He's Able To Lift You Up | Jude 1:24

 

"To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy". - Jude 1:24

Not only is He able to keep you from falling. He's able to lift you up. You can be presented blameless before His glorious presence and experience great joy!

Praise GOD for this!

Pandora Celebrates Gospel Music Heritage Month with Jonathan McReynolds, Tasha Cobbs Leonard and more.

Pandora celebrates Gospel Music Heritage month during September by honoring the genre’s roots with two ways for listeners to experience the exuberant spirit of Gospel music.

Pandora’s Gospel Radio station will feature a soul-lifting mix of the biggest hits, powerhouse vocalists, spine-tingling choirs and unforgettable church classics in Gospel music. Listeners can share in the good news with artists like CeCe Winans, Tamela Mann, Marvin Sapp and others who embody this American art form with roots deep in family, faith and freedom.

Pandora is also launching a special Gospel Roots Mode on Gospel Radio (out today), which allows listeners to tap even more deeply into the root of Gospel music. Hosted by Grammy Award-winning gospel artist Jonathan McReynolds, Gospel Roots features icons like Kirk Franklin, Fred Hammond, Tasha Cobbs Leonard and others sharing the stories and anthems that have shaped their lives. McReynolds, known for his emotive and uplifting pop and R&B-infused sound, will set the tone for an engaging exploration of the power of gospel and its impact on almost every genre of music that exists today.

McReynolds says, “I’ll never forget just growing up those first few Sundays, being the church musician on the south side of Chicago. At some point, as we began to lift our voices and sing, it was as if the music and the piano was playing me, I was just along for the ride. I’ll never forget. Gospel Music Heritage month is a time to reflect on the music and ministry that got us here.”

Gospel is the music of hope. It’s church music, an American art form which is a testament to the universal appeal that both inspires and entertains across racial, ethnic, and geographic boundaries.

This Gospel Music Heritage Month, Pandora wants you to join them as they honor the universal sound, soul and spirit of gospel — the superstars, emerging artists and the unforgettable, soaring choirs — that will only be found on Pandora. Where gospel royalty reigns.

You Can Listen to Pandora’s Gospel Radio HERE: https://www.pandora.com/genre/gospel

— story courtesy of: spinlab

Blessed Generations

I came across this video on social media looking for other Motivational/Inspirational videos, but this one blessed my soul unexpectedly. 

It was a generational theme where multiple generations greeted each other. what I took from it was: when you heal, you don't just heal for yourself, you heal for multiple generations after you, but The healing starts with you.

It's interesting, because I was just having a conversation with one of my mentors about healing and mental health awareness in the black community, and how the conversation has somewhat progressed. 

It's crazy how the enemy wants to keep our mind attacked and bombarded with toxic cycles, with struggles and the like. Things get heavy sometimes. We find ourselves going through the same struggles as the generation before us.  Personally, because I think a lot, it's like my mind sometimes is a battlefield. It's honestly prayer and therapy that has been carrying me through and helping me progress. I'm also a member of a church that's pretty solid.

Especially when you're pushing for healing and wholeness you're coming against a battle to break the cycles you've become accustomed to, and break the curses before you. Think about this when you persevere. . . you're not only pushing for you, you're pushing for generations behind you. You're pushing to further healing through your generations. 

The current study at the ministry I'm apart of is Ruth from the Bible, and her obedience.  Her obedience and being in position, allowing her self to be open to GOD's will set her up so her bloodline could pass throughout generations, even becoming one of the ancestors of Jesus. 

So when you're going through and it's hard, first realize that you're not alone, GOD is with you in this battle because 'The Battle is the Lords', also realize that when you push through and when you claim your victory, you're also setting up blessings for the generations behind you.

Keep believing and trusting that GOD has plans to give you hope and a future. - Jeremiah 29:11

It doesn't even have to be your offspring that you bless, it could be your little sister or brother. The random person you met who you intentionally ministered to and told about the gospel or shared your testimony with. The people that you bless and affect are also you passing along a generational blessing!

Stay blessed and keep pushing forward!

What are your thoughts on multi-generational blessings? Share them in the comments and connect with us on all platforms @BOLDJournal.

#BOLDPodcast: Season 2 | Episode 9 "Why Do We Sacrifice"

Inspired by some missing bread, celebrating the body that was broken on the first Sunday of the month. This episode explores what self-sacrifice means to a believer and the significance of GOD's gift of Jesus Christ.

Listen To: Why Do We Sacrifice?

Sex And The Church #BOLDPodcast | Season 2: Episode 6

It's amazing how GOD will come through with confirmation and love when you need it the most. In hosting The InterSession, with this specific topic of sex and worth, I received an unexpected blessing that felt like full love and confirmation from the creator that I erroneously looked for everywhere else in the past.

The panelists: Veonne Anderson, Jay Tyson, Olivia Butler and Darian A. Williams were all right on point with their commentary about pre-marital sex, Such an amazing, knowledgeable group of influencers. I couldn't have hoped for a better panel to talk about this topic with.

As you listen to this episode I hope you will be encouraged to find and honor the truth of sex and it's function as ordained by the creator in the word of truth. In my personal experience the more I sought, the more I find my worth, and as I continue this journey the process also continues.

Be Enlightened. Subscribe to Breath Of Life Daily to get the latest episodes first. Continue the conversation @BOLDJournal on all social media channels. You can also join the Official Facebook Group.

Iyanla Vanzant's Meditation Tracks are EVERYTHING!

If you haven't already come across Iyanla Vanzant's meditation page on soundcloud, it's pretty amazing! You can check it out HERE.  My current favorite and clearly the favorite of a lot of other people based on the amount of listens is the White Light Meditation. 

I'm looking forward to digging into these meditations. One word of advice, maybe don't listen laying in bed right before you go to sleep. Before I knew it I was definitely out like a "light" lol. I don't think that's the goal, although it may be an option if you're overly anxious and can't sleep.

Stay connected with us @BOLDJournal for the latest inspiration and updates.

It's Time To Use Your Talents! #BOLDPodcast | Season 2: Episode 5

"Again I saw under the sun that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor bread to the wise, nor riches to the intelligent, nor favor to those with knowledge, but time and chance happen to them all." - Ecclesiastes 9:11

NOW is your Opportunity! Clearly, there is no "respect of persons" in the current state of the world. Take your chance. Listen to the full "It's Time To Use Your Gifts" Podcast below: 

Follow @BOLDJournal on Social Media for the latest Inspirational News and Updates!

I'm Always On 100

I was so inspired working out at R & B Workout LIVE this past Friday. There we're a lot of good vibes in the room.  Special thanks to Alton Walker the founder and host of the event for allowing me to be a backup dancer.

Even after doing so much on stage with backup dancing after the event I still had a lot of energy. It was funny to me when somebody asked if I had an "off switch" and some other folks commented "Shouldn't you be tired after all that?" The answer was No, in fact I had a whole lot of energy to either do another show, or go somewhere else and dance.

Although I ended up just going back to the house, the voices of those people who were asking the questions stuck with me, and inspired me to have the thought and create the shirt that "I'm always on 100". I realized that more often than not I do have A LOT of energy!

I currently see this energy as a blessing from GOD. It seems as though I get high on life. It's natural energy. Being that I aim to use the energy positively, I say let the good vibes commence! Hopefully they're will be more of it.

The experience yesterday inspired this shirt that's now available in BOLD Expressions Co. shop. pictured below:

click here to purchase

If the energy is good, Keep it up. Even if you may not have the most energy in any given moment may this shirt be an inspiration to stay on top. no matter what things are looking like. If this energy resonates with you head on over to BOLD Expressions Co. and grab the shirt!

Stay blessed and Keep it 100!

All the best,

April B.

Jada Pinkett-Smith Addresses Holiday Triggers [Video]

Jada Pinkett-Smith, Actress and Host of the discussion series Red Table Talk recently posted a video on her social media pages to address triggers. Smith shared the importance of acknowledging them in order to overcome them.

After providing a few examples of potential triggers and what they look like, she ended with a holiday wish of happiness, as great as that is, the statement about Peace was the main hitter in the powerful message that holds true year round.

Our Peace is the main priority! If you're experiencing any type of triggers during this holiday season remember it is possible to overcome them. Watch the FULL video below:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Breath Of Life Daily (@boldjournal) on Dec 24, 2019 at 11:28am PST

Follow us @BOLDJournal on Social Media for the latest divinely inspirational updates.

How Self-Love Can Be Found Through Divine Purpose

...and cleaning a bathtub.

The bathroom started talking to me, (It was literally reaching for my attention) so I figured it was time to clean it. As I started cleaning the bathroom in my living space yesterday, when I went to clean the tub, I noticed there were seven neatly stacked triangles all made of light. The triangles weren't regular triangles, they were beautiful, intricate. They were perfectly projecting on the ceramic tub.

I didn't even understand where they were coming from at first, I just knew they were beautiful and unique. After trying to inspect how this design can be coming from this flat black shower curtain, I still didn't understand. I had to go a little deeper into trying to see how it could happen, only to guess that maybe it was the creases on the previously folded clear shower curtain that were being reflected out. I definitely had to look deeper.

Right at that moment I had a revelation about the way that art is perceived; So beautiful and mysterious. Well, spirit said: "so am I as a being." As human beings we are the artwork and creation of GOD, The most sovereign GOD. How urgent it was for me to look into what caused the design is the same way that we should want to look into ourselves and discover what makes us glorious. What is it that GOD used and is currently using to compose who we are?

video attached

I think the best way to discover the aspects, methods, and means of how we are put together is to intentionally seek deeper into the mind of the creator. When we look into communicating with GOD to understand the beauty of ourselves then the Lord will reveal our glory through the spirit. Self-love is found through discovering GOD's purpose. The more we become aware of who we are and why, the more there is to love. 

Be BOLD about looking inside of yourself to find purpose. We have a right to know and we're even instructed to know. “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened" )...words from the very mouth of Jesus in Matthew 7:7-8.

As I continue the process of looking into GOD's will for myself I realize that no matter what history has said, destiny always speaks greatness. Knowledge is potential for great power. 

"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." - King David (Psalm 139:14)

I totally agree with David on this. I feel the same way. May you also be inspired to look into what your divine purpose is saying and how highly your destiny speaks of you.

Many blessings,

- April D. Byrd

Love and Hate For The Church

Photo Credit: Carey Nieuhof

I believe people, namely popular culture has a tendency to say more negative things about "the church" than positive, that negative energy is often cast through media depictions of  "the church".

However in my case. I feel like without the church, the gathering of believers, where would I be? I'm extremely grateful for how my life has progressed through "church and faith culture". So many of my blessings, or what I consider blessings have come through this agency.

On the same token, we have to realize that nobody owes us anything. we can't expect people to just do for us. The church is nothing more than a reflection of people. We generally have good hearts, but maybe there's a spirit or order, that thinks it's ok to take advantage of people with good hearts. 

Taking advantage of anyone is not ok. Again. nobody owes us anything, we can't put it on other people to come save us. We have to take success for ourselves. The least we can do is hope for the grace of GOD. In the understanding that the sovereign creator provides for what is divinely purposed, we can also continually seeking wisdom in it first.

"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." - Matthew 6:33

 

What are your thoughts on the church and the depiction of the church? Leave a comment below or contact us on social media @BOLDJournal.

Exclusive Podcast Interview With Life Coach Destiny Inspire

Superbowl Gospel Celebration Marks 20 Year Anniversary During Atlanta Event

Gospel Recording Artists Lecrae and Koryn Hawthorne

The 20th Annual Super Bowl Gospel Celebration recently aired on BET for it's sixth year.

The Annual event was hosted by National radio and TV personality Rickey Smiley. The  NFL-
Sanctioned event during Super Bowl LIII week, was held at Atlanta Symphony Hall. BOLD Journal was on site to interview the inspirational performers and attendees for the event. 

The special concert featured performances by Kirk Franklin, Tasha Cobbs
Leonard, The Winans, Lecrae, Hezekiah Walker, Tamia, Koryn Hawthorne, and the
Super Bowl Gospel NFL Players Choir. Additonally, the celebration honored Denver
Bronco’s linebacker Von Miller with the annual “Faith in Action” award for his work with
his charity Von’s Vision.

The Super Bowl Gospel Celebration special will premiered exclusively on BET Networks
on Saturday.

The event which originated at Super Bowl XXXIII in 1999, joins together key NFL
Players, top Gospel/Contemporary Christian and mainstream GRAMMY® Award-
winning artists and special guests all on one stage to bring audiences an evening of uplifting music and inspirational messages.

Superbowl Gospel Celebration is the largest multicultural event to take place during Super Bowl weekend, in its 20-year run as an NFL-sanctioned event Superbowl Gospel Celebration has featured artists including Patti LaBelle, Yolanda Adams, Gladys Knight, Natalie Grant, Mary Mary, Fantasia, Donnie McClurkin, Anthony Hamilton, and many others.

For more information about Superbowl Gospel Celebration, visit superbowlgospel.com and check out a few interviews on Breath Of Life Daily's YouTube page. Stay inspired and informed with the latest updates @BOLDJournal on all social media networks.

Tell That Mountain to Get Out of Your Way

In life, we may find ourselves in a space where we are downright exhausted. We are consistently giving to make things right for everyone else while leaving ourselves behind. It seems like no matter how hard we try to shift our own situations, it feels like one obstacle after another blocks our path to our freedom.

How many times have you said to yourself, 'God where are you'? How many times have you been so mad with God that you said that you were done with living right as it wasn't worth it as the mountains were unbearable to climb.

We all have as this Christian lifestyle isn't easy. Yet God never told us that it would be. In fact the word says in I Peter 1:7 (NIV) "These have come so that the proven genuineness of faith - of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire - may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed."  We're also reminded in Isaiah 41:13 

"For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you".

So talk your mountain and tell it to get out of your way. You are armed with the word of God. Now use it and shift your atmosphere.

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

Moving Through Life’s Changes with Victory

By: April J. Lisbon, Ed.D.

Have you ever wondered what life would be like if there were no changes? Have you ever felt like the shifts of life get you down? Has this created a space or spaces within your life where you feel like all hope is lost?

Moving through life’s changes can be hard to navigate when you feel off balanced. Often times fear, depression, angst, and anger fills are hearts and minds to a point where we are ready to give up.

However, as the Word of God is true to it's promises and as stated in I Corinthians 10:13, He will never give us more than we can handle. When the pressures of life seem to wear you down, remind yourself that the Word of God is the equalizer to help you navigate the battle in the mind.

Understand that God never intended for life to be hard for any of us as He saw the weight of the world on the cross. Yet He also knows that the only way we can win the war of the mind is by never giving up. Standing on God’s promises is the key to helping you move through life’s changes.

Never walk this battle alone. The Word says that the battle is not yours but it’s the Lord’s as written in II Chronicles 20:15. You have already won the battle of the mind. Now walk in your victory in Jesus’s name.

Podcast: Spiritual Fitness For Abundance

Are we really prepared for the blessings that GOD provides? If not, how do we prepare? This episode of BOLD Podcast shares insight from a personal experience and tips on gaining the fitness required to "workout" real faith. 

Record-Breaking Gospel Singer Lisa Page Brooks Releases "My Life" Album

Lisa Page Brooks has a reputation for being "real", the beautiful authentic spirit she shares comes with record breaking talent to match. In 2010 her #1 single "I Want To Thank You" pushed Marvin Sapp's "Best In Me" to the side on Billboard’s Hot Gospel Songs chart.

Her New Album "My Life" is also set to be a chart-topper and Gospel favorite.

Brooks sat down for an exclusive interview with Gospel Central to talk about her amazing new album and the wisdom she's acquired on her journey.

Check out her interview on the latest BOLD Podcast with BOLDJournal Founder April D. Byrd

 

Lisa Page Brook’s latest album “My Life” is available wherever music is sold and digitally. Connect with @BOLDJournal on Social Media for the latest inspirational news and updates.

Podcast: What The Devil Looks Like

Real talk about overcoming self-sabotage based on insecurity and a Dynamic Interview with Gospel Superstar Lisa Page Brooks about fulfilling our divine calling and NEW album "My Life". Listen to the FULL Episode at soundcloud.com/breathoflifedaily

Subscribe to Breath Of Life Daily Podcast Here.

Putting GOD's Voice First Ft. Interview with David & Tamela Mann

This latest BOLD Podcast is a revelation about the love and unexpected blessings of GOD...like how gorgeous random sun showers can be created just for our enjoyment. Although it may seem strange at first GOD can gift us whatever He wants, whenever He wants, because truthfully He has gifted us with the whole world.

The insight is followed up by a special interview with Gospel Superstars David and Tamela Mann, currently on their "Us Against The World" tour and releasing a book of the same name. While they have some of the most amazing, gifted voices in the Gospel Music industry the couple discussed how they seek GOD's voice above all the noise. They shared that "Us Against The World" is truly a representation of what it means to put GOD's will above everything.

More information about "Us Against The World" with David and Tamela can be found at www.tillymannmusic.com

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