Christian Entrepreneurs, Vision Boards, and The Law of Attraction.

by: Nicole Huffman Hollins

"Write the Vision and Make it Plain"

I was recently conducting some unrelated, online research when I happened upon a message board asking whether vision boards were demonic.  Given what I have observed among Christian entrepreneurs lately, I was surprised that there were people on both sides of this issue.  I thought everyone was in love with attracting and envisioning material wealth.  After reading the message board and reading other articles on this topic, I have concluded that the problem is not the vision board.  The problem is what people put on the vision board and the Scriptures they use to back-up the activity.

My primary concern is whether people are actually reading these Scriptures they are quoting to support what they are doing.  If they are reading them, are they reading the entire verse?  Are they reading the verses around it?  Have they read other Scriptures addressing the topic, because Scripture verifies Scripture?  In other words, are they studying the Scriptures are merely proof-texting and taking verses out of context to justify their choices?   Moreover, if they have read the Scripture, did they seek the Holy Spirit for wisdom and understanding?  If you are going to make a vision board or follow the Law of Attraction, that is your free will choice, just do not misuse Scripture to support it.

The following are a few of the most popular verses I have heard used by Christian entrepreneurs regarding this issue.

And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.

Habakkuk 2:2

The vision (prophesy) was first and foremost about Jesus.  It was not about a Ferrari, exotic vacation or a McMansion.  Secondly, a simple reading of the Scripture shows that the vision that was to be written was not meant for the prophet but was meant as a warning to others.  Third, were verses one, three, and four read before deciding this was Scripture to use to support creating a vision board with visions of everything but Jesus?  Is your vision board about warning others of what’s to come or is it only about what you want or think you need?  If it’s the latter, you should not be using Habakkuk to support your position.  Moreover, all prophetic books are about telling people what is to come- Jesus- so they may repent.  The vision in Habakkuk was about warning people so they could repent.  It is problematic when this Scripture is watered down to say that the vision entails putting glossy pictures of material items on a piece of cardboard.

Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

Psalm 37:4

This Scripture says that God will give us the desires He wants us to have.  It does not say He will give us our heart's desire.  These are two very different things.  The desires we receive are God’s, they are not our own.  In light of  Jeremiah 17:9 telling us, "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?," we should be glad that He does not give us everything our heart wants.

...and calleth those things which be not as though they were.

-Romans 4:17

First, the beginning of this verse is often left out.  In its entirety, it reads, “(As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.”  This verse is about God and how He is the creator of all who spoke things into existence.  It is not about man being the creator.

We are not little gods and therein lies the issue with most vision boards and The Law of Attraction.

People are being led to believe that we are co-creators, and in some forums that we are the creators.  This is simply false.  He is the potter.  We are the clay.  We will never be on His level, and this was the thinking held by Adam and Eve that led to them eating the forbidden fruit.  Do not be led astray by the smooth words.  Test the spirit by the Spirit so that in your quest to be super entrepreneur you do not fall prey to the same heart that caused Adam and Eve to fall.  If your vision board is about anything other than your Christian walk, it is time to re-evaluate your heart.  An alternative you may want to consider is to do a "Scripture Board" that has Scriptures upon which you meditate that are in line with the Holy Spirit's guidance.

Part two of this topic will look at Scriptures addressing the attitude followers of Christ should have regarding material matters.

. . .

Nicole Huffman Hollins is a Speaker, Writer, and Attorney. For more insight from Nicole visit her website NowWithNicole.com and connect with her on Twitter: @NowWithNicole

He's Worth The Wait Review + Giveaway!!!

by: April D. Byrd 

Often people spend a lot of time looking for things outside of us to fulfill us, to make us whole. However there is so much satisfaction when we come to realize that our fulfillment is in God's will for our lives. Whatever the situation is that has caused emptiness, hurting, or longing in our lives it can be overcome by embracing the love God had for us first, from the beginning of time. Our fulfillment is in Christ's purpose and passion within us.

A great change took place in Writer/Minister Fanny Quioto's life when she accepted Christ's love. She began to come into fullness and wholeness in God. She was delivered from hurt and addiction, so much so that she was able to encourage other women. I know God connected me with Fanny Quioto for a reason, I am so blessed by her updates on social media and watched as her new book "He's Worth The Wait : Confessions and Notes About Your Future Husband" came into fruition. In He's Worth The Wait, Fanny Quioto shares her testimony of how she overcame her sex addiction and her decision to remain celibate until she says, "I do." She also shares her very personal and candid confessions and notes concerning her future husband directly from her journal. This book aims to encourage other women to remain abstinent until they are married and to remain strengthened in the process.

Gratefully, Breath Of Life Daily was able to attend and cover The "He's Worth The Wait" book signing event. You can check out the coverage here if you missed the action. One of my sisters in Christ surprised me and bought a copy of the book for me at the signing. I'm so glad she did. I was blown away! "He's Worth The Wait" is powerful and insightful. Fanny Quioto goes deep with the transparency in her testimony and the revelation from God, given to her during her struggle. She keeps it 100% real which made it easier to relate to, especially if you've ever struggled with addiction, thoughts of suicide, depression, low self-esteem, or the like. It's encouraging because of the powerful declarations pulled from her deeply rooted confidence and faith in God. The book also provides insight into why pre-marital sex tends to fail us every time. Through research, rejoicing, prayer, and accentuating the positive this book reminds us why it's so important to wait. It's a great resource to be used while in waiting. It's so awesome because it encourages everyone to recognize how worthy we are in God's eyes, so we can realize exactly why we deserve the best He has for us.

If Fanny can overcome and empower others through storm you can too! So, on to the part you've been waiting for... THE GIVEAWAY!!! You can enter for a chance to WIN a free PERSONALIZED copy of the He's Worth The Wait book in Breath Of Life Daily's free giveaway! There are so many ways to win. You can start by re-posting this picture below using the hash tag #HesWorthTheWait.

You can win a copy of the book by entering through Breath Of Life Daily's rafflecopter giveaway

1. Tweet about the giveaway. (ex: I'm worth the wait! Just entered for free copy of #HesWorthTheWait book from @BOLDImpactNtwrk #BOLDJournalgiveaway) 

2. Follow @BOLDImpactntwrk on Twitter.

3. Leave a comment on the blog post. (ex: I would love to win a free copy of He's Worth The Wait! God loves me! I'm worth the wait!)

4. Like Breath Of Life Daily on Facebook.

 Good Blessings! (I don't believe in luck) The contest has officially begun!!

SHE Created iT SPOTLIGHT: Grace Kisa

Happy October! B.O.L.D is happy to share She Created iT's monthly artists spotlight and celebrate female artists and entrepreneurs. She Created iT is a platform to Promote, Produce and Educate Female Artists.

Every month She Created iT Highlights a phenomenal female artist. For the month of October the She Created iT Artist Spotlight is on Grace Kisa.

GRACE KISA is a native of Nairobi, Kenya. She  moved with her family to the United States in  1978. Grace was educated at The Art Institute in Atlanta, where she received an Associates in Art Degree. She currently lives and works in Atlanta.

        

" Making art for me is a journey of exploration, both inward and outwardly. This voyage of discovery often leads me to places I could not initially have predicted I would end up." I work on two dimensional, and three dimensional pieces, and the materials that I use vary just as greatly. Often the work is referenced  from my own experiences. From the movies that I see to the music that I listen to. From the books that I read, to the places that I travel to. These elements and many others become the basis for my reinterpretation of the world around us. By taking what is familiar and making it new, I am attempting to create a narrative that engages history, myth, social awareness, and a touch of whimsy."

                                   

         

More art work from Grace's collection can be found HERE On Flickr.

 Grace's Exhibitions include:

       1994-M-Print Fine Art- Atlanta Georgia

         1995-Tina’s Gallery-Potomac, Maryland

         1996-Diaspora Arts Gallery- Atlanta, Georgia

         1997-Art Station Art Center- Stone Mountain, Georgia

         1998- Emerald City Art- Marietta., Georgia

         1999- Fine Art Images- Richmond, Virginia

         1999-2009- National Black Fine Art Show

         2000- Galerie 500- Washington D.C.

         2001- Carolyn Waller Gallery- Nashville ,Tennessee

         2002- Artist’s Showcase Gallery- Atlanta, Georgia

         2003- The Raiford Gallery- Alpharetta, Georgia

         2006- Just Lookin’ Gallery- Hagerstown, Maryland

         2007- Gallery Serengeti- Capitol Heights, Maryland

         2008- Studio Clout- Atlanta, Georgia

         2009- Stuart McLean Gallery- Atlanta, Georgia         

         2010- Avisca Gallery- Marietta, Georgia

         2012-Contemporaries, Morgan State University-Baltimore Md.

        

Collections include:

           Steed Media Group

           Hartsfield/ Jackson International Airport

            Upscale Magazine Corporate Offices

            Kaiser Permanente

            Southwest Hospital

            Art Station Art Center

You can find out more about Grace, Her work, and the She Created iT organization at shecreatedit.info For exhibition and general inquiries e-mail: info@shecreatedit.info

BOLD Journal Interviews Lesley Shannelle | Video

source: www.lesleyshannelle.com

Bold Journal sat down with Gospel Artist Lesley Shanelle, the gospel artist with the powerful sound also has a very powerful story.

Lesley recently released her new EP "Use Me" a phenomenal, upbeat project which to my delight is available on Spotify, ITunes, Google Play, and Amazon. Lesley's contemporary sound she will gladly tell you is influenced from Artists like Cece Winans and Yolanda Adams, but not to be confused with anyone. Lesley has her own style that's easy to fall in love with. She has an authentic sound and a unique "Flava" that's all her own. She does Christian Lifestyle Music with a flare and keeps God's word first. Awesome!!

 @LesleyShannelle, and BOLD Journal Editor-In-Chief @aprilinspired

Sitting down and getting to know Leslie Shanelle was a very empowering experience she talked about everything from from favorite scriptures to overcoming obstacles and achieving dreams. What I didn't anticipate was beyond the beauty and fresh faced glam was a woman of substance, intellect, and above all a true love for God. This was truly inspiring!  The Inspiration picked up from Lesley in our interview is the same inspiration that's reflected in her music. She was hesitant about going into the gospel spotlight, but we're so glad she did. Her authentic vibe will definitely make a positive impact and it clearly stems from a source of love. Praise God for that!!

For more info on Lesley Shannelle you can visit 627entertainment.com

Check out BOLDJournal's Exclusive One-on-One Interview with Lesley Shannelle Below:



Keep up with the latest updates by Following Breath Of Life Daily on Twitter and Instagram: @BOLDJournal.

5 Ways To Start Living Above Your Circumstances

by: Carla Marcelle
    

In light of Robin Williams death, I have been wondering what reason on earth could this wealthy man possibly have to commit suicide? I too often think, "Man only if I had my finances in order, how all my problems would be solved". Then this man's death hit me with some truth, what is money?

Money, in this sense is my situation, along with a bunch of other circumstantial situations. I can't say for certain what plagued Mr. Williams mind that caused him to feel he had no way out, but what I can say is that I don't want to hear another story as such. It honestly and truly breaks my heart. As a person who believes that everyone is made with purpose, I don't believe that people really understand what that truly encompasses. As I surfed the web, I found this definition of purpose:

The reason for which something is done or created or for which something exists.

    Too often, we tend to lose focus of what our purpose in life is, because we get caught up in day-to-day stresses of everyday living. Our very purpose and our peace of mind can easily get lost if we do not make a conscious effort to keep it at the forefront of our minds. 

    So the question becomes how do we keep from getting ourselves overwhelmed from the essence of our situations and circumstances. Well I have compiled a list of tips to help sustain our minds from the deceit the enemy attacks us with. It is absolutely imperative that we learn to live above our situations. We have to choose to live in the promises of God because this world will chop you up, and spit you out, if you allow it. Then you find yourself down in the dumps, with no way of escape. However, be assured God did not place us here without tools to combat the enemy's schemes and tricks. 

 The thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy, but I have come that you may have life, and have it more abundantly. (John 10:10, NIV)

    The "thief is the enemy, but I declare for you today that if you utilize these tips for the next 30 days, you will see all the tricks and schemes of the enemy begin to lose power in your life, and you will begin to live a more abundant life. The awesome thing about it is the abundant life full of peace that is already yours, and I will show you how to claim it and walk in it. 

1. Free Your Mind Daily 

Romans 12:2 (NIV)

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing, and perfect will.

    It is important that we not get caught up in the pleasures of this world. Our focus is not to obtain as much worldly possessions as possible because it is all trivial. Everything on this earth is temporary, so we are not to be consumed with the status quo, but consume ourselves with the spirit of God that we may be lead into the path for our lives.

2. Worship 

Worship ushers in the presence of God. It is not only something we do, but something we are to become. Worship can be incorporated into every aspect of our lives. Worship is how we spend time with God. As the same with any relationship, in order for us to know someone we have to spend time with them. Spending time God allows us to keep him at the forefront of our minds. Being in a spirit worship allows us to be an open vessel for use of the spirit of God, keeping us at the peace he promises us with.

3. Speak Positivity

Proverbs 18:21 (NIV)

The tongue has the power of life and death.

Do not start a situation with bad information that you have told yourself. Learn to be optimistic, looking at every situation with a "glass half full" perspective. When you speak negativity, you contaminate your atmosphere with your very words. Do not create unnecessary obstacles for yourself to overcome by speaking negative influence over your life. 

4. Care About People 

    Learn to care to genuinely care about people. No matter what the situation is, care about people. Always show love, and encourage people you come in contact with. Learn to forgive people who wrong you daily. It will create a strong heart for you, and allow you not harbor any negative feelings, and you will feel good about yourself. 

5. Trust God

Joshua 1:9 (NIV)

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. 

    As a friend of mine told me, faith and doubt cannot coexist. If you have faith you cannot have doubt. If  you have doubt, then you do not have faith. We have to consciously chose if we are going to trust God, and if you do, then that's it. Allow the spirit to guide your works, and know that God has got your back!!!

Following these tips will allow you to grow into different levels of faith. In just 30 days of implementing these tips into your life you will notice drastic progression in your thought process, and your life. You will start to go from just believing in God-to trusting God-to operating in God. When you start operating in God, it gives you more courage and a greater belief. You will start to walk in your purpose, and God will open doors to provide opportunities for you. You begin to look different, walk straighter, and speak better. You become BOLD, and your life becomes full of the purpose your creator your created you for. 

---
Carla Marcelle is a regular Breath Of Life Daily contributor. She is a Life and Purpose Coach, and recent University graduate receiving her Master's degree. For more inspirational posts from Coach Carla Stay tuned to her "Wake Up Wednesdays" segment here on BOLD Journal every Wednesday.  Follow @BOLDJournal on Twitter and Instagram for the latest updates.

Why Faith Is An Essential Part Of Your Entrepreneurial Success

by: Marie Forleo

Do you ever wonder whether or not you should move ahead with a business idea?

Do you procrastinate on your big dreams and find that time is passing by faster and faster?

Many of us make the mistake of suppressing our creative desires because we’re afraid.

Mostly, we’re afraid of failing and looking foolish.

We play it safe and get stuck in our comfort zone because we falsely think we should know exactly how our venture will turn out before we take any action.

Well guess what? The “playing it safe” mentality is deadly to your success.

You have a creative truth that lives inside of you.

Taking action on that truth before you have proof of how it will turn out is the secret to living powerfully and authentically. When you have faith in yourself and your dreams, and take action from your truth, your inner desires become outer realities faster than you can imagine.

Faith is an essential part of entrepreneurial success.

You’ve got to start exercising your faith muscles if you want to use your business as a vehicle to make the difference in the world you are meant to make.

Here are 3 key ideas to help you strengthen your faith muscles.

1. Your Ideas Are Here for A Reason.

Isn’t it wild how passionate and alive you become when you talk about growing your business and sharing your creations with the world?

That sense of aliveness around your ideas is an indicator that you’re meant to take action.

It’s a signal from a greater intelligence to turn your dreams into a reality.

God (The Universe, Source, etc.) gave you unique talents and gifts for a specific reason. You are designed to create and serve others.

And as an entrepreneur, you have an incredible opportunity to use your business as a force for good and make a tremendous difference in the world.

Have faith in your ideas and take action on them.

Otherwise, you’re squandering the beautiful gifts your Creator has blessed you with.

2. The Universe Is Always Supporting You.

The Universe is always supporting you.

If you’re present in the moment (vs. lost in the chatter of your mind) you’ll always see the perfect opportunity to move your business (and life) ahead.

I pay close attention to what shows up in my world.

Whether it’s a magazine article that leads me to a website, a workshop I feel compelled to take, or a big scary (a.k.a. exciting) opportunity that requires me to step up and play bigger, I do my best to take action as quickly as possible.

Take a look in your own life.

Are you lost in the conversation in your mind or are you in sync with your truth and your Universe?

What opportunities are in front of you right now, just waiting to be claimed?

3. Motion Beats Meditation.

What if you started playing with the idea that it was impossible for you to make a mistake?

What if you couldn’t make a “wrong move?”

What if all the time you spend thinking about whether or not you’ll do your project “right” (whatever that means) is just an old habit that keeps you stuck in dissatisfaction land? In my experience, I’ve found that faith-based motion beats meditation every time.

While I may not know what the heck I’m doing at first, consistent action allows me to gain knowledge and experience fast.

Once I get moving, I’m unstoppable.

Here’s a secret: It’s a heck-of-a lot easier to change direction when you have momentum behind you vs. trying to get something started from ground zero.

As always, your entrepreneurial success begins and ends with you.

As Dr. Martin Luther King says, “Take the first step in faith.  You don’t have to see the whole staircase.  Just take the first step.”

Remember, having faith means recognizing the value of what you are here to contribute to the world and allowing your actions to be grounded in that truth.

Marie Forleo,

 
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Motivation: Your Focus Promotes Fertility

"Wipe The Sleep From Your Eyes!!" 

I heard the clear authoritative command this morning  as I drowsily mumbled a morning prayer. When we hear His word we automatically become more alert, but a part of me still wanted to sleep. Even though I know the sleep that the voice of God was referring to wasn't simply the rest I had just woken up from. The clear indication in my spirit was that its best to be more alert in and about life all together. Basically: Get With The Program!! There is real work to be done. Waking up is Rising to the occasion. 

In a message shared by my mentor Coach Jennifer in her regular conference calls, she shared how God will deliver us from the snare. God will truly deliver us when we wake up, become focused in His will and be cognizant. Some things God will deliver us from, some things we have to deliver ourselves from! We can't fight oppression if we never put forth the effort. The battle is the Lord's, but if we listen closely He teaches our hands to war!  

The time of waiting, wanting, wandering gives us all the common sense and time we need to know that fulfillment does not come to us willingly! We have to go get it! Seek and you shall get it, ask and it will be given, knock and the door will be opened. What fulfills us and gives us true life is only known to be based in God or are the byproducts of our relationship with Him. Where are you getting your life from and what has it done for you so far? Experiencing the blessing is putting your heart and mind in the right place, and that means dwelling in the shadow of the most high!

(Philippians 4:6)

When we abide in the presence we are easily protected. True focus has the power to promote fertility (production) and results.

Remember the song: If you wanna be somebody, if you wanna go somewhere, you better wake up and pay attention. Well if you wanna be all that you can be, Wake up and Get With It!!

Stay Focused and you will maintain positive energy!


They will have no fear of bad news;
    their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord. - Psalm 112:7





References:
*Psalms 144:1
  Matthew 7:7
  Psalm 91: 1
  Psalm 112:7


- by: April D. Byrd

How To Stay Motivated For Your Business and Purpose

There are many types of people in terms of how we do things. They are those who are starters, they do well as long as its a new project, they thrive on taking risks, but get bored in the middle of the project and look for something new to do. They are middle people they only want to get involved in something when someone else has got it going and they can see the direction it is going because they are scared to take the risk of a starter. Then they are those who are finishers, they love to bring things to a conclusive powerful finish, that's what excites them, the momentum of taking something that seems to be losing momentum and give it life to its powerful finish.

In order for one To do business and be successful, one must find out what type of person they are so they can learn how to creatively turn all the stages of their business into their preferred style of doing business, be it the start, middle or finishing stage of the process of building a business. Be creative in surrounding your self with people that are different from you but fill in the parts you miss. Remember we are most comfortable with people that are a lot like us but disagree with people that are different from us because they are a contradiction. In business and ministry you need that contradiction to produce at unexpected powerful levels.

Once you get started don't get distracted by the pettiness of what you consider to be failure. As long as you are working your business and turning up passionately, enthusiasticly and full of vision. Keep your focus and learn new ways of doing things every day and become innovative, but never develop a pessimistic view or a wrong way of thinking. Stay on the path and keep improving even if it is by one point. Be thankful and stay skilled it will all come together. You will achieve your goals at the least expected time. Stay lost in your cause. Tell your circumstances to chill, "God and I got this".




--Coach Jennifer



photo credit: ehow

Motivation: Make Your Money Work

Where does all of our money go?

Since I've started writing and being involved with Social Media, I've won a lot of things online. Recently tickets to a professional conference, and before that a blogging contest with a cash prize attached.

 I was overjoyed that I had money to show for my work, and I knew it was God's blessing, but I started to think what is the point of continually earning/winning  money if it all goes nowhere productive.


 I happened to be in a Public Library while having this thought and walking by a book shelf, just as the thought crossed my mind, my eyes landed on a book "The Money Book: For The Young, Fabulous, and Broke." (a description that suits me to a T). It's like God read my mind, we we're definitely on  the same wave length, and Lord knows I rarely have time to read, it was an Audio book, which made it even better!

My Pastor would call a chance like this "Serendipity"
meaning something that happens accidentally, but at the same time on purpose. Right now I just call it a blessing! We are meant to be successful in every area of our lives.

A lot of us make good money, we just don't manage it well. Having the right management and organization skills really helps to have a better life. Don't be afraid of money! Make your money work! Get educated and stay motivated! God is on your side, and even though success comes one step at a time, take the necessary steps to achieve your goals!!

3 Steps To Make Your Money Grow and Work:

Budget 

By assigning each dollar to a category you are controlling where your money goes and what it does. This will help you to begin to reach your financial goals.

Get Out Of Debt 

Debt becomes a burden and limits the choices that you can make. One of the best things you can do with your money is to get out of debt and stay out of debt!

Save

This how you can grow your wealth the most effectively. Additionally saving money can help you be prepared to handle the ups and downs that will happen throughout your life.

GO MAKE TODAY AWESOME!!!

April D. Byrd

photo credit: ehow
money tips: moneyfor20s