Poppy Smith - 'thrive' e-zine

Facing Decisions? Ask Key Questions!

Is God using your restlessness to prepare you to expand your life? Or is it a nudge to learn and practice contentment? Facing decisions, whether arising from restlessness or a change of circumstances or new opportunities, are times to probe who we are and what matters to us.

Here are some key questions that will help you decide which path to take:

How does the choice I am facing fit with my overall direction and calling from God?

Which path brings me the deepest sense of life, energy, peace, and joy?

Is there a particular Scripture that God is bringing to me as I pray over the choices before me?

Is my choice consistent with what I know of Christ and His purposes in the world?

How will this choice nurture the fruit of the Spirit in me?

What is God doing currently in my life and will this choice continue to produce spiritual growth?

Does this choice value the eternal and permanent over the temporal and impermanent?

So often we make decisions based on external factors and forget the long-view of "what is my life all about?" I hope these questions (drawn from articles in the Fall/Winter 2008 volume of Conversations: A Forum for Authentic Transformation) will give you spiritual tools to help you discern God's leading.

As a spiritual director/coach/mentor, the Lord has given me a great desire to support and encourage women (even men, occasionally) in their walk with Christ. If I can be of help individually, feel free to contact me or send a question you would like answered in this blog. You can reach me at http://www.poppysmith.com/

Praying you will experience the power of this verse: Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me (Ps.31:3).

Poppy Smith

Welcome from Poppy

Upcoming Events

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Upcoming Events:

2010:

August 2-5: Oregon Christian Writers' Annual Conference

September 15: "Take Care of Yourself," Senior Circle Event, McKenzie Willamette Medical Center, Springfield, OR.

September 15: Aging to Perfection: First Baptist Church, Eugene, OR.

October 16: Plenary Speaker, Oregon Christian Writers, Fall meeting

October 25-28: Muscat Women's Fellowship, Oman

October 30-31: Evangelical Community Church, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Republic

2011:

January 28-30: Lake Bible Church, Cannon Beach, OR

February 25-27: Good Shepherd Community Church, OR

April 29-30: Women's Conference, Brookings, OR

Ask Questions - Get Answers from Poppy:

I'm asked questions about faith, life application of Biblical principles and spiritual growth everywhere I speak.

Now, for my online friends, I'd like to give you the same opportunity to ask questions.

I'll answer your questions and share comments in coming issues of "Thrive". Just contact me and let me know what you'd like to know more about...all at the click of your mouse!