Kierra Sheard's KIERRA Debuts at #1 on Billboard's Top Gospel Album's Chart

Recently, GRAMMY® and Stellar Award-winning artist, actress and entrepreneur, Kierra Sheard’s latest album KIERRA debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Top Gospel Album’s chart, #1 on Billboard’s Top Christian/Gospel albums chart, and #2 on Billboard’s Top 200 Christian & Gospel Consumption chart. Released on April 17^th, KIERRA has knocked the longstanding #1 Jesus Is King out of the top position, and has garnered more than 3 million streams in its first week.

Kierra is overwhelmed by the response the album is receiving and says, “I’m so honored and grateful. God is faithful! My team and my supporters have really held me down, and lifted me up during this trying time. This has put a smile on my face and in my heart.”

On top of KIERRA, which features the singles “It Keeps Happening” and “Don’t Judge Me” featuring Missy Elliott, dominating the Gospel Albums chart, the songstress’ latest single “Something Has To Break (Live)” featuring Tasha Cobbs Leonard garnered over 1.5 million views on YouTube in just a little over a week. In addition, Kierra performed for Billboard’s Live At Home series on Facebook raising money for Ronald McDonald House Charities Detroit.

Outside of music, Kierra recently co-starred in the Lifetime biopic, The Clark Sisters: The First Ladies of Gospel, which premiered on April 11th to 2.7 million viewers marking Lifetime's highest-rated movie since 2016, and the strongest original movie on all of television for 2020 across key demos, including both broadcast and cable. Kierra’s fashion line, Eleven60, which is available at Macys.com celebrated its fifth anniversary this year.

For more information visit her official website: https://www.iamkierrasheard.com/

There is also a great song featuring Todd Dulaney on the Album! Breath Of Life Daily recently interviewed Todd Dulaney. Watch the Interview on Breath Of Life Daily's Official YouTube page Subscribe and connect with us @BOLDJournal on all Social Media Networks for the latest Inspiration!.

Carl Brister Is Bringing L.O.V.E Back To Music

More Love and Music is definitely needed in this time where so much is going on in the world. Carl Brister is making sure we get more of it. 

"Lately the world’s been goin crazy. Hate divides, but love’s the one thing that unifies," expresses singer/songwriter, Carl Brister , on his socially conscious new single “ L.O.V.E. (What The World Needs).” Layered against his signature mix of lush harmonies, warm tones, and high falsetto, L.O.V.E. is a retro soul throwback song with a message that penetrates the soul, touches the heart, and brings people together.

Inspired by Marvin Gaye’s timeless classic, “What’s Goin’ On,” Carl Brister’s “L.O.V.E.” asks important questions about the state of the world and explores the similar issues that Gaye sang about when he released “What’s Goin’ On” nearly 50 years ago – police brutality, education, voting, and discrimination. Although the questions are the same, Carl offers L.O.V.E. as the solution!

He first came to national attention when his previous singles “ Turning Point ,” and “ Let’s Go Back ” were featured on NBC, BET, Pandora, Music Choice, Spotify, and more. He describes his sound as “Free Music” that combines elements of Soul, R&B, Pop, and Dance in a retro fusion that takes you back while moving you forward.

A husband and proud father of two sons, Carl grew concerned about the rise of police brutality and broadening racial divide throughout the country. Using music to bring people together, in 2016 he founded The Love+Unity Fest , a free family event created to inspire unity in the community. The festival is packed with LIVE musical performances, food trucks, vendors, and activities for kids in his current hometown of West Orange, NJ. "With the divisiveness increasing throughout our nation, I felt the urge to create an event that brings people together and The Love +Unity Fest was created. We started in New Jersey and are planning to take the Love+Unity Tour to communities throughout the country to promote the message that LOVE is so needed today."

His new single, "L.O.V.E." will be released in the Spring of 2020 on all online platforms including iTunes, Spotify, Amazon Music, and more. "Everything begins and ends with L.O.V.E.! It’s what we all need!"

For more information visit Carl Brister including upcoming tour dates, please visit Carlbrister.com. Follow @Carlbristerofficial. Follow @BOLDJournal for the latest updates and inspiration.

More Powerful Than Pain

I think GOD will blow our minds if we're open to it.

GOD is a mindblowing GOD
No, not the blow your brains out kind,
But when we allow ourselves to be led
The mark is definitely made
There's an etching on our heart, more powerful than a scar 

it's a kind that reminds us.
of the time that GOD blew our minds,
And there was no feeling like it,
So there is no reason to go back to hurt.

It reminds us that healing 

is more powerful than pain

                                     

"They show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts sometimes accusing them and at other times even defending them." - Romans 2:15

“This is the new covenant I will make with my people on that day, says the LORD: I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds.” - Hebrews 10:16 

I Am Fearfully And Wonderfully Made

"You possessed my reins: you covered me in my mother's womb.  I will praise you; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are your works; and that my soul knows well.

- Psalms 139:13‭-‬14

Gospel Artist Jonathan McReynolds Earns Two GRAMMY® Nominations

Jonathan McReynolds, Billboard #1 album “Make Room” has received two grammy nominations for Best Gospel Album and Best Gospel Song/Performance. The 2018 GRAMMY ® Award nominations were announced Friday. The 61st Annual GRAMMY ® Awards will air live on CBS Sunday, Feb. 10, 2019.

McReynolds is recognized in GRAMMY® category 36, Best Gospel Performance/Song, for his single “Cycles.” Additionally, he picked up a second nomination in category 38, Best Gospel Album, for his third LP, “Make Room.”

Dove Award-winning, GRAMMY® and Stellar award-nominated gospel artist Jonathan McReynolds’ current album “Make Room” debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Current Gospel Albums Chart and #2 on Top Christian/Gospel Albums. It broke into the mainstream charts at #27 on Top Current Albums and #97 on the Hot 200. The live LP is his third full album and the fourth overall release for the 28-year-old musician.  McReynolds also holds a Master’s in Theology from Moody Theological Seminary and is an adjunct member of the Columbia College faculty. The album “Make Room” was previously nominated for a GMA Dove Award earlier this year. “Make Room’s” lead single “Not Lucky, I’m Loved,” reached #1 on the current Billboard Gospel Radio Airplay chart earlier this year.

As a brand new author, McReynolds’ first book, “Make Room: Finding Where Faith Fits,” draws on testimonies in scripture and from personal experiences to invite readers to make room for God in every area of life. McReynolds emphasizes that readers make room for God in public and private, mentally and spiritually in order to experience the fullness that can come only through an authentic relationship with God. “Make Room: Finding Where Faith Fits” is available now on Amazon.com.

Check out more Motivational Music on BOLDJournal Motivation Music Playlist https://spoti.fi/2AOV2hW

Motivation Music Playlist ft. Mary Mary, Kevin LeVar and More

Go Get It - Mary Mary 

"It's like You lookin' through a telescope you see where you gonna be Growin' gettin' better you're not the person they see. Can't be mad at the things you've been through, 'cause they built your muscle. Now you're stronger than you've ever been, they can't stop your hustle

Yo faith ain't never small that's what brought you this far
See you got your dreams and you got your prayers and you got you God. He gonna take you there, See everybody has a season and I've believe this one's your's. 'Cause you've been working, waiting, this what you've been praying for Go get it!"

GOD has given you the vision, it's up to you to be BOLD and execute it. Like the meme says " The dream is Free, The Hustle is sold separately."

Your Destiny - Kevin LeVar & One Sound

This is not a time to get distracted. . . No no no
This not a time to go off course,This is not a time to lose your focus, You got a work to do for the Lord, And you cannot afford to lose your way
You've come to far from where you started from, So please don't let the time you've sown Be wasted on things that you'll later regret, Wishes you never had Once your realize it wasn't worth it, Your destiny is too important to give up for anything.

Your destiny and purpose is way more important than anything that tries to distract you. Stay Focused. Stay Faithful.

Nobody Like You Lord - Maranda Curtis

"Oh Lord, Our Lord How excellent Is your name, Your name is strength, Your name is power A strong tower, Makes me safe, Oh Nobody like you Lord. . ."

Acknowledging that GOD's name is strength and power, empowers us. We are made strong in GOD's power alone. "But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected inweakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladlyin my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me." Who wouldn't serve a GOD like that?!

Listen to these songs by Mary Mary, Vashawn Mitchell, Jekalyn Carr and more on the BOLDJournal Motivation Music Playlist https://spoti.fi/2AOV2hW

What are some songs in your playlist that get you motivated and help keep you focused? Let us know in the comments section or mention us on Instagram and Twitter: @BOLDJournal

Motivation: Work That!

"Feeling great because the lights on me, celebrating the things that everyone told me, would never happen, but God has put His hands on me. and ain't a man alive could ever take it from me. Workin with what I got, I gotta keep on, taking care of myself, I wanna live long. Ain't never ashamed what life did to me. Wasn't afraid to change 'cause it was good for me. I just wanna be myself."  -Work That, Mary J. Blige

Don't look down on what you have, use it to your absolute best ability. Werk it! Don't Let anyone get you down because haters are gonna hate anyway, it doesn't have anything to do with you! Be Authentic, nobody can do what you do exactly how you do it. You have a special light, so don't dim it. Take care of yourself and keep moving forward, no matter what ANYBODY has to say. Work with what you got!

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.

Motivation: Your Focus Promotes Fertility

"Wipe The Sleep From Your Eyes!!" 

I heard the clear authoritative command this morning  as I drowsily mumbled a morning prayer. When we hear His word we automatically become more alert, but a part of me still wanted to sleep. Even though I know the sleep that the voice of God was referring to wasn't simply the rest I had just woken up from. The clear indication in my spirit was that its best to be more alert in and about life all together. Basically: Get With The Program!! There is real work to be done. Waking up is Rising to the occasion. 

In a message shared by my mentor Coach Jennifer in her regular conference calls, she shared how God will deliver us from the snare. God will truly deliver us when we wake up, become focused in His will and be cognizant. Some things God will deliver us from, some things we have to deliver ourselves from! We can't fight oppression if we never put forth the effort. The battle is the Lord's, but if we listen closely He teaches our hands to war!  

The time of waiting, wanting, wandering gives us all the common sense and time we need to know that fulfillment does not come to us willingly! We have to go get it! Seek and you shall get it, ask and it will be given, knock and the door will be opened. What fulfills us and gives us true life is only known to be based in God or are the byproducts of our relationship with Him. Where are you getting your life from and what has it done for you so far? Experiencing the blessing is putting your heart and mind in the right place, and that means dwelling in the shadow of the most high!

(Philippians 4:6)

When we abide in the presence we are easily protected. True focus has the power to promote fertility (production) and results.

Remember the song: If you wanna be somebody, if you wanna go somewhere, you better wake up and pay attention. Well if you wanna be all that you can be, Wake up and Get With It!!

Stay Focused and you will maintain positive energy!


They will have no fear of bad news;
    their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord. - Psalm 112:7





References:
*Psalms 144:1
  Matthew 7:7
  Psalm 91: 1
  Psalm 112:7


- by: April D. Byrd

Brighter Day: Kirk Franklin

The love and peace of God makes life brighter. Sometimes knowing God is all we need to get by...

“Can you discover the depths of God?
  Can you discover the limits of the Almighty?
“Your life would be brighter than noonday;
  Darkness would be like the morning. -Job 11: -7 -17

The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day. - Proverbs 4:18




I never knew I could be so happy, I never knew I'd be so secure because of your love life has brand new meaning. It's gonna be a brighter day...

Motivation: Just Go!

It's another week! Time to grind! Coach/Pastor Jennifer of Tabernacle Of Peace Ministries shared some very positive fuel  in a recent message. She mentioned the plight of David, Naphtali, and Jabez of the Bible and all they had to overcome to rise victoriously. You are not your history, or any accursed name given to you by people. You are a Son of promise, No obstacle can hinder your progress without the proper justification.

When God tells you to Go, just go! You are protected by purpose. "...When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him." Arise into your promise and lift up your standards. Be a person of Character. Refuse to let what you see around you hold you down. You are not defined by the people before you, you are not defined by the circumstances surrounding you. You are what God calls you! 

Honor the voice of God on the inside of you that speaks more powerful and greater things. Be blessed (Indeed) to let the blessing on the inside also be seen on the outside. Honor comes to those who are hardworking intelligent and know who they are. You are who God created, you are who He called you to be. Let your concentration and focus line up with it. 

If we never experience limited times we would never know how to celebrate the blessed ones. The thing you think disadvantages you, actually works for your advantage. As you go and keep going on this Journey may your discouragement turn into encouragement.









-April Byrd

Motivation: Win On Purpose

Win in Life on Purpose.

It's A brand new day to win. Focus to win on purpose this week, even with all the distractions, frustrations, etc. We Can still win.  Mali Music's new song “Ready Aim”  encourages you to be bold, be prepared, and stay motivated to win, because we are always in great hands. We are protected by the best.

Yes, amazing grace saved us, but there is a point where we have to take control of life and start not just living, but winning on purpose, shooting for our dreams, succeeding at our goals and God given destiny. 

It can seem like everything is working against us at times, the times when we really want to win the obstacles and situations in our way seem impossible to surmount. 

However, we have the greatest defense standing for us. It's important to trust the word that we are more than conquerors. In whatever we are going through we can overcome and have victory. If God is for us no one can be against us. Guard your heart and carry your spiritual sword. Having an lifted, and purposeful spirit is the key to having  a fulfilled, successful life. 

We don't fight against  people or situations, but against wrong mindsets and spirits. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Ephesians 6:12 However, no matter what the battle we still have the power to win.

"No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us." -Romans 8:37

If nothing can stop us there is no reason not to succeed and live the best life that God has in mind.

Aim For your Goals today, and Shoot for your dreams in life. Focus. Build your skills and remember: No Weapon formed against you can prosper - Isaiah 54:17 








- April D. Byrd

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

Motivation: It's Not Over

 Powerful video:   When God is in it, it's only the beginning! Many celebrated yesterday at the premiere of The Bible Series on the History Channel and with so many things happening with American government and economy it was a positive step ahead for mass media. In this concert video, credit to one YouTube subscriber, Houghton along with Singer Marvin Sapp Ministers to the crowd. Houghton even shares a small testimony at the beginning!!





When the whole world realizes true strength comes from God, we will have a much stronger world.
Putting God first in any equation means Success for All Parties involved!!

Be Motivated!!

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!!

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!!!