I will not live an ordinary life. I've set my eyes on seven core values that flow out of my Jesus-center. I will not go after them passively. I will harness every moment of every day to honor my King, not for my glory but for his.
But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14
7 Ways to Carpe a Little Diem
By Evan Nehring
I will not live an ordinary life.
Carpe Diem. Seize the day. This ancient Latin phrase has come to mean many things to many people. The heart of it is to live life on purpose. To wake up every day and not let precious seconds tick by in trivial pursuits.
I will not live an ordinary life. I've set my eyes on seven core values that flow out of my Jesus-center. I will not go after them passively. I will harness every moment of every day to honor my King, not for my glory but for his.
![By Jordan Fischer from Chicago (Hang gliding over Barra) [CC-BY-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/85/Hang_gliding_Brasil.jpg/800px-Hang_gliding_Brasil.jpg "By Jordan Fischer from Chicago (Hang gliding over Barra) [CC-BY-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons")
How can I inject passion and purpose into my life today? Value by value...
Worship
These words ring in my ears from worship with my peeps on Sunday:Your love never fails it never gives up it never runs out on meMaster, I choose to worship you with my life and my voice today!
On and one and on and on it goes
It overwhelms and satisfies my soul
And I never ever have to be afraid
One thing remains (Jesus Culture)
Devotions
I will connect with my Creator in reading and study of the Word, and in the spiritual connection of prayer. I loved the audio Bible app reading of some of 1 Kings while I got ready for work early this morning. I love meditating at noon and late at night.Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls.
All your waves and breakers have swept over me. (Psalm 42:7)
Family & Friends
What a privilege to listen deeply as a friend poured out a full heart today! Joy and sadness...life.... How awesome to come home to family! Even the dishes and laundry! Thank you, God, for showing us how to live in relationship. Help me to love deeply...and listen...Outreach
...and listen...Character
God, I know you're not done with me. You're still forming me. Please don't stop. I promised you decades ago on a late night walk in downtown Minneapolis that I'd never stop pursuing you. I'm still here, chasing your presence. Please don't stop forming me.Personal Management
Another internal job application and interview. Another rejection. I don't always understand it. How do breathless compliments turn into five-and-a-half years of the same role? But I've got work and benefits, and I'm so thankful. And I've got this dream...Father, I give you my systems. I invite you to breathe life and purpose into every project and task, every goal and plan. They're yours.
Kingdom Story
I continue to pursue your plans for me in the big picture of heaven breaking into earth, eternity breaking into time. Musician, minister, writer, citizen...all of these hats and roles are yours. I surrender my purposes to your purposes.I will not live an ordinary life.
Question
OK, you've got to ask yourself, how will I seize the day today! Comments are welcome!
Evan, it's obvious you have learned to live well. More than that, you are building a crucible by which other lives may be shaped for the glory of God! Thanks for what you're doing, and by all means, keep going! I'll be following.
ReplyDeleteElmer
Thanks Elmer! I've been tracking a bit with your UK adventure. Great memories back in the day with the youth group in Brandon. Thanks for your encouragement tonight (and for the follow), and all the best in jolly old England!
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