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.

No Time Wasted

by: Coach Carla  

Too Often, when we don't adhere to the Spirit of God, we find ourselves off track. We find ourselves in the mist of trouble, indulging in what we know is no good for us, and entangling ourselves deep into our fleshly desires. The more we ignore God, the less we hear his voice. The more we disregard God, the stronger the enemy's tricks and schemes become. Before we know it, we find ourselves caught up, and feeling stuck in emotional despair with physical and mental drain.

   When we are broken, torn from the inside out, it can seem there is no hope. When our pain and suffering seems that it will last forever, and situations will never get better, we more times than not, begin to become discouraged. Coming from this place of brokenness can be an excruciating task, but it is that pain and hurt that will draw you closer. The pain and the hurt will build your faith deeper. If you have been here before, you know it was only God, in his faithfulness that brought you through it. It was God who restored you, and built you, from the ground, back up. And if you are here right now, know it was God who said, 

"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made  perfect weakness". (2 Corinthians 12:9, NIV).

 So that is your hope, a perfect hope, with no flaws, and no imperfections. Christ who gives you rest in your period of despair, gives you the strength you need to overcome any situation, any obstacle, and will lead you to be victorious. The living God, in his faithfulness who is dedicated to you said, 

"Be confident in this, He who started a good work in you, will carry it on to completion until the day if Christ Jesus" (Philippines 1:6, NIV).

   This is the kind of love given by the Creator, perfect and pure, just and true. So it does not matter what you have done, or where you have gone, or how long you were there. Once you allow God to take control, He will take control. He will not stop your work until your work is complete. 

   All the days, months, and years you feel you wasted in your own foolish capacity, will be restored. God, in His supernatural strength has the power to expedite your time. Your process to get you to where Christ needs you, is not in vain. The struggles and the pain you face, is all apart of the plan. The time it takes you to move out of your storm is all worked into your destiny. 



All the time you feel that you wasted, or the time it took for you to move forward, will be given back to you 10 fold. [Joel 2:25, NIV] declares,

"I will restore to you the years the swarming locust has eaten". 

   Today, The locust can be equated to your hardship, your pain, your trouble, and your heartbreak that has consumed your time. These adversities you faced, can and will be used for greater. Joel 2:26, NIV goes on to declare, 

"You will have plenty to eat until you are full, and will praise the name of the LORD your God, who has worked wonders for you, never again will my people be shamed".

   God will bless you. When Christ speaks of being full, he speaks of your provision he provides. You will be full of life, full of vision, and filled with purpose. Your life will be brand new, and his grace will be evident in your world. 

   God in his perfectness awaits you to be what he has called you to be, through him; and the best part about it. . . It Is Already Done. Don't let the enemy deceive you to believe any less than what God has already declared over your life. 

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Carla Marcelle is a regular Breath Of Life Daily contributor. She is a Life and Purpose Coach, and recent University graduate receiving her Master's degree. For more inspirational posts from Coach Carla Stay tuned to her "Wake Up Wednesdays" segment here on BOLD Journal every Wednesday. Wake-up Wednesday will feature a weekly prayer line and devotional. Follow @BOLDJournal on Twitter and Instagram for the latest updates.

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.

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

25 Bible Verses About God's Light

by: April D. Byrd

Whenever you're in a dark place just know that God can bring you into the light. You can be whole and made positive again just by seeking the light. My mentor, Pastor/Coach Jennifer once did an exercise while preaching. She simply turned the light switch off and on. The Difference was major. Sometimes all we gotta do is turn on the Light! Most of the things I found in life, I found because I was looking for it.  Wisdom say's seek God while He may be found; call on Him while he is near. As my Pastor exampled that can be as simple as turning on the light switch. Personally, when I wanted to throw in the towel feeling like I had no reason to live, the God in me wouldn't let me give up. God prevails even when reason fails. My favorite verse is "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."  Wisdom, Knowledge, and Revelation whether spoken directly to our spirit or from empowering spiritual passages, or quotes will always inspire our souls, illuminate our way and make the fog and confusion of life a little clearer. Hopefully these 25 verses help just as much. Enjoy!

2 Samuel 22:29 
29 You are my lamp, O LORD; the LORD turns my darkness into light.

Nehemiah 9:11-13
11 You divided the sea before them, so that they passed through it on dry ground, but you hurled their pursuers into the depths, like a stone into mighty waters. 12 By day you led them with a pillar of cloud, and by night with a pillar of fire to give them light on the way they were to take.

Job 33:28
28 He redeemed my soul from going down to the pit, and I will live to enjoy the light.'

Psalm 4:6
6 Many are asking, "Who can show us any good?" Let the light of your face shine upon us, O LORD.

Psalm 18:28 
28 You, O LORD, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light.

Psalm 36:9
9 For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light.

Psalm 43:3
3 Send forth your light and your truth, let them guide me; let them bring me to your holy mountain, to the place where you dwell.

Psalm 56:12-13
12 I am under vows to you, O God; I will present my thank offerings to you. 13 For you have delivered me from death and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of life.

Psalm 89:15
15 Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, O LORD.

Psalm 97:11 
11 Light is shed upon the righteous and joy on the upright in heart.

Continue reading on Yahoo.

New Year, New You #VOWchat (Recap)

Thanks to Everyone who participated in the Twitter Chat and Conference Call presented by Voice Of Wisdom Transformational Coaching Founder, Pastor and Coach Jennifer Turner, hosted by breathoflifedaily.com  It was the first of it's kind and the last one for this year.

Coach Jennifer took the message from (1 Samuel 30: 1-8) clarifying the characteristics of David. She reminded of us his cunning bravery and the belief he held that gave him the ultimate advantage.
Thank you to her for sharing an empowering and uplifting word!

Looking forward to Engaging with Everyone more.

Check Out The #VOWchat  recap on Twitter below:

Teenage Millionaire Credits God For Success

A 15-Year-Old High School Student Created,  and Runs a $3.5 Million Global Tech Company and credits his 'Lord and Savior' for the Success, that's BOLD!

15 year old Jalen Bledsoe, founder and CEO of Bledsoe Technologies LLC, took to his blog on Monday after recent media interviews of his success went viral this week to give thanks to his "Lord and Savior" for blessing the work of his company, which is worth $3.5 million according to a FOX 2 NOW report.

"In light of recent media attention, I've been so busy speaking on the company and not thanking someone who should be thanked," began Bledsoe in the post entitled, Blessing to Motivate. "I'd like to thank my Lord and Savior. Without him, I would be nowhere. He's given me the blessing to have the company and profound success, but to also be a motivation to others," he wrote.

According to his profile on his company's website, young Bledsoe is an expert in start-up businesses, entrepreneurship, Venture Capital Funding and direct marketing platforms that target small and mid-sized businesses and caters to a global clientele.

FOX 2 NOW Jalen Bledsoe, 15, on his multimillion dollar tech company

"Over the last few years, I've been able to motivate that kid, who smokes weed all day, to go and learn about entrepreneurship; who plays video games all day, to go and learn how to develop his own video game; who's considered a nerd at school, and is bullied," the teenage businessman noted in the post.

"Often, my peers will say that I'm so lucky to do what I do, or how they wish they could do the same. Every time that I've heard this phrase, I get a sense of pride, knowing that I've had the opportunity to motive my peers," he said.

"Age is nothing but a number, don't let this prolong your dreams. Your past does not limit your future, but expands your knowledge on how to make your future great," he added citing a few motivational words. "Success is not calculated on the amount of likes you receive on an Instagram picture, but is defined by the amount of internal pride created by your accomplishments. Find a skill of yours, and go master it!"

His company profile states that he has been recognized for his academic excellence and leadership winning a "Presidential Academic Excellence Award" from President Barack Obama in 2009. He also received the "Gateway Young Achiever of the Year" and was selected as the second place winner for the Missouri Parent Teachers Association "Diversity" contest.

He currently attends Mary Institute and St. Louis Country Day School in Ladue, Mo., and plans to attend Harvard University to study business administration and computer science.

Way to go Jalen!! Keep being BOLD!!

via (@ChristianPost)

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.

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

The Best Things in Life are Free

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The best things in life aren’t things.  -Art Buchwald

Some years ago, in Bhopal, India, poison gas leaked into the air through an industrial mishap. Disaster struck when people living in the vicinity of the factory inhaled those noxious fumes. Hundreds died and hundreds more were crippled for life. Even today memories of that dreadful day haunt those who survived, when Death came brandishing his blade, riding on the very air they breathed.

For most of us, what happened in Bhopal is a freak accident, not likely to happen to us. Although we pollute the air, we can breathe it, without the threat of disease or death, because gales of pure air drive out stagnant clouds of pollution. It is God’s way of continuing the free supply of air. And He levies no charges for His services.

Consider water. Could we live a normal day without it? Do we pay for it? Not really. The paltry sum we pay for the supply of water to our homes does not give us a true sense of its value, so much so we waste it. The abundance of water around us gives us the assurance that the waters of the earth will not run dry. That God will replenish dwindling stocks through life-giving rain.

What about the sights, smells and sounds of Nature? Watch a breathtaking dawn, when darkness cannot linger as the gates of morning are opened; or the grandeur of a sunset, as night drives back day, and you witness the Divine Artist at work. Wait, the show is not over. As evening lowers its dark mantle over the earth, a blood-red tropical moon casts its eerie glow. Wait a little longer to see twinkling stars adorn the dark sky. What a sight to behold, when night takes a deep breath and holds it!

Marvel at the flowerbeds – in a riot of colors - nodding their heads in the breeze. View unending lush green lawns or throw your head back and laud sturdy trees climb the sky. Take in the exhilarating fragrance of flowers and fruits, or taste delicious fruits that hang low from drooping branches, and you are beside yourself with unexplained joy. Or, stand in awe as jagged bolts of lightning touch the turbulent waters of the sea; or, be amazed at the power of the storm as it uproots and splinters giant leaf-clad monarchs of the forest; or, be stunned at the dexterity of the wind as it hurriedly sculpts the waters of the ocean into moving mountains. Even in its fury, Nature is beautiful!

Watch the seasons unfold. Spring, when the earth is unlocked, and the air is filled with the perfume of promise. Summer, when vegetation seems fulfilled, and fruit is abundant; and when hesitant summer rain cools your face. Listen to the music as your feet trample fallen autumn leaves. Watch the first snowflakes land lightly on expectant earth, as winter bids autumn goodbye. Gently the seasons make their entries and exits.

Be thrilled with the music of Nature – chirping birds and rustling leaves, whistling winds and the lapping of waves on the beach, rumbling thunder and rain pelting scorched earth.

We buy tickets to visit Art Galleries and Art Exhibitions, and to attend concerts and watch magic shows, but do not pay a penny to rejoice in the works of God. It is easy to dismiss these wonders as manifestations of Nature. What is Nature, but an outstretched finger pointing to God!

Have we stopped to think of time? Each moment is a gift because we do not know if the next will be ours. Yet, we are guilty of wasting precious time, because God gives it to us free.

His crowning gift is His love. Nothing that we do will diminish His love for us. His love brings with it an abiding peace. As an extension of His love for us, we receive love from those around us – parents, siblings, spouses, friends and others. And all the genuine love we receive is free.

Because we have life, we can plan and execute, perform and win praise, follow our creative urges, love and be loved,

raise a family, and cherish the love of children. It is true that death is an end to one phase of life – given to us free - but Death asks us to live life, when we have it.

We can enjoy life to the full only when we have bodies that house our souls. Rejoice at the miracle we call the body. Every single cell of the entire body is changed once in seven years. The average person possesses 500 to 700 different skills and abilities. The brain can store one hundred trillion facts. The nose can smell ten thousand different odors. Human touch can detect an item 1/25,000 of an inch thick. The tongue can taste one part of quinine in two million parts of water. The list goes on.

God is too good to be unkind and too wise to make mistakes. So, in His Infinite wisdom and mercy, He continues to shower us with His blessings. Neither will He stop giving nor will He take back any of His gifts. We are blessed. If we are to put a value to the gifts we receive from Him, we are millionaires, many times over.

Are we conscious of our indebtedness? Do we sincerely thank Him? Life in the mainstream has become a pavement-pounding activity in quest of profit, pleasure and possessions. We have little or no time to think of God. Even if we do, we try to keep Him out of our lives.

It is time we realized that the best things in life aren’t things and that they are free. It is also time that we gave Cicero’s words some thought: Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all. A thankful heart enjoys blessings twice – when they are received and when they are remembered.

-Ignatius Fernandez

Lets Get It Done

Let's Get It Done!!

Its time to get up! Strengthen your self! Brush the dust off your dream, focus and get things done. Do you have a passion and a dream throbbing in the recess of your soul that you can't seem to shake, but don't know how to birth? Well then, this message is for you. It's one thing for you to settle for a while , stick your dream on a shelf, as you get yourself together so you can prepare to passionately go after it. It's however, a totally different thing for you to kill your dream because you have reasons that make you believe your dream is too lofty for you to go after and is impossible for you to successfully accomplish.

We all have what we call legitimate reasons why we think we cannot pursue our passion and dream. Think being the operating word. I however have great news for you! It's not too late for you to go after your passion. I know you may have tried many times and failed, I also know that deep within you, your dream still lives, no matter how hard you try to kill it. 

Understand that your dream gives you reason to come alive and empowers your capacity to produce with joy and enthusiasm. Your dream drives your passion and brings you satisfaction. It enables you to come alive and live with excitement. Without a dream you and those around you perish because the capacity to see is diminished, therefore hope is curtailed. Your dream is also your vision, so it allows you to forecast and live for larger things rather than just bread and butter. It's your dream once set in motion and moving that brings your self worth to new levels, and cause your confidence to grow because you were fashioned, equipped, gifted, prepared and brought into this earth for the birthing of your dream, so it can impact this earth. Dreams have produced heroes in very unlikely places who endued great odds with tenacity and zeal because their dream was louder than the obstacles they faced, in fact the obstacles themselves were the very reason for birthing the dream itself. 

I ask you again, do you have a dream? Is your passion aligned with your dream or have you ceased to dream because you are scared to live or to fail? 

I know what it feels like to know your purpose, have a deep seated passion and lofty dream that you think you can not actualize. I also know the painful frustration of avoiding to pursue your dreams in the name of what ever obstacle you think stands as a mountain between you and your dream. But I know the joy and satisfaction that comes from surrendering your self to your passion and pursuing your dream. It's life altering and exhilarating. It centers you and brings you balance and gives you reason to become. Let Voice Of Wisdom Transformational Coaching come along side you and walk with you to your dream with passion. It's a new day and new season, Lets get it done, because you can.

Coming soon!!!! "Let's Get It Done" Conferences! If you have a dream be on the look out!!!!!!




--Coach Jennifer

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

How To Link Happiness To Success.

Linking your happiness to your success is a process that requires intentional strategy. Nothing works right without a plan... 

Do you ever feel like happiness is on the other side of all the work you’re putting in? We are programmed to believe success equals happiness. Shawn Anchor, CEO of Good Think Inc., researches positive psychology and explains why we have it all wrong. Evidently, the external world which includes, your job, family, and money only predict about 10% of your happiness. 90% of your happiness comes directly from what you feel at the moment. If success equals happiness, what happens when we are constantly achieving and setting new goals? The brain reaches success and then it looks for the next goal. According to Anchor, the brain is 31% more productive when a person is positive. When you are positive in the present moment, dopamine is released, making you happier and turning on learning centers in your brain. This means you are more likely to be successful if you are already happy. This makes perfect sense in theory, but how do we implement this in our everyday lives? Here are 3 ways to stay positive, after all your success depends on it.

1. Gratitude- Showing gratitude puts you in a position to feel good about your life and it can make someone else feel good in the process. Let someone know you appreciate them. Happiness is contagious, spread it when you can. Develop a weekly habit of reaching out to a person from your social media network. Engage and compliment them. If you see a post that caught your attention, thank them for sharing. More importantly, take time out to appreciate YOU! Life is not easy and you are still standing and pushing forward. Enjoy your accomplishments. Although you have your mind set on a future goal, take time to appreciate where you are right now. Remind yourself you deserve to be happy. There is no shame in appreciating who you are and what you have accomplished. This type of internal gratitude is a powerful tool to keep your mind on the right track.

2. Take control of your Thoughts- Make a conscious decision to control your thoughts. There is a constant dialogue going on in our heads. You are not giving yourself a fair chance if you are allowing your thoughts to torment you. We can’t stop the rain, but we can search for the silver lining. Don’t have a pity party when things are less desirable. Start conditioning your mind to search for positive thoughts. This type of mental discipline builds resilience. Dilemmas are opportunities to exercise your conscious thinking skills. Yes it takes a hell of a lot of effort to keep the negative out, but applaud yourself for trying. Keeping track of where you allow your mind to go and it can quickly become a habit.

3. Positive Influences- The easiest component to being happy is surrounding yourself with happy people. Stray away from negative people. We have all heard the phrase “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” Be careful of who you give your time to. Energy is ever flowing whether it’s good or bad. Check out this clip of Shawn Anchor giving a inspiring message on happiness.

Success is getting what you want, Happiness is wanting what you get. You were made to be excellent, fabulous and successful on purpose. Intentionally changing your mindset will help lead you to happiness and success that is rightfully yours! Keep your mind focused and  Go for your success and Happiness today! You're worth it!!




*original post published on the Urban Realist.

Maximize Your Personal Development

Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate. – Carl Jung

Most “Millennials” and many close to the generation are being targeted as lazy, but there is power to make a positive difference with the advanced tools and resources in this age, especially in the field of networking and communications. Personal development helps us to realize what we have to offer the world. It gives us a brief estimate of our value and on what exact talents we can place worth on, that can in turn be incorporated into all areas of life and authentic success.

If we want the best out of our lives, it means we should give life the best of ourselves. As William Shakespeare noted:  “This above all: to thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.”  Knowing your authentic self and developing your highest potential is the key behind personal branding and development, it is the essential function that serves our purpose and service to the world.

Consciously achieving your goals means allocating the time to do so. All big problems started as little problems. When left unchecked, simple issues can gradually grow out of proportion. Health is one thing any professional can’t allow to go in the wrong direction. 

Personal development also relies heavily on mental sharpness and acumen. If our perception is limited, the very experience of our life will be too. You can only see the world from your perception, why not make it awesome?!  Your key attributes and your authenticity give life to your personal brand. 

Low self-worth and lack of good communication causes individuals to make bad choices, which leads life into a series of bad experiences. Life is all about communication. How are you relating to everything and everybody else in the world? Self-Investment is the key to increase communication skills and career success.  

5 Lessons From The TOP Message

Awesome, Awesome message by Coach Pastor Jennifer today on the Voice Of Wisdom Conference Call line!! The message was so empowering, with great key points that were well worth noting and holding on to. In reference to scripture, Most of her message highlighted Joshua 1:3  which reads:

"Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses."

She dealt with some of the limiting beliefs and factors that keep people from moving forward, and making progress with the success of their lives and purpose. She also explained how the purpose and blessing of God works.

Here are a few key notes that stood out... (or at least what I had enough time to write), ENJOY!!


 God doesn't measure out your blessing, your belief system does.
the blessing of God is unlimited as far as our imagination or belief system can take us that's how far we can go. Don't limit yourself become unlimited.

 God's purpose works in seasons and in times.
we have to line up with purpose, be knowledgeable and adhere to what specific season or time we are in. It is possible to miss out. If we miss a sewing season, then we will miss the  reaping season accordingly. All things work together. Its best to actively engage, to be cognizant and aware.

In order for you to get the inheritance of God you gotta engage choices.
Gods people are not in a time where the word is forced any more, shoved down our throats, or anything is strictly beaten down upon us. Its  imperative to actively engage the move  of God by choice ,understand and know what He has in the best interest for our lives.

If you wanna stop going in circles, stop blaming and begin taking responsibility.
to become unstuck in the maze of habitual monotony and repeated behaviors of our lives that don't serve us. We have to actively engage and start taking responsibility.

Individual portion/blessing depends on character.
the scripture in Joshua 1 reads, every sole the place of our foot treads... and Gods exclaims a blessing, that just as He blessed Moses He would bless His people and continually be with them just the same. However, our individual blessing and inheritance depends on our mindset, and how we honor and obey the Lord. It is possible to suffer through trials and still come out empty handed in the end for failing to step up to the plate and actively be in character, in season.


Overall with every takeaway to be had from today's lesson it is God who always speaks a mighty blessing this one recorded in the Bible. He says that He will be with us, not leaving us, or forsaking us. It is ultimately up to us to believe and actively engage His words and His way, if we want to truly live our best lives.

 "There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

 Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them.

 Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.

 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

 Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest." -Joshua 1: 5-9

Coach/Pastor Jennifer Turner is the founder of (TOP) Tabernacle Of Peace Ministries International and Voice Of Wisdom Transformational Coaching for more empowering words from her Stay Tuned and feel free to check out this piece on sound cloud: 

https://soundcloud.com/coachjennifer/its-not-personal