Chasing The Buck : Are you money hungry?

It is amazing what people will do for a dollar these days. Just turn to the latest reality TV Show and you will find yet another group of men or women doing embarrassing things to win some cash. I imagine some feel the empty feeling of getting all the cash they want or the things they want and still not be satisfied. Don't get me wrong, I like to be financially stable like anyone else, but I wonder where our society is headed if we get tied up and tangled in getting the most money willing to do just about anything including ruin our reputation and our name.

Will enough ever be enough or is it a trick of the adversary to keep us chasing something? We want a $1000 and once we get it we want $5000 and once we get that we want $10,000 and so on.  Instead of chasing money, why not try purpose. The great thing about purpose is that you don't have to chase it, often times it chases you.  I have heard from great leaders around the globe that state "your purpose is something you naturally do and have a passion for", you are naturally drawn to your purpose.

Think about it. Are you chasing money or purpose? Will you really be fulfilled after you get the amount of money you want or will you simply create a larger number to attain? Finding purpose is an incredible thing. There is no price tag you place on finding your purpose in life. It makes both the good and the bad all worth it.  Free yourself from the trap of running in circles.  I don't blog for money. I do it because I love it. I've always loved it, I just didn't realize it until I shed the expectations of others and what I "thought" was successful. Now success is walking in your God-given purpose. That is what success looks like to me. What does success look like to you?

So, today or tomorrow check out your thought pattern.  Is it the money or the purpose and who is chasing who?

Destiny awaits.....

CounterCulture -Young Adults Living Life Backwards 05/01 by The Bridgette Murphy Show | Blog Talk Radio

This episode is an engaging dicussion and conversation with the founder of CounterCulture Nate Cottman.  He is truly a man after Gods heart. In this episode we will discuss how he plans to lead the way back to the heartbeat of God.  He is passionate about going out into the world and serving people.  Join us as we discuss church culture, serving Gods people and where us as Christians are really needed. 

Click on this link to join us: CounterCulture -Young Adults Living Life Backwards 05/01 by The Bridgette Murphy Show | Blog Talk Radio

Afraid To Be A True Servant

I was recently chatting with a good friend of mine and I said something interesting before realizing what I said. The statement I made was "I think there are some people that are afraid to do what Jesus did such as washing the disciples feet.  They fear that they will get kicked in the face (spiritually) and walked over."  My friend responded with "that's a profound statement".  I thought I would write on this in hopes of starting a conversation.

Are we as Christians afraid to "wash our brother/sisters feet"?
Has there been so much hurt that we refuse to be vulnerable to serve another?

Please comment, I want to know your thoughts....

How to Hear The Voice Of God

I was recently speaking at a youth event and one of the things I talked about to the youth was prayer.  Not only talking to God, but really listening to what he has to say to you.  I wanted to share this with you because it is so important that we not only talk to God but listen. God has so much he wants to share with us each and every day but we are so busy or tired (falling asleep praying) that we can’t get what he has for us.  His word is so full of riches and mysteries that in order to reap the benefit you must seek Him and read His word.  I wish I would have caught on to the importance of REALLY listening to the voice of God early on.  I feel like I knew when God was speaking to me, but I was unsure. 

Here are some tips to help you REALLY hear the voice of God:

1.   Repent for all your sins.  You must ask God to forgive you and to cleanse you from all unrighteousness. This removes any guilt you may feel in your heart that is preventing you from truly seeking Him BOLDLY.
2.  If you need an answer from God, find a scripture in His word that will back up your desire for an answer and know specifically what you are seeking Him for.
3. If you are having a daily moment with God. Take time to pray then listen. I like to take my journal out and put on either nature music or worship music and write what I believe God is saying to me. (He will never tell you to do anything against His word) Always remember this scripture when hearing the voice of God “The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love your neighbor as yourself." Galatians 5:14  Pretty straight forward! Let that sink in. What are you really praying about and who will it benefit the most?
4. God may not speak audibly all the time.  He speaks to me through MANY different avenues. Sometimes I hear the same message from one person to the next. Sometimes I see a sign on the highway, another time I read it in the magazine. If you feel like God is trying to tell you something….he probably IS!
5. Write down what He says. I can’t tell you how many times I was trying to go to bed at 2am in the morning and God was speaking to me. In the beginning I wasn’t obedient and just thought I couldn’t sleep. NOW, I know better. I turn on my nightstand light and I start writing everything that I feel in my spirit that God is telling me. I usually forget the next morning but soon after that VERY word is needed for somebody. What has God given you and you forgot?
6. Never underestimate the POWER in fasting. The word says, "something come ONLY but by prayer and fasting." I am currently in a season where God is revealing to me the POWER in fasting. I feel so much closer to God when I fast, putting my flesh in check. Love it! 
7. Be patient. He may not answer you right away but He will answer. He loves you and has your best interest in mind. He also sees the bigger picture. Just trust Him and let Him know that you are waiting for your answer. 

It is my prayer that you grow closer to Christ and seek Him like you’ve never sought Him before. He has SO much to say. Love you all! God Bless! 

Revised Biography - Humor Me!

About the author:

Empowering speaker, published author of “Bold, Fierce and Transformed: The Process to Life-changing Transformation”, visionary, innovator and teacher are just some of the words Bridgette decided to use when writing her biography.  She figured most people like to hear only the good stuff when reading about an individual.  The President and CEO of Bridgette Murphy Enterprises, she created the company because she was fed up with our youth listening to Lady GaGa.  The company has a mission to help women, and youth come into their purpose as they understand their value, find their passion for life, and reach their true potential until they drive Bridgette crazy, then they’re on their own. This global enterprise specializes in delivering practical purpose driven messages to religious organizations, educational institutions, women, young professionals and adolescents (is that everyone?) through the art of dancing, writing and speaking. She has always been a profound speaker, conducting over 30 seminars for corporate employees; of which is probably the hardest audience speak to other than youth. She has also been requested to speak at various events for women and youth. Bridgette resides in the Dallas/Fort-Worth area and she enjoys laughing, eating raw avocado, and running in the wind with her invisible Chihuahua. She really hates dogs.  

Overcoming Fear

Fear is a beautiful thing. I know that sounds completely crazy, but change your perspective for a moment and remember when you feel fear. Fear comes upon you when you step outside the comfort zone of your mind. It really is all in your mind, but the great thing about stepping outside of your comfort zone is that extreme growth takes place. It is

only when you decide to feel the fear of a moment, appreciate it, and remind yourself what the end goal is that you will finally understand the positive role that fear can play in

your life.

Do you see the power you have in how you think and perceive things? You literally have the power to diffuse a powerful force called fear that holds millions of people back

from achieving an attainable goal or dream. I want you to remember that you have the power, will, and ability to overcome your fears.

Fears vary as each person has a reason for their fear and a past event to remind them. While changing your perspective about fear is healthy, at the end of the day, the emotion of fear must transfer to the emotion of hope. Hope is an emotion that must be learned. It requires a set of skills to obtain and maintain it. This is why some are stuck in a state of fear for 50 years, while others experience a fulfilling life full of hope and fulfilled desire.

While fear is often an emotion that comes without effort, hope is different in that it requires you to have the ability to imagine a life that is not in existence currently, while anticipating the achievement of future goals. Fear does not require much effort, and therefore, it is often the dominant emotion over hope. Hope also requires the

mental capacity to construct and implement a plan of action. Unlike fear, hope plays a role because it provides a more rational way of coping with life experiences.

Studies have shown that in order to obtain and maintain hope, one must have the skill level to anticipate the future, have creative imagination, and have the ability to set goals

and plan alternative goals, also known as a secondary plan. The ability to create a secondary plan requires a skill level that one can be open to other alternatives, as well as handle the risk that comes with uncertainty. The ability to handle risk that comes with uncertainty is the hardest skill when paralyzed by fear. Furthermore, reflective thinking and evaluation is required to maintain the hope one sets. While it sounds more complicated than it really is, the bottom line is that hope requires effort and mental strength.  To achieve your goals, dreams, and desires, you will have to understand that things will not happen easily, and you must elevate your mental abilities in hope. If you feel that don’t have these skills, you must develop them. This will be your self-motivating force for your passion and ambition.  Moving from fear to hope is an evolutionary process that is not an easy task. Here are some steps you can take to build hope in your life and finally overcome your fears.

1.       Know Gods Word. “For I have not given you the spirit of fear, but power, love and strong mind.”  Gods Power, Gods Love and your strong mind will help you overcome fear.  Read his word daily to remind you that he has already overcome anything that you can ever fear.
2.       Make a plan. What is stopping you from going forth and reaching your goals.  What is most prevalent fear in your mind? Write it down or say it out loud. Now what are you going to do about it?
3.        Re-visit your plan, and make room for yourself.  Even when things don’t happen the way you want them or when you want them, tell yourself “Hey, that’s okay. I’m going to keep pressing forward until God makes a way.”  

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Bloggerbration!! 10,000 Views & Counting: Successful Blogging Tips

10,000 views and counting! A little background on how this blog became successful. 

Well folks, that time has come where we have surpassed 10,000 views!! Look at God!  In addition, viewers from all over the world are reading. What an honor!

Bloggerific HISTORY:

I started this blog back in 2009 but I was never really active. I started becoming more active in May of 2011 and honestly did not think many people were reading it or wanted to read it. I just continued to write because I like doing it.  Back in May we had approximately 2,000 views (even when I wasn’t consistent people were still reading…wow). When I really committed to the writing I noticed a hike in the views.  I allowed God to give me whatever it was that he wanted me to write.  This is so weird to me because growing up and even in college, I never really thought of myself as a writer even though I have like 30 journals that are filled with my words. It never occurred to me that maybe I like to write.  I guess backed then I wasn’t looking at what I was good at. I was more or so looking at what I thought I wanted to do based upon others expectations of me.  Writing was just something I did for fun. As I got older I found that with each new season or chapter of my life, I would buy a new journal to document my thoughts.  This blog has turned into the new journal that I am sharing with the world during my walk with Christ.  It is my goal to continue to write empowering blog post that will inspire you to draw closer to God and His divine plan and purpose for your life.

Initially the blog was called “The Process Of Purpose” as I was on a journey to find my purpose in life.  If you go back and read the beginning post, you will notice the theme was things I was learning along the way such as “Who Are You” or “JustRelax – It’s a Process of Purpose”  .  I soon realized that God wanted me to expand my thoughts on other topics as well. My post popular blog post include (those with the most views):

Not A Conference A Movement!

Open Heart Surgery

Irritated On Purpose

What Makes On A Deep Thinker

(Other popular post can be found on the right margin of this website.)

I then purchased my own self-titled domain name (bridgettemurphy.com) and allowed the blog to evolve.

It has evolved over the past two years. As previously stated, it started off as something I did for fun and to express myself through words (all these random thoughts had to go somewhere).  I thought about all the people who were looking for purpose. That seemed to be the million dollar question of our time; “What is my purpose in life?”  I wanted to document my journey to purpose through this blog.  As time went on, I noticed God giving me insight on writing my first book titled “Bold, Fierce and Transformed”.  I then thought, well maybe I can use the blog to post excerpts from the book and this blog will be the main website for the book (which by the way, it still is.)  As I continued to write on the blog, I noticed the blog not being what I initially intended for it to be, which was place for people to come and be empowered to draw closer to God and for me to share life lessons I was learning during my walk with Christ.  We need each other and Gods word says “We have overcome by the word of our testimony” so I soon returned the blog to its original intent.  I pray this blog has or continues to inspire, empower and encourage your walk with Christ. The best thing that has ever happened to me was when I decided to give my life to Christ.  I want to share this amazing relationship with an amazing God.  Unlike other relationships, he is available to ALL who will receive Him.  He has thoughts of peace and not of evil to bring you to an expected end. It’s real deal!

I believe, however, I am still in my small beginning stage.  10,000 is a just a SMALL step towards a greater purpose. If I can encourage just one, this is all worth it. With over 80 comments, people are not only reading but engaging into this conversation. I know many of my friends have blogs. Please put the link to your blog below in the comments sections as we support one another and learn from one another on this beautiful path to destiny. 

10,000 views and counting!  God is good. 

Tips on making your blog successful:  

I can tell you all the things I learned such as being consistent, having a UNIQUE centralized them or making your blog visually appealing. INSTEAD, I want you to hear it from people that are doing it on a far greater level than me. Check out these post:

21 Surefire Tips for a Successful Blog Launch

5 Practical Tips on Building a Successful Blog

Don't Miss It!!!

Don’t miss your window of opportunity. If God said do something do it! I am a avid believer that he gives a grace to do things at a certain time. Seek his face for direction, but when you hear Him harden not your heart. Don’t second guess what God has told you to do.  When you set out to do it, remain consistent.  Faith without works is dead, but it is impossible to please God without your faith. 

Habakkuk 2:3 “For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it, because it will surely come, it will not tarry.”

The thing about time is that it has a beginning and an ending. Don’t miss your window of time for the vision God has given you, but wait on God to move on your behalf.  If he gave it to you, he is faithful to bring it to pass. Love you all! Have a blessed weekend!!

Thank You!

No words can express how thankful I am to all those that have supported me during the launching of my first book. I truly have a new respect for ANYONE that steps out on faith to do something major and for God. It is not easy and it takes a lot of work.  I wanted you to know that I appreciate it and from the bottom of my heart I want to say, “Thank You”. I pray that you reach every goal and accomplish every dream that God has placed within your heart. I will be right there rooting you on. Keep me in your prayers as I endeavor to press on in Christ. Love you and God Bless!  

P.S. The book launch party is this Saturday, April 7, 2012 at BJs Resturant &  Brewhouse in the Dallas/Addison area. Email me at inspiredb4u@gmail.com if you need directions. 

Left Hand Turn: Rise Up & Walk

Can I chat with you a moment? Yes, you guessed it...this is a serious post.  I got a few thing to say.  First of all, thank you to all who stop by to read these blogs. It with you in mind that I continue to write. 

I've been recently thinking about the pursuit of purpose and how we go after our dreams, vision and goals that God give us.  I think about the initially momentum that we have and our continued persistence through the journey.  One of the things that has prompted this blog post is when you see a path in front of you that you are excited about and you are headed down that path to a desired destination and God tells you on the next light make a left hand turn (in other words, I know it looks like I want you to go this way, but actually I was just setting you up to go a different route).  It's as if the path you chose to take, in your mind, is the more peaceful and desire path; yet God has something else in mind.

This can be hard for some people to accept and admit.  Just think about the many times that God has told us to go left, yet we kept on going straight. In that moment, it seemed as if we knew the best way and God was trying to punish us by making us go a different route.  We desired our path more than His Will thinking it will lead to the same place.  Gods way requires you to have faith because often times you can't see what he wants to do in your life.  He may show you the end, but not the in between.  It can be very hard to make that left hand turn because it doesn't seem like the right way to go in your mind.  You feel like going the straight path in front of you will help you get to the destination faster, but you don't know the future.  You have no idea what God sees down the line and while you are rejoicing right now, there is a plan that you don't know of and it's important to follow God.

Proverbs 19:21 says "Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is Lord's purpose which shall prevail." This scripture speaks to me as I break down my agenda for His and as I die to my flesh to follow Him.  IT IS NOT EASY, but it is worth it. I'd rather be with God on any day than somewhere I do not belong. Being out of place brews frustration and stress. But don't get your frustration mixed up with your flesh refusing to submit. For some of us, we refuse to accept that this is where God wants to bless us. He wants you broken to your will, and stripped of your plans. He wants your mind renewed and your heart fixed on Him, not you.  This will require:

Trust
Faith
Prayer
His Word
Holy Spirit

Those five things will make things a bit easier as you travel along your path in pursuit of purpose to reach your destiny.  God loves you and will never lead you astray. I wish I can bottle up even a bit of His love to show you how amazing it really is.  But if the truth be told, His love is something our human minds can't conceive, we can only accept it.  Remember, when you can't see it, KNOW (remind yourself) that He is there. KNOW that he loves you and has your best interest in mind.  Also, everything that sparkles is not gold and everything that shines is not silver.  Even with that "...such as I have, I give unto thee....rise up and walk!" Every position is not for you and every role is not what it cracks up to be. We must be in place and positioned to the unique purpose that God has given each of us. 

I'll end with this...next time God says make a left hand turn....do it. It will make sense in the end. Love You..God Bless