“It’s not only that God just forgives you…it’s not only that He covered me and set me free and forgave me, but He goes so much farther. He crowns me with glory and honor and favor, He calls me His daughter – I thrive on the joy…the presence of God is the fullness of joy…” – Beckah Shae

A few weeks back I heard Beckah Shae’s testimony on the Revolution show on JCTV and was moved by her heart for God and her story. Watch her talk about how she came to where she is today:

“I know personally that I’ve been called to stand. I’d like to see how many people are going to be really, truly willing to stand…Do you know Him and does He know you?” – Beckah Shae

At the beginning of January I gave a message to the teen girl ministry at my church about Esther and how like she followed God’s plan for her life, we should also be bold and say yes to our purpose. One of my inspirations for the message was Beckah Shae’s song from her album “Destiny,” listen to the lyrics below:

“You are not to young to find out and seek what God wants you to do with your life right now…your voice isn’t too small…” – Phil Wickham

Each day is a new opportunity to pursue purpose and use our gifts to serve God and others. I’m inspired by this interview with Phil Wickham on Seeds TV where he talks about how he hopes to use music to move others and how young people can find and follow their purpose right where you are:

“It’s more than just knowing who God is, it’s seeking Him with your heart…”

Phil’s latest project is Response and he’s gearing up for another Singalong live recording which will take place on March 30, 2012, in Cosa Mesa, CA. Find out more about how you can attend at http://www.philwickham.com/singalong2, and watch Phil talk about the event below:

Interview by Julene Fleurmond, Editor of DreaminSoul.com and SOAR

Society sometimes sets aside “teenhood” and the early twenties as those fun, carefree years – but what better opportunity to discover who you are and explore what you were made for when you don’t yet have all of the responsibilities that come later in life. Everyone has purpose and we as young people can serve God right where we are, impacting our friends, using our gifts and serving others in our corner of the world. Many leaders throughout history and in the Bible started walking into their purpose in their teen years, so like 1 Timothy 4:12 says:

“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.”

Leslie Denman is passionate about young people and helping them to find and pursue their purpose while they are young. She is a certified Life Purpose and Teen Empowerment Coach (in other words when it comes to purpose, she knows her stuff;) and the founder of the organization Girls Living Life On Purpose, Inc. based in Dallas, TX. In this Interview Coach Leslie gives pointers on pursuing God and purpose boldly right where you are…

Dream in Soul: Hi, can you tell us a little about you and what do you do?

Coach Leslie Denman: I am a believer passionate about empowering people for purpose. As a Christian Life Coach, I am a Missionary of Hope to the countless women and girls that God assigns to me. I partner with the Holy Spirit to bring about transformation to the lives of people through coaching, speaking and training. I have a wonderful husband of fourteen years and two beautiful daughters and my most recent accomplishment that brings me so much joy is answering the call to ministry as a licensed minister.

DS: What inspired you to work with teens, especially young women? What were your own teen years like and how did you get grounded in God into your own purpose?

Leslie Denman: My inspiration to work with teen girls and young women started with my own search for significance and purpose. The last thing I thought my calling was – was to work with teens especially girls. I was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 29 and I asked God to reveal His purpose for my life. I declared to God that if He spared my life and revealed my purpose, I would spend the rest of my life fulfilling that purpose. I am happy to say that I am still here.

This journey has been remarkable. Looking back over my life and growing up in Omaha, TX, I remember standing in the mirror of my room hearing this small voice telling me that I was going to be great. I had no idea what I would be doing or how it was going to happen but I believed that voice. I carefully and secretly tucked that belief away in my heart. I had great parents and our life was pretty normal that is until I found myself pregnant at the tender age of fourteen and even then, I felt God’s hands of grace and mercy upon me. My parents made sure we were active in church and grew up hearing the word of God. God used that experience in my life to draw me closer to Him.

I remember going to church and watching people sing, shout and praise God and I would think “What is that all about.” I was a young girl with a heavy burden and I wanted to feel what those people were feeling. I wanted to be free. I would ask God in my own lil’ way to help me know Him like that. Soon I would find myself angry and frustrated for many years to come. At the time I did not know that God was answering my prayer.

DS: What is the first thing you would say to someone about pursuing their purpose? How does s/he discern what it is and move forward to pursuing it?

Leslie Denman: Great question. The first thing I would say is “WHY? Why are you pursuing your purpose?” May seem like a simple question, even strange to some but it is the answering of this question, you hear the heart and motive of the individual. Luke 6:45 says “for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.” Discovering your purpose is just the tip of the iceberg. Walking it out is like an award-winning drama complete with plots, schemes and twists. An individual clear about their WHY will not only discover their purpose but they will walk it out in a spirit of excellence. Discerning one’s purpose can be both exciting and yet frustrating. It’s exciting in that you will discover that you are gifted and passionate about so many things; frustrating in that you don’t know what to pursue…

In my coaching practice I hear so many individuals who feel that they are not gifted or passionate about anything. So I ask a few questions. Are they open to clearing their mind of old thinking pattern and belief systems? Are you open to being challenged to examining habits and behaviors? Are you open to exploring open wounds? If the answer is yes then we roll up our sleeves and get to work. Once we have done a complete brain dump, we begin depositing God’s Words and God’s promises. I must tell you it is so mind-blowing to see the transformation take place once the client has truly bought in to the process. All of a sudden this women or young lady that thought she was just merely existing is now believing and receiving God’s promises for her life. She is starting to wipe the dust off those dreams that were neatly stored away in her room of hopelessness and is now envisioning the possibility that it can happen.

DS: Can you tell us about some of the important areas in following one’s purpose?

Leslie Denman: I discovered four things along my pathway to purpose that I share with individuals who are either beginning their journey are on their journey and they are never to lose sight of the Importance of the Pursuit. When you make the decision to pursue your purpose in life, you are acknowledging that God is the head of your life and you are making Him a priority. Oftentimes, as Believers we say that God is the head of our life but our actions indicate that He is not a priority. When you begin the journey to purpose it will always start and end with God. It is a complete surrendering of your will, your life, your agenda, to the perfect will of God and His plans for your life.

The next thing I share is the Favor in the Discovery. God is so faithful and so loving and nothing pleases Him more than communing with His children. Now what parent does not want to do a little something special for the child that sits and talks with them, seeks their wisdom and shares their desire to please them? God is no different. He shows His favor to His children as they fellowship and commune with Him. Seeking His face through daily prayer, meditation and personal Bible Study. This powerful combination will bring about inspiration and revelation which equals to the favor of God. The more you seek Him the more He reveals Himself and His plans for your life. Pretty soon, you will find yourself listening to that small voice that says turn here, call him or her, go to this event, ask this question.

Lord Jesus, I get excited just talking about it so let me move on to another important moment which is the Pressing in Purpose. Yes God loves the fellowship and communion but God also wants to test your WHY and the enemy wants to destroy your WHY. This is the time where God not only reveals Himself to you, God also reveals yourself to you. God starts pruning away the areas in your life that will hinder your progress, areas that will need to be confessed so that you can continue to progress. These areas can be anything from attitudes and prejudices, to secret or hidden sins. In the pressing is where God begins to separate and set you apart. Can you see how this can be a very pivotal moment on your pathway to purpose? In this stretch of the journey, you must remember the WHY, reflect on the favor so that you can endure the pressing. Your attitude and willingness to be pressed determines how long you will be pressed. Will you be open and honest or will you play a victim and place blame? Remember the enemy is watching too and the very thing you don’t want to confess, the very thing or person you don’t want to let go of the enemy will use against you and what was a pressing will end up turning into a pit.

So embrace the pressing that you might experience Peace along the Path. When you have allowed yourself to be pruned by God you are no longer subject to the opinions of others. People can no longer hold you bondage to your past. You have been pressed honey and you are ready to experience the peace of God. Let me tell you there is nothing that compares to the peace of God. Now don’t get me wrong, there will still be challenges and obstacles but you have been so pressed, and experienced so much favor and you are so clear about your WHY that you walk boldly in the steps that were predestined for you. You have gained a deeper sense of who you are, you have experienced victories and feedback (never failure). You have watched the hand of God open doors. You are using your gifts and no one can beat you being you. You are becoming who you were created to be and it feels good.

DS: What advice would you give to someone who has prayed to God about their dreams or life but He seems silent. What can we learn from moments when God seems distant?

Leslie Denman: There could be a number of reasons why God may feel distant. There are times when God may be waiting on you to move. God has given us instructions and we are waiting for yet another sign. In which case, you find yourself in a holding pattern. You are waiting on God and God is waiting on you. There are other times when God seems distant that you need to examine your heart for those things (sin) that are causing separation. This is why daily confession and repentance must be a part of every believer’s walk.

DS: Our culture seems to promote the teen years as the “carefree” period where young people can cart along doing whatever they wish. Why do you think the teen years are essential to following one’s purpose and how should they be lived? Do you have any examples in the Bible of people who used their youth effectively for God?

Leslie Denman: Teen years are really a time of discovery. A time when teens are exploring the world to find their place in it. A crucial time for parents to help teens discover their spiritual gifts, their leadership style and help them develop their own relationship with Christ. It is in the discovery of these essential things that a sense of purpose is ignited. Look at the life of David. Out in the field doing what he does best tending the sheep but in tending those sheep David learned he could fight, as he protected the sheep and we all know about the fight he won against Goliath. He also had musical skills which have impacted countless lives through the book of Psalms. To think these gifts were discovered while David was a young man.

DS: What are some of the major issues you see teen girls and guys dealing with today? What do you think are some of the greatest hindrances that keep teens from living for God and how can we overcome those?

Leslie Denman: The biggest issue our young people are facing today is Identity. Identity is the foundation from which we build our lives. They are searching for their place in the world. Who doesn’t want to feel connected, valued and loved all of which you can only truly experience through an intimate relationship with Christ. A relationship with Christ is where values and beliefs are established. A teen with a strong value and belief system will learn to make value-based decisions. The same holds true for teen girls who don’t have a strong value and belief system.

The best way for teens to get that strong foundation is through quiet time. Our young people have so many people and things fighting for their attention and as parents and adults it is our job to make sure that they recognize the importance of being still. Our young people need to see us doing more and talking less. They need to see us praying, they need to hear us praying, they need us praying over them and speaking into their lives. They watch our busy lives, our response to challenges and do what they see us do. We know that God is not in the midst of confusion and the teen years are filled with so much drama and confusion. Our priority must be to ensure they make time to talk with God and hear from God.

DS: Do you have advice for young people to share their faith with their peers if they feel uncomfortable about doing so?

Leslie Denman: Absolutely, get up close and personal with John 3:16. When we share our faith, it is not about who is right or wrong, it is about love. Sharing about a loving God that gave His best because He loved us best. Telling the Good News about the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus all starts with John 3:16.

DS: Do you have a favorite Scripture that describes where you are in life right now?

Leslie Denman: 1 Corinthians 9:16. For years I ran from this calling because I saw what it did to the lives of others who embraced their call to ministry. So I had to search God’s word for something to hold on to and this is what God gave me. For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel!

DS: Do you have any other words of advice or encouragement that you would like to give?

Leslie Denman: There are people waiting on you. They can’t do what God has called them to do because you are not moving in purpose. Ask God to reveal His purpose for your life and then get a team together to help you fulfill your destiny. Your team should include: accountability partner, a coach and a mentor. I believe in you now get out there and live your life on purpose.

DS: Can you tell us something to let us get to know your favorites – What are some of your favorite books? Music? Some of your hobbies?

Leslie Denman: I love to read and among my favorite are the Bible, Think and Grow Rich by Napolean Hill. Woman Act Now by Anna McCoy. The Success Principles by Jack Canfield. I refer to these books quite often. My hobbies include making candles which I don’t get to do as much anymore but when I do, I feel so at peace.

DS: Where can people go to connect with you?

Leslie Denman: My official websites:
www.thepurposediva.com
www.purposeyouniversity.com
Email: info@thepurposediva.com
Youth Program (Girls Living Life On Purpose, Inc.): www.gllopinc.org

Click here to Find Out About Leslie’s New Book “The Purpose Diva’s Guide to Dating: 7 Things Every Girl Should Know”

About Coach Leslie Denman

Leslie B Denman when it comes to purpose, this diva is an expert. She’s dynamic, passionate, genuine and she’s on a mission. A mission to empower teen girls and young women to discover their authentic their self and embrace their divine purpose.

THE ENTREPRENEUR

As a respected and professional life coach and licensed minister, Leslie focuses on transformation. Leslie is a graduate Life Purpose Coaching Centers, International. As a Certified Life Purpose Coach and Instructor, Leslie uses sound Christian principles to help her clients gain clarity, develop a plan and execute to experience breakthrough and transition from living life to living life on purpose.

Leslie is CEO of Purpose YOUniversity™ that provides professional Christian Coach training. Leslie has carved a niche for herself as a Girl Empowerment Coach. Leslie has been blessed with an amazing gift of connecting with girls, particularly “at-risk” teen girls. Leslie serves as an advocate, mentor, coach and purpose partner empowering girls to celebrate their uniqueness and holds them accountable to become who they were created to be. As a teen mom Leslie understands the struggles girls face in a what seems to be a sex-obsessed society and she keeps it real about being pure, being smart and being safe….all with a divas touch.

Leslie has mentored and coached hundreds if not thousands of girls and in 2005 she founded Girls Living Life on Purpose, Inc a nonprofit organization that empowers girls to discover who they, connect with other like minded girls and to pursue their purpose with passion.

THE SPEAKER

When Leslie is not coaching, she is pursuing her other passion as an empowerment speaker. Leslie is quickly becoming a sought after speaker and facilitator. Leslie is transparent, passionate, bold and funny. This unique combination allows her to engage her audience and promote critical thinking. She openly shares her testimony of how her deeply rooted faith in God transformed her into an OVERCOMER.

THE WIFE AND MOTHER

Leslie has been happily married for over 14 years and has two beautiful daughters and resides in Dallas, TX.

Kari Jobe’s new single “We Are” is inspired by 1 Thess. 5 and God’s call for us to be light in the darkness. You can get the single now on iTunes.

Every secret, every shame
Every fear, every pain
Live inside the dark
But that’s not who we are
We are children of the day

So wake up sleeper, lift your head
We were meant for more than this
Fight the shadows conquer death
Make the most of the time we have left

We are the light of the world
We are the city on a hill
We are the light of the world
We gotta, we gotta, we gotta let the light shine

- Lyrics from We Are

Watch Kari talk about the story behind the song below:

A few months back on Dream in Soul I interviewed Stephanie Rodnez, a young filmmaker who is using her passion for making movies to inspire other young people through her company Christ Effect Entertainment. Stephanie’s latest project is Youth of Christ, a fun feature length film about a lazy youth group’s struggle to host a youth revival at their church. The message of the movie is that no matter what age you are, you’re never too young to do big things for Jesus Christ.

Youth of Christ is now available on DVD on ChristianCinema.com. You can support Stephanie’s dream and help her movie reach others buy purchasing your copy today, click here to order – its a great film for any youth group, family or just to see with your friends.

Christ Effect Entertainment: “See our films, CEE Jesus Christ.” CEE’s mission is to bring quality media content to young adults that inspire their walk for Jesus Christ and help them grow in their commitment to Him. Christ Effect Entertainment is distinguished in that it is entertainment created specifically for young adult Christians.

To connect with Stephanie Rodnez and Christ Effect Entertainment visit the website www.CeeChrist.com or join her “Youth of Christ” Facebook page. You can also read her blog at http://godlywoodgirl.wordpress.com.

Check out some sneak peeks from the movie below:

Click Here for the Dream in Soul Interview with Stephanie Rodnez

Check out the trailer for the film Youth of Christ below:

“When we give our dreams to God, putting them all in His hands, and realizing that we need Him, that’s when He begins to work in mighty and powerful ways through us. Let us be a generation who stands for Christ, and love as He loves us. Young and old, let’s make an impact on the world together, as we join as one in Him.” – Tiffany Stanley

In SOAR’s Artist Snapshots Series we love to feature young upcoming artists who have inspiring music ministries. I came across Tiffany Stanley’s music one day and was encouraged by the candid messages in her songs, and the soft acoustic sound she brings.

I especially loved the lyrics of “Break Me Down” the first track off Tiffany Stanley’s new album ‘Revival’:

Visit Tiffany’s website at http://tiffanystanley.com to learn more about her ministry and to purchase her music. You can also connect with her on Twitter and Facebook.

Tiffany will be singing at an upcoming event, The Dream Girlz Gathering, hosted by music artist Melinda Watts. If you are in the Seattle area August 26th and 27th be sure to visit the Dream Girlz Gathering Facebook page to get updates.

More About Tiffany Stanley

Ever since she was a little girl, Tiffany dreamed of being more than a musician. It was in growing and developing a close and personal relationship with Christ that she knew music was more than the lyrics, chords, and notes. “To me, music is lifting up songs of worship to the Lord.” Tiffany is a musician in pursuit of Worship. “I want this music to promote the most important thing: Jesus Christ.”

Tiffany longs to share the love of Christ in her music, and show others His goodness, grace and mercy. She believes God is going to pour out revival among the nations, and prays that we as believers would rise up to encounter Christ in a whole new way. At 18 years of age, she has spent her first year after high-school enrolling in worship classes and letting God make the dream of making this album come true. She is extremely excited about what the Lord has planned, and knows it is all in His hands for the glory of His name.

Her independently released album Revival talks about exactly what it’s named: Revival. It’s about being justified in Christ, surrendering to His will, letting Him open your eyes, and coming boldly into His presence. “I didn’t want to just make an album, I wanted to tell a story of what a life in Christ is. Of needing Him every second of everyday, knowing one can’t be fulfilled without Him.” She believes in dreaming dreams, surrendering to Christ, and living in His love. “When we give our dreams to God, putting them all in His hands, and realizing that we need Him, that’s when He begins to work in mighty and powerful ways through us. Let us be a generation who stands for Christ, and love as He loves us. Young and old, let’s make an impact on the world together, as we join as one in Him.”

Above: Plain Jane Project’s founder Rowena Rodriguez and a flier from one of their “Save the Date” events.

While I was watching JCTV’s Top 3 show a few weeks back I learned about a great movement encouraging purity and confidence in Christ, called The Plain Jane Project. The Top 3 hosts interviewed the movement’s founder, Rowena Rodriguez, who shares her story of a period where she felt God was calling her not to date and to pursue holiness. During that time she felt called to minister the message of purity to other young Christian singles. Watch the episode below where Rowena and Top 3 hosts Reba Toney, Larissa Lam, Rich Wilkerson Jr., and Jordan Wagner talk about dating, courtship, purity and “the significance of being ‘equally yoked…’”

You can find out more about the Plain Jane Project at www.plainjaneproject.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/plainjaneproject and on their blog www.plainjaneproject.blogspot.com.

Watch the JCTV episode with Rowena Rodriguez of the Plain Jane Project below:

More About The Plain Jane Project

PLAIN JANE PROJECT is a Christ-centered ministry that inspires women through inter-generational conversations of empowerment. Through prayer, teaching, coaching, and mentoring Plain Jane Project introduces and encourages practical living by building on faith, trust, integrity, communication, and listening. Growing strong and purposefully, individually and in community, as members in one-body-of-Christ.

About Rowena Rodriguez
Rowena is the Founder of Plain Jane Project, who launched its first ministry event in 2007. After six years of volunteer service in the Junior High ministry at Bel Air Presbyterian Church, she seeks to bridge the generational gap among women. A Senior Fashion Designer by trade, Rowena’s personal journey of purity is both wonderful & horrible; filled with struggle in past sexual sin, spiritual growing pains, & the overwhelming redemptive grace of God.

To contact, email: info@plainjaneproject.com

Watch Rowena speak at one of the Plain Jane Project’s “Save the Date: Courtship vs. Dating” events:

Lecrae’s latest video for his song “Just Like You” from his album Rehab is so raw and powerful, and touches on the role models young men sometimes seek to imitate instead of seeking to model God’s image of manhood:

Reach Records and Reach Life Ministries have also launched the Man Up campaign, short film, curriculum and concert series to encourage men to answer the call to biblical manhood. Find out more about the campaign at http://manup116.com. Click here to listen to the new single for the campaign, “Man Up Anthem,” featuring Reach Records’ 116 Clique.

Promo for the Man Up Campaign

THE PROBLEM
There’s an ongoing war within urban culture. Confusion over what manhood is has plagued our cities, families and lives. The concept of a biblical man has been lost in our generation. Unfortunately, many churches struggle to provide its urban members, much less those beyond their walls, with a tangible definition of a real man.

THE CAMPAIGN
In partnership with ReachLife Ministries and Reach Records, Man Up is a new campaign, calling men in the hip-hop culture to true biblical manhood through repentance and faith in Christ.

The campaign consists of a short film, small group curriculum, music soundtrack and concert series. It is our call for men in urban culture to repent for their failure to become the men that God has created them to be and for believers to live as who they truly are in Christ.

THE SHORT FILM & CURRICULUM
The short film takes a look at six different areas of manhood that young men fail to live up to. By taking a look at the common challenges and responses of young men in urban culture, we hope to reveal the need for clarity on what being a man truly means.
A curriculum is also available through ReachLife Ministries to accompany the short film and promote further discussion in small group settings.

THE SOUNDTRACK & CONCERT SERIES
The soundtrack of Man UP is from Reach Records and delves into the concepts addressed in the film and curriculum. Later this year, audiences can experience a showing of the film, a panel discussion on manhood, and a live concert as the Man Up concert series makes stops in select cities.
It is our hope that men everywhere will answer the call to Man Up! NOTE: The concert series is not only for men, it is open to all.

“Gospel is so real to me and I wanted to stay true to it…A lot of people can sing, you can sing about the things, the feelings, but I wanted to sing about the Giver… It’s important for young people to be sold out for Christ, that’s what’s going to matter in the end. Everything else is vapor. What you do for God is going to count. So that would be my encouragement to young people.” – Spensha Baker in an interview on TBN

Spensha Baker reminds us that our purpose is to live for God, in this beautiful song – “Purpose” from her album “Outloud!” Visit her website www.spenshaonline.com to keep up with her current updates or follow her on Twitter: @spenshabaker

Purpose Lyrics

My purpose is to praise You
My longing is to worship you
My life desires to live for You

I worship You
For the mighty things You do
I worship You
‘Cause in spite of all my misery
And all the things I can not see
I know I can call out Your name

My purpose is to praise You
My longing is to worship you
My life desires to live for You

I praise Your Name
‘Cause the victory is mine
I praise Your Name
‘Cause the light in me can finally shine
Your blessings will be always mine
And that’s why I live Lord, for you

For always and forever
My purpose is to praise You
My longing is to worship You
My life desires to live for You

Learn more about Spensha in the video below:

UPSIDE is a creative movie about Solomon White, a teen athlete who seemed to have it all but whose vision is flipped after an accident. The story delves into finding identity, love and faith; I love how creative the plot is and the performance of the cast was really believable. Visit the movie website at www.upsidemovie.com to find out more about the DVD and screenings and catch the movie on TBN on Saturday, June 11. Check out the trailer below:

UPSIDE Plot Summary:

It’s all how you look at it…
From the looks of things, Solomon White has a well-mapped future. Finish his senior year of high school, select an elite university, continue his lacrosse career, and reap the rewards of success on whichever road life takes him.

But a devastating hit on the lacrosse field leaves his world literally turned upside down. Will he be able to gain the perspective needed to face his new reality?

UPSIDE provides a fresh look at life through the eyes of Soli (Randall Bentley, “Heroes”), a young athlete struggling to discover where he’s headed, both figuratively and literally. Viewing the world upside down is a challenge few will ever face, but that hardly is the extent of Soli’s pressing concerns.

He has trouble at home with his mom, he’s trying to end his relationship with his girlfriend, and he has to come to grips with a teacher that thinks he can be much more than he wants to be. Suddenly, Soli’s senior year looking nothing like he imagined it would be.

Add in Wren (Leah Sims), an unlikely love interest with a strong faith in God, and Soli must take a new look at everything he believes in.

Can Soli win the heart of Wren, who happens to be blind? Can he believe in something he can’t see? Will he find a new direction for his life, even if his eyesight never returns to normal?

When you can’t trust your eyes, you still have your voice. This unique story is an inspiring reminder that when life gets you down, there’s always an UPSIDE.