Don't Get Caught Without God During This Season

This quarantine has got me in a whole different kind of vibe, it feels like something I have never experienced before. This season for me has been filled with confusion, uncertainty, and chaos amongst other things. I have been feeling like life is getting to be too much to handle, and found myself speaking as such. I would hear myself saying things like, "This is too much and  I can't take this".

As I talked to one of my good friends, my friend said to me, "Carla, don't be one of those people who bring their life to God". He then said, "Some people go to God with their problems, and even their happy times to tell God what's happening to them". I realized that was me, a person who was bringing my life to God and not having consistent incorporation of God in my life. That is the reason I realized that I was feeling like my life was on complete overload. That was the reason, I was folding under the pressure of everything I was going through. Trying to handle everything on my own was what was too much.

credit: Iyanla Vanzant

I know that I am not the only one who gets caught up in their situation and completely tries to handle things myself. It's not until I begin to fold, that I remember to bring God in the mix. Leaving God out at this time can be the worst form of self-sabotage. There is a supernatural strength that comes through us when we allow the Divine to take the lead. We are able to understand that many of the situations we face are nothing more than temporary circumstances instead of making them our life story. That supernatural strength allows us to tap into our inner power to actively know that we can not only handle the situations that come at us, but handle them with honor and grace. As we understand the identity and gifts God has for us, we cannot forget that we have everything available to us to handle this season and win.

As you deal with whatever situation that seems heavy on your plate, know that God is waiting to carry you through it. Your adversities are not meant to get the best of you. During these uncertain times, the enemy tries to bring situations that will distract you from what God has for you. know that God will work every situation out for his glory. Even when you make the wrong decisions, and do things that are against the will of God. If you give your situation over to God he can take what the enemy meant for harm, and turn it into Good.

As a Transformation Purpose Coach, I help people who feel broken, lost, and uncertain in life gain clarity so they can discover their purpose. I also help them discover strategies and tools to bring their purpose to the forefront of their life. If you are struggling to find your self-value, are feeling as if you are lacking purpose, or life has gotten you to a down place and can't find your way back, I want to invite you to Check out the "Renewed and Restored Group Coaching Program". 

This program is Hosted by me, Carla Marcelle, founder of Touchpurpose.com. This program is designed to re-establish your self-value through an 8 week period where you restore your God-given Identity and challenge your self to identify your purpose in your pain to create your renewed life. If you would like to know more, visit www.touchpurpose.com

Building Your Personal Vision and Mission Statement for Success

Establishing your personal vision is key to gaining a clear perspective of where you intend to identify an area for success in your life. General visions are a good starting point, but often lead to unclear or unnecessary task and tendencies that lead back to square one. Specification allows us to hone in on a particular and specific intent that will lead to  success. In writing your personal vision, you want to stay away from writing in generalizations. An example of a "general" personal vision statement is exemplified below.

"My vision is to be a successful entrepreneur so that I will be able to produce a sustainable and productive lifestyle for my family."

Now this vision statement is short and immediately focuses on the point of what the subject wants to accomplish, but it also rather vague. Though the vision statement does speak to a goal, it is unspecified. Some questions to ask here that would really give our subject a better understanding of where they intend to go in their vision are listed as followed:

1. How does our subject define success in there world?
2. Does the subject intend to pursue multiple or a single source for entrepreneurship?
3. What are the sources of entrepreneurship will the subject take on?
4. how does the subject identify a sustainable and productive lifestyle?

Once these questions have been processed through, our subject can create a more elaborate and concise vision statement that will provide a clear visual of what they want for themselves. The revised vision statement is exemplified below.

"My vision is to own a craft store where I will have customers that will expand their creativity through different programs I offer. I will also incorporate artwork and jewelry for sale that will bring in repeat customers and referrals. This will allow me to meet all of my families wants and needs, while advancing our economic climate." 

What the subject has done here was specified all the generalities listed in their first mission statement. They have identified what type of entrepreneurship they want to take on, have envisioned what success in that arena would be for them, have identified what a sustainable and productive lifestyle is for them, and identified how they intend to incorporate different income streams. With this vision statement, the subject has a clear visual and can always come back to reference this statement to say, my vision, my goal, my dream is manifesting because this is what I envisioned. 

Now that your visions statement has become clarified, what you want to do is create your clear personal mission statement. In creating your mission statement, you create your structure or road map to figure out how you will manifest that vision you stated in your vision statement. Your mission statement should be no more than a paragraph-four sentences max. You also want to keep it short and concise just as your vision statement. Using our modified vision statement here is a perfect example of a mission statement for the craft store entrepreneur. 

"My mission is to advance my skill set through partaking in creative classes that will stimulate ideas for workshops and classes. I will also provide a platform for various community artist to create and sell there work. I will attain a mentor to for guidance through my first year of initiation for accountability in customer service and financial guidance. "

Our subject has produced a comparable mission statement that details how they intend to accomplish their vision. This is the goal!! To create your road map and solidify what you want your outcome to be. With this, our subject can zone in on what needs to be done without wasting unnecessary time and resources. Building your your vision and mission statement should be the first steps you want to indulge in when you want to take on a big goal. Clarity and precision produce success.

    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 for all your purposed inspiration}

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.

When God Speaks...And Then You Listen

by Carla Marcelle

I had an inkling in my spirit this morning spend some time with my creator in prayer and worship. How my spirit has been blessed because I listened.

A quote that particularly caught my eye, in my morning devotional said,

"To grow tall spiritually, a Christian must first learn to kneel"

In my spirit, I find myself beginning to feel a purging of toxins that are hindering my growth in life. All the natural physical signs say that I am not happy because truth is, the things that once made me happy were all carnal, and simple minded. Earthly pleasures, drunken intoxication, lust, and immorality. As these layers of distractions begin to fall off, I find myself focused and intrigued. Focused on the fact that I have a purpose, and have all the tools necessary to accomplish my life goals. And then intrigued by the fact that these goals cannot be accomplished without a strong foundation with my creator. Since he created me, I have to truly seek him to carryout my destiny.

So it just so happens, my daily devotional for today is entitled, Happily Humble, which encompasses a series of reviews of past readings from the previous recent days. Since I haven't really read my devotional all year, I figured it couldn't hurt  for me to go back a little.

One particular reading that stuck out to me was,

   1 Thessalonians: Stay on Target, (Don't become distracted or discouraged as you seek to make faith)

Hmm, A word from my creator, directly associated with my current position in life. As a young woman with so much vision and purpose, who has an assignment specifically created by God for me.
So His words for my spirit showed me how to focus my attention on him, and how not to be distracted.

Turn from idols

What can you give up today that may be an obstacle in your life holding you back from accomplishing a goal you have for yourself. Is there something preventing you from going deeper in your connection with the creator? Perhaps someone or something?

My take away from my moment with God showed me confirmation in everything I seek to do in my life. From my characteristics, to the reason I love to write, to the way that I am. When I give up the things that separated me from my God, I naturally have a connection. When God speaks, and then you listen, there is a spiritual appointment that takes place, call it Divine Intervention, Many people gripe and complain they do not hear from God, but is it that the spirit of God is not talking to you?, or is it that you are too caught up in your pleasures or everyday hustle and bustle to listen to what the spirit has for you?

How To Find Purpose Over Heartache and Pain

 Sometimes our pain and hurt can seem as if it too much to handle. Life can seem so unfair, hurtful, and down right miserable. When we think of all the trails and tribulations that seem to plague our lives, it is no wonder why sometimes all we can do is cry.

Last week I found myself in a very low place-mentally, financially, and physically. What made it even worst was that I was in an environment that only seemed to enhance what I was feeling. In my self misery, I begin to think of all the trails I endured throughout my life, and how despite all of it I have never given up. I always had a positive attitude, I always set goals for myself and achieve them, I trust God when I don't feel like he is here, and I am a genuinely good person. Yet still, it seems like I cannot catch a break.

A few of the obstacles I faced last week included I have no money, my car broke down, I had to stay somewhere that just made me utterly uncomfortable, I started a job that depresses me so bad, and worst of all I was really missing the one person in the whole world that really brightens my day- my daughter. Then different scenarios from past began to replay in my heard, and in combined with all that I was currently feeling, I broke down. I began to sob, and I ask God why cant you be God and make everything better? Why can't you provide the opportunities for me that I deserve. I began to to run down my list of accomplishments, all the good I do, and the pain that I endured throughout life to God (as if he did not already know).  I was upset with God, I was mad. Then after a while, as I began to calm down God started to speak to my spirit. He said:  " Listen, It is Not in vain."

I began to feel a shift in my atmosphere, a purging in my spirit, and a peace that said "Hold on".

As I sat in stillness just to vibe in  my spirit for a little while, I begin to hear from God that my testimony is going to be so great. I began to see in my spirit how what I have endured will break chains for people, and how free they will become free because of what I have experienced.

     It was at that moment, I realized that it was my carnality, my pride, my flesh that made me think that I was entitled to something from God because I deemed myself Good. I deemed myself worthy of what the world seeks it pleasures in. Just that quick I realized that my fulfillment and satisfaction in life was not what God had destined  for me, but what I destined for myself. That being said, if I chose to trust God, I trust his plans for my life. If he designed a plan for my life, whatever I encounter in this life has been cleared with God. Therefore who am I to say I did not need to encounter these trails and tribulations. There is a purpose for all that I have been through. Though I may not understand while I am going through, if I truly trust God I know my best interest is at hand.


These trials are only to test your faith, to show that it is strong and pure. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold--and your faith is far more precious to God than mere gold. -1 Peter 1:7 NLT

So these trials, pain, tears, heartache are all lessons to show us what we need to learn.  I cannot say what each individual has to learn from their trails, but what I can say is that they purify us, and test us to show our strength and our faith. We all know there is no growth without pain and discomfort. In order to grow and mature, to experience greater, we sometimes have to know what it is like to experience less. Sometimes in order to get things right, we have to get them wrong.   The one thing we cannot do is give up on ourselves no matter how hard the obstacles are that we face. We have to keep striving. Nothing you go through is in vain. Eventually we will see that there was a purpose for it all. There is a purpose in your pain. Do not give up your fight.

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Moving Forward

   by: Carla Marcelle

When you are called to fulfill a purpose, any and everything can be used to stop you from meeting your destiny. It is up to you, who face challenges and situations, to make a conscious effort to be overcomers, fighters, and victors of obstacles you face. When making this decision, you can lose friendships, relationships, and sometimes even jobs. It can be a very uncomfortable situation especially when you want so bad cling to those hindrances because it is all you know, it is what you love, and it is your safety zone.  The funny thing about it is that most times we know what the hindrances are, but we may not know what our purpose is. So for that very reason, we never fully comprehend just how much of a necessity it is for us to let go of those hindrances to move forward in our destiny by uncovering our purpose. 

However, it is in those quiet times with yourself, where you discover your gifts. It is in those times where you are not focused on the rhetoric of your situations where you discover your talents. In those times where you are not indulging with your hindrances and your obstacles, that is when your purpose begins to form.

   I know for me, one of my biggest hindrances are friendships. Because I like to be around people, I tend to just want to be around who ever is available. Not always are the people who are available conducive to my well being. Not always are the people who are available have my best interest at hand.   Often, I find my self compromising my very beliefs, morals, and standards. So instead of being that purpose driven woman of destiny, being a light in darkness of situations, I just blend right in. I conform to the very thing I do not want to be. After spending so much time conforming, I have discovered one of two things will happen. Either you will become complacent, losing your desire for your advancement, and develop a will to simply just exist; or you will get so uncomfortable in your situation, that you have to remove yourself from the very things that are holding you back.

At that point the question becomes,

When you hear the call of your destiny, will you chose to pursue it? Will you answer the call?

Or will you allow your destiny that awaits you to just dwindle away, and your purpose that you were designed to accomplish  become void; all because you did not want to endure the discomfort of your advancement. We all know there is no growth without discomfort. We can apply the same principles of our natural world to the very idea of advancing in our purpose. As a child grows into maturity they go through very uncomfortable stages called puberty; as a woman creates life in her womb, it is uncomfortable or even painful; for stamina and muscle to develop, there is a period of soreness, and pain. Its evident that we must endure pain, hardships, and discomfort to gain advancement through life, but keep in mind it is only for a moment, and the end result is always greater.

   So today I encourage you to think about those obstacles and hindrances in your life that have been placed in the way of  discovering your purpose and moving into your destiny. Make a conscious decision to move past them, and let them go. That is how you move into your victory, and gain a life full of joy and satisfaction. Do not be content to just exist. You have a greater value than that!!!

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Carla Marcelle is a Life and Purpose Coach and regular contributor to Breath Of Life Daily. For more inspirational posts from Coach Carla Stay tuned to her "Wake Up Wednesdays" segment here on BOLD Journal every Wednesday. Subscribe via e-mail and connect with @BOLDJournal on Twitter and Instagram for the latest updates.

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. 

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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.

BOLD-Impact Hosts Alto Adjustment Screening (VIDEO)

by: April D. Byrd

It was very exciting to be able to host the Alto Adjustment Screening at Back-2-School Park Jam presented by From Nothing To Something Productions. I must admit I was a nervous being an event facilitator for the first time. I don't think it when unnoticed as I wanted it to, but we live and we learn... (Then hopefully we grow). 

I'm glad I was able to gain the experience, as BOLD Journal begins to host and sponsor a lot more events in the future. As Brene Brown would say, we've stepped "into the arena".  And Grateful to have been invited for such a worthy cause. "The Alto Adjustment" follows the powerful story of Dainhen Butler, who in misguided youth, ends up in one of the most violent prison facilities in the country, but through the power of education, mentorship, prayer, and positivity has become a multifaceted entrepreneur and resource within the community.

A talented Author, Danhein penned the book: Shawty, and has continued to be a voice of consciousness and overcoming. The Alto Adjustment Documentary was Created by From Nothing To Something Productions Founder Altuawn Nelson. 

If you are a part of youth outreach, school, or organization interested in hosting a screening of the film, contact From Nothing To Something Productions at : fntwos@gmail.com

Very Special thanks to Carla Marcelle and Alexander "King" Nelson for helping to take photos, Boys 2 Men Home and Sanctuary For Youth for hosting the event and Everyone in attendance for the support and great commentary. There was a lot of positive feedback! You can check out our coverage in the video below and Subscribe to BOLD-Impact on YouTube for the latest updates, opportunities, and events.

No Time Wasted

by: Coach Carla  

Too Often, when we don't adhere to the Spirit of God, we find ourselves off track. We find ourselves in the mist of trouble, indulging in what we know is no good for us, and entangling ourselves deep into our fleshly desires. The more we ignore God, the less we hear his voice. The more we disregard God, the stronger the enemy's tricks and schemes become. Before we know it, we find ourselves caught up, and feeling stuck in emotional despair with physical and mental drain.

   When we are broken, torn from the inside out, it can seem there is no hope. When our pain and suffering seems that it will last forever, and situations will never get better, we more times than not, begin to become discouraged. Coming from this place of brokenness can be an excruciating task, but it is that pain and hurt that will draw you closer. The pain and the hurt will build your faith deeper. If you have been here before, you know it was only God, in his faithfulness that brought you through it. It was God who restored you, and built you, from the ground, back up. And if you are here right now, know it was God who said, 

"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made  perfect weakness". (2 Corinthians 12:9, NIV).

 So that is your hope, a perfect hope, with no flaws, and no imperfections. Christ who gives you rest in your period of despair, gives you the strength you need to overcome any situation, any obstacle, and will lead you to be victorious. The living God, in his faithfulness who is dedicated to you said, 

"Be confident in this, He who started a good work in you, will carry it on to completion until the day if Christ Jesus" (Philippines 1:6, NIV).

   This is the kind of love given by the Creator, perfect and pure, just and true. So it does not matter what you have done, or where you have gone, or how long you were there. Once you allow God to take control, He will take control. He will not stop your work until your work is complete. 

   All the days, months, and years you feel you wasted in your own foolish capacity, will be restored. God, in His supernatural strength has the power to expedite your time. Your process to get you to where Christ needs you, is not in vain. The struggles and the pain you face, is all apart of the plan. The time it takes you to move out of your storm is all worked into your destiny. 



All the time you feel that you wasted, or the time it took for you to move forward, will be given back to you 10 fold. [Joel 2:25, NIV] declares,

"I will restore to you the years the swarming locust has eaten". 

   Today, The locust can be equated to your hardship, your pain, your trouble, and your heartbreak that has consumed your time. These adversities you faced, can and will be used for greater. Joel 2:26, NIV goes on to declare, 

"You will have plenty to eat until you are full, and will praise the name of the LORD your God, who has worked wonders for you, never again will my people be shamed".

   God will bless you. When Christ speaks of being full, he speaks of your provision he provides. You will be full of life, full of vision, and filled with purpose. Your life will be brand new, and his grace will be evident in your world. 

   God in his perfectness awaits you to be what he has called you to be, through him; and the best part about it. . . It Is Already Done. Don't let the enemy deceive you to believe any less than what God has already declared over your life. 

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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. Wake-up Wednesday will feature a weekly prayer line and devotional. Follow @BOLDJournal on Twitter and Instagram for the latest updates.

The Time Is NOW!

By: Carla Marcelle

When I took out my Daily Walk Bible, and read a passage I was so amazed to see what the word was. It spoke directly to me. It spoke about how Esther saw a need in Persia, and prayed and formed a plan to tackle the problem. She did not wait. God put a vision in her heart, and she executed the plan.

I, myself, have been given a vision by God, and now is the time to see it through. I need not hesitate, procrastinate, or wait. After I read that, I randomly flipped to Jeremiah chapter 1, and began to read. It was about God giving Jeremiah an assignment to go out and prophesies to the nations.

| Jeremiah 1:5 (NIV), Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.Jeremiah was only 13 years old, and he told God he was just a kid. This was God’s response to Jeremiah.

 | Jeremiah 1:7 (NIV),
Don’t say “I am only a child’, you must go to everyone I send you to, and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord..

| Jeremiah 1:10 (NIV),
…See, today I appoint you over the nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant”

 | Jeremiah 1:12 (NIV),

…I am watching to see my word is fulfilled.

Wow, this is so profound because, it inspired my faith on a new level. If God gives an assignment, and declares I must go now, I MUST GO NOW! He knew me before I was crated, and implanted in me the skills, talent, tools I need to get the job done.

Then as I  continued reading, I come across this,

 | Jeremiah 1:17 (NIV),
….Do not be terrified by them, or I will terrify you before them.

This told me that I must operate in a spirit of faith, and be bold. I must, must not tower because I am on an assignment. I look forward to seeing what this season brings about in my life. I know it is a season of faith, so with that I am moving forward to victory. My heart is anxious, and soul is ready. What an awesome feeling when you know God is on your side. If He is for you, who can be against you.

I intend to stay focused, and motivated. Just as Esther did, I must pray and fast to truly seek the Lords guidance. I am so encouraged to know it is not I who operates, but it is the God in me.

Be BOLD! Let's take action to fulfill God's purpose for our lives.

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Carla Marcelle is a Life Coach and Contributor to Breath Of Life Daily Online Journal. Follow more original, inspirational updates from the BOLD team on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @BOLDJournal.

I Quit

By Carla Marcelle

The infamous “I quit”, is a scary set of words when you know you have no sure fire backup plan to run to. I know all to well the negative connotation that others will begin to formulate on your behalf when they notice you have given up stability. Your stability, your 9 to 5, your 4 to 12, or in my case my 11:30 pm to 7 am, was how I provided for my family and maintained my lifestyle. That so called stability I sought, came at a heavy cost. I was always stressed out, and I didn’t have time to watch my little girl grow up. I lived an hour away from my job, and because of the time I got off in the morning it would take me almost 3 hours to get home due to rush hour traffic. It was crazy, because I would try so hard not to fall asleep behind the wheel, but I could often feel my brain shutting down on me, as my eyes would close. All these things were underlying reasons for wanting to quit my job, but the most pervasive reason was I was not satisfied.

I was not effective in the role I was playing in my work. Being in social services, I was not reaching those that needed me, and I was simply there to get a check, a check that was not sufficient enough to adequately make my ends meet. On my way to work, I would think, “Why am I going there”. At work I would think, “I hate this place”, on my way home I would have been so happy through my two hour commute if I didn’t have to focus on staying awake. 

When I got home I would sleep my day away, wake up at about 6 pm, cook dinner, go to work, come back home, and the cycle started all over again. I couldn't take it anymore. I knew this could not be the life I was destined to have. I knew whatever my purpose for being on this earth; this job did not fulfill it. I could not take care of my body the way I needed to, and I hated my life. This job, my stability, my income source, was ruining me daily. One day while at work, My supervisor called me into his office, and asked me “what is going on?” He said to me,  “My job was not being done effectively, and I may need to take some time off.” I stopped listening. Five minutes into the conversation, I began to cry, “I can’t do this anymore”. I handed him my keys, and went to my unit, packed up my belongings and proceeded to my car. On my way out, a coworker stopped me, and said you will make it, keep your head up.

As I began driving, I did not know what I was going to do, how I was going to provide for my child, or keep a roof over our head. But what I do know is that, I have purpose. I have destiny, and if I trust the creator, and not the things he created, I would make it. I knew I was victorious, and no weapon formed against me would prosper. I stepped out on a leap of faith. God's word reads:

Come to me, you who are tired and worried, and I will give you rest. Take up my work, and learn from me, for I am gentle and kind, and you will discover an abiding peace in your soul. My requirements are easy and the load you carry will be light. Matthew11:28-30, (TLB)

So as I cling to Gods word, and as I submit my self to him, that abiding peace fills my soul. I discover my true purpose, what makes me happy, the tools that are naturally imparted within me to accomplish the specific task I was put here to achieve.

Why should you spend your money for that which is not bread, or work for that which does not satisfy”. -Isaiah 55:2,

What does bread represent? Bread is your provision, your blessing, sustainability, and the bridge of cooperation between your work in the field, and the blessings bestowed to you from God.  Why should you work for that which does not satisfy? God said His requirements are easy, and your labor will be light. So in reality it only makes sense to do what your passion is. You will only have your peace doing what God has designed you to do. In completing your calling, you will be satisfied.

I have discovered great gifts I have for writing, helping people discover purpose, giving inspiration, and I have never been more satisfied. All my needs are met and I have been greatly blessed. I am able to spend time with my daughter and watch her grow. So yes, I quit my job, and gained life more abundantly, and realized I quit on Purpose. So the question is, are you satisfied?

Carla Marcelle is a Life Coach, Writer, and Contributor to BOLDJournal.