Finding Power In Carrying The Torch

by: April D. Byrd

I was watching T.D. Jakes message Sunday night and he said "When his mother put him in vacation bible school she was Investing", when he said that I thought of how my own grandmother put us kids in vacation bible school, and I thought about my grandmother. I knew She passed around this time of year, so when I looked it up Sunday and saw it was the exact date she died 11 years ago, I exploded in tears immediately... initially I was a wreck. When T.D Jakes said his mom invested in him by putting him in V.B.S, that part kept my mind on my grandmother and how she had invested in me. 

Then the pastor at the second service I attended spoke on the same thing: How we can "Invest" in the lives of others. I had to pull myself together being still on the clock, but just to think about it, my grandmother's spirit was everything, it fortified me, She fortified all of the kids she raised because of her faith. I wanted to go into that depressed space and stay there mourning about her, I wanted to grieve over her life, but the holy spirit wouldn't let me. The fact is my grandmother happened! She lived!... and she lived phenomenally! Like I said her spirit was everything. She raised 4 kids in a one bedroom apartment, she worked her butt off to take care of each one of us. She didn't have to do that! Some people don't do that. I get my hard working spirit from her. Another thing that came to light about my grandmother was that she stayed in the word. She always had her big reading glasses on reading her word... and I never understood until I got older, but when we would go to church she would be so moved she would have to walk out,(because that church didn't shout), but something would hit her and touch her so, that she couldn't contain herself and I finally understand what it was. God would be talking to her.

When you stay faithful to the word like she did , God speaks to you. Every time us kids were wondering what was up with her, and embarrassed that she was "turning up" in church, God was speaking to her. and when God speaks on such a personal level it validates everything in your existence. It touches the very essence of who you are and strengthens your faith. I get that from her too. 

- 1 Timothy 1:5

So I wanted to cry I wanted to wail out and grieve, but I won't cry because her life is over, I'll rejoice that it happened. My grandmother happened!!!!! and the impact she made on my life can never be measured. I can't imagine what I would be without her. God chose to give her me. God chose to let me be raised by her! I'm so, so blessed because of it, and instead of grieving over her history, I'm gonna honor her legacy. I'm gonna prove that everything she did wasn't in vain, that all the sacrifices she made will be put to good use. I'm gonna invest in others like she invested in me, selflessly. I'm gonna Live! I'm gonna continue to live because she lived. I'm not gonna give up! I'm gonna keep running this race til the end, because she did I can... because she lived, I can. She introduced me to faith. Her very being transformed my life. She was used by God to be a vessel, and I'm gonna continue to be a vessel. I'm gonna let her light shine through me with even greater strength than I had before. Because she lived, her light is with me...and it always will be.

Her fire within me

The light that my grandmother possessed is the same light of Jesus Christ. His life was a sacrifice for us all. So we don't have to lament over his death, we can rejoice in his resurrection life and continue to carry the torch. We have the light.

 April D. Byrd is a Writer, and the creator of  breathoflifedaily.com

3 Ways To Move Forward In The New Year Successfully

by: Ruthann Mckenzie

Are you ready to move forward?

Moving forward to the new year should be something greeted with great expectation. Whether the year was a wonderful one or there were bumps in the road, there is a new start with the new year.  You can begin the steps to making a change prior to the new year. Yet, it is good to pause and reflect on what to make better for the next year.

How can you make the best of the upcoming year? The following three things should be taken into consideration with 2015 right around the corner:

• Recognize the value of time. Time is so important and we need to leave behind wasting precious moments on irrelevant things. Enjoy living in the moment and see the value in each day. Make the most out of each year, month, week, and day.

• Do not remain bondage to the past. Whatever painful situation that has happened this year or years ago can be let go of. Our memory can be used to focus on where the Lord has brought us from versus remembering all the hurt. Pain is inevitable in this lifetime, but misery is optional. You do not have to remain bondage to the past. Resolve to let that go as 2014 comes to a close.

make a new start, with a new year...

• Create clear priorities for your life. It does not take any set time of the year to realize what is important to you. However, when a new year approaches it is time to take inventory of your priorities and establish what is important and why. Practice utilizing your time wisely from the start of your day, establishing what takes priority.

These skills can be useful moving into the new year. Continue creating awesome vision boards and defining clear goals for how you are moving forward with your life. If you are ready to start fresh and not sure where to start, then check out Just Be Confident and how coaching and mentorship may be able to work for you. Make 2015 your year by moving forward!

Ruthann McKenzie is the creator of justbeconfident.com where she blogs and coaches others to be confident and live victoriously. Follow her updates on Facebook and Instagram:@theconfidentyou 

"The Alto Adjustment" DVD Giveaway Winner Announcement

Congratulations to everyone who entered The Alto Adjustment DVD giveaway sponsored by BOLD Journal!!

Even if you didn't win, It's still a great film to invest in if you're a strong believer in the power of overcoming, what can be accomplished when we set our minds to greater, and moving in the right direction.

Dainhen's story serves as an excellent example for youth and adults alike to never give up. We can face the consequences of our actions, but also learn from them, grow, and turn our gifts around for the better. The Alto Adjustment can be purchased here on fn2sspeaking.com . "The Alto Adjustment" can also be booked for screenings at events, colleges, non-profits, and universities. 

This DVD is important especially given the climate of the justice system in today's society. It's a resource for individuals to witness overcoming and see that there can be triumph after, and in the middle our trials.

Breath Of Life Daily will continue hosting giveaways throughout the year. Subscribe to Breath Of Life Daily  for the latest giveaways and inspirational updates.

The official winner is announced in the video below:

Congrats!! please e-mail boldimpactnetwork@gmail.com to claim your  copy of The Alto Adjustment. Thanks to everyone who participated. More giveaways to come. 

Subscribe to BOLDJournal for the latest updates.

Omitting: The Truth

by: Chancee Christian

"God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” ~John 4:24

Worship: to honor or reverence as a divine being or supernatural power 2 : to regard with great or extravagant respect, honor, or devotion

So, most of us already know how to worship God..... & we all have different ways that we worship, some lift their hands, some shout, some cry, some just bow or kneel to show great honor or respect for God!

I, personally, worship God in three of those ways. However, I've come to realize that worshipping God is one of the easy parts of walking with Him.....once we learn who God is through a real relationship & learn to love God for who He is...... Worship is easy.....but that's only half of it.....

Truth: sincerity in action, character, and utterance

The other half of our lives with God and how we worship Him, is truth!!

Is it possible to only be a halfway worshiper?

YES!

How so?
We can use are lips to pray, love on & praise God & also curse His own children.....

James 3:9 "We use our tongues to praise our Lord and Father, but then we curse people, whom God made like himself."

How so?
We will lift our hands in Worship to God & use those same hands to flip others off, to place them on others in physical abuse or touch others in places that are only supposed to be for our spouses......

Truth (the Word of God) tells us in Matthew 22:39 to ‘Love your neighbor as you love yourself.’

How so?
We will shout, some in tongues, many blessings to the Lord our God in Worship but also shout at drivers on the road, shout disrespectful words at our children, spouses, employees and employers.....

James 3:10 Praises and curses come from the same mouth! My brothers and sisters, this should not happen.

How so? We can love God, serve Him, follow some of His commandments because we don't want to admit we are out of order or out of God's Will, so we continue to live in sin because the World accepts you living with the man or woman you're not married to.....the World accepts you being in a marriage or relationship with the same sex...... because the World accepts you not forgiving those who hurt you, did you wrong so therefore you live in bitterness & resentment......

The World accepts so many of the things God doesn't accept in His Kingdom!!!!

So instead of living to please the God you Worship in Spirit.....

We begin to conform to the World

In Spirit we Love & Worship God.....but when it comes to "truth"......

I challenge you today, to STOP being a halfway worshiper, but to begin to WORSHIP God in Spirit and Truth!

Will it happen overnight? Nah
Can you do it? Yes
Will it always be easy? NO
Are you a conqueror? Yep!

But you aren't alone......

Love you ALL!!!!

-Chancee Christian is the founder of Daughters Of A King Ministries.

He's Worth The Wait Review + Giveaway!!!

by: April D. Byrd 

Often people spend a lot of time looking for things outside of us to fulfill us, to make us whole. However there is so much satisfaction when we come to realize that our fulfillment is in God's will for our lives. Whatever the situation is that has caused emptiness, hurting, or longing in our lives it can be overcome by embracing the love God had for us first, from the beginning of time. Our fulfillment is in Christ's purpose and passion within us.

A great change took place in Writer/Minister Fanny Quioto's life when she accepted Christ's love. She began to come into fullness and wholeness in God. She was delivered from hurt and addiction, so much so that she was able to encourage other women. I know God connected me with Fanny Quioto for a reason, I am so blessed by her updates on social media and watched as her new book "He's Worth The Wait : Confessions and Notes About Your Future Husband" came into fruition. In He's Worth The Wait, Fanny Quioto shares her testimony of how she overcame her sex addiction and her decision to remain celibate until she says, "I do." She also shares her very personal and candid confessions and notes concerning her future husband directly from her journal. This book aims to encourage other women to remain abstinent until they are married and to remain strengthened in the process.

Gratefully, Breath Of Life Daily was able to attend and cover The "He's Worth The Wait" book signing event. You can check out the coverage here if you missed the action. One of my sisters in Christ surprised me and bought a copy of the book for me at the signing. I'm so glad she did. I was blown away! "He's Worth The Wait" is powerful and insightful. Fanny Quioto goes deep with the transparency in her testimony and the revelation from God, given to her during her struggle. She keeps it 100% real which made it easier to relate to, especially if you've ever struggled with addiction, thoughts of suicide, depression, low self-esteem, or the like. It's encouraging because of the powerful declarations pulled from her deeply rooted confidence and faith in God. The book also provides insight into why pre-marital sex tends to fail us every time. Through research, rejoicing, prayer, and accentuating the positive this book reminds us why it's so important to wait. It's a great resource to be used while in waiting. It's so awesome because it encourages everyone to recognize how worthy we are in God's eyes, so we can realize exactly why we deserve the best He has for us.

If Fanny can overcome and empower others through storm you can too! So, on to the part you've been waiting for... THE GIVEAWAY!!! You can enter for a chance to WIN a free PERSONALIZED copy of the He's Worth The Wait book in Breath Of Life Daily's free giveaway! There are so many ways to win. You can start by re-posting this picture below using the hash tag #HesWorthTheWait.

You can win a copy of the book by entering through Breath Of Life Daily's rafflecopter giveaway

1. Tweet about the giveaway. (ex: I'm worth the wait! Just entered for free copy of #HesWorthTheWait book from @BOLDImpactNtwrk #BOLDJournalgiveaway) 

2. Follow @BOLDImpactntwrk on Twitter.

3. Leave a comment on the blog post. (ex: I would love to win a free copy of He's Worth The Wait! God loves me! I'm worth the wait!)

4. Like Breath Of Life Daily on Facebook.

 Good Blessings! (I don't believe in luck) The contest has officially begun!!

Getting Back To Gratitude

I have SO much to be Thankful for, sometimes in fits of recognizing what I don't have or going after what I don't need, I get off track and everything falls out of order. I'm so glad that God has me in exactly the place where He wants me to be. I'm thankful that I can never get too deep into a depression without the spirit of God lifting me up! Thank you father for being my covering! 

I know that anytime I feel limited, slighted, or overwhelmed by the very gifts I've been given, I'm really not operating in the spirit. Thank God for always leading me back. For helping me to realize today that Breath Of Life Daily came out of a pure spirit, not from me wanting to be liked or get money, but from me wanting to encourage people. 

BOLD came from me having an overflow of life to give. That life is in God. I'm always chasing better, even if it's not God and this year He put me in a position that I never could have imagined, but it's absolutely everything I need. I'm covered in a place of safety and I get to minister to women at the Christian Women's Center. God's got me, I'm covered, and I'm here. Breath Of Life Daily came from that, That no matter what happens, or what has been, the life in the spirit overpowers the life on the outside. I'm so thankful that I'm not in this by myself, that I've have people who support me and see my potential in God. Thank you to everyone who has been a blessing and who continues to be a blessing!! Happy Thanksgiving Day!

When we get back to the true source of why we do what we do, our passion will take control and produce of it's own accord. Thank God for gratitude, Blessings come from gratitude. 

-April D. Byrd


What are you thankful for today?

Motivation: Just Be Confident!

by Ruthann Mckenzie

“In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer.
And that makes me happy. For it says that no matter how hard the world pushes against me, within me, there’s something stronger – something better, pushing right back.” ― Albert Camus

My life is turning into a series of adventures. Trying to juggle multiple tasks and not lose my mind in the process has proven to me how ambitious I can be. Yet, as much as I keep stretching and coming out of my shell. With each new day and new opportunity I try to attain I'm realizing how much more important confidence is. I get so scared I'm going to mess everything up I fail to just live. At times confidence means just showing up and doing your absolute best. Forget the doubt and fear, forget the self sabotage and just do it!

I have not figured out the success of life, but I am on the road of self discovery with greater confidence.  When I decide to let go and just be confident, then I noticed how much my self defeated speech dwindles.  Note, it does not go away, but it does quiet down.  I have compiled a few lessons I have learned along the way. I will share what makes a confident individual from the lessons I have learned...

In doing much research on the topic of confidence, I have listened to countless sermons, speeches, reading books, articles, blogs, and spoke to others to get their take on what confidence means.  This blog has been a long time coming and for good reason.  I wanted to bring something different to the table with the explanation of why confidence is important.  

One of the meanings from the dictionary in for confidence is "full trust;belief in the powers, trustworthiness, or reliability of a person or thing:" The word is derived from the word trust.  Do you have trust? Are you trusting the process? Better yet, are you trusting what God says about you? 

1 Corinthians 9:26

Today, I wanted to inspire you with a biblical perspective on confidence.  Confidence is simply trusting and confidence begins with a firm trust in God.  As scripture  points out, we are to be confident solely in Christ, not ourselves.  Without Him, there is no confidence to be gained in this world. When I do coaching sessions, these are the primary points that I teach. These have been topics I have taken much time researching and has helped those I coach and myself. I pray it will encourage you too as you gain greater confidence in Christ.

• God loves you. This gives you the confidence to do new things. God loves you where you are in your life and that love will makes you want to transform for the better through Him.

• Confidence refuses to live in fear. Confront fear and be willing to move against fear instead of waiting for the feeling to pass. Hebrew 10:39 states, "But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith..." Do not let fear rule your life and shrink back, have faith and conquer fear.

• Confident people have positive attitudes. Positivity is a choice. You are not protecting yourself by having a negative attitude. For example, you are not going to prevent the rain by having a poor attitude towards the rain. Instead, you can see the rain and dance in it knowing at the end you will receive a rainbow and the sun. You have the power through Christ to be happy. In Christ your attitude can change.

• Confidence recovers from setback. Being wrong is not the end of the world, and that does not diminish confidence. No failure is permanent and each new day you can begin again if you have a dream or vision. Do not quit!

• If you are lacking in confidence, check your level of faith.  Faith is trusting or confidence in the Lord to bring about that which has not happened yet. We have to have confidence in the Lord that He will bring to pass what He says He will do. Faith is a confident expectation of God's promises. Hebrew 11:1 states, "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen."(Assurance is another word for confidence).

• Change your approach with confidence.  Real confidence is faith activated and trusting in the Lord.  As Proverbs 3:5 states, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding."  Keep in the forefront that this is not about you doing it alone, but trust in God.

• Confidence looks forward. There is hope in this life through Christ and we are more than conquerors through Him. Maximize your strength within and keep moving ahead.

• A confident person avoids comparison.  There is no need to want what others have as you have your own gifts and talents.  There is freedom in loving who you are and not comparing. Figure out with God what His will is in your life and work towards that. Be who God made you to be humbly and confidently. He made you unique!

• A confident person takes action. Find the solutions and do not just complain. There is no living in "if only" and "what if".  Make sure what you feel in your heart is God. You do not have to wait for confirmation from anyone other than God for your dreams and visions.

Live today and JUST BE CONFIDENT!

Ruthann McKenzie is the creator of justbeconfident.com where she blogs and coaches others to be confident and live victoriously. Follow her updates on Facebook and Instagram:@theconfidentyou 

Exclusive: "He's Worth The Wait" Book Signing Recap

Recently BOLDJournal got a chance to attend a fabulous event. The book signing for "He's Worth The Wait." was insightful, cool, and empowering just to say the least.  The event included music, spoken word artists, and powerful testimonies from singles who embraced sexual abstinence until marriage and continue to operate in God's will for their lives. 

Fanny Quioto, Author of  "He's Worth The Wait" shared some wisdom and a bit of her personal testimonies with attendees, along with her inspiration for writing the book.  "He's Worth The Wait" also has a CD version to be listened to on the go. It's a great resource to provide strength and encouragement for young ladies willing to honor commitment to God in their lives.

In He's Worth The Wait, Fanny Quioto shares her testimony of how she overcame her sex addiction and her decision to remain celibate until she says, "I do." She also shares her very personal and candid confessions and notes concerning her future husband directly from her journal. This book aims to encourage other women to remain abstinent until they are married and to remain strengthened in the process.

"He's Worth The Wait" is available now on Amazon. Overall it was a great event! We're looking forward to more events of the like. Thanks to Fanny and her ministry Hands Of Love outreach for sponsoring the event! In case you missed it we have some great images below. You can also check out a few of the video clips on our Instagram.

Breath Of Life Daily Editor-In-Chief @aprilinspired and  Poet @innertame_me rocking He's Worth The Wait tees

Breath Of Life Daily Editor-In-Chief @aprilinspired and the woman of the hour "He's Worth The Wait" Author Fanny Quioto  (Prov31status)

Attendees rocked their "He's Worth The Wait" tees. 

To acquire a "He's Worth The Wait book", CD, or for more info contact Fanny Quito via e-mail at quiotof@gmail.com and Stay tuned to Breath Of Life Daily on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to find out how you can win a personalized copy of "He's Worth The Wait".

SHE Created iT SPOTLIGHT: Grace Kisa

Happy October! B.O.L.D is happy to share She Created iT's monthly artists spotlight and celebrate female artists and entrepreneurs. She Created iT is a platform to Promote, Produce and Educate Female Artists.

Every month She Created iT Highlights a phenomenal female artist. For the month of October the She Created iT Artist Spotlight is on Grace Kisa.

GRACE KISA is a native of Nairobi, Kenya. She  moved with her family to the United States in  1978. Grace was educated at The Art Institute in Atlanta, where she received an Associates in Art Degree. She currently lives and works in Atlanta.

        

" Making art for me is a journey of exploration, both inward and outwardly. This voyage of discovery often leads me to places I could not initially have predicted I would end up." I work on two dimensional, and three dimensional pieces, and the materials that I use vary just as greatly. Often the work is referenced  from my own experiences. From the movies that I see to the music that I listen to. From the books that I read, to the places that I travel to. These elements and many others become the basis for my reinterpretation of the world around us. By taking what is familiar and making it new, I am attempting to create a narrative that engages history, myth, social awareness, and a touch of whimsy."

                                   

         

More art work from Grace's collection can be found HERE On Flickr.

 Grace's Exhibitions include:

       1994-M-Print Fine Art- Atlanta Georgia

         1995-Tina’s Gallery-Potomac, Maryland

         1996-Diaspora Arts Gallery- Atlanta, Georgia

         1997-Art Station Art Center- Stone Mountain, Georgia

         1998- Emerald City Art- Marietta., Georgia

         1999- Fine Art Images- Richmond, Virginia

         1999-2009- National Black Fine Art Show

         2000- Galerie 500- Washington D.C.

         2001- Carolyn Waller Gallery- Nashville ,Tennessee

         2002- Artist’s Showcase Gallery- Atlanta, Georgia

         2003- The Raiford Gallery- Alpharetta, Georgia

         2006- Just Lookin’ Gallery- Hagerstown, Maryland

         2007- Gallery Serengeti- Capitol Heights, Maryland

         2008- Studio Clout- Atlanta, Georgia

         2009- Stuart McLean Gallery- Atlanta, Georgia         

         2010- Avisca Gallery- Marietta, Georgia

         2012-Contemporaries, Morgan State University-Baltimore Md.

        

Collections include:

           Steed Media Group

           Hartsfield/ Jackson International Airport

            Upscale Magazine Corporate Offices

            Kaiser Permanente

            Southwest Hospital

            Art Station Art Center

You can find out more about Grace, Her work, and the She Created iT organization at shecreatedit.info For exhibition and general inquiries e-mail: info@shecreatedit.info

#Rescue2Restore: An Evening Of Music Event

From $150 to Priceless…

I know a young woman who once believed her value was $150. That’s the amount of money she was paid for 30 minutes of ‘work’. Let’s be clear. She didn’t get to keep the money; she had to give it to her pimp. You see, she was caught in the underground sex trafficking trade. At the time, she was 14 years old.

You may wonder how this sort of thing happens – right here in the U.S. of A. Girls are being approached near schools, at the mall, on social media, in neighborhoods and social circles by predators seeking to build their ‘business’. The story often begins with a cute guy in a smooth ride approaching a pretty girl promising a good time, gifts, freedom, and love. The promises turn out to be nothing but abuse and exploitation.

Often, human trafficking is seen as limited to foreign countries; but it’s a growing epidemic in the United States. You may think it’s not your problem; however, what affects one directly affects another indirectly. You may think that it’s on the ‘other’ side of town; but girls are being lured into the dark underworld of sex trafficking in broad daylight all over town. Pretending the problem doesn’t affect you is short-sided. It can trickle into your neighborhood without the slightest warning. The young woman in this story was able to break free and is now ten years removed. Her passion is to help other girls caught in the trade. She declares, “I used to think my worth was $150; now I know I’m priceless.”

A report, conducted by The Urban Institute for the U.S. Justice Department, looked at the underground commercial sex economy (UCSE) in eight major U.S. – Atlanta, Dallas, Denver, Kansas City, Miami, Seattle, San Diego, and Washington, DC. They aimed to uncover its magnitude. In their findings, Atlanta was ranked the top city with a $300 million sex trafficking economy. Let’s put it in perspective: that’s more than Atlanta’s illegal drug and gun trade combined. Further, they found on average pimps in Atlanta make $32,833 in cash per week and the average age of girls used in the sex trade is 14.

You can help stop sex trafficking by joining others in the fight. Plan to attend Rescue 2 Restore: An Evening of Music. Grammy, Stellar and Dove award-winning artists Daniel Winans (of the legendary Winans family, singer-songwriter, producer) Billy Dorsey (Outreach Pastor at Lakewood, singer-songwriter, producer with notable recording artists, including Lecrae, 2 Chainz, Pretty Ricky and Day 26); Deborah Hightower (worship leader, singer-songwriter, author); and Dr. David Cooper (Senior Pastor of Mount Paran Church) with Open Door Band will grace the stage in Atlanta on Thursday, October 2, 2014 at Mount Paran Church of God to raise awareness and benefit Wellspring Living (www.wellspringliving.org). Wellspring is a 501c3 organization whose mission is to confront the issue of sexual abuse and exploitation.

How To Recognize Your Good Opportunities

By: Ruthann Mckenzie

Sometimes we are born into a great opportunity and other times we must work our way towards opportunity. Either way, we all have equal chances towards any given opportunity that comes our way. It is up to us to accept an opportunity or reject it.

After reading a great book, Think and Grow Rich, there was a story illustrated about a worker, Edwin Barnes, who had a dream to work with Thomas Edison. Barnes did not know how he would work with Edison, he was not within the same social group as him and did not know him personally. Nonetheless, Barnes was relentless in chasing his dream, passion, and purpose. For the sake of time, in summary, after much work and dedication in pursuit of his dream, Barnes was given the opportunity to become business partners with Edison. His very dream was coming true because he took the chance and grasped an opportunity. The opportunity he took was actually disguised in rejection. The invention that Edison wanted to sell all his other business partners rejected, but because Barnes was so adamant and did not see it as a rejection but opportunity, he is now known as one of Edison's greatest business partners.

Opportunities may not always be wrapped up pretty with a bow. Most times they are born in adversity, they are taken by those who dare to dream bigger than their situation, such as Edwin Barnes who wanted to be business partners with Edison. To make this personal, I think of this for my own life and how opportunities can spread. I am a first born Jamaican American because one aunt thought to come over to the United States from the island.  She worked diligently to make that opportunity a reality for herself. Then she afforded that opportunity to my father who helped my mother who in return helped a multitude of us gain an opportunity we may have never had before. It all started with one person, one thought, one courageous dream, and one leap toward an opportunity. I'm sure my aunt had no clue how it would all work out. I'm sure she was fearful of failure, but it never stopped her. For that I am grateful for her one choice.

Praise Break!!!

There are a variety of ways opportunities can present themselves to us. Not all of us must be born into great opportunities handed to us, but that is no excuse to not go out and make opportunities happen. Opportunities can be any of the following:

• Taken by chance. To take the chance to move from the only home you may ever know to have something you have always dreamed of is a major chance. If that dream is big enough and your excuses are nonexistent, then weigh the advantages and disadvantages. Opportunities are usually once in a lifetime, so take chances while you can.

• Some opportunities are born through adversity and rejection. If you are always looking for something good as an open door for opportunity, then you may be missing some big chances to take in life. The opportunity of a lifetime may be presented in disappointment. However, you must always keep your eyes on your prize and remain encouraged in order to see past the rejection to get to the opportunity.

• Then there are some opportunities that are standing at your doorstep. Do not always look so hard for things to be broken to miss the clear and easy opportunity in your face. Seize the moment confidently when it presents itself.

• Opportunities should never compromise your core values. Never. If it does, then carefully evaluate what it is your dream is and consider that there will be more chances to achieve the success you desire.

• Lastly, and possibly most important, opportunity is usually on the other side of fear.  You usually have to step out of your comfort zone in some way in order to pursue the opportunity.  Your dreams depend on opportunities, so how well can you overcome your fears? Your opportunity you take today may not only change your future, but the future of those around you. That small decision may ripple into something large and lasting worth a legacy.

Opportunities are great chances that are waiting only if we accept it. You can always take an opportunity, but once it is missed they do not come back. Be wise with the opportunity you may let slip you by. Had Barnes let go of his thought and dreams to work with Edison he would not have known what would come about that rare chance. Had my aunt missed the chance to come over to the US, perhaps it wouldn't come up again and that would in return affect each of us who are now here as a result of her thought, dream and opportunity.

Do not miss out on your opportunity and do not shrink back your dream. Go out today and confidently make the most of each day and opportunity!
----



Ruthann McKenzie is the creator of justbeconfident.com where she blogs and coaches others to be confident and live victoriously. Follow her updates on Facebook and Instagram: @theconfidentyou 

BOLD-Impact Hosts Alto Adjustment Screening (VIDEO)

by: April D. Byrd

It was very exciting to be able to host the Alto Adjustment Screening at Back-2-School Park Jam presented by From Nothing To Something Productions. I must admit I was a nervous being an event facilitator for the first time. I don't think it when unnoticed as I wanted it to, but we live and we learn... (Then hopefully we grow). 

I'm glad I was able to gain the experience, as BOLD Journal begins to host and sponsor a lot more events in the future. As Brene Brown would say, we've stepped "into the arena".  And Grateful to have been invited for such a worthy cause. "The Alto Adjustment" follows the powerful story of Dainhen Butler, who in misguided youth, ends up in one of the most violent prison facilities in the country, but through the power of education, mentorship, prayer, and positivity has become a multifaceted entrepreneur and resource within the community.

A talented Author, Danhein penned the book: Shawty, and has continued to be a voice of consciousness and overcoming. The Alto Adjustment Documentary was Created by From Nothing To Something Productions Founder Altuawn Nelson. 

If you are a part of youth outreach, school, or organization interested in hosting a screening of the film, contact From Nothing To Something Productions at : fntwos@gmail.com

Very Special thanks to Carla Marcelle and Alexander "King" Nelson for helping to take photos, Boys 2 Men Home and Sanctuary For Youth for hosting the event and Everyone in attendance for the support and great commentary. There was a lot of positive feedback! You can check out our coverage in the video below and Subscribe to BOLD-Impact on YouTube for the latest updates, opportunities, and events.

Praise In The Park 2014 >>> EVENT

Praise In The Park presented by Praise 102.5/102.9 is the largest outdoor concert with some of the most popular Gospel music artists around. 

Praise In The Park is taking place Saturday August 2, at Centennial Olympic Park in Atlanta, GA. 

This year's concert line up includes Tasha Cobbs, Jekalyn Carr, Micah Stampley, William Murphy, Tamela Mann, Smokie Norful and Wess Morgan just to name a few.

Breath Of Life Daily supports Praise in the Park. Follow @BOLDJournal on Twitter and Instagram for the latest  in uplifting news, causes and events.

Date: August 2, 2014
Time: 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Location: Centennial Olympic Park, 265 Park Ave W Northwest, Atlanta, GA 30313
Admission: Free 


See you All at Praise In The Park!! If you're out send us a line on social media using the hashtag #BOLDJournal.

For more information and details on Praise In The Park, visit mypraiseATL.com