Play Your Cards Right

Don't be a statistic! If there is a race card, there is also a Blessed Card. Life deals each and every one of us a unique hand. It is up to us how we play it and whether we succeed in making the best of it. Consult "the dealer" and refuse to stay down on your luck. Even when it seems like we don't we have anything, the truth is we have everything we need to be blessed and walk in divine purpose.

May each and every individual in this one nation under God, as well as the rest of the world seek true love peace, and justice in order to operate as Winners and be a blessing in the earth. May Trayvon's life and controversy that has united so many voices to speak out and take a stand cause those same souls to seek and speak the righteousness and the blessings of God. Live In Peace!

10 Ways The Holy Spirit Gives You Energy

It's another week. Hopefully you're energized and not burnt out yet. I recently came across a post on social media that listed "10 Signs You're Burning Out" obviously we know when our body's energy is burning out, because it makes it very clear. 

The truth is most Americans are burning lots of energy, or burnt out and trying to cope with it however they can. The good news is there is a much better solution than the latest energy drink.

Manufacturers have supplements to help you sleep, They have supplements to give you energy.....How about trying a thing called Faith?! Its the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things unseen. 

There is life and peace in our divine purpose and power from the Holy Spirit. Our energy goes to where we place our labor, and the passion will either rob us or restore us. I believe It's best to place our labor and professional career where our purpose is in order to truly win in life. 

However, in the mean time of working 9 to 5 or juggling multiple Jobs. Here's a list that helps a lot more:

1. It Fights Exhaustion
 "But as for me, I am filled with power, with the Spirit of the LORD,..."- Micah 3:8. Micah was addressing being empowered for a specific task in this verse, but being under the influence of the holy spirit revitalizes physical, mental and spiritual power. 


2. It Promotes Motivation
When we are subjected to the spirit of God we feel a robust energy to take on whatever obstacle or duty that is at hand. Continually being empowered by a life giving word whether written or spoken elicits a motivation in our spirit that can't be contained. "I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me." - Phillipians 4:13


3. It Helps Eliminate Frustration, Cynicism and Other Negative Emotions
Living in divine purpose and feeling the of empowerment to achieve your calling backed by the holy spirit completely terminates any feeling that what you’re doing doesn't matter that much or your effort is useless. it decreases the need for pessimism. Everybody does experience negative emotions from time to time, but feelings of frustration and cynicism in a spirit-filled life are very few and narrowly in-between.

4. It Stabilizes Focus
Weariness interferes with our ability to concentrate on menial tasks, but understanding the source of peace and revitalization of our spirit makes our focus in pursuit of it inevitable. When we are tired and worn we naturally cry out, we want to specify and directly make our petitions heard. When we Focus in worship, or meditation it's often the holy spirit that helps us communicate and gain results. "In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans." -Roman 8: 26-30

5. It Enhances Job Performance.

When we are motivated to do a job, free from exhaustion and the task has a sense of intrinsic value to us, we do it with ease. Our passion is in our purpose when we love it, we will do anything for it. We are happy to build the skill it takes to excel in that area. "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."-Romans 8:28

6. It Decreases interpersonal problems at home and work.
The joy of the spirit as well as understanding how purpose works decreases conflicts with other people it helps to highlight other peoples talents, roles, and specific value. The spirit helps us make a better connection with others. Through purpose we see the resource and value of relationships, we're more inclined to hear what others have to say. The holy spirit increases unity.

7. It Increases ability to make healthy choices.
If we want to live to see the vision, and our goals come to pass we understand the importance of maintaining healthy  productive habits for our mind, body, and spirit to promote vital longevity. The holy spirit also gives discernment in certain situations. "for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say."-Luke 12:12

8. It Improves Life/Work balance.
Recovering from the stress of work is easy because generally stress is less severe when you're doing what you love. It is important to stop when the actual "career" task stops and take time to celebrate with family and bask in the the beauty of life. If you just can't beat stress and worry see (every other number on this list).

9. It Generally Increases Satisfaction.
Having a good work and life balance means knowing the importance of good time management.   Purpose and time go hand in hand. understanding purpose is making the best of your time to fulfill it. Time is valuable, however fulfilling purpose is for any given day or even second.  The spirit puts our time in sync with God's time and produces an overall happiness in our lives. 

The fulfillment of the spirit overpowers the happiness of any other love or material wealth. "For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit," -Romans 14:17


10. It Has Health Benefits
"a sense of enthusiasm, of hopefulness, of engagement in life, and the ability to face life’s stresses with emotional balance—appears to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. The protective effect was distinct and measurable, even when taking into account such wholesome behaviors as not smoking and regular exercise."  -according to one study quoted in a Harvard Medical Journal The root of hopefulness, engagement, and enthusiasm can be traced from joy, which the holy spirit provides in abundance. 

As I mentioned at the beginning continually being empowered by a life giving word enlivens the holy spirit  and the healing restoration it provides. 

"My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your eyes; Keep them in the midst of your heart; For they are life to those who find them, And health to all their flesh. -Proverbs 4:20-22"

So Skip the the energy drinks and try the "wings" of Holy Spirit's on for flight!! Go Win and Make today Awesome on Purpose!!

Resources: Bible Study Tools, Global Christians

Motivation: Make Your Money Work

Where does all of our money go?

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

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


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

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

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

3 Steps To Make Your Money Grow and Work:

Budget 

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

Get Out Of Debt 

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

Save

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

GO MAKE TODAY AWESOME!!!

April D. Byrd

photo credit: ehow
money tips: moneyfor20s

Motivation: Be Better Than Good

Spring is in the air, a lot of love and relationships form around this time. Relationships are great, but it's important to appreciate who we are as individuals first. 

Being the best us for our own self, is the best gift we  can give ourselves, and the world. 

It's important not to depend on relationships with people for happiness, if we have no life before them, we'll have no life without them. It's best to Recognize the true source of our Joy and Peace. God's love is above all. When we Put Him first, we'll find the love to healthily love another.

After that the best thing to do is to make sure we're better than good or all around totally Awesome! When we look in the mirror we should be the person we absolutely love. Self-love, strength, and confidence start from within. Everybody may not like the confidence we exude, but some people are depending on it. For the whole creation hopes for and expects the revelation of the sons of God.* 

The world deserves you at your best!!

 "We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn't serve the world" -Marianne Williamson

If we have a good relationship with ourself we relate to everything and everyone else in the world much better. 

Make today Awesome!... because you are!!!

*Romans 8:19


photo credit: Divine Relationships

Lesson: Living Purposefully Makes Life Less Stressful

Stressed out!!

Over the course of the past week, there we're so many thoughts in my head as far as what really mattered in my life, what goals would I seriously pursue? Breath Of Life Daily which has been such a major part of my life was in the balance. 

It was a web mag from the beginning, but somehow I put it into blog mode and settled there, which was getting no where. So when God told me to keep it in operation ( as the online journal) it is, I was kind of skeptical as to how it all was gonna work out.

 I'm going back to school soon, I'm helping others build their own dreams, as well working, so I didn't know where the time was gonna come from to run a functional web magazine. However, as usual God always gives clarity and insight right on time. In this past month I've meant so many talented writers that have helped BOLD continue to inspire and uplift through great stories and testimonies.

 Continuing to post also helped me to see what really worked for the site, which stories got the most traffic, and overall what the readers really liked. All this information brought more inspiration and I honestly see the overall vision and the bigger picture of what God wants to do with this network. All the confusion in my head ceased and was replaced with a better excitement. 


When everything makes sense, life is less stressful and much easier. The precise point where we see purpose clearly is one of the most beautiful feelings in life to have. Living purposefully makes life much  less stressful. God wants us to be whole, not a hot mess. Being organized and purposeful in this life is truly a gift! I thank God for it and I'm so glad I found the clarity I needed to continue. Praise God for that!! Let the "Breath Of Life Daily" continue...and expand!!

Continue to seek God and his will for your life on Purpose and you'll always be content, and blessed as well.

Blessings to You All and have a wonderful weekend!!

Sincerely,

April D. Byrd

Editor

Motivation: 3 Ways To Prosper In The New Year

Social Media and Pop Culture were still buzzing over the week-end about the documentary "Life Is But A Dream". One powerful exclamation by the executive producer and star of the documentary, Beyonce Knowles when she appeared on Oprah's "Next Chapter", was her concluding that each of us should understand how every event of our lives are connected.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.- Romans 8:28

The big deal about the movie was that we all got to see new and private moments in the life of the celebrity, but there's only one moment that matters most in every one's life, Oprah's Favorite: "The Aha Moment"!

After every moment of her personal YouTube to the world, and the title forming clip for the movie when she exclaims God's glory, before jumping in the freedom and purification of water, it's safe to say Bey's conclusion and  life lesson for the film is ultimately this:

"Life is [God's] dream, We have to "connect the dots" of how they line up with our purpose, and continue to walk 'BOLD'ly in it!"

This is a truth that's fundamental to adhere to, the choice not to is eventually futile. It's still important to hear other peoples experiences."  At the beginning of 2013 I made a video that chronicled the purpose and history of Breath Of Life Daily. Three of My greatest lessons  or "aha moments" from 2012 were shared. Stay Motivated!!

Lessons From Breath Of Life Daily (2012) Review

1.) Take Action.

Words do count, but most of the time action matters more. Actions themselves are a form of speaking, and they do speak louder than words. At the end of the day what someone established will last a lot longer than what they said. This is a lesson I really had to take to heart being a Writer and in the publishing field. Sometimes we even feel like if we just "thought" about something we've actually done it. There has to be consistent work effort to achieve our goals. People won't always remember what we said, but what will always remain is what we did. What monuments and legacies are you building?

2.) Stay Organized.

Being so busy "taking action" can sometimes be time consuming, and if we're not good managers, we will neglect the small details or fall behind in the minor maintenance of our life. Good Time management is a major benefit. We have to know how to allocate and assess whats important for our lives if we want to succeed in purpose. 

3.) Honor God.

We can be the best managers ever but still some things in life are out of our control. It's best to trust God in everything! Communication counts, and it clarifies purpose much better.

Go Forth In God's Love!!!

Overcoming Addiction Through Faith

Ask any child of an alcoholic or drug abuser and they will tell you—addictions are ugly. As a firsthand witness of my mother’s struggle as a child, I will tell you the same. It was painful to see how addiction consumed her life and it was hard to be around her when she was in the thick of it. She fought hard, and sometimes her strength came through, but I never knew what type of mood or mindset she would be in. Her instability negatively affected not only her life, but the lives of those around her.

Immediately from birth, life is a shocker. We develop and grow, but there remains a natural human inclination to reach out to anything substantial, to stabilize us and lend us support. For some people, this innate need can turn into a full-blown addiction. In fact, 16 percent of the U.S. population is dependent on alcohol, nicotine, or other drugs.

Addiction has both a personal and national effect. It is a disease that runs its course in the brain, and a new report shows that substance abuse beat out obesity as the number one health problem in America. It is also America's number one healthcare cost, claiming approximately 30 percent of our federal and state healthcare spending.

Many of us do not even realize we suffer from addiction, or we live in denial, but an addiction can still consume and drain us even if we do not acknowledge it. Sadly, the very attempt to gain stability can actually tip our lives into a dangerous imbalance. The overly consuming nature of addiction can take over the minds of addicts, and destroy their lives.

A Surface Cure for a Deeper Problem

But not all addiction is chemically based. We also hold dependencies on things that might not necessarily be negative such as sex, food or social media. But for all the social media junkies out there, America has a bigger problem than our Facebook obsession. With new media and technology advancement, it’s now easier to become addicted to the approval of others. Addictions stem from the need to be satiated and to feel whole or complete, which can be superficially fulfilled with a simple Facebook “like” or admiring blog comment. No matter the substance, the root of addiction is the same: to fill or to meet personal inadequacies. Often an addiction is used as a substitute to avoid having to face a deeper issue.

GIVEN ALL THE STUDIES, THERE IS ONLY ONE “ADDICTION” THAT HAS NEVER PRODUCED ANY NEGATIVE RESULTS.

The obsessive tendency in America abounds, but what if there is such a thing as a good addiction? Is it possible that an addiction could be more productive than consumptive?

A Different Kind of Substance

Given all the studies, there is only one “addiction” that has never produced any negative results. The side effects are more beneficial than terminal, and it actually increases focus rather than inhibiting it.

Perhaps the most controversial dependency of all, the Bible calls faith “the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things unseen” (Hebrews 11:1). There may a stigma attached to it at times, but faith is the most captivating power on earth.

Faith is a stimulant, producing with the Holy Spirit the side effects of “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23). Faith is grown by passing the word; it is more powerful when it is lit with passion. It is life-changing for those who receive it. It empowers us to overcome, instead of going under. And many of us can speak of the medicinal quality of joy and laughter.

Choosing Better Habits

Addictive tendencies can result from suppressed passion, so activate your faith and allow it to stimulate your life. Stay busy, and feed those activities that drive your passion. We are all given something that we’re good at and love. Choose something that creates a positive and productive effect in your life, and go for it. Keep your hands and your mind busy. Actively pursue your passion, instead of waiting for it to come to you.

Also, keep in mind that faith is based in trust. Just like the good force behind every AA meeting, support is essential, and you are never alone. There is someone in your corner you can always turn to. Even if our parents are not physically or even mentally there, we have a Father who loves us. He knows all, sees all and cares immensely.

When I was eighteen, my mother lost her life battling a drug addiction, and I will miss having her as an active part of my life because of it. I know all too well the toxic toll an addiction can take on a life, but I also know what it means to be whole because of faith. The greatest substance I know of is faith in Christ—the true remedy for any void we try to fill through an addiction.

How To Find Your Swag

What is swag? It's usually the style we see in people who have a "don't care" attitude or demeanor. The raunchy, "do what I want to do, 'cause I can do it" type attitude that we might see in a music video.

The truth is Swag is boldness; it's not arrogance, but it is confidence. Swag most definitely comes from being comfortable in our own skin. If swag is confidence, then we should have a sure confidence in everything we do to successfully achieve it right?. Confidence comes natural when we have a surety and purpose in what we're doing. And the only way to be sure of what we're doing is to do it on purpose. Not "the toilet paper just ran out, so I have to go buy some more" type of purpose, but the divine purpose and authenticity that each individual has for their lives. In this video (Shared Below) Bishop T.D. Jakes shares how we have a "Divine Design".

However, even though we are creatures of purpose, sometimes the purpose can seem too heavy, our background, and the issues of our minds can leave us feeling swag-less and of ill confidence. What are you designed for? This message: "I Got What It Takes" empowered me to share, when we do get busy doing whats right for us, we feel a sense of swag, a glimpse of divine purpose that leaves us with a don't care attitude. The lack of care for all the negativity or naysayers we may have. At times conviction is even more powerful than confidence. What purpose and direction have you been convicted in? Its best to embrace the fact that no matter what may seem overwhelming, we have what it takes to handle it. Going forward in confidence gives us the permission to dismiss all blocks or boundaries to peace. Any and all issues that we may ever have are simply common. There is a dynamic swag factor about this fact.

T.D. Jakes discusses further...

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"No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." (1 Corinthians 10:13)


With the knowledge that there is nothing that we can't handle, it's impossible not to go forward in full confidence of who we are and what we are created to do. Swag is in purpose, and divine purpose is in divine calling. We channel our swag in having absolute conviction of our values. Let's value the things that most benefit us, all because... We Got What It Takes!!!

Faithfulness First

When we know we're sinning and missing the mark we're so grateful when the worst we expected never comes to pass, Sometimes God just lets us get away with certain stuff just so we can minister to somebody else.

You can relate to their mindset and the trick of the enemy. Praise God! Don't continuously break the hedge of grace God has around us. Stay Faithful to the one and only.

God Bless.

No Ordinary Day

When I woke up this morning this song was in my spirit. Along with the Jewish Word: Hodaya- meaning: Thank-Praise. I love this song It exclaims a simple thankfulness for the day. Even though its titled "Just Another Day". Its amazing what we can accomplish in a days time. I'm grateful for the praise inspired in my spirit, It's usually a sign of great blessing. Praise God for renewed opportunities.

It's Something About the lyrics "You Blessed Me, Kept Me, Gave me another chance that really sticks in the mind.

Let's go for this day and fulfil goals, carry out dreams, and visions. We can do it!

Just Another Day by Vashawn Mitchell

Custom-Fitted Favor

I tend to find usually when someone tells me about an individual, Its different when I meet them for myself. The description I got doesn't exactly line up. Minor points may be right, but it's best to get to know people for ourselves before we pass judgement.

Above all keeping in mind that we have favor with God, therefore favor with men. In all things we are blessed. What someone else couldn't do because of a law or standard may be completely different for you. Trust that you are loved and that the highest power has your best interest in mind, when you seek to put out more of that power into the universe.

We can be successful at what we put our minds to, at any cost. We can do all things by the spirit of Purpose and Overcoming that strengthens us. The favor each individual has on their lives is as authentic and unique as the individual.

The things we hear through "the grapevine" is always gonna be different for us, because every individual has a different perception on life, that also controls their behavior, in turn controlling their experience and outcome.

No matter how different we may be, and the specific favor we may have. We all have one thing in common: The GOD principle. Let the light of God shine in you, because this is whats universally recognized no matter where we are, or who we meet. When it comes to the love of God and being clothed in the armor thats made mention in the word of life, One size fits all.

Grace and Gratuity

So I got a job at Ihop! This is a great blessing since I need to get the funds to get a car. I'm grateful and I have been doing a good job (according to my standards) anyway everything has been going well, but the Saturday before last everything went TERRIBLE! The manager has really been on my back almost like she wants me to quit. Whatever happened, the day did not go good. The manager and I ended up getting into a big argument, I cried, got sent home, cried some more and just really had no idea what was going on. When I went home I didn't feel to bad, but my feelings were kinda hurt and I was a little humiliated from crying in front of so many people. The good thing was I got to go to church that Sunday.

The following week fell into the same downward spiral. That spirit was still around me in the restaurant: tired ungratefulness, a total resistance to the environment and the management of the establishment.  So this past Saturday I wanted to be good, keep a good attitude, but I still found myself reacting: talking about the manager to co-workers, mocking her and telling others about the treatment, how stupid it all is. It didn't help that they we're quick to point out the negativity as well. Anyway, after yet another incident with this manager the frustration could not be contained any longer, it showed in my entire mood now. so I went in the bathroom to cool my head off. (Well pray rather, and ask God "What the heck is going on?")

The best tip I've ever gotten!

 The revelation I got was to stop being a reactor. I realized all I was doing was reacting, and doing it quite negatively. God  was saying you are the actor. You make things happen. When my spirit changed, I began to change the situation. I made amends with the people I shared dirt with by being extra nice, I started being extra helpful just because, and I became dedicate to the one small section I had even though it was so small. Surprisingly the manager let me wait on one other table, someone else gave me a party table (8 or more) which meant gratuity pay, and by the end of the day a party table of 15 came and asked for me specifically to be their waitress. Because my attitude changed the entire situation changed.

That day I learned: Be the actor, we have the power to reign over situations, not just react to them. Also when we give grace, grace is extended to us.

I'm grateful for the gratuity of God and the grace that was shown by all involved. When we praise God we also have to be thankful for the vessels He uses. Love people. Be good servants, wherever we are.

P.S.  Also, a small thing happened while writing this blog. This is not the final draft that I originally had. The one I was working on got erased by the computer. I was done writing it, had edited it to perfection (which doesn't happen often) and when I clicked to put the image in, a screen popped up: "Internet Not Connected" alerting me that the wi-fi had went out. When I tried to recover the work I did, it didn't work, abandoning so much meaningful content. I went back to the draft in the system, it still had a relevant paragraph, but not nearly as much as it was. That was entirely heartbreaking and almost "made" me want to abandon the whole blog post altogether. However, just to know that this post was worth sharing from when I originally started writing it, I determined in my spirit that this message would get out TODAY. The small incident goes so well with the point of the post. Situations have the power to frustrate, but we must must realize that we are more powerful. When we make up our minds to go forward and prevail in a positive attitude everything lines up accordingly.

Press on! Life happens, situations try to press, but it is us who are ultimately in charge of the outcome. Our attitude determines our latitude, and it all works better with gratitude! Be faithful! There will be distractions, but with faith on our side all things work together for our best, always.

#TeamJesus2012

Jesus said "When I am lifted up from earth, I will draw all men unto me...."  -John 12:32. If we wanna see a better America it needs to be filled with people who understand their divine purpose and value in the world. It's not about  Obama or Romney it's about God ultimately  and our voting should reflect which candidate most closely values and honors the standards of God. This should be the only sense of bias influencing our vote.

As much as I  love Obama's eloquent speech, there is no way he should automatically get the Black American vote just because he identifies with the culture, the same goes for Romney. Because politics is not a black and white thing, it's all about Red. The blood of Jesus that was shed so that each individual could have purpose and freedom.

America won't get better until there arises a candidate who truly supports this agenda. Jesus died so that we may have life more abundantly, I'm sure liberty and the pursuit of happiness is in that abundance.  The words engraved on the liberty bell are "Proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof": -Leviticus 25:10, but true liberty will never come if we don't acknowledge the creator with everything we are as individuals first, and united citizens apart God's nation. If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. -2 Chronicles 7:14

The structure of America has changed with technology, growth, & industry, and that's appropriate, but the values of Holy scripture remain the same,  they should should still be honored, certainly by the country whose birth was strongly influenced by them. It seems as though America has squandered away her freedom rights, especially financially, but her strength was never based on money, it was always liberty. If America was born to be a refuge, it was initiated with a people who knew : There is no fear in love... -1 John 4:18

Perfect love drives out fear, and perfect love is in divine purpose. So, what truly matters is the Individuals who adhere to divine purpose. Scripture says 'If "my" people who are called by my name... True freedom is in the hearts of those individuals who understand that their liberty is in the purpose of God for their lives.

Can you hear the voice and feel the sensation of God, Is His Character and essence reflected in you so much that it's clear and undeniable you are His kid. These are good indicators that you might be apart of the people who are called by His name.

So what party will you REALLY be affiliated with this coming election year? If you're down with G. O .D let all the polls be raised in favor of TEAM JESUS!



#TeamJesus2012  Let's Go!! Show your Support and Agreement by joining the Movement on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/208182012646538/

Be Careful, Not Anxious: Communication is the Key to Success

The phrase goes "More money, more problems" in actuality all of  it comes in order and lines up on purpose. When you elevate to the next level of growth in your life, next level things come. When you increase in popularity your haters are increased as well.

 Haters being those negative voices and influences that want to bring you down. One day while browsing through twitter, I came across a tweet by Oprah. The tweet was simple as this:

As I clicked on the hashtag and researched exactly what she was referring to. I came across some very negative tweets and comments made in her direction that I'm sure she must have came across in her timeline/interactions. My first thought was "wow! How rude". If those things we're said to me I probably would have cried or got offended at the least, but I'm sure Oprah herself is no stranger to this negativity. Being on such a large caliber as she is, she probably comes across more negativity than she would like...as we all do. But, that's the point God gives us what we can handle. When we are at a certain level of life, (hopefully) we've learned how to deal with certain things by the time of great success.

So many people want fame and glory, but don't see the increased negativity that comes along with it, especially if it's not used properly. Also having an "Anointing" will cause you to suffer some interesting things anyway. My point is as individuals we are where we are, for a reason and in the process of working our way up is how we grow. We have to really work to achieve success and that work shows us what we're made of. It builds strength. Don't want so bad to be at a higher position too soon, because you don't know what all comes along with that position.

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." (Philippians 4:6)

Communication with God is imperative so often as Americans we are bombarded with images of fame and glory...and we want to live that life we consider to be the American dream. But God has his own dream for us. We should communicate with Him to see what the very best interest for our lives are, and what direction we should take.

"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." (Jeremiah 29:11)

Most of the time what has gotten me into trouble in my life is wanting to do so many things with the talent God has given me and not knowing exactly how to organize and execute those attributes to serve my purpose, but communication is key. If we expect to get anywhere we must use our faith to get us there. We have a voice of support on our side to give us direction in everything. Faith is for the journey. There was a tweet that caught my attention as well, but for more powerful reasons Joel Olsteen summed it up in under 140 Characters:









At a level of increased wealth and affluence the tension is much greater, but Communication is Key, don't be anxious for anything. Be Careful, trust that you are in the right place at the right season in your life and if for some reason you feel you're not, Go straight to the source of all your abundance. Communicate with God. Stay focused on His Positive voice in the midst of all your haters, always.

Tragedy and Reality: When The American Dream Becomes A Nightmare

Even though we want to be living the dream, sometimes it takes a nightmare to wake us up. I literally just woke  up from a nightmare but it wasnt really a nightmare it played out like a movie. It was actually based on a movie I had actually seen before I guess in my head it was an extended updated version. I say it wasnt really a nightmare because it was suttle, but the underlying concept was one thing I fear the most: Ignorance.

Societal ignorance was in this film I dreamt. It wasn't blatant or apparant. In the film I thought I was actually being entertained. It was grittier than boyz in the hood, Way grittier. It was real. Some of the scenes we're actually from a movie I've seen before but I can't remember the name of it, because I was  just about seven years  old when I was watching it.

There was gangbanging, hate, malicious killing.  It was so real and I was there paying witness to it, apart of the live action the whole time, but I was the unnoticed witness. It was their world I just happened to be in it. In the opening scene the main character was upset. He held the majority of his opposing gang members hostage, in what looked like a garage. In transition to the next scene the setting went from a south central atmosphere to a neighborhood I know very well.

In the following scenes, A man pleading for his life was shot and there was robbery. The old rich  couple next door that did'nt care about the situation and mocked the ignorance of the young men are the people whose house was robbed. In the middle of the robbery when one of the thugs opened the couples closet the young black boy who had been in their hiding arose, stating he was ready to join. The thug said fine, gave the boy a machine gun almost the size of Him and in that moment the boy's heart hardened, his eyes grew dim, and he lost all his innocence.

At this point I woke up with a saddened heart and assessed that the movie I had just watched was in fact a nightmare. What happens when people, especially the youth of our country are overtaken by ignorance? How sad it is to see unused potential, and a self-derived ignorance that affects the whole country.

This dream was one of the most unique ones I've ever had, but the movies we watch everyday reflect the same image of violence and killing. The thought that I was being entertained watching this made me think of the recent tragedy in Colorado. In that movie theatre didn't the audience think that the violence was actually apart of the movie. It's no coincidence that the line between fiction and the reality was so easily blurred. We see images like this all the time where violence and killing is part of the entertainment.

Even at a young age kids are exposed to this, kids as young as infants. With the rise of the Super-hero, comic book turned movie age we are seeing even more action packed violence. The things we watch affect our perception as adults how much more as a child? As kids feign a virtual life with Video games like Red Dead redemtion, Grand Theft Auto and a host of others how can we not expect the Crime rates in real life to increase. If violence is used for entertainment, it's easy to get lost in the balance.

Everyone is aware of the violence in movies and video games, but "hey it's reality" and "It's been around for centuries" "what can you do about it", these are the sentiments that cause us to become unnoticed witnesses, to watch and not speak up and to thik simulated violence is ok. It's often we who havent engaged who are the problem. The ones who havent spoken up because of fear, The ones who are afraid to engage life are apart of the bigger problem. We must understand that the world is ours and we're not just apart of it. We have the power to make a significant difference, we have the ability to live and fight for the environment of excellence we aim for.

When we do "make it big" it's easy to look down or look away from the ignorance that's happening around us. We are empowered to care not look away from what we can help. The rich  citizens next door who turn there noses up at the disparity in the poorer neighborhoods are also contributors to the problem. If you can do something to help and you don't then you are gonna be robbed anyway and you're robbing yourself most of all.

Violence for entertainment does make it easier for young men and women to choose violence as a life choice over authentic success. I'm not fully exclaming the loss of a generation, but definitely the faulty transformation of  a nation. The original dream of America was freedom, freedom for life without condemnation. Now the goal has been maligned and abused. There are too many alternative lifestyles. In the confusion of morals and righteousness with judgment and condemnation there are too many newly widened roads that dispel what's right.

I guess even though we want to be living the dream, sometimes it takes a nighmare to wake us up.

Officially, Standing Out

Brown girls naturally stand out! I love that part of myself and wholeheartedly embrace it. I guess now I'm taking standing out a step further with one of my new favorite sites. Lately I've started doing guest posts. Most recently with the site For Brown Girls. I'm  loving the "Meaningful Melodies" category it's a vehicle to share the lyrics of an inspirational or motivational song. Even though the songs are featured on For Brown Girls they have a positive message to motivate everyone. I will share and link the ones that are featured as I go.

The latest song that came to mind was "Stand Out" sung by Keke Palmer from the soundtrack to the movie "Rags" on Disney Channel. The song is relevant for everyone, no matter how old. It's about getting up breaking free from all the limits, but most of all yourself. With lyrics like:

"On this day, I'LL finally listen to what's been calling me all it takes is letting go of whatever people think of me... this way I'll stand out and break away to be free. Happiness is what I can't live without."

The song focuses on the accountability that belongs to yourself as an individual, to break free from your own defeating thoughts. Also, it's a motivational tune to make an impact in the world by standing out; Not following the status quo.  Sound familiar? "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will." (Romans 12:2)
It's about truly finding you, not just going with what's acceptable. That's definitely more of what we need in the world: Individuals who will be B.O.L.D and stand out in their positively progressive purpose.  Shout out to Keke, DarkChild, and everyone who help construct the beautiful song!

Here is the original post @ For Brown Girls:  http://forbrowngirls.com/fbg/?p=1028

The Freedom to Fly

by: April D. Byrd

Revisiting an old post I wrote for the Black Convo Magazine I was inspired to write a poem. The Piece was called "A Will To Fly"  and it's from the perspective of the black experience, but the article was written to motivate everyone from all races and nationalities.

The concept is to wake up, to live in consciousness, not carelessness no matter what odds are stacked against us. Because our dreams and aspirations don't sit at bed-level we must arise and take initiative to meet them.

Even if we don't always use it right, America's strongest point is definitely freedom.  I can't help but imagine that the pilgrims knew "why the caged bird sings". The Poem I wrote is named "FREEDOM",  here it is:

I'm waking up to live my dreams,

dreaming big will give me wings,

Freedom to move, freedom to choose

to know why the caged bird sings.

 

with no more mediocre strings.

I'm attached to reality
ready to defy gravity
If that is what the case may be.

Maybe, never saved me

and none a dream ever redeemed...

the price was a life, one life

and every ONE is free.

freedom isn't cheap, but sleep is

waking up 'cause my goal is only as far as my reach is

consciousness, life and justice

were given to me,

 so...I'm waking up to live my dreams.

--FREEDOM

Family Ties

I just came back from the family reunion in Douglas, GA. I had a good time and I got frustrated a couple of times. It always seems like everything comes with it's good and it's bad elements. We all are ultimately tied to God, so as they say "it's all good!" Knowing that God always has our best interest at heart makes everything we do worth doing. I had fun with the family, meeting new family, and I tried to stay as busy as possible.

The thing about life is we don't learn or will never know what's going on, until we engage. Engaging life and living an active one, cooperating with God and people gives us the ammunition we need to do great things. Coming off all the drama of the weekend and reflecting on the time I had, when I got home one scripture came to mind clearly:

And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. (Galatians 6:9)

Even though it's Monday, the beginning of the week and it's easy to drag coming off the excitement of the week-end. we should keep going hard, stay strong and be motivated. You only got one life to live, give it all you got, with the people you love. With God on your side you can't go wrong!

Be blessed, give life, think BOLD

Have a Great Monday!


April

Beyond Customer Service: Christ's POS

How does your spirit look to a deaf person?  How does your spirit sound to a blind person?

Christ's love is the greatest POS!

These questions came to mind recently, because It's easy to get caught up on looks and how things look on the outside, but what's really imporatant is the wholeness and beauty of our spirit. We are all created to give life and empower, but that's not possible with having a negative, beaten, or broken down spirit. Working in customer service I've experienced how easy it is to be in "presentational mode". Honestly, sometimes I get carried away in putting on a front of plastic cheerfulness almost like I'm apart of the merchandise on Wal-mart's shelf. Because I work there, there is a certain standard to be expected. However, I'm grateful that the standard of Christ's love is much more important.

What I've been getting in my spirit lately is that is not about what's going on on the outside, but what's going on, on the inside. Besides the items on the shelf there is a life that people really need to help them be empowered as well. To be a vessel of life for others and have a truly giving spirit thats where our blessing comes in.

Just like it's easy for customer service workers to feel like they need to be perfect in a way, it's easy for retail customers to have a bad attitude and feel entitled to talk down to someone else. It's weird, I have encountered flagrant disrespect lately by some costumers, thankfully I heard God's spirit over theirs. When people are rude like that it's natural to wanna be rude back to them and meet their attitude. In those moments I am grateful to God for  wisdom. What it takes to be a true leader is not judging others or holding grudges toward them because of their actions, but seeing them in all their mess, and loving them inspite of; also, loving them "because of". Hurting people don't need more hurt, they need love. And the true love of God in our hearts will give us the capacity and the strength to provide that.

Remember no matter what job you do or what field you are in, we are blessed by working for God. Sharing Christ's love is the (Point of sale).We should provide the best customer service to everyone we come in contact with, because in that lies our strength and our blessing. God always lifts us up to do the job we are called to do.

“The world makes way for the man who knows where he is going” ― Ralph Waldo Emerson

So at all times be led by the spirit of God and keep your eye on the prize. It's truly not about what's going on or how things look on the outside, but the consistency, wellness, and beauty in our spirit everyday. So give love and give life, In Christ you will always have it to give.

Be Blessed.

April

Spongebob Lessons: The Captivation of Being Square

I love how so many cartoons and sitcoms are encompassed by a problem and a solution. In literary terms they are the plot, climax, and resolution.

I was watching Spongebob with my little cousin, yes Spongebob the cartoon, which is one of the most inspirational shows on T.V. Everyone has seen it if they haven't been living under a rock.

Anyway, Sandy the squirrel who lives under the sea with Spongebob and all the other fish, ran out of oxygen, thanks to Spongebob and Patrick. Spongebob now had to find a way to get her air as quickly as possible. In Sandy's own delirium the first attempt failed, so they had to come up with new and creative ways to get this squirrel some air, they tried everything. Of course by the end Spongebob was inspired like only Spongebob can be, and came up with a solution that was so dumb, it was smart.

It worked and the problem was solved. The cycle of problem and solution in the cartoons, T.V. shows, and movies that we watch are a beautiful reflection of life. The problems we have, come along because we have the solution inside of us. When we come up with solutions we grow, so does the capability inside of us for even greater ventures.

Life itself is an adventure. Our ability to get issues resolved shows us the capacity of power we have on the inside that can easily conquer all circumstances on the outside. That demonstrative  power builds up so we can solve even greater problems, and come up with even better solutions, growing wiser in the process. For any problem we have in life, there is always a solution.

The resources we need are everywhere and the inspiration comes when we actively set our minds to do good on purpose. Sandy the squirrel is a cartoon that needed oxygen, but there are many people in the world who are walking dead, bereft of the enlightenment of truth and inspiration. We should set our minds to do good on purpose, letting our lights shine and the power of God flow freely, to give life to dying souls.

The fictional squirrel under water needed life urgently, but there is a real creature that is awaiting the manifestation of the sons of God. We should walk in purpose, reflecting the excellence and glory of God in our lives. We all our children of God, our heritage when we rightfully claim it, causes us to be an automatic blessing and inspiration to others. Spongebob is not incredibly popular for no reason. Be an example of God's Glory to the world and watch your life and ratings soar.