5 Best Travel Tips For A Tight Budget

Travel is very important because it expands your horizons. It helps us think outside the box and go beyond the familiar. Even if you just travel somewhere in the city making time to be active is inspirational. Although, sometimes travel can get expensive if not done with care. Here are some top tips to help you travel more if you're on a tight budget:

Fly on Off-Peak Days

Pricing in the airline industry has become increasingly volatile, meaning fares can drop or sky-rocket at any given time. However, generally speaking, when the demand softens, airfares tend to drop. If you must travel on a Monday, Friday or Sunday, you'll find higher fares since these days tend to be popular for business and leisure travel. That means airfare tends to drop—sometimes by 50 percent or more—on Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday. If your itinerary allows you to be flexible, search for flights on off-peak days

Travel to Destinations That Recently Hosted Big Events

Some of the best travel savings are based on the destination. Travelers should look at destinations that recently hosted big events, such as the Olympic Games, as hotel inventory will be readily available. For example, the 2008 Summer Olympic Games didn't necessarily translate into the big tourism boom China anticipated. As a result, hotels are slashing rates on their increased inventory, resulting in deals for luxury properties and vacation packages that showcase the best of the country.

Stay at Hotels in Business Districts for Lower Weekend Rates

In many cities, business travel drives hotel prices on certain days of the week. In New York City's Financial District, hotel occupancy and rates are high from Monday through Thursday nights. But once the business travelers leave, hotels in the Financial District have increased availability, making a Friday through Sunday getaway much more affordable. This same trend applies to the cities coast-to-coast. 

Read more: http://www.oprah.com/world/travelzoos-top-5-tips-for-finding-a-travel-deal#ixzz5ipRu2mEQ

Do you have good budget travel advice? Share in the comments section below. Connect with us @BOLDJournal online for the latest updates.

Gospel Artist Jonathan McReynolds Earns Two GRAMMY® Nominations

Jonathan McReynolds, Billboard #1 album “Make Room” has received two grammy nominations for Best Gospel Album and Best Gospel Song/Performance. The 2018 GRAMMY ® Award nominations were announced Friday. The 61st Annual GRAMMY ® Awards will air live on CBS Sunday, Feb. 10, 2019.

McReynolds is recognized in GRAMMY® category 36, Best Gospel Performance/Song, for his single “Cycles.” Additionally, he picked up a second nomination in category 38, Best Gospel Album, for his third LP, “Make Room.”

Dove Award-winning, GRAMMY® and Stellar award-nominated gospel artist Jonathan McReynolds’ current album “Make Room” debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Current Gospel Albums Chart and #2 on Top Christian/Gospel Albums. It broke into the mainstream charts at #27 on Top Current Albums and #97 on the Hot 200. The live LP is his third full album and the fourth overall release for the 28-year-old musician.  McReynolds also holds a Master’s in Theology from Moody Theological Seminary and is an adjunct member of the Columbia College faculty. The album “Make Room” was previously nominated for a GMA Dove Award earlier this year. “Make Room’s” lead single “Not Lucky, I’m Loved,” reached #1 on the current Billboard Gospel Radio Airplay chart earlier this year.

As a brand new author, McReynolds’ first book, “Make Room: Finding Where Faith Fits,” draws on testimonies in scripture and from personal experiences to invite readers to make room for God in every area of life. McReynolds emphasizes that readers make room for God in public and private, mentally and spiritually in order to experience the fullness that can come only through an authentic relationship with God. “Make Room: Finding Where Faith Fits” is available now on Amazon.com.

Check out more Motivational Music on BOLDJournal Motivation Music Playlist https://spoti.fi/2AOV2hW

ART HEART ATL Valentine’s Day Art Giveaway

by: Art Heart ATL

It's February!! You all know what that means...we're approaching the national day of Love and what better expression of true passion is there than art?! 

This month Breath Of Life Daily presents ArtHeartATL.com Valentine’s Day Giveaway!! sponsored by James & James, LLC. ArtHeartATL.com is a fresh, innovative platform, where art, music, and fashion thrive. Art Heart features some of the best graffiti art and most unique prints around.

You can enter into the drawing for your chance to win fine art from ArtHeartATL.com! 

To win, sign up for an ArtHeartATL.com account and leave reviews under all the images you "love". BreathOfLifeDaily.com will announce the winner on Valentine’s Day.

• To win Sign up at ArtHeartATL.com. Tour the gallery and leave a review. That's it!!

There are plenty of prints to choose from. Check out Art Heart's full  Gallery at ArtHeartATL.com and the team's latest trips in ATL and abroad on the media page at Art Heart ATL TV.

The winner will win 1 - 8x10 photo print in a mat and framed.

You can like Art Heart ATL on Facebook and visit the Sponsor’s website at JamesAndJamesLLC.com

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!!

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.

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.

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 

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.

Winning Against All Odds

I took myself out to dinner Last nite, and posting pics of food in remembrance like I usually do. I started to feel like it was pointless... Eventually I started to think deeper. "Why enjoy the beauty of life and empowerment so much, if one day you’re eventually just gonna lose it?"  Life is a gift. Sometimes the energy it takes to appreciate it is rough, but winning is simply not giving up! No matter what you go through. Great activists like Martin Luther King Jr, and Jesus of Nazareth gave their lives in devotion to their mission. They had the audacity to stand up and be vocal about their truths and the need for change while they were  in environments that weren't conducive to it.

In today's society it's almost like America has went backward concerning good morals and values.You might be a loser, if you're not having sex before marriage. It's inhumane to question sexual preference, because its considered a civil issue. Foolishness and mockery is ok, in the name of entertainment, and being selfish, inconsiderate and unruly is like the new cool.

So who now takes the stand to be Christ-like and walk in love? Who will still stand courageously for justice and peace no matter the odds against them? Who strives to maintain good character in Every environment? Empowered people and those who enjoy the beauty of life, that's who! People who aren't fulfilled by material things or recreational drinking/substances, but are empowered by faith and their God given purpose.

So even though Christ and Dr. King gave their lives, their legacy lives on. They are among the most honored and celebrated names in the world. Basically, they made their lives count. 

Along with life being a gift in itself. God gifts us talents and expects them to go into use. If we have the ability, not living for our passion and honoring our talents will only make life for us irrelevant, then eventually more depressing. As the Author Marianne Williamson said: Who are you not to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? A person who is simply wasting their time and gift, that's who!

Life is a gift! It appreciates in value with wisdom and faith. Always keep moving forward!

-April D. Byrd is a Writer, Creator and Founder of Breath Of Life Daily. The magazine can be found on Instagram and Twitter @BOLDJournal.

For Colored Girls, Miley Cyrus, and The Rest Of Us

Your Destiny Will Compensate You For Your Pain. ~ Max Lucado [Tweet This]

Life is a journey, not a destination, so of course we’re all subject to a wrong turn…or two, or at least however many it takes us to get on the right track. “Child star gone wrong” seems to be a new Disney theme song for most of the kids from the Hollywood hood. Some of them cleaned up their act, but stars like Amanda Bynes, Demi Levato, and Lindsey Lohan were all beating down a familiar path of adolescent madness, and making headlines for being a hot mess. Miley Cyrus is taking good care not to be an exception.

She’s the latest trending topic online for being considered a train wreck in action. She’s built a new league of haters and speculators all onboard for the ride, it seems like everybody hates on Miley now. Yes, her two little teddy bear ears at the VMA’s just made her look like the devil, but maybe she’s not. We can only hope it’s just a phase. She is just 20 years old after all…but then again most 20-year-olds don’t carry around teddy bears.

Bear-y, bear-y strange behavior!

Is Miley acting out because of a “lost childhood”? Was the weight of juggling two lives really too much for Hannah Miley? If that’s the case then forget the haters, that balancing act was quite entertaining! She’s put in her work; she knows the struggle is real. Let the girl turn up, be ratchet, and “twerk” out her issues with the homies. Miley knows how to put on a show and all the media is buzzing, but what about the real “hood” girls whose stories go unsung, struggling to make the rent, on food stamps, and just surviving, with no “Mr. Deeds” to help them out and no President Fitz to bail them out.

Yes, she probably has issues, but until Miley gets a “Kink in her hair” the struggle of balancing fame and normality is weak in comparison to the depth of most black girl problems. However, no one can ever really ever know the pain that Miley or anyone else goes through. Tragedy is not limited to colored girls who have considered suicide. Everybody has issues. We all have our own journey and a personal “climb” we must endure. Our journey teaches us the lessons we’re meant to grow from.

Continue Reading on Regal Realness.

Antoinette Tuff Showed Faith In Action

Throughout the media Antoinette Tuff is "hailed as a Hero", because she is, and her courage is full of inspiration. Her heroism is one of the greatest examples of faith we've seen shared in popular media in a long time.

There was no groveling for mercy. No whining that her life be spared. Even though an armed gunman had invaded an elementary school, struck terror into the hearts of children and fired shots in the direction of police officers, she assured him that everything will be alright. She explained that the incident didn't have to end in death, that she loved him and that she too has struggled in life and had considered suicide.

What is more amazing, Antoinette exhibits the courage to lobby on his behalf to the police, taking up his cause as her own, even to the point of walking outside with him. She was poised enough to humanize the situation by giving details about her own family - her disabled son and her husband who recently left her after 33 years of marriage. As she shares her story, the gunman is moved to contact his own family and to talk with them amid this crisis.

Antoinette’s disarmingly kind words reshape the entire situation. This was no longer a terrorist threat against innocent civilians, but a broken man speaking with a broken woman about common hurts and pains. Michael Hill puts down his gun, lays face down on the ground, hands behind his head. The police are able to move in quickly and peacefully apprehend him. No one is harmed.

Her witness is sorely needed as many other educational institutions send the exact opposite message.

We learn what was going through Antoinette’s mind from an interview with ABC’s Diane Sawyer. When asked where she got the courage, she boldly professed, “I was sitting there just praying.” But these weren't last-ditch, “Hail Mary” efforts. Her prayers were informed by regular teaching she had received from her pastor at church. “It is bigger than me,” she proclaimed. “He is a hurting young man.” “I’m not the hero,” she clarified, “I give it all to God.” Though absolutely terrified and truly suspecting that Michael would take her life along with his, God helped Antoinette keep it together, in her words, “through His grace and mercy.”

I've taught lessons about all humans being made in God’s image and how God causes the sun to shine on the good and the evil alike. I've delivered lectures about the power of love and the deceptive security of violent retaliation. I've ranted about gun control and decried shallow answers to “What would you do?” scenarios, which proceed as if God does not act in history on behalf of His people and beckon humans to rely on their own strength and marksmanship.

But all those speeches seem hollow now. This woman’s testimony is so simple yet eloquent, so effortlessly intuitive yet genuinely heroic, an example of Romans 12:21 in action. Her witness is sorely needed as many other educational institutions send the exact opposite message. 

Antoinette Tuff's faith should continually be heralded. It's what being BOLD is all about.

#BOLDJournal

a version of this post originally posted by John C. Nugent. Read more on ThinkChristian.

Go For Your Dreams

In other words..."Keep Calm and March On!!"

As the nation celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the "I Have A Dream Speech". I sat reminiscing on all Dr. King has accomplished, not as a Doctor or a Writer, but as a man of God, it brought a spirit of worship and  reverence for God's power to my heart. The speech is iconic, even legendary. My mind is filled with awe, splendor and excellence as the nation looks back on the words that made a difference. There is no doubt that it was the Reverend's and former president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference's faith that made a major and outstanding impact in the world. Dr. King was a  cultured and college educated man, but he understood the difference between a hunger for facts and the need for the fear of God. “Science investigates; religion interprets. Science gives man knowledge, which is power; religion gives man wisdom, which is control. Science deals mainly with facts; religion deals mainly with values. The two are not rivals.” 

However, I don't think it was  Dr. King's intellect or science savvy that caused him to see the light at the end of the tunnel. He had a dream, a vision, a revelation from God. When he say's he went to the mountain top... he wasn't kidding! Worship and meditation have a tendency to lift our spirits to their highest altitude and give us a "peak" into greatness. Don't let your nightmares get in the way of your dreams. Whatever you think is holding you back has no power at all, because all the power is in your God given purpose. “If you can't figure out your purpose, figure out your passion. For your passion will lead you right into your purpose.”* 

Phenomenal, Positive Hope leads to "Change".

There is a plan and vision for your life and you will never realize it until you seek God for a mountain top experience of your own. For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.-(Jeremiah 29:11) Dr. King had a "King's Faith", he proudly identified with being a royal child of the most high king. Scripture reads that: "It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, But the glory of kings is to search it out."*

When we look for and get the vision that God has for us, we can create greatness on purpose. Life abounds in the way of God. Boldness, vigor, and excitement comes from the courage to be passionate and act on faith. Dr. King said: “A man who won't die for something is not fit to live.” We can never live our best lives if we never know what our passion is. The difference between where you are and where you want to be is faith. Keep Calm and Carry on! Develop a "kingly" faith and go for your dreams.

*References:

Jeremiah 29:11

1 Peter 2:9

Proverbs 25:2

*Quote: T.D. Jakes

-April D. Byrd


Follow BOLDJournal on twitter: @BOLDJournal.

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

Motivation: You Can Start Living The Dream

Moving forward requires three things: preparation, dedication and revelation. To succeed, you must depend upon God for direction daily. - Thomas Dexter Jakes

God created us and gave us dreams, goals, and aspirations. So who's dream are you living? It's easy to get caught up in the lifestyles of the rich and famous, although it looks nice its not always the ideal. 

Its not the best fit for everybody. The only way to know whats right for us personally is to acknowledge and connect with the creator. If you're not motivated to get up and pray and communicate with God routinely, chances are you won't be motivated for much else.

Prayer is the best thing to do regularly, it also builds a habit of consistency in other areas. The things that drive us, what we go after, and why we go after them will affect what we produce as well as the outcome we receive. Our motives directly affect what we produce. If were pursuing money just for the sake of having money, or a house just for the sake of having a house, then that's all we'll produce.  When we intentionally seek God first and go about our day in good spirit we reap all that comes with it. This notion has been personally tested and approved. I have realized how literally nothing goes right if I don't put God first, but the day goes superb when I do. 

Also, Scripture reads: ...seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. "All these things" include abundance on the greatest level and that is truly what "living the dream" is. God's dream for us is better than any dream we could ever imagine by ourselves, and when we stand behind that vision it becomes the motivating force that empowers our dreams and keeps us pushing through reality to achieve them. It is faith that makes the "in the meantime" moments so amazingly powerful. scripture reads: "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly."

If that includes money then so be it, but it also includes emotional intelligence, peace, and a personal G.P.S for your soul. It's putting God first that helps us stay motivated. The dream is not the glamorized, commercialized idea pop culture has in mind. It's a vision by the master of creation and the creator of everything good. There is no road map for life, but there is a guide to everything you've ever wanted or could ever dream. God's word is the fresh content daily. 

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 



-April D. Byrd

*Matthew 6:33
  John 10:10
  Jeremiah 29:11