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.

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

Be Optimistic

Day 13

Complaining and Arguing 

Good morning!! It was such a pleasure praying for all of you who responded yesterday. I’m excited to see what God will do when that fear and anxiety is released. Today let’s put this scripture into practice “Do everything without complaining and arguing,” (Philippians 2:14). 

Many times we can get into the habit of complaining because we are unhappy about our circumstances. Let's make it clear, there is a difference between addressing an issue and complaining about an issue. There is a difference between discussing something with someone or having a disagreement and arguing. Both complaining and arguing are negative ways to use our tongue. In both of these instances you can end up saying things that you don't mean or you can displace the focus from solving the problem. 

An example maybe at your job, in your relationship or among strangers - do not mask complaining as “venting” yet you do it over and over or the same thing to multiple people. Yes we can address our feelings or process them but we have to be mindful about the way it's done. Is it promoting change or prompting conflict? Let's begin to turn our complaints into gratitude and arguments into discussions and prayers. How much more effective would your conversations be with those around you if it was edifying and uplifting? Or what if something did not go your way you choose to address it with the person or with God and leave it at that, not the daily complaint about the same thing? 

Today I encourage you to start turning these things around and efforts to becoming more positive with those around you.

                                   🚫Complaint/Arguing Zone🚫

“Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.” (Rom 14:19) Have a blessed day! -Monica

Choose Joy

Day 11

Good morning!! Sometimes being positive is that more difficult because you are in a storm and you are just striving to be happy. Happiness, just as the storm, is temporary. If we are seeking to be happy for these 21 days, then on day 23 we may just fall right back off the positivity wagon. 

Happiness is an emotional state that so much focus is put on but can easily be taken away once a trial occurs or your day is set off. 

Joy is being able to rejoice in knowing that there is not a storm that the Lord cannot calm or remove. I know even in this time some of you are going through some things that make it feel so impossible to be positive. However CHOOSE JOY! Don’t fake it but Faith it. Have faith that you will be able to do all things through Christ who strengthens you (Phil 4:13) and remember there is not a battle that has defeated you because you are still alive to push for another day. I challenge you to start choosing joy daily even in the midst of what you are going through instead of defeat, complaining, or temporary emotions. 

“Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” (1 Thess 5:16-18). 

Have a blessed positive day!! - Monica

Matters of the heart

Day 6

Good morning!! Yesterday we focused on loved to love, and to make that even more clear today we want to look at something that keeps us from loving others often; unforgiveness. 

Unforgiveness is one of the big things that make it hard to be positive. Think about it, you are in a great mood and having a great day but then you see someone who did something to you in the past and your mood completely switches up. Even further it causes those who are around you, who may know about the situation to add into the negative feelings. Or another example your spouse or significant other does something and you are holding on to it days later, you end up having negative feelings in your heart and worse your living environment. Yet through both of these examples you try to move on as if everything else is okay. 

You can’t pray for God to make you more positive while you are harboring unforgiveness. The bible tells us “But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too” Mark 11:25. 

              Forgive

How much unforgiveness are you harboring? We are not sinless, and daily we are forgiven by God. I know that if you are on this challenge/fast you want to make changes and hopefully are praying on those changes; so clear your heart to receive all the positive things to come.  

Today I want you to begin reflecting on your most recent dealings with unforgiveness and begin to forgive. Tomorrow we will continue to reflect on practical ways to forgive. As always you are welcome to reach out for prayer or encouragement via the comment box on the blog, as I know this is one of the hardest topics to deal with. Have a blessed & beautiful day! -Monica

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

Designing a life you love.

 Hello loves! It's been a while since I've written a blog post. Life has been happening, and keeping me quite busy... All great things! I'm finally done with my academic studies (insert excessive cheering), I'm also working on a few HUGE projects (more details to come - I can't wait to share!). Overall I have to say that life is good.

Life is Good

I'm excited about this summer season, it's one of my favorite seasons (because I adore the beach), and I love warm weather. I'd say that this #Summer16 has had it's share of challenges, but it's also proven to be a season of fruit bearing; meaning seeds that I've sown in past years have began to come to fruition. One vital thing I've been embracing is to be p-a-t-i-e-n-t. Things don't grow (happen) over night, but they will grow in a healthy way with planning, discipline and proper pruning. I encourage you in this summer season to do the same, be patient and make sure you are disciplining yourself and only take on the things that are in line with your life purpose.

If you fail to plan, 

you plan to fail.

In addition to being patient, I'm also learning to appreciate the gift of "No". Purposefully making a conscious effort to not invest my time in things that are consistent with goals and plans during this season of my life. This gift of "No", will be the best thing that you've ever treated yourself to... Trust me! Everything may be a great idea, but if they're not God ideas... Meaning if they have no purpose in your life, you'll be wasting your time and ultimately be consumed with regret and feeling unaccomplished. Do yourself and others a favor, and only engage in projects, events etc. that you know are adding to the purpose of your life. There is a time to assist others in proper balance, however when we are busybodies, we can miss out on God's plan for our lives and cause others to miss their opportunities as well. We all have been blessed with gifts from God to use for ourselves and to help others - stay in your lane!(1 Corinthians 12-27)

Purpose

This weekend I had the privilege of tuning in to an insightful FREE webinar which was hosted by Chrystal Hurst entitled "Living A Life You Love". This event was AWESOME, no seriously, it was reallllly awesome. I took notes and wanted to share some of the nuggets with you, as the webinar has been taken down and you won't be able to view it (sad face). I pray that you're blessed by these practical points which almost anyone can implement, and that you decide today to design a life you love! XO.

Living a life you love 

• Purposefully surround yourself with people that are embracing and encouraging you to be the best you - Those who love and inspire you.
• It's okay to have desires, but don't allow desires to rule you. Be honest about what you want out of life and your means to achieve those desires.
• Give yourself margin to say no - and margin for you time
• Intentionally think about what your end goal is and what you need to do to accomplish it and make adjustments.
• Protect your time & prioritize your commitments 
• Just because you can do it, doesn't mean  you should - (In any area of life, financially, activities etc.) 
• Don't base your actions on your feelings - feelings change like the wind. Your actions should be based on your desired outcome,
• Figure out how to merge the life you want with the life you have. 
• Don't wait for the next day, month or season to do things you love - do them today! 
• SPEAK LIFE: write positive affirmation on sticky notes, write in a journal, mediate on God's word, choose to be optimistic. Don't just think it, speak it! Philippians 4:8
• Choose one thing a day that makes you happy, and do it! 

                              Remember the joy of the Lord is your strength

 Make time to be in His presence daily

Psalm  91

FYI - Chrystal is hosting another webinar "Living a Life you Love - Online Class" in a few weeks!

 Sign up by clicking here!!! 

JOY

Hello & Happy Tuesday!

About 5 days ago, I challenged myself to write "a blog a day" along with many other bloggers for the month of August... Well... I haven't written one since August 1st! SMH (Shaking my head)

So, I'm getting back on track! Life happens, and although my initial thought after I failed to post on day two was to quit, I won't! (Go me!!)

Today, I was inspired by a fellow Twitter-Sister Shari and her blog post on friends (What's a girl to do when she has beautiful friends? ). Her post was real and relevant; typical "women stuff". After reading it, I began thinking about life and lots of other things... Today's post reflects my thoughts! Enjoy!

As women we have the naughty habit of comparing ourselves to other women; those we know and those we don't. These comparisons can be very stressful especially when we are comparing ourselves to people that we don't know; like sister-friends that we interact with on social networks. I'm not ashamed to admit that I've fallen victim to this bad habit... I'll see someone online and think to myself "Wow, she's really got her stuff together! Great career or budding entrepreneur, great relationship, cute kids..." And those internal thoughts can go on and on and on and on... (You get the picture).

Well, the fact of the matter is no one has it all together! As much as we all try to make it work and look good, everyone of us has issues; some BIG, some small. Whatever the issues, be it: relationship issues, financial issues, career issues, school issues, home issues, family issues, life purpose issues, hair issues, skin issues, feet issues, insecurities, etc... (You get the picture - Smile).

If we allow these negative thoughts and comparisons to take root and began to control us we'll never be content in life. There will always be another woman who looks better, cooks better, has better hair, drives a nicer car, has a bigger house, has cuter kids, has a nicer husband, has more education, has more money, has cuter clothes & shoes, has a better handbag, has softer hair, has longer hair, has better nails, cuter feet, etc... (You get the picture). What we have to do is count the blessings that we do have, instead of counting the ones that we don't. Just the simple fact that most of us can turn on the faucet and have clean drinking water is a blessing (one that we often take for granted).

Allow yourself to be inspired, by other women, but never envious. Envy will lead to comparison, which in turn can lead to depression and motivation for the wrong reasons. God created all of us for a specific purpose. Embrace your life, gifts and talents. Be inspired, don't beat yourself down. If you ever feel that little comparison thief rising up, speak out loud against it! Say something like "It's awesome to see her doing so well, if she can do great things I know I can".

Be Inspired, to inspire another. LoveLIFE! XO 

A man I've never met

Thursday, August 1st, 2013

Today I spoke at the funeral of a man I've never met. He was a husband, father, brother uncle and friend to many. As I sat at the funeral home, unable to relate to the family in regards to losing someone that I knew and would miss, I could relate however to losing a loved one (I lost my grandfather last month).

 I felt a bit out of sorts, because I had no emotion for this man... No sadness, memories or stories... I felt numb almost... I felt like an intruder... But I was asked to read a special poem by a dear friend who is close to my heart, and so I obliged. 

[First and foremost I'd like to say that if you're reading this and you don't have life insurance... PLEASE GET SOME! Even if the policy is 5-10k. Each day that God allows us to grace this earth with our presence is a gift; the next day or the rest of the current day that we're in for that matter aren't promised to us. Don't leave your family and friends to be stressed financially to bury you. We see it all too often, a loved one dies suddenly, and families are forced to come up with thousands of dollars to meet an extensive budget to pay for a funeral.]

Funerals have a weird way of putting things into perspective. For the past week, I've been a bit out of it... There has been a lot going on in my life, and I haven't been managing my time properly which = being stressed out. When we don't manage our time properly, we are ineffective in our day to day dealings. We're unable to meet goals, accomplish simple tasks  and we're not focused or fulfilled. This can lead us to feel unaccomplished, and if we wallow in that feeling long enough it can push us into a rut. 

With that being said, many times we worry about things that really don't matter. We overwhelm ourselves with things that won't matter at the end of our lives. Just think about the things that you stress yourself with for a moment... Now think, if today was your last day on earth would those things matter? No, they wouldn't. Take time today to simplify. Take some time to refocus and reorganize your thoughts before you take on any external projects, write out your new goals, tasks, and breathe! Life is so precious. 

Enjoy the rest of your day! 

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

Happy Memorial Day 5-27-2013

Honor, respect & love to all of the men and women who have and continually serve in the armed forces of the United States. A special thanks to you & your families for your courage & sacrifice; you are appreciated. ♥♥♥♥♥

Happy Memorial Day!

 

Moving forward in love

I am truly heart broken by the events that took place yesterday in Boston. Continue to pray for those who were affected. 

God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of love, power and a sound mind.

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"

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)