Get In The Fight!

When we are faced with difficulty, we must learn to remember when God brought us through, met our need and/or brought a transformational change in our lives. Our faith has to be awakened from the temporary haze of being knocked down, preparing to strike a haymaker on the difficulty. Something is about to get knocked out...



Click on the link below to view today's inspiration, video,

"Declaration (This Is It)" - Kirk Franklin

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJUY_FM_q3Q




August is Filled with Joy!

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Kenneth Turner, Contributing Writer
Camille Turner-Mason
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Contact: camille@thepurposewithin.com

Protecting My Identity

“Without joy in your life you are powerless.” –Joyce Meyer

I recently received a call from my bank asking me if I wanted identity protection on my account. That phone call caused me to think about my identity on a daily basis. The question that consistently came to mind was, “Who is responsible for protecting my identity?”
The answer was ME! This answer is obvious but is sometimes lost in midst of chaos and joy robbers.

I began to recall the many times that I am asked to show proof of identity.
I wondered what exactly are they looking for, what do they see?
Do I look like I feel?
Today I have nothing to be frustrated about, I feel great.
The picture on my identification shows me frustrated and irritated.
Is this truly proof of identity?
What can I do to protect my identity?

I have found that my identity is simply the original me that God created in the likeness of Him.

My identity is made up of those things that do not change about me; for example, your finger prints. No matter how large or small you are your finger print will never change because it’s a part of your identity.

We receive our identity while in our mother’s womb, but we allow joy robbers and chaos to steal our identities because we didn’t protect them. Choosing joy instead of making a comfy pallet for hindrances of fear, doubt, pity, frustration, and irritation will help in protecting our identities.
My greatest hindrance in the past has been fear. Fear has stopped me so many times in the past. Fear became so comfortable for me that I would actually be paralyzed by it. It was not until I began to understand the power in my choosing that I became free from fear. I understand now that choosing JOY over fear allows me to protect my identity and maintain peace in my atmosphere.

Purpose: Understanding that we are responsible for protecting our identities by the choices we make daily.

Action: Embrace the power you have to choose and when choosing be sure that you are choosing to protect your identity. Choose JOY not those things that try to hinder you daily.

August is Filled with Joy!

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Taffney Taylor, Contributing Writer
Camille Turner-Mason
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iRock Purpose Blogspot
Contact: camille@thepurposewithin.com

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT - It's Time for a Joy Break!

Sometimes we all need a little help to shift our focus from
complaining about what we don't have to praising about what we do have.

Take a JOY BREAK today!
I Just Wanna Say no matter how hard the circumstances may be, we are never alone!

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=56125170


August is Filled with Joy!

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Camille Turner-Mason
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Joy Personified

It’s the first day back at school and I’m filled with anticipation of a year that will be successful.

Simply because I, along with the top scholars I am privileged to work with daily, choose for it to be. As I look at these special children, who often have faced more loss and lack in their young lives than I may ever see in my entire lifetime, I am grateful that because of my interaction with them, as challenging as it may be, I’ve experienced some of the greatest love and excitement to-date. In spite of, they are ever-hopeful and filled with boundless energy and abundant ability.

My kids represent joy in human form, for like joy, they are not daunted by circumstances, nor does their existence fail to touch the world around them. Like joy, they bring inspiration and a welcome relief from the periodic strain of my adult experience. They bring light and love and they trigger my awareness that my authentic design is meant for motivation as I move through this often-confounding life-walk. They refresh my at-times jaded soul and teach me that as I teach them, anything is possible, and everything is just as it should be. They remind me of the purity of this experience and that I must approach things spirit-first. They are a representation of the accuracy that we arrive with, and the fact that true joy comes in the simplest ways.

A hug, a smile, an enthusiastic greeting in choppy Spanish all keep me conscious of the fact that nothing is insurmountable, and nothing is that daunting that joy can’t slip in and shift my perception from that which is counterfeit to the solid truth that it IS indeed well!

August is Filled with Joy!

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Toneille Bent, Contributing Writer
Camille Turner-Mason
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The Purpose Within Celebrates the Life of Sen. Ted Kennedy

The Joy of the Fight

August 27, 2009 our nation awakened to the news of the death of Senator Ted Kennedy. There is much to be said about this outstanding statesman, regardless of your political affiliation, there is no denying that he fought for civil rights, heath care and economic issues of the American people. He reached across party lines and worked together with those that may have not viewed issues the same way he did. A list of his political accomplishments could go on and on.

Today, I wanted to focus on the fight of the “Liberal Lion”.

When I think of Senator Kennedy, the story of the Lion King comes to mind. Much like Simba, Senator Kennedy was left to fill the role as patriarch in his family after the deaths of his father and two older brothers, President John F. and Robert Kennedy. Alone and full of questions, it would have been easy to slip into the darkness of depression never to return, leaving his family waiting for him to lead them through a rough and difficult time. Unlike Simba, Senator Kennedy, rose to the occasion, and faced his adversity head on. He became a surrogate father to his nieces and nephews who were left fatherless, and like a father he worked tirelessly in the senate to provide opportunity and assistance to those who were less fortunate.

As many people look back and remember him, one sentiment was repeated throughout each and every memory spoken, he was a fighter. That description became more evident in his last days as he bravely faced a brain tumor and fought for his life until the very end. What impressed me the most was that Senator Kennedy thought enough of the American people that he met with the governor of his state to work out a speedy replacement for his seat in case of his death.

I didn’t know him personally, but each time I saw him through the eyes of the media I always noticed one thing, he found joy in the fight. Whether he was fighting to bring his family through a difficult time or for healthcare for all Americans, for civil rights, for economic issues, or for the fight of his life against a brain tumor, if you looked closely, you could see in his eyes that he found joy in the fight.

The Purpose Within salutes the life of Senator Edward M. Kennedy. Our condolences go out to his family, friends and those who were affected by his hard work.

The Lion sleeps tonight…

August is Filled with Joy!

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Anita Baker Celebrates Joy - Lover's Edition

Here's to celebrating the one that brings you joy.

Today, we salute the partnership of Love and Joy!

Love never gives up. Love cares more for others than for self. Love doesn't want what it doesn't have. Love doesn't strut, Doesn't have a swelled head, Doesn't force itself on others, Isn't always "me first," Doesn't fly off the handle, Doesn't keep score of the sins of others, Doesn't revel when others grovel, Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth, Puts up with anything, Trusts God always, Always looks for the best, Never looks back, But keeps going to the end.

(Taken from 1 Corinthians 13)

Actions:

• 
  
  Do something for your loved one that is unexpected, unimaginable and wonderfully pleasing.




• 
  
  Don't have a love in your life right now? Write a declaration about the desire of your heart, become that declaration and then watch the universe lead you to the greatest experience you could imagine.

August is Filled with Joy!

LISTEN LIVE - September 10, 2009

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Camille Turner-Mason, Editor-in-Chief

iRock Purpose BlogspotContact: camille@thepurposewithin.com

Joy - Retain It!

"Personally, my experience is that joy, the innate, natural enhancer that we are born with, is something we often have to fight to retain. Maybe the battle wouldn’t seem so daunting if we realized that we are already the proud owners of an entire lifetime’s serving of J-O-Y!"

The Purpose Within welcomes contributing writer, Toneille Bent. Check out her entire blog below...

Joy - Retain It!

“…I’m just tryin’ to get my joy back.”

How often have we heard, and possibly said, those words?

This leads me to further ask, “Who told us that joy is something to attain?” Personally, my experience is that joy, the innate, natural enhancer that we are born with, is something we often have to fight to retain, but we ought not to feel that we lose it or possibly never even had it to begin with. Maybe the battle wouldn’t seem so daunting if we realized that we are already the proud owners of an entire lifetime’s serving of J-O-Y!

As evidenced by every baby’s giggle, toddler’s eager exploration of the world around them, kiss from a child and countless other examples, we arrive excited and positive!

We come into this experience with wide-eyed anticipation and excitement, and a natural ability to find bliss in the simplest experience. I watch my nephew on his daily outdoor exploration time, and I am excited just watching how intently, innocently and gleefully, he surveys the world that we “grown folks” so easily and often take for granted.

Purpose: I find it is only to the challenges that we perceive as robbing us instead of reinforcing us, that we surrender our innocent glee. It isn’t to suggest that we remain childish and unsophisticated in our approach to life’s demands; rather, we ought to return to our attitude of purity towards and determination to hold onto that most inspired and inspiring of attributes – joy!

August is Filled with Joy!

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Toneille Bent, Contributing Writer

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One Fail Proof Way to Stay Addicted—Be Committed!

Encouragement For Today

Lack is a joy robber that is committed to keeping you from your joy, but you must be committed to keep it. –Inspired by Sandra Steen’s book “Who Stole My Joy?”

This is especially for those who may be tangled in the stronghold of an addiction, from food to alcohol.

An addiction is a joy robber that causes us to live the complete opposite of the life God wants us to enjoy. I’ve been there. My commitment to the addiction was stronger than my desire to be free … down to the very last drop.

It was manageable at first because I could love it or leave it. For one or two hours, I used a quick fix remedy to escape the joy robbers within my journey. But like most things that are not to our advantage, it soon became a joy robber stealing the joy in my life. My commitment became cumbersome and the heaviest burden to carry.

Eventually my quality of life and relationships confirmed my commitment was a producer of lack: the lack of joy, love, and peace. I had to look up to God for His strength to help set me free from the heaviness. I knew deliverance would only come in the form of “this for that.” I chose to give Him my addiction and He gave me the joy of victory. I exchanged sorrow and defeat for a new commitment … the commitment to keep my joy. I’m now committed to encourage you so you might overcome the joy robber of a negative commitment. You’re not defeated. You too can find victory and begin to keep your joy. I believe in you!

Today, choose to be committed to stay addicted to JOY!


August is Filled with Joy!

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Donna Pettigrew, Contributing Writer
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This Bears Repeating! - Don't Give Up!

"The End of the Matter with God is ALWAYS Good, if it's Not Good it's Not the End of the Matter" - Sandra Steen

Today, choose to go all the way!

Don't give up, you may very well be at 11:59 and midnight is only ONE minute away!

Remember, with every new day is a new beginning!

August is Filled with Joy!

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Just In Case You Missed It! - Joy In Tough Times

We would accomplish many more things if we did not think of them as impossible. -Vince Lombardi

When we read through the history of many of the great men and women that we admire, their stories are often full of overwhelming odds and challenges. Yet we read how they triumphed in the end and made great contributions that inspire us. We have an opportunity ahead of us as we face challenging economic times to keep moving forward in the face of adversity with a sense of hope, purpose and JOY!

Here are some important reminders to keep the Joy going even in tough times!

Look for the Benefit - If we outlast the problem it is destined to become a blessing for us in some way. Within every obstacle there is some seed of benefit if we will turn our vision in the right direction. Remember it is not what you are going through it is what you are going to. In other words keep your eye on the prize.

Stay in the game - Struggling is the true sign that you have not been conquered. The tough circumstances do not come to destroy you they simply reveal who you are so no matter how tough the circumstances we must confront with faith, courage, boldness and an action plan.

Don’t let your trouble triumph over your thanksgiving - In suffering perhaps you are learning patience. If you are enduring the betrayal of false friends perhaps you are learning how to value true friendship. If you are financially challenged perhaps you are learning how to discover new ways of thinking about different financial opportunities. We must understand and value the tough circumstances that have presented the best case for our next level and promotion.

Become Stronger - There’s a great quote that says “Tough times never last but tough people do”. The sun does not always shine, into each life a little rain must fall and sometimes we endure storms and even tornadoes. The true measure of success comes when you confront the opposition and the odds and keep moving forward this is when your "test"becomes a "testimony" . You heard it before “no pain - no gain” . So face the brutal facts with unwavering faith that you will prevail in the end.

Continue to rehearse the possibilities a lot louder than the challenges!

August is Filled with Joy!

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Sandra Steen, Contributing Writer
Camille Turner-Mason
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Responding to Adversity

A man should never be ashamed to own he has been wrong, which is but saying, in other words, that he is wiser today than he was yesterday. - Alexander Pope

I believe that our greatest strength is found in how we respond to adversity. As a man, I’ve noticed that when adversity and challenge appears, my first response is,

“How can I fix this?”

Whether the desired solution is for me or for someone close to me, I’ve come to realize that my first response must be one of TRUST. Trust that the One that created me has orchestrated divine control and order for good over my life.

My second response has been to ask more questions beyond, “How can I fix this?”

Here are a few questions that have helped me through times of challenge to see beyond the mystery of my obstacle and into the faith of my promise.

· What outcome am I committed to for this time in my life?
· What actions will I take to shape the life that I desire?
· How will I respond when circumstances don’t shift immediately to what I desire?

Times of stretching and faith seem daunting and pose our greatest challenges. There comes a time that we must stand and simply admit that we are having trouble.

Purpose: Do you remember being in school? The teacher would give instruction that if you ever needed help, raise your hand and he/she would be there to lend a hand. When life comes at you, will you just accept what is given or will you create a new reality that is born from determination and desire?

Action: Raise your hand for help. I am compelled to believe that God is just waiting for you to ask and in turn, will be there with the provision that you need to see joy through the adversity.



August is Filled with Joy!
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Kenneth Turner, Contributing Writer
Camille Turner-Mason
Editor-in-Chief
iRock Purpose Blogspot
Contact: camille@thepurposewithin.com

The Positive Side of Heartache

“Ego is the reason for conflict.” - Sandra Steen

Heartache is inevitably woven into the fabric of life. There’s no way around it, whether we cause it or we perceive that someone made it appear in our lives, we realize while there are happy circumstances - sometimes we encounter dire straits.

Mahatma Gandhi said, “Joy lies in the fight, the attempt, in the suffering involved, not the victory itself.”

This quote reveals the positive side to heartache. When we are heartbroken, we have a wonderful opportunity to learn that we can be stronger and that our season of vulnerability makes us genuinely and joyfully authentic. We learn the benefits of humility, understanding humility is not a character trait of the weak or faint of heart. Christian scripture declares: “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” That, my humble friend, is not a negative place to be.

Purpose: Today’s blog uncovers the disguise of ego and the large role it has in our personal and self-inflicted heartaches. Many times we can simply avoid pain when we choose to think of ourselves less.

Action: Humility is not thinking less of yourself; humility is thinking of yourself… less. Dare to uncover an area of your life where ego is running the show. Release. It’s that simple.

August is Filled with Joy!

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Donna Pettigrew, Contributing Writer

Camille Turner-Mason
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iRock Purpose Blogspot
Contact: camille@thepurposewithin.com

The Purpose Within Welcomes Sandra Steen!

The Purpose Within Welcomes Sandra Steen!

The Purpose Within Welcomes Sandra Steen!

The Purpose Within Welcomes Sandra Steen!

Just In Case You Missed It! - Make Forgiveness a Daily Process

The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong. - Gandhi

Forgiveness is one of the most POWERFUL actions you can take! When you begin to live a life of forgiveness you open the door for peace in your life and you can begin to walk the path of your destiny. Today, make forgiveness priority number one.

Be inspired by Sandra Steen’s words below:

One of the greatest joy builders is forgiveness. No matter what the situation you must live to forgive. Leave your mistakes, heartaches, mistreatments, and disappointments in the past. Forgive those who have done you wrong. Only bring the strength that you have gained from those misfortunes into your future. When you wake up in the morning, wake up with forgiveness in your heart. Every morning, take a breath and forgive. Whether it is the driver who cut you off in yesterday’s busy highway rush hour, or the person who has done you wrong, forgive them. Forgiveness will attract joy. Along with joy, forgiveness will bring closure, self-respect and you will be one step closer to the outstanding person you are destined to become.

August is Filled with Joy!



LISTEN LIVE @ BLOGCAST RADIO
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Sandra Steen, Contributing Writer
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What's on Your Joy List?

People who live the most fulfilling lives are the ones who are always rejoicing at what they have. -Richard Carlson

I remember writing wish lists as a child that were filled with items I was sure I could not live without. These lists were always composed around my birthday and as time grew closer to the date, the wish list would get longer and more detailed. Proudly I would present it to my parents hoping they would purchase all of the items I longed for. My parents did the best that they could with my wish list and I would recieve at least one or two of the must have items. To my dismay, it always ended on a disappointing note because of the lack of things I recieved. Looking back I have often wondered what would have become of those birthdays if I would have been grateful for what I did recieve.

The older I got the more I realized that wish lists often bring disappointment and heartache when they aren't fulfilled, so I decided to compose a Joy List instead.

A Joy List is comprised of things that you are thankful for. It helps to create an atmosphere of joy when it seems that disappointment is all around.

Below is my Joy List (the short version):

1. My Family

2. My Friends

3. Knowing my Purpose

4. My Gifts and Talents

5. My Survival of Circumstance

It is much better to take an account of what you have as opposed to longing for what you lack.

Take time today to write YOUR Joy List, look to find things to be grateful for, when you do that, you will find it easier to walk in Joy.

August is Filled with Joy!

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Surround Yourself with Positive People

A friend hears the song in my heart and sings it to me when my memory fails. -Anonymous

Your environment dictates who you become.

If you want to be at a place of joy,

you have to choose to associate yourself with those who also have a desire for joy.

Even the smallest of negativities will prevent you from living a joy-filled life.

Your lifestyle is what brings joy,

and your environment is the most prominent part of your lifestyle.

You cannot expect to have joy if your environment is off track.

For those of you asking “What if I cannot choose who I am surrounded by?”

Remember to never give up your power to choose JOY in spite of circumstances or people.

Learn the value of remaining calm when negative people surround you.

Keep your eye on the prize and stay focused on the JOY of possibility.

Action: Take the time to re-evaluate your relationships and

use your power of choice to create an environment that produces a joy filled life!

August is Filled with Joy!

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Sandra Steen, Contributing Writer
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The Joyful Heart

You can turn painful situations around through laughter. If you can find humor in anything, even poverty, you can survive it. - Bill Cosby


Its 2:30am, my phone rings and the shaky voice of my brother informs me that our father has been rushed to the hospital and I need to get there right away. My mind is racing with memories of my father at record speed. Upon arriving at the hospital, I was greeted by my family and the attending physician who informed me that my father had passed away. Instantly, my brother and I found ourselves in the position of making several decisions that we felt unprepared for. The days ahead, I struggled to make sense of the entire situation, but nothing seemed to help. I was empty. Somewhere in all of the pain I was experiencing, I remembered:

A joyful heart is good medicine, but depression drains one's strength.

That Proverb rang loud and clear in my heart, because I needed all the strength I had.

I found myself watching television with my family and we came across The Temptations movie. We began to remember our father singing the songs of his favorite Motown group. We snickered as we recalled stories of our Dad singing “My Girl” to our mom, while struggling to stay on key. The laughter grew as we talked about his rendition of “Runaway Child” when we were convinced that living with Grandma was much better than staying at home. As we began to focus on the happy moments that we shared with him we began to feel the sting of losing him lessen. Laughing about the fun times did not change the fact that we lost our father, but it did help us to survive one of the darkest moments in our lives. Through the medicine of laughter, we were able to hang on to our joy.

Action: As you go through your day, facing numerous situations, both good and bad, remember to hold on to your joy through the power of humor. By focusing on the things that make you smile, you will magnify that which is positive in a negative situation.

Gratitude of Joy

“Remember to say thank you. Doing so will create a joyful experience for you and those you appreciate.” Sandra Steen

Being thankful for the simple things and those who love us and those we love, brings us limitless joy. In a dark season of my life I decided to have a pity party. As the host I invited as many of my friends that I could get in touch with to attend. I was excited about crying, complaining, being hopeless, and worried about my future. To my surprise, my closest friend declined the invitation. She instead reminded me of all the many blessings bestowed upon me. She helped me to recall, through the memories we shared over the years, that magnifying this one dark season couldn’t compare to the joy I’ve experienced in my life. I’m thankful for her decision to skip that party. By so doing, I released my sorrow and embraced happiness and joy. I thanked her again for being my friend.
Maintaining a heart of gratitude toward God is easy when we are thankful for all the circumstances in life. There are a number of joy robbers we encounter in our life walk: fear, disappointment, or disillusionment, just to name a few. Holding on to your joy may be difficult through these seasons, but, God lovingly reminds us that weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.

Purpose: Living life with a thankful heart will result in living a life of peace and joy.

Action: Thank God in everything and don’t forget to thank someone today.



August is Filled with Joy!

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Donna Pettigrew, Contributing Writer
Camille Turner-Mason
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Stay the Course

Struggling is the true sign that you have not been conquered.

Tough circumstances do not come to destroy you; they simply reveal who you are. No matter how tough the circumstances - we must confront with faith, courage, boldness and an action plan.

Action: When life hits you hard, hit back! Choose Joy.

On behalf of iRock Purpose Blogger Team... have a joyous Saturday.

August is Filled with Joy!

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Allyson Byrd, Contributing Writer
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Joy Through Adversity

Joy through Adversity

In the time of adversity, we think we would like to see a permanent end to life's troubles. The interesting point is that a permanent end to our trouble would also bring a permanent end to our "Joy". The only people who are not experiencing trouble are in the cemetery. In this Life you will have trouble but be of good cheer for God is in control.

So how do we continue in tough times with a Joyous attitude? Remember no matter what the problem there is an answer and a solution, and nothing is out of the realm of God's ability. We must know that hope can spring eternal, but it must first spring internal in each of us.

Action: In the midst of whatever chooses to oppose you today, OUT CHOOSE! Choose Joy!

On behalf of iRock Purpose Blogger Team... have a joyous Saturday.

August is Filled with Joy!

To Join The Purpose Within and our LIVE Rally-by-Phone, simply do the following:

Space Is Limited! Call In Early!
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Time: 9PM CENTRAL
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Access Code: 774158#
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Allyson Byrd, Contributing Writer

Camille Turner-Mason
Editor-in-Chief
iRock Purpose Blogspot
Contact: camille@thepurposewithin.com

Joy Robbers: Learn about the sneakiest of them all...

The sneakiest of all Joy Robbers is the one that I called “lack” where we are always convinced that it is not enough.

This keeps us spiraling away from our real JOY filled life because we can not recognize the Joy that already exists in our life. The real Joy may not come in acquiring something new, but in gaining a feeling of peace and security with what you already have.

Read more of Sandra Steen's inspiration below...

Sandra Steen joins The Purpose Within for a LIVE Tele-Rally on August 20th at 9pm CST. Create your moment of transformation and join the call. Details below.

Joy University - Part Two

“To suffer woes…to forgive wrongs…to defy Power, to love, and bear…to hope till hope creates from its own wreck the thing it contemplates—this alone is Life and Joy.”
- Percy Bysshe Shelley


When we lose JOY we lose strength

The Joy of the Lord is our strength! This is an important reminder to all of us that grow weary at times. When we can experience the authentic JOY that God alone can give, we can experience an increase in strength to press through life’s challenges. Joy is a birthright. It’s what makes life worth living. We should not just seek to protect ourselves from every pain of life, but we should open our hearts to God to receive a gift that he is so willing to give. Once you taste authentic joy you want more and more of it. The strength and motivation to overcome is the power of life itself, and joy becomes a wonderful expression of that power and strength.

What brings you JOY, may not be what you think brings you JOY

I ask the question often: “What would your life look like if it were filled with JOY?” The answers do not generally come quick but after pausing and reflecting, I hear people talk about the simple things of life like: being able to make a difference, a great family, etc. The interesting disconnect happens when you look at what they are working hard to acquire, it is not always what they decided would bring them much JOY. We think we need the things we do not have, but in most cases we just need more of what we already have. The sneakiest of all Joy Robbers is the one that I called “lack” where we are always convinced that it is not enough. This keeps us spiraling away from our real JOY filled life because we can not recognize the Joy that already exists in our life. The real Joy may not come in acquiring something new, but in gaining a feeling of peace and security with what you already have.


What we truly desire is abundantly available and not limited to this physical world; for God declares in Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans that I have for you, plans to prosper you and plans to give you a hope and a future and plans never to harm you.” When you think about God’s plan of abundance it gives much reason for constant JOY!




August is Filled with Joy!

To Join The Purpose Within and our LIVE Rally-by-Phone, simply do the following:

Space Is Limited! Call In Early!
LIVE
Time: 9PM CENTRAL
Dial-in: 712-432-1699
Access Code: 774158#
Cost: FREE!

Get Inspired!

Sandra Steen, Contributing Writer
Camille Turner-Mason
Editor-in-Chief
iRock Purpose Blogspot
Contact: camille@thepurposewithin.com

Joy University - Part One

“To suffer woes…to forgive wrongs…to defy Power, to love, and bear…to hope till hope creates from its own wreck the thing it contemplates—this alone is Life and Joy.”
- Percy Bysshe Shelley


No matter what age or stage of life you are in, there is always more to learn. Years ago, after writing a book entitled Who Stole My Joy?, I made a conscious decision to enroll in Joy University and now I find that although I am constantly learning it is good to pause and reflect on what I have learned thus far.

My first thought was that, “Everything I learned about Joy, I learned while in the midst of life’s challenges.” Here are just four of my special Joy lessons:


Happiness is not the same as JOY

Joy is not impulsed satisfaction: rather, joy is a celebration of the heart towards things that do not change. Happiness is centered on things happening. Happiness is circumstantial. Joy is not based on circumstances or feelings, which can change like the weather. Joy is a fruit of the spirit, which is offered graciously to all of us by God. Life is filled with unexpected situations. The one who strives and seeks for happiness during trying times will perish when the pleasure that is sought is finished. The one who seeks for joy will be productive and fruitful even in a dry season. So making a decision to choose Joy ensures the perfect rhythm for an abundant life!

JOY is Possible

To those who have somehow dismissed Joy as a “pollyannish” response to life, have in the process, decided that joy is not possible because they must keep it real. I have learned that the joy process is not a plastered smile or a hyped up enthusiasm to prove to the world that you are in a good mood. Joy is the inner workings of peace that keep you connected to
God. You can have moments of doubt or despair, but somehow you always make your way back to a peace that surpasses your own understanding. The real core of joy is peace and love and you can continue to keep it real, but you should never deny yourself the opportunity to experience “real joy” in the midst of life’s circumstances. After confronting the brutal facts, you consciously decide that Joy will prevail in the end!

to be continued...





August is Filled with Joy!

To Join The Purpose Within and our LIVE Rally-by-Phone, simply do the following:

Space Is Limited! Call In Early!
LIVE
Time: 9PM CENTRAL
Dial-in: 712-432-1699
Access Code: 774158#
Cost: FREE!

Get Inspired!

Sandra Steen, Contributing Writer
Camille Turner-Mason
Editor-in-Chief
iRock Purpose Blogspot
Contact: camille@thepurposewithin.com

The Purpose Within Presents a LIVE Tele-Rally the 2nd Thursday of every month.

What is a Tele-Rally?

Tele-Rally
n. a get-together of other like-minded enthusiasts, primarily to meet and socialize; renew in strength and vigor… all over the TELE-phone!!

It’s all the RAGE and you are invited!

To Join The Purpose Within and our LIVE Rally-by-Phone, simply do the following:

Space Is Limited! Call In Early!
LIVE
Time: 9PM CENTRAL
Dial-in: 712-432-1699
Access Code: 774158#
Cost: FREE!

Get Inspired!

Break Free of Your Mental Ghetto and create your moment of change… be there!