S.H.A.P.E.

One of the more challenging books I've read lately is S.H.A.P.E. by Erik Rees. Subtitled Finding & Fulfilling your Unique Purpose for Life, it is a 12 chapter book designed to help lead the reader on a journey of spiritual self-discovery and practice. It includes assessments within the pages, end of chapter examination questions, as well as online support at http://www.shapediscovery.com/. This is another product of one of the pastors at Saddleback Church, and considered to be a Purpose Driven Resource.

Mr. Rees' basic premise is that God has designed each of us with unique Spiritual Gifting, Heart, Abilities, Personality, and Experiences, for His service in the Body of Christ. It requires time and a good pen to cover the distance from the front cover to the back, but I found the energy well worth the effort!! Some of the inventories prompt immediate response, and the online assessment will give a quick print-out when finished. But some of the questions will take hours, maybe longer to answer the first time, depending on how comfortable you are with self-exposure and open honesty. Even the author indicates some of his statements have been refined many times!!

I am glad to have been directed toward this excellent tool for Uncovering, Unlocking, and Unleashing my unique S.H.A.P.E. both for God's glory, and the sense of fulfillment available in knowing I've come to learn more of the special design He built into me!

Retooling

One of the most exciting things I've learned lately is that God can really do more than we imagine in our lives, if we are willing to step out, and trust Him. For years it did not seem "wise" or "credible" that I should leave a comfortable job situation, and start in ministry service again, when I seemed to have no particular calling or direction. But sometimes I would think quietly inside, "Is God's next thing for me NOT going to show up, until I leave where I am, and put myself completely in His hands for provision and direction?"

So, after 20+ successful years in the business world, it was just time to do something different, and find out what God was whispering in my heart. Opportunities of service and training began opening up, suggestions were made about attending conferences, questions were asked about next possible steps; and now I find myself as a Certified LPCCI Life Purpose Coach, working on a Biblical counseling certificate through the American Association of Christian Counselors & the Light University program.

Now I have more tools and training for the work I really enjoy, teaching & mentoring young people from middle school up to college age and young singles! It has been an exciting adventure, and one that's hard to explain when the question is asked, "What are you doing now?" My answer is simply that I'm helping folks along in their Christian walk and relationship with the Lord, just like others did for me when I first became a Christian!