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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Purposefulness (Purpose in Life) (05/25/06)
PURPOSEFULNESS OR THE HEART
I was all excited this morning to get our new "challenge word" for our weekly writing
challenge for faithwriters.. They came up with "purposefulness." Now what kind of a word is that? How in the world do you write a piece about purposefulness. First all, what does the word really mean? So, I resorted to the dictionary. Purposeful: 1. Having a purpose; intentional. 2. Having or manifesting purpose; determined. Finally purposefulness ( n.) the quality of having a definite purpose. So, okay the word is really an action, a determination, something I decide to do on purpose, no wishy washy response.
Purposefulness really has more meaning than I originally thought. Some decisions regarding our course in life must be made with great purposefulness. For me that decision was made when I was 12 years old. It was Easter Sunday. Of course, the life, death, and resurrection of Christ was very prominent in my mind and on my heart. I fully understood that when I made the decision to walk to the alter to accept Christ as my Savior I was making a decision that would affect every aspect of my life from there on. I wanted a change in my life. I knew I needed help to be the kind of person I should be. It was not a decision I made on the spur of the moment.. That morning I began a journey that has taken me on many unexpected adventures and I've had my commitment challenged more times than I can number.
My dad had a total reverence for God even though he hadn't yet committed his life to Jesus. He was very concerned about my really understanding just how serious a decision I had made that morning. As adults we tend to underestimate the faith and understanding ability of a child. "But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 19:14 NKJV)
I had my challenges growing-up. Any parent hates to see a child's world become difficult. There's so many things to get into. He watched me struggle with being different than the crowd
by standing for my inner convictions instead of sampling drugs, alcohol and premature sex. He witnessed my limited choice of friends and missed parties of question. He was very aware of the periods of loneliness and emotional responses because I couldn't compromise and remain true to what I knew was right. He knew that serving Christ wasn't the easiest thing I had ever chosen to do. He was aware it took a special kind of commitment. He experienced the attitude of a teenager that had to apologize more than once. It didn't take dad long to realize I fully understood the seriousness of my decision. Even though I didn't always get every thing right he knew I had purposed in my heart to get as close as I could with the Lord's help.
I was always aware he watched the purposefulness of my heart with every decision that
was made as I grew in the Lord. He respected who I became and trusted me beyond belief. I
was the apple of his eye. He's in heaven today. I look forward to rushing into his loving arms once again, knowing this time we'll never have to part again. I'll never regret the purposefulness of my decision that wonderful East Sunday morning.
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Member Comments
Member
Date
Valerie Routhieaux
06/02/06
You have a good testimony. The first part about the challenge should have been left out though. It would be much better without it. You have a gift, don't stop writing.
Amy Nicholson
06/04/06
Sometimes God even uses our typos for His Divine Purposes... At the beginning of your story you talk about going to the altar to give your life to Christ. You spelled it "alter" meaning to change. I was just going to alert you to this spelling error, and then, through your lovely story, God showed me something. When we go to the altar, we need to change. There, He changes our hearts to make them acceptable for His grace and glory. God bless you for writing this story!
Jan Ackerson
06/07/06
An additional comment about referencing the "writing challenge" in the text of your entry...since the winners each quarter are compiled in a book that will be read by people who are not members of this site, it's best not to mention "the word for this week" or "the writing challenge." It's more effective--if you hope to end up "in the book"--to start in some other way.

This is a very lovely tribute to your dad, and I look forward to reading more of your writings in the weeks to come.