#GivingTuesdayNow A Global Day Of Generosity

Tuesday May 5,  2020 is the official day to spread kindness toward vulnerable families struggling through COVID-19. You can find information about Giving Tuesday Now under the hashtags: #StrongerTogether #FeedtheChildren #GivingTuesdayNow

Giving Tuesday, a popular day of giving that usually follows the Thanksgiving holiday is presenting #GivingTuesdayNow an opportunity for everyone around the world to stand stronger together and unite to fight food insecurity and share hope. 

Join in the global day of generosity and unity!  People are coming together and giving back in response to the unprecedented need caused by COVID-19. Join us as we share hope, food, and essentials to food-insecure families struggling today.

At a time when we are all experiencing the pandemic, generosity is what brings people everywhere together. Generosity gives everyone the power to make a positive change in the lives of others and is a value anyone can act on. 

How are you sharing kindness today?
Visit the official website: https://now.givingtuesday.org/ to learn more.

Tyler Perry Paid For Seniors’ Groceries At More Than 70 Different Stores

The Actor, Writer and Director purchased goods for elderly shoppers at 44 Kroger stores in Atlanta and 29 Winn-Dixie stores in Louisiana.

Tyler Perry just made the lives of a lot of people in Georgia and Louisiana easier during the coronavirus pandemic.

The 50-year-old movie mogul purchased the groceries for certain shoppers at 44 Kroger stores in Atlanta and 29 Winn-Dixie stores in Louisiana. Perry’s generosity covered the hauls of elderly people shopping during the hour reserved for them amid the global health crisis.

Perry currently lives in Atlanta and grew up in New Orleans. The receipts for those whose groceries were paid for were reportedly signed “Atlanta Angel.”

Elderly and immunocompromised people are at high risk for serious complications from the coronavirus, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, so many grocery stores have announced in the last few weeks that they’d be blocking off the first hour or two of the business day for people 60 and older to shop.

Felix Turner, manager of corporate affairs for Kroger’s Atlanta division, said in a statement to HuffPost: “We would like to join our customers in thanking Mr. Perry for his kindness and generosity during this unprecedented pandemic. It was truly a pleasure to see our customers fill with joy and gratitude as the news spread throughout 44 stores across Metro Atlanta.”

Winn-Dixie tweeted a statement on Wednesday thanking Perry for “paying it forward by purchasing groceries for elderly and high-risk [Winn-Dixie] customers shopping at Louisiana stores this morning.”

“Winn-Dixie applauds your love for community and sincere generosity,” the company said.

Perry did not comment on the grocery store purchases.

The filmmaker has been busy spreading generosity throughout the pandemic. Earlier this week, he gave a $500 tip for every single out-of-work server at Houston’s restaurant in Atlanta. In total, he doled out $21,000 to the workers.

source: Jenna Amatulli huffpost.com

Bible App Announces Command Availability with Alexa and Google Devices

YouVersion Bible App recently issued an email that the app works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. The e-mail aimed toward people with busy schedules mentions various scenarios in which spending time studying scripture might not be the most convenient. 

YouVersion continuously updates the app to make studying GOD's word easier and more accessible than ever. The app also recently introduced it's Bible Lens app and partnered with The Bible Project to help users have the best experience reading and studying the Bible.

Have you partnered your YouVersion account with Alexa or Google Assistant yet? How is your experience so far? Let us know online @BOLDJournal via Instagram or Twitter, or simply leave a comment in the comments section below.


Make sure to follow @BOLDJournal online for the latest inspirational updates.

This Is Your Time!

By Ruthann Mckenzie

I love the story of Esther in the Bible. There is so much to be gained from this book of the Bible.  My favorite verse comes from Esther 4:14.  The part that stands out to me the most is, “And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”

The phrase “for such a time as this” could be applied differently for each individual.  God wants to use you and the time of your calling may be different than the person next to you.  You may look at yourself as inadequate to be used by God.  You may feel like your past situations have disqualified you from God using you. However, when the time comes, when we are thrust into greatness like Esther, we can take courage that God can use us where we are.  We do not have to be higher educated, better dressed, or more qualified. When God wants to use you, He will use you so that all glory will be given to Him.

Esther, like so many of us, had her own baggage that she felt disqualified her to become queen.  She was an orphan, she was captive in a foreign country, she did not know if the king would actually choose her to be queen, and I doubt she truly wanted to be queen. Despite her circumstances, God still wanted to use Esther. But why? He could have picked anyone more willing, anyone more qualified, He could have chosen anyone else.  However, would it have made the same impact? The gifts and purpose God placed on Esther’s life was designed for that moment, which would impact the future. Trust that God created each of us with our different gifts and  purpose to be used to impact the future.

Esther’s natural response when being told by Mordecai that God placed her in the palace for such a time as this was to make excuses out of fear. It is natural to have that response and God knows this, but Esther surrendered her will to the Lord’s to be used. The fact that Esther surrendered and put her confidence in God that His will be done instead of her own is the best part of this story.  She was thrown into the situation, but she did not let that stop her from being used.

Perhaps you are here for such a time as this and you too have been thrown into a situation, whatever it may be.  That does not mean you cannot be used by the Lord. God wants to use you…yes, YOU!  Surrender fully to His will.  Allow His love to flood your life and you will see that through our weakness His strength can be made perfect. Be used by God, for this is the time.

Nothing You Go Through Or Have Experienced Is In Vain.

By: April D. Byrd

Very early this morning someone decided to message Breath Of Life Daily's Facebook page to say Jesus was not the truth... as normal and probably expected I threw my scriptures out there and said no thanks to whatever God the person was trying to offer. The person was nice enough in the end to stop taunting the page after no further response.

However, after the fact my spirit was uneasy. "Why do people have to make a big deal about it?" "Why is it something that needs to be debated over or disowned"? There is of course research that needs to be done to stand firmly in our faith. I do agree there. Anyway, I sat for a while in my car uninspired for my Wednesday run, in a bit of anger and contempt for the Jesus debate. I got out of the car and went running anyway.

not before I posted to the Facebook page:

The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because He has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free,
-Luke 4:18

I believe powerfully in spreading good news and message of love. This is the spirit I think on when I think of Jesus, I think of him as the embodiment of purpose, definitively, and for everyone. To be so strongly committed to a cause, that you're willing to give it all!


At times we're saved, we get inspiration and revelation from God, but there is opposition in the world. Life is a daily activity and suicide is an issue. A spirit of depression, being beat down, feeling devalued and useless does not have to consume lives.

When we're  "Saved"... and that's through Jesus, we know it and we feel it... the story doesn't end and in one shot we're happy, Life is a daily struggle. Daily inspiration is needed. I was wondering why. why do we have to suffer for following Jesus? why do we have to be persecuted because of him? before I got out of the car. 

But as I was running I looked over and I saw a glimpse of a rainbow in the Lake's fountain God has a promise, a covenant with us and all the earth...( that means He's our Bestie!), I looked over there were two trees intertwined as if they were hugging, "I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." We are a body in Christ. then I looked up and saw birds flying freely in the air over my head. and heard "look at my creation." We shouldn't be worried for anything, but relaxed and at peace to just live. God's got us. Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?

Overall I realized that It's not about focusing on who's against us, but the support we have behind us. that's where the life comes from. Go Forward keep running. As you do let your eyes be stayed on God's glory. God's goodness. the pure love offered through Jesus Christ. Keep running! Keep focused on God!

I believe these occurrences happen for a reason. Nothing we go through or experience is in vain. 

How To Recognize Your Good Opportunities

By: Ruthann Mckenzie

Sometimes we are born into a great opportunity and other times we must work our way towards opportunity. Either way, we all have equal chances towards any given opportunity that comes our way. It is up to us to accept an opportunity or reject it.

After reading a great book, Think and Grow Rich, there was a story illustrated about a worker, Edwin Barnes, who had a dream to work with Thomas Edison. Barnes did not know how he would work with Edison, he was not within the same social group as him and did not know him personally. Nonetheless, Barnes was relentless in chasing his dream, passion, and purpose. For the sake of time, in summary, after much work and dedication in pursuit of his dream, Barnes was given the opportunity to become business partners with Edison. His very dream was coming true because he took the chance and grasped an opportunity. The opportunity he took was actually disguised in rejection. The invention that Edison wanted to sell all his other business partners rejected, but because Barnes was so adamant and did not see it as a rejection but opportunity, he is now known as one of Edison's greatest business partners.

Opportunities may not always be wrapped up pretty with a bow. Most times they are born in adversity, they are taken by those who dare to dream bigger than their situation, such as Edwin Barnes who wanted to be business partners with Edison. To make this personal, I think of this for my own life and how opportunities can spread. I am a first born Jamaican American because one aunt thought to come over to the United States from the island.  She worked diligently to make that opportunity a reality for herself. Then she afforded that opportunity to my father who helped my mother who in return helped a multitude of us gain an opportunity we may have never had before. It all started with one person, one thought, one courageous dream, and one leap toward an opportunity. I'm sure my aunt had no clue how it would all work out. I'm sure she was fearful of failure, but it never stopped her. For that I am grateful for her one choice.

Praise Break!!!

There are a variety of ways opportunities can present themselves to us. Not all of us must be born into great opportunities handed to us, but that is no excuse to not go out and make opportunities happen. Opportunities can be any of the following:

• Taken by chance. To take the chance to move from the only home you may ever know to have something you have always dreamed of is a major chance. If that dream is big enough and your excuses are nonexistent, then weigh the advantages and disadvantages. Opportunities are usually once in a lifetime, so take chances while you can.

• Some opportunities are born through adversity and rejection. If you are always looking for something good as an open door for opportunity, then you may be missing some big chances to take in life. The opportunity of a lifetime may be presented in disappointment. However, you must always keep your eyes on your prize and remain encouraged in order to see past the rejection to get to the opportunity.

• Then there are some opportunities that are standing at your doorstep. Do not always look so hard for things to be broken to miss the clear and easy opportunity in your face. Seize the moment confidently when it presents itself.

• Opportunities should never compromise your core values. Never. If it does, then carefully evaluate what it is your dream is and consider that there will be more chances to achieve the success you desire.

• Lastly, and possibly most important, opportunity is usually on the other side of fear.  You usually have to step out of your comfort zone in some way in order to pursue the opportunity.  Your dreams depend on opportunities, so how well can you overcome your fears? Your opportunity you take today may not only change your future, but the future of those around you. That small decision may ripple into something large and lasting worth a legacy.

Opportunities are great chances that are waiting only if we accept it. You can always take an opportunity, but once it is missed they do not come back. Be wise with the opportunity you may let slip you by. Had Barnes let go of his thought and dreams to work with Edison he would not have known what would come about that rare chance. Had my aunt missed the chance to come over to the US, perhaps it wouldn't come up again and that would in return affect each of us who are now here as a result of her thought, dream and opportunity.

Do not miss out on your opportunity and do not shrink back your dream. Go out today and confidently make the most of each day and opportunity!
----



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 

New Year, New You #VOWchat (Recap)

Thanks to Everyone who participated in the Twitter Chat and Conference Call presented by Voice Of Wisdom Transformational Coaching Founder, Pastor and Coach Jennifer Turner, hosted by breathoflifedaily.com  It was the first of it's kind and the last one for this year.

Coach Jennifer took the message from (1 Samuel 30: 1-8) clarifying the characteristics of David. She reminded of us his cunning bravery and the belief he held that gave him the ultimate advantage.
Thank you to her for sharing an empowering and uplifting word!

Looking forward to Engaging with Everyone more.

Check Out The #VOWchat  recap on Twitter below:

Gifts That Make Room For Us

By April D. Byrd

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Ayvani Perez Found Safe

County police Chief Greg Porter has confirmed with Channel 2 Action News that Ayvani Perez has been found alive.

Porter said Ayvani was found in Conyers and is in good condition, but is being evaluated. She has been reunited with her family.

Wildrego Jackson, 29, has been arrested and Juan Alberto Rodriguez, 40, have been arrested but investigators said they believe the two men pictured in the sketches released Tuesday remain at large. Police have not determined any relationship between Ayvani and the men involved in her abduction.

Porter said the suspects were captured "through hard core police work."

“I want to thank the community as a whole for supporting the Clayton County Police Department and all the collaborations between the agencies,” Porter said.

A Levi's Call alert was posted for Ayvani, 14, who authorities said was abducted from her family's Ellenwood home Tuesday about 2 a.m. 

via WSBTV

The Truth Without Photoshop

Poetry by Janette...ikz

Another writer posted a question "who was my favorite poet?" Maya Angelou was the first to come to mind, but as I thought about it more another name popped up: Janette...ikz. I saw a powerful video by her on YouTube  some years back. 

I checked out the video again just to reminisce. I  wasn't intending on listening to the whole thing , but it was so attention grabbing it's kind of impossible not to.



The truth without Photoshop is much more than a poem, it's a ministry. A girl tells her story, and its power  packed with action! From sadness to salvation. In your face rhetoric that's undeniable.

Hope to see a lot more from this poet!! by the end of the video I was screaming with delight and at points I was in tears. Awesome Content! Very Inspirational! Way to Go Janette...Ikz!! continue to be an uplifting Witness!!



-April D. Byrd

Live Your Best Life

Living Your best life, and realizing the highest vision of yourself is simple: Meditate, trust God, and go for your dreams!

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. - 2 Corinthians 3:17

For more posts and inspirational updates visit Breath Of Life Daily (#BOLDJournal)  on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter and Instagram.

Motivation: Your Power To Win Is Within

The blessing doesn't come from what you get out of life, 
but from what you put into it.” -April D. Byrd 

The DRIVE comes from inside...

We have the gift of life! Life is the ability to move, to do, make choices, make decisions, so on and etc. It encompasses everything we make it to be, because we have the power to make it so. Empowerment is action based. Truly every choice that we make and action we take can either bless us or break us down. When we have wisdom and enlightenment in our lives, we make better choices than if we didn't have them at all. Here are a few simple, yet powerful ways to take over the world:


Study:
Read the bible and other positively empowering or faith-based content. Show yourself approved, verified, certified. Stay Motivated! Wisdom makes you a more valuable human being. Knowledge is power and an asset to the whole world. “Because of your wisdom, because of your knowledge, because of your life giving word, you can help somebody out of the pain and anguish that they experience! You can also continually help yourself. Study is a reminder for the brain. Words are powerful don’t take studying and knowing the Lord for granted. Utilize the power!

Pray: 
Communication is key. Your life is based on your own perception of it, if you have a wrong perception of it can be miserable, if you have a God perception of it it will be exhilarating... to say the least. Prayer provides a confidante. It helps to give dominion and authority in decision making. It's also a practice of focus and it makes us more in touch with our good spirit daily.

Conquer: 
Self-discipline is vital for success. Harness the power of focus. It can be gained through prayer and meditation. Fasting also helps. Our conquering is in our concentration. its so easy to get distracted in all the business of the world . All the different types of media can be a big distraction. People can be as well. Do not let other peoples emotions affect your emotions, primarily ones of negativity or hostility. If someone else's bad mood sways your own it shows they control you, it projects your own lack of vision and good perception. Scripture reads if the blind lead the blind both will fall in the ditch(1), or otherwise grave. Where there is no vision the people perish(2). Hate kills. Your life is your liberty. Experience it as a gift.

(click) Matthew 25: 14-30

Seek good counsel and get the joy and peace you need for your soul. “Everything you want in life, you have the power to go get.”

but remember it's important what you get! Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all your getting get understanding. -Proverbs 4:7


Money doesn't rule the world, innovation does and it's all yours for the taking!. Make the choice to be awesome today and #thinkBOLD!


*references:
1.) Matthew 15:14
2.) Proverbs 29:18
3.) Matthew 25: 14-30
4.) Proverbs 4:7

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