No one can take your place...

I was doing a lot of research last night for a workshop I am presenting in February and found a quote in a book I read a few years ago. The book is "No One Can Take your Place" by Sheri Dew. The quote is as such: "No one can have the influence you have been prepared to have on all who come within your sphere of influence. Without question, no one can fulfill your foreordained mission. No one can do what you were sent here to do. No One."

As read the quote I thought about all the times I have passed up opportunities out of fear or complacency. These reminded me that I have a lot more to fear by not taking those "scary" chances. How many times have I felt inspired about something and then set it aside because I was afraid of how it would be received. Those inspirations come to us for a purpose. I cannot ever remember a time when someone has given me a gift that I just set aside an left unopened; thinking well I can get to that later or I am afraid someone might think I am crazy for opening that gift. Nope, rather I instantly return to my giddy girlhood when I get a gift. I get so excited and cannot wait to see what is inside and even the smallest gifts are delightful and bring me so much joy. Why then when Heavenly Father gives me a gift would I set it aside and put off the opening to "someday". We are reminded in In Matt. 7:11 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?

I have decided I don't want another day to pass that I would not use the gifts with which I have been blessed to fulfill my mission here. I am going to face any fear I have of failure or success and do all that I can to make a difference in the lives of others. Fearing nothing but that I might miss something along the way.

If we can let go of our fears and live everyday to the fullest then how can we possibly lose? We may very well experience failure at times but we will still gain in the process.

I am thankful everyday for the influence of friends and family in my life. I have been so greatly blessed with a sphere of influence that has cut deep into my soul. The Lord has placed so many outstanding people an No one could take your place in my life! I hope you will all continue to challenge and stretch me to become more, and to fulfill my destiny...