Purpose is defined as the reason for which something is done, created or exists. Therefore, understanding primarily the reason for my creation, (why I exist); defines the purpose which drives my actions.  Therefore, it is essential to understand the purpose for which I was created.  Inside that knowledge, lies the power that transforms me from Victim to Warrior in every situation of life. Knowing that God’s plan for my life is showering upon me His Joy, His love and His Glory, I begin to see life through His eyes.  My view changes from victim to warrior by reason of His Will, just by knowing this truth.

If (as some wrongly believe) I exist to perform acts for God which are impossible to do on my own; then, I will be always in a rollercoaster state of striving and giving up.  On the other hand, if my purpose is to be a receptacle of God’s love, joy and Glory; then, my task becomes emptying myself of pride, arrogance, and selfish desire, so, that He becomes the goal. Then, above all else; my desire becomes knowing Him fuller, spending time in His presence, and embracing His Will for my life–no matter what!  Furthermore, when I recognize His Being; the more evident becomes my nothingness.  Recognizing He has the best plan for me, I surrender to His Will Joyfully.

From Victim to Warrior

There was an aboding sense of fear deep within my heart until that moment I knew, this was God’s plan.  My father’s eyes filled with tears; yet, he helped me to pack my car and load the children into their car seats.  Six months earlier, I had arrived home; planning to start over.  Defeated, tired, I bore the scars and bruises of domestic abuse.  Accomplished as a nurse; able to make my own living–certainly, I was not your usual victim of abuse.  I had options.  So, why did I return?  Before you think I am telling women to remain in abuse; let me say, that I would tell anyone to run as fast as they can; unless, as was my case, God clearly says, Go back. Continue reading How to Transform Victims to Warriors by Reason of Truth →

Over the past few weeks, the focus of my writing was to fully describe our place within this universe with promise: laying the foundation for living a life Amazed by Joy, undaunted by the storms of this world.  Now, I will turn to the second truth that is paramount in living a life of victory through any circumstance with steadfast joy in your heart: that is knowing your purpose: the purpose for which you were created.

One’s purpose is certainly debated within the ranks of psychological discussions. Ideas range from believing that your purpose is to achieve your best self to achieving your best contribution to society.  Yet, what is my best self? Or with so many worldviews, how does one know what best contribution could be to society?  The far right to far left ideologies both believe that they are the only ones who know this answer; but, do either really know the true purpose for your life or mine? Could it be that our purpose is quite different than either of these? Perhaps, we were created for a purpose with little to do with doing; but, rather with receiving.

PURPOSE TO BRING GOD GLORY-ME?

Continue reading HOW CAN I REALLY KNOW MY PURPOSE IN LIFE? →

Knowing the truth that God IS and He rewards those who diligently seek Him changed everything for me.  Most of all, it changed my perspective on life.  As first foundation presented, this truth transformed how I view the trials that are a part of life. Furthermore, it transformed my life to one of steadfast joy, undaunted by the storms of this world.  Can I say that I never have doubts, sorrows or disappointments?  No, most certainly I can’t!  What I do know is that those moments come when I take my focus off the truth of God’s Being and, once more, focus on me.  Many years, I focused on what the reward might be; until, one day; I realized.  Knowing the truth that God IS everything beautiful, righteous and good; then, the greatest reward He could give me is Himself! Therefore, His presence is my joy, my hope.

Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand, there are pleasures for evermore. Psalm 16:11

THE GREATEST REWARD OF ALL

Continue reading What is the Greatest Reward God Can Give You? →

I wrote this song several years ago; because, God’s Amazing Grace changed my life step by step.  He took all my brokenness, all my tears, and transformed my heart and eyes that I might see Him.  I hope you enjoy this video and the poem below.

The Master Weaver

 

Broken threads my life you found

And with your love each piece you bound

A song of love your lips resound

With gentle hands, each thread you place

Oh could it be, amazing grace

A picture clear, my Savior’s face

What joy divine, could it be true

Each broken thread, you only knew

When woven tight would look like you

 

The Scarlet threads my broken heart

The deepest sorrows blue impart

Each silver thread of tears that fell

You guide my life with such detail

A brilliant gold, your love divine

My sins were washed, a white sublime

You gently weave with skillful hand

The portrait mine that you have planned

 

Oh, let me Lord remember this

That I might know with joy and bliss

You did ordain my every tear

That I might learn to never fear

That I might trust the weaver’s hand

And on this hope and promise stand

Your love will always know what’s best

Your cradling arms are where I rest

 

Broken threads my life you found

And with your love each piece you bound

A song of love your lips resound

With gentle hands, each thread you place

Oh could it be, amazing grace

A picture clear, my Savior’s face

What joy divine, could it be true

Each broken thread, you only knew

When woven tight would look like you

God’s plan

we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Romans 8:28-29

But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord 2 Corinthians 3:18

concluding tweets

[bctt tweet=”Only God can take all the broken pieces of my life & transform them into a portrait of Jesus” username=”effiedarlene”]

[tweetthis]Each broken thread, You only knew When woven tight would look like You [/tweetthis]

This and the featured picture are original Drawings by an amazing artist. Check out his work: http://roninron.com .

You cannot copy or duplicate this picture without permission; because of copyright laws.’

 

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2017

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post.  I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

 

 

Over the past few weeks, I presented the case for finding our place in this Universe by first understanding this truth:  God IS.  The core fiber of our faith begins there; however, it does not end there; because as clearly stated in Hebrews 11: 6 “he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him”.  So, it begins with knowing God IS Sovereign Lord, the Being that brings existence into our nothingness: filled with righteousness, justice, and love.  Beyond that, we have His promise that “all things work together for our good” (Romans 8:28). The entire word of God details God’s promises of love, protection, provision, and fulfillment of joy in us and for us.  Every trial we face guides us to know Him who IS the Powerful Promise of Hope for you and for me.

Jesus is our great shepherd providing for our every need who lovingly, willingly died and was resurrected from the dead to secure eternal life for us (John 10).  Furthermore, He IS the one who holds our position in Him.

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand. I and my Father are one. John 10:27-30

Having accepted Christ as my Savior, He holds me secure; and, not even I can wander so far; but, that my Lord and Master will draw me back into His arms of love.

Powerful Promise of Love

Continue reading How to Hold Fast the Powerful Promise of Hope →