Definition according computer:

VERB:  [ no obj. ] (engage in) participate or become involved in: organizations engage in a variety of activities | • (engage with) establish a meaningful contact or connection with: the teams needed to engage with local communities.  [ with obj. ] enter into conflict or combat with (an adversary).

Engage the HEART!  Asking hard questions and cracking the mask.  Helping others to discover who they truly are and believe who God created them to be. To acknowledge ALL things work together for good!  Helping others recognize it’s NOT about behavior…it’s about the heart!

so once again, i’m reminded…JUST SHOW UP!  God will do the rest!

Show up… open, willing, listening, fully engaged….  HE will equip us to pursue His purpose!

Ahhhhh, refreshing reminder!

SOOOO, 4 months in to the new job! I LOVE it and hate it at the same time!  I LOVE so many things…the peeps I work with are awesome!  The peeps I get to talk to daily are amazing and the stories of impact on the world are truly humbling!  The location of my job is ridiculous…downtown Richmond, on the canal, near the river…unbelievable.

However…I have an issue…

While the peeps I work with are amazing, the “environment” is seriously lacking!  So, I have a choice…either, accept it, or lean toward changing it.  And…if I can’t change the environment as a whole, I can certainly change my OWN environment.  But, here’s what I believe 2 MY CORE…I’m not alone in my thinking!!

SO…It’s time to put on my idea cap and noodle away…

I have the privilege to hang out with some amazing students from my church! Last week, one of was them was letting me in to her world and showing me one of her writings. I LOVED it because she tells “who she is”. I asked her permission to post but I did choose to change her name for some safety reasons. This chic is a rockstar whom I was instantly intrigued by the first moment I laid eyes on her 2 years ago! Her story would rock your world…2theCORE…just as it did mine! BUT…for now, below is her writing…

I am who I am because of the people I grew up around and the values I’ve been taught since way back when. Leadership is both a trait and a value that I possess. A lot of my family members are take-charge kind of people and they are ver determined. When they see something they want of have a point to something, the are assertive and they stand up for it. I take after them. I’m really good at keeping a hold on things and making sure everything’s in order. My leadership quality has strengthened over the past couple of years. I participated in a pageant and a program at the University of Richmond that increased my knowledge and understanding of being a leader. This brings me to my next trait of caring.

I serve on Sunday mornings at my church as a small group helper for the 4th and 5th graders. I am their leader and I do it because I care for others very much. I’ve seen the outcome of people that aren’t cared for and it’s not a happy ending. I also live around very caring people, one being my mother. She is one of the most caring people in the world and seeing her and the effect of her care for others encourages me to care more and more for people each day. I care for anyone and everyone that’s made me very out-going.

The last trait I’m going to mention is out-going. I talk to people at the store, on the street, anywhere at any time. Being out-going is definitely fun, my mom is very bold, as well as my dad. Growing up, I saw the reaction of people when they were complemented or encouraged by someone they didn’t really know. Whenever I see someone, I make it a point to say hi, or complement them on something. I know, personally, that it makes me feel incredible and totally astonished when someone that I don’t know says hi or even smiles at me. Plus, I love people and the different personalities of each one and just enjoy talking. not many people realize this, but a smile, a friendly hello, and encouraging word, or even a complement can lift someone’s spirits up so high. It’s truly amazing.

All three of my traits play a part in each other. I am an out-going leader that cares so very much. I lead the 4th and 5th graders at my church, my siblings at home, and my friends at school. I care about the people that are alone and for the kids’ futures at my church. I care that they know God and have an amazing relationship with Him that grows every day. I care for my family and my friends. I’m very out-going and love to meet new people and learn new things. My being a leader, and a caring, and outgoing young woman is the result of a loving family, my observation of the people around me, and all the programs I’ve been able to take part in. I was created by God in this unique way and wouldn’t be who I stand to be if it wasn’t for the adventures that God has taken me on. I am “Ella”, a caring, out-going leader that is thrilled about every new day and every new face.

Written 9.21.10
_________________________
I, Elise, am SO blessed to have the privilege of watching her grow! YESSSS!!! And THANK YOU “Ella” for letting me be a part of your world!!

It’s amazing to think of the life that I’ve had and the roller coaster of emotions and chaos that surrounded me a good majority of my life. Much of the chaos was not my creating, however I’m also pretty sure some was my own creation. Regardless, I’m determined to never give up and never give in. I’m motivated to finish well and not be defeated.

Last night as I was listening to Deon Sanders’ acceptance speech into the Football Hall of Fame, I was moved! I actually have been having little bits of realization throughout this past week, but last night another piece fell easily into place.

SACRIFICE! Deon Sanders as well as Sterling Shell, were both raised in significantly less than desireable circumstances. Poverty struck, fatherless, and overall just less fortunate. Sterling even mentioned the reality of some of his meals consisting of animals that I didn’t think you were even supposed to eat. Turtle? Oppossum? Raccoon? Really? I have NO idea what it’s like to live like that! But here’s the deal…these two guys had a focus, they made a commitment, they accepted the responsibility, they had drive, determination, passion and vision. They REFUSED to let anything get in their way of their future. When adversity hit, they had focus, when people began throwing nasty unkind words, or opposition against their efforts and dreams…they had focus. When they were challenged spiritually, physically, emotionally…they had focus. But here is what I’m learning…they also had to SACRIFICE! I have no idea exactly what they sacrificed for sure, however, I would be willing to bet, they sacrificed time, money, sleep, physically, mentally. I have a pretty strong feeling they did things they didn’t want to do nor feel like doing A LOT! I’d be willing to bet they sacrificed in ways that would make my head spin, all for the sake of a calling…a dream…a vision!

Prior to hearing the two of them speak, the thoughts I had been marinating on the reality of focus and sacrifice, but I didn’t and still don’t really have a grasp around what I’m willing to sacrifice and what my true focus is that will enable me to be so driven and so determined to pursue my calling. HOWEVER, I can absolutely promise you this, I’m on a hunt to determine my WHY underneath my purpose. I’m going to find the depth of belly fire that’s going to carry me to my vision in such a way that NOTHING will get in my way. I will be laser focused and willing to sacrifice my comfort in pursuit of something bigger than me!

What do I want to do? What is my vision?
To own and operate a camp for at-risk youth. My strategy is to have a plush corporate building where the execs who need to learn how to “play” and dream again will enter and financially help support the endeavor. The other side of my camp is my “Playground” for both adults and youth.

I want to incorporate a school that enables learning in the elements.
My venue is through a website that draws youth ministers to content and community.
Funds will come from grants, corporate sponsors and my youth leader coaching and speaking business.

Too often as we grow in age, we forget how to dream and we settle…my calling is to bring that to life again in adults. BUT also, to expand it in youth and help them never forget to dream big. Deon said last night…if your dreams aren’t bigger than you, then your dreams are big enough. SO true! Where is God if your dreams are only as big as you are?

The BIG question is what am I willing to sacrifice as I become laser focused on what I feel called to do?

I have a fire in my belly that MUST be exposed with tenacity, determination, passion and boldness…I LOVE what Deon said…”People will either love me or hate me, but either way, they’ll want to come see me play!” LOVE THAT! I think I’ll have that quote framed, because to be a visionary who actually follows through inevitably will meet adversity and nay sayers…people don’t like change…but CHANGE MUST HAPPEN in order to pursue purpose and truth!! There also must be sacrifice and focus to create change!

That’s all for now…k bye!

Last weekend I didn’t post, however, what I would have posted is this!

Every now and then I get the opp to go to Charlotte. The month of July offered up 2 times to get to see my Charlotte friends. I LOVE Charlotte, however, i must say that as I am finding more and more comfort being in Virginia, I look forward to coming home so much more now than ever before. But that’s not my point.

I actually don’t have a point, other than to tell you something very fun.

While in Charlotte weekend before last, I got to walk with one of my fave peeps, just like old times. Ahhh…it’s like a renewal of my soul when we spend time together! We have AMAZING conversation, with such depth and vulnerability AND with great opportunity to lift each other up as well as hold each other accountable. One of the things she and I both desire, is the to write and author books, however, be both find it difficult to make the time to get our “Butts in the chairs”. During one of our talks, she said those exact words, “we need to have our ‘butts in chair’ time”. Well, to my wandering ears, I completely thought she said “button share time”!! Having NO idea what in the world she had just murmured, I inquired until we both about fell over laughing and realized we just came up with a new friendly competition!

Amy and I will now be “competing” and holding one another accountabe by having “Button share” time! For every period of time we spend with our BUTTS IN CHAIRS to write. We will put a BUTTON in a JAR! We will then report to each other as to our progress and…..
well, that’s it. WE haven’t decided on any prizes or rewards…we just both know and acknowledge the importance of writing, and sharing a message we have within us and therefore, will be obedient as we lift each other up, and hold each other accountable!

I LOVE my friends! AND the ability to create things such as “BUTTON SHARE” time! Silly, creative, innovative and plain ole fun!

Week 2 brought a little more tiredness, yet at the same time, found myself ridiculously energized. It’s interesting as I reflect over my day or week how many lessons are popping up. This week a few surfaced. First, the reality that I am TOTALLY living my mission…to Engage, Equip and Empower myself and others to pursue purpose and truth…well you can’t get much more in it than helping other ministries and non-profits pursue their mission and vision. Niiiice!

The second, well, this was a bit harder to swallow. In the past I have used my ‘female’-ness or sexuality to sell whatever product for whatever company I was working for. Of course there is much more to this ‘lesson’ than I’m mentioning, however, the bottom line is that many times it’s easier to leverage being female in order to make the sell in person. At Salem, it’s majority phone conversations and relationship building. I’ve got the relationship part, but selling without being able to leverage means being articulate and not using looks and flirting to work the deal. Pretty cool! In other words…a struggle I’ve had for some time of lacking confidence in being articulate is going to be polished up and put to great use! I am going to be a rock star communicator with my words and message being clear and articulate imparting amazing information that will have impact for many many people!! SO PUMPED I am in a place of employment that will enable THIS growth!!

LOVE this job!! YAY!