Ideas, Information & Inspiration

"Since it doesn't cost a dime to dream, you'll never short change yourself when you stretch your imagination." -Robert Schuller

I am an information junkie. I love reading and learning about new things. I love quotes and scripture verses that inspire and make me think. I love journal writing and doodling. I also love stories about people who listen to their inner voice,  follow their own paths and walk in faith. In this post, I want to share with you some resources that I love and hope they will inspire and inform you as much as they did me.

BOOKS

Making a Living without a Job by Barbara Winter- I recommended this book last week on my Google+ page because it is by far one of my favorite books on self-employment. It is an easy read filled with great ideas and stories not only from Winter’s life, but also people she has come in contact with who have carved out their own self-employment path.  Her site is a continuation of more great ideas and information. A must read for anyone who wants to be their own boss and wants to do it in a way that is uniquely their own.

Doing Life Differently by Luci Swindoll- Think you have to quit your job in order to follow your dreams? This book shows you how you can use your job to provide for your dreams. Swindoll shares many stories from her life and how her faith and purpose guided her decisions. Despite working for the same company for 30 years, she was able to make many of her dreams; traveling, writing and speaking a reality. Her book encourages taking risks and embracing life to its fullest. A great read.

The Echo Within by Robert Benson- I have read this book, at least, five times. It is the story of Benson, a writer and spiritual director, who finally recognized that he was called to write. The book takes us through Benson’s journey to becoming a writer after spending many years in careers that just “didn’t fit.” He shares how he came to recognize his purpose, “… I began to hear something within that said to me it was time for different work than the work I was doing.” If you are in the place of trying to figure out what God is calling you to, I highly recommend this book.

INSPIRING WORDS

“A man knows when he has found his vocation when he stops thinking about how to live and begins to live…when we find our vocation thought and life are one.” –Thomas Merton

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto my own understanding. In all ways acknowledge him and he shall direct my paths.”-Proverbs 3:5-6

“To live is the rarest thing in the world, most people just exist.”- Oscar Wilde

“I want to stand as close to the edge as I can without going over. Out on the edge, you can see all kinds of things you can’t see from the center.”- Kurt Vonnegut

“Don’t downgrade your dream just to fit your reality. Upgrade your conviction to match your destiny.” –unknown

AROUND THE WEB

Two articles about people who took a chance and listened to their hearts. Be inspired!

Could you leave it all behind to follow your dreams? Read about one family who did.

Do your dreams entail creating a better life for you and your family? Read about a single mom of three who moved to another country to follow her dreams.

JOURNALING PROMPTS

Need to get clear on your purpose and God-inspired dreams? Feeling confused and unsure about the direction of your life?

Journaling is a great way to gain clarity and insight about your purpose and dreams. Here are a few writing prompts from my e-workbook, Journaling to Your Purpose. Get a pen and paper and take some time to respond to the questions and reflect on your answers. For more writing prompts and a guide to creating a mini plan to start living your dreams, make sure you purchase a copy of the e-workbook.

*I am happiest when…

*I am most bothered…

*The social issue I have a deep concern about…

*My free time as a child was spent…

*If there was NOTHING that could get in my way I would…

MORE IDEAS,INFORMATION & INSPIRATION

5 Myths About Purpose

Looking At Old Things In A New Way

5 Reasons Why Living Your Dreams Is Important

Start With What You Have

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