"For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Eph.2:10 We have been talking about the passions and abilities that are yours, and can be a part of your dreams, new or old. In fact, they should be! The many satisfying and meaningful experiences you have had over the years reveal your deepest motivations, and the talents that were used to carry them out. Listing and naming the core "pieces" of those experiences can help you understand the common thread of resources you continually called upon. Those resources hold the key to your future. (See, Taking a Fresh Look, October 2005. http://www.followyourheart.info/articles/art200510pr.html ) Learn From Others Your desires and passions are the engine that drives you to fulfill your dream. Actually, you can't live your dream until you know what your passions are! They are given to you by God to also fulfill His purposes for your life. There is so much talk today of "passion" and even of "divine destiny". I thought it might be interesting, therefore, to hear from others who have found and are pursuing their passions, the dreams they have given birth to, and the path that has led them down. We can learn from such people --- best of all how to enable us to do the same! How important is it to align your life with your heart passions? Kyle Liedtke is someone who thinks it is important, and whose life reflects it. Kyle started a business called Mediatalk Communications in 2000 and he thought that he "was called to help authors, artists, and other 'messengers' learn to define and deliver their God-given Message." He continues: "I was called a Media Coach and prepared many people to do national radio and television interviews. I had been in broadcasting for over 15 years as a talk-show host, producer and on-air personality, and had done literally thousands of interviews and was grieved over those who had powerful things to say- but didn't know how to say them powerfully. And that's what I did." Kyle claims soon after he began Mediatalk God began to show him his true calling: "to mentor 'messengers of God.' So now, I use my extensive broadcasting and marketing experience in conjunction with my education in Theology and Philosophy and my Pastoral gifts to lead Artists in their calling. While this certainly includes Media Coaching and Marketing strategies, my most important contribution to those I've worked with has been in laying a Biblical foundation of understanding an Artist's Role and Responsibility to their craft, their audience and their God." Consider Your Gifts and Calling It is exciting to see how Kyle wove together his experience and background with the passions God placed in his heart--- to be a mentor and helper to artists. The threads that make up all he is became the very basis for the work that he is involved in today. Drawn together, they helped to shape and form the new Mediatalk. What are the passions in your heart, and have you thought about ways they could help others? What dream and/or activity could they inspire? Kyle believes that everyone has been "gifted by God to accomplish a specific calling." He thinks most of us would acknowledge we have certain gifts, but wonders "how often have you considered your gifts in relation to your calling? And how carefully have you thought about your responsibility to your gifts- and more importantly- to the Giver of your gifts?" Again, his passion is "to help you define your gifts, understand your calling, and accomplish your purposes." I share many of the same passions Kyle has, and that is the reason that for my web site. I would join Kyle in encouraging you to think about your gifts and heart motivations, and look at them in a new light. Realize you have these gifts for a reason, and God wants you to use them. The purposes and ways may vary, according to where you are in your life and according to your gifts. Become a Seeker Ask God for a vision of what to do with your life. That "calling" often starts as a strong desire that grows within, rather than a leading or command from the outside. Don't dismiss it. Nurture it. If it is God's will, it is likely to be confirmed by outward circumstances, and by an impression of God's spirit on your heart and mind. Look for the things that Kyle looked for, and become aware of the passions God has given you. You could pray if those seed desires are placed in you by God, that they be "watered" and blossom. This doesn't mean there is a challenge free road ahead---it means you step out in faith to meet that challenge. Happy dream journey, Judy Peterson Copyright 2006 - Judy Peterson. All Rights Reserved. |