Self-Seeking Intentions and Consequences
Do you have false beliefs roaming through your head like...
Nothing ever works for me.
I try but nothing comes my way.
Everyone has open doors of opportunities but not me.
I’m not good enough.
I’m too old.
I don’t deserve it.
What we think starts from our head to our heart, then to our hands. Hands that hold your dreams—pen to paper, paint brush to canvass, fingertips to guitar strings, whatever passion you hold in your heart.
For years, it felt like I was stuck on a merry go-round, going in circles, repeating the same routine day after day. I’d get up, go to work, come home, make dinner, tuck my son into bed, and the next day, do it all over again. I became blindsided in this repetitive cycle and forgot my dreams and passions.
My dream to be a famous photographer—never believed I was good enough.
My passion to write a book—didn’t believe I was capable.
Meanwhile, life was passing me by, along with opportunities. But my heart didn’t forget. It knew my passions, and stirred emotions with whispers of how I desired to be a photographer since I was in high school, and to wake up and follow this dream. So, I swallowed my false beliefs, picked up my camera that was covered in dust, and began to shoot.
I continued to take photos whenever I could, even after I got married, and, overtime, the opportunity presented itself to open a home-based photo studio.
I had mixed emotions of self-doubt and excitement, but I was determined to follow my heart, and I’m sooo happy I did!
Now, I have a shop on Etsy with a collection of cherished images over the years to share with you.
My other dream was to write a book since my early twenties. Even as I began to write my contemporary romance novel, Oceans Apart, twenty years later, I questioned if I could do it. But I pushed through my false beliefs, reminding myself of how long I’d wanted to do this. Once I developed a rhythm, I couldn’t stop.
Nothing compares to fulfilling your dreams and passions.
However, my life and values, since then, have changed. It no longer shines on accomplishments from my creativity, but in following the One who gave me true light and peace, Christ Jesus. There is no doubt your dreams and passions will make you want to dance with joy, but it’s a pursuit in personal evolution as opposed to spiritual growth. I believed in the statement above ‘nothing compares to fulfilling your dreams and passions’; however, I know in my heart this is no longer true.
What I believe today is:
Nothing compares to fulfilling your heart with the peace and forgiveness of Jesus Christ.
Once upon a time, I believed what I did defined who I was. That I could change my circumstances by believing in positive affirmations, meditation, and vision boards. If I visualized every detail of my future self in my dream job, or dream vacation, or home, I could manifest this reality. It’s true, many have succeeded and are renowned speakers and teachers, sharing these techniques to millions, with an installation of false beliefs.
I’m not saying you shouldn’t have dreams. It’s the perspective that matters. Is it...
• To be successful and glorified by others
• To live a life of abundance and wealth...
As this process is self-seeking, and a focus on money can rule your life.
Most of humanity desires wealth, as it enables you to live with endless possibilities. It’s the lack of money, and envy, that can be a driving focus on your goals and dreams. For some, if those dreams aren’t fulfilled, it can lead to self-seeking intentions that betray and hurt others, or worse, acts of crime.
As a reformed new ager, the goal was to serve myself, manifest abundance and wealth with the intention, I deserved it.
I think the real question to ask...what brings joy, laughter, and peace in your life. For most, it’s to feel loved, valued, and appreciated. However, it’s not what you own or do, it’s what you give and share with others that counts.
Giving pleases God. To live a life in selfless pursuit honors Him. It’s a lesson I’m learning, and not an easy one to recognize. God has shown me this through episodes of heart-wrenching tears how I’ve been selfish and self-seeking. With this awareness, my intentions are no longer to be a famous photographer, but to capture imagery that pleases God. In writing, it’s to guide others to Jesus, not a romance novel that goes against His principles.
Jesus is the sunlight, the healer, teacher, counsellor, who will never forsake you.
Deuteronomy 31:8
The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.
The goal is to take up your own cross, carry it, and leave it at His feet. All the pain, sorrow, envy, self-seeking intentions, jealousy, everything that separates you from Him.
The result—freedom from sin, blessed with His peace, His guidance, and purpose for your life. It’s ongoing as He exposes layers you need to face to become closer to His grace and delight in Him.
Psalm 37: 4-5
Delight yourself also in the LORD, and He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass.
God knows your heart. There is nothing He doesn’t know about you because He created you. He knew you before you were born.
He knows things won’t be easy, but He promises...
Psalm 34:17-19
The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.
The Lord is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
A righteous man may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all.
In the world today, there is misdirection and self-seeking intentions that separates you from Jesus. Everyone desires a successful career, to live in that beautiful mansion overlooking a valley of emerald, green grass, to wake up with the scent of the ocean, or to view snow-capped mountain peaks. To have a free and abundant life.
I used to dream it—desired to be the next rags to rich story. To be a famous photographer. A famous writer. I craved it so much I could taste it. Now, my purpose is to seek His face in everything I do.
It's a change in perspective. One, that makes me closer to Jesus who saved me. It’s a change of heart, Jesus longs to hold and heal.
I still haven’t comprehended the fullness of who He is. Who I write for. All I know is guided by my heart, and a truth...I can never deny Him. I can never walk away from Him. I am bound to Him.
My prayer—for these words to tug at your heart strings, cause you to pause, and ask yourself, who are you living for? How do you want to feel? What really matters to you? And how do you want to live your life?
It’s the answers that may lead to a path you may not expect.
God Bless.
Hi, I’m Cathy.
A blogger, photographer, author, passionately driven to pointing people away from new age indoctrination to find redemption in Jesus Christ.
I’m a mixed blend, excited to share all I offer...
Blog-Twisted Roots
Do you find yourself asking questions about new age, whether the practices and beliefs are leading your soul to redemption?
As a reformed new ager, I was saturated in the belief I could co-create with the universe and manifest a life of abundance. But I was deceived. This blog is to point you to the truth of God’s words and how He perceives the new age indoctrination.
Fine Art Photography
I always dreamed of being a professional photographer when I grew up. It was a journey to reach this goal, but I did it!
I owned a home-based studio for over a decade but have been shooting images for two decades. Now, semi-retired, I have a collection of my most cherished images of landscape or nature available for wall décor.
