Faith – Renew Inspiration Mind Body Spirit

How to Increase Faith and Decrease Fear

LaPorterMay 13, 20248 Replies

Pink and yellow flower with white background — Image was found via Pinterest.com

God is still writing your story. Don’t let go of your faith because of what you have to see. – Unknown Author

Affiliate Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links, which means I may receive commission if you purchase through any of the links (at no additional cost to you).

Thought to Ponder – Faith is the bridge between where I am, and the place God is taking me.

Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! Hope you enjoyed your Mother’s Day weekend with family and friends. I cannot believe it has been more than 10 months since I have written and posted an inspirational post here. I stepped away from my writing projects because I needed a mental break, and I had some family struggles to work through. It’s hard to focus on what you love to do when you’re constantly facing issues and need to be there for your loved ones. Well, I’m back now and I appreciate your on-going support.

Despite what you have experienced so far this year, be thankful that you are here today to speak about it and read my inspirational blog. It’s important for us to pour positivity into our lives often so we can be better prepared to overcome any obstacle we face in life. I felt it was important to write a blog post explaining how to increase faith and decrease fear since faith is required for us to keep going day after day.

DEFINITIONS – FAITH and FEAR

Let’s begin with establishing the definitions of FAITH and FEAR.

FAITH (noun): Complete trust or confidence in someone or something. Strong belief in God or in the doctrines of a religion, based on spiritual apprehension rather than proof.

FEAR (noun): An unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat.

WAYS TO INCREASE FAITH

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God. Ephesians 2:8 (KJV)

When you are broken in pieces and experiencing so much pain, God can seem distant and even uncaring while you are in this vulnerable, yet lonely place. But before you throw in the towel or choose to give up on living life to the fullest, know that God promises in His Word to be with you always and to give you comfort in the midst of your storm, so whatever your feelings are suggesting to you in this very dark moment, know that God is with you always.

For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death. Psalm 48:14 (KJV)

You must believe in your heart and mind that you will receive whatever it is that you are praying for throughout your journey. No mountain is too big for our God. I always think of a mountain as any obstacle, problem, or situation that happens in our lives. Despite the challenges and constant struggles in life, throughout this process, it’s important to find effective ways to increase your faith.

Here’s a few suggestions and scriptures to help you get started with your spiritual transformation to increase faith and decrease fear:

Read and Study God’s Word.

But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 (KJV)

God’s Word should be read and hidden in your heart so that you can fully understand the promises that God made to you. This process will allow God’s Word to guide, instruct, and protect you. Along with your Bible, you can also read spiritual devotions or faith-based inspirational books.

Make Time for Daily Prayer and Meditation.

Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints. Ephesians 6:18 (ESV)

Schedule quiet time for prayer and meditation inviting God to come into your presence. Remove distractions, quiet your mind, and talk to God regularly while listening with your spiritual ear for the necessary guidance that’s needed throughout your day.

Practice Praise and Worship.

By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. Hebrews 13:15-16 (KJV)

Set aside time each day to usher in God’s presence through praise and worship. This can be done through speaking scriptures and affirmations over your life or through singing worship songs in the presence of God.

Be Transparent and Live Out God’s Word.

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV)

It’s important to not just read and study God’s Word, but you must be transparent and apply God’s Word to your life each and every day. Make a commitment today and watch God work miracles in your life.

Trust in God.

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. Proverbs 3:5 (KJV)

As believers in Christ, it’s important to intentionally focus on God’s plans for you and not get in the way with your own personal views and interpretations of how you think your life should be. Remove any doubt or fear from your heart and replace it with belief and trust in God.

The Roller Coaster Effect Book Image — Amazon.com

HOW TO OVERCOME FEAR

Fear has a large shadow, but he himself is small. – Ruth Gendler

Despite having faith in your life, it is important to discuss how fear can also creep in. Fear is a normal reaction that warns our bodies to be careful. Everyone experiences some level of fear in their life from time to time. However, coping with everyday fears can be frightening for most people. Keep in mind, it is impossible to think clearly when you’re feeling overwhelmed or fearful. You must be ready to face your fears head on so you can dictate how your story will end. Remember, you are the root cause of your fears, and most importantly, you can be the solution to them as well.

Here’s some ways to help you overcome fear:

Name your fear and face it. Believe it or not, fear is not always obvious.
Arm yourself by replacing fear with God’s presence.
Imagine your success, not your failures.
Act out your new story and visualize your happy place.
Don’t try to be perfect. Take time out to rest and re-set.
Practice mindfulness and focus on your breathing techniques.
Identify your fears by writing in your journal.

What makes you afraid? Questions help trigger your fears and bring them to the surface. Remember, fear will consume you if you allow it. Dig deep inside to gain encouragement and strength to move passed your fear so you can proceed with taking the leap of faith that you desire.

WAYS TO HELP BOOST COURAGE

Fear is a reaction. Courage is a decision. – Winston S. Churchill

Next, many situations occur in life that call upon us to do something we find scary, upsetting, uncomfortable, anxiety provoking, or distressing. We have to learn how to move out of our comfort zone throughout this journey called life, so we can develop, grow, and expand both our mental and physical capacity. Are you up for the challenge? I sure hope you are.

Here’s some ways to help boost your courage:

Don’t overthink it. Once you’ve decided to do anything in life that requires courage, don’t wait, proceed to act.
Commit yourself ahead of time. Stating intentions to your support system will make you be accountable, and you will follow through with the activity.
Do the activity with a friend. Recruit a friend or family member to participate in the activity. Interacting with another person is a true way of managing fear and anxiety.
Think of how good you’ll feel afterwards. Give some serious thought to how great you’ll feel about yourself after you take this leap of faith. You will feel more confident and increase your determination.
Think of the doors that would open for you. If you struggle with courage and anxiety issues, you may need to seek help from a mental health professional or support group. Take some time to consider all the ways your life could be different if you were able to tackle your issue(s) successfully and use the motivation this process gives you to take the necessary step.

Faith rests on a solid foundation. The evidence is everywhere before our eyes. Begin to create a safe space for God to work wonders in your spiritual life by reading God’s Word, praying often, and submitting to God’s healing. God wants your heart, gratitude, and honesty which will bring you to His everlasting peace. My prayer for you today is that you take the words from this blog post and hide them deep in your heart. Remember, every positive change in life must first begin with a commitment to work towards that change. You will notice the little seeds of courage starting to sprout all around you. Take a deep breath and capture the moment. Despite the fear you may feel because you are entering an unknown territory, embrace your true feelings and take a leap of faith knowing that courage is not just around you, but within you. Faith is all about believing. You don’t know how it will happen, but you know it will.

FAITH AFFIRMATIONS

Don’t dig up in doubt what you planted in faith. – Elisabeth Elliot

Affirmations will help you to focus on improving yourself, boost confidence, mood, and self-esteem. You can spend 5 – 10 minutes in meditation, journaling, or yoga with mantras. Self-love, positivity, open-mindedness, help set you in the right direction. Designate a time in the morning and at night when you can recite affirmations aloud. By saying them aloud, you hear the powerful words, and it can help you internalize them as true. The key to seeing a positive change in life is to say the affirmations with conviction and make it a personal experience. Through the incredible power of repetition, you’re able to reconstruct your thought patterns, beliefs, and ideals in your subconscious mind. Begin to set yourself up for a more productive and successful life that you desire by reciting these powerful faith-based affirmations.

Here’s a few faith-based affirmations to help you get started:

All that I seek I can find within me.
I trust that my faith in the universe will reveal all opportunities for me.
I focus on what I can control and make peace with what I can’t.
I trust my inner knowing in the face of uncertainty.
I choose faith over fear and peace over perfection.
I am ready to move ahead and explore the purpose of my existence.
I trust and believe that everything is always working out for my highest good.
I am at peace with my whole being.
I see my faith, presence and passion being the most beautiful things there are in my life.

JOURNAL PROMPTS

Faith is building on what you know is here so you can reach what you know is there. – Cullen Hightower

Journaling is a powerful way to process events in your life, build self-awareness, get more clarity, and keep yourself on track. Journaling also allows for past reflection, future insight, and present surrender. Keep in mind that journaling is a safe space for you to put your feelings and emotions into words, then put your words into action. Journaling is your very own personal journey throughout life, your ups and downs, your successes, and failures. Ready, set, write!

What is the best way to increase your faith and decrease your fear?
How can you strengthen your faith in God?
What is going on in your life that could benefit in you standing on your faith?
Why is it difficult to face your fears?
What does it look like for you to take a step of courage today?
Write about a door you know God has closed in your life. How did you find the courage to work through this experience?
Have there been times in your life when you’ve needed to be courageous? Take a moment to write about the situation and what you did to overcome your fears.
List five ways you’ve become stronger and more faithful today, this week, or this month.

SELF-REFLECTION MOMENT

Your mind will always believe everything you tell it. Feed it faith. Feed it truth. Feed it with love. – Unknown Author

Unwavering faith will come with time, but you have to do the work which includes following God’s plan for your life, changing your thought patterns, and making time for self-reflection. Now, take a moment to think about the concept of increasing faith and decreasing fear. How strong is your faith right now in this very moment? How often do you spend time reflecting on your life or daily situations? Please spend some quality time answering these questions in your journal or notebook. Then, share your thoughts concerning this blog post in the comment section below so we can learn and grow from one another. I look forward to hearing from you very soon.

Believe in yourself today, tomorrow, and forever!

Affiliate Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you purchase through any of the links (at no additional cost to you).

Unwavering Faith

LaPorterJanuary 22, 20232 Replies

Your faith can move mountains and your doubt can create them. – Unknown Author

Affiliate Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you purchase through any of the links (at no additional cost to you).

Thought to Ponder – Your mind will always believe everything you tell it. Feed it faith. Feed it truth. Feed it with love.

Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! As you venture through your life on Earth, do you ever wonder if you have unwavering faith? I have always been taught to have faith in God, to read my Bible, to attend church services, and to say my faith-based prayers, but deep down inside I have always wondered how strong my faith really was in a God that I could not see. When my mother passed away in December 2015, my faith in God and everything that I knew God to be was tested to the fullest! Despite being overcome with grief and sadness, I continued to read my Bible, pray, meditate, and write in my journal consistently until I received my breakthrough.

My breakthrough consisted of coming out of a deep depression after seeing a licensed therapist and starting a journey of writing. Since 2018, I …

Created my Renew Inspiration Blog https://renewinspiraton.com
Created my Journey from Grief to Healing Facebook Group facebook.com/groups/grieftohealing
Wrote and self-published my first journal called Journal to Overcome Grief – A Personal Journey to Healing amazon.com/dp/B09XHDSC64
Wrote and self-published my second journal called Renew Inspiration Journal amazon.com/dp/B0BNH11ZXS

Unwavering faith will come with time, but you have to do the work which includes following God’s plan for your life, changing your thought patterns, and making time for self-reflection.

DEFINITION – Faith

God is still writing your story. Don’t let go of your faith because of what you have to see. – Unknown Author

Faith can be defined as:

Complete trust or confidence in someone or something.
Strong belief in God or in the doctrines of a religion, based on spiritual apprehension rather than proof.

WAYS TO INCREASE FAITH

Faith is building on what you know is here so you can reach what you know is there. – Cullen Hightower

For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death. Psalm 48:14 (KJV)

Here’s a few suggestions and scriptures to help you get started with your spiritual transformation:

Read and Study God’s Word. God’s Word should be read and hidden in your heart so that you can fully understand the promises that God made to you. This process will allow God’s Word to guide, instruct, and protect you. Along with your Bible, you can also read spiritual devotions or faith-based inspirational books.

But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 (KJV)

Make Time for Daily Prayer and Meditation. Schedule quiet time for prayer and meditation inviting God to come into your presence. Remove distractions, quiet your mind, and talk to God regularly while listening with your spiritual ear for the necessary guidance that’s needed throughout your day.

Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints. Ephesians 6:18 (ESV)

Practice Praise and Worship. Set aside time each day to usher in God’s presence through praise and worship. This can be done through speaking words of affirmations over your life or through singing worship songs in the presence of God.

By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. Hebrews 13:15-16 (KJV)

Be Transparent and Live Out God’s Word. It’s important to not just read and study God’s Word, but you must be transparent and apply God’s Word to your life each and every day. Make a commitment today and watch God work miracles in your life.

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV)

Trust in God. As believers in Christ, it’s important to intentionally focus on God’s plans for you and not get in the way with your own personal views and interpretations of how you think your life should be. Remove any doubt or fear from your heart. Instead replace it with belief and trust in God.

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. Proverbs 3:5 (KJV)

Along this journey called life, we have to open our hearts and minds to a true understanding of life’s many challenges and faith, of what it is and what it is not, in our lives and abroad. It’s important to know that faith is something to be experienced and exercised, not defined, categorized, and neatly packaged on a shelf. Faith rests on a solid foundation. The evidence is everywhere before our eyes. Begin to create a safe space for God to work wonders in your spiritual life by reading God’s Word, praying often, and submitting to God’s healing. God wants your heart, gratitude, and honesty which will bring you to His everlasting peace. Remember, every positive change in life must first begin with a commitment to work towards that change. Then, you will be on your way to live a life that’s full of happiness, spirit filled, and with unwavering faith.

FAITH AFFIRMATIONS

Don’t dig up in doubt what you planted in faith. – Elisabeth Elliot

Reciting affirmations are a great way to boost confidence, mood, and self-esteem. Through the incredible power of repetition, you’re able to reconstruct your thought patterns, beliefs, and ideals in your subconscious mind. Begin to set yourself up for a more productive and successful life that you desire by reciting these powerful faith-based affirmations.

All that I seek I can find within me.
I trust that my faith in the universe will reveal all opportunities for me.
I focus on what I can control and make peace with what I can’t.
I trust my inner knowing in the face of uncertainty.
I choose faith over fear and peace over perfection.
I am ready to move ahead and explore the purpose of my existence.
I trust and believe that everything is always working out for my highest good.
I am at peace with my whole being.
I see my faith, presence and passion being the most beautiful things there are in my life.

JOURNAL PROMPTS

Let your faith be bigger than your fear. – Unknown Author

What is the best way to increase your faith?
List five ways you’ve become stronger and more faithful this month.
How can you strengthen your faith in God?
The area where I need to put more trust in God is …
I feel God’s presence most when …
God is leading me to make the following changes …
Sometimes I get angry with God about …
I feel most distant from God when …

Let’s talk. How do you plan to increase your faith in 2023? Please share your thoughts in the comments section. I look forward to reading your feedback!

Believe in yourself today, tomorrow, and forever!

Affiliate Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you purchase through any of the links (at no additional cost to you).

The Attributes of the Holy Spirit

LaPorterMay 29, 2022Leave a Reply

God speaks through a variety of means. In the present God primarily speaks by the Holy Spirit, through the Bible, prayer, circumstances, and the church. – Henry Blackaby

Affiliate Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you purchase through any of the links (at no additional cost to you).

Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! Fill me up, Holy Spirit. Fill me up while I continue my journey here on earth. Fill me up with your presence as I write these inspirational words for my readers on today. Holy Spirit guide my every step and give me positive thoughts in the midst of turmoil. Strengthen my heart and comfort my spirit as we discuss the attributes of the Holy Spirit.

DEFINITION

The mere whisper of the Holy Spirit can drown out the thundering noise of an entire world. – David Jeremiah

Before we get started, let’s take a moment to define Holy Spirit:

Holy Spirit (noun): (In Christianity) the third person of the Trinity; God as spiritually active in the world.

In the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit is also referred to as the Spirit, the Spirit of God, and the Spirit of the Lord. In the New Testament, the Holy Spirit is sometimes called the Spirit of Christ.

The Holy Spirit is included in the Trinity, which is made up of 3 distinct persons: The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit serves as a teacher, counselor, comforter, strengthener, inspiration, revealer of the Scriptures, convincer of sin, caller of ministers and intercessor in prayer.

THE ATTRIBUTES OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

The Holy Spirit wants to convert the words of Scripture into transformed personalities. – David Jeremiah

The Holy Spirit helped in creation with the Father and Son, filled the prophets with the Word of God, assisted Jesus and the apostles in their missions, inspired the men who wrote the Bible, give guidance to the church, and sanctifies believers in their walk with Christ. The Holy Spirit acts as Christ’s presence on earth, counseling and encouraging Christians as they struggle with the temptations of the world. In addition, the Holy Spirit is the Comforter sent by Jesus to dwell in us and to comfort our souls during challenging times in life, such as the death of loved one, divorce, losing a job, etc.

Here’s the attributes of the Holy Spirit:

The Holy Spirit is a loving Comforter. He has loved us since before the creation of the world. Remember, he is the only one able to truly comfort our hearts in times of trouble. (Romans 5:5)
The Holy Spirit is a faithful Comforter. Remember, he loved us while we were still dead in our sins. He loves us even to the end and will never turn away from us. (Romans 15:13)
The Holy Spirit is an untiring Comforter. Despite our murmuring and complaining, he never loses heart or feels weary while helping us work through our issues. (John 14:26)
The Holy Spirit is a wise Comforter. He finds what is causing the disease within you and cures it. He offers healing to us that is acceptable in the eyes of God. (I Corinthians 2:10)
The Holy Spirit is a safe Comforter. The comfort of the Holy Spirit is safe for us to rest in it as well as trust it. (I Corinthians 2:13)
The Holy Spirit is an active Comforter. He intercedes for us, reminding us of God’s great promises and His grace. He actively leads and guides us to the perfect will of the Father. (Romans 8:26-27)
The Holy Spirit is an ever-present Comforter. He is always right there with us. Remember, he will never leave us alone, nor forsake us. (John 14:16)

As Christians we’re privileged to have the Holy Spirit available to us to comfort, guide, and strengthen us. We should be so grateful that Jesus thought so much of us, to give us the wonderful gift of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit lives within us and will guide you through the challenges of life. Invite the Holy Spirit to lead your decision making and hide the scriptures in your heart for years to come.

TIME FOR REFLECTION – JOURNAL PROMPTS

MIND

You must learn to master a new way to think before you can master a new way to be. – Marianne Williamson

Write about personal beliefs or things that held you back in the past? How do you plan to avoid them in the future?
How can you create a space to help clear your mind so you can hear the Holy Spirit speak to you?
What are some of your mental obstacles in life that are holding you back from peace, love, and happiness?

BODY

These mountains that you are carrying, you were only supposed to climb. – Najwa Zebian

Imagine what a new beginning would look like or how it would feel. Write about it.
Sit or stand very still. What are you feeling right now in this very moment?
What are you having a hard time accepting in your life?

SPIRIT

Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord. (Psalm 31:24)

What steps do I need to take to become spiritually grounded in God’s Word?
What is holding you back from trusting and believing in God?
Does my life reflect what my heart desire? If not, what changes can I make?

JOURNAL TO OVERCOME GRIEF: A PERSONAL JOURNEY TO HEALING

No matter how bad your heart is broken, the world doesn’t stop for your grief. – Faraaz Kazi

Journal To Overcome Grief: A Personal Journey to Healing can be purchased via Amazon.com. This beautiful grief journal includes thought provoking journal prompts and quotes that will help you navigate life after loss.

There will be times when you’ll want to cry and other times when you’ll smile as you explore your personal reflections. This is a unique way to honor your loved one and connect with their spirit through writing while creating your own personal keepsake for years to come.

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS

The Holy Spirit gives us wisdom so that we can stay on the right path that God has destined for us. Do you allow the Holy Spirit to guide you throughout your day? Why or why not? Do you notice when the Holy Spirit speaks to you? If so, how do you respond?

Believe in yourself today, tomorrow, and forever!

Affiliate Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you purchase through any of the links (at no additional cost to you).

Seek God’s Divine Favor

LaPorterJanuary 30, 20222 Replies

Favor is kindness and preferential treatment given to someone. Divine favor is God’s gift bestowed on those who obey Him. – Unknown Author

Affiliate Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you purchase through any of the links (at no additional cost to you).

Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! Today, let’s talk about God’s divine favor. God’s divine favor can be described as “tangible evidence that a person has the approval of the Lord.” In other words, God’s divine favor is the undeserved kindness of God towards us. I don’t know about you, but I thank God every day for his love, kindness, grace, mercy, and divine favor over my life. Now, take a moment and think about these questions:

Do you seek God’s divine favor consistently in your life?
Do you recognize God’s divine favor when it shows up in your life?

Nothing you have in life is because of luck or chance. It’s all due to God’s grace and divine favor that endures forever. Furthermore, you can identify God’s divine favor when you see three spiritual things happening:

God has sovereignly chosen a recipient of His grace.
God has blessed that recipient in one way or another.
God has intentions that His blessing be shared with others.

God’s divine favor is on your life whether you realize it or not. You just need to pause throughout your day, recognize it, and receive it.

WAYS TO SEEK GOD’S DIVINE FAVOR

When God grants you His favor, nothing can stop the blessings He has in store. – Unknown Author

Believe it or not, you receive God’s favor in your life when your heart, words, and actions line up with the Word of God. God shows favor to the people who delight in, connect with, and give honor to Him. God seeks out those who love Him and love His commandments so that He can bless, guide, and protect them at all times.

Here’s a few additional ways you can seek God’s divine favor:

Obey God and follow His commandments.
Pay attention to what God is doing in your life and in the lives of others.
Believe in your heart that you deserve to receive God’s favor.
Never doubt, but instead affirm that you are worthy of God’s favor.
Don’t forget that God’s favor is the reason you and I are saved.
Keep in mind that every part of your life is impacted by the grace and favor of God.
Notice God’s favor surrounds you continually and when God pours it out to you.

You must realize and accept God’s divine favor to experience it fully. Before you can receive the benefits, you must know that they are yours to begin with. Just as with every other spiritual benefit, you must receive them by faith. God’s gracious kindness is His to give, and He gives it when, to whom, and how he chooses. However, the Word of God invites all of us to come by faith and receive the gift of Jesus Christ, freely offered for all of us. Remember, divine favor is not the result of luck, but of obedience. Peace and blessings to you!

TIME FOR REFLECTION – JOURNAL PROMPTS

God’s favor outweighs all opposition. – Unknown Author

What takes your mind away from God, thus robbing you from God’s favor?
List 5 ways you’ve become stronger and more courageous this week.
When have you seen God use divine favor to produce a big outcome?

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS/COMMENTS

One touch of God’s favor can change everything in your life. Stay faithful and trust in His timing. God’s favor is yours now and forever. Have you experienced God’s favor in your life lately? Do you sometimes block God’s favor in your life?

Believe in yourself today, tomorrow and forever!

Affiliate Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you purchase through any of the links (at no additional cost to you).

Find Hope Through Journaling

LaPorterDecember 20, 20212 Replies

When the world says, “give up.” Hope whispers “try it one more time.” – Unknown Author

Affiliate Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you purchase through any of the links (at no additional cost to you).

Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! When I think of hope, I think of beauty that’s all around me and positive vibes that flow from within. Hope is like a beautiful flower that thrives on sunlight and water. In a spiritual sense, hope relies on your daily commitment to God’s Word, prayer, faith, and worship.

BUILD A SOLID FOUNDATION OF HOPE

Never underestimate the power of hope. Hope fuels us with the energy and courage to go forward. – Adele Basheer

But how do you find hope through journaling as you grieve? Learning how to safely navigate through the grieving process can be scary for some and hard for others. It requires you to feel vulnerable, yet it forces you to find your way through the sense of loss and loneliness. At times you feel like pushing everyone and everything away. I challenge you today that instead of running away from your pain, heartache, and misery, choose to invite God in to comfort you during this difficult time.

Here’s some steps to help you build a solid foundation of hope that will carry you through the storms of life, such as grief:

Step 1 – Submit yourself to God because He has not given up on you. God is the source of our hope. Come to God in humility and He will restore you. “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11
Step 2 – Strengthen your faith because there is an eternal life to come. Allow God’s previously fulfilled promises from the Holy Bible to renew your hope. “Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the Glory He will give us later.” Romans 8:18
Step 3 – Trust God’s timing because God is truly in control of everything. Remember, sometimes God answers prayers quickly and at other times God allows us to wait. If God is God, then nothing happens in our lives apart from His knowledge and permission. We have to learn not to rely on ourselves, but on God who can raise the dead. 2 Corinthians 1:8, 9
Step 4 – Thank God today because you’re not facing this difficult situation alone. Every day set time aside to thank God through worshipping, reading God’s Word, praying, and meditating. For God said, “I will never fail you. I will never forsake you.” That is why we can say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper, so I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” Hebrews 13:5, 6

Remember, hope is what helps us deal with grief, find positives in our current situation, help us continue searching for something better, and to have faith that everything will work out in the end.

AMAZON RESOURCE # 1 – A Guided Journal for Healing & Hope

WAYS TO RESTORE HOPE IN YOUR LIFE

Each day, there is a new beginning, a new chance, a new hope, a new light! – Unknown Author

Did you know that having hope in life will give you courage in the midst of a storm, such as grief? Hope is seeing light in spite of being surrounded by darkness. Hope is the only thing stronger than fear. Hope is the ability to hear the melody of the future.

Here’s some ways to restore hope in your life:

Be kind to yourself and others.
Listen to another person’s story.
Treat each day like a precious gift.
Look for meaning in the most challenging moments.
Reconnect with nature.
Focus on your spirit and shift your expectations.
Listen to music and channel your energy into productive change.
Show gratitude and compassion.
Think about the essential goodness of humanity and volunteer.

Despite what you may be experiencing in your life right now, never stop believing in hope because miracles happen every day. Be brave and take risks. After all, nothing can substitute your true experience, whether it is positive or negative. So, continue to hope for a positive outcome to happen in your life.

AMAZON RESOURCE #2 – Grieving with Hope: Finding Comfort as You Journey Through Loss

FIND HOPE THROUGH JOURNALING

Hope is that beautiful place between the way things were and the way things are yet to be. – Unknown Author

In reality, most people fail many times before they succeed so never stop hoping for positive change to happen in your life. One way you can do this is by journaling on a regular basis. Journaling provides a safe place for you to speak truth and to find comfort without judgment.

Here’s some ways to find hope through journaling:

Set realistic journaling goals each week and establish a writing routine that fits into your current lifestyle. You may need to rearrange your daily tasks, wake up earlier or spend time writing before bedtime.
Begin to visualize yourself finding hope again after your goals are achieved. Take a moment and ask yourself what life looks like after the goals are reached, then spend a few minutes every day picturing yourself in that very same life. Of course, writing in your journal will help you stay committed or spend some time creating a vision board.
Evaluate your progress as you move through the steps you’ve identified as necessary to reach your journaling goals and adjust your efforts as needed along your journey.
Prepare for your journey. Look at what you’ve already achieved, think about your strengths, think about what’s important to you, and where you want to go in life.
Set out on your journey. Build the knowledge you need to succeed, focus on the basics, set small goals, and achieve them.
Make time for self-reflection often to examine one’s own thoughts, feelings, and emotions to gain better insight of one’s life.

The importance of hope is immeasurable. Continue to seek out positivity and recognize you can change your life at any point. Many of us need to look forward to the future and stop focusing on past experiences. You never know what tomorrow may bring so keep hope alive through journaling. Until next time, have a wonderful and safe holiday season!

AMAZON RESOURCE #3

JOURNAL PROMPTS

How do you define hope?
What do you hope for each day?
Do you find hope through journaling? If so, please explain.
Did you see or hear anything today that gave you hope?
How did this feeling of hope change your perspective in life?
Why do you find it difficult to find hope when you’re experiencing hardships in life?
Have you lost hope along your journey? If so, why do you feel this way?

BONUS – Here are five suggestions on how to use journaling during times of grief:

Have your journal with you at all times. Since grief comes in waves, always have your journal with you. You will find that your journal will provide relief and comfort during your difficult times.
Do a brain and pain dump. Write in your journal without editing or worrying about grammar checks until you feel better. This process allows you to reflect on your thought patterns and overall physical well-being.
Write a gratitude list. A gratitude list is a powerful way to focus on what is positive during a time when it seems that you will never find hope again. You can start your list by writing…Today I am grateful for ____________.
Do timed writing exercises. Scheduling timed writing exercises will help you develop a regular writing routine that provides productivity and encourages creativity.
Use writing prompts when you feel stuck. It can be helpful for you to pause and select a writing prompt during your journal writing time. Examples – 1) Today my grief feels like… 2) My happiest memory of you is … 3) What I treasure is this …

Believe in yourself today, tomorrow and forever!

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Journaling to Stay Grounded

LaPorterMay 7, 20214 Replies

Don’t be ashamed of your story. It just might inspire someone. – Unknown Author

Affiliate Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you purchase through any of the links (at no additional cost to you).

Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! I hope you have your journal and something to write with. I don’t know about you, but I love to write in my journal because it is a safe place for me to put my feelings and emotions into words. Remember, journal writing is your very own personal journey throughout life, your ups and downs, your successes and failures.

Today let’s focus on the concept of journaling to stay grounded. Open your journal and write down the following questions:

Why do I write in my journal?
What do I want to learn about myself?
How do I shine from day to day?
Do I have any talents or special skills?
How do I stand out in a crowd?

Begin to write your answers out so you can reflect on them in the future. Now, let’s take this exercise a little bit further. What’s the first thing you think about when you see the words “stay grounded”? Take a moment to write this question and your answer. For me, I think about being grounded in the Word of God so that I can have a solid and secure foundation. I think about having the ability to be guided on the right path throughout life.

Next, we’re going to discuss five ways you can use journaling to stay grounded in your life.

SPIRITUAL FOUNDATION

Stand your ground, it’s sacred. – Unknown Author

#1 – You must have a spiritual foundation that includes the Word of God and having some level of faith. Without a strong spiritual foundation, you cannot withstand the storms of life. In my opinion, staying grounded in the Word of God increases your faith and renews your hope for the future. Staying grounded takes a strength from within like no other. For some, reading God’s Word is enough. For others, reading God’s Word, praying to God, practicing meditation, and living Christ-like satisfies their spiritual endeavors. Write these tips in your journal and refer to them as you read God’s Word:

Tip #1 – Always ask yourself – How does this word apply to me?
Tip #2 – Receive every word as true. Rest upon the promises that God has given you.
Tip #3 – Be prepared to put what you read into action in your life.

AMAZON RESOURCE #1 – Present, Not Perfect Journal

HOPE FOR THE FUTURE

I am grounded. I am safe. I am divinely protected at all times. – Unknown Author

#2 – You must have hope for the future. Hope is another one of those words that can be defined on a personal level and may change from situation to situation; or person to person. According to the Webster Dictionary, hope is defined as a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen; a feeling of trust.

But what does hope mean to you? Do you hope for anything great on today or in the near future? When I think of hope, I think of beauty and positive vibes. Hope is like a beautiful flower that thrives on sunlight and water. In a spiritual sense, hope relies on your daily commitment to God’s Word, meditation, and prayer.

Here’s a few questions to write in your journal that will help you better understand hope:

How do you define hope?
What do you hope for each day?
Why do you feel hopeful/hopeless?

ON TRACK TO REACH YOUR GOALS

Make it your goal to stay physically strong, mentally sound, emotionally stable, and spiritually grounded. – Unknown Author

#3 – You must stay on track to reach your goals. Goal setting is important in every aspect of your life. To pursue new ideas or strive to reach your dreams, you must have a plan to do so. There has to be a fire within you in order for you to strive to reach your goals that you set. You have to think positive and plan for success. Well, how do you start?

Here’s my recommendations:

Identify what you want and name your specific goal(s).
Write your goal(s) down and write the steps needed to facilitate the goal(s).
Take each of the steps you wrote down and incorporate them into your current lifestyle.
Begin to visualize yourself after your goals are achieved.
Evaluate your progress as you move through the steps you’ve identified.

AMAZON RESOURCE #2 – ACT Daily Journal

BUILDING SELF-CONFIDENCE

Confidence is not they will like me. Confidence is I’ll be fine if they don’t. – Unknown Author

#4 – You must continue building your self-confidence each day. Self-confidence is extremely important in almost every aspect of our lives, but if we are honest with ourselves, we sometimes struggle to find it throughout our everyday lives. Did you know that gaining the confidence of others is one of the key ways in which a self-confident person finds success in life? Unfortunately, people who lack self-confidence find it difficult to become successful.

Here’s some ways for you to build self-confidence:

Prepare for your journey. Look at what you’ve already achieved, think about your strengths, think about what’s important to you, and where you want to go in life.
Set out on your journey. Build the knowledge you need to succeed, focus on the basics, set small goals and achieve them.
Accelerate towards success. By this point, you should feel your self-confidence building from within. Keep yourself grounded and always aware of how you feel throughout this process.

FIND TIME FOR SELF-REFLECTION

Time spent in self-reflection is never wasted, it is an intimate date with yourself. – Unknown Author

#5 – You must find time for self-reflection. Self-reflection is a process of examining one’s own thoughts, feelings, and sensations to gain better insight of one’s life. Self-reflection allows you to:

Notice negative patterns in your life.
Keeps you focused on the bigger picture.
Prevents you from worrying about things out of your control.
Helps you face your fears.
Allows you to make decisions based on your conscience.

My prayer for you today is that you will begin to use journaling to help you stay grounded in your own life. Believe in yourself. Be brave and take risks. After all, nothing can substitute an experience, whether it is positive or negative. Allow your journal to be your safe haven. Every word that you write down, will offer you hope for tomorrow and give you strength for today.

BLUE HOST RESOURCE

JOURNAL PROMPTS

Where there is hope, there is faith. Where there is faith, miracles happen. – Unknown Author

What are my short-term goals and long-term goals?
What matters most to me right now in this very moment?
What am I ashamed of and/or what do I fear?
What brings me the most joy and how can I make time for it?
As of today, what is my vision for my life in one year, two years, three years?
What stresses me out? What can I do to reduce the stress?
What is overwhelming in my life right now?

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS & COMMENTS

Do you spend time writing in your journal? Would you commit some time to use these journal prompts? Why or why not? Please share your thoughts in the comment section.

Believe in yourself today, tomorrow and forever!

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Believe God’s Promises

LaPorterApril 4, 20214 Replies

My imperfections will never override God’s promises. – Unknown Author

Affiliate Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you purchase through any of the links (at no additional cost to you).

Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! Hope you enjoyed your Easter Holiday with family and friends. Despite everything that life has thrown us since the pandemic started, it’s important to spend quality time in worship and continue to believe God’s promises. I believe you can worship God by:

Reading God’s Word
Intentional Prayer & Meditation
Hiding Scripture in your Heart
Doing Daily Devotionals
Singing Praise & Worship Songs
Dancing to Spiritual Music
Writing Down Things You Are Thankful For
Holding on to Your Faith

Remember, this is your personal time with God where you pour out your heart, clear your mind, and strengthen your soul.

GOD’S PROMISES

God’s promises are like the stars, the darker the night the brighter they shine. – Unknown Author

If you read and study the Word of God, you will find that for every problem in life, God has given us a promise. When struggles threaten our lives, it is important to find hope by not only reading God’s Word, but also focusing on God’s promises. Some of God’s promises are positive which are the assurance of blessings, and others are negative which are the guaranteed consequences. However, all are binding, for not only is God a promise maker; God is a promise keeper. We have to dig deep within to find hope by praying God’s promises to existence within our lives. Please hide these promises in our weary hearts:

You will know God (See Hebrews 8:11) – Everything in creation gives evidence of God’s existence. It’s important to realize that we can know God’s heart, his joy, his passion, his plan, and his sorrows.
You were created by God, in God’s image, for God’s glory (see Genesis 1:26) – God created us to be more like him than anything else he made. Remember, this is an on-going process as we are shaped into God’s likeness.
You are made right by faith (See Romans 4:16) – God’s promise to us is salvation by faith. Make sure to increase your faith and stand on God’s promise.
God will guide you (See John 20:30-31) – As you read God’s Word, make sure to trust God’s promise that he will show you the way you should go.
You are an heir of God (See Romans 8:16-17) – You are an heir of God and have divine resources deposited in your heart. God is rich in mercy, love, wisdom and grace.
God sent Jesus Christ to be our Redeemer (See Psalm 34:22) – Our Redeemer is here to rescue us, protect us from evil. In addition, our Redeemer offers a safe, secure and loving future in His presence.
Our prayers have power (See James 5:16-18) – Prayers should be the first step for believers. God delights in and will answer our prayers. Just trust and believe.
God is near (See Judges 6:12) – God’s presence is all-encompassing which means God is with you throughout your journey today, tomorrow and forever.

AMAZON RESOURCE #1 – The Promises of God Book

JOURNAL PROMPTS

Where there is hope, there is faith. Where there is faith, miracles happen. – Unknown Author

I love journaling because it is a safe place for me to put my feelings and emotions into words, then put my words into action. Remember, journaling is your very own personal journey throughout life, your ups and downs, your successes and failures. In addition, journaling is a powerful way to process events in your life, build self-awareness, get more clarity, and keep yourself on track. Journaling also allows for past reflection, future insight, and present surrender. Keep in mind that this is a journey and be patient with yourself. Ready, set, write!

Do you believe in God’s promises? Why or why not?
Have you ever felt forsaken by God?
How important is worshipping God in your life?
Where can you improve with your worship experience(s)?
What is your favorite way to worship God?

Believe in yourself today, tomorrow and forever!

Affiliate Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you purchase through any of the links (at no additional cost to you).

Leap of Faith

LaPorterFebruary 2, 20211 Reply

God is still writing your story. Don’t let go of your faith because of what you have to see. – Unknown Author

Affiliate Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you purchase through any of the links (at no additional cost to you).

Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! Let’s Welcome in February by taking a leap of faith. Despite what you have experienced so far this year, be thankful that you are here today to speak about it and read my inspirational blog. It’s important to pour positivity into our lives so we can be better prepared to overcome obstacles. I think of this process as taking a leap of faith, removing fear as a temporary setback, and adding courage to step out of our comfort zone.

DEFINITIONS – FAITH, FEAR & COURAGE

I choose faith over anxiety hope over worry love over fear. – Unknown Author

Faith can be defined as:

Complete trust or confidence in someone or something; Strong belief in God or in the doctrines of a religion, based on spiritual apprehension rather than proof.

Fear can be defined as:

An unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat.

Courage can be defined as:

As the ability to do something that frightens one and the strength to withstand in the face of danger, fear, difficulty, pain or grief.

AMAZON RESOURCE # 1 – Faith Prayer Journal

STEPS IN THE FAITH PROCESS

Faith isn’t a feeling. It’s a choice to trust God even when the road ahead seems uncertain. – Dave Willis

To begin with, I believe we all have some level of faith within us. Often times in life, we are scared to take the leap of faith which holds us back from fulfilling our potential and becoming the best version of ourselves. Starting today, believe in your heart and mind that you will receive whatever it is that you are praying for throughout your journey. No mountain is too big for our God. I always think of a mountain as any obstacle, problem, or situation that occurs within our life time. Now, let’s talk about the steps in the faith process.

STEP 1 – Take a Step Back

Throughout our journey, it would be nice if we could backtrack and start over from time to time without harming anyone along the way. But how did we get to the point where we want to press the reset button? For some of us, we try to learn from our mistakes which causes us to wonder why we made them in the first place. Retracing our steps helps us remember who we are and where we come from throughout the faith process. This means spending time reading God’s Word, meditating and praying often. Then, looking at our current situation to see where we may have taken the wrong turn.

STEP 2 – Apologize

Then, it is time to apologize for our mistakes if you have hurt someone along the way. For some people apologizing and asking for forgiveness is too hard to handle alone. In most cases, our pride stands in the way of apologizing to make someone else feel better. It is important to retrace our steps and learn how we should be honest to not just ourselves, but also to others. We should all strive to learn and grow from our mistakes. This learning and growing experience is not meant to be easy, but it is a necessary step in this learning and faith process.

STEP 3 – Make Amends

Then, it is time to make amends with those who we have done wrong. In some cases, amends can be straight forward and in other cases it can be quite messy. But nevertheless, be true and honest to yourself. Put everything you have into this faith process to amend your relationships and receive forgiveness from the person(s) in question.

STEP 4 – Move On

Then, the final step in this faith process is the time to prepare yourself to move on. Remember, it is good to ponder on your mistakes, but don’t let them shame you or make you think you are alone throughout the faith process. No matter how big our mistakes seem in life, God’s love and grace can help us through those darkest days. We shall be well and rise again. Just let go, release, and move on.

AMAZON RESOURCE #2 – Audiobook I Will Not Fear

HOW TO OVERCOME FEAR

Fear has a large shadow, but he himself is small. – Ruth Gendler

Here’s some ways to help you overcome fear:

Name your fear and face it. Believe it or not, fear is not always obvious.
Arm yourself by replacing fear with God’s presence.
Imagine your success, not your failures.
Act out your new story and visualize your happy place.
Don’t try to be perfect. Take time out to rest and reset.
Practice mindfulness and focus on your breathing techniques.
Identify your fears by writing in your journal.

AMAZON RESOURCE #3 – Color Me Fearless

WAYS TO HELP BOOST COURAGE

Fear is a reaction. Courage is a decision. – Winston S. Churchill

Here’s some ways to help boost your courage:

Don’t overthink it. Once you’ve decided to do anything in life that requires courage, don’t wait, proceed to act.
Commit yourself ahead of time. Stating intentions to your support system will make you be accountable and you will follow through with the activity.
Do the activity with a friend. Recruit a friend or family member to participate in the activity. Interacting with another person is a true way of managing fear and anxiety.
Think of how good you’ll feel afterwards. Give some serious thought to how great you’ll feel about yourself after you take this leap of faith. You will feel more confident and increase your determination.
Think of the doors that would open for you. If you struggle with courage and anxiety issues, you may need to seek help from a mental health professional or support group. Take some time to consider all the ways your life could be different if you were able to tackle your issue(s) successfully and use the motivation this process gives you to take the necessary step.

My prayer for you today is that you take the words from this blog post and hide them deep in your heart. Take time to reflect on them often throughout your journey. The moment you take that first step on your journey is the moment you start working toward your dream. You will notice the little seeds of courage starting to sprout all around you. Take a deep breath and capture the moment. Despite the fear you may feel because you are entering an unknown territory, embrace your true feelings and take a leap of faith knowing that courage is not just around you, but within you. Faith is all about believing. You don’t know how it will happen, but you know it will.

JOURNAL PROMPTS

Your faith can move mountains and your doubt can create them. -Unknown

Take a moment to think about the concept of having faith. What is the best way to increase your faith today?
List five ways you’ve become stronger and more faithful today, this week, or this month.
Why is it difficult to face your fears?
What would you do if you knew how to overcome fear?
What does it look like for you to take a step of courage today?
Write about a door you know God has closed in your life. How did you find the courage to work through this experience?
Have there been times in your life when you’ve needed to be courageous? Take a moment to write about the situation and what you did to overcome your fears.
Describe an area of your life in which you wish you were more courageous. What is it, and how would you benefit?

Believe in yourself today, tomorrow, and forever!

Affiliate Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you purchase through any of the links (at no additional cost to you).

Less Worry More Faith

LaPorterApril 12, 20206 Replies

Renew Inspiration, Happy Easter, Worry, Faith, Anxiety, Easter Lily, Journal Prompt — pixabay

Worrying is a waste of time. It doesn’t change anything it just clouds your mind and steals your happiness. – Unknown Author

Affiliate Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you purchase through any of the links (at no additional cost to you).

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)

Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! Happy Easter to you and your families. Despite what you have experienced throughout the week, be thankful that you are here today to speak about it and read my inspirational blog. Now, I don’t know about you, but lately, I have found it very difficult to shake off worry and anxiety. If you live your life constantly worrying about things that are out of your control or have anxiety that cause you to stray away from things you love to do, then it’s time to strive for less worry and more faith.

AMAZON RESOURCE #1

DEFINITIONS – Worry & Faith

God is still writing your story. Don’t let go of your faith because of what you have to see. – Unknown Author

Worry can be defined as:

• To allow one’s mind to dwell on difficulty or troubles surrounding one’s life.

• Worries are a chain of thoughts based in words. For example, “What will happen if” … “It will be terrible when” … “What if I can’t”.

Faith can be defined as:

• Complete trust or confidence in someone or something.

• Strong belief in God or in the doctrines of a religion, based on spiritual apprehension rather than proof.

AMAZON RESOURCE #2

WORRY TRIGGERS

Stop worrying about what can go wrong, and get excited about what can go right. – Unknown Author

Let’s face it, we all have issues that we worry about, right? Sometimes we’re not even aware of why we’re worrying, when we’re doing it or what we tend to worry about the most. We just know that we often feel anxious and we find ourselves stuck in a vicious cycle of worry. One of the ways to break this vicious cycle is to be aware of which things trigger our anxiety.

• Is it when we’re in certain places?

• Particular times of the day?

• When we’re around certain people?

• Is there certain thoughts, emotions or feelings?

AMAZON RESOURCE #3

FINDING WHAT WORKS FOR YOU

Smile, breathe, and go slowly. – Thich Nhat Hahn

It’s impossible for you to completely eliminate worry from your life, but you can significantly lessen its hold over your life. Part of this process is learning when it might show up (triggers) and coming up with a plan to deal with it when it does (solutions).

• Understand your specific symptoms. What are your thoughts when your worry escalates? In what situations do your symptoms intensify? Lessen?

• Know what works for you. Which strategies are helpful in moments of high worry? Examples could be deep breathing exercises, mindfulness exercises, meditation, journaling or talking with a support person.

• Schedule therapy sessions with a mental health professional. Be open and honest.

• Find a support group in your area or online to help you gain another perspective on your worrying. Don’t be afraid to share your experiences, listen to others and give/receive feedback.

• Visit your local library and check out some books on worry and anxiety.

• Spend some time regularly doing meditation, mindfulness exercises or yoga along with deep breathing exercises.

• Write down your thoughts and feelings in your journal or notebook. Then, reflect on them throughout your journey.

• Find ways to cope with worry and anxiety by purchasing The Ultimate Anxiety Workbook.

AMAZON RESOURCE #4

WAYS TO INCREASE FAITH

Faith is building on what you know is here so you can reach what you know is there. – Cullen Hightower

While most communities are still sheltered in place, take this very sensitive time to build a true relationship with God so you can increase your faith. Believe it or not, your faith can move mountains and your doubt can create them. You must believe in your heart and mind that you will receive whatever it is that you are praying for throughout your journey. No mountain is too big for our God. I always think of a mountain as any obstacle, problem, or situation that happens in our lives throughout the journey.

Here’s some ways to increase your faith:

• Read and study God’s Word.

• Pray to God throughout your day.

• Listen to positive and uplifting gospel music.

• Read a devotional to strengthen your faith.

• Practice praise and worship ushering in God’s presence.

• Meditate on God’s Word and spend time journaling.

Begin to create a safe space for God to work wonders in your spiritual life by reading God’s Word, praying often, and submitting to God’s healing. God wants your heart, gratitude, and honesty which will bring you to His everlasting peace. Remember, less worry, more faith should be your living roadmap.

JOURNAL PROMPTS

• What positive things will begin to take the place of worry?

• What are your biggest challenges that prevent you from overcoming worry?

• What are some of your worry triggers?

• When do you find yourself worrying about these triggers?

• What makes your worry or anxiety worse? What makes it better?

• What is the best way to increase my faith?

• List five ways you’ve become stronger and more faithful this month.

• How can I strengthen my faith in God?

Believe in yourself today, tomorrow and forever!

Affiliate Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you purchase through any of the links (at no additional cost to you).

Hoping Takes Courage

LaPorterMarch 30, 20204 Replies

Renew Inspiration, Hoping, Courage, Being Hopeful, Spiritual Hope, Journal Prompts — pexels

Where there is hope, there is faith. Where there is faith, miracles happen. – Unknown Author

Affiliate Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you purchase through any of the links (at no additional cost to you).

Thought for today – When the world says, “give up.” Hope whispers “try it one more time.”

Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! During this difficult time in our nation, all we can hold on to is hope. Hoping takes courage from deep within. Hope is another one of those words that can be defined on a personal level and may change from situation to situation; or person to person.

Before we get started, take a moment and think about the following questions:

• How much hope do you have right now?

• Do you consider yourself a courageous person? Why or why not?

• Why do you reflect and spend time journaling?

HOPE IS

And sometimes against all odds, against all logic, we still hope. – Unknown Author

According to the Webster Dictionary, hope is defined as a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen; a feeling of trust. Now, it’s your turn. What does hope mean to you? Do you hope for anything great on today or in the near future? When I think of hope, I think of beauty and positive vibes. Hope is like a beautiful flower that thrives on sunlight and water.

Here’s the essentials needed to keep hope alive within your life:

• Praise and Worship Experience

• Reading God’s Word

• Meditation/Prayer

• Keeping a Positive Mindset

AMAZON RESOURCE #1

SPIRITUAL HOPE

Never give up hope because your miracle could be right around the corner. – Unknown Author

Now, the flip side of this conversation is how pain can bring about hopelessness in our lives as the enemy relentlessly attempts to destroy us. But God holds His hand out to us every day. The wonderful hope of God’s good plans for our lives, hope that is rooted in God’s amazing love for us. My hope for you today is that you will work on building and strengthening your personal relationship with God for the rest of your life.

COURAGE IN THE MIDST OF A STORM

Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts. – Winston Churchill

Moreover, did you know that having hope will give you courage in the midst of a storm? Despite what you may be experiencing in your life right now, never stop believing in hope because miracles happen every day. The importance of hope is immeasurable. Especially during dark times like we are facing now, many of us need to look forward to the future. Hope is what helps us deal with grief we often feel, find positives in our current situation, push us to continue searching for something better, and to have faith that everything will work out.

AMAZON RESOURCE #2

WAYS TO STAY HOPEFUL

Hope is that beautiful place between the way things were and the way things are yet to be. – Unknown Author

Let’s face it, most of us did not just wake up one day and have a successful career, a beautiful home, respectful children, a healthy fitness routine, etc. You had to first decide what you wanted to work on, then you had to plan, then you had to execute your plan into action. In reality, most people fail many times before they succeed so never stop hoping for positive change to happen in your life.

Here’s some ways to stay hopeful along your journey:

• Set realistic goals and incorporate them into your current lifestyle. You may need to rearrange your work schedule, ask for help around the house from family or friends, etc.

• Begin to visualize yourself after your goals are achieved. Take a moment and ask yourself what life looks like after the goals are reached, then spend a few minutes every day picturing yourself in that very same life.

• Evaluate your progress as you move through the steps you’ve identified as necessary to reach your goals and adjust your efforts as needed.

• Prepare for your journey. Look at what you’ve already achieved, think about your strengths, think about what’s important to you, and where you want to go in life.

• Set out on your journey. Build the knowledge you need to succeed, focus on the basics, set small goals and achieve them.

• Make time for self-reflection to examine one’s own thoughts, feelings, and sensations to gain better insight of one’s life.

Remember, hoping takes courage. Believe in yourself. Be brave and take risks. After all, nothing can substitute your true experience, whether it is positive or negative. So, keep hoping and praying for a positive outcome to happen in your life. Peace and blessings!

AMAZON RESOURCE #3

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JOURNAL PROMPTS

Hope is the only thing stronger than fear. – Unknown Author

• What do you hope for each day?

• I feel hopeful/hopeless because…

• What matters most to me right now in this very moment?

• What am I ashamed of and/or what do I fear?

• As of today, what is my vision for my life in one year, two years, three years?

Believe in yourself today, tomorrow and forever!

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