Delight Yourself In The Lord | Psalm 37:4

 

Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. - Psalm 37:4

Hodaya - "Splendor of The Lord", Praise, Thanksgiving.

Today give The Lord a Hodaya Praise!!

GOD is worthy! All The Time The Lord is good.

As we praise our Resplendent GOD, we become resplendent.

Praise GOD from whom all blessings flow, Praise GOD who IS the blessing. Who is always with us.

Seek trust and praise The Lord!

Hear and be obedient to His will.

JJ Hairston's New Single "Excess Love Remix" Impacting Radio

JJ Hairston pictured with Mercy Chinwo

JJ Hairston’s new single, “Excess Love Remix (feat. Mercy Chinwo)” lifted from the Stellar Award-nominated album, Miracle Worker has officially been released.

JJ Hairston who now serves with his wife, Trina Hairston as co-pastors of All Nations Worship Assembly Live District of Columbia (and also serves as Director of Music & Arts at City of Praise Family Ministries in Landover MD), is a GRAMMY nominated, Billboard Music Award winner, and a seven-time Stellar Award winner. Hairston’s latest offering “Excess Love Remix” features lead vocals by Nigeria native powerhouse vocalist Mercy Chinwo. The single was recorded live in Abuja, Nigeria at COZA Church for Hairston’s tenth Billboard chart-topping album, Miracle Worker.

“In a time where fear is trying to take the world captive, it is important to talk about the love of God. The Bible says that perfect love casts out fear. We are fighting against the spirit of fear with love in this season! That’s why we’re excited to release this new single “Excess Love Remix,” says Hairston.

Hairston’s tenth album, Miracle Worker, was accompanied by the release of a relationship themed book co-authored with his wife Trina Hairston titled, A Miracle Marriage, - giving believers a balanced dose of knowledge and inspiration. The book is a simple guide on how millennial couples can learn to make their marriage work in today’s society. Additionally, the album single of the same title, “Miracle Worker,” reached #6 on Billboard Gospel’s National Airplay Chart. The album Miracle Worker debuted at #2 on the Billboard Gospel sales chart.

Check out The Official EXCESS LOVE Remix Video Below:

JJ Hairston is nominated for seven Stellar Gospel Music Awards at the 35^th annual show taking place in Las Vegas on Sunday, August 16^th. Hairston’s latest album Miracle Worker, and book A Miracle Marriage, are available now at all major digital retailers. For more information visit JJHairston.com or follow him on social media using the handle @JJHairston and on Facebook at Facebook.com/Youthful.Praise/.

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Lecrae Partners with Love Beyond Walls To Help Homeless in ATL Amid COVID-19

Multi Grammy Award-winning platinum selling artist, Lecrae has partnered with
lovebeyondwalls.org to plant portable hand washing stations around the Atlanta
Metro Area for homeless and displaced people to clean their hands in response to
Coronavirus (Covid19). The initiative kicks off 10am on Thursday March 19th at
Love Beyond Wall’s Center located at 3270 East Main Street, College Park, GA
30337. Lecrae will join the Love Beyond Walls team at 10am to begin assembling
the sinks after which they will be filled with water, loaded on trucks, and distributed
to key locations frequented by the homeless in the Atlanta Metro Area.

The initiative was developed by Terence Lester, executive director of Love
Beyond Walls, an organization whose mission is to “restore dignity to the homeless
and poor by providing a voice, visibility, shelter, community, and grooming and
support services to achieve self-sufficiency.” Lester who was once counted amongst
Atlanta’s homeless is now founder of Love Beyond Walls and pursuing his PH.D.
in Public Policy & Social Change. “We’re excited to have Lecrae be involved with
our work at Love Beyond Walls because he understands the importance of restoring
the community and affirming the dignity of those who are unseen. Lecrae
understands that it takes both faith and action to provide real restoration in our
communities and world. Jesus washed feet, now we have an opportunity to wash
hands and provide that same type of restoration in a modern way.”

“I’ve been following Covid19 quite intently since it’s become a pandemic and first
and foremost, I want to remind people THIS IS NOT THE END!” shares Lecrae.
“While we can heed The Center For Disease Control and Prevention’s
recommendation to stay away from others who are sick, avoid crowds, and properly
wash our hands, I can’t help but think about those living on the street who have no
way to bathe or wash their hands. People who may eat, sleep, and congregate so
close to each other that social distancing is not possible. Partnering with Love
Beyond Walls is my way of doing what Jesus did which is serve humanity. I’m
humbled to support the work of organizations like Love Beyond Walls who help,
serve, bring light, love, peace, and restoration every day.”

Lecrae was recently recognized at The Georgia State Capital for all the work that
he’s doing in the community. For more information about Love Beyond Walls visit their official website: https://www.lovebeyondwalls.org/

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10 Scriptures About GOD's Love From The Bible

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. - John 3:16

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. - John 4:7-8

And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. - John 4:16

Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed," says the Lord, who has compassion on you. - Isaiah 54:10

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. - Romans 5:8

Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends. - John 15:13

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. -
Ephesians 4:2

We love because He first loved us. - 1 John 4:19

My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. - John 15:12

No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. - 1 John 4:12 


What's your favorite scripture about Love from the Bible? Share it in the comments section below and Follow Breath Of Life Daily on Social Media @BOLDJournal for more Inspirational updates!

GOD Calls You Daughter

And, "I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty."     
- 2 Corinthians 6:18

Goodmorning Texts To God

Just yesterday my beloved cellphone was stolen, even though at some point it hit me that I could stand to be on the cell phone less and in the holy spirit more. I'm really feeling it now more than ever.  The reality that a cellphone takes up so much of my time, so much of my energy. not to mention all the information that's poured in.

Maybe I got a little bit too overzealous with the time I was spending on it, hopefully I can use it's absence now as an opportunity to get closer and "refresh" my relationship with the creator, the one who manufactured me, who can download information and input more data into my soul, and give me just the right recharging I need to thrive.

It would be very beneficial to spend more time with God instead of giving those extra minutes to Facebook, Instagram and snapchat.

what we look at, interact with and spend time with the most continuously affects us. We are shaped and molded by all these thoughts, ideas, and images that we see, so it's best to get the vision from the truest and purest source.

Cellphones have reshaped the way people get involved in and have romantic relationships as well. Nowadays a key indicator that a guy may be actually serious about pursuing a relationship with a woman is a consistent good morning text. Notice I said consistent, not random whenever the thought may come to mind or they may be just looking to have a good time, but intentional consistency.

If a guy sends you a consistent goodmorning text it's pretty serious...and they're more than likely sincerely interested in getting to know you more. The search and courting process has been redefined.

So, what if more people had that same attitude and became seriously interested in the will of God for their lives every morning. What if we pursued God's presence as such? consistently, every morning never skipping a beat, never missing a chance or an opportunity to check in?

What would happen is there would be great a greater sense of stability, the stability that makes a "happy" home -- in this case a content and peaceful spirit in our beings which are the houses of God.

A lot of people understand that in a loving, committed relationship, better yet a marriage one of the key benefits is stability. In having a committed, consistent relationship with God through prayer and practicing faith, the stability we need presents itself better than being in a relationship with any person ever could.

Wholeness within ourselves is beneficial before we start a partnership with anyone else.

Maybe I got a little bit too overzealous with the time I was spending on the phone, and can use it's absence now as an opportunity to get closer and refresh my relationship with my creator. I'm sure I'm not the only one who may spend a little bit too much time with the cellphone, heavily attached to it.

I'm still keep hope alive that the phone resurfaces but I'm gonna enjoy this time where more life is being poured directly into my spirit and not just needless information. It's in the presence of God where we find life and we attract true peace into our lives EVERYDAY.

Discovering Propitiation: Where Would We Be Without It?

         

Propitiation: A word that was stuck in the back of my mind, lodged in my subconscious for a while now, but would resurface every now and again. Since lately however, the word has been coming to the forefront of my mind more often. This word, honestly I did not exactly know what it meant, but I know I heard it in a song some where. As the word Propitiation began to stick with me more extensively, I figured it was time to put a definition to this mysterious word that was consistently on my mind, and determine why this word was becoming more compelling to me here and now in this season of my life.
        When I finally looked up the word, what was revealed to me was amazing. First, because the Christmas season was just at here, and second, because I have been spiritually growing into my true identity with Christ. Now, I know you must be wondering what is the significance of this word. OK, here it is.

"Propitiation: The turning away of wrath because of an offering" (Theopedia.com 2016)

 As this definition began to fill my thought process, I began to realize God in his perfection cannot entertain sin, he cannot allow it into his presence, nor can it be accepted in the heavenly realm. Sin in its self is the disconnection to God, the Creator. Therefore, it is important for there to be some sort of reconciliation to restore the connection to God. That reconciliation is Christ.

He [Christ] is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours, but also for the sins of the whole world (1 John 2:2 {NIV})

As I read this verse, I thought about how Christ died to save the whole world. Through his death on the cross, took the punishment that was meant for me and you, because we are sinners, so that we would not have to endure that punishment from God. In this way Christ satisfied the wrath or anger of God that was meant for us. Romans 3:25 depicts the sacrifice of Christ for our sins.

For God sent Christ Jesus to take the punishment for our sins and to end all God's anger towards us. He used Christ's blood and our faith as a means of saving us from His wrath. In this way he was being entirely fair even though he did not punish those who sinned in former times. For he was looking forward to the time when Christ would take away those sins.  (Romans  3:25 {TLB})

In reading this, I think about times in weakness of emotions, where I sometimes have no filter because I simply react to a present situation, not thinking, and allowing my sinful nature (anger and vulgarity) to consume me, and totally overtake me without thought. I think about times where I allow my  desire for worldly pleasures to dictate my actions, and give into different things that please and gratify my sinful desires; and I am grateful I have an out. I can repent, and ask for forgiveness with  sincerity and know I am forgiven. Even when I fall a thousand times, I can still get back up and know because of what Christ did on the cross, his grace is sufficient and I am justified. I am able to proceed with a fresh slate to continue in my spirituality until I reach my destination in Christ.

Therefore, there is no condemnation for those who who are in Christ Jesus. (Romans 8:1 {NIV})

The whole propitiation concept is the very reason for the existence of Christ. Think about it, Jesus Christ, God in the form of man coming to Earth to satisfy his own anger, so that we can have grace and a chance to be reconnected to God. Absolutely an amazing gesture to prove how valuable we are to God.

I give Honor and Glory to King Christ Jesus AKA God, because they are 2 in the same, for the gift of Propitiation. Who else loved you enough to endure such a great Wrath on your behalf to restore your connection to God? In your down fall, think of the Propitiation and how without it there would be no more chances for you. Think about how God saw it fit that you have the opportunity for restoration, and allow that to be your motivation for advancement in your spirituality.






Carla Marcelle, is a Spiritual Transformation Coach and founder of she's 31 Ministries which dedicated to the advancement of the Kingdom of God through the edification, enlightenment, education of the principles of God.

Who Do You Love? Are you For Sure?

a smile for you today!

"love is the only thing you get more of by giving it away." -quote


Love is about giving, and even if you don't wanna give, even if you are tired of giving, give some more...wisdom is understanding who to give that love to, how to give it, and when to give it.

relationships with family, friends, significant others are not always going be the best of times. Things can get petty, we can begin to take each other for granted. It's imperative to understand what relationships and connections are worth it...worth the effort, worth the time, worth the compromise. 

It takes these things to keep the relationships we truly value, and the ones that are good for us in tact.

If your mom is getting on your nerves get over it, if your boyfriend is being silly get over it (if it's worth it). If you wanna tell your sister where she can go, don't do it. hold on a little longer don't act in a manner that you will regret in relationships with anyone. Of course the  ways you treat your "best friend" are gonna be different from how you treat just a friend. However in all things be love show love. 

Familiarity is bound to create contempt sometimes, but when our soul gets familiar with the love of God we're bound to reflect it and give it out.

the question it all boils down to is "how much do you love yourself?" How much do you think you are worth it?  Hurting people hurt people, but loving people love people. We get love from the source, from the almighty God of creation. So if you are in need of love today. Take a look inward...spend some time in prayer and meditating on the love of God. It's the best love there is and ever will be!!

"A friend loves at all times..." Proverbs 17:17

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. 31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.” Mark 12: 30-31

The greatest commandment is love!!

Putting Love Into Action

By: Casme Barnes/Joyce Meyer Ministry

Love ignites us, love has the power to spread like fire.

With Everything going on in the World around us, we have to stay prayed up and full of LOVE. Life is priceless. We must cherish our time here on earth. We must Love more! I am determined to e a Walking Love Warrior...a Love Ambassador. I see the spark in people's eyes when an act of kindness is presented. The youth I've been speaking to on the Black Wallstreet High School Tour are confirming my purpose daily. Love Wins and creates Winners.

We are called to show others love. Jesus told His disciples, "By this shall all [men] know that you are My disciples, if you love one another [if you keep on showing love among yourselves]" (John13:35).

So many people see love as 'just a feeling,' but it's so much more than that. True love shows itself through action.

And this action doesn't have to be impossible and overwhelming. One of the best ways to show the love of Jesus is through simple, everyday action, 

- Like giving a small gift to someone or striking up a conversation with a downcast individual who needs a friend.
- Or giving a bag of groceries to the single mom who lives down the street and is struggling to put food on the table.
- Showing love can even be as simple as smiling and saying hello to a person you pass on the street, in the hall, or at the store. 

There are many ways to demonstrate the love of Christ. When you show His love to someone else, it can soften that person's heart, and before you know it, they'll be finding ways to reach out and show love to others, and so on and so on. So celebrate God's love and let Him lead you. Is He putting someone on your heart right now?

I want my love for Jesus to be reflected in the way I show love for others, even those who may be difficult to love. If I can soften one hard heart with the love of God, maybe that person will soften another's heart with love, then that one will reach out to others, and so on and so on... And soon we'll have a love revolution!

Prayer Starter: God, I want my love for You to be reflected in the way I show love for others. Show me ways to demonstrate love to anyone and everyone that You bring across my path.


Let's put LOVE in Action!
Casmè
Www.CasmeCares.Com

What are some other ways we can start putting love into action in the community and around the world? When was your last endeavor to love forward? Leave your thoughts about this post in the comments section below.

10 Scriptures About God's Love And Faithfulness Toward Us

I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth. - Genesis 9:13

1.  Deuteronomy 31:6, Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; "He will never leave you nor forsake you."

2.  Deuteronomy 31:8, The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. "Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."

3.  Joshua 1:5, No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. "As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you."

4.  1Kings 8:57, "May the LORD our God be with us as he was with our fathers; may He never leave us nor forsake us."

5. 1Chronicles 28:20, David also said to Solomon his son, "Be strong and courageous, and do the work. "Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the LORD is finished."

6.  Psalms 37:28, For the LORD loves the just and will not forsake his faithful ones. "They will be protected forever, but the offspring of the wicked will be cut off;"

7.  Psalms 94:14 "For the LORD will not reject his people; he will never forsake his inheritance."

8.  Isaiah 41:17 "The poor and needy search for water, but there is none; their tongues are parched with thirst. But I the LORD will answer them; I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them."

9.  Isaiah 42:16 "I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them."

10.  Hebrews 13:5 Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”

What is your favorite scripture on the list? Are there any more you can add? Leave your thoughts about this post in the comments section below.

You can read the full post by thejourney2grace here.

This Time I'll Rise

He called me today... there was a warning in me so badly not to pick up...but I couldn't resist. Why because I'd been really wondering why he hadn't called already, and even wanted to call him just to say it "Happy New Year" of course. as he did, but I resisted the tug of familiarity for my own sanity.

Last year I'd become so used to him calling at the times that were convenient for him that it was expected, becoming common place. I thought I'd overcome, but he called me, and I picked up. When I answered the excitement in me to say a simple, nice "Happy New Year" like I wanted to, was stifled. I had a dry attitude that was close to bitter. I cut him off short. I shouldn't have even answered, but I did.

When people call you and say Happy New Year, they more than likely want to be in your life for the year. My picking up woke me up, after that conversation, realizing if  that frustration is inside of me, it means that there are feelings inside of me that can still be accessed. I will not allow myself to be used by the enemy or taken for granted this year!

A while back I wrote a poem pertaining to this situation called "Don't Let The Devil In." In actuality I'm not talking about this guy who called. We can serve as our own worst enemies. Sin is what happens when our actions aren't based in wholeness and rooted completely in God. We are what we let in. Where there is no enemy inside, the enemy outside can do no harm.

We read that no weapon formed against us shall prosper, we have the power to refute whatever comes against us, well that power is a direct result of being fortified with God's strength which is greater than our own. This truth comes with understanding that God is the very creator and master of every weapon created. I was allowed to be placed in a situation with a particular man for a season in my life. He wasn't the devil, my lack of self-esteem and confidence was.

I will not stay held in bondage this year, I will not stay running around in circles. I will not be taken advantage of by the devil. The devil wants us to be complacent. There are many things in our lives that can be considered the devil. There are many things that the devil works through, but we have to ask ourselves "are we inviting the devil in?" Our greatest honor is in listening to God's calling and following  His will. We hear "my sheep know my voice and another they will not follow. God uses the fire and trials of our lives to wake us up and show us what's really important, but we're supposed to learn from them. I've learned my lesson. This time I'll go beyond avoidance, I'll rise above keeping the devil out. This year will be amazing, because I'll do everything  I can to let God in.

How To Find Purpose Over Heartache and Pain

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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BOLD Journal Interviews Lesley Shannelle | Video

source: www.lesleyshannelle.com

Bold Journal sat down with Gospel Artist Lesley Shanelle, the gospel artist with the powerful sound also has a very powerful story.

Lesley recently released her new EP "Use Me" a phenomenal, upbeat project which to my delight is available on Spotify, ITunes, Google Play, and Amazon. Lesley's contemporary sound she will gladly tell you is influenced from Artists like Cece Winans and Yolanda Adams, but not to be confused with anyone. Lesley has her own style that's easy to fall in love with. She has an authentic sound and a unique "Flava" that's all her own. She does Christian Lifestyle Music with a flare and keeps God's word first. Awesome!!

 @LesleyShannelle, and BOLD Journal Editor-In-Chief @aprilinspired

Sitting down and getting to know Leslie Shanelle was a very empowering experience she talked about everything from from favorite scriptures to overcoming obstacles and achieving dreams. What I didn't anticipate was beyond the beauty and fresh faced glam was a woman of substance, intellect, and above all a true love for God. This was truly inspiring!  The Inspiration picked up from Lesley in our interview is the same inspiration that's reflected in her music. She was hesitant about going into the gospel spotlight, but we're so glad she did. Her authentic vibe will definitely make a positive impact and it clearly stems from a source of love. Praise God for that!!

For more info on Lesley Shannelle you can visit 627entertainment.com

Check out BOLDJournal's Exclusive One-on-One Interview with Lesley Shannelle Below:



Keep up with the latest updates by Following Breath Of Life Daily on Twitter and Instagram: @BOLDJournal.

Kid President's Address on New Life and Grace

 

While I was was scrolling through tumblr, I ran into a very touching Gif set from Kid President! (above) He was talking about forgiveness. Pretty powerful for a nine-year old. Forgiveness is important, if we don't let things go, we just hurt ourselves. If people hurt us or mess up, it's not about us, it's truly about them and where there mind is. 

 I ran into another post in my scroll that read: "often the people who are hardest to love are the ones that need it the most." this is most certainly true. It's up to us to be graceful to others, just as God has grace with us! It all works for the glory of the greater good. Thank God that Life is as good as we make it! S/O to kid Prez for addressing wisdom!


Kid President's Welcome Address to New Life (video):





-April D. Byrd is a Writer and the founder/EIC of Breath Of Life Daily.

Buy Your Own Flowers

By: April D. Byrd

You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserves your love and affection. ~ Gautama Buddha

Someone once bought me flowers and I was extremely happy, later after the relationship didn't work. I realized that It was that gesture that I liked most, so instead of being sad. I thought: "why don't I buy my own"? It was a liberating thought that slightly changed my outlook on life. "Buy Your Own Flowers". We're not dependent on anyone. No one created our lives, so we shouldn't expect anyone to be a source of it. Instead let self-esteem and love blossom from the inside.  So many times we may wait to be honored or acknowledged by people.

Don't wait to be celebrated, loved, accepted, affirmed by anybody. When people see you've upgraded your life and doing well, they take notice. If you celebrate your value and your worth then others will too. Even if some don't it still doesn't matter.  Everything you need already comes from the inside of you. Loving yourself right first, causes everything else to fall into place. You will expect good treatment from others, because you treat yourself well. Make sure you love what you see in the mirror first, and dress up for yourself.

Sometimes we may feel lonely or expect love from others in return for our own, but its best to love with no expectations give from ourselves wholeheartedly without expecting anything in return. The ability to love without attachment comes from self-love. Self-discipline ignites from the flame of  self-love and makes achieving success much easier. In taking the initiative to buy my own flowers, pretty soon i'll have my own garden, and it will be filled with enough beauty inside to share with the world.

Celebrate yourself, Feel free to buy your own flowers (literally) and decorate your own soul, there are few things that are more liberating than realizing that you're worth everything.

"Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth."

Keiron and I on our wedding day.

Surprised by the title? Want some more?

"...your love is more delightful than wine."

He says to her:

  "How beautiful you are, my darling! Oh, how beautiful! Your eyes are doves."

I don't think those doves were crying. Continuing, she says in response:

 "How handsome you are, my beloved! Oh, how charming! And our bed is verdant."

Alright, so we've got some making out, lots of compliments and even some lush lovemaking. Can you guess from where I pulled these quotes? 

Nope, not "Romeo & Juliet" or "Othello". 

 

If you said the Bible, you are correct. Those are verses from the very first chapter of the Old Testament book of the Song of Solomon (New International Version). I remember as a child sitting through a seemingly endless (and boring) Sunday morning sermon, stumbling upon this titillating collection of romantic prose. I wasn't even sure what sex was, but I knew this part of the Bible was far different from the Noah's Ark, Sunday School- type stories I usually read. 

Fast forward to the first year or so of my marriage, and I was trying to think up ways to let my husband, K, know I was thinking of him throughout the day. I started including little love notes in his lunch bag with various verses from the Song of Solomon. Here are a few of my favorite:

"All night long on my bed

I looked for the one my heart loves;

I looked for him but did not find him.

I will get up now and go about the city,

through its streets and squares;

I will search for the one my heart loves.

So I looked for him but did not find him.

The watchmen found me

as they made their rounds in the city.

“Have you seen the one my heart loves?”

Scarcely had I passed them

when I found the one my heart loves.

I held him and would not let him go..."

(From chapter 3)

"Place me like a seal over your heart,

like a seal on your arm;

for love is as strong as death,

its jealousy unyielding as the grave.

It burns like blazing fire,

like a mighty flame.

Many waters cannot quench love;

rivers cannot sweep it away.

If one were to give

all the wealth of one’s house for love,

it would be utterly scorned."

(From chapter 8)

You have stolen my heart, my sister, my bride;

you have stolen my heart

with one glance of your eyes,

with one jewel of your necklace.

How delightful is your love, my sister, my bride!

How much more pleasing is your love than wine,

and the fragrance of your perfume

more than any spice!

Your lips drop sweetness as the honeycomb, my bride;

milk and honey are under your tongue.

The fragrance of your garments

is like the fragrance of Lebanon.

You are a garden locked up, my sister, my bride;

you are a spring enclosed, a sealed fountain.

(From chapter 4)

Next week will mark five years of marriage for me and K. It hasn't been easy, and it's been necessary to turn to the Bible for help on a number of occasions. Along with the more discussed passages on marriage, I've learned the importance of referencing Solomon's luscious love song. Who needs '"Fifty Shades" when you've got the Good Book?

On our second anniversary.

Love Is God

Homosexuals today are fighting, pushing for marriage benefits because it’s such a powerful institution. but men and women with the consciousness of God are taking it for granted, not thinking twice about it’s sanction, before “getting it on" however and with whomever they choose for seemingly convenient gratification. Lives are fading away and in the balance because society chooses to adhere to pollution and disregard purity. Understand that purity is the only place we find our sanity. 

The exploitation of sex, cars, and money that continually flashes before you is the pollution. Of course any one would look for pure love anywhere they can find it, when what is supposed to be glorious, becomes blasphemous and misrepresented. There is a way that is right and a truth that is Life. Don’t Judge another, but please DO NOT BE DECEIVED! The word of God is the source of wisdom, power, life, and love. look past the affairs of the world and allow your heart to commit, truly.




-April 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