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.

Motivation: Be Fierce

Maybe people don't like to hear that if you're called of God, you're going to be used anyway; whether you like it or not. Even though that is the case, there is a very real power in actively pursuing a purpose-driven life. Yes, God uses us, but the power of compliance makes life so much easier, and the power to act on one accord with the spirit is what makes life good.

"Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.8 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God, 9 who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began," (1 Timothy 1: 6-9) NKJV

Stirring up the gifts within us is an action we have the power to take, even though life and love are major forces out of our control. We have the ability to hone the power that's found in them. A good friend of mine over the weekend told me to be fierce. Fierce means to be a little aggressive, to be active in pursuit. It's kind of hard to ignore the love and influence of God on our hearts, but sometimes it's harder to make right decisions for our best interest. It's easier to gravitate towards the cheap and easy, but if we really ever wanna get serious things done, we have to have a serious faith. 

Being fierce involves risk taking and that's where trusting God comes in. Our power lies in the very essence of who we are: children of God.  There are very few cowardly lions, they know they have power and authority, knowing who created you and why you were created gives you just the same confidence. Be Bold, Be Fierce, Be Ferocious on purpose and actively pursue your dreams and vision. You can do it.


What dreams and visions do you have an "Eye" for? Share them in the comments section below.

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!

Testimony: Kelly Rowland's "Dirty Laundry"

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. - Romans 12:2

Last month, Essence Magazine's new September cover girl Kelly Rowland gave us a lot of insight into her personal life. Kelly Rowland has been in the news a lot lately dealing with the issues of her domestic struggle, violence, and self-esteem. While flipping through stations on the radio the track "Dirty Laundry" struck me as profound. Deep in the since that Rowland was telling a candid story in detail. She talks about her life immediately after her Destiny's Child band member Beyonce Knowles launched into solo super stardom. Rowland talks about being happy for Beyonce's Success, but also wondering what her next act would be, or who would really care. At the same time Kelly was in her crisis, she was in a relationship dealing with emotional, verbal, and physical abuse. 

(Excerpt:)

"And I was trapped in his house, lyin’ to my mama
Thought it could get no worse as we maximize the drama
Started to call them people on him (the police?)
I was battered
He hittin' the window like it was me, until it shattered
He pulled me out, he said, “Don’t nobody love you but me
Not your mama, not your daddy and especially not Bey” (Beyonce)
He turned me against my sister
I missed ya..."

It was the drama of it and behind it that made it engaging, a story being played out that the hearers got to listen to, a peep into her life behind the scenes. The story was a lot different from all the glitz and glamour that we're used to seeing with celebrities. One very noticeable thing about the star is she gives good face...whether it be for the cameras or for the public. Her beauty could easily let her pass for a Barbie Doll. However, the thing about Barbie Dolls is they are plastic and fake. Our lives become more substantial and authentic through divine purpose. Despite my admiration for the plot of the song, I noticed that by the end there was no triumph in the testimony. Yes, Rowland is successful in popularity, but how do we avoid toxic relationships like the one she noted? What lesson is there to be taken from it all? 

The song was intriguing because as people we love drama. Dirt and "dirty laundry" is what some media outlets thrive on. Its through the elevation of our spirits and our mindsets that we demand better for ourselves. Seeking God's understanding for us, is when we go in the right direction and make the best decisions for our lives.

"Come now, and let us reason together," says the Lord, "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool." - Isaiah 1:18


There is one source that can wash away the dirt and truly make us "clean inside". 

Keep The Faith!

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

Chasing After God

“What you are is God’s gift to you; what you do with yourself is your gift to God.”  -Danish Proverb

At Christmas and Easter time we exchange gifts, as a sign of goodwill. We give and receive gifts on birthdays and anniversaries; and on special occasions. In our families and social circles, gift giving is customary. But with God, how is it? Our hands never weary of receiving gifts from God, but they are seldom proffered with gifts in return. How one-sided can His giving be?

In Luke 17: 11-19 the story of the 10 lepers is told. Of the ten who were healed, only one returned to thank Jesus, the others, rejoicing in their healing, forgot the healer. The same story is told time and again. We ask and receive, yet do not acknowledge and thank God. Perhaps we are yet to learn the lesson that Gotthold Ephraim Lessing has to teach: “A single grateful thought raised to heaven is the most perfect prayer.”

What have we received from God? The list will run into pages. Briefly it will read: life, health and senses, material gifts, family and friends, and the earth with its abundance. Do we really understand our total dependence on God? Do we realize that without Him we are nothing? Do we thank Him enough? Sometimes we try feebly, but fail most of the time. Yet, God does not stop giving. He is lavish in His giving. He does not count the cost of His generosity.

A poor man prayed to God. God surprised him with His presence.

“What do you want, my son?” God asked, with great concern.

“I have nothing. I need money.” The man pleaded.

“How much do you want?” God checked.

Realizing that this was a once-in-a-life-time opportunity, the man pitched: “One million dollars.”

“Isn’t that a lot of money?” God asked.

“I have nothing. Look at John down the street. He has a big house and a big car, although he does not go to Church. I have nothing.”

“Do you really believe you have nothing?” God probed.

“Yes, I am penniless.”

“Well then, if I give you a million dollars, what will you give me?” God negotiated.

“I have nothing to give.” The man protested.

“Suppose I ask for your eyes, would you give them to me?” God tested.

“No. No. I will not be able to see.” The man argued.

“Let us not touch your eyes. If I asked for your hands, would you give them to me?” God continued.

“Not at all. I will not be able to work. I will be helpless.” The man refused.

“My beloved son,” God reasoned, “you refuse me your eyes and your hands because you value them. You value them more than a million dollars. Just think of it; you are already rich with more than two million dollars. With all the other gifts you have you are a multimillionaire. The problem is that you have eyes, but will not see.”

The vision ended abruptly. The man realized that he was not dreaming. He touched his eyes; they were in place. He felt his hands; he had not lost them. He ran his hands over his body; it was the same he had before God’s visit. He appreciated, rather late, that he had gifts with which he could earn an honest living and stop comparing himself with others.

The story is allegorical, but the lesson is profound. In the words of God: we have eyes, but will not see. We have gifts that we cannot put a value to; we have gifts that we cannot count. Like the one grateful leper who was healed, we need to turn to God and thank Him. Not that we can thank Him enough, because we will always be in His debt. We will always have to play catch-up with Him. 

What can we give Him in return for His numberless gifts? Money? No, because He owns the Universe, although He would like us to give our money to the needy. Time? No, because His time is eternity, although He would like us to spend time to comfort the troubled. Effort? No, because He has billions of angels at His command, to carry out His bidding, although He would like us to reach out to those in distress. Will we be giving Him something when we give others in His name? Jesus left no doubt when He said that doing things for others was doing things for Him.

Besides these what else can we give Him? Ourselves. “Give me your heart” is His plea. When we surrender to His holy will and place ourselves at His command, as the angels do, we are giving Him what He wants of us. Because He is God, He needs nothing. But He asks for our hearts for our sakes. When we give Him our hearts we are choosing the highest good – there is no good higher than God. Would the scales be balanced when we give Him our hearts? No, because He is topping His earlier gifts with more and more – each new day with new opportunities is a package of gifts, if only we use our eyes to see. The process will not end; the catch-up process, I mean. Our helpless state, is best described by the poet:

“When I contrive and plot to prove something,

 that may be conquest on my part,

Thou still, O Lord, outstrippest me.” Anon

-"Playing Catch-up With God" Ignatius Fernandez is the author of the blog: http://thechildisfatheroftheman.blogspot.in/

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

First Thing Every Morning

 My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct [my prayer] unto thee, and will look up. - Psalms 5:3


86,400 seconds are credited First Thing Every Morning ~

There are 86,400 seconds available in each new day and one of the best ways to have a good day is to start the day right.   Through reflections, stories and quotes the book and movie, First Thing Every Morning are designed to help energize your life and make the best use of each moment of each day.  These short reflections will lift your spirit!  Sample content from the book and a short movie are below. Check It Out:

First Thing Every Morning ~ Turn your life around one day at a time and start today by pausing to enjoy the movie First Thing Every Morning.  Set the tone for the day and lift your spirit by starting each day with a reflection, story or quote found in the book First Thing Every Morning.

What do you do the first thing in the morning? Do you take time to pray, to meditate, to honor God? The best thing to realize is that life goes much smoother when we take time to recognize God's purpose for the day and begin to accentuate the positive.

When we don't it's so easy to let external situations and circumstances get us depressed. The first thing in the morning is the most vital part of the day.

Have you ever been energized by a song the first thing in the morning and that song was in your head the whole day? That's because you heard it first thing in the morning. What we hear, read, and meditate on is powerful. They all directly affect our attitude and in life attitude is everything. How you look at your life is determined by the thoughts you start your day off with.

First Thing Every Morning by Lewis Timberlake

Motivation: You Are Blessed, PERIOD.

Happy Monday!! 

We always hear that we should "Count Our Blessings". Thank God for another day! That's One!  At times it can seem like we have so many reasons not to, or more trials than triumphs to calculate. Being that ALL things work together for good to them that love God, basically everything is a blessing in its own form.

 Go forth in today knowing above all else that You're Blessed!! Jill Scott makes a BOLD declaration and manifesto in her song "Blessed". 

This is the kind of tune that's "Jam Worthy" and that stays in our head. Can you say Instant Repeat?!
Cheery upbeat and beautiful in tone, she even has the joy of the muppets in the intro *cute*.  Literally counting our blessings one by one really does help. 

We did wake up this morning, that counts as an  automatic #1. What are the top 5 blessings you can list for your Life today? Enjoy Jill's tune and feel free to share your Breath Of Life Daily!!

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

The Glorious Miserable Road (POEM)

2 Timothy 1:7

I’m not a ‘good Christian’
I don’t put ashes on my head
Preacherman told me-
Without faith, I might as well be dead
But who said I was faithless?
My spirit is very much free
Because my God built my strength.
 through misery

Listen, I had

Holes in my long boots
cutting my feet on streets of glass
Thrown away by those saying “I love you”
Each meal treated like my last
No life form to talk to
just the box, bridge, and me.
Until 5:02 at dawn when the Light awoken me.

Stepping out barefoot

still on the streets of glass.
Trusting on His promise and
living darkness from my past.
Beatings, greed, and needles
ripping out from my core.
Stripped down to nothing
I thought there would be more.

Walking in my own trail of tears

I was drained of ever poison,
And every fear
But,
I couldn’t see the goodness
 in the tears of gold.
I believed He broke His promise
and was ready to sell my soul.

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path -Psalm 119:105

Ignoring the glimmer of the path of tears

I regressed into the familiar darkness that I once feared
I dove deep enough to see the gates of hell
Whipped myself with rods of shame
Ready to surrender my spirit until…

I awakened

into a dream of second chances,
friendly handshakes, and welcoming romances.
Respecting the master of my fate
and conqueror of my soul
I cried, bled, and walked on ,
because He kept promising me
That you my child will have glory

I’m

not an Oscar winning actress, inventor, or billionaire,
yet I matter because I breathe air.
I’m
not a perfect spirit,
a  sin walker with good deeds.
It’s not amazing to you,
but this is the path He chose for me.

Solid shoes on my feet

With more mountains to climb.
Some will be smooth, treacherous,
and filled with land mines.
My strength is still building,
At least I am victorious and free

Thank God!

For this glorious road of misery






by Carmen Fletcher

Photo credit: Librarything, Mike Mcaughny

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!!!

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

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.