Ready, Set, Serve

Day 15

Ready, Set, Serve

Good morning! We are going into our final week of the positivity fast and I’m so happy to hear the changes many of you have been making. The first 2 weeks of this positivity fast involved introspection, however now we want to apply it all and spread the positivity inter-personally. This weekend I challenge you to participate in at least one random act of kindness and one intentional act of kindness.

An example of a random act of kindness might be paying for the car behind you in the drive thru, leave quarters in the laundromat for the next person, taping a positive note inside a bathroom stall, mailing someone a positive card without your name or return address, doing an unassigned chore, etc. The idea is to pretty much do something kind/positive where you will not get the credit for it. The intentional act of kindness may be offering an umbrella to someone in need, helping the less fortunate, helping someone carry groceries or any positive act of service you complete throughout the weekend.

This weekend you are challenged to take positivity and share it with others. Pay it forward. When you complete a task at any time this weekend simply send a message back saying “Intentional” or “Random”. If you'd like to share a brief story on what you did so that it may provide ideas for others feel free to, so that we can spread more positivity.

Let's live positivity on purpose. Ready, set, serve! 

Have a blessed Friday! -Monica

Wisdom

Day 14

Pride Aside Choose Humility 

Good morning!!! In order to not argue and complain it is important to understand the issues with pride and emphasize humility. An example of this could be when you have an argument with a person, choosing to not feel you have to win,but choosing to allow the Lord to work it out. “Pride ends in humiliation, while humility brings honor.” (Prov 29:23). 

There are so many more positive outcomes in life when we choose humility. The bible speaks of it often. When we look for people to lift us up the foundation is shaky and can be lost at any point in time. When we seek for the Lord to lift us up in His due season we will reap all the good we have sown in humility. We know that we show love when we are not proud and there is such power in love. 1 Cor 13:4 tells us “Love is not jealous or boastful or proud”. 

Let's choose humility today. Begin exposing and burying your prideful ways. How much more of a positive impact can you make when YOU set YOU aside. Have a blessed day!! -Monica

I want it.

Good morning!! Today I want us to focus on wanting what others have. The last commandment tells us “You must not covet (yearn to possess) your neighbor's house…” Exodus 20:17. Let’s take a moment to reflect on it. How many things have you simply wanted because someone else had it, and it caused you to respond negatively if you were unable to obtain it? This can come easy in a society where advertising is the norm. I mean think about what most ads do, they set you up to see something and make it look appealing to the point that you feel you need it and have to have it or you will feel unsatisfied. How this applies to our day to day is it causes us to not notice how we tend to want what others have. 

              DAY 3

This could relate to wanting the life we “think” someone has, the job that someone has, marriage, baby, (the list goes on…). This leads to negativity because you are not content where God has you and discontentment can cause conflict, depression or even asking/praying to God “why not me”. The more you focus on those things that you do not have the less you can open your heart to appreciate the season you are in and what you do have. Even further do you really want the truth of what the person experienced to get there? Your story is not meant to be anyone else's. I challenge you when you begin to feel that urge to yearn for what someone else has ask yourself, “Why do I want it?”. So let's shift to a positive mindset and begin being GENUINELY happy for those in season of success or breakthrough and being content in our own season as we are being perfected. I mean no one could do a better job at being YOU. Have a positive, content day!!! -Monica

Don't stress, Rest.

DAY 2

Good morning! How many times do we tend to use "stress" as an excuse to be negative? This can easily occur especially in the fast pace, high demand society we live in. Today I want to bring attention to the impact of stress on us. The dictionary defines stress as “a state of mental or emotional strain or tension resulting from adverse or very demanding circumstances.” The main thing I want to point out is that it is the “mental”, that means we have control over how we respond in our mental space. How can we create a positive mental space if we are viewing stress as a barrier/excuse? I encourage you to rest your stress upon the Lord. You aren’t and never have been in control of certain stressors, so why not release the mental/emotional strain. How much more effective can you be today if you put that stress to rest. The Lord tells all of us whoever is weary and burdened to come to Him and he will give us rest (Matt 11:28-30). Also read John 14:27 & James 1:2-4. 

Today I encourage you not to stress but to REST. Have a blessed, Positive day!! - 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.

God's Goodness

He Uses Our Difficulties
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
“That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
(2 Corinthians 12:10, NIV)
TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria
We all face difficult situations. Somebody isn’t treating you right; your business is not growing as fast as you had hoped, or maybe you’re single and still haven’t met anyone. It’s easy to get frustrated and anxious on the inside. You don’t understand why it’s taking so long or why things haven’t changed. But here’s a key: just because it’s an uncomfortable place doesn’t mean it’s not where you’re supposed to be. God uses difficulties to do a work in us. We grow in the tough times. That’s when our character is being developed. God will not allow a difficulty unless He has a divine purpose for it. If we’re going to reach our highest potential, we have to make up our mind, “I’m not going to live frustrated because I am uncomfortable. I’m not going to be upset because things are not happening on my timetable. I’m not going to fight against everything that I don’t like.” Instead, believe that God is doing a work in you. Believe that He has the best for you. And see yourself moving forward in the victory He has prepared for you.
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father, today I give You my questions, frustrations, concerns and doubts. Have Your way in me. I trust that You are at work in every difficult situation in my life in Jesus’ name. Amen.
— Joel & Victoria Osteen

Night of Inspiration!

Hello Journey Mates,

It's summer!! I haven't written in a while, I've been a bit busy! ;) Life happens. But, nonetheless I am grateful for life itself. Trials, test, triumphs and everything in between mold us to be who God intended us to be. I've learned to trust God and go with the flow. He will give us all the wisdom that we'll ever need to be successful in this life. God never promised us that we'd have a walk in the park, but he did promise to never leave us nor forsake (abandon or turn His back) us; and that's good enough for me! 

I posted a video about a week ago and didn't write about it... Sorry... Here is the revised story behind the video (a new post)! Be encouraged & never give up on your dreams!

In 2011, I started an organization with the primary goal of assisting inner city at risk youth with achieving their potential in life. This consists of community empowerment projects, mentoring, youth activities, youth empowerment summits, and academic assistance. These programs have been running successfully and the life's of many youth and their families have been touched!

Earlier this year, I was chosen to attend a fan appreciation dinner by Lala Anthony of (Lala's Full Court Life) and VH1. The dinner was held to appreciate individuals who were doing outstanding things in their community. I was blessed and humbled to spend that evening with an amazing group of talented individuals, great women and men who are doing outstanding things to change the world! People who are living their lives on purpose and inspiring others in the process! It was truly an honor! Lala was so sweet and welcoming; I left that atmosphere charged up, encouraged and ready to do more. You never know who's watching, or what the future holds. Serve from the heart and never give up! XO

Check us out: Project Hope CT

Pics from the evening!

Get More:
La La's Full Court Life (Season 3), La La's Full Court Life 3

Work it out!

Good morning Journey Mates!!

Happy Thursday! I had a late start this morning and was unable to head to the gym... (insert sad face).
However, I found a some great workouts from Pop Sugar to do at home! NO excuses!!!

Ain't nothing to it, but to do it! Enjoy! XO


Core Workout Blast The Belly Fat with Jeanette Jenkins Tone your Arms Resistance Band Workout for anywhere

Happy birthday to me!!!!!

November 13th 2012

"Love never Fails"

Happy Birthday to me!!! I am so blessed to celebrate another year of life. I am thankful to be doing what I love, and also be surrounded by people who love me. This has been an overall amazing year. I’ve grown and learned a whole lot (still growing & learning)! I do indeed feel like a princess! 

(Insert huge cheesy smile) 

I have some great things planned for today (Spa included!!), and will celebrate the evening by surrounding myself with people I love and adore. I couldn’t ask for anything more. God has indeed blessed me with true riches; friends, family, good health and overwhelming love.
 XOXOXO

Here’s to another year of greatness! (Toast wine glasses)