Gratefulness

Day 19

Day 19

Gratefulness Paid Forward

Good morning!! Sorry for the delay today. Early this morning I received a message, the theme of being grateful continued to weigh heavy in my spirit. In reading someone's expression of gratitude, it allowed me to reflect upon my gratitude for the people and things in my life. I then realized the impact it makes in one's life to know and be told that they are appreciated. It was then that the Lord had me realize that although we touched upon not wanting what others have, we truly did not dive into the importance of being grateful. 

Each of us has one thing in common to be grateful for today, which is, if you are reading this, you woke up to see another day! In our prayers let’s not ever forget to tell God the things we are grateful for and not just always asking. He too wants us to acknowledge that we see what He is doing in our lives. The most positive thing we could do is find less reasons to complain and more reasons to express gratitude. Though it may look tough on your end, there are others battling the same situations or worse, and you have been given another day to fight in this life that someone else wasn’t. But remember, you're not fighting alone. God is always with you, His word states in Hebrews 13:5 "... I will never leave you nor forsake you."

Today I challenge you to reflect upon these past 19 days or even this past year if you must and acknowledge all the things and people to be grateful for. In addition to paying positivity forward give someone a call, send an email or a text message, write a note or even make a visit to someone. Make it a point to express to 3 people that you are grateful for something they have done or that they currently do for you (big or small). Even something like “thank you for getting me coffee that day I was really tired”, “thanks you for always smiling in the morning”, “thank you for being there when I needed you most” or even thanking you leaders for the work that they do, the list goes on. These purposeful actions not only work on your heart, but theirs as well. This of all things I challenged I truly encourage EVERY single one of you to do. Simply send me a message saying “Done”. 

I look forward to manyyyyy messages over the week saying “Done”. I am grateful that over 120 of you have given me an opportunity to be used by God in your life these past 19 days. Thank you!!! Have a Happy Monday! - Monica B.

Speak Life

Day 8

Good morning!! We are starting our second week of positivity, I hope you are getting in the swing of things, and I encourage those who haven’t done the forgiveness challenge to give it a try. We are focusing on positive thoughts, WORDS and actions so let’s look at the tongue. The tongue is such a tricky thing that can easily take us out of our positive mindset or can cause negative actions.(Read James 3:1-12)

Take a pause and tame your tongue

The same small tongue that we use to say how great God is, can be the same little thing we use to curse those around us. Reflect. What kind of words come out of your mouth? Are you uplifting or are you tearing down? Are you speaking things that you would be embarrassed if the person you are speaking about found out? Are you speaking things that you would be embarrassed if children repeated? Are you keeping a positive mind but a negative mouth? Is profanity a regular thing for you? “Don’t use foul or abusive language” Eph. 4:29. A lot to reflect and all of this can be difficult to control. However a great question to ask is, do you pause before you speak? I know personally this has been one of the difficult things to change over the years however over prayer and time, it is possible to improve. 

Today I encourage you to start being more aware of the words you are speak. Take a pause and tame your tongue. Have a blessed positive 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

Friendship.

When you think about the word friendship what comes to mind? Are you flooded with happy thoughts and warm memories of those you love, or are you flooded with thoughts of hurt, betrayal and disappointment?  God’s design for friendship was to bless and nourish our lives. These relationships were meant to be fulfilling, lasting, encouraging and life changing. However, this is rarely the case today; those who have experienced true friendship know this.

Proverbs 27:17 (NIV) states:

17 As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.

Friendship should sharpen you; it should make you a better person. The support, love and faithfulness of true friends manifest the best qualities within us. There is something special about being able to spend time or chat with a friend uninhibited. Being able to trust that you’re able to share your thought, dreams, and fears in a safe environment, with someone who loves you and has your best interest at heart. A friend doesn’t always agree with you, but a friend will support you and communicate to you if and when you’re not making the best decisions.  Healthy friendships support growth.

Charles Stanley, a great bible teacher once stated that, “independence is a prized attribute in our culture, but biblically, it isn’t a worthy aspiration. Nowhere in Scripture will you find the erroneous quote, “God helps those who help themselves.” The very fact that the Lord formed the church—a community of believers—should tell us that He did not create people for self-sufficiency or isolation.”

Friendship is God’s design.

 

1 Corinthians 15:33(NIV) states:  Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”

 

What type of friends do you have? Do your friends encourage you to do things contrary to the way you desire your life to go. Do your friends encourage or support destructive behaviors? Think about your friendships, and if they are the best relationships for you.

Below are some tips for strengthening and building healthy friendships:

1. Nurture your friendships: Take time to invest in them, and be available.
2. Don't allow comparisons or jealousy to sneak in: Rejoice when your friends rejoice, and share in their burdens with them.
3. Pray for your friends: Guard their conversations and or prayers with honor. Don't be a gossiper.
4. Encourage your friends: Assist your friends when you’re able to. Let them know you value their friendship.

The key to friendship is vulnerability and communication. You must become vulnerable. You must have trust, and honesty. You must invest in the relationship, and you must have open communication.

Delay is not Denial.

If God has made you a promise, believe it, it WILL come to pass! Delay does not mean denial! A prayer not answered yet, is not a denied prayer. God's promises are always fulfilled on time. Continue to have faith and trust in His word.

Be Encouraged :)

Real Love.

Happy Valentine's Day Journey Mates! ❤

I read something beautiful today. I pray that it blesses you.

 To fully experience love, you must receive it, say yes to the amazing gift that God wants to pour out on you. Bask in it, and let it overflow to those around you.

❤ God is Love.

I am because we are

Hello Journey Mates, 

 
I read a beautiful story today that is so fitting as we embark on Black History month. It is my belief that we should strive to learn and understand every races' history, every month, for we won't know where we are going as a whole (human race) without knowing from whence we come.
Enjoy the story. 

Learn. Grow. Change. Lead by example. - XO

         

  "I am because we are"

An anthropologist proposed a game to the kids in an African tribe. He put a basket full of fruit near a tree and told the kids that who ever got there first won the sweet fruits. When he told them to run they all took each others hands and ran together, then sat together enjoying their treats. When he asked them why they had run together, when one of them could have had all the fruits for himself and they said: ''UBUNTU, how can one of us be happy if all the other ones are sad?''

'UBUNTU' in the Xhosa culture means: "I am because we are"