Link for Tax Exempt Application Requirements.
http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p4220.pdf
Thursday, November 21, 2013
Sunday, November 17, 2013
MISSION IN LIFE: Discover Your Purpose and Fulfill it. By Omini Apih
“The Ultimate satisfaction in life is derived in discovering and working towards the fulfillment of your purpose in life.” ---Omini Apih
In Discovering and Fulfilling your Purpose in Life.
Three questions you must Answer?
Why am I here?
What is my purpose?
How do I discover and fulfill my mission in Life?
These are questions that we all ask at one time or another. Sometimes we discover the answers early on, but often we continue to ask these questions throughout our lives. As we grow and mature, the answers to these questions continue to evolve as well, as we discover ever-deeper aspects of ourselves and our potentials.
Few people have a clear vision of their purpose in life other find it difficult in discovering their mission in life. Sometimes we encounter roadblocks, whether internal or external, that seem to prevent us from fully living that purpose we have identified. These obstacles, however, don’t have to be permanent for us, but we should learn to move through all that hinders us from living our God’s giving purpose. In fact, such obstacles can actually be used as opportunities for our further expansion.
Here are some ways to gain greater clarity regarding Discovering your life’s purpose.
Establish a connection with Jesus Christ and Discover Yourself.
“Your future lies in your hands discovering your Destiny through Christ."
Knowing Jesus Christ will change you and you will start to discover yourself. Before you can begin to understand your purpose in life, you must have a revelation of who Jesus Christ is. To know Jesus Christ, you must surrender your life to Him and be “Born Again” and spend time with Him in prayer, His written Word and fellowship. Cultivate God's presence in your daily intimacy with the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to fill your heart and mind in revealing his truth to you .
Meditation on God’s Word will create greater understanding, inner clarity and awareness of the Person of the Holy Spirit in your life. As you allow the Holy Spirit to dwell in you and His Word, your mind will be renewed, your Heart transformed and you will be receptive—growing closer to the original reflection of God you were created to be.
“The World is God’s Mission Field, the sure way of finding your mission assignment on this field is to ask God.” –Omini Apih
In your Meditation speak the Word of God upon yourself, start by writing down things God want you to do, as He pours them out into your spirit. Get creative in affirming your unlimited potential as He reveals them to you. As you do, you will naturally release fearful thoughts and self-imposed limitation, opening the way to identifying and living your life’s purpose.
I had a unique experience discovering my purpose growing up, I was very good in creating things, drawing, film making, teaching and preaching etc. I had suggestions from parents, Church and family members as what their intentions are for me, Within me, I knew my mission and assignment in life.
Discovering my assignment or purpose in life was very simple, because I had already giving my life to Jesus Christ and filled with the Holy Spirit. My spirit man was already inspired by intimacy with the Holy Spirit in Fasting, Prayers and Studying the Bible. Inward leading and guidance by the Holy Spirit wasn't a struggle. So, making Godly decisions based on God's Word was normal for my life. I knew and was sure of my purpose, to serve the Lord as a Minister of the Gospel.
My study of Law, to become an Attorney did not deter my calling into the ministry. All my endeavors in life, be it in school or business was towards fulfilling my assignment and calling in life. I have inward peace, I see progress and I receive constant flow of God’s Divine wisdom, understanding and provision in fulfilling my mission assignment in life.
If you aren't sure or sensing how God is specifically leading you, then it’s important to remain faithful in the things you are doing right now and continue to move forward in your relationship with Him. Keep moving, one step at a time—don’t get stuck at a standstill. It could be that you are in the right place already! Ask Him to fill you with peace if you are right where you need to be, and to lead clearly if you need to pursue elsewhere. This time be open to the many avenues through which those answers can come – internally, externally, through inspired ideas, friends, acquaintances, circumstances, passion, talent and skills.
Finding the things you are most passionate about is very important. Identify those things and activities that are most joyful, meaningful, and interesting for you. These provide good clues to where your life’s purpose lies, also pay attention to what others are saying to you regarding your talents, skills, and gifts, especially if you hear similar things from multiple people. These are other ways the Holy Spirit leads us in discovering our Divine purpose in life.
Once you sense God leading you into a specific purpose, you need to ask God wisdom for direction and understanding on how to carry out that purpose. You can spend time in fasting and prayers for this.
When you begin to walk into your calling, Spiritual warfare is normal. Don’t be afraid, you have the backing of God. You must understand that God is more committed in you fulfilling your purpose in life than you feel. He will turn disappoints around for you, and certain things, He will allow you go through, to build you up. In choosing to live a life of purpose, you won’t be spared from hardship—but you will learn to rise above it. It’s so much better to conquer your fear than abandon your purpose, because of challenges.
There is this deep sense of satisfaction and fulfillment, when we overcome and decide to move forward. As you face challenges, equip yourself with resources and surround yourself with godly people and mentors to guide and pray along with you, ask for their advise to know if your decisions and direction are sound and in line with God’s plans for your life.
It is very important to have a" Mission Statement", in starting out on God’s calling for your life. You will discover minor changes as you go along, this is normal. In terms of scope, operations, place etc. You have to be flexible, it is an adventure, but there will also be times when you have to settle into a planning routine on how to execute your "Mission Statement" . You might get bored, or you may find that you aren't as consistently excited as you were when you began.
To Preserve your focus and direction in the path God is leading you, in times of boredom, discouragement and losing motivation.
It’s important to hold strongly on the following;
· Set out goals, Practice discipline, work hard towards it and achieve it.
· Develop yourself to fit in your assignment in life.
· Speak to the Holy Spirit how you feel and Stay rooted in prayer, fasting and biblical study to keep you pressing forward.
· Learn to rejoice in the success of others,
· Look for a need around others and solve it.
· Attend a conference or Listen to the tapes of your favorites mentors.
· Share your Vision with others and get excited all over again about where God is leading you next.
15 Questions You Must Answer In Discovering Your Life Purpose.
The following are a list of questions that can assist you in discovering your purpose. They are meant as a guide to help you get into a frame of mind that will be conducive to defining your personal mission.
Simple Instructions:
- Take out a few sheets of loose paper and a pen.
- Find a place where you will not be interrupted. Turn off your cell phone.
- Write the answers to each question down. Write the first thing that pops into your head. Write without editing. Use point form. It’s important to write out your answers rather than just thinking about them.
- Write quickly. Give yourself less than 60 seconds a question. Preferably less than 30 seconds.
- Be honest. Nobody will read it. It’s important to write without editing.
- Enjoy the moment and smile as you write.
15 Questions:
1. What makes you smile? (Activities, people, events, hobbies, projects, etc.)
2. What are your favorite things to do in the past? What about now?
3. What activities make you lose track of time?
4. What makes you feel great about yourself?
5. Who inspires you most? (Anyone you know or do not know. Family, friends, authors, artists, leaders, etc.) Which qualities inspire you, in each person?
6. What are you naturally good at? (Skills, abilities, gifts etc.)
7. What do people typically ask you for help in?
8. If you had to teach something, what would you teach?
9. What would you regret not fully doing, being or having in your life?
10. You are now 90 years old, sitting on a rocking chair outside your porch; you can feel the spring breeze gently brushing against your face. You are blissful and happy, and are pleased with the wonderful life you’ve been blessed with. Looking back at your life and all that you’ve achieved and acquired, all the relationships you’ve developed; what matters to you most? List them out.
11. What are your deepest values?
Select 3 to 6 (See list of words to help you | list in pdf) and prioritize the words in order of importance to you.
12. What were some challenges, difficulties and hardships you’ve overcome or are in the process of overcoming? How did you do it?
13. What causes do you strongly believe in? Connect with?
14. If you could get a message across to a large group of people. Who would those people be? What would your message be?
15. Given your talents, passions and values. How could you use these resources to serve, to help, to contribute? ( to people, beings, causes, organization, environment, planet, etc.)
Your Personal Mission Statement
~Stephen Covey, ‘7 Habits of Highly Effective People’
A personal mission consists of 3 parts:
- What do I want to do?
- Who do I want to help?
- What is the result? What value will I create?
Steps to Creating Your Personal Mission Statement:
1. Do the exercise with the 15 questions above as quickly as you can.
2. List out actions words you connect with.
a. Example: educate, accomplish, empower, encourage, improve, help, give, guide, inspire, integrate, master, motivate, nurture, organize, produce, promote, travel, spread, share, satisfy, understand, teach, write, etc.
3. Based on your answers to the 15 questions. List everything and everyone that you believe you can help.
a. Example: People, creatures, organizations, causes, groups, environment, etc.
4. Identify your end goal. How will the ‘who’ from your above answer benefit from what you ‘do’?
5. Combine steps 2-4 into a sentence, or 2-3 sentences.
What is your purpose? What is your mission? We’d love to hear about your goals and aspirations.
By Tina SU.
By Tina SU.
Please share with a comment!
Success Eitquette
Author: Rhonda Sciortino,
True success requires an understanding and implementation of etiquette. I’m certainly no expert in this area, but I’ve learned a few things along the way. I wish someone had shared this with me when I was out on my own after a dysfunctional childhood. Here’s to YOUR success!
Success Etiquette #1: Say “Thank you.” When someone does something for you or pays you a compliment, say, “Thank you, that’s so nice of you to say.” If the comment or gesture is significant, hand write a thank you note and send it reasonably soon after the event.
Success Etiquette #2: Speak positively about others. If you don’t have something positive, helpful, or encouraging to say, then don’t say anything at all. Every moment of silence does not have to be filled.
Success Etiquette #3: Do not lie, ever! If someone asks you what you think of a hideous shirt or unflattering new hair style, be diplomatic by saying something like, “I like how healthy and shiny your hair looks,” or “Blue makes your eyes stand out.” Remaining truthful while artfully avoiding hurting the person is a learned skill. Practice.
Success Etiquette #4: Avoid heated arguments by listening to the opinions of others, then expressing your thoughts calmly and diplomatically. Avoid the arrogance of giving the impression that your opinion is the only correct one. Rather, suggest it’s one to which you are entitled.
Success Etiquette #5: Do not interrupt while another person is speaking. Instead, wait until the other person has completed his or her thought, then interject your thoughts. If there isn’t a natural break in the conversation and you have something to add, just say, “Excuse me, may I interject?”
Success Etiquette #6: Listen to others. Many people are so busy thinking about what they’re going to say next that they fail to truly to listen to others. If others are talking nonstop, and you’re afraid you won’t remember what you want to say, make a note.
Success Etiquette #7: Apologize when you do or say something that has hurt someone or when you’ve failed to do what you should have done. Sometimes a simple apology doesn’t make it entirely right. When that’s the case, offer to somehow make it up to the person.
Success Etiquette #8: Admit when you’re wrong. When you find you’re wrong about something, say so. You can do it with humor or with a statement like, “It so irritates me to be wrong, but I have to admit, I was wrong.”
Success Etiquette #9: Defend your friends. Being a loyal friend is invaluable. If a friend is criticized unfairly or lied about, say something like, “Lynn is a close friend of mine. I’m sure she had a good reason for what she did. I hope you’ll give her the benefit of the doubt. I do.”
Success Etiquette #10: Use humor to lighten tense situations or relieve pressure. Be careful to NEVER say or do anything that could possibly be offensive to anyone. For example, never tell an obscene, vulgar, racial, or otherwise derogatory comment or joke. Never make a joke at someone else’s expense. Self-deprecating humor, laughing at one’s self, is the safest use of humor.
Success Etiquette #11: Never brag because it demonstrates insecurity and diminishes your reputation with others. If someone begins bragging around you, acting disinterested is the best way to handle the braggart.
Success Etiquette #12: Refuse to gossip. Refuse to participate or engage in talking about someone else behind his or her back. Even if the information is true, never talk about it with someone who can do nothing to help the situation.
Success Etiquette #13: Do not complain. Refuse to be the person who finds something wrong with everything and everyone and who feels it necessary to point it out to anyone who will listen. It’s depressing for others to be around a person who constantly complains. Don’t be that person.
Success Etiquette #14: Avoid potentially touchy situations and never ask someone who is not a close personal friend how old he/she is, how much he/she weighs, if she is pregnant, if he/she has ever had cosmetic surgery, if he/she is married, why he/she has no children, or any other personal information.
Success Etiquette #15: Turn off your cell phone when you’re with others. Never take a call, write a text, or check emails when you’re with someone. If you’re expecting an important call, tell that to the people you’re with and keep your phone visible. When the expected call comes in, excuse yourself, take the call and end it as quickly as possible. Apologize and thank the people you’re with for their patience.
Success Etiquette #16: Introduce yourself with your first and last name. This demonstrates professionalism and confidence. When introducing other people, always use last names, and if you know the company affiliation of the people or something complimentary about them, or what they may have in common, include that. For example, “John Smith, please meet Jane
Doe—you two are both tennis enthusiasts.”
Doe—you two are both tennis enthusiasts.”
Success Etiquette #17: Offer to help. When you notice someone carrying a heavy burden, struggling to open a door, or staying late to get a job done, offer a helping hand.
Success Etiquette #18: Look your best. Personal grooming and cleanliness is extremely important. If you have tattoos, cover them. Ladies, never wear your top too low or skirts or dresses too high. Doing so doesn’t attract success or the right kind of person. Gentlemen, use what other successful men wear as a model for your style.
Success Etiquette #19: Good posture indicates confidence and self-respect. Poor posture indicates insecurity. You may feel insecure, but don’t telegraph it through poor posture. Sit up and stand up straight, shoulders back, chin up, with a smile—ready to take on the world and WIN.
Success Etiquette #20: Avoid drugs and alcohol. To be successful in the present economy requires every available brain cell. Substances that intoxicate kill brain cells. Do not allow yourself to get too relaxed in the presence of others. For example, drinking with co-workers while off-duty could result in you doing or saying something that will get back to your boss and destroy your opportunity for advancement.
Success Etiquette #21: Remember birthdays and special occasions. You don’t have to have a lot of money to give a thoughtful gift to a friend. You can, for example, write out your feelings for a loved one, write a complimentary story you remember about the person, gather the comments and signatures of multiple friends onto one card, or frame a photograph or some keepsake. Many gifts are quickly forgotten, but a personalized gift will be treasured.
Success Etiquette #22: Write thank you notes. When someone gives you a gift, pays for your lunch, or extends a kindness, write a handwritten note of thanks to the person. Email runs a very distant second to actually receiving a written card, but it is better than nothing.
Success Etiquette #23: Pay compliments, especially to those who serve you. Mention a cheerful smile, prompt service, or a noticed characteristic. For example, “You’re always so patient.”
Success Etiquette #24: Always ask if it’s a good time to talk. When you call someone, don’t just launch into whatever you called about. Ask first if you’ve caught the person at a bad time or if he or she has a few minutes to talk. If the person says he or she is busy, ask when you should call again.
Success Etiquette #25: Ask for advice. Commit yourself to be a lifelong learner. When you find someone who is good at something, whether it is customer service, closing a sale, raising a child, or making the best potato salad you’ve ever tasted, ask what advice he or she can give you to improve in the area of his or her expertise. Be careful to take advice from people who are successful in a given area.
Success Etiquette #26: Be a leader. We should all lead others toward treating people right and making right choices. To be a good leader, we must do what we want others to do and live the way we would like to lead others to live. We must earn the respect of those we would like to follow us.
Success Etiquette #27: Never be envious of others. Celebrate the successes of others. No one else’s success diminishes your ability to achieve personal and professional success—even in the case of a co-worker who gets the promotion you hoped for. There is another position or a better opportunity for you. Envy and other negative emotions will only repel good things that would otherwise come your way.
Success Etiquette #28: Good manners are essential to success. Say please, thank you, you’re welcome, how are you, it’s good to see you, how have you been, etc., and truly mean what you say. Compulsory manners are obvious and are seen as condescension or rudeness.
Success Etiquette #29: Be mature or at least act that way. Acting immaturely will damage relationships and destroy your ability to get ahead in the workplace. No one wants to be with or do business with a selfish, self-centered person who throws a tantrum or pouts when things don’t go his or her way.
Success Etiquette #30: Be courteous. Courtesy is an attitude of helpfulness, a politeness. Being courteous shows a respect for others. It doesn’t mean that you agree with everything others say or do. But it acknowledges his or her entitlement to be there and to have an opinion.
About the author: Rhonda Sciortino, author of Succeed Because of What You’ve Been Through, is the National Child Welfare Specialist for Markel Insurance Company. Rhonda is a foster alum who chairs the Successful Survivors Foundation and serves as a spokesperson for Foster Care Alumni of America. Her weekly radio show can be heard at www.rhondasradiosh
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