[Note: I have authored 32 books to date; yet, I have realized that many of you do not know what my books are about. 😆 In these audio Deep Dives, the hosts discuss the book in focus, and it ends up being quite inspirational! You can listen to this audio presentation in your podcast app or right here in the email as you drive to work or put on your make-up. (Also, there is a transcript available in the link above.)
I have also provided an overview for those who prefer to read. Enjoy and check out the huge 80% limited-time special discount on PDF and .epub ebooks below. If you really like the ebook, you can always pick up the paperback at Amazon as a gift for your friends and family for Christmas. Thanks for reading and listening! Iann ]
Trajectory: Where Are You Heading With Your Life? by Iann Schonken
Overarching Themes:
Living a Purpose-Driven Life: The book emphasizes the importance of understanding and fulfilling God's purpose for our lives. This purpose is deeply intertwined with glorifying God through our actions and choices.
The Power of the Holy Spirit: Schonken highlights the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, enabling us to live a life aligned with God's will and overcome life’s challenges.
Importance of Preparation and Perspective: The book stresses the significance of preparation in achieving our goals and adopting a godly perspective to navigate life's uncertainties.
Embracing Limitations: Schonken encourages readers to acknowledge their limitations and find freedom in living within God's design, prioritizing rest and essential pursuits.
The Value of Feedback: Feedback, both from others and self-reflection, is presented as a crucial tool for growth and course correction in our journey.
Chapter Summaries and Key Quotes:
Chapter 1: Purpose
Key Idea: Everything in the universe, including our lives, exists to reflect and showcase the glory of God.
Quote: “The Lord has made everything for his own purposes.” (Proverbs 16:4 NLT)
Takeaway: We are called to live for God's glory by fulfilling the specific purpose He has designed for us.
Chapter 2: Places
Key Idea: God meticulously prepares specific places for us to grow and develop, each step leading us towards our ultimate destination.
Quote: “We do not take a trip; a trip takes us.” (John Steinbeck)
Takeaway: We must trust God's plan and embrace the places He leads us to, even if they are unfamiliar or challenging.
Chapter 3: Paths
Key Idea: God's calling guides us on specific paths, requiring us to surrender our own plans and trust His direction.
Quote: “When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die.” (Dietrich Bonhoeffer)
Takeaway: We must be willing to die to our own ambitions and follow God’s paths, even when they are difficult, trusting in His guidance and provision.
Chapter 4: Attitude
Key Idea: Our attitude significantly influences our journey and relationships. We have the power to choose and correct our attitude.
Quote: “Change your thoughts and you change your world.” (Norman Vincent Peale)
Takeaway: By focusing on God and His promises, we cultivate a positive attitude that unlocks blessings and minimizes negative impacts.
Chapter 5: Power
Key Idea: The Holy Spirit empowers us to live a transformed life, overcome obstacles, and impact the world positively.
Quote: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you." (Acts 1:8 NLT)
Takeaway: We must embrace the power of the Holy Spirit and allow Him to work through us to achieve God’s purposes.
Chapter 6: Preparation
Key Idea: Preparation is crucial for achieving our goals and fulfilling God's purpose.
Quote: “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” (Benjamin Franklin)
Takeaway: We must invest time, effort, and resources to prepare for the opportunities and challenges ahead.
Chapter 7: Perspective
Key Idea: Embracing God's perspective allows us to navigate challenges with hope and align ourselves with His plans.
Quote: “Perspective is not what you see, but how you see it.” (John C. Maxwell)
Takeaway: We must maintain humility, gratitude, and actively participate in God's redemptive work.
Chapter 8: Participate
Key Idea: We are called to actively participate in God's plan for our lives, trusting in His promises and embracing our responsibilities.
Quote: “Dreams don’t work unless you do.” (John C. Maxwell)
Takeaway: We must trust in God's goodness and wisdom, adapting to circumstances and participating in His process.
Chapter 9: Protect
Key Idea: We must actively protect our faith from neglect, guarding our hearts and minds against negative influences.
Quote: “Be careful what you think, because your thoughts run your life.” (Proverbs 4:23 NCV)
Takeaway: We must prioritize God’s Word, filling our hearts and minds with truth and positive thoughts.
Chapter 10: People's Feedback
Key Idea: Feedback, both from others and self-reflection, helps us make course corrections and align our actions with our goals.
Quote: "Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety." (Proverbs 11:14 ESV)
Takeaway: We must actively seek feedback, evaluate our actions, and be willing to make adjustments based on the insights gained.
Chapter 11: Limitations
Key Idea: God designed us with limitations, and embracing them allows us to experience true freedom and fulfillment.
Quote: “For he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust.” (Psalm 103:14 NIV)
Takeaway: We must prioritize rest, focus on essential pursuits, and seek God's guidance to live within our limitations.
Chapter 12: Reflecting on Your Trajectory
Key Idea: Regular self-reflection is crucial for ensuring that our lives reflect our hearts and stay true to our purpose.
Quote: “As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart.” (Proverbs 27:19 NIV)
Takeaway: We are called to take action, implement learned principles, and continue seeking God's guidance.
Overall, "Trajectory" offers a compelling guide for living a purposeful and fulfilling life. By embracing the principles presented by Schonken, readers can gain clarity on their life’s direction, make necessary adjustments, and move forward with confidence and purpose.
Get your copy and get a few paperbacks for your friends for Christmas:
Paperback: $9.99 | Kindle: $9.99 | PDF+epub Ebooks: $1.99 (limited time 80% discount)
