Moving Forward

   by: Carla Marcelle

When you are called to fulfill a purpose, any and everything can be used to stop you from meeting your destiny. It is up to you, who face challenges and situations, to make a conscious effort to be overcomers, fighters, and victors of obstacles you face. When making this decision, you can lose friendships, relationships, and sometimes even jobs. It can be a very uncomfortable situation especially when you want so bad cling to those hindrances because it is all you know, it is what you love, and it is your safety zone.  The funny thing about it is that most times we know what the hindrances are, but we may not know what our purpose is. So for that very reason, we never fully comprehend just how much of a necessity it is for us to let go of those hindrances to move forward in our destiny by uncovering our purpose. 

However, it is in those quiet times with yourself, where you discover your gifts. It is in those times where you are not focused on the rhetoric of your situations where you discover your talents. In those times where you are not indulging with your hindrances and your obstacles, that is when your purpose begins to form.

   I know for me, one of my biggest hindrances are friendships. Because I like to be around people, I tend to just want to be around who ever is available. Not always are the people who are available conducive to my well being. Not always are the people who are available have my best interest at hand.   Often, I find my self compromising my very beliefs, morals, and standards. So instead of being that purpose driven woman of destiny, being a light in darkness of situations, I just blend right in. I conform to the very thing I do not want to be. After spending so much time conforming, I have discovered one of two things will happen. Either you will become complacent, losing your desire for your advancement, and develop a will to simply just exist; or you will get so uncomfortable in your situation, that you have to remove yourself from the very things that are holding you back.

At that point the question becomes,

When you hear the call of your destiny, will you chose to pursue it? Will you answer the call?

Or will you allow your destiny that awaits you to just dwindle away, and your purpose that you were designed to accomplish  become void; all because you did not want to endure the discomfort of your advancement. We all know there is no growth without discomfort. We can apply the same principles of our natural world to the very idea of advancing in our purpose. As a child grows into maturity they go through very uncomfortable stages called puberty; as a woman creates life in her womb, it is uncomfortable or even painful; for stamina and muscle to develop, there is a period of soreness, and pain. Its evident that we must endure pain, hardships, and discomfort to gain advancement through life, but keep in mind it is only for a moment, and the end result is always greater.

   So today I encourage you to think about those obstacles and hindrances in your life that have been placed in the way of  discovering your purpose and moving into your destiny. Make a conscious decision to move past them, and let them go. That is how you move into your victory, and gain a life full of joy and satisfaction. Do not be content to just exist. You have a greater value than that!!!

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Carla Marcelle is a Life and Purpose Coach and regular contributor to Breath Of Life Daily. For more inspirational posts from Coach Carla Stay tuned to her "Wake Up Wednesdays" segment here on BOLD Journal every Wednesday. Subscribe via e-mail and connect with @BOLDJournal on Twitter and Instagram for the latest updates.

Pray, Hustle, Then Pray Some More.

by: April D. Byrd

So often I need to remind myself that prayer is the key and source of energy. Most of the time when I get up, the first thing I wanna do is get going with my OWN plans for the day! That's after I get up from a 2 hour snooze from the time I "wanted" to get up! It's usually the "special" things that get me going.


A friend told me this morning that "I Hate to get up in the morning", she went on in her rant that "You're not a morning person". I wanted to be appalled, but I couldn't even argue. People know us by our actions. As much as I want to be in demand in charge, I know most of the time that never comes unless I've been in the spirit, been fortified in the replenishment of worship. It's a game changer. Most of the time I end up doing extra stuff I never even thought I would do. Like the energizer bunny.


A lot of success/money magazines list "meditation" as one of the top habits of wealthy people. I'm not knocking meditation, it has it's place, but I think in the spirit of God, truly acknowledging that, there is so much more.


You can call it meditating or whatever you want, but we know what it is. Honestly that time spent in the spirit, that direct line of communication with our maker is what gives the energy, the hustle, the grind we need, all of that. Pray everyday.  Pray without ceasing is what the word says. Prayer is the thing that causes our lives to reflect greatness. The word of God is life changing we know... even when I'm searching through the #scripture tag on Instagram I feel empowered. I guess that would be 10 times better if the word is coming from the life giver Himself.

Note: that Beyoncé didn't wake up like that, and Oprah didn't do it all own her OWN. You will find both of them attributing their success to one God. The one who controls the universe, inspired the Bible, and uplifts our souls. Pray! your spirit will thank you, you will be motivated. It ALWAYS works for me.

Resources For Your New Vision Board

By:  April D. Byrd

It seems like everybody is creating a vision board for the New Year. It is a smart thing to do. If you want to visualize your dreams and your goals and let them daily serve as a reminder. Visualization helps, If you don't know what you want, you end up with a lot you don't.  If you can see it, you can achieve it. I believe it's imperative to create a vision board with with a relevant and appropriate action plan. Wisdom say's Write The Vision... Make it Plain! Seeing is good but, How Will You Act? Create a Vision Board with an Action Plan  Here is some info and resources about vision boards that should help with the journey.


What Is A Vision Board
typically a poster board on which you paste or collage images that you've torn out from various magazines, books, etc.

How To Create A Vision Board
You'll need a poster board, A big stack of different magazines, (choose lots of different options, if you limit your options you may get bored after a while.) ex:  Oprah, Real Simple, Natural Home, Yoga Journal, Dwell, Ode, Parenting, Money, Utne, and an assortment of nature magazines. You will also need glue. "Yes! Glue" if you can find it or rubber cement are recommended, and a picture frame if you wanna keep it fancy.

Pray or Meditate First
The ultimate vision for our lives is on a spiritual or divine level. It will be good to meditate first. "Have a little ritual before you begin your vision board. Sit quietly and set the intent. With lots of kindness and openness, ask yourself what it is you want." If you are a believer like me Pray, worship a little communicate with God to see what His will is.

(photo credit): Strength For The Soul

related article: If you're not sure about a vision board you may want to read  "Christian Entrepreneurs, Vision Boards And The Law Of Attraction" by Nicole Hollins.

Try A Vision Journal

We're back to what scripture reads about "writing the vision". use the same principles of creating a vision board in a big sketch book. "Get a large sketch book and keep an on-going vision journal. This is especially effective if you’re going through many transitions in your life." Write it down.


Complete A Free Workbook
Put in the work, to get the results. Teacher and Author Taria Prichett  has created a free downloadable workbook to help people specify their goals and expectations. Find out more info and details on the workbook by visiting the site. More resources and details are listed about access to the workbook at the end of the post.

There are all different types of vision boards. A few years back I created a 3-D vision board. Some of the things I added still amaze me today. It's wonderful how I can see all of the images and ideals coming together. This year I am building an appropriate action plan for my dreams and moving in faith. Hopefully you will do the same and have a great time doing it!

3-D vision board I created a while back...time for an action plan!

*Info on different vision boards and resources can be found at ChristineKane.com and the Reflect and Re-Invent Yourself Workbook can be found at RegalRealness.com

The Weeds Among Us

(Matthew 13: 1-30)

The word of God is a seed when planted and watered grows to be great! Remember the parable of the sower? 

Some seed fell along the path, some fell on shallow rocky ground some was choked up, and some fell on good ground. We have to make sure our ground is good and fertile. that comes in focusing solely on God and His Word. Focus promotes fertility! 

There is power in studying, staying up to date and current in the word. When we bother to take care of the word God has given us we will yield and reap great benefits. Build and let the life grow in you! Stay grounded, and have an active prayer life. God's word never expires or returns to Him void. Make sure to stay current in it! Rise as good crop children of God!

Even though there may be weeds and negativity around you, Still continue to rise and shine! It's your season!