How To Unlock Your Power and Activate Mountain Moving Faith

By: Ruthann Mckenzie

He said to them, “Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’, and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.” 

Matthew 17:20

How many times have you been in a situation that in the natural looked impossible?  Perhaps you are facing a stressful situation in your personal life at the moment. Maybe you have a dream or vision and have been working on it, but the situation still seems fruitless.  It could even be something as deep as not knowing the next steps you should take with what to do with your life.  Whatever the case may be, all you need to get through any situation starts with faith the size of a mustard seed!

All we need is a little faith, to start where we are.  We need begin by using the resources that God provides in front of us at this very moment.  That will unlock great things in our life, through the faith we have in Jesus. Why did Jesus reference a mustard seed in Matthew 17:20? We usually think because a mustard seed is one of the smallest seeds of all, which indicates the small amount of faith we need to have. However, although a mustard seed is exceedingly small, it grows into a mighty and strong plant. Our faith will grow and it will cause mountains to move by our good words of faith over our lives. 

Usually, when we see that impossible thing standing in our way like a mountain, we begin to doubt.  "Lord, I could never get over that mountain. I rather just stand at the foot of the mountain and cry". We have a tendency to speak negatively when we see a situation and perceive it as all bad. And if you do not have that tendency to speak negatively, I will be the first to admit that I do this.  In Matthew 17:20, the Lord told them to say to the mountain 'Move from here to there'...It is not possible to speak negatively into a situation and expect a positive outcome.  We must speak life into our situations through Christ.  "Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen", that is what Hebrew 11:1 let's us know.  If we are certain of a positive outcome to an impossible situation, then speak life into that situation.

Only Believe!

As we speak life and as we continue to believe, this is the watering and nourishment of our faith.  I believe that Abraham, in his old age, continued to believe in God about his descendants outnumbering the sand.  Year after year, he did not see anything change, but Abraham knew God to be faithful from the past and choose to believe.  Keeping the faith when things look bleak is where the faith we planted flourishes.  In due season, if we do not grow weary, much like Abraham, God will be faithful to us and keep His promises. As it states in Luke 1:37, "For nothing will be impossible with God." If you believe this to be true, then remain in faith.

Nothing will be impossible if we SPEAK IT, BELIEVE, and have FAITH over it!  Speak daily over the situation and speak to God about everything that is on your heart.  Be positive and know that the mountain will move.  Believe that God has the best in store for your life.  No matter the situation, big or small, have hope and expect a good outcome in the end.  Most of all, let your faith grow! That mustard seed of faith will turn into a mighty plant.  The faith will become unshakable and the impossible situation will turn with the mighty hand of God.  Stay in FAITH today!
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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 

Let Go, Go Forward.

by: April D. Byrd

 

Our true character and ambition doesn't develop from the dreams we have as kids, it comes from everything life puts us through on the path to maturity. Our true passion comes from finding ourselves in divine purpose. How are we designated to serve the world with our gift? That is life's most persistent question. Are you willing to answer the call? 

Oprah has an amazing testimony about the power of surrender and letting go! It Really Works! 
Check out the footage in the video below:

Are you living your absolute Best life? There is no time BUT the present! Let Go and Go Forward!

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:

Gifts That Make Room For Us

By April D. Byrd

A man's gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men. ~Proverbs 18:16

Do what you do best and do it with excellency,  keeping your gift in mind. Even if it's something simple as posting a Facebook status with good grammar.  Yesterday the spirit reminded me of just how important presentation is. As a Writer, If i’m not on point and displaying excellence in my gift, how do I expect to be called upon to help somebody else, or bring them before excellence? Who will bring us before excellence if we don’t do it ourselves? Our special gifting or talent that we authentically have makes room for us and brings us before great men. Making room means to create opportunities and opens doors.  It's up to us to Capitalize on that!

There is a saying that goes: "when the teacher is ready the student appears." Well when you are prepared for it, the opportunity comes. Being cognizant of your gifting and who you are is important. What are you passionate about? There is no actual set path to success, but it's important to be professional and confident in your gift.

Go towards your goals and express your talent with no reservation, because it's especially yours. When you go towards it, a way will be supplied. Where there is a will, there is a way. The world makes way for the person who knows where they are going. If you know where you're going, what you're doing, and exactly what you want to accomplish, then chances are you wont be very disappointed with the results you get. 

Taking action to express our gifts to the world, is a gift to the world. We were created with purpose it's up to us to fulfill it with passion. Be open to your positive, creative inspiration then open your greatness up and share it with the world. Put Gods will first. Seek Him before everything else.

April D. Byrd (@aprilinspired) is a Writer, Believer, and Creator of Breath Of Life Daily.  

Buy Your Own Flowers

By: April D. Byrd

You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserves your love and affection. ~ Gautama Buddha

Someone once bought me flowers and I was extremely happy, later after the relationship didn't work. I realized that It was that gesture that I liked most, so instead of being sad. I thought: "why don't I buy my own"? It was a liberating thought that slightly changed my outlook on life. "Buy Your Own Flowers". We're not dependent on anyone. No one created our lives, so we shouldn't expect anyone to be a source of it. Instead let self-esteem and love blossom from the inside.  So many times we may wait to be honored or acknowledged by people.

Don't wait to be celebrated, loved, accepted, affirmed by anybody. When people see you've upgraded your life and doing well, they take notice. If you celebrate your value and your worth then others will too. Even if some don't it still doesn't matter.  Everything you need already comes from the inside of you. Loving yourself right first, causes everything else to fall into place. You will expect good treatment from others, because you treat yourself well. Make sure you love what you see in the mirror first, and dress up for yourself.

Sometimes we may feel lonely or expect love from others in return for our own, but its best to love with no expectations give from ourselves wholeheartedly without expecting anything in return. The ability to love without attachment comes from self-love. Self-discipline ignites from the flame of  self-love and makes achieving success much easier. In taking the initiative to buy my own flowers, pretty soon i'll have my own garden, and it will be filled with enough beauty inside to share with the world.

Celebrate yourself, Feel free to buy your own flowers (literally) and decorate your own soul, there are few things that are more liberating than realizing that you're worth everything.

21 Habits of Happy People

“Happiness is a habit – cultivate it.” ~ Elbert Hubbard

1. Appreciate Life

Be thankful that you woke up alive each morning. Develop a childlike sense of wonder towards life. Focus on the beauty of every living thing. Make the most of each day. Don’t take anything for granted. Don’t sweat the small stuff.

2. Choose Friends Wisely

Surround yourself with happy, positive people who share your values and goals. Friends that have the same ethics as you will encourage you to achieve your dreams. They help you to feel good about yourself. They are there to lend a helping hand when needed.

3. Be Considerate

Accept others for who they are as well as where they are in life. Respect them for who they are. Touch them with a kind and generous spirit. Help when you are able, without trying to change the other person. Try to brighten the day of everyone you come into contact with.

4. Learn Continuously

Keep up to date with the latest news regarding your career and hobbies. Try new and daring things that has sparked your interest – such as dancing, skiing, surfing or sky-diving.

5. Creative Problem Solving

Don’t wallow in self-pity. As soon as you face a challenge get busy finding a solution. Don’t let the set backs affect your mood, instead see each new obstacle you face as an opportunity to make a positive change. Learn to trust your gut instincts – it’s almost always right.

6. Do What They Love

Some statistics show that 80% of people dislike their jobs! No wonder there’s so many unhappy people running around. We spend a great deal of our life working. Choose a career that you enjoy – the extra money of a job you detest isn’t worth it. Make time to enjoy your hobbies and pursue special interests.

7. Enjoy Life

Take the time to see the beauty around you. There’s more to life than work. Take time to smell the roses, watch a sunset or sunrise with a loved one, take a walk along the seashore, hike in the woods etc. Learn to live in the present moment and cherish it. Don’t live in the past or the future.

8. Laugh

Don’t take yourself – or life to seriously. You can find humor in just about any situation. Laugh at yourself – no one’s perfect. When appropriate laugh and make light of the circumstances. (Naturally there are times that you should be serious as it would be improper to laugh.)

9. Forgive

Holding a grudge will hurt no one but you. Forgive others for your own peace of mind. When you make a mistake – own up to it – learn from it – and FORGIVE yourself.

10. Gratitude

Develop an attitude of gratitude. Count your blessings; All of them – even the things that seem trivial. Be grateful for your home, your work and most importantly your family and friends. Take the time to tell them that you are happy they are in your life.

11. Invest in Relationships

Always make sure your loved ones know you love them even in times of conflict. Nurture and grow your relationships with your family and friends by making the time to spend with them. Don’t break your promises to them. Be supportive.

12. Keep Their Word

Honesty is the best policy. Every action and decision you make should be based on honesty. Be honest with yourself and with your loved ones.

13. Meditate

Meditation gives your very active brain a rest. When it’s rested you will have more energy and function at a higher level. Types of meditation include yoga, hypnosis, relaxation tapes, affirmations, visualization or just sitting in complete silence. Find something you enjoy and make the time to practice daily.

14. Mind Their Own Business

Concentrate on creating your life the way you want it. Take care of you and your family. Don’t get overly concerned with what other people are doing or saying. Don’t get caught up with gossip or name calling. Don’t judge. Everyone has a right to live their own life the way they want to – including you.

15. Optimism

See the glass as half full. Find the positive side of any given situation. It’s there – even though it may be hard to find. Know that everything happens for a reason, even though you may never know what the reason is. Steer clear of negative thoughts. If a negative thought creeps in – replace it with a positive thought.

16. Love Unconditionally

Accept others for who they are. You don’t put limitations on your love. Even though you may not always like the actions of your loved ones – you continue to love them.

17. Persistence

Never give up. Face each new challenge with the attitude that it will bring you one step closer to your goal. You will never fail, as long as you never give up. Focus on what you want, learn the required skills, make a plan to succeed and take action. We are always happiest while pursuing something of value to us.

18. Be Proactive

Accept what can not be changed. Happy people don’t waste energy on circumstances beyond their control. Accept your limitations as a human being. Determine how you can take control by creating the outcome you desire – rather than waiting to respond.

19. Self Care

Take care of your mind, body and health. Get regular medical check ups. Eat healthy and work out. Get plenty of rest. Drink lots of water. Exercise your mind by continually energizing it with interesting and exciting challenges.

20. Self Confidence

Don’t try to be someone that you’re not. After all no one likes a phony. Determine who you are in the inside – your own personal likes and dislikes. Be confident in who you are. Do the best you can and don’t second guess yourself.

21. Take Responsibility

Happy people know and understand that they are 100% responsible for their life. They take responsibility for their moods, attitude, thoughts, feelings, actions and words. They are the first to admit when they've made a mistake.

Begin today by taking responsibility for your happiness. Work on developing these habits as you own. The more you incorporate the above habits into your daily lifestyle – the happier you will be.

(source: prettywildhealthy)

Winning Against All Odds

I took myself out to dinner Last nite, and posting pics of food in remembrance like I usually do. I started to feel like it was pointless... Eventually I started to think deeper. "Why enjoy the beauty of life and empowerment so much, if one day you’re eventually just gonna lose it?"  Life is a gift. Sometimes the energy it takes to appreciate it is rough, but winning is simply not giving up! No matter what you go through. Great activists like Martin Luther King Jr, and Jesus of Nazareth gave their lives in devotion to their mission. They had the audacity to stand up and be vocal about their truths and the need for change while they were  in environments that weren't conducive to it.

In today's society it's almost like America has went backward concerning good morals and values.You might be a loser, if you're not having sex before marriage. It's inhumane to question sexual preference, because its considered a civil issue. Foolishness and mockery is ok, in the name of entertainment, and being selfish, inconsiderate and unruly is like the new cool.

So who now takes the stand to be Christ-like and walk in love? Who will still stand courageously for justice and peace no matter the odds against them? Who strives to maintain good character in Every environment? Empowered people and those who enjoy the beauty of life, that's who! People who aren't fulfilled by material things or recreational drinking/substances, but are empowered by faith and their God given purpose.

So even though Christ and Dr. King gave their lives, their legacy lives on. They are among the most honored and celebrated names in the world. Basically, they made their lives count. 

Along with life being a gift in itself. God gifts us talents and expects them to go into use. If we have the ability, not living for our passion and honoring our talents will only make life for us irrelevant, then eventually more depressing. As the Author Marianne Williamson said: Who are you not to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? A person who is simply wasting their time and gift, that's who!

Life is a gift! It appreciates in value with wisdom and faith. Always keep moving forward!

-April D. Byrd is a Writer, Creator and Founder of Breath Of Life Daily. The magazine can be found on Instagram and Twitter @BOLDJournal.

For Colored Girls, Miley Cyrus, and The Rest Of Us

Your Destiny Will Compensate You For Your Pain. ~ Max Lucado [Tweet This]

Life is a journey, not a destination, so of course we’re all subject to a wrong turn…or two, or at least however many it takes us to get on the right track. “Child star gone wrong” seems to be a new Disney theme song for most of the kids from the Hollywood hood. Some of them cleaned up their act, but stars like Amanda Bynes, Demi Levato, and Lindsey Lohan were all beating down a familiar path of adolescent madness, and making headlines for being a hot mess. Miley Cyrus is taking good care not to be an exception.

She’s the latest trending topic online for being considered a train wreck in action. She’s built a new league of haters and speculators all onboard for the ride, it seems like everybody hates on Miley now. Yes, her two little teddy bear ears at the VMA’s just made her look like the devil, but maybe she’s not. We can only hope it’s just a phase. She is just 20 years old after all…but then again most 20-year-olds don’t carry around teddy bears.

Bear-y, bear-y strange behavior!

Is Miley acting out because of a “lost childhood”? Was the weight of juggling two lives really too much for Hannah Miley? If that’s the case then forget the haters, that balancing act was quite entertaining! She’s put in her work; she knows the struggle is real. Let the girl turn up, be ratchet, and “twerk” out her issues with the homies. Miley knows how to put on a show and all the media is buzzing, but what about the real “hood” girls whose stories go unsung, struggling to make the rent, on food stamps, and just surviving, with no “Mr. Deeds” to help them out and no President Fitz to bail them out.

Yes, she probably has issues, but until Miley gets a “Kink in her hair” the struggle of balancing fame and normality is weak in comparison to the depth of most black girl problems. However, no one can ever really ever know the pain that Miley or anyone else goes through. Tragedy is not limited to colored girls who have considered suicide. Everybody has issues. We all have our own journey and a personal “climb” we must endure. Our journey teaches us the lessons we’re meant to grow from.

Continue Reading on Regal Realness.

Go For Your Dreams

In other words..."Keep Calm and March On!!"

As the nation celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the "I Have A Dream Speech". I sat reminiscing on all Dr. King has accomplished, not as a Doctor or a Writer, but as a man of God, it brought a spirit of worship and  reverence for God's power to my heart. The speech is iconic, even legendary. My mind is filled with awe, splendor and excellence as the nation looks back on the words that made a difference. There is no doubt that it was the Reverend's and former president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference's faith that made a major and outstanding impact in the world. Dr. King was a  cultured and college educated man, but he understood the difference between a hunger for facts and the need for the fear of God. “Science investigates; religion interprets. Science gives man knowledge, which is power; religion gives man wisdom, which is control. Science deals mainly with facts; religion deals mainly with values. The two are not rivals.” 

However, I don't think it was  Dr. King's intellect or science savvy that caused him to see the light at the end of the tunnel. He had a dream, a vision, a revelation from God. When he say's he went to the mountain top... he wasn't kidding! Worship and meditation have a tendency to lift our spirits to their highest altitude and give us a "peak" into greatness. Don't let your nightmares get in the way of your dreams. Whatever you think is holding you back has no power at all, because all the power is in your God given purpose. “If you can't figure out your purpose, figure out your passion. For your passion will lead you right into your purpose.”* 

Phenomenal, Positive Hope leads to "Change".

There is a plan and vision for your life and you will never realize it until you seek God for a mountain top experience of your own. 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.-(Jeremiah 29:11) Dr. King had a "King's Faith", he proudly identified with being a royal child of the most high king. Scripture reads that: "It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, But the glory of kings is to search it out."*

When we look for and get the vision that God has for us, we can create greatness on purpose. Life abounds in the way of God. Boldness, vigor, and excitement comes from the courage to be passionate and act on faith. Dr. King said: “A man who won't die for something is not fit to live.” We can never live our best lives if we never know what our passion is. The difference between where you are and where you want to be is faith. Keep Calm and Carry on! Develop a "kingly" faith and go for your dreams.

*References:

Jeremiah 29:11

1 Peter 2:9

Proverbs 25:2

*Quote: T.D. Jakes

-April D. Byrd


Follow BOLDJournal on twitter: @BOLDJournal.

Live Your Best Life

Living Your best life, and realizing the highest vision of yourself is simple: Meditate, trust God, and go for your dreams!

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. - 2 Corinthians 3:17

For more posts and inspirational updates visit Breath Of Life Daily (#BOLDJournal)  on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter and Instagram.

Motivation: Your Power To Win Is Within

The blessing doesn't come from what you get out of life, 
but from what you put into it.” -April D. Byrd 

The DRIVE comes from inside...

We have the gift of life! Life is the ability to move, to do, make choices, make decisions, so on and etc. It encompasses everything we make it to be, because we have the power to make it so. Empowerment is action based. Truly every choice that we make and action we take can either bless us or break us down. When we have wisdom and enlightenment in our lives, we make better choices than if we didn't have them at all. Here are a few simple, yet powerful ways to take over the world:


Study:
Read the bible and other positively empowering or faith-based content. Show yourself approved, verified, certified. Stay Motivated! Wisdom makes you a more valuable human being. Knowledge is power and an asset to the whole world. “Because of your wisdom, because of your knowledge, because of your life giving word, you can help somebody out of the pain and anguish that they experience! You can also continually help yourself. Study is a reminder for the brain. Words are powerful don’t take studying and knowing the Lord for granted. Utilize the power!

Pray: 
Communication is key. Your life is based on your own perception of it, if you have a wrong perception of it can be miserable, if you have a God perception of it it will be exhilarating... to say the least. Prayer provides a confidante. It helps to give dominion and authority in decision making. It's also a practice of focus and it makes us more in touch with our good spirit daily.

Conquer: 
Self-discipline is vital for success. Harness the power of focus. It can be gained through prayer and meditation. Fasting also helps. Our conquering is in our concentration. its so easy to get distracted in all the business of the world . All the different types of media can be a big distraction. People can be as well. Do not let other peoples emotions affect your emotions, primarily ones of negativity or hostility. If someone else's bad mood sways your own it shows they control you, it projects your own lack of vision and good perception. Scripture reads if the blind lead the blind both will fall in the ditch(1), or otherwise grave. Where there is no vision the people perish(2). Hate kills. Your life is your liberty. Experience it as a gift.

(click) Matthew 25: 14-30

Seek good counsel and get the joy and peace you need for your soul. “Everything you want in life, you have the power to go get.”

but remember it's important what you get! Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all your getting get understanding. -Proverbs 4:7


Money doesn't rule the world, innovation does and it's all yours for the taking!. Make the choice to be awesome today and #thinkBOLD!


*references:
1.) Matthew 15:14
2.) Proverbs 29:18
3.) Matthew 25: 14-30
4.) Proverbs 4:7

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