Brand New

Mark 10:27 (MSG)

Jesus was blunt: “No chance at all if you think you can pull it off by yourself. Every chance in the world if you let God do it.”

WHEN YOU LET GO AND LET GOD, THE WORLD OPENS UP TO YOU IN MANY WAYS. I USE TO TRY TO TAKE CONTROL OF EVERYTHING AND IT WOULD NOT WORK OUT FOR ME. BUT WHEN I CHOSE TO TAKE THE PATH OF LEAST RESISTANCE AND GET OUT OF MY OWN WAY, SO MANY INCREDIBLE THINGS BEGIN TO BLOSSOM. TO LET THINGS FLOW AND NOT TO FORCE. TO LET GO OF GRUDGES AND FORGIVE. TO NOT COMPETE BUT TO SUPPORT, ETC. DOING THESE HAS MORE THAN  AN ADVANTAGE BUT ITS A WAY OF LIFE. A WAY TO LIVE A HAPPY HEALTHY LIFE. 

TIP: LET GO 

Be yourself

Ephesians 1:11 (MSG)

It’s in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone.

I USED TO THINK I KNEW WHAT I WAS DOING BECAUSE I PLAYED "FOLLOW THE LEADER". NOT KNOWING I WASN'T BEING MYSELF. I FOUND MYSELF MISERABLE BECAUSE IT SEEMED LIKE NO MATTER WHAT I DID, I ALWAYS QUESTIONED "WHAT AM I DOING WRONG"? I WAS TRYING TO KEEP UP WITH EVERYONE ELSE INSTEAD OF KEEPING UP WITH MYSELF. I WAS MIMICKING THE ACTIONS OF THOSE WHO WERE SUCCESSFUL AROUND ME THINKING IT WAS WHAT I WAS SUPPOSED TO DO. I SAY THIS BECAUSE IF YOU DO NOT BE YOURSELF YOU WILL FIND YOURSELF IN THE IDENTITY OF SOMEONE ELSE AND DON'T REALIZE IT. ITS OK TO TAKE NOTES AND GO WITH SOME IDEAS BUT DON'T TRY TO BECOME A CARBON COPY OF SOMEONE ELSE. YOU DON'T KNOW HOW THEY GOT THERE OR WHEN OR HOW LONG IT TOOK. MAYBE THEY HAD THE SAME PROBLEM TRYING TO IDENTIFY THEMSELVES TROUGH SOMEONE ELSE. ITS EASY TO GET CAUGHT UP WHEN YOU ARE SEARCHING FOR PURPOSE. DON'T LET THAT BE YOU.

TIP: BE THE BEST YOU

WAKING UP WITH PURPOSE

Galatians 5:16 (MSG)

My counsel is this: Live freely, animated and motivated by God’s Spirit. Then you won’t feed the compulsions of selfishness. For there is a root of sinful self-interest in us that is at odds with a free spirit, just as the free spirit is incompatible with selfishness. These two ways of life are antithetical, so that you cannot live at times one way and at times another way according to how you feel on any given day. Why don’t you choose to be led by the Spirit and so escape the erratic compulsions of a law-dominated existence?

I HAVE BEEN WAKING UP  OUT MY SLEEP AT 230 AM EVERY MORNING. NOT BECAUSE I WANT TO OR BECAUSE MY ALARM CLOCK GOES OFF BUT BECAUSE OF PURPOSE GOD HAS OVER MY LIFE. THE SPIRIT WAKES ME UP TO FULFILL MY PURPOSE AND WHEN I AM DONE. I GO BACK TO SLEEP AS IF I NEVER WOKE UP. WHEN YOU ALLOW THE SPIRIT TO GUIDE YOU. YOU DON'T MISS A STEP AND YOU MOVE CLOSER TO YOUR DREAMS. BUT WE MUST BE CONTENT AND DON'T DO THINGS OURSELVES. LET THINGS FLOW. EVERYTHING WORKS ITSELF OUT WITHOUT FORCE. THE ONLY THING YOU NEED IS TO LISTEN TO THAT VOICE INSIDE YOU.. HOLD ON TIGHT TO IT. DON'T GET INSTINCT AND INTUITION CONFUSED. 

TIP: LET GOD WORK THROUGH YOU

........

Proverbs 28:26 (MSG)

If you think you know it all, you’re a fool for sure; real survivors learn wisdom from others.

ITS NEVER ENDING. THE MORE YOU LEARN THE MORE NEED YOU NEED TO LEARN. EACH STEPS GROW US AND PUSHES US HIGHER. SO DON'T THINK YOU KNOW IT ALL BECAUSE THERE IS IS SOMEONE THAT ALWAYS KNOWS MORE. HUMBLE YOURSELF AND CONTINUE TO LEARN.

TIP: WHEN ONE TEACHES, TWO LEARN

Promotion

Proverbs 14:33 (MSG)

Lady Wisdom is at home in an understanding heart— fools never even get to say hello.

EMBRACE WHAT IS HAPPENING TO YOU;IT IS TAKING YOU TO NEW HEIGHTS. SOME OF THE THINGS THAT WE ARE GOING THROUGH, WE WILL NOT UNDERSTAND BUT IT IS NOT FOR OUR UNDERSTANDING. AND ONCE IT ALL START TO MAKE SENSE, ITS NOT FOR EVERYONE ELSE. EVERYONE DOESN'T NEED A SEAT IN THE FRONT ROW OF YOUR LIFE. KEEP YOUR EYES STRAIGHT AHEAD AND FULFILL YOUR PURPOSE. 

TIP: LOOK AHEAD, DON'T LOOK BACK

Inner self

Proverbs 19:21 (MSG)

We humans keep brainstorming options and plans, but God’s purpose prevails.

HAVE YOU EVER BEEN SLEEPING SO PEACEFULLY AND THEN OUT OF NO WHERE YOU WAKE UP AND CAN'T GO BACK TO SLEEP? THAT IS THE SPIRIT CALLING YOU. YOU WAS AWAKEN FOR A PURPOSE. MAYBE IT WAS SOMETHING ON YOUR MIND. A SITUATION, AN IDEA, A DREAM, ETC. THIS IS THE TIME TO WORK ON IT. PLAN IT. COME UP WITH A SOLUTION. NOTHING IS EVER A COINCIDENCE. EVERY MOMENT IN LIFE SERVES A GREATER PURPOSE OTHER WISE IT WOULDN'T HAPPEN. IF YOU ARE UNSURE. JUST SIT STILL IN THE MOMENT. DON'T TRY TO THINK OR ANALYZE WHY YOU ARE UP. JUST GO WITH THE FLOW, THE SEQUENCE. TRUST YOURSELF ENOUGH TO LET IT HAPPEN. THERE IS A GREAT REWARD THAT AWAITS.

TIP: TRUST YOUR INTUITION

OPEN

Matthew 20:33 (MSG)

They said, “Master, we want our eyes opened. We want to see!”

SOMETIMES WE WILL FALL AND GET EVERYTHING STRIPPED FROM US JUST FOR US TO SEE. NOT WITH THE PHYSICAL EYES. THE MEANING OF "VISION". KNOWING THAT WE ARE IN THIS WORLD BUT NOT A PART OF THIS WORLD IS ONLY A SMALL PART OF IT. WE GO THROUGH THINGS FOR A REASON. THIS IS HOW WISDOM IS FORMED. SO LIKE THEY SAY "KNOWING IS HALF THE BATTLE". WE MUST TURN WHAT WE KNOW INTO ACTION.

TIP: DON'T THINK WHAT YOU ARE GETTING HERE BUT ARE YOU BECOMING HERE.

Fasting

Daniel 9:1 (MSG)

“Darius, son of Ahasuerus, born a Mede, became king over the land of Babylon. In the first year of his reign, I, Daniel, was meditating on the Scriptures that gave, according to the Word of God to the prophet Jeremiah, the number of years that Jerusalem had to lie in ruins, namely, seventy. I turned to the Master God, asking for an answer—praying earnestly, fasting from meals, wearing rough penitential burlap, and kneeling in the ashes. I poured out my heart, baring my soul to God, my God:

I AM CURRENTLY DO A 21 DAY FAST. TALK ABOUT DEDICATION, BEING FOCUSED, AND AVOIDING TEMPTATION. GOING BACK, WHEN I DID A FAST FOR THE FIRST TIME (10 DAYS) IT WAS SO HARD BECAUSE I REALLY RESTRICTED MYSELF TO EVERYTHING. I DIDN'T REALLY KNOW WHAT I WAS DOING SO WHEN IT WAS ALL OVER, I ATE EVERYTHING MY HEART DESIRED. MY BODY WANTED EVERYTHING. FAST FORWARD, I AM NOW ON A 21 DAY FAST, AND WITH A LITTLE KNOWLEDGE AND EDUCATION I AM ON THE RIGHT TRACK WITH NO CRAVINGS AND NO DESIRE TO GET OUT OF IT PREMATURELY. IN FACT, I AM SO IN ENLIGHTENMENT, EVERYTHING SEEMS TO GRAVITATING TOWARDS ME, THIS FAST IS IN PERFECT HARMONY BECAUSE I FOLLOW THE SPIRIT AND DON'T DEPEND ON MYSELF BUT AN HIGHER POWER. GROWING, SPIRITUALLY, MENTALLY, AND PHYSICALLY. PRACTICING PATIENCE AND ENDURANCE. YES A CURVE BALL WILL BE THROWN AT YOU TO TRY TO GET YOU OFF COURSE BUT IT IS UP TO YOU TO CATCH IT OR STRIKE OUT.

TIP: TAKE A STEP TO DISCIPLINE YOURSELF

FORGIVE

Galatians 6:1 (MSG)

Live creatively, friends. If someone falls into sin, forgivingly restore him, saving your critical comments for yourself. You might be needing forgiveness before the day’s out. Stoop down and reach out to those who are oppressed. Share their burdens, and so complete Christ’s law. If you think you are too good for that, you are badly deceived.

ITS EASY TO PASS JUDGEMENT ON OTHERS BECAUSE OUR OWN PAST ISN'T HANGING OUT THE CLOSET. IF PEOPLE REALLY KNEW THE THINGS WE DID WHEN NO ONE WAS LOOKING, WOULD WE STILL DO IT? WE ARE ALSO SO QUICK TO NOT FORGIVE WHEN A PERSON DOES US WRONG. HOW MANY TIMES HAVE WE DONE SOMETHING WRONG AND WANTED FORGIVENESS? I PRACTICE A SIMPLE A RULE "TREAT OTHERS THE WAY I WOULD LIKE TO BE TREATED". DON'T BE SO QUICK TO JUDGE. BEFORE YOU OPEN YOUR MOUTH THINK. BEFORE YOU ASSUME, ASK. BEFORE YOU SAY YES OR NO, INVESTIGATE.

TIP: THINK BEFORE YOU ACT

Shhhhh

Psalm 19:3 (MSG)

Their words aren’t heard, their voices aren’t recorded, But their silence fills the earth: unspoken truth is spoken everywhere.

SILENCE IS LOUDER THAN ANYTHING YOU CAN EVER SAY. SOMETIMES ITS BEST TO REMAIN QUIET SO THAT PEOPLE WILL UNDERSTAND YOU. TO BE SILENT IS MUCH MORE THAN JUST TO LISTEN, BUT TO GET YOUR ANSWERS. TO BE SEEN AND NOT HEARD. BECAUSE HUMANS ARE VISUAL CREATURES THEY WILL RESPOND TO WHAT THEY SEE NOT WHAT IS TOLD EVEN IF ITS A SIGNIFICANT PURPOSE TO GET THEM OUT OF TROUBLE(LEARNING THE HARD WAY). IF YOU NOTICE PEOPLE WILL RESPOND MORE QUICKLY (CHANGE) TO A TRAGEDY THEY HAVE WITNESS BUT NOT A TRAGEDY THEY HAVE "HEARD" ABOUT. TELL THEM ONCE..MAYBE TWICE.. THEN STAND BACK IN SILENCE AND SEE WHAT HAPPENS. 

TIP: DON'T BEG TO BE HEARD, SILENCE IS LOUD ENOUGH

Fitting In

Proverbs 19:8 (MSG)

Grow a wise heart—you’ll do yourself a favor; keep a clear head—you’ll find a good life.

THE MORE YOU TRY TO PLEASE SOMEONE THE MORE DISAPPOINTED YOU WILL END UP BEING. WORK ON PLEASING YOU BY TAKING CARE OF YOURSELF AND NEEDS. EVERYTHING ELSE WILL FOLLOW. DON'T LOOK TO OTHERS FOR VALIDATION. YOU WILL NEVER LIVE UP TO THEIR STANDARDS. INSTEAD RAISE YOUR STANDARDS..BE A POSITIVE INFLUENCE AND HAVE PEOPLE WANT TO LIVE UP TO YOU. 

TIP: MIND YOUR BUSINESS

HAPPINESS

Galatians 6:4 (MSG)

Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don’t be impressed with yourself. Don’t compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life.

TRUE HAPPINESS EXIST. YOU DON'T HAVE TO LOOK FOR IT AND IT WILL NOT LOOK FOR YOU. HAPPINESS IS A STATE OF MIND. YOU ARE THE DRIVER. I USED TO THINK OH IF I HAD THIS OR GOT THAT I WILL BE SO HAPPY. I ALSO USED TO THINK THAT PEOPLE WOULD MAKE ME HAPPY. AS HUMANS WE DEPEND ON THINGS AND PEOPLE TO DICTATE WHO WE ARE, WHAT WE SHOULD BE, AND HOW WE SHOULD FEEL. TRUE HAPPINESS HAS EVERYTHING TO DO WITH BEING CONTENT AND ACCEPTING WHAT IS IN OUR LIVES. BEING HUMBLED WITH WHAT WE HAVE. IF WE DON'T LIKE OUR SITUATION, WE CAN ALWAYS CHANGE IT. NO ONE HAS CONTROL OVER HOW WE FEEL BUT WE LOVE TO BLAME OTHERS FOR IT. LOVE YOURSELF, DON'T EXPECT ANYTHING FROM ANYONE, DON'T DEPEND ON ANYONE, TRUST YOURSELF, AND LIVE LIFE. ONCE YOU START APPRECIATING EVERYTHING AROUND YOU AND ACCEPTING RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR OWN LIFE AND WHAT HAPPENS YOU WILL FIND YOURSELF AT PEACE.

TIP: FOCUS ON YOU EVERYTHING ELSE WILL FOLLOW

EAT

John 6:27 (MSG)

“Don’t waste your energy striving for perishable food like that. Work for the food that sticks with you, food that nourishes your lasting life, food the Son of Man provides. He and what he does are guaranteed by God the Father to last.”

ALL WANT TO BE  FIT AND HEALTHY BUT SOMETIMES THE CHOICES WE MAKE AREN'T REALLY HEALTH CONSCIOUS. THAT'S OK! WE ARE NOT PERFECT AND WE DO HAVE CRAVINGS AND FOR THAT ITS OK TO HAVE A LITTLE TREAT EVERY NOW AND THEN. IF WE SURPRISE OUR CRAVINGS WE END UP NOT ONLY OVER INDULGING IN MANY TREATS. BUT NOT SATISFYING THEM WILL TURN INTO BINGED EATING WHICH WILL CAUSE US TO FALL OFF TRACK AND EAT EVERYTHING OUR HEARTS DESIRE WITHOUT THINKING TWICE ABOUT IT. THIS COMING FROM PERSONAL EXPERIENCE. I HAVE BEEN THERE AND HAD TO RESET. I WAS TRYING TO BE "PERFECT" UNTIL THAT CAUGHT UP TO ME. I FOUND MYSELF NOT ONLY BINGE EATING BUT IMPULSIVELY AND COMPULSIVELY EATING. HOW DID I GET BACK ON TRACK? I LOOKED AT MY PROGRESS. HOW FAR I HAD COME AND DECIDED TO DO A BIBLICAL FAST TO RESET MY MIND..BODY..& SPIRIT. SO DON'T DEPRIVE YOURSELF JUST DO IT IN MODERATION WHILE CONTINUING TO LIVE A HEALTHY ACTIVE LIFESTYLE.

TIP: ENJOY FOOD BUT ENJOY IT THE RIGHT WAY

Personal Development

Ecclesiastes 7:19 (MSG)

Wisdom puts more strength in one wise person Than ten strong men give to a city.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT. OH WHAT GREAT JOY. IF YOU HAVEN'T STARTED MAKING THIS A PART OF YOUR DAILY ROUTINE, IT IS HIGHLY SUGGESTED. NOT ONLY DOES IT SET YOUR DAY UP FOR GREATNESS BUT IT HELPS YOU BECOME A BETTER VERSION OF YOURSELF. I ONLY WISH I KNEW ABOUT THIS YEARS AGO. PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT OPENS A WHOLE NEW WORLD ABOUT YOURSELF AND ALLOWS YOU TO LOOK PASS WHATS SEEN ONLY WITH THE NAKED EYE. YOU GET TO REALLY KNOW YOURSELF, BUILDS CONFIDENCE, HELPS YOU BUILD RELATIONSHIPS, GROW AS A PERSON, DEVELOP TALENTS, AND ENHANCE QUALITY OF LIFE. I CAN GO ON AND ON. MANY PLACES WHERE YOU CAN START SO LETS GIVE IT A GO.

TIP: WORK HARDER ON YOURSELF THAN YOU DO YOUR JOB

Belief

Matthew 6:22 (MSG)

“Your eyes are windows into your body. If you open your eyes wide in wonder and belief, your body fills up with light. If you live squinty-eyed in greed and distrust, your body is a dank cellar. If you pull the blinds on your windows, what a dark life you will have!

THE POWER OF BELIEF IS A REAL THING. ALL IT TAKES IS THE INITIATIVE TO GO FOR IT. WE LET SO MANY THINGS HOLD US BACK. THE PRIME EXAMPLE IS FEAR OF THE UNKNOWN. BUT IF WE DON'T PUSH FORWARD WITH IT, WE WILL NEVER KNOW. FEAR IS A LIE AND JUST ON THE OTHER SIDE OF SUCCESS. SUCCESS (TO TIME) ISN'T HOW MUCH MONEY I HAVE, WHAT NEW CAR I BUY, OR HOW MANY FRIVOLOUS MATERIAL THINGS I GOT BUT WHAT I ACHIEVE DESPITE THE FEAR OR DOUBT I MAY HAVE ABOUT SOMETHING I WANT TO ACCOMPLISH. 

TIP: GET OUT OF YOUR OWN WAY

control

Proverbs 15:1 MSG
A gentle response defuses anger, but a sharp tongue kindles a temper-fire.

"The only thing that makes something part of your life is that you keep thinking about it. Choose peace today... let it go"!
-project happiness-

TIP: FOCUS ON WHAT MAKES YOU BETTER

The first time

2 Thessalonians 2:15 (MSG)

So, friends, take a firm stand, feet on the ground and head high. Keep a tight grip on what you were taught, whether in personal conversation or by our letter. May Jesus himself and God our Father, who reached out in love and surprised you with gifts of unending help and confidence, put a fresh heart in you, invigorate your work, enliven your speech.

THERE IS NOTHING LIKE DOING SOMETHING FOR THE FIRST TIME. IT CAN BE SCARY BUT EXCITING. THAT IS A PART OF STEPPING OUTSIDE YOUR COMFORT ZONE. I MUST ADMIT SOMETIMES THERE ARE THINGS THAT I HAVE DONE A MILLION TIMES AND AT TIMES IT FEELS LIKE THE FIRST TIME AND I GET NERVOUS ABOUT IT. NOT BECAUSE I LACK CONFIDENCE BUT BECAUSE I AM DOING SOMETHING FOR THE FIRST TIME IN FRONT OF A NEW AUDIENCE OR GOING TO A JOB INTERVIEW. THIS FEELING IS GREAT BECAUSE YOU CAN STEP OUTSIDE YOURSELF. THIS IS A WAY TO MASTER YOURSELF. IF YOU MESSED UP YOU KNOW WHERE TO FIX IT. CONTINUE TO DO THIS AND YOU WILL NOT ONLY GROW BUT GET BETTER AND SHARPEN YOUR SKILLS.

TIP: JUST DO IT

Not Feeling it

1 Peter 4:12 (MSG)

Friends, when life gets really difficult, don’t jump to the conclusion that God isn’t on the job. Instead, be glad that you are in the very thick of what Christ experienced. This is a spiritual refining process, with glory just around the corner.

MOTIVATION COMES AND GOES. IT IS HARD TO STAY MOTIVATED AT TIMES ESPECIALLY WHEN THE PROGRESS IS SLOW. I ADMIT, SOMETIMES I JUST DON'T WANT TO DO ANYTHING AND SOMETIMES I LOOK AT HOW MUCH FURTHER I HAVE TO GO AND IT CAN BE A BIT DISCOURAGING. BUT THEN I LOOK AT HOW FAR I HAVE COME. THE THING IS PROGRESS IS PROGRESS NO MATTER HOW FAST OR SLOW IT MAY SEEM. I LEARNED TO JUST TAKE MY TIME AND NOT  TO RUSH... THE SLOW WAY TO FAST.  

TIP: CELEBRATE THE SMALL ACHIEVEMENTS 

Taking control

Proverbs 29:25 (MSG)

The fear of human opinion disables; trusting in God protects you from that.

LIVE OUT YOUR DREAMS AND CONQUER YOUR FEARS. THE ONLY THING THAT'S HOLDING YOU BACK IS YOU. DID YOU KNOW THERE IS LIFE ON THE OTHER SIDE OF FEAR BUT WE ARE SO SCARRED TO LOOK PASS IT BECAUSE WE CARE TOO MUCH OF WHAT PEOPLE MIGHT THINK? OR IS IT THAT YOU ARE AFRAID OF SUCCESS? I HAVE  LEARNED TO NOT THINK AND JUST DO AND WHATEVER HAPPEN WILL PASS. IF WE NEVER TRY WE WILL NEVER KNOW AND ALWAYS HAVE THAT "WHAT IF" STUCK IN THE BACK OF OUR HEADS. SO DO YOURSELF A FAVOR AND GO FOR IT. 

TIP: LIVE AS IF NO ONE IS LOOKING

Take care

Proverbs 28:19 (MSG)

Work your garden—you’ll end up with plenty of food; play and party—you’ll end up with an empty plate.

CAN'T WAIT TIL FRIDAY BUT CAN WAIT FOR MONDAY TO ARRIVE? WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO LOOK FORWARD TO A DAY OR TWO OFF? HAVE YOU PUT IN WORK? ITS OK TO CELEBRATE AND HAVE A GOOD TIME. BUT WHAT EXACTLY  ARE CELEBRATING? (LOL) I USED TO PARTY ALL THE TIME. THE PROBLEM IS I DIDN'T HAVE ANYTHING TO CELEBRATE BECAUSE AFTER IT WAS ALL DONE I STILL FELT EMPTY. WHEN YOU HAVE A GOAL YOU HAVE ACCOMPLISHED, WHEN YOU COMPLETE A PROJECT, WORKOUT, STUDIES...ETC.. IT GIVES YOU GREAT JOY. I AM TALKING FROM PERSONAL EXPERIENCE NOT  HE SAY SHE SAY. SO WHAT I AM SAYING IS HAVE A REASON TO CELEBRATE YOU WILL FEEL A LOT BETTER.

TIP: SET A GOAL AND COMPLETE IT

Out of this world

1 Corinthians 7:29 (MSG)

I do want to point out, friends, that time is of the essence. There is no time to waste, so don’t complicate your lives unnecessarily. Keep it simple—in marriage, grief, joy, whatever. Even in ordinary things—your daily routines of shopping, and so on. Deal as sparingly as possible with the things the world thrusts on you. This world as you see it is on its way out.

WE ARE IN THIS WORLD BUT NOT OF THIS WORLD.. EXPERIENCE EVERYTHING YOU CAN AND BE ALL THAT YOU CAN BE. WE ARE ONLY HERE FOR A TEMPORARY TIME SO MAKE THE BEST OF IT. DON'T HOLD GRUDGES..DON'T HOLD ON TO PAIN.. INSTEAD..LOVE HARD..BE GENEROUS..BE KIND..AND FORGIVE QUICKLY.... 

TIP: BE OPEN TO EVERYTHING AND ATTACHED TO NOTHING

Just Talk?

Ephesians 4:29 (MSG)

Watch the way you talk. Let nothing foul or dirty come out of your mouth. Say only what helps, each word a gift.

RATHER YOU BELIEVE OR NOT. YOUR WORDS ARE VERY POWERFUL AND CAN VERY DAMAGING OR ENCOURAGING. WE DON'T REALIZE HOW MUCH WORDS CaN TAKE AFFECT ON A PERSON. SAYING SOMETHING AS SIMPLE AS "YOU ARE STUPID" CAN HOLD ON TO A PERSON AND HOLD THEM BACK IF THEY BELIEVE JUST LIKE TELLING A PERSON "THEY ARE GREAT" CAN PUSH THEM TO ACCELERATE... SO BE MINDFUL OF HOW YOU TALK. NOT ONLY TO YOURSELF BUT TO OTHERS.

TIP: TREAT PEOPLE THE WAY YOU WANT TO BE TREATED

Proverbs 24:13 (MSG)

Eat honey, dear child—it’s good for you— and delicacies that melt in your mouth. Likewise knowledge, and wisdom for your soul— Get that and your future’s secured, your hope is on solid rock. 

HOW OFTEN DO YOU READ? READING OPENS AND EXPANDS THE MIND. BUT MAKE SURE WHATEVER YOU ARE READING HAVE ACTUAL CONTENT AND NOT A LOT OF HOT AIR. THERE ARE BOOKS ON EVERYTHING FOR ANYTHING THAT YOU ARE INTERESTED IN LEARNING. SELF EDUCATION. FUEL YOUR MIND WITH THE PROPER SUBSTANCE LIKE YOU DO YOUR BODY AND YOU WILL BLOSSOM.

TIP: DEVELOP YOUR GOD GIVEN TALENT

What you want VS What you are willing to do

Philippians 3:15 (MSG)

So let’s keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision—you’ll see it yet! Now that we’re on the right track, let’s stay on it.

NOW THAT YOU KNOW WHAT YOU WANT, WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO TO MAKE IT HAPPEN? FOR EXAMPLE LIVING A HEALTHIER LIFESTYLE. WHAT KIND OF COMMITMENT ARE YOU WILLING TO MAKE? WANT TO BE A SIZE 6 OR FIT INTO THOSE SKINNY JEANS BUT YOU AREN'T WILLING TO CUT OUT THE FAST FOOD AND DRINKING. YOU KNOW WHAT YOU WANT BUT WHAT ARE YOU WILLING TO DO? YOU DON'T HAVE TO GO FROM 0 TO 60. REAL PROGRESS TAKES TIME. START TO DISCIPLINE YOURSELF. GET RID OF ONE UNHEALTHY HABIT AT A TIME AND BEFORE YOU KNOW IT, YOU WILL BE AT YOUR GOAL.

TIP: BE PATIENT WITH YOURSELF

Its there

Colossians 4:5 (MSG)

Use your heads as you live and work among outsiders. Don’t miss a trick. Make the most of every opportunity. Be gracious in your speech. The goal is to bring out the best in others in a conversation, not put them down, not cut them out.

BOOOOOM.... ITS RIGHT THERE! OH YOU DON'T SEE IT? THAT'S BECAUSE ITS ABOUT SOMEONE ELSE. WHEN GETTING OPPORTUNITIES ITS MORE ABOUT WHAT YOU CAN DO FOR OTHERS NOT WHAT YOU CAN GET FROM THEM. SEE....THE MORE PEOPLE YOU HELP THE MORE THEY WILL HELP YOU. ENCOURAGING WORDS GOES A LONG WAY. LETTING THEM KNOW WHAT THEY DID RIGHT NOT BRINGING UP WHAT THEY DID WRONG BUT LETTING THEM KNOW WHERE THEY CAN IMPROVE. 

TIP: DON'T THINK ABOUT YOURSELF

1 Peter 5:6 (MSG)

So be content with who you are, and don’t put on airs. God’s strong hand is on you; he’ll promote you at the right time. Live carefree before God; he is most careful with you. He Gets the Last Word

I KNOW YOU HAVE HEARD IT OVER AND OVER AGAIN "BE YOURSELF". BESIDES WHO ELSE CAN YOU BE? WHAT IS MEANT FOR SOMEONE ELSE ISN'T FOR YOU AND LIKE WISE. YOU DON'T HAVE TO BECOME SOMETHING YOU ARE NOT TO PLEASE OTHERS. YOU WILL ONLY END UP HURTING YOURSELF AND MISS YOUR PURPOSE IN THE PROCESS. WHAT OTHERS THINK ABOUT YOU IS NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS. BE PROUD OF WHO YOU ARE. IF THINGS AREN'T GOING RIGHT AT THE MOMENT JUST BE PATIENT. THERE IS A REASON FOR EVERYTHING. BUT DON'T PUT ON A SHOW AND PLAY MAKE BELIEVE TO PLEASE OTHERS. 

TIP: BE TRUE TO YOURSELF

Its not about you

Proverbs 17:27 (MSG)

The one who knows much says little; an understanding person remains calm.

HOW MANY TIMES HAVE YOU GOTTEN OFFENDED OVER SOMETHING THAT SOMEONE ELSE HAS SAID? WHY DID YOU GET UPSET BEHIND IT? DO YOU REALLY THINK IT WAS ABOUT YOU? WHEN A PERSON SAY MEAN THINGS ITS ABOUT HOW THEY FEEL. IT NEVER HAS ANYTHING TO DO WITH YOU. PEOPLE USUALLY ACT THE WAY THEY FEEL AND THEY TEND TO LASH OUT AT WHOEVER IS AVAILABLE. YOU HEARD THE PHRASE "MISERY LOVES COMPANY". WHEN A PERSON ISN'T HAPPY WITH THEMSELVES THEY TEND TO TRY TO MAKE EVERYONE ELSE AROUND THEM FEEL THE SAME. SO NEVER TAKE IT PERSONAL. THE WAY THEY LASH OUT IS A REFLECTION OF THEMSELVES. ITS NEVER ABOUT YOU.

TIP: STAY AWAY FROM MOODY PEOPLE

PITY PARTIES

1 Corinthians 10:13 (MSG)

No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he’ll never let you be pushed past your limit; he’ll always be there to help you come through it.

HAVING A PITY PARTY? WE ALL DO BUT WE NEED TO SNAP UP OUT OF IT. FEELING SORRY FOR OURSELVES ACCOMPLISHES NOTHING. IN FACT IT JUST MAY MAKE THINGS WORSE. ITS OK TO BE IN TOUCH WITH YOUR FEELINGS. WE GET SAD, DEPRESSED, AND STRESSED OUT BUT THAT IS NO WHERE TO STAY. IF YOU GET TO THE POINT OF FEELING SORRY FOR YOURSELF TRY TAKING  UP A NEW HOBBY. PURSUE A DREAM OF YOURS. STEP OUT OF THE ORDINARY. 

TIP: REFLECT ON YOUR POSITIVE MEMORIES

Peace

Psalm 27:3 (MSG)

When besieged, I’m calm as a baby. When all hell breaks loose, I’m collected and cool.

DO EVER FIND YOURSELF BEING EASILY ANNOYED? WAKE UP WITH AN ATTITUDE? ALREADY PREDICTED THAT IT IS GOING TO BE A BAD DAY? I HAVE BEEN THERE. IN FACT SOMETIMES I FACE SIMILAR TROUBLES AT TIMES. WHY IS THIS? MAYBE ITS WHAT TOOK PLACE THE DAY BEFORE. MAYBE WE DIDN'T HAVE A GOOD NIGHT REST AND EAT NUTRITIOUS FOODS. BUT DID YOU EVER WONDER WHAT WE WATCH AND LISTEN TO CAN HAVE THAT AFFECT ON YOU AS WELL? THAT'S RIGHT. BE MINDFUL OF WHAT YOU DO, WATCH AND LISTEN TO. TEST OUT THE THEORY OF YOUR SLEEP PATTERNS, WHAT YOU WATCH AND LISTEN TO FOR A WEEK. HERE ARE SOME IDEAS FOR YOU:

• GET IN TOUCH WITH YOUR SPIRIT (PRAY)
• EXERCISE 
• LISTEN TO CALMING MUSIC (SPIRITUALS,JAZZ, CLASSICAL,MEDITATION) INSTEAD OF YOUR REGULAR "TURN UP" JAMS
• EAT MORE FRUITS AND VEGETABLES AND DRINK MORE WATER
• WATCH A DOCUMENTARY / READ ON SELF IMPROVEMENT
• GET OUT OF YOUR REGULAR ROUTINE AND TAKE A WALK IN THE PARK. VISIT NATURE
• TAKE 15 MINUTES AND SIT IN SILENCE. COLLECT YOUR THOUGHTS

TIP: MAKE SMALL GRADUAL CHANGES

SOUNDS GOOD

Proverbs 11:14 (MSG)

Without good direction, people lose their way; the more wise counsel you follow, the better your chances.

I MUST SAY THIS IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE QUOTES. IT SAY A LOT TO ME ABOUT HOW STUBBORN WE CAN BE WHEN IT COMES TO LISTENING TO OTHERS. LETS BE HONEST. NO ONE WANTS TO BE WRONG, NO ONE WANTS TO BE TOLD THEY ARE WRONG, AND WHEN SOMEONE TELLS US RIGHT WE REJECT THE INFORMATION NOT BECAUSE THEY ARE WRONG BUT BECAUSE WE DON'T LIKE BEING TOLD WHAT TO DO. ITS EASY TO GET ALONG WITH PEOPLE THAT ALWAYS AGREES WITH US BUT HARD TO ACCEPT THOSE WHO DON'T. FOR SOME REASON WE PUT OUR GUARD UP.

"WE CAN EITHER LISTEN TO THOSE WHO ARE QUALIFIED TO TEACH US OR

WE CAN GO ALONG WITH THOSE ANCIENT STUMBLING BLOCKS WE GET FROM PEOPLE

THAT DON'T KNOW ANY MORE THAN WE DO"

-EARL NIGHTINGALE

Who you wit?

Proverbs 14:7 (MSG)

Escape quickly from the company of fools; they’re a waste of your time, a waste of your words.

CHECK OUT THE COMPANY YOU KEEP. ARE THEY INSPIRING YOU TO GET BETTER OR ARE YOU STILL IN THE SAME PLACE YOU WERE 3 MONTHS AGO? ARE THEY ON A HIGHER LEVEL THAN YOU OR ARE THEY JUST COMFORTABLE WHERE THEY ARE? ARE THEY MAKING MOVES TO BECOME BETTER OR ARE THEY LOOKING FOR THE NEXT "TURN UP"? WATCH OUT BECAUSE THE COMPANY YOU KEEP WILL DIRECT HOW YOU LIVE. IF THE PEOPLE YOU ARE HANGING OUT WITH ARE ALWAYS LOOKING FOR THE NEXT PARTY AND THEIR LIFE ISN'T PROGRESSING, TRUTH IS THEY'RE NOT TRYING TO GET BETTER AND THEY ARE COMFORTABLE WHERE THEY ARE. IF THAT'S NOT WHAT YOU WANT, START GOING TO EVENTS, SEMINARS, BUSINESS MIXERS OR FIND A MENTOR ON THE SUBJECT OR FIELD YOU ARE TRYING TO BREAK INTO. CHANGE THE COMPANY YOU KEEP. DON'T WORRY ABOUT THEM THINKING THAT YOU THINK YOU ARE BETTER THAN THEM. LET THEM KNOW IF THEY WANT MORE FOR THEMSELVES THEY ARE WELCOME TO JOIN YOU. PEOPLE THAT USUALLY SAY THAT THEY THINK THAT SOMEONE IS BETTER THAN THEM ARE USUALLY THE ONES THAT DO NOT HAVE ANYTHING GOING ON IN THEIR LIFE OR NOT TRYING TO DO ANYTHING FOR THEIR LIFE SO THEY TALK DOWN ON THOSE WHO ARE MAKING SOMETHING OF THEIR LIFE.

TIP: CHOOSE FRIENDS CAREFULLY