;once in a while&rsquo;&hellip;&nbsp;Rather than saying hurtful things, wouldn&rsquo; [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;text-align:center"> <a> <img src="http://www.findingpurposeandjoy.com/uploads/2/9/0/9/29093081/published/taste-your-words.jpeg?1491174295" alt="Picture" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>  <div class="paragraph" style="text-align:center;"><strong><font size="6" color="#24678d">THINK BEFORE YOU SPEAK!</font></strong><br /></div>  <div class="paragraph"><strong><font color="#2a2a2a">Have you ever spoken some words that you wish you could have back?&nbsp; I know I certainly have.&nbsp; I am in a Friday Men&rsquo;s Group and recently one of the men challenged us to &lsquo;T H I N K&rsquo; before we speak.&nbsp; You&rsquo;ve probably heard or seen this before but I believe that it&rsquo;s good to be reminded once in a while.&nbsp; So if you agree, this is &lsquo;once in a while&rsquo;&hellip;<br />&nbsp;<br />Rather than saying hurtful things, wouldn&rsquo;t it be a great time to hit the pause button and THINK?&nbsp; Is it&hellip;</font><br /><font color="#2a2a2a">&nbsp;</font><br /><font size="5" color="#24678d">T</font><font color="#2a2a2a">rue?</font><br /><font size="5" color="#24678d">H</font><font color="#2a2a2a">elpful?</font><br /><font size="5" color="#24678d">I</font><font color="#2a2a2a">nspiring?</font><br /><font size="5" color="#24678d">N</font><font color="#2a2a2a">ecessary?</font><br /><font size="5" color="#24678d">K</font><font color="#2a2a2a">ind?</font><br /><font color="#2a2a2a">&nbsp;</font><br /><font color="#2a2a2a">The Bible instructs to &ldquo;Take note of this: Everyone should&nbsp;be&nbsp;quick&nbsp;to&nbsp;listen, slow&nbsp;to&nbsp;speak and slow&nbsp;to&nbsp;become angry.&rdquo;&nbsp; So that&rsquo;s taking it a step farther&hellip; &lsquo;Listen before you speak.&rsquo;&nbsp; And that too, takes thinking, doesn&rsquo;t it?<br />&nbsp;<br />If you want to enhance your relationships, doesn&rsquo;t it make a lot of sense to &lsquo;THINK BEFORE YOU SPEAK?&rsquo;&nbsp; Won&rsquo;t it surely help you find more joy in your relationships and in &nbsp;life?</font><br /><font color="#2a2a2a">&#8203;</font></strong></div>  <div style="text-align:left;"><div style="height: 10px; overflow: hidden;"></div> <a class="wsite-button wsite-button-large wsite-button-highlight" href="http://www.findingpurposeandjoy.com" target="_blank"> <span class="wsite-button-inner">Click to learn about &quot;FINDING PURPOSE AND JOY&quot; book and life mentoring programs</span> </a> <div style="height: 10px; overflow: hidden;"></div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[How can you make good decisions?]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.findingpurposeandjoy.com/blog/-how-can-you-make-good-decisions]]></link><comments><![CDATA[http://www.findingpurposeandjoy.com/blog/-how-can-you-make-good-decisions#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Mon, 27 Feb 2017 21:44:13 GMT</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.findingpurposeandjoy.com/blog/-how-can-you-make-good-decisions</guid><description><![CDATA[    Aren&rsquo;t decisions and choices the same thing?&nbsp; How can we make the best ones?&nbsp; Here are some simple steps to consider&hellip;Develop a clear picture of who you as a person want to become 5 or 10 years down the road&hellip; spiritually, family, physically, emotionally, financially.Write it down and refine it with someone you trust&hellip; your family or friend.When you consider a decision that you are going to make, will it take you closer to your vision or will it take you far [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<span class='imgPusher' style='float:left;height:0px'></span><span style='display: table;width:auto;position:relative;float:left;max-width:100%;;clear:left;margin-top:0px;*margin-top:0px'><a><img src="http://www.findingpurposeandjoy.com/uploads/2/9/0/9/29093081/i-am-a-product-of-my-decisions-not-my-circumstancesheading-2_orig.png" style="margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 10px; border-width:1px;padding:3px; max-width:100%" alt="Picture" class="galleryImageBorder wsite-image" /></a><span style="display: table-caption; caption-side: bottom; font-size: 90%; margin-top: -10px; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: center;" class="wsite-caption"></span></span> <div class="paragraph" style="display:block;"></div> <hr style="width:100%;clear:both;visibility:hidden;"></hr>  <div class="paragraph"><strong><font size="4" color="#2a2a2a">Aren&rsquo;t decisions and choices the same thing?&nbsp; How can we make the best ones?&nbsp; Here are some simple steps to consider&hellip;</font></strong><ul><li><strong><font size="4" color="#2a2a2a">Develop a clear picture of who you as a person want to become 5 or 10 years down the road&hellip; spiritually, family, physically, emotionally, financially.</font></strong></li><li><strong><font size="4" color="#2a2a2a">Write it down and refine it with someone you trust&hellip; your family or friend.</font></strong></li><li><strong><font size="4" color="#2a2a2a">When you consider a decision that you are going to make, will it take you closer to your vision or will it take you farther away from it?</font></strong></li><li><strong><font size="4" color="#2a2a2a">If it will take you closer to your vision, it&rsquo;s a really good decision.&nbsp; If it will take you farther away from your vision, it&rsquo;s a bad decision.</font></strong></li><li><strong><font size="4" color="#2a2a2a">Never make a major decision when you are not feeling good.&nbsp; Spend time with a trusted friend or advisor to settle out troubled emotions.</font></strong></li></ul><strong><font color="#2a2a2a"> &nbsp;</font><br /><font size="4"><font color="#2a2a2a">No matter what our circumstances are, we all have the ability to choose the better way.</font><br /><font color="#2a2a2a">&nbsp;</font><br /></font><font color="#2a2a2a"><font size="4">Take to heart this phrase&hellip;<br />&#8203;</font><br />&#8203;</font><em><font color="#24678d"><font size="5">&ldquo;I AM A PRODUCT OF MY DECISIONS&hellip;&nbsp; NOT MY CIRCUMSTANCES&rdquo;</font></font></em><br /><font color="#2a2a2a">&nbsp;</font><br /><font color="#2a2a2a"><font size="4">May your life be filled with purpose and joy!</font></font></strong></div>  <div style="text-align:left;"><div style="height: 10px; overflow: hidden;"></div> <a class="wsite-button wsite-button-large wsite-button-highlight" href="http://www.findingpurposeandjoy.com" target="_blank"> <span class="wsite-button-inner">Click to learn about "FINDING PURPOSE AND JOY" book and life mentoring programs</span> </a> <div style="height: 10px; overflow: hidden;"></div></div>]]></content:encoded></item></channel></rss>