Why Purpose Is Found In Community

If you had all the resource (including time, money and people) available to you, what would you do with it? I love asking people this question, and get so excited when I get to hear their response. 

Quite likely you might respond by saying that you want to write a book about your life experiences so that you can help someone else going through the same struggles. Perhaps, you would share about your concern for others and  how you want to open a home for unwanted children so that they could experience a love they have never known. You might even tell me that you would pay off all your existing debts so that you can take better care of your family. 

I have asked this question many times. Of all the times I have asked a friend or a client that question, the answer has never been about amassing their own wealth or fame. Even if it would be nice to have all the riches in the world, that would not bring about purpose and fulfillment. 

Our dreams are definitely a huge indicator of the purpose for which we have been designed. You better believe that God created us to have vision, and to be challenged to walk it out in our every day lives. But why does He want us to know our purpose, and where is it found?

I believe our purpose is found in the bonds of relationship. With our creator and in the context of community. The big question I want to ask is, ‘would we really be living out our purpose if it only directly effected our own life?’ I believe the answer to that is a resounding, ‘NO'.

• Purpose is found by being vulnerable in relationship.

The ability to be transparent with your struggles and challenges will propel you further than you ever thought possible. Lean into relationship. Although we are often tempted to isolate, we must resist it at all costs. 

• Purpose is found in partnership with a greater vision than our own.

Vision grows and is fostered when we are in collaboration. Maybe you have vision for your own life, ministry or business. That’s awesome! But ask God where He may want you to partner with a vision greater than what you own now. This will not only expand your vision, but challenge you to think bigger. 

• Purpose is found when we learn to overcome conflict.

The temptation to cut and run during conflict is often one of the biggest reasons people never see their purpose come to pass. Don’t bail on conflict, work it out.

• Purpose is found by moving through transition.

Our purpose walks us through seasons, and each of those seasons come with change and transition. Embrace change, and walk out your transition with integrity.

• Purpose is found when we connect others to God. 

It’s not really about us! Whoa, mind blown. It’s all about Him! 

Are you living your purpose in the context of community? If one of these area's hits on a nerve then is may be that you need to focus on that area. Purpose is not all about our individual lives, it is outworked when we are working together to affect change and point others to God. 

Together we are better!

I am so excited to launch Purpose Coaching Online on June 22, 2016. This is a great opportunity for you to discover your purpose in the context of community. Click HERE

Position Yourself For Purpose

The term purpose gets tossed around a lot these days, and it seems everyone is on the hunt for their life purpose. Trying to discover how it can be outworked in our lives, and where it may take us. The search for meaning is more prevalent than ever. It’s not enough to go to work, have family time and repeat. The desire for intentionality is at an all time high. Living life day to day is not enough anymore.

As a life coach, I get asked over and over not only how we can discover our purpose, but live it. Let’s be honest here, there is no quick answer, or amazing self actualization tool that will point the way. But, over the next few weeks I am going to share with you a few really helpful steps that I believe will equip you to begin the journey. 

Quick disclaimer: Your journey will last a life time. Along the way you will begin to experience the fullness of the purpose for which you were created. I need to be honest, it will be one of the most exciting things you have done, but it will also be the most challenging. 

Position yourself to hear. 

In the busyness of our lives, careers, and relationships it is easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of noise that surrounds us. Doing ‘things’ does not equate being purposeful. That is more like acts of service or works. And although our works can be effective to living our purpose, it is definitely not our purpose. 

We must position ourselves to hear the voice of God. My personal belief is that our purpose comes directly from the outflow of our relationship to the creator of the universe. Now before you think I am getting all ‘woo woo’ on you, hear me out. 

Being a part of something bigger requires the understanding that we are also part of something greater than ourselves. Call it what you may, but I call it being a child of God. When we begin to position ourselves to hear the creator of the universe, He will answer. 

For the sake of practicality, here are few ways that we can position ourselves to hear the voice of God:

1. Silence the noise.

• Turn off your phone, log off Netflix, and get silent. For some people this means taking a hike in the woods. For others, it may mean sitting quietly. For others still, it means taking a consecrated time of prayer and fasting.

2. Equip yourself for the journey.

• There is no better way to discover your purpose than to begin to ask yourself the questions that will lead you to the place you need to go. Dig deep. This may mean hiring a coach to help you do the heavy lifting. And trust me, there will be heavy lifting.

3. Get in community. 

• Iron sharpens iron. This means that we are better when we are doing community together. In community we are able to shave off the old ways, the rough edges so that we can be refined for greater purpose. 

Is it time for you to finally get started on a journey that will change your life? 

Take the next week to really position yourself to hear the voice of God. Silence the noise around you, ask yourself the tough questions and get around people who will sharpen you.

Together we are better!

Ready to take the next step? Join me and some extraordinary women as we dare to reach beyond our everyday life to discover the purpose we were created for. Designed With Purpose Online is set to re launch this summer. To hear more, send me an email - andreacrisp@me.com with the message 'tell me more'. 

What Are Your Squad Goals?

Why are you doing life alone? That may seem like an odd question to ask when clearly your life may be full of people, and your pace of life is quick and meaningful. But let me ask you a question, do the people in your life whom you love really know what is going on in your heart? And, do you know what they are facing in this moment?

Life is meant to be done together. Admittedly, I can often isolate myself, and pull the introvert card, which by the way tends to serve me well at times. However, it’s in the moments of deep frustration and longing when I start to realize that the vulnerability of relationship is what moves me to action, is what heals my hurting heart, and is the catalyst to my own breakthrough. 

I’ve been blessed in my life to have known and be in relationship with some pretty incredible women. Women who are passionate about life, love to laugh, lean into friendship, and are who are generous with encouragement. It’s not often I don’t leave a conversation with one of my besties that I don’t feel like I can conquer the world. You may wonder, am I blessed or just plain lucky?

Well, I believe wholeheartedly that the favour of God does rest on my relationships, therefore I attribute it to blessing. But, there is something that must be said…I am intentional about leaning into vulnerability in my relationships. Being honest is great, but there is something to be said about when we are able to share the pain of life with one another that our shame is shattered. 

So my friend, let me get into your personal space (as if I’m not already). If we were sitting chatting over coffee, how vulnerable would you be? I know you may not know me personally so let me ask you, how vulnerable are you being with your partner, your friends, and those you love? I will let you in on a little secret, they won’t know what to ask if you don’t give them anything to ask about. It’s ok to get personal every once and again. 

The big question on your mind may be what happens if you come completely undone. If the pain is so deep that your friends won’t be able to handle it. That’s a fair assessment, but not one that should hold you back from engaging. Get yourself around trustworthy people who are willing to lift you up, to pray with and for you, and to encourage you back to life. And for goodness sake, if you need a therapist - go to one!

It also should go without saying, but I will mention it anyways - be the friend you need! Take a look around at your squad and see where you can lend a helping hand, determine how you can pray for their needs so that your eyes are lifted off of yourself. You will always go further when you are embraced in community, when your squad is strong, and when you know that someone else has your back. 

This may feel like more of a pep talk than anything else. You are right. It is my prayer that it is something you need to hear today, because it is something that I needed to hear as well. Together we are better!

Get clarity on how you can create a life you love by setting up a FREE 30 minute strategy session TODAY! (new clients only)

You Are Enough

If you have ever felt tossed aside and experienced the deep pain of rejection, or passed over because you don’t measure up to a certain standard, you’ve probably wrestled with your level of confidence. As women we learn that we have to play by the rules by staying relevant in order to be successful. But what happens when we have done everything we know to do, and are still not recognized and rewarded for our efforts? We can be rocked to the core, and the frustration can be deeply personal. 

I know the feeling firsthand. 

For many years I was told that the first impression I left people with was that I was unapproachable, slightly intimidating, and overly self assured. This seemed so crazy to me because in actual fact that was the furthest thing from the truth. I was desperately trying to cover the painful truth of my own insecurity.

Anyone with me?

The struggle women face with confidence is real. So real, and so very painful. Trying to deal with the pressures and challenges of being everything to everyone can cause us to wonder if we will ever be enough. Let’s face it, even when we put on a brave face, inside we may be dealing with significant issues of self worth and value. 

It does't matter how we dress it up, or try and cover our insecurities, they will always be lurking around like shadows that follow us where ever we go. It's not until we have the capacity to face them and confront them, that we are able to operate in our purpose. 

Maybe you are thinking to yourself right now that I am reading your mail. But, you feel alone. Let me assure you that you are not alone. We all struggle with our value and self worth. 

But, how do we move through this? 

Well, first of all let me say that it is a process, and on going journey. It starts by being able to separate our accomplishments from who we are. What we have done (or not done) has nothing to do with who we are. Similarly, our value is not based on the relationships in our lives, how many friends we have (or don't have), or whether or not we have been promoted or advanced in the workplace. This seems so counter cultural to the world we live in. 

One of my love languages is definitely words of affirmation. When I am affirmed, It can totally change my disposition by hearing encouragement from someone that I respect and value. If I am not careful, I will look for it almost to my own detriment. Over the years I have had to come to grips with the fact that I am not always going to receive the type of affirmation that I am looking for. And, when I don’t, it does not make me any less valuable than when I am hearing those words.

Maybe you grew up in an environment where you never heard anyone tell you that you are loved and that has left you feeling as though no one will ever love you. As little girls all we ever really wanted to hear was that we are special, that we are loved.

If you are like me you have wondered at different seasons in life if you are enough. With all your faults and flaws, as imperfect as you are, you are still enough. You are worthy of great things. God has not forgotten you, left you out, passed you over. His love for you knows no bounds, and reaches further than you could ever imagine. 

Let me remind you today that no oneelse is doing better than you are. No matter how it may look outwardly. Maybe it’s time to take a look at your life from adifferent perspective. The quality of your vision will drive your life and keep you from feeling as though you are failing at every turn. You were created on purpose for a purpose, and you are enough just the way you are. 

We are better together!

Do The Next Right Thing

Sometimes our dreams live in far away places, out of reach, and beyond the scope of our understanding or possibility. They often reside in the 'impossible', and I believe that is where they should remain. Now, before you decide to check out, hear me out. If all of our dreams were possible, we would never work to achieve them.

Dreams are just an expression of our unfulfilled hopes and desires. We have them because we were wired to long for more. To expect more, and do more. But, a dream is only a hope unless it is accompanied by action. 

I have been a consummate dreamer for my entire life, always imagining what could be and hoping that my wildest dreams would come to pass. And trust me some of my dreams are pretty crazy. But what I failed to see throughout a majority of my life is that my dreams would remain impossible unless I was willing to work for them. They would not just happen all on their own. 

My dreams although amazing also became my nemesis. They eluded me. It was as if they did not want to be found, let alone captured. I can’t tell you how many countless times I became disillusioned and discouraged because my dreams simply could not be realized. My heart was torn and my spirit shattered because although I knew I was meant for more. I could never attain what I believed possible for my life. But the reality was that I did recognize the cost involved in achieving them.

What does your heart yearn for?

To write a comedy sketch for SNL, maybe to quit your job and go back to school, or to start your own company or non profit. Let me ask you... 

If you could do anything, even if it seems impossible now would you still pursue it?

Or, have you stopped dreaming for your future?

Dreams are meant to compel us to action, but it takes discipline to reach out and grab them. They are not for the faint of heart and never just casually just happen upon anyone. No matter what anyone tells you. What are you doing to reach for your dreams? 

Step by step we move towards our destiny, closer to the purpose God has designed us for. It never happens immediately. He never wanted it that way. If it were too easy then we would not grow in capacity and character. Maybe you have been in a season where you have experienced extreme frustration, or discouragement has clouded your view. The pain of rejection can be debilitating. 

If you have ever had the privilege of seeing one of your dreams come to pass you know how quickly that dream fades into the background as you go on in search of a bigger dream. Just when we grab hold we realize that there is something that is even better. 

So how do you get there?

Consistency. Everyday choose to do the next right thing. One step after another, take the steps necessary towards seeing your dream fulfilled. Start with what you have in your hand right now. 

Discipline. The reason not everyone reaches their dream is because they don’t have the correct habits that will help them gain the traction they need to move forward. Making good habits takes time and will require you to give up other things. 

Believe. Having the right mindset will not only propel you towards our dreams but will allow you to experience them. Don’t allow defeat to crowd your thoughts, get rid of every limiting belief that holds you back.

Start by doing the next right thing. Achieve your dream one step at a time!

We are better together!

Stop Waiting, Start Living

There is nothing I hate more than waiting. I’m that person that shows up 'right on time', not minutes before, and generally not late. I guess you could say I am a quality time person; which by definition means that I guard my time. Although, I love spending time with people, and give my time and attention to amazing things, I also guard every moment. This can be a good thing, but it also has its drawbacks. Safe guarding my time has meant keeping a tight reign on my resources, dreams and destiny. 

I’ve spent many years waiting. Let’s start with the obvious; waiting to be married. I’m a single girl in my 40’s who never got married, and has never been close to being married. So for many years I waited for life to start, and for things to fall into place. I became accustomed to my life, and to this place of waiting. To be honest, I got really comfortable sitting around waiting. But more than that, I was waiting for my life to begin. All of my friends had moved on, having kids, doing great things and my life was standing still. 

Is your life standing still?

Are you in the process of waiting for something to happen in your life that will change everything? Maybe you are in the late stages of finishing school so that you can get your dream job - so you’re waiting. Perhaps you have been married for sometime, and are now trying to have children, but it is not happening - so you wait. There are many reasons we wait; for healing, to get out of debt, to get in better shape, or to finally have the time we need to make a change. 

Standing the place of waiting can be isolating and painful. Waiting for a dream or a promise to come to life can be very lonely and potentially debilitating. If you are waiting, I want to encourage you to step forward. It’s time to take ownership of your life. 

When I say take ownership it means that I believe we can be actively moving towards something greater than we even knew possible. Maybe you have heard this expression a time a or two “I am waiting on God”. I’ve said it. Let’s be real here. That phrase became my excuse to sit and do nothing. I was waiting on God to do something that He had already positioned me for. Waiting on God was never meant to be passive, it is something that should be active in our lives. 

We can begin moving forward when we are willing to risk the position God has placed us in, and when we allow Him to use us in our current circumstances. This may be hard to hear because you believe that God has given you a dream or a promise and you have not seen it come to pass. In no way am I saying to give up and move on. In fact, what I am telling you is to hold the dream before Him and then take a step towards your destiny. You’ll know if you overstep. If that’s the case, then take a step back. Take a risk. Start living your life! 

It may start with something as simple as applying for new job, or contacting an old friend for coffee. Perhaps you may be sensing it something bigger like starting a new business. Be faithful with what God has given you. Serve where He has placed you. You are already living your life. 

What change can you make right now to begin taking ownership over your life?

We are better together. 

Don't Look For A Way Out, Look For A Way Through

It's that moment when your stomach drops, your palms are sweaty, and you wonder if you are ever going to make it. Just when you think you have it all figured out, and that you have all your bases covered, you realize that you're completely in over your head. Feeling the pain of insult, rejection and hurt does nothing but add to the strain of the situation. 

What are you facing that causes you to feel like everything is completely out of control?

The painful end of a relationship; being stripped of that person you placed all hope. The weight of illness; struggling with trying to navigate faith and healing. Or, the loss of hope that strangles the breath from your lungs. 

As I was walking the other day, praying about a situation in my life, I heard the whisper of God towards me. I had been asking Him for some answers, desperately hoping that He was going to provide a way out. But, He spoke quietly and told me to wait, to not hastily retreat or run in fear, but to find a way through. 

What does that even mean? How is it possible to endure the pain, tragedy, loss, or pressure? And, why would we ever want to move through when we could be rescued? 

I love the verse…

You who sit down in the High God's presence, spend the night in Shaddai's  shadow, say this: "God, you're my refuge. I trust in you and I'm safe!" That's right - He rescues you from the deadly hazards. His huge outstretched arms protect you - under them you're perfectly safe; his arms fend off all harm. Fear nothing - not wild wolves in the night, not flying arrows in the day, not disease that prowls through the darkness, not disaster that erupts and high noon. Even though others succumb all around, drop like flies right and left, no harm will even graze you. You'll stand untouched, watch it all from a distance, watch the wicked turn into corpses. Yes, because God's your refuge, the High God your very own home, evil can't get close to you, harm can't get through the door. He ordered his angels to guard you wherever you go. If you stumble, they'll catch you; their job is to keep you from falling. You'll walk unharmed among the lions and snakes, and kick young lions and serpents from the path." Psalm 91:1-13 - The Message.

This verse reminds me that we are safe, covered in the care of the almighty God. It is during those trials and hardships that He wants us to come to Him, to ask that He would cover all the details to take care of everything that concerns us. 

Maybe you are in a season in your life where you are facing trials of all kinds. Pain so unimaginable that you want to cut and run just to make it stop. Instead of running away from God, run to Him. Allow Him to comfort and care for you. When you are tempted to ask Him to release you from this trial, ask Him to bring you through. He promises that he will rescue, and protect you. You will be untouched because He will bring you through. 

What do you need to release to Him?

We are better together!

Get clarity on how you can create a life you love by setting up a FREE 30 minute strategy session TODAY! (new clients only)

Why Comparison Will Kill Your Destiny

Have you ever walked into a party, rockin’ a brand new outfit that you were so excited to wear, looking absolutely amazing, only to find out that you didn’t get the memo and everyone else was dressed for a lesser occasion? Although you felt good, and looked fabulous, all of the sudden it’s like you can’t get out of there fast enough. You search to find the escape route somewhere to no avail. You are that girl!

So maybe you have, or maybe it’s just me. When I was 13 years old I couldn't wait to hanging out with older (and much cooler) kids at church. I was so excited to finally be going to the youth Christmas formal, and I was going to put my best foot forward. Pulling up in my parents mini van wearing my emerald green satin dress (yes, it was the 80’s), I quickly noticed everyone else was dressed super casually. How did I not know! My heart sank. It was my coming out, and I looked ridiculous wearing my formal dress. There was no way I was getting out of that van.

With the help of an older girl at the party, she and my mom managed to coerce me out of the van, and with a little convincing I began to own what I was wearing. That was a defining moment in my life when I realized that I could either be myself or like everyone else. 

How often do you wonder if you stand out in the crowd, or blend with the status quo? It may seem tempting to want to be different, but when everyone else is following the latest fad, isn’t it just easier to go with the flow. 

As women, we are so quick to want to jump on the latest band wagon of fashion and trend. Admit it. You do it too! We all have that gorgeous friend who just seems to know exactly what to wear, and how to wear it. Or, the friend that seems to always get a promotion at work, and is climbing that ladder with no glass ceiling in sight. And, we just sit back and watch. Sidelined in the comparison trap. 

Ok ladies, who has compared themselves to their best friend, jealous that she got engaged first? Or, in some cases... wondered how long it would take for us to finally get recognized for our talent when everyone else seems to get noticed first. Same same, just different. In case you are wondering, YOU are not alone!

But here’s the deal. Comparison will rob you of your purpose. It snatches away your true potential, keeping you locked in anxiety and the fear that you will never measure up. That you will never be good enough. 

Isn’t high time you threw off the weight of trying to be like everyone else, and accepted that you were made uniquely, created like no one else on earth. It’s ok if you want to run down the road less traveled, or desire to make changes no one else is courageous enough to pursue. 

Kick comparison in the teeth. Tell it that YOU can’t be stopped, and don’t plan on giving into the fear and insecurity.

Be a change maker. Wear what you want. And, let go of the idea that you have to be on the same timeline as everyone else. After all, how boring would it be if we were all the same?

How can you starting living your best life today?

We are better together!

Get clarity on how you can create a life you love by setting up a FREE 30 minute strategy session TODAY! (new clients only)

Do you have the courage to live the life of your dreams?

Hey friends!

Back together again, and not a moment too soon. Whether you are a long time friend, a client, a ‘purpose sister’, or just curious and wondering who I am, thanks for stopping by to be a part of my brand launch and website redesign. 

My heart is completely overwhelmed with the acts of love generously poured into my life over the past few months as I have worked through this process. It’s nearly impossible for me to even put into words all that I want to share with you, so I’ll start with thank you. 

Thank you for staying the course with me when I was trying to figure out my way through entrepreneurship. Thank you for sending me words of encouragement right when I need to hear them. Most of all, thank you for partnering and believing with me that God wants to do incredible things through His daughters. I am more confident than ever that He has a plan for each of us. 

My heart has always been, and always will be, to empower women to follow their God dreams. It has been to equip them to be intentional with their lives so that they can make an impact through their talents and abilities. I truly believe that God is doing amazing things on the earth through women, and I am honored to come along side them as they pursue their calling and to equip and empower them to do extraordinary things. 

Over the past few months, we have been fervently praying about how to inspire even more women than ever with hope and courage. God answered our prayers, and this incredible website redesign came to life. What can only be explained as a divine appointment, brought Alyssa Yuhas (designer extraordinaire) and I together. We have been working diligently to bring to you this amazing new website that will equip you with great content and encouragement to fulfill your purpose. 

My belief that every woman has been created uniquely and fashioned by God is why I continue to coach ladies to brave their own destiny, and walk in their purpose. My heart is to come along side them to give them the tools that will enable them to not only make a difference in their lives, but to have a greater impact on their community. My vision is to see women set free from the limiting beliefs about themselves and what is possible for their lives. It is to equip them to make a difference all over the world, so that every girl would have the opportunity to empowered to live out their purpose and potential. 

Each week I will be blogging about how you can be effective in your purpose. If you would like to join the community then please subscribe below. If you are interested in learning more about coaching with me or how you can begin live in your true purpose and potential then sign up for my FREE webinar here.

We are better together!

Get clarity on how you can create a life you love by setting up a FREE 30 minute strategy session TODAY! (new clients only)

Creating A Life You Love

Who doesn’t want to live a life that is full of passion and driven with intentionality. To wake up in the morning feeling inspired to ‘get out there’ and make a difference in the world, knowing that our decisions are fully aligned with what we value.

Yes, please. I want to. Pick me!

Instead we spend so much time and effort doing all the wrong things before we ever stop and ask ourselves what we want our lives to look like. Could it possibly be too much to ask to live a life that we love. If creating a life we love is possible, then seriously people what on earth is stopping us?

Ok, so in full disclosure, I spent the better part of two decades wishing my life looked completely different. My dreams were big and included a life full of love and success. My soul knew a deep sense of calling, but I was never really sure what that looked like or if it was ever going to happen. Even though I worked hard, felt a fierce determination things were just not falling into place. 

For every day that I wanted something different in my life, I would continually do the same old thing sabotaging any progress I would have otherwise made. Not surprising, nothing changed. In fact if anything I became more depressed, lonely and somewhat disillusioned about my calling, my life and even my relationship with God.

Let me ask you… can you relate? 

Take a moment if you will, and describe what you want your life to look like in three words. Not as it is, but what you would like it to be. 

Did you write words like: hopeful, energetic, passionate, full, loving, intentional, carefree, content, happy, peaceful?

Now you can write words that describe the state of your life currently. Hopefully this is not too painful. Would you use any or all of those words above to describe the life you are living? Or could it be that you might lean more towards: busy, lonely, sad or even boring. If so, then let me encourage you that you can make a turn around. It’s not too late. 

For starters you can begin by letting go of the fear that your life will never be perfect. Spoiler alert… it never will be! So you need to immediate stop comparing your life to others. The truth is that they probably have the same problems you do, you just don’t know it. Comparison is sneaky, it will come in and steal the joy right out of your life.  

Secondly, take ownership of your decisions and what you want out of life. It is entirely possible that you are saying yes to way too many things that seem great, but are just sucking your time and energy. If you keep letting life happen to you by reacting to everything that comes your way, you will never move forward. Start being pro-active. 

Finally, set some healthy boundaries. Both for yourself and others. The truth is you don’t have to do everything everyone else is doing. That will get you no where fast. Set your own pace. Chart your own course.  

Creating a life you love may look a little different than the picture you have been seeing in your head, but imagine what will happen if allow yourself to walk out the life God intends you to. 

Let go of the fear, take ownership of your decisions, and set some healthy boundaries to start creating a life you love. 

What can you start doing today to make this a reality?

We are better together!

Get clarity on how you can create a life you love by setting up a FREE 30 minute strategy session TODAY! (new clients only)