Speak Light In The Darkness Today

Speak light into the darkness, be the light in the darkness. Keep your light shining today!

"What I tell you in the darkness, speak in the light; and what you hear whispered in your ear, proclaim upon the housetops." - Matthew 10:27

We're Given Power For Divine Purpose

No matter how we fall short. No matter how weak we may feel, No matter how inadequate we may be. When we trust and submit to our will to GOD's, GOD meets our inadequacies and we are given power for GOD's purpose in us.

But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. 

- 2 Corinthians 12:9

The Clark Sister's Biopic Set For Easter Debut On Lifetime

The anticipated Clark Sister's biopic has officially set a premiere date. The film will debut on Lifetime Network Saturday, April 11th at 8 pm ET. This will be on "Easter Saturday" as some would call it.

The Clark Sisters: First Ladies of Gospel, is the official musical tale of the incomparable gospel singers, The Clark Sisters.  The film recounts the story of the highest selling female gospel group in history and of their trailblazing mother, Mattie Moss Clark played by Aunjanue Ellis.

The icons are credited with bringing Gospel music to the mainstream. Grammy Award winners Queen Latifah, Mary J. Blige and Missy Elliott serves as Executive Producers on this project.

The five Clark sisters (Christina Bell as “Twinkie,” Kierra Sheard as “Karen,” Sheléa Frazier as “Dorinda,” Raven Goodwin as “Denise,” Angela Birchett as “Jacky”) overcame humble beginnings in Detroit, enduring abuse, loss, rejection, betrayal, and sibling rivalries to achieve international fame as icons of the Gospel music industry. 

The official hashtag is #TheClarkSisters @LifetimeTV.

 Watch the official trailer for

 THE CLARK SISTERS: FIRST LADIES OF GOSPEL below:

I'm Always On 100

I was so inspired working out at R & B Workout LIVE this past Friday. There we're a lot of good vibes in the room.  Special thanks to Alton Walker the founder and host of the event for allowing me to be a backup dancer.

Even after doing so much on stage with backup dancing after the event I still had a lot of energy. It was funny to me when somebody asked if I had an "off switch" and some other folks commented "Shouldn't you be tired after all that?" The answer was No, in fact I had a whole lot of energy to either do another show, or go somewhere else and dance.

Although I ended up just going back to the house, the voices of those people who were asking the questions stuck with me, and inspired me to have the thought and create the shirt that "I'm always on 100". I realized that more often than not I do have A LOT of energy!

I currently see this energy as a blessing from GOD. It seems as though I get high on life. It's natural energy. Being that I aim to use the energy positively, I say let the good vibes commence! Hopefully they're will be more of it.

The experience yesterday inspired this shirt that's now available in BOLD Expressions Co. shop. pictured below:

click here to purchase

If the energy is good, Keep it up. Even if you may not have the most energy in any given moment may this shirt be an inspiration to stay on top. no matter what things are looking like. If this energy resonates with you head on over to BOLD Expressions Co. and grab the shirt!

Stay blessed and Keep it 100!

All the best,

April B.

Unlocking Divine Identity, Purpose, And Destiny #BOLDPodcast | Season 2: Episode 1

This podcast episode has been a long time coming, even since the beginning of last year, but that makes it all the more special. I see now that some pieces had to come together. I had a full circle moment that made since in the end. My perspective has sincerely been refreshed. I think the full circle moments of life are GOD's way of unlocking divine secrets and lessons, that take us to the next level of understanding that we'll need for the new season that we're in and going to. I hope you'll enjoy this podcast and be inspired with some revelations of your own.

There is also a chance to win a copy of the book featured in the podcast. Follow the prompts featured in the graphic below, the winner will be announced Sunday, January 5th.

Watch On YouTube Here

Jada Pinkett-Smith Addresses Holiday Triggers [Video]

Jada Pinkett-Smith, Actress and Host of the discussion series Red Table Talk recently posted a video on her social media pages to address triggers. Smith shared the importance of acknowledging them in order to overcome them.

After providing a few examples of potential triggers and what they look like, she ended with a holiday wish of happiness, as great as that is, the statement about Peace was the main hitter in the powerful message that holds true year round.

Our Peace is the main priority! If you're experiencing any type of triggers during this holiday season remember it is possible to overcome them. Watch the FULL video below:

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A post shared by Breath Of Life Daily (@boldjournal) on Dec 24, 2019 at 11:28am PST

Follow us @BOLDJournal on Social Media for the latest divinely inspirational updates.

How Self-Love Can Be Found Through Divine Purpose

...and cleaning a bathtub.

The bathroom started talking to me, (It was literally reaching for my attention) so I figured it was time to clean it. As I started cleaning the bathroom in my living space yesterday, when I went to clean the tub, I noticed there were seven neatly stacked triangles all made of light. The triangles weren't regular triangles, they were beautiful, intricate. They were perfectly projecting on the ceramic tub.

I didn't even understand where they were coming from at first, I just knew they were beautiful and unique. After trying to inspect how this design can be coming from this flat black shower curtain, I still didn't understand. I had to go a little deeper into trying to see how it could happen, only to guess that maybe it was the creases on the previously folded clear shower curtain that were being reflected out. I definitely had to look deeper.

Right at that moment I had a revelation about the way that art is perceived; So beautiful and mysterious. Well, spirit said: "so am I as a being." As human beings we are the artwork and creation of GOD, The most sovereign GOD. How urgent it was for me to look into what caused the design is the same way that we should want to look into ourselves and discover what makes us glorious. What is it that GOD used and is currently using to compose who we are?

video attached

I think the best way to discover the aspects, methods, and means of how we are put together is to intentionally seek deeper into the mind of the creator. When we look into communicating with GOD to understand the beauty of ourselves then the Lord will reveal our glory through the spirit. Self-love is found through discovering GOD's purpose. The more we become aware of who we are and why, the more there is to love. 

Be BOLD about looking inside of yourself to find purpose. We have a right to know and we're even instructed to know. “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened" )...words from the very mouth of Jesus in Matthew 7:7-8.

As I continue the process of looking into GOD's will for myself I realize that no matter what history has said, destiny always speaks greatness. Knowledge is potential for great power. 

"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." - King David (Psalm 139:14)

I totally agree with David on this. I feel the same way. May you also be inspired to look into what your divine purpose is saying and how highly your destiny speaks of you.

Many blessings,

- April D. Byrd

4 Values That Help Build Your Spiritual Core

Your spiritual core is made up of four values: intimacy, identity, integrity, and humility. These develop as separate entities within your "sit place with God," as well as work together to help you in becoming all that you were destined to be and do. In your identity, it is important that you believe who you are in Christ. God states that you are very precious, chosen, holy, dearly loved, and a people belonging to Him. 

Believing these truths and so many more is your identity because you are created in the image of God. Believing and trusting in this identity is essential for creating a strong spiritual core.

Intimacy has already been presented in the value of sharing your voice (thoughts and feelings) openly and truthfully, pausing to receive His care and comfort, and then listening to God's voice of truth, and taking a hold of His grace in order to trust and obey the words He speaks to you regarding your relationships and circumstances. Psalms 34 expresses this beautiful imagery of intimate relationship.

Integrity is presenting to the world that what they hear and see match, that your private life matches your public life. No discrepancies. The world needs to see the good fruit of your integrity in truth, goodness, righteousness, gratitude, humility, and reverence to God.

Humility is the fourth value that is needed to strengthen your spiritual core. It is the pathway that leads out from your spiritual core of identity, intimacy, and integrity to fulfill your role in the kingdom. With a strong spiritual core, humility is the spiritual pathway to serve others with your vision (your purpose on earth) and mission (the ways you walk out your vision). Everything God works in you is for the purpose of overflow to others. As He has loved you, so love one another. Commit to fulfilling your role in the kingdom to declare God's grace to others.

Reflection

First, define your identity. If there are any discrepancies in what God says about you, replace them with the truth. Live loved. Live out those words for you and the world to see and enjoy! You are His beloved! Second, develop a strong core of all these values. Spend time with God in the Word, applying all He speaks to your personal life. Let integrity be worked through and through, reflecting God in your words, choices, and responses. Serve others in humility, bending low and lifting up one another. Humility is the essence of love. Third, declare your vision and mission. Write out your vision statement that you believe God gave to you when He created you and then list the ways you desire to walk out in mission that vision statement.

This post is from the devotional "10 habits of intimacy with GOD". It can be found on Youversion bible app.

Beauty Unfolding

So I have a question, If GOD comes to visit you is there beauty where you are? 

When GOD sees us, our space and our life there should be beauty there. Our goal should be for GOD to look into us and our lives and see beauty.

The awesome thing about this is that there's a scripture that says GOD gives us beauty for ashes. 

"To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified." - Isaiah 61-3

I think those ashes that the scripture is talking about are ashes from everything that dies off in the process of us becoming who we really, divinely are. I think it's the part of us that gets singed whenever we go before GOD to submit our lives in worship or prayer daily. Whatever needs to go in the process of our evolution and growth.

So if we seek the presence and will of GOD daily, then we are being renewed daily. I'm realizing It's so important to do this. The dying daily that we do is us surrendering ourselves and our desires to the Lord everyday. Like sheep we intentionally follow GOD's leadership. 

GOD gives us beauty for ashes... so yes, that beauty should be in us, and we have the power to cultivate it around us. We can manifest beauty in our lives, because we can get it from GOD.

I'm reminded of a break-up process that I experienced, that I intentionally chose as my self-awareness grew. That self awareness was more of just an awareness of GOD's love for me, I started to realize what I wanted and what I didn't have to accept.

For everything that needs to burn off us, to process us, GOD gives us beauty. Some people, things, or habits can't go where we're going because of GOD's destiny for our lives.

The divine purpose that's on us wouldn't and won't allow them to stay attached to us, but GOD gives us beauty, we get understanding, we get growth, we get wisdom. 

So let's embrace these things, the more we embrace them, the more we become them, then when GOD looks at us, it can be beautifully reflected.

- April D. Byrd
www.breathoflifedaily.com

A Charge To Confidence

"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."

When we hear this scripture in Jeremiah 29:11 in the Bible, it's easy for us to get excited about the last part of it. Yeah, GOD's plans for us are pretty dope! 

Today I'm more encouraged by the beginning part of that scripture. The first three words: "For I Know". In these three simple words there is confidence that can be taken. We can rest assured that even when we don't know GOD knows. The creator has our front, back and every other side! 

Along with this confidence gained, there is also a charge to be considered. If GOD is clearly stating that the plans for us are set; The master's blueprint is in place, then the most responsible option is to follow those plans and seek guidance from the creator daily . . . every second, of every minute, of every hour.

Responsibility is something I just got a major revelation on and I'm grateful for it. I'm also grateful that in ALL things, GOD knows. 

May we walk in the confidence that comes from GOD's love today and everyday!

Peace and Blessings,

- April D. Byrd

Follow Breath Of Life Daily on Social Media @BOLDJournal  for the latest updates!

Sleeping With The Enemy - Greenleaf Recap

Charity is getting in a tangled web of deceit...

How often do we get entangled with the devil behind something that we want? To feed our own selfish needs apart from GOD's will for us?

This seems to be Charity's case in the series "Greenleaf". She's literally getting into a romance with the enemy. While we're at it so is Kerissa and she has a whole husband.

While the situations may be slightly different the root cause of these indiscretions is the same. Desiring what they want in their own time, and trying to achieve it by their own means. 

It's so important to pray and be led by our GOD's will for us, and get divine instructions about how to maneuver in trying situations.

I doubt very seriously that Charity and Kerissa's actions, and the boundaries that they're crossing to get what they want is in line with the holy spirit, or anything like what Jesus would do.

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil." - Proverbs 3:5-7

Maybe it's just me, but it seems like Charity and Kerissa aren't doing so much trusting and acknowledging, and I have a strong feeling it's gonna lead them into a lot of pain and trouble down the road.

What are your thoughts on the events that are transpiring with the Greenleaf clan? Leave a comment on this post and follow us for the latest updates on all social media channels @BOLDJournal

3 Affirmations To Kickstart Inner Work

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will." -Romans 12:2 

I'm starting to realize that the more truthful I become about honoring divine purpose and love within myself, The more my spirit serves me and provides good vibes. Yesterday was a divine intervention of the holy spirit. During the mountain top experience with a few friends (we hiked up stone mountain), one of them asked us to write down a few things we wanted to release, and proclaim them on the way up the mountain at each resting point. 

Once we got to the top of the mountain we discarded the things that we wanted to release and replaced them with what we wanted to go forward in. The three things I wrote down to release were procrastination, fear, and disbelief.

Everything that I wanted to progress in moving forward, were the opposite of the things I wanted to release. What I wrote down to walk forward in turned out to be affirmations and came out more defined than I expected. The receiving was more powerful, than the releasing. I wrote down:

I embrace productivity for divine purpose and call forth divine guidance.

I receive courage.

I believe that I'm worthy of an abundance of love, and love is always working for me.

I encourage you to embrace, receive, and believe If you want to release similar things like fear and procrastination. 

Remember, love and fear can't operate in the same place. Feel free to use these affirmations mentioned whenever you're feeling doubtful. 

What are some affirmations that you use for yourself. Share them in the comments section below or let me know online @BOLDJournal  on all social media networks.

Rise Above It – 4 Ways To Release High Stress Situations

credit: Iyanla Vanzant Team

Let’s face it, dealing with people and life situations can be stressful. We know about eating, drinking, or trying to sex it away like Solange tried to do. We can only pacify ourselves for so long, the results only lead to more distress and disease, but how can we release stress in a healthy, progressive way? A few of these tips should help:

Breathe Intentionally

Take focused intentional  deep breaths in and out, do this repeatedly. There is no cap on how many times it can be done. Do it enough times for it to be effective. Do it until your thoughts are completely focused on your breathing and not on the situation. Inhale good vibes, exhale bad ones.

Practice gratitude

In the heat of a situation when the stress of the moment is heavily searing your mind, make a focused effort to redirect your thoughts on what is going right, whatever is working and going good for you right now. There are plenty of things to be grateful for even if they are simple. Those are the best ones. There’s a Scripture reads “whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things.” Doing this helps you preocupy your mind on good and increase your good vibes.

Talk to a Mentor or Therapist

Problematic thoughts and emotions left unchecked, eventually turn into problematic actions which only causes more stress down the road. By all means make sure those thoughts are expressed audibly. Vent to someone who actually has wisdom. If you’re fortunate enough to have a mentor link up with them and talk about the situation. A therapist or coach are other good alternatives. Don’t hold it in, if you’re stressed, sad, frustrated etc. Have a little talk with somebody other than Jesus about your troubles.

Freestyle Dance It Out

Dance it out. Sometimes bussing a move, over a bomb groove is all you need to release negative energy and create positive vibes. The combination of breath, gratitude, and expression it takes to move is a perfect relief, even if for a moment. Exercising is said to release stress, but if exercise isn’t your thing, just straight up dance. Go for it! Dance freely and whenever you can.

What are some other stress relief techniques you use? Use the comment section below or let us know @BOLDJournal on all social media sites.

Bible App Announces Command Availability with Alexa and Google Devices

YouVersion Bible App recently issued an email that the app works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. The e-mail aimed toward people with busy schedules mentions various scenarios in which spending time studying scripture might not be the most convenient. 

YouVersion continuously updates the app to make studying GOD's word easier and more accessible than ever. The app also recently introduced it's Bible Lens app and partnered with The Bible Project to help users have the best experience reading and studying the Bible.

Have you partnered your YouVersion account with Alexa or Google Assistant yet? How is your experience so far? Let us know online @BOLDJournal via Instagram or Twitter, or simply leave a comment in the comments section below.


Make sure to follow @BOLDJournal online for the latest inspirational updates.

T.D. Jakes & Marquis Boone Launch New Gospel Singing Competition Reality Show

Six gospel artists will have the chance to become a gospel music star on a new reality program called “The Gospel.” The Gospel chronicles 10 days with eight episodes as contestants compete for a national management contract with T.D. Jakes’ Dexterity Sounds and Marquis Boone Music Group. The first of its kind for Gospel music, the winner of this Christian music competition will be announced with the opportunity to perform at the International Pastors & Leadership Conference in Tampa Bay on April 25.

 

The show is Executive produced by T.D. Jakes and Marquis Boone and hosted by Darlene McCoy. The Gospel will serve as a platform for up-and-coming gospel artists while inspiring viewers through their faith-filled musical performances. Not only will artists discover stardom, but also experience the hustle and drive necessary to rise in the entertainment industry. The program will air beginning March 10 exclusively on the Bishop’s Village, T.D. Jakes’ online streaming platform with behind the scene videos, messages and content. Visit bishopsvillage.com to subscribe, stream, and vote. 

 

Contestants were discovered via video recordings submitted on social media and through the Bishop’s Village platform. Mentors, including Micah Stampley, Jekalyn Carr, Q Parker, Devyne Stephens and more, will help mold them into polished performers. Each week, viewers subscribed to Bishop’s Village will have the chance to vote and select the winner of the artists’ weekly challenge. In the end, T.D. Jakes and Marquis Boone will select the winner of a national management contract.

The 2019 International Pastors & Leadership Conference is April 25—27, 2019, at the Tampa Convention Center. At the conference, Jakes will also be unveiling his latest book, Crushing: God Turns Pressure into Power.

Visit PastorsAndLeaders.org for more information on confirmed speakers, talent, the full schedule and special event updates. Stay connected on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram by following @IPLExcel.

Top 5 Health Benefits of Echinacea

What is Echinacea?

Echinacea is a perennial plant native to the American prairie that is now cultivated in gardens over most of the continental United States. It resembles a large pink daisy with a briskly, raised center.

There are two types of Echinacea: Echinacea angustifolia and Echinacea purpurea. The variety that is said to have the most potent benefits is Echinacea angustifolia. A few health benefits of Echinacea are listed below:

Helps Heal Acne and Skin Conditions
Echinacea is a classic remedy for eczema, acne and boils. Echinacea supports a normal complexion by helping to discourage blemishes and irritation. Other studies found that it helps hydrate the skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

Good For Immune System
Echinacea is known as an Immune Booster. Echinacea can have a powerful impact on the immune system; over 14 clinical trials have confirmed its ability to encourage good health all year long. Other studies show echinacea to be among the most effective supplements for seasonal wellness.


Works As An Anti-Inflammatory
Because of its clinically demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties, Echinacea has been suggested as a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, ulcers, Crohn’s disease, and other conditions that are caused or worsened by inflammation. The biologically active compounds in Echinacea work with your body to keep its inflammation response down. This contributes to healing and relief for many inflammation-related issues. If you're a female that has bad cramps during your menstruation period, echinacea may be a good fit for you.

Helps Purify The Blood
Echinacea may improve oxygen levels in the blood. Echinacea increases erythropoietin production in the bone marrow, this, in turn, promotes red blood cell production and increases the capacity of the blood to transport oxygen.

Good for Oral Health
Echinacea has been evaluated in combination with other herbs like sage and lavender and found to reduce bad breath. It's believed this effect is partly due to echinacea's ability to neutralized the harmful organisms that cause bad breath.

Ways to Consume/Prepare Echinacea

Echinacea can be drank as a tea.

1. Heat 8-16 ounces of distilled or filtered water over medium to high heat.
2. Add a mixture of flowers, roots, and leaves.
3. Cover with a lid, reduce the heat, and simmer for about 15 minutes.
4. Strain and enjoy hot or cold!

Add local honey if you would like some flavor.

It can also be used on your skin to help with acne.

Article Resources:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23455214

https://www.healthline.com/health/echinacea-tea-benefits

https://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/10-impressive-echinacea-benefits-support-health/

Have you tried Echinacea? Tell us your thoughts in the comments and connect with us @BOLDJournal on all social media outlets.

Whose Report Will You Believe?

photo credit: Iyanla Vanzant

A long time ago there used to be a song that had a call and action response. I cannot recall all of the words, but I do remember it went something like this--whose report do you believe? We responded back 'I will believe the report of the Lord' . . . or something like that.

In a time where we are concerned about 'fake news' and the hidden agendas of others, it is hard to trust what people say and do, would you agree? 
Yet in Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV) it says to: 

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight". 

God knows that our minds are fragile and that the things of this world can steer us away from doing what is right.  That's why it's so important that we seek His face daily and ask for his directions for our lives in order to guard ourselves from things and people whose intentions are not for our good.

Even when things seem like they are not going according to plan, know that God is in the midst of your situation and He is working it out. Don't allow other peoples agendas and media propaganda to scare you away from the plans God has for you.  Stay the course and trust the process as in this season, the only report that you can believe is that of the Lord.

Wait On The Lord

The wait is inevitable. It's the wait that builds character and test your allegiance. How well do you obey GOD, when you hear a direction to take?

It doesn't matter what we do or who we are, there are times where we will just have to wait. It's our response in the time of waiting that shows us who we are.

I recently went to a super busy Wal-mart when I was leaving, I saw a car turning out of the parking space in the exit lane, I heard go that way, I ignored the thought and figured it may be quicker if I just roll on down to the other exit lane. I passed another lane to get to a third one and ended up having to turn around anyway, When all that time I could have just listened to my GOD conscience and avoided even further delay and wasted time.

That's when i heard it. "The wait is inevitable." 

It definitely is, as long as we live life it's best to follow GOD's direction and not be led by what we see. 

Still I am certain to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait patiently for the LORD; be strong and courageous. Wait patiently for the LORD. Psalm 27: 13-14

To wait is to be in a place of service. Have you ever heard somebody talk about "Waiting tables"? It's kind of the same concept.

"To wait on GOD" is an act of prayer, It is to ask with all we are: "Lord in this allotted time of life that I have, how can I serve you?.

The best thing to do is honor GOD's voice of direction and trust GOD during this time. To trust, we have to take time to be familiar with the divine's voice. Praying, fasting, studying all this is "waiting" on GOD.

The wait is what develops trust and the experiences we never forget. The experiences we call miracles are not for GOD to show and prove. they're for the growth and development of our faith.

It's not about the wait, it's about the allegiance. It's in our allegiance that we are given authority.

"Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted
but those who hope in (wait on) the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." - Isaiah 40:30-31

the whole book of Isaiah 40 is about GOD being the one who has your back.

Have you waited on GOD today?