Why Your Glow Up Is Priority

"Always stay gracious, best revenge is your paper." - Beyonce Knowles-Carter

 

Glow up, Level up, Boss Up all that is great, but success is not just for us to stunt on instagram. . .  our status can also stand up for our character. Beyonce was right to say: "Always stay gracious, best revenge is your paper".

The best revenge is your paper, because your come up will pronounce how unbothered you are better than words ever can. The key is when we excel inspite of haters, it's not about intentional revenge, but intentional obedience. Ignoring distractions, and honoring the divine is the root of real elevation.

"Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord." - Romans 12:19

 "Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against any of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD." - Leviticus 19:18

Another singer apparently let GOD handle the revenge as well in Psalm 23:5 when he said: "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows."

That overflowing cup, means abundance. . . that abundance, includes "your paper"! It also includes the peace, joy, and prosperity that comes from GOD. Our prosperity is a testament to our faithfulness and obedience to GOD's will, in the face of haters and naysayers. The conversation with our creator is a lot more important than any conversation with our critics.

credit: Iyanla Vanzant

Success always looks like honoring GOD first, in whatever situation we go through.  It doesn't have to look like being a celebrity, but most of the successful, anthems that we're hearing by singers lately are what GOD wants for us anyway.  "I'm Living my best life, not going back and forth with you "know the rest" (Lil Duval) . . . "Level Up, Level Up, Level Up" (Ciara) Along with the beats, the words are so catchy because they're true, to "Live Your Best Life" is about not "going back and forth" it's about your "Level Up". Don't worry about who let you down. Keep looking up. Stay focused on GOD's promises only.

To really "slay", to really "kill them with kindness" means to be so on track with GOD's course for your life that the hot air a hater breathes only gasses you up even more to accomplish your goals.

Building Spiritual Muscles For Your Breakthrough

This morning I thought about how I gave up my gym membership because it wasn't currently in the budget and all the amenities that particular gym, came with in comparison to another gym.

I had really started slacking in exercising on purpose anyway before I cancelled it, but later in the morning as I was in corporate prayer at church and the bishop was talking, I realized not only should I be thinking about building physical strength and fitness, but how taking time to build spiritual strength is even more important to be considered in terms of investing in it and maintaining it.

"The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding." -Proverbs 4:7

We talk about "Breakthroughs" so much in spiritual and church conversations. It's like a buzz word that's thrown around a lot, but we should consider that there is real faith and action put behind them most of the time. Faith doesn't work, without work.

"So, also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead." - James 2:17

If we don't intentionally take time out to seek the spirit. How can we pray in the spirit? If we aren't praying in the spirit, seeking GOD, then what are we being motivated by? who's will are we operating on?

Building spiritual muscles, just like building physical muscles takes prayer, faith combined with action, dedication, and time invested. What we don't know and what we don't do can can hurt us, and it usually does!

However, taking the time out to increase  strength. Is totally life giving! Praying and obeying GOD's will is not for GOD, it's for us. Invest in it at all costs!


DISCLAIMER: There is nothing we can do in ANY of our own strength without GOD. Building up spiritual strength means seeking GOD's will first and exercising the mission we receive in prayer to execute. When we try to do so much in our own physical strength we will get burnt out and eventually lose motivation. 

Breakthrough requires that we get out of our comfort zone. Take time to Pray, study, and be BOLD in executing GOD's will through your life.

Pray From A Place of Faith

Pray from a place of faith not fear. In the same vein, Give from a place of fullness not lack. 

 It came to me that in the past, sometimes I've sought to share with others, from a place of lack wanting to be liked or accepted by people. Feeling like people could provide validation of some sort.

The truth is we should give because there's an overflow of what God has given us. The gifts, understanding and blessings that we have in abundance is what we're supposed to give out of. Even if that's just having faith from your experiences to share.

Fear of loss, or any type of fear is not the best point to pray from. It shows that we think whatever problem we're facing is bigger than GOD. The great news is that nothing is. Pray from a place of trust, adoration and confidence. Whatever the situation is the King is in control.

Who is the King of glory? 

The LORD strong and mighty,

the LORD mighty in battle.

-Psalm 24:8

Get Your Mind Right, Stop Living Backward

Did you realize that live spelled backward was evil?? Do you think that is just some ironic coincidence, or was God purposely showing us something here? There is a danger in living life in a "backwards" state of mind. When I think of a backward state of mind I think of anything that holds us back from moving forward in our lives. Such things as regret, fear, timidness, anger, unhealthy relationships, and negativity produces a dark overcast in our lives. 

With these characteristics running amidst in our lives, how will we ever get a hold of purpose and vision? Its these types of characteristics that block creativity, value, morals, gifts, and strengths. It is these characteristics that lead us to life full of unsatisfaction, hurt, and guilt; while leaving us in a redundant cycle of feeling like the walking dead.

If we as people who aspire to see positivity, and move out of a cycle that is only producing death in our lives; we have to fully acknowledge our current state, and identify the necessity of "Getting Our Mind Right". Some people grow so accustomed to the darkness and negative aspects in there lives, they no longer notice its effects.

For instance, some people have a huge fear of talking to people for the simple fact they think they may be judged or rejected. Because of this thought process, their visions they may have once had, has become so suppressed they no longer recognize they had a brilliant idea until they see someone else has taken opportunity and ran with it.

As they look at what someone else has established, the only thing they can say is, "That was my idea" and think to themselves, "That could have been me". Well, what can you do? Your idea stayed "your idea" because you were too afraid to bring your idea to others.

In that fear, what actually happened was the vision was put aside so much that it remained aside, and has now resurfaced because you have gotten a visual of what could have been. Who likes to continually see their "What Could Have Been" consistently manifest itself in someone else? Well if we do not acknowledge our limitations and confront them, then we absorb them.

In absorbing them, we turn into our own worst enemy, focusing on them instead of clarifying and building our dreams. Instead of living our progressive abundant life intended for us by God, we regress into that evil state of mind presented by the enemy in backward living. The word of God said, "The enemy comes to steal, kill, and destroy". Internalize this verse by identifying what areas of your life are affected.

What area's of your life are being destroyed? What areas of your life are being stolen from you right in front of your face? What are the things you are holding onto that is killing you?

Now that we have taken time to identify these ares of death that are not producing areas of progressive growth, whats next? Well now this is where the real work begins. Remember that goal I spoke of earlier that was suppressed until a visual appeared in my example? Well that is because visuals produce clarity.

Start by writhing down what your life restored looks like to you. Imagine the things that are being stolen from you were never taken in the first place. What would you see? What would you hear? Identify how you would feel if something you held onto for so long that has tormented you, suddenly disappeared. How would you be different?

If we are going to be people full of goals and aspirations that actually manifest themselves, we absolutely must be intentional about getting our mind in order and free from that backward evil living.

Mastering Self Control: Emotions vs Feelings

         

   

        Realizing the difference between our emotions and our feelings is a concept that is important for us to learn if we desire to master true self-control. It is necessary that we maintain constant awareness of our bodies and our environment, as those are the two main sources that ignite triggers in our brain causing our emotions to activate. Once we become aware or conscious of what is taking place in our bodies, we then create a feeling as a reaction to that emotion. For example, when some people have to  speak in front of a crowd; their palms may get sweaty, mouth may get dry, and they become nervous.  Well, these are the natural emotions that are particular to their specific nature. What that person does in response to those different emotions, makes up the way they feel. As an example, a feeling to these emotions may develop as inadequacy, causing the person to completely abandon their public speaking  event and withdraw from their audience.

       It is important for us to not automatically react to the developments of our emotions. What we should do is take note of what is happening to cause a specific emotion to arise, and acknowledge what type of feelings we possess toward our emotion. If the feeling you get from an emotion is positive take a moment to embrace the feeling. What aspects of that feeling do you enjoy the most?  What are you seeing at the present moment? What are you hearing? Is there any noticeable sent in the environment? If you really have a chance to take in the moment, think about some activities you can partake in to recreate this experience on a regular basis.
     
      If you notice the feeling that develop in response to a particular emotion is negative, find some positive affirmations you can recite to ease the tension in your body. Some examples of positive affirmations are "I believe I have the power to face anything that comes my way'', or "Even if this does not workout, I know this specific event does not determine the outcome of the next,"  or If nobody else believes in what I do, I believe in it-and that enough for me". Another way to counter the effects of negative feelings is to develop coping skills. When an emotion arises that leads us to have overwhelming feelings of negativity or anxiety, we can use coping skills to bring us back to a normative state of mind. Some examples of coping skills include singing a favorite song, writing in your journal, or even crying. Sometimes we have to give ourselves the permission to cry since some people view crying as a weakness. But truthfully, crying allows us to get over some emotions that otherwise we would hold on to.
 

      Getting a grip on controlling or feelings by understanding our emotions gives us the foundation for self-control. Understanding these principles and concepts not only allow us to identify our triggers, but allow us to control our actions that allow us to fulfill our purpose. Being able to control our feelings to particular emotions allow us to maintain control of atmosphere. We decide what is acceptable and unacceptable. We control our mind and our behaviors. With self-control comes consistency, decisiveness, and the development to dedication which are all needed to sustain a successful lifestyle.



Carla Marcelle, is a Transformation Purpose Coach and founder of she's 31 Ministries which is dedicated to the advancement of the Kingdom of God through the edification, enlightenment, education of the principles to maintain a successful lifestyle based on the foundation of God .{Join the She's31 group on Facebook}

Discovering Propitiation: Where Would We Be Without It?

         

Propitiation: A word that was stuck in the back of my mind, lodged in my subconscious for a while now, but would resurface every now and again. Since lately however, the word has been coming to the forefront of my mind more often. This word, honestly I did not exactly know what it meant, but I know I heard it in a song some where. As the word Propitiation began to stick with me more extensively, I figured it was time to put a definition to this mysterious word that was consistently on my mind, and determine why this word was becoming more compelling to me here and now in this season of my life.
        When I finally looked up the word, what was revealed to me was amazing. First, because the Christmas season was just at here, and second, because I have been spiritually growing into my true identity with Christ. Now, I know you must be wondering what is the significance of this word. OK, here it is.

"Propitiation: The turning away of wrath because of an offering" (Theopedia.com 2016)

 As this definition began to fill my thought process, I began to realize God in his perfection cannot entertain sin, he cannot allow it into his presence, nor can it be accepted in the heavenly realm. Sin in its self is the disconnection to God, the Creator. Therefore, it is important for there to be some sort of reconciliation to restore the connection to God. That reconciliation is Christ.

He [Christ] is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours, but also for the sins of the whole world (1 John 2:2 {NIV})

As I read this verse, I thought about how Christ died to save the whole world. Through his death on the cross, took the punishment that was meant for me and you, because we are sinners, so that we would not have to endure that punishment from God. In this way Christ satisfied the wrath or anger of God that was meant for us. Romans 3:25 depicts the sacrifice of Christ for our sins.

For God sent Christ Jesus to take the punishment for our sins and to end all God's anger towards us. He used Christ's blood and our faith as a means of saving us from His wrath. In this way he was being entirely fair even though he did not punish those who sinned in former times. For he was looking forward to the time when Christ would take away those sins.  (Romans  3:25 {TLB})

In reading this, I think about times in weakness of emotions, where I sometimes have no filter because I simply react to a present situation, not thinking, and allowing my sinful nature (anger and vulgarity) to consume me, and totally overtake me without thought. I think about times where I allow my  desire for worldly pleasures to dictate my actions, and give into different things that please and gratify my sinful desires; and I am grateful I have an out. I can repent, and ask for forgiveness with  sincerity and know I am forgiven. Even when I fall a thousand times, I can still get back up and know because of what Christ did on the cross, his grace is sufficient and I am justified. I am able to proceed with a fresh slate to continue in my spirituality until I reach my destination in Christ.

Therefore, there is no condemnation for those who who are in Christ Jesus. (Romans 8:1 {NIV})

The whole propitiation concept is the very reason for the existence of Christ. Think about it, Jesus Christ, God in the form of man coming to Earth to satisfy his own anger, so that we can have grace and a chance to be reconnected to God. Absolutely an amazing gesture to prove how valuable we are to God.

I give Honor and Glory to King Christ Jesus AKA God, because they are 2 in the same, for the gift of Propitiation. Who else loved you enough to endure such a great Wrath on your behalf to restore your connection to God? In your down fall, think of the Propitiation and how without it there would be no more chances for you. Think about how God saw it fit that you have the opportunity for restoration, and allow that to be your motivation for advancement in your spirituality.






Carla Marcelle, is a Spiritual Transformation Coach and founder of she's 31 Ministries which dedicated to the advancement of the Kingdom of God through the edification, enlightenment, education of the principles of God.

Microsoft Authors In Business Event (Recap)

Atlanta, GA. -- on November 5th 2016 Best-Selling Author and Business Owner Desiree Lee hosted the first ever "Authors In Business Microsoft Book Signing" at Microsoft Store in Lenox Mall.

The event featured 15 Dynamic Authors from the around the country who are apart of the “Authors In Business Self-Publishing Community".  

A few featured Authors from the event from (left to right): Melissa Ruth, Mark A. Jackson, Myra J, Stepter, and Khalilah Wilbourn.

Featured Authors Included: 

Tonia Quarterman

Tongela Curry

Synetta Crispin

Subira Folami

Rob Gegner

Myra J. Stepter

Melissa Ruth

Mark A. Jackson

Tyesha Peak

Debra D. Jones

Annah Lewis

Andrea Stickland

Rick Stickland

Lisa Halls

Khalilah Wilbourn 

Glendora Dvine

The Microsoft Store was packed with fans and onlookers, those who attended gained powerful insight from the Authors. Prizes were given away to audience members. The event was very engaging, from the ranging topics to the energy of the crowd, it was one book signing that did not disappoint. 

The atmosphere was filled with excitement as the Authors shared their wisdom and expertise.

VOW-Inspire Network was on hand to cover the event and got to feature some Great pictures on the fan page.

Pictured from (Left to Right): Hostess Desiree Lee, Event Attendee, and Featured AIB Author Lisa Halls.

If you would like to know more about the Microsoft Authors In Business Self-Publishing Community, the book signing, Authors, or get wisdom on Self-Publishing you can visit Desiree Lee's website: dleeinspires.com/publishnow and contact her directly through the webpage.

Jump Start Your Confidence And Move Beyond Failure

by Ruthann Mckenzie

It's December 31st, at 11:58pm. Before the ball drops, you are mentally going over all the last minute goals you have decided will not follow you into the new year. "I am going to be nicer", "I will lose 15 pounds", "I am going to make more at my job".  By January 5th, the one coworker no one likes was rude to you first, there was chocolate cake in the break room from a party, and there goes your calorie count for today. I think this has happened to the best of us.

Statistically only 8% of people who create new year resolutions are successful. Why is that? I believe that the part that we let bother us most is that we failed at our goals, which makes us give up entirely. It is okay to fail, it is not okay to allow that failure to deter us from the ultimate goal.

Perhaps you began to fall off the wagon a bit with your goals.  In order to recommit to your goals you must understand a few things:

1) Things may have gotten in the way where you lost focus on your goals and today is as good as January 1st to recommit. There is no better time than the present to reconnect and become committed again to your goals.

2) You deserve to live out your dreams and nothing is worth putting it off forever. Whether it is January 1st or July 20th, your dreams are yours for the taking today!

3) Slow progress is better than no progress. Make attainable action items to accomplish with your goal. You will begin to feel better when you begin to take definite action towards your goal and move forward.

4) When you accomplish your goals you will feel better about yourself and your purpose in life will be magnified. It is not only about the weight loss, negotiation skills, or being kinder...it ultimately is about accomplishing what you set out to complete. With each new goal accomplished you learn more about yourself and what you are truly capable of.

5) Recommitting to your goals will jump start your confidence to keep moving forward. It is a confidence boost to know you will and CAN do whatever you set your mind to.

The overall theme of 2015 for me has been about moving forward...I am ready to get to my next level, are you? If you are in then sign up for the Jumpstart Your Confidence program, which is on sale until August 3rd. In THREE weeks you can be on the right path towards making your vision a reality.  Let's JUMPSTART the second half of 2015!

Are You Bold Enough?

by: Ruthann McKenzie

Nothing fabulous ever happened within a comfort zone. This does not mean go crazy and spend all your money and credit cards on great shoes (I know I would if it did). However, stop acting and living each moment in fear. Be bold, make bold moves, and think outside of the comfort zones. This does not mean you will not feel scared when you do something bold and new, but you do it anyhow.

Surprise yourself by doing something new and exciting. You may actually enjoy it. There have been plenty of times with my design and photography work that I have decided to be bold and do something others would not do. Sometimes it has paid off for me and other times it hasn’t. Either or that did not stop me from trying and thinking out of the box with new ideas. If anything, when an idea I thought I would like did not turn out as I planned something new was born from it. Boldness births new ideas.

Everyone is doing the same thing. Where has that ever gotten you thinking the same thoughts as others and doing the same thing? Not too far or maybe it has gotten you to the point of envying those who do think out of the box. Creativity begins with a bold idea that someone executes. We all have the same power within us if we choose to harness it. It is okay to try something different because we are not meant to live in boxes.

Before we all hopped on bandwagon trends someone had to step out on a limb and be bold enough to try it first. Well, why can you not be that person to try something bold and start a new trend? Even if a trend does not happen from it, then just be happy you stand out from the crowd as a unique soul God created. If we have a creative Creator who hand crafted the world, then we are equally created with bold creativity on the inside of us. Harness that bold creative power and see where it takes you fearlessly.

5 Signs You're Settling For Less Than You Deserve

by: Iyanla Vanzant

Some years ago, I was shopping and came upon a beautiful red dress. The color, style and length were perfect. But the store didn't have it in my size. It did, however, have the same dress in navy, which I wasn't crazy about. Then I noticed a pair of blue shoes nearby that complemented that blue dress. (I didn't love those, either.) So what did I do? I bought both. I was afraid I wouldn't find anything else, so I settled. (It won't surprise you to learn that I've never worn the dress or the shoes.)

You've probably heard the saying "Better the devil you know than the devil you don't." Here's a question: Why put up with any devil? Why not give ourselves only good things? When we believe we cannot have what we desire—when we lack faith in ourselves and in the goodness of life—we settle for less. We decide that whatever is in front of us is better than nothing. But believe me when I tell you that better than nothing isn't good enough.

I often see people settle for less than they deserve in personal relationships: accepting bad behavior, excusing broken promises, accommodating people who take more than they give. Why? Because doing things we've grown accustomed to is familiar, comfortable.

Which is why sometimes it can be tough to gauge whether we're settling: When we tell ourselves that things are fine, we soon forget that they could be better. Here's how to know whether you're putting up with less than you deserve:

• When you have to work yourself into a state of excitement rather than naturally experiencing joy and passion, you're probably settling.

• When you bargain with yourself about what you can do without rather than feeling gratitude for what you already have, you're probably settling.

• When your focus is on the time and energy you've invested in an endeavor rather than the love, joy and gratification you've gained, you're probably settling.

• When you're making excuses about why you should stay put rather than going for what you truly want, you're probably settling.

• When you spend more time complaining about what you have than appreciating it, you're definitely settling.

But there is a lesson to be learned in everything. When we realize we've been settling, we discover what we actually believe. We learn that we perhaps think ourselves undeserving of happiness and find how susceptible we are to outside influences—because often we settle when others convince us it's the right thing to do. Most important, we learn that we are not standing fully in our truth. Armed with this information, we can make new choices that support our desires—by beginning to believe that we can have what we really want.


Iyanla Vanzant is the host of OWN's Iyanla: Fix My Life and the author of  Peace from Broken Pieces.

This post was originally published on Oprah.com

Getting Back To Gratitude

I have SO much to be Thankful for, sometimes in fits of recognizing what I don't have or going after what I don't need, I get off track and everything falls out of order. I'm so glad that God has me in exactly the place where He wants me to be. I'm thankful that I can never get too deep into a depression without the spirit of God lifting me up! Thank you father for being my covering! 

I know that anytime I feel limited, slighted, or overwhelmed by the very gifts I've been given, I'm really not operating in the spirit. Thank God for always leading me back. For helping me to realize today that Breath Of Life Daily came out of a pure spirit, not from me wanting to be liked or get money, but from me wanting to encourage people. 

BOLD came from me having an overflow of life to give. That life is in God. I'm always chasing better, even if it's not God and this year He put me in a position that I never could have imagined, but it's absolutely everything I need. I'm covered in a place of safety and I get to minister to women at the Christian Women's Center. God's got me, I'm covered, and I'm here. Breath Of Life Daily came from that, That no matter what happens, or what has been, the life in the spirit overpowers the life on the outside. I'm so thankful that I'm not in this by myself, that I've have people who support me and see my potential in God. Thank you to everyone who has been a blessing and who continues to be a blessing!! Happy Thanksgiving Day!

When we get back to the true source of why we do what we do, our passion will take control and produce of it's own accord. Thank God for gratitude, Blessings come from gratitude. 

-April D. Byrd


What are you thankful for today?

How To Unlock Your Power and Activate Mountain Moving Faith

By: Ruthann Mckenzie

He said to them, “Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’, and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.” 

Matthew 17:20

How many times have you been in a situation that in the natural looked impossible?  Perhaps you are facing a stressful situation in your personal life at the moment. Maybe you have a dream or vision and have been working on it, but the situation still seems fruitless.  It could even be something as deep as not knowing the next steps you should take with what to do with your life.  Whatever the case may be, all you need to get through any situation starts with faith the size of a mustard seed!

All we need is a little faith, to start where we are.  We need begin by using the resources that God provides in front of us at this very moment.  That will unlock great things in our life, through the faith we have in Jesus. Why did Jesus reference a mustard seed in Matthew 17:20? We usually think because a mustard seed is one of the smallest seeds of all, which indicates the small amount of faith we need to have. However, although a mustard seed is exceedingly small, it grows into a mighty and strong plant. Our faith will grow and it will cause mountains to move by our good words of faith over our lives. 

Usually, when we see that impossible thing standing in our way like a mountain, we begin to doubt.  "Lord, I could never get over that mountain. I rather just stand at the foot of the mountain and cry". We have a tendency to speak negatively when we see a situation and perceive it as all bad. And if you do not have that tendency to speak negatively, I will be the first to admit that I do this.  In Matthew 17:20, the Lord told them to say to the mountain 'Move from here to there'...It is not possible to speak negatively into a situation and expect a positive outcome.  We must speak life into our situations through Christ.  "Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen", that is what Hebrew 11:1 let's us know.  If we are certain of a positive outcome to an impossible situation, then speak life into that situation.

Only Believe!

As we speak life and as we continue to believe, this is the watering and nourishment of our faith.  I believe that Abraham, in his old age, continued to believe in God about his descendants outnumbering the sand.  Year after year, he did not see anything change, but Abraham knew God to be faithful from the past and choose to believe.  Keeping the faith when things look bleak is where the faith we planted flourishes.  In due season, if we do not grow weary, much like Abraham, God will be faithful to us and keep His promises. As it states in Luke 1:37, "For nothing will be impossible with God." If you believe this to be true, then remain in faith.

Nothing will be impossible if we SPEAK IT, BELIEVE, and have FAITH over it!  Speak daily over the situation and speak to God about everything that is on your heart.  Be positive and know that the mountain will move.  Believe that God has the best in store for your life.  No matter the situation, big or small, have hope and expect a good outcome in the end.  Most of all, let your faith grow! That mustard seed of faith will turn into a mighty plant.  The faith will become unshakable and the impossible situation will turn with the mighty hand of God.  Stay in FAITH today!
---


Ruthann McKenzie is the creator of justbeconfident.com where she blogs and coaches others to be confident and live victoriously. Follow her updates on Facebook and Instagram: @theconfidentyou 

Execute The Vision God Gave You

by: Ruthann McKenzie

"...Write the vision; make it plain on the tablets..." Habakkuk 2:2

It is time for us to wake up from our dreams and actually live it.  We all have dreams and potential goals, but we have kept putting them off for tomorrow.  Next time always turns into tomorrow, tomorrow into next week, and next week into next year. Before we know it, we are still in the same spot and are angry with all our excuses. Excuses are hindrance and lies we tell ourselves because we are scared. 

Have you had a vision in your heart? This vision that your heart desires so deeply is not going to go away until you step in faith and walk BOLDly by faith to execute your vision. Most of us are running away from our calling and life purpose because it would involve us doing something we have never done before. Well, it is time to rise to the challenge set before us and put that vision God has placed on your heart to work.
 
When we take one step forward in the right direction, then God will take care of the rest. The vision I have for my life has always been to help empower others and teach. For years I listened to what others thought I should do instead of following through with my vision. With doing so, it only made me miserable because I was not executing my vision. Does this sound familiar in any way? If so, you need to make that first step boldly towards your vision.

Below are some points to remember when moving out of your comfort zone and executing your vision:

• Have a clear defined plan and goal in place. Lack of planning will never result in anything. You do not have to over think each step and how each part will work out. However, you must make a plan and start somewhere and do something. As it states in Habakkuk 2:2, write the vision and make it plain! If you are waiting for tomorrow again to start this, then you have missed the point of executing your vision. Please wake up and make things happen. You will be happier once you start.

• Do not downplay your vision that you have been given. God knows why He laid it upon your heart to do what you are dreaming of doing. If you are faithful and listening and know His voice you will know this vision is for a reason. Your vision could be interconnected with someone else. You do not need to know the full picture, just stand in faith of why God gave you the vision and execute it.

• Stop making excuses! Just stop...no excuse is valid. When I began blogging I did not have a computer of my own. That did not let me off the hook with God in regards to the vision He gave to me. Blogging was a small step in the right direction of executing my vision. No excuse can get in the way of who God says you are and what He has called you to do. Use the resources that you have at hand and watch God work miracles in your life.

• Quit believing that your vision is not important enough to help change others. If you are working according to the God's purpose and you are confident in yourself and the abilities that He's given you, then you will make an impact in others life's. Stop believing the lies you tell yourself that what you want to do is not important. No vision is too small or too grand in regards to importance.

• Do not keep starting and stopping. Be committed and be consistent. When you start something then stop, you are delaying your true progress.  All that time you started and stopped, you could have built your vision into reality.

• Lastly, stop trying to please people and start working on pleasing God. If you honestly think that those people telling you how to live your life and what your vision should be will help you when you fail, they won't. So follow your heart, follow your vision.  Sometimes we look to others to validate us or talk us out of things.  You will not have to look too hard to find someone who has broken dreams willing to tear down your own.  Continue to pursue God's heart in the matter of your vision instead of man's approval.

Change your thoughts and verbalize what you see in your mind until it comes to pass. Your thoughts and words have power, harness that power for good! Write down your vision and execute them. Believe that God gave you this vision and ultimately it will be used for His glory. So I implore of you today to EXECUTE YOUR VISION!

You will be happy that you did!

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Ruthann McKenzie is the creator of justbeconfident.com where she blogs and coaches others to be confident and live victoriously. Follow her updates on Facebook and Instagram: @theconfidentyou 

Gifts That Make Room For Us

By April D. Byrd

A man's gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men. ~Proverbs 18:16

Do what you do best and do it with excellency,  keeping your gift in mind. Even if it's something simple as posting a Facebook status with good grammar.  Yesterday the spirit reminded me of just how important presentation is. As a Writer, If i’m not on point and displaying excellence in my gift, how do I expect to be called upon to help somebody else, or bring them before excellence? Who will bring us before excellence if we don’t do it ourselves? Our special gifting or talent that we authentically have makes room for us and brings us before great men. Making room means to create opportunities and opens doors.  It's up to us to Capitalize on that!

There is a saying that goes: "when the teacher is ready the student appears." Well when you are prepared for it, the opportunity comes. Being cognizant of your gifting and who you are is important. What are you passionate about? There is no actual set path to success, but it's important to be professional and confident in your gift.

Go towards your goals and express your talent with no reservation, because it's especially yours. When you go towards it, a way will be supplied. Where there is a will, there is a way. The world makes way for the person who knows where they are going. If you know where you're going, what you're doing, and exactly what you want to accomplish, then chances are you wont be very disappointed with the results you get. 

Taking action to express our gifts to the world, is a gift to the world. We were created with purpose it's up to us to fulfill it with passion. Be open to your positive, creative inspiration then open your greatness up and share it with the world. Put Gods will first. Seek Him before everything else.

April D. Byrd (@aprilinspired) is a Writer, Believer, and Creator of Breath Of Life Daily.  

Buy Your Own Flowers

By: April D. Byrd

You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserves your love and affection. ~ Gautama Buddha

Someone once bought me flowers and I was extremely happy, later after the relationship didn't work. I realized that It was that gesture that I liked most, so instead of being sad. I thought: "why don't I buy my own"? It was a liberating thought that slightly changed my outlook on life. "Buy Your Own Flowers". We're not dependent on anyone. No one created our lives, so we shouldn't expect anyone to be a source of it. Instead let self-esteem and love blossom from the inside.  So many times we may wait to be honored or acknowledged by people.

Don't wait to be celebrated, loved, accepted, affirmed by anybody. When people see you've upgraded your life and doing well, they take notice. If you celebrate your value and your worth then others will too. Even if some don't it still doesn't matter.  Everything you need already comes from the inside of you. Loving yourself right first, causes everything else to fall into place. You will expect good treatment from others, because you treat yourself well. Make sure you love what you see in the mirror first, and dress up for yourself.

Sometimes we may feel lonely or expect love from others in return for our own, but its best to love with no expectations give from ourselves wholeheartedly without expecting anything in return. The ability to love without attachment comes from self-love. Self-discipline ignites from the flame of  self-love and makes achieving success much easier. In taking the initiative to buy my own flowers, pretty soon i'll have my own garden, and it will be filled with enough beauty inside to share with the world.

Celebrate yourself, Feel free to buy your own flowers (literally) and decorate your own soul, there are few things that are more liberating than realizing that you're worth everything.