It is good for us to have goals and dreams for our lives.  Having our dreams fulfilled takes life to a higher level.  With a lot of hard work and the determination to not give up!  Our dreams will come to pass.  There are times when we notice progress and growth and then there are other times where we experience setbacks and discouragement because our goals and dreams are not happening fast enough.  In the midst of it all, remember to trust God’s timing and not your feelings.

Be Encouraged.

It is important to know what makes you happy or what brings you joy. In case you are “just making it” or “just getting by” in life or don’t know your purpose or have a life goal in mind, then I would recommend that you begin to live life with intention, and to find what brings you joy.  Listed below are a few suggestions on how to experience more joy.

1. Take note of what comforts you, inspires you or encourages you so that when you have a low point in life (and we all do) you can refer to your notes and do something (such as a bubble bath, lighting a candle, or retail therapy) to bring you out of your slump.
2. Take care of your basic needs such as eating healthy, exercising regularly and getting 6 to 8 hours of sleep, as well as manage stress in a positive way (for example, prayer, meditation, talking with a trusted friend or counselor about your problems).
3. Take the time to create a playlist to uplift your spirit, or to listen to during your time of reflection.  I hope this helps!  Until next time, take care and be blessed.

Being a Christian doesn’t mean you won’t have trials and tribulations, in fact the bible promised that in this world that we would have them! Nor as Christians will we feel happy all of the time.  Just know that when we are in moments of despair–God is present!  We do not want to make decisions on our own during difficult times.  We need to lean on God and rely on sources of strength to help us heal or deal with the situation at hand.  The sources available to us are prayer, Christian fellowship, and time in God’s Word.  (John 16:33)

The expression “hindsight is 20/20” means everyone sees or understands what or why something happened in the past clearly.  In other words, one understands life or a situation better after the storm has past.  As humans, we may have 20/20 hindsight but God has 20/20 foresight.  His view of the future is just as clear as our past.  We can prepare for our future by researching, praying, and doing what is in our power to get ready for tomorrow; but only God knows what waits in our future. Will you trust Him with yours?

In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps. (Proverbs 16:9).

There are so many fears that we face that robs our faith.  Fear of failure, fear of man, and fear of rejection to name a few fears that hinders us from making progress in different areas of our lives.  However, when we are faced with fear, we must not give in to it. We must learn to stand on the promises of God, and realize that we are more than conquers through Christ, and that the battle does not belong to us, it belongs to the Lord.

You see, when we fear the worse that could happen to us, it usually never does and fear itself does not have any power over us, unless we allow it to. Take a moment to reflect on situations that had you in fear—look who is still standing and in some instances have moved forward and is now in a better place; mind, body and spirit.

Think about it!

If you are struggling to understand the purpose and meaning of your life, it is time that you pause (meditate) and seek out the One who created you in the first place.  Not only did God create us, but He also designed us and prepared good works for each of us to do.  Our job is to find out exactly what’s our kingdom assignment and as we seek Him and follow His guidance, he will direct our steps. One step at a time. (Ephesians 2:10)

The Egyptian plover bird and the native crocodile have an symbiotic relationship.  The crocodile allows the plover access to its body because the bird preys on parasites that are harmful to the crocodile.  In return, the crocodile provides safety for the plover since a predator would dare to attack the bird, and risk being attacked by the crocodile.

Apart from one another, the plover and the crocodile may die due to the lack of protection that they provide to one another.  But, together they help each other stay alive and thrive. The same can be true for us, if we give, work, pray, and worship together, we can accomplish more than each of us giving, working, praying, and worshiping alone.

Think about it.

Hands down we are all so busy today with work, family, as well as other responsibilities. Here are some tips that I read from an article of the American Heart Association that will hopefully help to reduce stress in your life.

1. Slow down – Plan ahead and allow enough time to get the most important things done without having to rush.
2. Snooze more -Try to get six to eight hours of sleep each night. To fight insomnia, add mindfulness and activity.
3. Let worry go -The world won’t end if a few things fall off of your plate.  Give yourself a break and just breathe.
4. Laugh it up – Laughter makes us feel good.  Don’t be afraid to laugh out loud, even when you’re alone.
5. Get connected-A daily dose of friendship in great medicine.  Make time to call friends and family so you can catch up.
6. Get organized– Use “to do” lists to help you focus on your most important tasks, and take big projects one step at a time.
7. Practice giving back-Volunteer your time or spend time helping out a friend.  Helping others helps you.
8. Be active every day-Exercise can relieve mental and physical tension.  Find something you think is fun and stick with it.
9. Give up bad habits-Too much alcohol, tobacco, or caffeine can increase blood pressure.  Cut back or quit to decrease anxiety.
10. Lean into things you can change-Make time to learn a new skill, work towards a goal, or to love and help others.

My goal is to focus on tips 8 and 9, I am committed to being more active daily and to reduce my sugar intake aka candy and sweets.  What tips can you commit to–to be well?

Remember to take care of you! Mind, Body and Spirit.

The primary thief of joy and peace is regret. Whether it is something that you did today or yesterday, or many years ago, there is nothing that you can do about what has already been done– except repent, receive forgiveness, forget the past (at least don’t be control by it) and move on.  Now by all means, if it is something that you can do about it, then do it!  But the bottom line is to let go of the past and focus on the present.  Make a decision today to no longer live a life of regret (Philippians 3:13).

The bible tells us to forgive one another. One of the reasons why we are told to forgive is because it benefits you! You see forgiveness not only release the bitterness that we have against someone who has hurt us, but it frees us from the hurt at the very same time!  You may say that you don’t feel like it or that the person doesn’t deserve it. But don’t rely on your feelings to make the decision to forgive–forgive because you have been forgiven.

When a man’s ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. (Proverbs 16:17).