ln the pursuit of greatness

                            You can't bring about change if you are "acting small".

It's hard sometimes to do what needs to be done...even harder sometimes to do what we WANT to do...you know to go after that *thing* that you dream about. Unfortunately, we usually get in our own way (our self-image, self-talk, how much we value ourself)

I had a beautiful experience the past couple weeks where I took the limits off and just pursued my ideal. The result...I got it. Even now its hard to believe. But I have to keep reminding myself...its not just me, because my default response is how did I (lil ole me) get that??

But its not JUST me. It's me exponentially, because the God in me is so big, so great, and so awesome...what I can do with Him is multiplied.

Remember you are created for purpose. God wants His best for you. You can choose to seek out His best, or settle for good-enough. His best positions you for maximum effectiveness in that which He has called you to do.

And so I walk forth embracing that I am all that God says that I am. I will continue to press forth and aim high, as I dream big pursuing my goal to bring hope to all I come in contact with.

As Marianne Williamson so aptly put it: "Who are you NOT to be....[brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous] "

Grace, peace, and love in the pursuit of greatness,

Gia

One Accord

This past week was very exciting for me, and Valentines had nothing to do with it. ;)

On Thursday, February 13th, I launched the first of many more groups for One Accord.

From the website (which isn't quite ready to be published yet)...

One Accord is a community and inter-church pre-marital program. The goal of the program is to equip seriously dating and/or engaged couples with the skillset needed to foster healthy marriages. It is built upon the idea that marriages are the foundation of communities. If the marriages aren't strong, balanced and secure, then this impacts the family base, and the wider community. It is our hope that through One Accord we can assist with the strengthening of our nation...one couple at a time.

The program is set to run for 10 weeks, engaging up to 7 couples on everything related to creating solid marriages. Core topics include: understanding female/male differences, marital expectations, communication, conflict resolution, finances, and parenting. Couples will be engaged in couple and group activities within session, and will be expected to complete assignments together at home (date night).

In addition to the main facilitators, One Accord also invites other professionals and lay couples to share their expertise on matters related to creating a vision for your marriage, marriage and the law, marriage and finances, boundaries, and finally on building lasting relationships.

As I mentioned, we just got started with our first cycle of couples with the plan to expand to multiple cycles per year. We will look at demand to determine the frequency in these early years, but for sure we will offer one more cycle this year and then at least another two cycles in 2015.

One Accord will eventually offer a mentoring component. I hope to gain support of couples within local churches and community to serve in this position.  Additionally, as the program grows, I see our past couples serving as mentors for new participants.  Beyond that, also having regular retreats for the networking of the now married couples will provide a forum for the continued growth and upkeep of the newly formed families. It is my dream to create a network of couples who will have access to the facilitators and each other even beyond their group setting via blog, email, newsletters, and marital activities/retreats. 

What the blurb doesn't share is how long I've been dreaming of this program. It's been almost 8 years that I participated (as a co-facilitator) in a similar program in South Florida and decided that I would launch something similar at my church. Since then the vision has expanded and rather than tie it to any particular church, I've opened it up and advertising it as a community and inter-church group. I've been collecting information over the years and just archiving everything. 

Can you imagine how exciting last Thursday must have been for me? :D It was almost like having another baby!

If you pray, I'm asking for prayers for wisdom, favor, and success. If you don't---I'll take positive thoughts about the same.

Grace, peace and love as I build community!
Gia

quote of the week- 1/30/2014

Our last Thursday in Jan...as we continue on with purpose.

looking forward...excitedly

this is the year of the dream chasing!

As I alluded to last time, there are quite a bit of milestones that I am looking forward to this year. As I completed my 5 year plan, I was challenged to create a 10 year plan. While I have yet to complete this, I've begun to hash out the details for this year's goals.

Two of which are about to be launched! Exciting right? yes! I'm looking forward to February which will hopefully launch my soon-to-be National Premarital group program, One Accord; and also launch the beginnings of Timothy Education Project Bahamas.

The irony of this is, all of a sudden, I'm super busy and in greater demand. I can't remember the last time I had or was invited for a speaking engagement. However, in the past 3 days- I've had two invites. Additionally, a writing commitment I made months ago..like maybe almost a year- suddenly has a deadline (in 2 weeks). This isn't to mention, another writing commitment I made in December that is still ongoing. And a new coordinator project that occurs in March. Yes, I am busy. wooptee-doo right? what's the big deal?

Well the big deal is that, while all these "extras" are super awesome...particularly for my own development and exposure (if I am to think about my own benefits)- these can actually be hindrances...dare I say blockers to my goals. 

Luckily for me, I learned the hard way, that I am not superwoman (see here). Also, this writing commitment made in December has been kicking my butt and made me realize that I don't have to 1. quickly answer/respond to an invitation. 2. I don't always have to say yes (no is a viable answer). Instead, what I need to do is consider what I've already committed to (what exactly are the tasks and responsibilities for this new "thing"?). Further, consider how those commitments fit in with my family's schedule...because afterall, I do have a 6 month old that still needs her momma (not to mention a busy husband that needs his wife). And finally consider how those commitments fit into my plan for attaining my goals. 

So I did something I don't think I've ever done before. I said "no". And guess what? It didn't kill me.  Although, it did hurt because in each instance, it was something that I didn't mind doing. Something for a good purpose---just not necessarily, MY PURPOSE right now. To this end, as I write, I feel free...rather than what I would have felt--which would have been overwhelmed. I will finish what I started (both writing commitments) and I accepted the short-term coordinator project because that occurs March-April and is for a defined time period and it doesn't require any extra on my part. side note: when counting the cost, its important to accurately estimate the time required. Some things sound simple but take a lot -perfect examples are speaking and writing tasks which can be very time/energy consuming when considering the time needed to prepare for it.

So as I leave...are you busy? overwhelmed? resenting the commitments you made? its time to set some clear and healthy boundaries.  Before responding to anything, take some time (even if it requires a follow up phone call) to consider the "cost".

If you are busy doing good...but its not purposeful, then I think its still a waste of your time eh? 

Grace, peace, love and purposeful living,

Gia

quote of the week: 1.16.2014

If you've read my blog, you would have heard me say at some point, that I want to die empty. I want to ensure that when I leave, there is evidence that I was here. Not for accolades, nor for fame, neither for riches, but simply because I believe that I (and you) am made for purpose. When I saw this quote, this resonated with me at the very core of who I am.

Grace, peace, love, and purposeful living,
Gia

Quote of the week: 1.9.14

I do apologize for the lack of posts erlier in the week. I've got a crazy deadline...stay tuned for Monday. I'll be back. In the meantime, chew on this week's quote!

Quote of the week: 1.2.14

Welcome to 2014! January's quotes are all on "purpose".You'd know this is one of my favorite topics!

Grace, peace, love and purpose filled living,

Gia

living full...

living life to the fullest...so that I can die empty.

If you've followed my blog, you would have seen me reference this before. Dr. Myles Munroe has made a similar statement many times and it is him to whom I credit this goal of mine.

But I'm not talking about me today so much. But another revolutionary. A model of being the change. Mr Nelson 'Mandiba' Mandela.

I'll admit. I've never been big on world stuff. politics. events. anything. I barely find the interest for local politics and events. But, being the passion driven woman that I am. I am attracted to purposeful, passionate people. I may not study their lives, but I do take note and on Thursday, I with many others around the world, mourned the loss of Mr Mandela.

I said "oh nooooo" but immediately after that, I smiled and thought to myself:

there's a man that died empty.

And I rejoiced...not for his death, but for the amazing, radical life he lived.

He WAS the change he wanted to see in the world.

He lived with resolute purpose and unyielding passion.

He is a model for any and all of us who want to do the same.


And so I say Rest in Peace Mr Mandela. I'm honoured to be a part of the generation that saw first hand all you did for humanity.

I commit to live so that what he [and many others] fought for, was not in vain.

Grace peace and love,
Gia

Timothy Education Bahamas

For those of you who follow this blog, you would have heard my excitement about Timothy Education Project (if not, check out here and here and even here!). I travelled to Guyana in August 2012 for the launch of the first cohort. Because of Miss Daelyn Grace and her arrival this summer, I couldn't travel with the team to Guyana this year. :( However, I've promised myself, the team, and the Guyanese kids that I will be back so I'm looking forward to when that will be a reality.

Aside from my involvement with team Guyana, I've also talked about starting a Timothy Bahamas. I knew it felt right from the very beginning but couldn't see at all how it fit in with my big dream of Homes of Hope and refused to commit or over-commit myself. I just can't be that careless when the crux of both projects revolves around people...children and their future.

A couple weeks ago, I had a friend revive the dream of Timothy Bahamas and as I prayed about it, I got the revelation about how they are connected and can work together, rather than what I initially thought was 2 completely different projects.

With this in mind, I'm now recruiting for volunteers for Timothy Education Project Bahamas. In the next month, I'll be seeking counsel on identifying the target group, most likely using geographical location (eg target children will be from one are, eg Yellow Elder). Then in January, we'll begin monthly planning meetings. I'll need a multitude of individuals with expertise in many areas: administration, marketing, social media, project management/development, mentoring, tutoring, fundraising, and the list goes on.

First task after identifying the area, would be for us to begin process of finding 25 kids who meet criteria and interviewing them and their families. Then or simultaneously, we can jump in full force with finding companies and organizations to partner with for fundraising of all that we will need for these kids (backpacks, books, school supplies, school uniforms, toiletries, etc).

Its a huge project, the weight of which is ever before me. BUT it is a worthwhile project and so needed to building and restoring hope to the next generation of Bahamians.

Will you join us? 

If you are interested in volunteering, please email me at giavana.jones@gmail.com. Note that you do not need to be physically in New Providence to assist. Nor do you need to be Bahamian. There are tons of ways people with a heart for youth and community can be integral in the success of the project. If you aren't sure, but want more information, definitely check out the links above. You can also go directly to the source www.wonbyoneworld.org or use the online application here. 

This is yet one other opportunity for you to be the change you want to see in the world!

Grace peace and love,

Gia

Puzzle of life

I subscribe to the idea that we are not here to float around. Each person has a purpose and life is best experienced, is fully lived, when we are functioning in that purpose.

Now I say "purpose" which seems singular but I think it goes without saying that one's life statement/mission statement may consist of a number of things. For me, I'm all about fostering hope and building communities. Sometimes this is done one person at a time, in other instances, its done via small groups/communities. I want to see each individual I am in contact with to first, know themselves (their identity and purpose), secondly, to live a whole life (with a focus on psychological and spiritual health) and finally, to be in pursuit of their life goals.

Additionally, I believe in connections. We are relational beings and as such, we thrive in healthy relationships and communities. More than relationships though, I believe that what I do (or am meant to do) is directly tied to someone else and so on. Frederick Beuchner best said it:

"The life I touch for good or ill will touch another life, and that in turn another, until who knows where the trembling stops or in what far place my touch will be felt."

 I've said all this because I had a situation this past week which made me realize how real this interconnectedness is.

I've been avoiding counselling for awhile now. For those of you that know my story, I spent 2 years completing a Master degree which equipped me with the skills needed for therapy but somewhere in the past 10 years since I obtained the degree, I kinda just wrote it off. It was helpful; I've got some skills that are helpful in life in general, and I've definitely become a more self-aware person which is great so I was happy. Just recently, this month in particular, I've had a number of requests for therapy. I've also had people refer others to me for therapy. Each time this occurred, I gave the blank stare.

Maybe not directly as that was rude..but in my head it was a "ummm not quite; I'm not interested" response.

As I was mumbling to myself about how its weird that recently I've been getting so many requests (most of which are people willing to pay), I was humbly reminded (by an acquaintance) in a nutshell....that counselling is a part of my calling. That conversation, and ensuing personal conversation (you know the ones you have with yourself) really made me stop and think - I do have a gift and while the past may not have created the ideal scenario/environment to use my talents, that didn't mean that I needed to totally walk away from it.

Here is where the story gets interesting. After a quick conversation with one of the individuals who was seeking counselling, I walked away unnerved as I realize that I may have almost hindered her from health/wholeness/purposeful living because of my own issues. Because I had ignored her/turned her down, she just figured that this meant it wasn't meant to be and was quite content to walk away, not looking back and settling for where she was emotionally/psychologically.

I never want to be THAT person; you know, the one who is so caught up in herself that she forgets that her talents and gifts are important, essential to others.

“Pull a thread here and you’ll find it’s attached to the rest of the world.”

― Nadeem Aslam, The Wasted Vigil

I leave you to think about your place in this web, this puzzle of life. We are all interconnected and if I don't do my part, there is a tangible missing piece from the puzzle of life. Don't downplay or ignore your talents, gifts and passions for you never know who needs it.

Grace peace and love,
Gia

Praise the GREAT God

"God has a first name—"Yahweh" or "Jehovah"—a Hebrew word that means, "I am." "Lord" should be translated "Jehovah," which means that Jehovah Almighty is His name. Jehovah is a personal name that reveals the very core of God's being, sufficiency, and holiness. God wants to be on a first name basis with us and wants us to come to Him just as we are, in our weakness and incompleteness. When we come before Him, sharing our deepest needs, with honesty and transparency, God then shares His last name, which is based on our current need in life."- Mary Sutherland, Girlfriends in God

Yesterday I had the humbling privilege of speaking in church for our Sunday morning service. Talk about nerve wracking. I've spoken on numerous occasions but in my head, there is something "different" about Sunday morning. Anyway...I talked about finding freedom. My message was entitled "Prison to Freedom, through Praise".



I wanted to share a short snippet of it on praise...and the quote from my GIG devotion this morning fit in so nicely.

Two things happen when we praise:

1. There is a shifting of our gaze (focus) to God: we become like Peter on the water...we can have the mental/emotional/spiritual and even physical strength to move out of the bondages [situations] that have already been unlocked and to move through the gates that have already been opened.
Also, praise helps us to re-align with God and to see a bit how God sees, that is...we get some insight into our situation AFTER we take our eyes off ourselves and look at God.

2. Through praise we establish, reiterate, remind ourselves of who God is, what He has done and what He is doing.

To praise means that we give commendation, accolades, honour to someone or something. We are highlighting a particular characteristic that we admire or like.  The act of praising means that there is a focus off of ourselves and onto the object receiving the praise.

When we praise God, I feel its easy to "get caught up". That is, to begin giving accolades about one characteristic and then easily be reminded that there is something else to give commendation to Him about.

For example, I can't help but to praise God for provision. He is Jehovah Nisse to me. There are so many situations where I know that it was Him who made the way...and in those situations, I can't help but think how He protected me and to be ever grateful that He is omniscient and loves me so much. So I praise Him for being Almighty God (El Shaddai), for being my protector and for being all-knowing (omniscient).  This then reminds me, that He sees everything...and particularly He sees me (El Roi) and my situation and He's working on my behalf. He is my Shepherd (Jehovah Rohi) and being the Good Shepherd, He will always lead me into truth and safety once I trust Him and I can always trust Him because He is faithful and GOOD!!!

Yes, its very easy to change our perspective from doom and gloom and despondency  to one where God becomes bigger and hope can rise and faith can be built!

Whatever your circumstance today, especially if its particularly heavy, sad, discouraging...shift your focus and begin to PRAISE. Recognize what God has already done, what He is doing and what He is about to do!

We were born to praise!

Grace peace and love,
Gia

Clarity is powerful!

"If you have a clear picture of what it is you want to do, then the resources are drawn to you."

This, in essence (I reworded), was the comment made to me after a very exciting impromptu meeting/conversation I had with a couple.

Last Thursday, I had a divine encounter. That's the best way to sum it up. I was requested to visit with a couple with whom my husband had recently met. They were impressed with him, heard a bit about me and wanted to get to know me. Well, what I thought was a casual schmoozing kind of meeting, turned into the beginnings of a dream come true!

Essentially, the couple were VERY interested in the Homes of Hope idea and committed to partnering.

•  Their first commitment was through networking for expertise. They have access to individuals who have first hand knowledge of creating and running "orphanages" and other child-based non-profits and thought it would be a great idea to connect me to them for mentoring and networking purposes.  
• Secondly, they committed to provide me access  to individuals who have unlimited check books, who may be interested in financially supporting an organization of this nature. (insert happy dance here). Networking for financial support.
• Thirdly, they were willing to put their money where their mouth was and provide financial assistance necessary to get the organization legally created. Unlike in other parts of the world, starting a non-profit in The Bahamas, is very expensive...well, at least to lil ole me. Also, in comparison to starting a business, it is significantly more costly. Business < $300 while a non-profit > $3,000.
• Finally, and the one that most impressed me, was their commitment to partner with us. As I mentioned, they have offered their own financial resources, their personal and professional contacts...but also their time.  Both are very interested in taking a hands-on approach, however they can.

Typing about it now (days later), still gives me chills. goose bumps. Can you say my wildest dreams- Someone (or some people) with resources and connections have partnered with me? Only could be God. Did I mention that hubby only met them once and spent less than 2 hours with them before they took this interest? Did I also mention that through this, the only thing they have asked for is: 1. our transparency in the process (fair enough) and 2. that we pay it forward (awesome).

The wife and I spent most of the visit talking because we are really kindred spirits in passions and purpose and her closing statement to me was what I started this blog with.  I have read and repeated multiple times the scripture from Habakkuk 2:2

"And the Lord answered me and said, Write the vision and engrave it so plainly upon tablets that everyone who passes may [be able to] read [it easily and quickly] as he hastens by..."

Do you know how long I've had the dream of Mercy House but kept feeling it was...unfinished. Wanting to move forward but just stuck for so many reasons. The most obvious reason was that couple thousand dollars needed to get it established as a non-profit. Now that the vision is "complete"..and Mercy House has found its place within the structure of Homes of Hope, now at this time...the resources and connections are beginning to pour in.  sweet.

So I'm on the run to thoroughly write out this vision. To gain even more clarity as it relates to the components of Homes of Hope and I'm beyond excited!!!  check out the overall structure...Homes of Hope.

Oh! by the way, do you feel stuck? vision is unclear? check out my good friend, Kaylus who is a life coach specializing in clarity coaching.

Grace peace and love,
Gia

Life as a puzzle

Every now and again, purpose would slap me upside my face and I'd smile because I realize this is a part of me emptying myself so that whenever it is my time to die, I know I would have fulfilled what God placed me on this Earth for.

So you may be asking, what exactly does "purpose slapping me upside my face" look like? 

It looks like my original plan for my dissertation being too big and my first draft falling flat. 

It looks like me taking a step back to my original plan and remembering that I wanted to explore life as an "orphan". 

It looks like me getting an opportunity to do some volunteer work (learned about this in November) with girls who are orphaned and me being over-the-moon excited about it. So excited, I was like..."why didn't I think of that"?  

It looks like me asking myself and then God, why is it that this group of individuals pulls to me the way they do. 

Then it looks like, a friend suggesting that I work with her to potentially counsel orphans (got this request last week).  By the way, the friend knew nothing of the changes to the dissertation which came in November, neither was she aware that I will be volunteering with this group for another project next weekend.  She just thought of me as an ideal person for the task at hand.

It is not by chance, or even not by my own doing that all of these opportunities are presenting themselves. This is purpose slapping me upside the face. I'm still waiting on the full "understanding" from God about the extent of my involvement (now and in the future) with this group of individuals. I've been even wondering if this is the direction for Mercy House (not first time I've had that thought either).

I love when it happens like this...just like the pieces of the puzzle of life coming together. Some people say they don't know what their purpose is. I believe that if we take 2nd and sometimes 3rd looks around us, we can see how our talents/passions can make a change.  We can also see how we are drawn to certain things, people or groups. Somehow, like me, it just so happens that multiple opportunities present itself over and over and so you find yourself doing something that you enjoy, and never actually pursued it. That's purpose slapping you over the head.

I was so taken with this post on JeremyStatton.com this morning, that I decided to just redirect my readers there....(click title below for full post). For me, the last bullet points (white background) just made my heart scream "YES!"

Excerpt taken from the post To die is to live. Enjoy.

"The point is to be fully alive.

• To focus on doing the things that will matter forever.
• To understand the value of time and stop wasting it.
• To silence distractions.
• To focus on relationships.
• To realize that some risks are too important not to take.
• To stop worrying about failing and to start doing.
• To love because in the end, there is nothing else."

Grace peace and love,
Gia

wasted life?

Losing my life doesn't scare me; wasting it does.

I saw this status post on Facebook about a month ago and have since adopted it as a signature for my email.  It called to me because (again), at the heart of the statement of this idea that each of us has a purpose and life is only fulfilled when we are aligned and living on purpose.

It's Monday. What plans do you have for the week? What does your to-do list look like?

Have you carved any time for pursuing purpose? That is of course, if you aren't already living and working in your calling. If that's the case, then continue to press on.

For me, I guess this week is working toward getting the first draft for my dissertation completed. It's not the ultimate but it's a huge step toward the ultimate.  It is a fight though...I've been finding myself in a bit of a funk related to this project but I will not lose sight of the end...it is near and I've just got to continuing pressing.

Other than that, my to-do list looks devoid of anything "important". Maybe I'll carve some time to develop that idea about the Girls Conferences that I mentioned last week...

Tell us about anything exciting, life-altering, inspirational that is planned for today or this week.

Grace peace and love,
Gia

Girl Time

You always know your passion because strong feelings are invoked when the topic arises.  For me, it seems I'm passionate about so many things...however one particular group which has stuck with me from as long as I remember having a passion- young girls.

http://pinterest.com/giavana81/inspiration/

Of course, this explains Mercy House and It's Girl Time. It's all about me finding ways to connect with, empower and promote wellness and resilience among my younger counterparts.  Because of this, I have a collection of activities, sayings, Bible stories that are all stored up for whenever I get an opportunity to work with this population. I saw this picture and was like "YES!!". It was immediately "liked" and "repinned" on Pinterest. ;)

With that said, I'm excited about a new idea/direction for Girl Time. My pastor suggested it and it literally only took 2 minutes for me to think, process and run with the idea. Details are still very fuzzy at this time, but essentially I would like to have a "conference" for young girls. 

It will be FUN, AFFIRMING and all things PRETTY.

I'm thinking spa sessions and tea time....more details to come soon.  I'm also getting excited that this is something I can market to other youth groups, churches, civic organizations to host for their girls and tweens...who knows. It's definitely within the mandate of Girl Time and a great stepping stone toward achieving the vision of Mercy House.

I love hearing from you, so if you have suggestions for this project or your own, please share in the comments section below.

Grace peace and love,

Gia

lil ole me?

21 Saul answered, “But I’m only a Benjaminite, from the smallest of Israel’s tribes, and from the most insignificant clan in the tribe at that. Why are you talking to me like this?” -1 Samuel 9:21

Have you ever thought that? So maybe you aren't Jewish so you aren't of the tribe of Benjamin...but I'm sure there is something in your family history or even personal experiences that seemingly disqualifies you. You don't have a high school diploma. no college degree. you were abused as a child. you don't speak very well. you are fat. ugly. poor. old....(you get the picture).

Based on the flawed standards of this world, there are soooooo many things that disqualify us each day from pursuing the great call that God has placed on our lives. But we must not respond like Saul did in the above Bible story. We must recognize the flaws but recognize that God specializes in things that seem like they "shouldn't be". It makes me laugh each time.

If you are a church goer, you know the stories: the liar (Jacob), the murderer (Moses), the prostitute (Rahab), the adulterer + murderer (David)....yes the list goes on and on but in each instance, something great came from each of these individuals.

Greatness, indeed, doesn't require that the entire world is changed...

greatness is doing what you were made to  do...and in the timing when you should be doing it.

I love how Saul's story continues...

22-23 Samuel took Saul and his servant and led them into the dining hall at the shrine and seated them at the head of the table. There were about thirty guests. Then Samuel directed the chef, “Bring the choice cut I pointed out to you, the one I told you to reserve.”

24 The chef brought it and placed it before Saul with a flourish, saying, “This meal was kept aside just for you. Eat! It was especially prepared for this time and occasion with these guests.”

Saul ate with Samuel—a memorable day!"

It's a beautiful thing, the favour we experience when we are aligned with God's will for our lives...lil ole Saul had a very fancy dinner with Samuel, who was really the most important person among the Israelites (after God of course).  After this Saul gets the word that he has been chosen to be the first King of Israel. A big deal for a little Benjaminite.

What are you "called" to do? Does it seem like too big of a deal for little ole you? I know for me, Mercy House is a huge deal. I always hear people say if your dream isn't big enough to scare you, then go back to sleep (or some derivative of that)- meaning that everyone has a purpose and taken at face-value, that call will seem too big a fit for you (like the kid wearing her parents clothing). BUT its only in this situation, where we are stretched, challenged and changed to become our best selves.

I'm struggling with taking on Timothy Bahamas. It seems too big for me...especially right now. I've got many disqualifiers:  too shy, not very connected, no money, full-time student...BUT fully aware of everything that indicates why I should NOT take on this project, I realize there are so many reasons why I should.

This is for me, right now in this season..and for that, I press onward.

Will you join me? Not necessarily with Timothy project...or Mercy House..but join me in the press toward living in the purpose that God has designed  for you!

Grace peace and love,
Gia

Pressing on...

I'm tired....like not just the regular tired but sleepy. Hopefully I get a better night's rest tonight, but as I sat here looking at the computer screen and thought of what I wanted to "say" today, I was kinda blanking out.

So I sat here and reviewed my goals for this blog. I continued writing this blog  for the purpose of encouraging, uplifting and challenging my readers to live their best life. I'm about making a mark on this world through living a life that is purposeful and God-centered. If I could find 1,000 different ways to get across the importance of pursing passion and purpose, I would. :) I firmly believe it is the true secret to success and happiness that so many people long for.

Well...enough talking for today (you know I try to keep Fridays a light read).  Instead, I want you to tune in to short  interview which is a follow up on a series that my Pastor (featured) preached on last month called "Running to Win".

Enjoy

Grace peace and love,
Gia

Square peg, round hole

I am, for all intents and purposes, a passionate person. When I love, I love hard. I when I hurt, I hurt hard. When I feel....well lets just say, it can be dramatic. As I get older and wiser, I've learned to tone down the drama (emotional) but recently, I've shifted the energy and now in pursuit of the real, meaningful beat of my heart. Pursuing the reason why I was born. The thing that makes me feel alive. I'm clearly not talking about the sexual, romantic, erotic "passion" that is portrayed and dramaticized in pop culture. I'm talking about so much more.

There is no substitute. It is a driving force, a motivator unlike none other. It is God-given. We've all got it...even if we have it locked up somewhere inside of us...It sits, waiting to be unleashed. Sometimes, because we stifle our pursuits or tailor our lives for what is "reasonable" or what is lucrative, we miss out. Simple as that.

At the heart of passion, is purpose and if we are honest with ourselves, at the heart of purpose is our Creator. He made us with a purpose and a calling and He has given us the talents, desires and individual resources to make it happen..or at the very least, we've got an innate DESIRE (passion) to make it happen. Sometimes the other resources are only revealed, when we begin to walk in faith toward it.

What are you passionate about? What makes your heart sing? or What makes you a geek? ;) You know, you can do this (or talk about this) for hours and not feel weary? Not tired, because that's a physical state that shows our humanness..but weary. You know that I'm sooooo tired and drained and near dead that most of us feel when we try to be and do what we weren't made for. square peg in a round hole syndrome.

What were you made to do...are you square? round? star? or even an octagon? :D


Grace peace and love,
Gia

more from Guyana

Today is the day...in another 2 hours, we'll kick off the party that essentially culminates the year (or so) of planning, fund-raising, praying..that have been done for these 26 kids (and their families).

I can't wait to come back and report on the mighty work today...even as great work has already taken place as we met individually with kids and their parents and got to know them in the past two days. My heart is seriously full. Like seriously. I think of the kids, now that I can put faces with names (and personalities) and I grin...there is no pity here. These kids and families are resilient. They are hopeful. They are fighters. We have come to remind them, that their fight is not in vain. That there are people out there who care..above all that, they have a heavenly Father who cares even more! woooooooooo

Okay...here are some pics from last night as I lost a couple pounds sweating to put these backpacks together. ;)

some empty backpacks

supplies

Schantal stuffing pencil cases

shoes

stuffed bags

We were packing the stuffed backpacks (sans uniforms) into suitcases for transport to the school house and I will say...those are some heavy bags. Schantal commented that it felt like the miracle feeding in the Bible because we had sooooooo much (of everything)...it seriously wasn't running out!!! Praise Jesus! 

Oh! About the Timothy Project, click here. More from this trip here...

grace peace and love from Guyana!!!

Gia

..from Guyana!

Hello everyone,

In case you were wondering about us, we got in yesterday safe and sound. All went well. The trip was smooth with tons of examples of how God has favoured us (waived luggage fees, waived transportation fees, bump up into equivalent to business class, etc etc). 





We have met with kids and parents yesterday and it was a lovely time. Most seem to be excited. We completed inventory yesterday evening before crashing....Five extra large suitcases filled with school supplies, shoes and clothing.





Yesterday, we literally just came off the plane (me @ 7, them @ 8), after all of us were travelling for more than 18 hrs from the day before and then went to do "business" here. wooooooo talk about appreciating a shower and a bed! Praise Jesus for the wisdom to whoever made both. :-)

We are getting ready for prayer time before leaving at 8am for a full day. I should be meeting with about 7 parents + kids today to complete intake. We have two kids who do not have all the supplies, and we'll be double checking to ensure that all the shoes we bought fit everyone as they come in for the interviews.

Here we are chilling on the step of the school house waiting on our taxi to take us for food (we were hungry) but still smiling!! :)

Pray with and for us. This is me "doing something". Being the change I want to see in the world. ;) More about the Timothy project here. 

Grace peace and love,
Gia