Life Purpose | Trinity Christian Life Coaching

Transitional Friday: Dealing with Multiple Life Changes at one time

Posted on January 23, 2015August 24, 2016 by trinitychristianlifecoaching

I’ve been sharing some of my life changes lately. I had several life changes in finding a new job and relocating to a new area.

Some lessons I’ve learned are:

Embrace the situation
It is natural to be nervous, but keep moving forward. Anything and place that is new is scary, until you have experienced that situation or area.
Learning anything new takes time—be patient with yourself.
An elephant must be eaten one bite at a time—take things one at a time. Deal with one issue or decision {if and when possible} before moving to the next.
When multiple decisions have to be made, deal with the most important first.
God has put you here for a reason. You have a purpose in this situation, a lesson to learn and a lesson to teach.
Everything works together for the good of those who love the Lord.

Transitional Friday: 5 Lessons When Life Changes

Posted on January 16, 2015August 24, 2016 by trinitychristianlifecoaching

Life is full of changes, both good and bad. The one thing that is inevitable is things will not stay the way they are.

So how do we deal with these changes?

Allow yourself to feel the emotion—whether good or bad go through the process.
Find a way towards contentment—I’ve had times when I struggled with contentment and it made me and everyone around me miserable.
Find the positive in the change—if the change is a result of something bad or tragic this may take longer. But even the lessons and pain from this experience can one day help others going through this experience.
Seek God’s will and peace in any and every situation.
Take life one day {and one minute or hour if necessary} at a time. Take your time when making decisions and pray about it. Remember, this too shall pass.

What lessons have you learned when life changes?

Transitional Friday: 7 Lessons from Starting Over

Posted on January 2, 2015August 24, 2016 by trinitychristianlifecoaching

I’ve lost track of how many times I’ve had to start over. The reasons for this are varied, but include moving, divorce, starting a new job, returning to college, etc.

With the new year here, we are all making new resolutions. Often this includes losing weight. Yet, two weeks later we’ve given up. New resolutions are all part of starting over and learning new ways and techniques to improve ourselves.

Starting over can be exciting when thinking about the new possibilities. Each change brings new hopes and dreams.

Adjustment takes time
Embrace the experience
Be thankful for the opportunity
Look forward—what hopes and dreams does this experience open up
Remember God has you here for a reason
What lessons can you learn from this experience
This is a new beginning

What have you learned from starting over?

Transitional Friday: 7 Lessons When Moving to a New Area

Posted on December 26, 2014August 24, 2016 by trinitychristianlifecoaching

I recently had a friend that moved across country. Making such a move is a huge undertaking.

While, she and her family were excited about the move, there were also adjustments that had to be taken into account.

Learning the cultural differences—even in the United States various areas have different cultures, depending on if you are in the southeast, Northeast, southwest, North west or California coasts.
Learning the new area—this includes the roads, restaurants, stores, etc.
Developing a new routine takes time
Appreciating the difference in scenery—whether you go from the mountains to the beach or the plains to the big city, the scenery is different. Take the time to appreciate the new scenery that is around.
Finding a house of worship—sometimes we may have to visit several churches before finding the right fit and where we feel at home.
Searching for a new house—searching for a house is stressful enough, but when taking in the difference in living expenses and finances in different parts of the country, this increases the stress. Don’t rush the decision, take time to make sure this is the best decision for you and your family.
Making new friends—this takes time, but whether you meet them at church, on the playground, at work, or join various organizations or societies, you can make new friends.

What have you learned when moving to a new area?

Transitional Friday: Home is where Heart is

Posted on November 28, 2014August 24, 2016 by trinitychristianlifecoaching

For years I was unhappy with where I was living. I did not want to be there. I was fighting a spiritual battle, between what I wanted and what God wanted for my life.

There were times when the situation weighted so heavily on my heart that it gnawed away at me and I became angry.

Then a few months ago, God opened amazing doors for a new job in a new city an hour away.

I realized during this time that the place I’d been fighting living, had become more of a home than I ever expected or anticipated.

Only once I had left, did I realize how much this town and place had become home.

Often we don’t realize how important a place or person is until they are gone.

We are told to be “thankful in all things.”

This isn’t always easy, especially in trying circumstance. I’ve really struggled with this lesson at times.

However, that is exactly what God wants for us.

What have you been thankful in?

Transitional Friday: 9 Lessons I learned from Life Transitions

Posted on November 21, 2014August 24, 2016 by trinitychristianlifecoaching

For over three years I searched for a new job. I also prayed about a place to live.

God finally answered both of these prayers at the same time.

When circumstances changed and life began to turn around, I was surprised by the mixture of feelings I experienced.

I was excited for the changes and opportunities ahead of me, but scared to death to be taking such a huge step into the unknown.

I was moving from what I knew and was comfortable with to a life that was completely new and unknown to me.

I had the common fears and uncertainties that our emotions can drive us to. However, I was also excited about the changes and improvement to life these changes would provide.

I discovered that to handle this wide range of emotions:

I had to take a deep breath
I shared my hopes and fears with God
I went through the motions, even when I was scared to death
I had to take a leap of faith and trust God knew what was best
I reminded myself this was an answer to prayer
I reminded myself transition is part of life
I had to take on minute, one hour, and one day at a time
I was thankful for these blessings
I wasn’t along, God was with me

What lessons have you learned in your life transition?

Transitional Friday: When God Answers Prayers

Posted on November 14, 2014August 24, 2016 by trinitychristianlifecoaching

I’ve discussed discouragement and waiting for God, but eventually He will answer?

However, what happens once you finally have prayers answered?

I’ve had prayers answered that showed me this was not God’s will for my life and took me down a dark path. I’ve also had prayers answered that only God could orchestrate and proved this was God’s will for my life.

Thank God for answered prayers
Ask God if this is His will for my life
Understand the lessons God has been teaching along the path
Praise God for His blessings and provision
Remember that God likes to show off to show what He can do
The lesson in the wait is Faith, but we can’t abandon it once our prayers are answered
Sometimes we have to get out of the boat and take the first step in faith

Transitional Friday: 9 Lessons from Living with Parents

Posted on November 7, 2014August 24, 2016 by trinitychristianlifecoaching

After leaving an abusive marriage, I moved home with my mom. I’m not alone, more and more children are moving back in with their parents. The reasons for this is as vast as the ocean.

This gave us the opportunity to heal both old and new wounds.

However, living with a parent is not easy, when you move back in as an adult.

Some lessons to remember:

This is an opportunity to get to know one another
Once a mother, always a mother—even when you don’t want to be mothered
Set boundaries for all involved
Define each person’s responsibilities
Use this opportunity to heal old wounds
Get back to your roots to discover who you really are at heart
Family knows you better than anyone
This is as big a transition for our parents, as it is for us
No one loves you the way a parent{s} can

What lessons have you learned from living with parents?

Transitional Friday: 10 Lessons I learned from Job Searching

Posted on October 17, 2014August 24, 2016 by trinitychristianlifecoaching

Even before unemployment kicked in, I spent two years searching for a position.

Searching for a job is very overwhelming and frustrating.

What I learned is:

There are so many options it is overwhelming
There are times when there seems to be no options to choose from
Narrowing down a job position is essential
Although I want to rush the process, the company has other concerns that can slow things
Networking is essential
Persistence pays off
I must have confidence in myself and my abilities
Seek help from anyone and everyone possible—the least they can say is no
In time the right fit will come along
God is in control and has a plan

What lessons have you learned?

Transitional Friday: 10 Lessons I Learned from Unemployment

Posted on October 10, 2014August 24, 2016 by trinitychristianlifecoaching

For ten months I was unemployed, following the death of my boss.

Even before my job ended, I faced a cut in hours.

Unemployment is frustrating due to the financial instability and uncertainty. There are moments when hopes are raised only to be dashed and other moments when life and circumstances seem hopeless.

As we’ve discussed in the past, for everything there is a season. However, it is difficult to see over the horizon at times.

What I learned from unemployment:

This is a learning and growth opportunity
You will be tested and tried
For every job, there are numerous others also applying for them
Sometimes we have to be patient for God to orchestrate the necessary events for the job He has for us
God may want me to go in a new direction
This is an opportunity to pursue my creative dreams
This is a great time to volunteer
Networking is essential
This is a great time to dig deep, discover who I am meant to be and God’s will for my life
God will always provide for basic needs, but not our wants

What have you learned from unemployment?

Transitional Friday: Psalms 121:7-8–The Lord Will Protect Us

Posted on September 26, 2014August 24, 2016 by trinitychristianlifecoaching

Last week, we discussed God’s protection as we watches over us. This week we are again reminded of this promise.

⁷The Lord will keep you from all harm—

The Lord will watch over and protect His children from harm. As we discussed last week, both known harm and unknown harm. I personally can think of several harmful situations God has protected me from.
he will watch over your life;

God doesn’t just watch over us for an hour or a day and then tire of us. He watches over us for our entire life. Even in those empty, sad moments when we feel all alone and that no one cares, God is still watching over us.
⁸the Lord will watch over your coming and going

God watches over us in both life and the afterlife. From before our birth into the world, until long after we enter eternity with Him, God is with us watching over us and caring for us with only the protection He can provide.
both now and forevermore.

His promises, love and blessings last forever. Time is finite. Tomorrow is gone forever and yesterday is yet to be. However, right now is the time we are in and we will never have that time back. God holds all the yesterdays, todays and tomorrows in the palm of His hand. He is the beginning and the end, the Alpha and the Omega, the same yesterday, today and forever.

Transitional Friday: Psalms 121:5-6–The Lord Watches Over You

Posted on September 19, 2014August 24, 2016 by trinitychristianlifecoaching

Last week, we discussed how God will not let us fall

⁵The Lord watches over you—

The dictionary describes watches as “”to be alertly on the lookout, look attentively, or observe, as tosee what comes, is done, or happens”
the Lord is your shade at your right hand;

under God’s shade we can sit in his delight and assurance. God is always near his people for their protection and refreshment.

The right hand is the working hand and God wants His people to do their duty. When we do as God ask, He will give us success.
⁶the sun will not harm you by day,

God will take care of His people when the storms come up in our lives.
nor the moon by night.

God sees what happens in both the open, as well as in secret. He protects us from both our known enemies and obstacles, as well as those we do not know anything about.

Transitional Friday: Psalms 121:3-4–God Will Watch Over Us

Posted on September 12, 2014August 24, 2016 by trinitychristianlifecoaching

I have often wanted to do things my way, instead of seeking God’s will. Last week, we looked at where God reminded us to look unto the hills for His help. I’m a rebel that has been redeemed. Today’s verse is a reminder of why we need to trust in God.

³He will not let your foot slip—

If we put our trust in Him and allow God to guide, He will not allow us to fall.
he who watches over you will not slumber;

I need sleep. There are times when I go on a shortage of sleep, but eventually it catches up with me. However, we’re reminded that God never sleeps. He’s always awake and aware of what is occurring, even when we are sleeping.
⁴indeed, he who watches over Israel

He watches over us while we sleep. God never sleeps.

Israel was God’s promised people. Even when they were disobedient and God had to reprimand them, he continued to watch over them. He did not want to see His people become slaves to their enemies or wander in the desert for 40 years, but He knew this was the only way to get their attention.
will neither slumber nor sleep.

Once again, we are reminded that God never slumbers or sleep. Even when we wonder why He’s not answered our prayers, if He is listening and if He cares, God is still there listening to our cries and prayers.

Join the Conversation: How has God protected you?

Transitional Friday: Psalms 121:1-2–I Will Lift My Eyes to the Hills

Posted on September 5, 2014August 24, 2016 by trinitychristianlifecoaching

My life has felt like one long transition at times. This has been particularly true for the last few years, as I deal with changes and seek God’s will in various situations.

This month I would like to take an in-depth look at one of my favorite Psalm. I often turn to this verse for both guidance and comfort.

¹I lift up my eyes to the mountains—

The Bible takes place in the modern day Middle East. During the Bible times mountains dotted the region and landscape.

Mountains often are a reference to authority or a rule. The author is most likely referring to God’s throne.

where does my help come from?

I know I often wonder where help will come from. When my prayers will be answered or how I will get through a situation.
²My help comes from the Lord,

The speaker speaks of the greatness, power and glory of the Lord. Lifting up of the eyes is a gesture of prayer.
the Maker of heaven and earth.

God is the maker of both heaven and earth. He is the ruler over both the heavens and the earth.

Leave an answer: Where do you look for help?

Transitional Friday: Setting SMART Goals

Posted on August 29, 2014August 24, 2016 by trinitychristianlifecoaching

Last week, we discussed 9 ways to set realistic goals, but left off with SMART goals. So what are SMART Goals?

S=Specific—a specific goal {ex.I will lose 20 pounds by the last day of November}
M=Measurable—a concrete way to measure your goal. {ex. I have 3 months to lose 20 pounds. That’s about a pound and a half a week.}
A=Attainable—Decide how to reach this goal and the steps that need to be taken to achieve the goal. {ex. I need to exercise five days a week for 45 minutes and each 1500 calories a day}.
R=Realistic—Is this goal achievable? Is this something I can achieve? {see #5 above}
T=Timely—Set a timeline for reaching this goal. Otherwise you are less likely to reach that goal. Thing of the goal being tangible. Often if we can see, taste, smell, hear or feel the goal, we are more likely to achieve it.

How do you set realistic goals? Do you use the SMART goals?

Creative Thursday: 9 Ways to Discover Your Creativity

Posted on August 28, 2014August 24, 2016 by trinitychristianlifecoaching

I’ve often had people tell me, “I’m just not creative.”

Perhaps, that person isn’t a musician, dancer, artist or writer. However, that person most likely still has some creative flair. Often it’s just discovering what the passion is and taping into it.

I’ve seen these same people become excited about designing a room, throwing a party, or working on various crafts. All of these are creative outlets.

So, how can you recognize your creative side?

Passion—notice the things you are passionate about, such as designing a room, throwing a party, putting together an outfits, looking at floral arrangements, cooking, gardening, etc.
Where is your passion? How do you experiment?
Enjoyment—what are the things that you enjoy doing? How can you experiment and put a creative flair to the hobby?
Experiment—be willing to tap into the left side of your brain. Step out of your comfort zone and experiment with a craft or hobby you’ve always wanted to learn. What do you have to lose? You may discover a new passion that was lying dormant.
Unconscious Behavior—what are some things that you do unconsciously? This could include singing in the shower or car, doodling in a meeting, dancing around your house to your favorite songs, acting out stories, telling yourself or your children stories you’ve made up, etc. How could you take any of these behaviors to the next step and turn it into a hobby?
Dreams—do you have a secret dream you are too afraid to admit? This could be to perform on stage, be a speaker, appear in a film, show a piece of art in the studio, etc. Ask yourself if you can realistically sing or create art, can you learn to and take baby steps to realistically reach your goal.
Natural Talent—do you have a natural talent in an artistic field? Be willing to take lessons and develop this talent, even if it’s for your own personal enjoyment.
Give it a try and often the pieces will fall into place!
Divine Inspiration—do ideas and thoughts come to you, or do you feel inspired? Be willing to take a chance and act on this inspiration. My first book came about the same way, I was inspired by a story, but thoughts “I can’t write that.” A little voice told me, “you don’t know if you don’t try.” I discovered a talent I didn’t know I even had.
Be Quiet—take time each day to just be quiet, without outside distractions such as the television, radio, children, etc. Listen to your thoughts and discover what may come to your mind. Sometimes it’s in those quiet moments that our most creative thoughts rise.
Expose Yourself to Something New—step out of the comfort zone and try something new. This can mean attending a museum, theater production, reading poetry, discovering a new author, listening to a different type of music, writing a letter, taking a nature walk and taking photographs, taking a walk, etc.

How have you tapped into your hidden creativity?

Transitional Friday: 9 Ways to Set Realistic Goals

Posted on August 22, 2014August 24, 2016 by trinitychristianlifecoaching

We’ve been discussing the importance of our choices and overcoming failure. I thought it was important to discuss setting realistic goals.

So how do you set realistic goals?

Write your goals down—look at the big picture for each area of your life {ie…career, finances, weight, relationships, spiritual walk, etc}. Write down where you would ideally like to be in one year, five year, ten years, fifteen years, etc.
Break the goal down—now break that goal down into smaller portions that are easier to maintain. List the steps you need to take to reach this goal. This could be anything from go back to school, to paying off a bill, to exercising each day for weight loss.
Set Deadlines—set a deadline to reach the first part of your goal. Once you’ve reached that goal, look at the next step and set a deadline to reach that goal.
Schedule Time—schedule time for your goals. I struggle with my weight and getting healthy. I do much better when I schedule in time to exercise and what I will eat for the week than when I leave it up in the air “to get around to.”
Be Realistic—have you set goals that can be honestly reached? If you can’t carry a tune and want to be a pop singer, you may want to search for another dream. However, if you’re a great artists, with practice and lessons you may be able to move to the next level.
Set Goals you WANT to learn—don’t do something because you feel that you should or are pressured into it. Work toward your dreams and desires!
Develop a plan—there are often obstacles that creep up and derail our plans. For me, that struggle is again with my weight. I do best when I decide in advance how to deal with this obstacle. I then have more will power and am better prepared to overcome this obstacle and bounce back.
Use positive reinforcement—use positive reinforcement, instead of saying “I can’t do this,” tell yourself, “I can do this if I will dedicate one hour a day to this endeavor, etc.”
Don’t forget SMART goals—this may be the most important and the most actionable of all of the goals. Often you hear about SMART goals in business, job interviews, higher education learning, etc. So what are SMART Goals?

How do you set goals?

Next week: What are Smart Goals?

Transitional Friday: 9 Ways to Bounce Back from Failure

Posted on August 15, 2014August 24, 2016 by trinitychristianlifecoaching

There are times when no matter how much we try, we continuously face failure. There have been several areas of my life, where nothing I’ve tried has succeeded. I continue to face one failure after another. Over time, this is enough to make anyone grow weary, frustrated, overwhelmed and even defeated.

So how do you continue to move forward when nothing is working?

Don’t Give Up—if you are pursuing a dream, never give up, no matter how much defeat and frustration you receive. I’ve heard some writers say that they received thousands of rejections before receiving a break through. I’ve heard artists say that they worked for twenty years before making it big. However, they never gave up.
Keep Bouncing Back—this is much like never giving up, work through the emotions and bounce back.
Evaluate—often I’ve had to go back and evaluate what worked, what didn’t work, and the why for each one. Then I figure out what I can do differently and how to move forward from there.
Be Realistic—often it’s easy to reach for our dreams without being realistic. You will not become a concert pianists, if you refuse to practice the piano.
Set Goals—often I feel like a fish at sea, but when I set goals and see where I’m going and what needs to be done to get there, I make much better progress.
Be Open to Change—sometimes we need to be open to change, whether this is going in a different direction, taking a different approach, learning a different technique, etc.
Never Stop Learning—continue to read, study and follow the experts in your field of interest. There is so much that we can learn from these experts, including not on the subject matter but also what to do and not do.
Be Open to Feedback—be open to accepting constructive criticism from others. Yes, there is the occasional person{s} that wants to pull you down, however most people want to help you. One critique method is the oreo method. This starts with a positive, then adds what needs to be changed and ends again with a positive.
Prayer—pray, seek God’s will and be willing to go in the direction in which He is leading.

Remember, you are not alone. There are numerous examples of people that have failed before success.

Walt Disney faced numerous hardships before reaching success

Henry Ford had 5 businesses go broke before Ford Motor Company became successful.
Walt Disney faced multiple occurrences of being fired, bankrupt and failed businesses before succeeding.
Thomas Edison had over 1,000 unsuccessful inventions before inventing the light bulb.
Winston Churchill lost almost every election before being voted Prime Minister at age 62.
Before making it big in I Love Lucy, Lucille Ball was considered a failed actress and B movie star.
Vincent Van Gogh is considered the greatest artists of his time, but only sold one painting in his life time.

How do you bounce back from failure? Who else has inspired you?