Living Your Life Purpose

I really hope that you have discovered your life purpose while reading my blog and posts.

You still question what your purpose is then I have a suggestion. Ask your family and friend what they think of you and what is different from you from other people. I am no expert but I do think this will help you out a whole lot.

What your passions in life will help direct you on the right path as well. Talk to someone who you feel is a mentor for you too. Also, someone you feel is doing what you like to do too.

None of us have to do what others are doing but we can follow their direction. Asking these people questions will help you too.

I have had people say who are writers the best way to become a good one is to start writing. I believe that is good advice in whatever we do. We can find out by doing and it will give us the answer to whether we are right for it or not.

When I was a kid I wanted to be a sportscaster. I was good at sports but I felt I wasn’t good enough to play the sport as a professional. Out of high school, I went to broadcasting school. I took a job as well but I realized I didn’t have the talent like so many others in the field.

Now that I am writing about sports besides this blog I have come to the conclusion that writing is what I should have gone into in the first place. There are times though where the talent may come through later.

At least now I know that I am good at writing and the more I do write the better I get at it. This is the answer to anything we have a talent we love.

Besides writing I know that I am a person who can encourage others. I am getting better at it all the time. I am sure both writing and encouraging I will see a big difference in five years than right now. I know doing this for already five years my writing has gotten better.

I know too that readership is changing too. Sometimes I have a lot of readers while other times not so many. I know to never to give up and I do know that you are all busy with your own life. Also, Google made some changes and no longer have google plus.

I would like for you to comment here if you would like a subject or you have a question that I can answer for you too. I just added a page on Facebook too. I figure the more other people can see my posts the better.

I have my website herbnightingale.com too. I haven’t written a lot there but I hope to in the future. In fact, if it is easier I will post this blog there as well.

On Sunday afternoon my church our freedom ministry team is going to ministry to the middle and high school students who are going on a mission’s trip in three weeks to Mexico. It will be fun to discover their life purpose as well as destiny. Another word being used is the original design God created for them in the first place. Often circumstances can get in the way of us living in our original design. Also, people often can tell us untruths that keep us away from our original design.

Until next time have yourself a wonderful weekend. Amen!

Having a Good May!

Now that May is coming to a close I hope you all have had a good month.

I know that there are always ups and downs as we know because of circumstance but hopefully the positive overshadowed the negative.

May is when I have my birthday. May hopefully is when the flowers come out. May having good weather whether it is spring or fall where you are at.

Here in Western Washington, we have had some really good weather as well as some rain as well. The month is expected to end with nice weather. The temperatures expected in the 70s. Much better in my mind than last year when it got up to the mid-90s; I am not a fan of hot weather. I prefer the 70s  with an occasional day in the 80s. The importance is how much we see the sun. Yesterday here it was cloudy most of the day, however, the sun did make an appearance in the late afternoon so people could enjoy it when they got off work.

I hope you have some great plans for June. In the meantime, enjoy the rest of May especially today. Amen!

Telling The Truth

Since I realized a few years ago one of my purposes in life is to encourage others the more I am learning it is important in telling the truth as well.

We actually encourage others by telling the truth. We don’t do with harsh words, however, compassion should be included too.

The reason I think what I am going to say or write before anything else.  It is important they know the truth but not with harsh words.

There is a time and place to say the truth as well. It should never be in a time when emotions are running high.

So we should all sit back and ponder what we may want to say to someone that is the truth. Will the other person accept the truth or not. Also, what is the solution that goes with the truth? This is where encourage comes in too.

So on this note of encouragement have a wonderful and awesome day.

A Helping Hand

These days a lot of organizations can use volunteers to help out.

A good way to use your talents and gifts; also, enjoying those you love.

When you are out grocery shopping or out for a walk look to see who may need a friend.

We all need someone at some point so we are the someone for another.

A word of encouragement for today; may you be blessed mightily.

Excitement

Whether it has to do with our purpose or life in general excitement should be an important part of our lives.

I would not call it an easy task but something to pursue. Actually, it is a choice we can make just like joy and laughter.

Life being a challenge as it is excitement is not easy to obtain but I am sure something we would like to have. Certainly is better than the alternative would you think.

Like everything else in life it is something to try to pursue on a daily basis. We have only today because tomorrow isn’t promised. So let’s take the challenge and have an exciting day.

A Connection

I feel one of the most important keys for living a life of purpose is having a connection with others.

We are not going to have a connection with everyone but still really important.

Those we don’t connect with which I hope is a minimum amount we should help them connect with another.

Even if we don’t connect with them we can still be friends in other ways.

I hope you are having a wonderful Memorial Day weekend and enjoying as many people as possible.

Memorial Day Weekend

Here in the United States, we celebrate Memorial Day the last Monday of May.

The reason is to remember those who died in battle whether domestic or on foreign land. Also, many citizens remember their loved ones who have passed away as well.

I especially remember my brother Dick and my father who died a year apart. Also, my cousin Pete and brother-in-law Bob who both died nine years ago this year in a few months as well; I can’t forget my grandparents either.  I can remember other ancestors as well who I never knew.  It has been a little over two years since losing my cousin Bronwen to cancer. Her parents passed away some time ago as well.

I am so fortunate to still have my mother because she is the only one left in her generation.

Whether you live in the United States or elsewhere I hope you remember your loved ones especially those who died in battle. Amen!

Getting Older

I am sure there are those who wonder getting older they will have no purpose in life.  It surely will feel that way when you are ill but I think we can still contribute a lot anyway.

I am getting older but I consider at least another five to ten years before I would call myself old. I may feel even later than that.

If you remember Art Linkletter on TV; he even wrote a book “Old Age isn’t for sissies”. He felt a person could a lot even in their 90s.  He passed away at 97 years old.

I find that people stereotype older people especially those in their 90s. I know it is a case for my mother who is 98 and later this year turns 99. I wouldn’t get into details, however, some may feel isn’t doing well because she doesn’t talk a lot. She told me she doesn’t have a lot to say. She doesn’t always remember what today is but how many do. I know that on occasion I have to think about it myself. Her mind is still sound. I know because of what she says about the past and she still knows my name. I would be more concerned if she couldn’t remember my name.

Anyway, whether it is my writing or encouragement in other ways I can still have a good life even if I reach my mother’s age now.

Whatever age you right now remember you will get older but you can still have an effective life especially you take care of yourself. I will let you know the closer I get to it.

So enjoy today as you have it because none of us know whether we will have tomorrow. Amen!

Overcoming Obstacles

We all have areas in our lives we have to overcome it.  For some, it is harder than for others.

We might see it take years to have a positive impact in these years. We may even wonder why we struggle in these areas.

This is why there are support groups. We may have already tried them or don’t feel they will help at all or we deny the existence of these shortcomings.  

We need hope; finding even one person who has struggled through the same thing we are can help us. This can be the purpose for us to use as well. Amen!

Look Back At Popular Posts

The most popular post I have on this site was a trip my sister Barb, brother Jack, my mother who just turned 97 and myself on September 9, 2017. It was a trip we took driving one day to the Washington coast to the Hoh River to Port Angeles, the Hood Canal and back home to Gig Harbor. The travel was eight hours plus the time we spent in different spots. Amazing too that our mother was able to make it fine at the age of 97. I am sure the reason she wanted to be with her children wherever we are at. She doesn’t get to see my sister and brother as often as she likes. So what a telling story about her.

The post was made up of pictures I took. I was so surprised by how popular it was. Check it out by doing a search for Journey to the Hoh River in Washington State.

The second most popular post was a trip to Seattle. It was also made of pictures as well. I wonder if you are telling me something. It was titled more from visit to Seattle. Make sense right! It took place on August 10, 2015.

The third most popular I titled “pressing on”. It was written on July 24, 2015. I mostly reflected about my childhood and how we can be distracted now by being so busy and we must press on to do the right things. This is especially true if we are trying to do the best we can in regards to our purpose in life.

In the future, I will mention some of the posts I have written over the last few years. Not only see what I have written lately but go back to see what I have in the past.

Have a great day and may you be blessed in so many ways. Keep up the good fight which we endure each day. Amen!

Our Choice

Though we were created for a purpose what we do with it is our choice.

We can run with it or decide not to work with our purpose. Also, we can make a choice when the situation seems right or not.

We must realize at times people can take advantage of us. This is one of the reasons we have a choice. 

God isn’t going to shake his fist at us because we choose not to participate. I am sure he knows at some point we will change our mind. He knows us very well and much more than we do ourselves.

Another kindly reminder to you; just be sure to do it with the right motives. Amen!

Being Ready

We have to be ready to give what we have when it comes to our purpose at all times.

Sunday I wasn’t feeling well; however, we had ministry time in the late afternoon at church so I wanted to be there. Fortunately, I didn’t have a cold or anything like that. I was able to make it though a little bit of a struggle to get through it all.

Not only do we have to be ready at all times we have to press on at times as well. This is what it was like for me on Sunday.

So my advice is to press on whatever is happening to us in our lives. We are here for others as much as or more so than for ourselves.

Sunday ministry was good because I got to experience three people who I didn’t know at all realize their life purpose, destiny and original design.

Light Shine

I believe one of the most important ingredients we have in our purpose is to let our light shine.

There is so much darkness in the world that any touch of light can help others.

If the light is what you have more than anything else than you have it. Light along with hope and love will drive out the darkness giving joy. Amen!

Thanks

I want to thank those who wished me a happy birthday on Friday.

I want to thank you who take the time to come on here and read what I have to say.

You make me feel special every day. I am doing something right to.

It is great when we can have friends who care about us and know we are on the right track even when times are hard.

Let others know how you feel too. We can use all the encouragement every single day.

Life isn’t easy most of the time. When darkness is standing it is nice to know there is light at the end of the tunnel. Amen!

May 17th Again

You wonder why I am saying May 17^th again. Well it is my birthday and it can take time each year to arrive for sure.

Actor Bill Paxton who died in 2017; he and I share the same birthday and year. Actress Sasha Alexander has the same birthday as well.

Most celebrities I saw online I didn’t even hear of before. I am glad they share my birthday and I will keep my eye on them.

For your information May 17^th is Norwegian Independence Day. Though I am not Norwegian I am honored to share my birthday with you.

For those who share my birthday I say happy birthday to you as well. Keep up the good work and peace.

In Gig Harbor An Interesting Thing Happened

On Tuesday late afternoon I went to a friend’s birthday party at a local establishment. I wasn’t sure how many people I would meet that I already knew. It turned out there were three people that I knew.

The interesting part I was introduced by the friend whose birthday it was to a woman who turned out knew my sister in school. My sister is eight and a half years older than me so I don’t know many of her friends she had in school. We had a couple of girls that lived next door who were around my sister’s age. I met another of her classmates last year when taking mother to the hair salon for an appointment. I have known my sister mainly as an adult. I was only nine when she went off to college. This gal not only knew my sister she said they hung out together along with another gal.

Another thing happened after leaving the birthday party I stopped by my regular coffee shop I attend just to get a drink for a moment. I saw a gal that I knew as a child who attended the same church I did at the time. I see her maybe half a dozen times a year at the most.

From a short distance, she acknowledged seeing me and saying “hi Herb”. She was with another woman who wanted to know who I was. It turned out to be her younger sister who is three years older than me. The younger sister jumps out of her seat and runs over to me. Gives me a hug after telling me who she is; this woman I hadn’t seen since I was around seventeen years old or so.

What amazing things happening over a period of an hour and a half. To meet a woman who knew my sister growing up and then another woman who knew me when I was growing up.

Another thing while talking for a few minutes we realized our dads went to the same high school as well. Neither one went to church often only our mothers most of the time. The two sister’s father was a year younger than mine so I am sure they knew each other though it was a big school.

Quite amazing when destiny steps in during a time when the odds are against it; if I hadn’t gone to the birthday party or stopped at the coffee shop I would never have seen the three ladies at all. Life can be interesting, to say the least.  

Two Minutes

I realized it is hard to meditate for a couple of minutes. It should get easier the more times we do it.

I recommend writing down whatever comes to your mind as well.  A couple of months later look and see how far you have come.

I am not sure whether I write the same I talk; however, I know I write the same way I think. Most likely I do both.

I feel to it is important to talk or write in the fashion you feel. Other words, tell it like it is. Throw love in it so others don’t think you are being judgmental. I believe some people will think you are judgmental no matter what. It is how the world is today.

There are so many people that are sensitive to what others say. Growing up I heard things that were hurtful I know it is how the world works. The best thing is let it go. 

I do know it is easier for me to say than for others to act on it but really the truth. Jesus Christ said to lay down our lives. So important let things go that others say. Again I know it is easier said than done. We are all in the same boat. Enjoy day OK.

The Spiritual Side

Though we are natural being there is a spiritual side to us as well. Other words, we are spiritual beings as well.

God said that he created us in his image, and he is spiritual. Right now we live in the natural realm; however, there is a spiritual realm as well.

We can tap into the spiritual realm. It begins with prayer and meditation. It is interesting we think positive about prayer but because of different religious groups, we think negative about meditation.

Actually, God wants us to meditate. So if you are not used to praying or meditating I recommend starting by doing so for a couple minutes than to five minutes. After a while, you go for longer periods of time.

You may ask because I haven’t prayed or meditated before how do I start?   I would start by being silent for two minutes to see where that leads.

The first time two minutes can feel like a long time as well. The second time you can do the same thing once again. At some point in you can pray. Ask God for something either for yourself or a friend or family member.

I am sure the journey will be interesting going into the spiritual realm too. I have to confess that I don’t do a lot of praying or meditating myself or at least I don’t take a lot of time.

I believe we all pray and meditate more than we realize; however, taking a couple minutes a day to begin without any distractions will change our lives. Amen!

Believing

Besides God, we must believe in ourselves. Those in history who accomplished much did so because they believed in themselves when others did not.

At some point in our lives, we have been rejected by others. The important thing to know is God created us because he loves us and has a great purpose for us no matter what anyone else says about us.

We must not only repent for not believing in God but in us as well. We must turn and believe we can do all things in Christ Jesus.

We are here for a great purpose beyond ourselves. We may make mistakes; however, in the end, we can make history as well. Amen!

Mother’s Day

I want to wish every mother a great Mother’s Day. If it weren’t for you and God we wouldn’t be here.

We thank you for your sacrifice in our lives well as your love.

My mother’s generation didn’t really say I love you or express it in very few ways though we did know they did. At least in the USA has worked this way. Many of my friends experienced the same way.

So whether you are the child or the mother or the father “Say I love you”. It is worth more than you think.

I know there are those who may not need to hear the words but there are those who do.

Though we appreciate everything you have done we need to hear it as well. Just in the same way you have to hear “Happy Mother’s Day.”

What Does It Mean To You?

I am sure everyone has their own meaning of life purpose. I am sure you realize I believe our life purpose is what God created us to be.

Often circumstances get in the way of us living out our life purpose to the fullest. The reason is Satan doesn’t want us to and he will block us in doing so.

The reason Satan makes every effort for us not to live our life purpose is he knows how powerful we can be if we live out our purpose.

Living a life of purpose is more than in the natural it is spiritual as well. The natural and spiritual are supposed to work together.

Let you know I don’t have a handle on the natural and the spiritual. I am still trying to figure it all out like anyone else. So today take a little time if that is all you have to work on your purpose in the natural well as the spiritual.  

Our Motivation

Our number one motivation has to be love. This in regards to our purpose or helping others in general at all times.

Any other motivation we have we need to think whether love is involved. If not then we need to scratch it off the list.

The people we meet need to realize that we are genuine. We can’t be someone we are not just to help them. This is especially true of individuals we may feel uncomfortable around.

No matter how much love we have for people there will be those we won’t feel comfortable around and it is OK. Doesn’t change that we can’t love them; in fact, loving them will give us more strength. Other words the more we help those that we feel uncomfortable around someday we will be comfortable with them too.

I find those that I am not comfortable around have nothing to do with love actually. I am uncomfortable because I haven’t spent a lot of time around them. Usually, we are comfortable with people we know and those we are alike. For example, if someone likes sports I feel comfortable around them because I like sports while at the same time if they like Opera for instance than I won’t be comfortable. If they like sports and Opera than I will be comfortable when they are talking about sports and not when talking Opera got it!

I will stop here right now. I am sure you know what I mean about being motivated by love. Have a great weekend and let your love shine.

Discovering Our Purpose

Whether we are living out our purpose right now or not it takes time to discover it all.

We don’t have all of our purposes right now. We learn along the way.

I know what my purpose is for right now but I am excited to see what comes along in the future.

What I am excited about are the people I will meet. This is where my purpose is fixed on.

What can I do for others right now? What are their needs that I can help with? Sometimes all it is being with them.

Life can be a lonely road sometimes. I have learned the lesson well. Helping others can take our eyes off of us. Amen!

A Road Trip

Right now I figure that I am going to take a short road trip on Thursday.

I will be heading north on highway 16 here on the Kitsap Peninsula. Where I live in Gig Harbor, Washington is the beginning of the peninsula.

I will be going through Bremerton which is the largest city on the route. The biggest employer in Bremerton is the Naval Shipyard. It has been around a long time. My grandfather Nightingale when he came to Washington State had his first job at the shipyard. After a few years, he transferred to Tacoma where he worked as an engineer for the electric company where he stayed until he retired.

Also, on the route is Bangor known for the Naval Submarine Base.  I will cross the Hood Canal Bridge then shortly go east to my destination of Port Townsend.

It has been several years since I have been to Port Townsend. I expect some changes have happened since the last time I was there. In fact, they were doing some road construction during my last visit that I wasn’t able to go down to the historic area of the town. It will be interesting to see the changes.

I will be taking my camera so I will show some pictures after my return. I will make several short stops on the way there and on my way back. I hope this will be one of several short trips over the next several months.

The weather is expected to summer like having the temperatures reach 80 degrees Fahrenheit. It will be a lovely day for a trip.

Pictures and More Pictures

With the arrival of smartphone, photography has become a big thing whether it has to do with selfies or showing family pictures on social network.

I have several friends that do photography as their livelihood. Also, if you are a travel writer pictures sell more than anything. It is a great way to use the talents given to you and for your purpose as well.

So I have decided today to show some of my pictures I have taken the last several years. Here goes……….

We Do Influence Others

My church right now is doing a series during the sermon time about us being a positive influence.

We influence others whether we realize it or not. The question is it a positive or negative influence. We do have the choice in our hands in going either way.

I sure hope that I am being a positive influence. I believe so with the response, I get here as well as elsewhere.

We are all evolving all the time. We will make mistakes but the important is to keep it at a minimum.

Loving others is a good place to start when influencing others in a positive way. How others respond to us will give us the idea where we are at influencing.

I have faith that you are doing a good job so keep it up. Amen!

Going Around Being Nice

Reading a lot of different posts on social network the conclusion I come up with is that a lot of people like those that are nice.

This could be one of the top attributes when it comes to living a life of purpose.

We should be able to be nice even to those we don’t agree with. I have mentioned before though we have freedom of speech in the USA we still need to be careful about how we use it. Saying something in the wrong way may allow you to have free speech but it can allow an employer not to hire you.

In another way, I could say don’t be loose cannon. Think before you speak. It took me a while to learn this one for sure. Wisdom can get you out of trouble real fast.

So be kind and gentle to those you don’t agree with along with those that you do. They may not agree with you but they will admire you which is a good step toward agreeing with you.

A To Do List

Below is a good to do list for us all to live by. 

Saying Goodbye

Whether they are friends or acquaintances I find it interesting when they move and I have to say goodbye.

My neighbor of four years moved from Washington State to Michigan. She has a friend in Michigan that she would like to be closer to and her daughter is going to college in New York. She didn’t want to move to New York but wanted to be closer to where her daughter is.

Before coming to Washington State she lived in Arizona. Her parents live in Oregon and they have a ranch. Her dog Amber she decided to leave with her parents where she can roam.

Anyway to say all that I hope someday I hope to see her again. I am sure the chances are not great here unless her daughter decides to come back to Washington. Neither of them is attached to the area other than some friends.

I figure I may have to go to Michigan or see her while I travel the country someday.   I am sure the odds are great against it but you never know.

This is what our purpose and destiny are all about seeing people and being involved in their lives even for a period of time. In September a reunion is already planned to see those I used to go to church with. Some will be there that I see at my current church or I run into them once in a while around town while others I haven’t seen for quite some time or not since we were in church together. 

I feel these people are still family though we don’t have a relationship going on regularly. When we see each other it will bring back great times and memories; much in the same way when I see those, I went to school with.

I figure the most important thing is for us to spend time with people as often as we can because we have no idea how long the time will last. All these people have a place in my heart in one fashion or another. I am sure you have a lot of people in the same boat.

We are blessed when we have friends where we have spent time with for many years or even more so a lifetime. Enjoy as you can. Amen!

It’s May

Really hard to believe it is May now. We know time goes by the older we get.

Here in Western Washington, we have the sun out all week long. This weekend we are expected to hit 70 degrees.

Last year I went up to British Columbia, Canada to visit my cousins in May. It was very hot last May. It actually got up to the 90s.  I wouldn’t be going this year but I hope to again next year. It will be nice to stay in the 70s at best. I am not ready for summer yet though nice to have the sun out.

Look forward to seeing the flowers blooming here now to. Enjoy the fresh air as well.

The only downfall for May is my birthday comes again in 14 days. At some point, it isn’t as fun to enjoy your birthday. Age is getting up there though I don’t feel it most of the time though do have some small aches and pains.

Anyway, wherever you are have yourself a wonderful May. Enjoy every second taking each day on its own.  Amen!

Consistent

There is nothing better than being consistent.

People think better of us when they can count on us at all times. Of course, things do come up but otherwise, we should be there.

I am not saying this to be rude or anything but as a reminder. It is important to call if something comes up as well.

We are a rock when others know we are solid. They will be there for us when we are there for them.

Consistent is what we should live by regardless if others don’t. Peace!

Challenge You

I hope that I am challenging you besides encouraging you. They go together I believe.

I believe we are all in the same boat. Discovering our purpose or expanding it.

I believe the world is our playground and we go as far as God wants us to go. I believe he has no limit for us.

Often as Christians, we think that we can only go so far but I believe God wants us to go further.

Yes we are to love our neighbors, however, we can do by having as much as we want and God wants us to have as well.

God told Israel they could enter the promised land but only Caleb and Joshua believed him. Also, we are told with faith we can move mountains.

All God asks that we follow and do our best. He will do the rest. So go for it and see how your life changes. Amen!