O dear Corinthian friends! We have spoken honestly with you and our hearts are open to you. There is no lack of love on our part, but you have withheld your love from us. I am asking you to respond as if you were my own children. Open your hearts to us!

2 Corinthians 6:11-13

Passion. I asked myself recently, What am I passionate about? I know I’m passionate about writing, being a mom/stepmom, helping others in their walk of faith, and bringing others to Christ. All good things, but rather useless if I never pursue them. Which brings me to the next question I have asked myself, What is keeping me from pursuing my passions?

I have narrowed down four “passion slayers” that are preventing me from pursuing my passions:

1. Relational strife
2. Fear
3. Failure
4. Opposition

Relationship strife. This is in my own home and those outside my home. What if they don’t like what I say, think I share too much, or in all honesty, think I’m being a hypocrite who doesn’t even do what she is preaching about?

Fear. I am scared that others will turn against me or question me based on my beliefs and my actions that haven’t been Christ like. I am afraid of not having all the answers when asked about scripture and God. What if I will stammer and not say the right thing?

Failure. I have the fear of failing as a mother, but more so as a step mother. It has been so difficult finding the right type of relationship to have with the children. Sometimes I think they like me and other times I feel like they think I am the worst person in the entire world.

Opposition. Am I equipped to handle those who have opposing beliefs? What about facing opposition from my children, biological and bonus?

How can I block these passion slayers from keeping me from moving forward? By opening my heart to receiving God’s love and teachings.

When love invades our hearts, we suddenly become unstoppable in pursuit of what we are so passionate about..Passion enables us to do what we would never do if we didn’t have it.

Christine Caine

What are five ways to keep passion alive?

1. Pursue your passions with joy rather than obligation
2. Tell God I love him daily
3. Read God’s word daily
4. Give thanks to the Lord and praise Him daily
5. Bring healing to others

Remember that through this journey that nothing can ever separate you from the love of our Father. He will be with you to guide you, give you strength, and equip you in pursuing your passions. So during this time, behave like His children, love the Lord, and let nothing separate God from your love too.

Lastly, passion is a choice, not a feeling. Feelings can come and go, but decisions and actions fuel your passion. (Christine Caine)

May God bless you through this race that you are on, and may your passions leave the kingdom better than it was before.

Living By Grace,

Misty