Permanent Change

Day 21

Good morning!!! Wow, I can't believe it's already the last day of the fast! Research indicates that it takes 21 days to BEGIN to form or break a habit. 

This fast was only a starter. What are we to do now? 

From some conversations had with many of you, there are people who have been greatly impacted, changed and evoked increased awareness. I recommend you continue to work on ways to make those changes permanent. Sometimes it takes more than 21 days to create or break a habit and that's OKAY. Take the time and re-read the messages and do another 21 days, do 40 days or whatever works for you. 

In the past people have even re-done the fast with a group of people during the year. Do whatever it takes for this to have even the smallest lasting change. The bible says, “And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. For the old skins would burst from the pressure, spilling the wine and ruining the skins. New wine is stored in new wineskins so that both are preserved.” (Matt 9:17). If you have changed and made progress you can't go back to the ways of the past. Now you know better, do better. It will simply be worse to go readopt those negative habits. So take whatever new positive habit you've formed and place it into your new life (new wine skin). 

If this was your first encounter with the Lord I encourage you to get to know more about Him. I'd love to pray for or with you. If you know the Lord I encourage you to continue doing things to assist you to grow in your walk. If you don't have it already, the bible app has (http://www.bible.com/app) great devotionals with daily reminders and verses to keep you growing. This has been such a blessing to fast with you all. I am always open to praying and sharing an encouraging word so don't hesitate if you need to reach out after the fast is over. Thank you for being a part of this fast!! Have a wonderful positive day!! -Monica B. 

#POSITIVITY

Confidence

Day 4

Good morning!! Confidence can at times be something that blocks us from being positive. Insecurities and doubt can breed much negativity. Many of us have a hard time seeing how our insecurities affect those around us but some of us already know it does. An example may be how you respond in offense to something that is said due to your own insecurities with a certain matter. 

As we reflected yesterday on wanting what others have, we can also lose confidence in ourselves through comparisons to others. Maybe you have someone in your life who you feel is smarter, more attractive, more well off and in turn it causes you to feel that you are not as significant. This can hold you back from your calling or cause you to not walk confidently in your purpose. This may also cause you to be overly critical of yourself and not truly love who you are. We have to have confidence in who we are created to be and even further in our Creator. The bible says you are “I will praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made….” (Psalm 139:14). It encourages you to praise God for the way that He created you. With NO MISTAKES. How much more positive could we be if we praised God for who he made us to be? When those struggles arise, which is common, we have to be able to trust in our confidant who we can lay all these insecurities to. Are you confident in your confidant? (Read Jeremiah 17:7) 

         You're a blessing 

Let’s begin to thank God for who we are and the positive changes we are making. I know that each and every one of you is special and am eager to hear you Confidently being more positive by loving who you are! Have a wonderful day! -Monica

Loved to Love.

Good morning!!! This has been heavy on my heart to share this morning. Our positivity truly expands with understanding that we are loved. Not temporarily, not superficially, but unconditionally loved. Many people know the Bible verse John 3:16, “For God so loved the world…” however do you live by that knowledge that you are loved?

LOVED
DAY 5

When we truly grasp this concept that we are loved by God we do not hold mere humans to such a high standard to love us. This knowledge should push you to love others even more than you are worried about how they love you. I know this sounds complex to some and I want you to read 1 John 4:16-21 in depth. In verse 19, it tells us that “we love each other because He (God) loved us first.” What it does not say is only love your friends, family or select few, it tells us love each other. This may be hard as we know people do things at times that honestly make them EXTREMELY hard to love. Let’s remember that we don’t choose not love them, we just choose to not like their behaviors. You can love someone or show love to someone without approving their behaviors, choices or attitudes. Think about it, God still shows us love despite our sinful nature and although he does not approve of our behaviors, He still loves us. A parent loves their child even if they do not approve of their disobedience, but they still manage to love them. This proves we have the ability to love those even if we do not like their behaviors. So let’s begin to think about how we are or are not showing love to those around us and how we can show love more on purpose. Today let’s choose love! I know this can be tough, BUT GOD. If anyone needs additional prayer or encouragement on this please feel free to reach out via the email icon at the bottom of this post. Sending much love your way!!! God bless. - Monica

21 days of positivity

Hello loves! Just in case you're wondering, yes - I'm still over here celebrating #Summer16, and yes in September because summer isn't officially over until September 22nd!

This summer has been wonderful thus far ( I am eager to share my #Summer16 recap with you next month). Although summer has been amazing, it seems as though September has snuck up on me and bit me on the ankles! Aggghhh, autumn is literally around the corner, and with that revelation, I've been thinking about goals and the last quarter of the year. In mulling these things over mentally, it's easy to get a little discouraged because we haven't accomplished everything on our infamous "to do" lists, and if you're like me that reality can began to take a toll on you mentally, feelings of defeat, despair, and discouragement, if not checked will grow into ugly monsters. Well, don't fret! I've got just the thing to help us get back on track for this last quarter of the year.

Meet Monica, she is the host of the annual mobile 21 Day Positivity Fast. This year, we will participate in the fast on the blog for the next 21 days, I hope you will take part as well! 21 days of positivity to assist us with finishing 2016 strong. Please share with a friend! Be blessed!

21 Days of Positivity

Hello, I'm Monica! If you were to ever meet me in person, you'd likely find a smile on my face - I am a 29 year old Christian (bible believing, Jesus loving, transparent, people loving, down to earth, giving and caring type Christian). 

In 2010, I was forced to do some introspection; after going through a rough summer, and being around so much negativity. I knew that I could not live like this anymore, and needed a change. I am known by many for my infectious smile and my positive attitude, however my reality during that time was that my thoughts, actions and words weren't so positive, and my smile wasn't very infectious. As I prayed about everything that was happening, God placed it on my heart to fast from all of the negativity and focus on the positive things in my life (Philippians  4:8). 

I asked a few friends to join me on my fast and thus the beginning of the 21 Days of being intentional about positive thoughts, words and actions began. 

Some may ask "Why 21 days?", because it generally takes 21 days to start or break a habit. This 21 day fast allows myself and those who participate a chance to purposefully think on things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of a good report. Choosing to think positive is not an easy task, especially in today's day and age, however through Christ it is possible (Philippians 4:13 I [we] can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me [us].)

Now in our 6th year, we have had over 100 people participate in the 21 Day Positivity Fast. This fast is so meaningful to me because every year I experience significant change in my life and thoughts. I am committed to this journey, and want everyone who participates to experience the same growth and victory that I have experienced. During the fast I wake up each morning and seek the Lord, each message is written on the morning that it is sent, and is a culmination of what God places on my heart.

I am also blessed daily with fresh perspective, and I love hearing how the daily message was significant in speaking to different people in many ways. My desire is to spread positive outlooks to all, so that we can share a more positive, enriching life experience in this world. I pray that the fast is a blessing to you this year! 

Each one, reach one (or two or 3),

Monica