This Saturday I attended a conference in Atlanta with my office staff. One of my employees was awarded her chiropractic assistant certification by Keith Maule, a national chiropractic leader.

Keith shared some thoughts which provoked some deep conversation on the drive home. One thing he said was:

*** The successful concentrate all their energy and efforts on the attainment of a singular purpose with an intensity that borders on a magnificent obsession. ***

I know how that impacts my purpose as a chiropractor. I am obsessed with helping people reach their highest health potential naturally through chiropractic care — and yes, that is a magnificent obsession!

But after hearing Pastor Rob’s UPGRADE sermons the past two Sundays, I haven been seeking God’s will for my “magnificent spiritual obsession.”

Asking questions like:
“What is my spiritual purpose?”
“What was I born to do that by God’s design, only I can do?”

These have been terrific questions to take to God in my personal prayer time.

Then I was reminded of Pastor Matt Chandler’s words to us on Friday:
God chases me… He captured my heart for His Glory… He saved me to make much of Him… So my magnificent obsession must bring glory to the name of Jesus Christ!

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31 ESV)

How about you? What is your magnificent obsession?

I started hiking with my kids when Nathan was only 4 weeks old amd we’ve never stopped. My kids are in middle school and a good hike is something we still enjoy together. So while Rob was catching up with a much needed Sunday afternoon nap, Nathan, Juliana and I set out to explore a new trail in the woods along Bearskin Creek.

We love rock hopping so the muddy creek and a few exposed rocks were very enticing. Nathan blazed the rock hoppin’ trail and I went second — and fell in! Nathan pulled out his phone for some rather wet pictures of me and Juliana laughed so hard I just knew she would fall in too! But I was wrong. Instead, she blazed a new trail of here own over some less muddy and more stable rocks.

We went back and forth over the creek several times until we came to a ravine with two fallen trees that crossed the creek about 8 feet above the water. Nathan insisted on crossing the creek via the fallen trees. I wasn’t so sure but I wasn’t about to be left behind so I followed Nathan. I didn’t fall in the creek this time and no one laughed, although I did have a close call when I stepped on a branch that gave way. And Juliana followed me with her usual grace and “Ta-Da!”

Another perfect day with my kids and certainly one of the things I treasure most. In fact, I was reading Psalm 100 just yesterday in my quiet time with God. I started jotting down things I was most thankful for. It didn’t take any time for me to list well over 100 blessings for which I thanked God… Among the things at the top of my “thankful list” were moments like this with Nathan and Juliana.

Again, I thank you, God, for blessing me with hiking time with my children.

Here is a look at our hiking adventure:

I loved the quote that Rob shared this past Sunday at the end of the sermon.  Perfect as we seek God’s will for our 2012 goals and more importantly, as we seek our God-given passion.   Who was Francis Drake?  The most renowned seaman of the Elizabethan Age, born 1540–43, Devonshire, England—died Jan. 28, 1596, at sea, off Puerto Bello, Pan.  English admiral who circumnavigated the globe (1577–80) and was the mayor of Plymouth.

 In case you missed his quote, here it is in its entirety:

Yes, I spent the whole day with my men — plural. While Juliana was dancing and celebrating birthdays with her girlfriends, I had the privilege of having both of my men (that would be Rob and our son, Nathsn) all to myself. Nathan and I started our day at the Y with a challenging spin class, then breakfast at Chick Fil A, followed by a run in the neighborhood, then back to the house for some really good conversation about our faith and the things God is doing in our lives. For a mother, does it get any better than this? How could it? Nothing compares with the time you spend with your kids talking about Jesus.

Rob took Juliana to breakfast and then joined up with Nathsn and me a little later. We voted unanimously to see WAR HORSE, a true epic film which we all enjoyed and then headed to a steakhouse to discuss the movie and more of that really great conversation with my men. Home for ice cream and more good conversation… Ahhhh! The perfect ending for a perfect day with my men.

Thank you, Jesus, for the two men in my life, and for blessing me with a day where I did not have to share them with anyone else!

I’m back!  After a wonderful break to celebrate the holidays with family and friends, I am officially back and I look forward to sharing with you.  And I’m praying that we will all draw close to God as we experience a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ and the abundant life He came to give. 

 Happy New Year!