Take Flight

I found myself being jealous of the birds and the bees… Sometimes even the butterflies

Mostly because they looked so free and happy doing what God intended with incomprehensible delight

Mostly because I knew deep in my heart that I too am destined for greatness but achieving it really felt like a fight

Mostly because I too wanted to soar above the clouds like the eagles with God as the wind beneath my wings but felt too weighed down to take flight

But now I know that there is no need to be jealous because it’s my time to be free and happy to do God’s bidding. He just had to prepare me to take flight and everything had to be just right!

-Shanae Reid

 

Your wings are ready and remember that they were made to withstand any storm.

I pray that through this transition that we never lose hope. I pray that we continue to trust God to perform miracles in our lives. I am so happy that I have surrendered to God because now I get to witness my cup overflow 🙂

Do you have any special poems or quotes that inspire you? If so, please share it in the comments.

 

Table for 1 please…

At the end of your journey through life, when you are sitting in the living room with your kids and grandkids (maybe even some great grandkids – God can do it!) what are some of the stories that you which to share with them? What are some of the secrets to life that you would like to pass on to them?

I have decided that one of the legacies I would like to leave with my world (my family, friends, loved ones and everyone that comes in contact with me) is one of love in all its dimensions. I want the love I show myself and others to reflect the love that God has for me.

When was the last time you did something just for you? When was the last time you stopped and showed yourself the love, kindness and gentleness you generously pour out to everyone else? When was the last time you did something different or even something new? When was the last time you did something to confront your fears and exercise your faith?

For 2018 and hopefully the rest of my life I am on a mission to set aside one day a week to just show myself some love whether it is just to breathe in silence or jet off to another country to experience their culture; my wish is to break up with my comfort zone and make peace with the path of the unknown. I hope to inspire others to trust themselves enough to do a new thing.

Since I’m at my happiest when food is around, I treated myself to a breakfast date at Cafe Dolce in Kingston. A breakfast date has been on my bucket list for the longest and I just had a hard time finding someone to go with so I decided despite the fact that I was a little nervous to go alone… hmm, why not take my self? *inserts light bulb emoji lol* The ambiance was exactly where I wanted to be and it paired perfectly with my order of EggNog French Toast and Spinach Omelette with a green drink. Everything was absolutely scrumptious and it was really affordable too. Cafe Dolce, thank you for helping me to treat myself 🙂

Give yourself permission to be happy regardless of all the chaos that exists in the world. You deserve some peace, you deserve the love you give everyone else, you deserve a soul that is on fire and you have to be the one to give it to yourself.

Similar to spending time with God and others to have a better relationship, we also need to set appointments to treat ourselves. It is imperative that you spend time with yourself and uncover the layers of yourself that you have no idea exists.

2 Timothy 1:7

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

What’s Next…

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.                                     -Ephesians 3:20

Am I the only one who feels like I need God to tell me exactly what I should be doing at this point in my life?

Have you ever experienced tragedy? One where your whole life is uprooted (routines, your thought process, people you were accustomed to being around changes, and after it is all over the you need someone or something to tell you it is safe to start over because you are not quite sure what to do, where to start or how? That is the best way to describe my feelings in this moment.

I feel like God has stretched my mind with ideas of the great things he would like to achieve through me that I no longer fit into my regular routines. He has inspired me with ideas that a few months ago I would have definitely labeled “RIDICULOUS”. I would have questioned him and asked, Why would you want to use me Lord? Now, I patiently await the moment God says “It is time”. I will stand ready for God to use me.

I am grateful that God has revealed my purpose because now my heart and eyes are focused on why he has placed me here. As I am still wincing from the after taste of defeat that I had experienced when trying to achieve my own plans without consulting God; it is not in my intentions to repeat that lesson.

I know you too have experienced tragedy, loss, discomfort and pain. I know your faith has been tested and tried time after time. I know you are tired and you are ready for God to say “It’s over and you are safe”.

God is about to show you how he made everything work out for your good and he is about to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we can ask or imagine. I’m ready for all that God has ordained for me. Are you?

Also remember:

Romans 8:28 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

Philippians 4:19 “God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”

1 Corinthians 2:9 ^“However, as it is written:

“What no eye has seen,
    what no ear has heard,
and what no human mind has conceived”
    the things God has prepared for those who love him”

 

Dear God,

I am grateful for the purpose you have placed on my life and I am thankful that you prepared me for the blessings that you are about to pour out into my life. There is so much comfort knowing that you are about able to do exceedingly abundant things and that you are about to do a new thing in my life.

I surrender my plans and my purpose to you so that you can use me for your glory. You always know my limits and just how much to stretch faith. I pray that you continue to lead me through the treacherous waters of life.

– Ready to be used by you.

 

 

 

Dear Me…

Dear Me,

I know I don’t tell you often but you are doing great and I am so proud of you. You have grown so much and your relationships have improved impeccably! I am most impressed at how consistent you have been with your journey of self-love and strengthening your relationship with God. I love how you have decided what path you need to be on for the health of your soul and stuck to it unapologetically.

Thank you for learning how to say no to energies and people that no longer feed your spirit. That has been one of your hardest lessons and you have overcome with flying colours. I pray you continue to be patient with yourself, you are still learning and I know it’s hard when you don’t feel like the hands of God are moving in your life but continue trusting him. I know sometimes you get overwhelmed by uncertainties but continue to consult God and make moves in faith.

Can we talk about your habit of overthinking? I have witnessed this as your strength and your greatest weakness and I pray this year you no longer let bits of your happiness slip through the cracks because of fear. Just continue to trust your gut. You will be fine! Girl, did I tell you that I think it is awesome how you have learnt to trust your instincts? Well, I do.

Remember that one time you cried because you didn’t know why God gave you such a caring heart? Look at you now using it to achieve your purpose and be happy lol. While, I’m on the topic of crying… do you remember how much you cried last year? Yea? Me too…Well, now you get to see why everything happened the way it happened. Be prepared to be awed by God… again! You definitely will cry again this year but you are so much stronger and I have faith that nothing will deter you from achieving that plans you have for this year.

January is almost over but I know this year has so much in store for you. I know you are ready because you have been preparing for this. You Got This!

Til the End,

Yo Girl! Your biggest supporter!

 

God wants you to ask!

Have you ever prayed for a miracle?

I wish I was able to have more faith and believed others when they stated “If you knew the magnitude of the blessing coming your way, you would hug your struggles for preparing you”.

Recently, I found myself praying for miracles and that God would confirm that he was hearing my prayers. At first, I was doubtful that God was listening to my prayers because why would he listen to me? Then I became fearful that I was asking for too much because I was not getting any responses to my prayers or was it that I was not paying attention to the answers?

Is it possible to ask too much of God? The same God that tells us he is all powerful, all knowing and creator of all things. The same God that says “before he formed you in your mother’s womb he knew you”. So nah, I don’t believe there is anything too much for God. After all in Matthew 7:7 he says, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”

I have now realized that my fears were just there to prevent me from showing God how much faith I have that he will do what I deem impossible in my life and to discourage me from accessing the hope, potential and joy that is inside of me.

Can you imagine the joy we’ve missed out on because we decided to focus on whatever it is that burdens us? Or by focusing on the blessings of others? Or by simply not believing that God is just waiting for us to ask for what we want so that he can pour out blessings into our lives.

I have made a commitment to myself and to God that starting today I will ask for all that I need regardless of how impossible it may seem to me at the moment and I promise to believe that God will provide it for me. I will also try to remember that whenever problems appear that it is pregnant with the purpose of preparing me for the Gifts that I have asked God for. In doing so, I have discovered the fountain of joy, faith and peace that I have been wishing for all my adult life 🙂

I pray that you too may access this joy and this peace… so cast all your burdens on God through prayer and allow him to sort it out. After all, you were never made to shoulder these burdens and most definitely not meant to carry them alone.

Also remember:

John 15:7  ^“If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.”

John 16:24 “Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.”

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 ” ⁹ But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. ¹⁰ 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.“

Dear God,

I am trusting your timing as only you know when I am ready to receive the gifts that I have asked for in faith. Thank you for reminding me that all I need is to ask in faith and you will pour out blessings in my life as well as caring for all my needs. Remove all fear and doubts from my spirit and sow joy and hope into me.

– Trusting the Process

Dispel your Despair

If your faith is steadfast,
rooted and grounded
when trials come your way
in joy you’ll be surrounded.

For in the very midst,
of your worldly care
counting it all for joy
will dispel your despair.

When in Jesus,
you are truly content
you’ll experience joy
that is heaven sent.

For, whether in sickness,
or in perfect health
joy will bring to you
everlasting wealth.

Joy is not an option,
it’s something God gives
to those where His Spirit
securely abides and lives!

– Deborah Ann Belka

I pray that today and every we choose joy as well as not focus on the things that steal our joy instead seek out the things that make us truly happy.

Do you have any special poems or quotes that inspire you? If so, please share it in the comments.

 

How about some renewed strength?

 ^“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”       – Isa 40:31 KJV

I have found solace in this bible verse this week coupled with a few others that I will definitely share in hope that it will also bring you comfort when the storms of life stir fear in your heart. First, I will attempt providing a back story for why I needed this relief.

A little over 3 months ago my contract with a company that I was working with ended and as a human that depends on financial stability to survive I began searching for a new employment opportunity. I prayed and I told God the exact type of job I was looking for and of course I knew he would provide it as he always does. I had no idea that this would take sooo long but I knew it would happen!

During this time God had blessed me with time alone, the lesson of how to wait with grace and most definitely with faith.

1. We need to spend time with God so that we can find his promises in his word (The Bible) so that when weapons (the storms of life whether it be our thoughts, our imagination, our family or other persons providing discomfort, our financial situation, depression, anxiety, health issues, abuse, death of a loved one or just loneliness) threaten us we can have a conversation with God and claim these promises that he made to us.
2. God’s timing is different from ours but he is always on time! This has been one of my biggest lessons. God knows exactly when to give us what we need and this will require us to believe in miracles as well as trust God to use our lowest points to show off in our lives. It also helps to know and remember that not every thing is under control and we need to allow God to go before us and align our path to match his purpose for our lives.
3. Keep the faith, God has not forgotten you. I promise! Trust that all that is happening in your life is for a reason. God is using this time to prepare you for the greatness that he has ordained for your life. I know your storms are real and God sees your struggle and your tears. During this time knowing your purpose will give you a reason to get out of bed and power through another day.
4. Ask for help or just talk about it. God will provide you with persons to share your situation with or just someone who is willing to help. My go to persons are my Mom and my best friends, some days I feel like my Mom is reading my mind. Asking for help is humbling and honestly, I am yet to be comfortable doing this but I am learning that it is extremely important to ask for help.

I had flashbacks of my grandparents going to church during the week and as a child this seriously inconvenienced my “fun time” but now that I’m older and dealing with my own challenges I recognize how important it was as they too were dealing with their own growth, struggles, despair and storms. Going to church and just hearing a word from God was able to renew their strength.

With this realization, I have now made it my mission to be kind and as loving to others as possible because we have no idea what others are going through. Sometimes, we just need a little reminder that someone cares and feel a little bit more loved to top up our strength and give us hope or at the very least distract us from whatever it is that burdens us.

I know you have been overwhelmed, exhausted and at the point of giving up but I just want to share that God is working on it for you so just continue to trust in him. Pray about it, even when nothing seems to be changing and remember that this is just preparing you for the blessings that are on the way to you.

Also remember:

Isaiah 54:17 “No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me”, saith the Lord.

Philippians 4:6-7 ⁶ Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Jeremiah 1:19 They will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord.

Dear God,

Thank you for reminding me that my wait will be rewarded and for always showing up right on time. Continue to absorb my fears and allow me to feel your comfort, trust and security in all I do.

While I am going through this period of uncertainty help me not to be consumed by doubts, anxiety, depression or my insecurities.
Thank you for always being faithful and never counting me out.

-Renewed Strength

Living with Purpose

What gets you out of beds in the mornings?

Recently I have had so much free time it is frightening. I am always craving free time but ironically I dislike being idle because growing up my grandparents always told me “Devil make work fi idle hands” and if you are Jamaican you were able to picture your own parent or grandparent reciting that line. This simply means that whenever we are not using our time productively we tend you get ourselves in trouble. Over the years I have found myself in the predicament of having idle hands a few more times than I would like to acknowledge.

I have been praying and asking God, “What is the purpose for all this free time? What is it that I am supposed to be learning or doing during this time?” This mystery has yet to be revealed to me but hopefully when it is, I can use to it help somebody else that is waiting on God’s answer to their prayers. This short prayer got me thinking, I wonder how many persons actively use their purpose to get them out of beds in the morning.

Do you know what your purpose is for this journey called life? Have you been taking the time to figure out what God has destined for you? Are you helping others to figure out their purpose?

To figure out our purpose it is essential that we spend time alone with God, the one who created us. He knows exactly who we are and is patiently waiting for us to ask so that he can reveal his truth to us. Knowing who I am has been so empowering for me and I know it will do the same for you. I remember how my purpose used to be morphed into the persons I was closest to and I used to be exhausted once I was out of their presence but now I realized that this only happened because I did not know who I was or what I wanted for me.

When we know who and whose we are, we no longer accept mediocre love or treatment from persons around us because we know our worth and refuse anything that does not match or exceed that expectation. Knowing who we are also allows us take off the shackles of expectations from society and loved ones, giving us the freedom we need to live life as the best version of ourselves.

This year I started a journey with a simple mission of being genuinely, intensely happy even in the face of misfortunes and at first I believed it would have been unrealistic but I am here to share with you that it is definitely possible. In order to achieve this I had to give full control of my life to God and know that I will face hardship but I am content with the hard times because I know God deemed it necessary to prepare me for my purpose. I was also able to surrender my fears to God; well I am still working on this because I did not know I hoarded so many fears in my mind.

Each day I wake up on a mission to do something I am passionate about that will help me to accomplish my purpose. Having a goal has also prevented me from being a victim of “idle hands” *Ain’t God Good*.  Reading and feeding your mind with positive thoughts is helpful as this will help you not to succumb to your fears when they pop up and trust me, they will pop up at the most inconvenient times.

If you have not yet discovered your purpose, I recommend reading “The Alchemist by Paul Coelho”. This book will change your perspective of life and start the process to help you discover yourself and your purpose.

Can you imagine a life where you get to do the things you are passionate about, the things that set your soul on fire, everyday? This is my definition of a fulfilled life and simply put “bliss”. I aspire to live a purpose-driven life and achieve this level of happiness and peace of mind. I hope this is something that you would like for yourself as well.

Also remember:

Romans 8:28 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

1 Peter 2:9 “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”

Proverbs 16:4 “The Lord works out everything to its proper end- even the wicked for a day of disaster.”

Dear God,
Thank you for creating a purpose for my life so that I can find meaning in the struggles that you have designed to prepare me for your cause. Thank for knowing my limits and never giving me more than I can bear. You have always stretched my faith and have never forgotten to replenish my hope when you saw that I was getting weak. Thank you for always loving me even when I didn’t feel like I deserved it. Help me to share your love with others and be patient as they too discover your purpose for their journey.

-Growing with purpose

Purpose

Don’t be nervous when finding your purpose.

To simply be alive is just scratching the surface.

As life goes on, you will find out the truth.

Blissful ignorance is only for the youth.

As you get older, you start to wonder,
Why am I here? Was it just a blunder?

Whatever your purpose, it is for you to choose,

Because wasting your time wondering is of no use.

– Anxhelo Llangozi

Have you already figured out what your purpose is? Are you working towards your purpose each day? It is never too late to discover your purpose so if you haven’t make some time for it this week.

Do you have any special poems or quotes that inspire you? If so, please share it in the comments.

 

I’m fine…

I’m not ok but I promise I will be!

There are days when I wake up hopeful, full of life and ready to dodge all the curve balls that life has to offer. These days usually start off with me watching the sunrise and comforting myself with the thought that the sun rises, even when everyone doesn’t wake up to marvel in its beauty.

But there also days when I wake up hoping that the world has no expectations of me and that while I slept there was some cosmic explosion that left me with the superpower of invisibility. On these days I just want to unplug from life and just float away on the waves of my favourite songs.

Am I the only one who has these days? These days where the storm feels like the wind and downpour of rain is heavier than this battered umbrella that I have been clinging to just in case I’m not in the mood to dance in the rain or skip through the puddles.

When is it a good time to say “I’m not ok” or “Can you not ask anything of me today? I’m not up for it”. Better yet why do I have to pretend to be fine when I am trying to weather my personal storms that sometimes feel more like a hurricane?

Recently, I have been thinking there are alot of persons who are genuinely not ok but we muster up the courage to mask our pain with our smiles and we continue to function. I wish instead we would direct our bravery towards finding a friend, family member or just someone who genuinely cares about your wellbeing and just vent about our struggles.

I don’t like the word “struggles” sometimes, I prefer to phrase it as “opportunities for growth” and even though I wish there was another way for us to grow into the purpose that God has ordained for our lives; I pray that regardless of how difficult each day may be that we try to find the blessing and lesson that God is gifting us.

Sometimes we feel alone when we are going through our internal battles (whether it is depression, anxiety, financial instability, health issues, abuse, death of a loved one or just loneliness) and our fears (imagination) will tell us that it will never get better but God says this too shall pass. I choose to believe that it may hurt now but it will be worth it when the growing pains subside and I will be stronger for enduring.

Whenever I feel like I’m losing to my storm I like listen and sing along to my late grandfather’s favourite hymn, “What a Friend we have in Jesus”:

1. What a friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and grieves to bear!
What a privilege it is to carry everything to God in prayer!

O what peace we often forfeit,

O what needless pain we bear!

All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer!

2. Have we trials and temptation?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged, take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful, who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness, take it to the Lord in prayer.

3.   Are we weak and heavy-laden,

Cumbered with a load of care?

Precious Saviour, still our refuge-

Take it to the Lord in prayer;

Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?
In his arms He’ll take and shield thee,
Thou wilt find a solace there.

I hope this comforts someone as much as it has comforted me 🙂

Also remember:

2 Corinthians 4:17-18 “¹⁷ For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. ¹⁸ So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”

Jer 29:11 “ For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Dear God,
Thank you for this storm and for trusting me with the lessons, growth and opportunities that have blown into my life. Each time the struggle begins to feel heavy send me a reminder that it could be worse. Thank you for always knowing my limits and exercising my faith.
–I will survive this