Journal Prompts – Page 3 – Renew Inspiration Mind Body Spirit

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

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 everyone takes their own path. Ready, set, write!

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).

Finding Spiritual Balance in the Presence of God

LaPorterMay 22, 2022Leave a Reply

Spiritual balance is the principle that allows the mind to be still. You cannot expect the world to settle down, everything to work out, in order for you to be happy. You have to get control of your mind. – Frederick Lenz

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! As you go through personal experiences in life, how often do you pause to reflect on the path you’re on and to find spiritual balance? Today, let’s talk about finding spiritual balance not only in your personal life, but also in the presence of God. How often do you read and study God’s Word? Do you just read your favorite Bible verse, pray for a moment, then move on with your day? In order to find spiritual balance in your life, it’s important to schedule quality time to not only read God’s Word, but also to write down your personal thoughts about the verses read and to determine how you can apply the verses to your own life.

Here are a few suggestions for beginning your spiritual journey:

Set a time to better engage in God’s Word and stick to your plan.
Gather your materials, such as Bible, notebook/journal, pen(s), highlighters, sticky notes, reference books, etc.
Designate a quiet space with no distractions, such as cellphones, televisions, people, noise, etc.
You may want to play some soft music in the background to set a relaxing mood.
Make sure your study area is free of clutter and well lit.
Pray and meditate while studying God’s Word to open your mind and heart.
Speak to God often to strengthen your relationship and ask Him to direct your study time.

FINDING SPIRITUAL BALANCE

By God’s wise designing we are wonderfully made, every part essential and in perfect balance laid. – Anon

To strive for spiritual balance, it is important to face each day with a positive attitude. Dig deep inside to strive for new opportunities that surround us every day. Focus on “right now” and not “what ifs”. Believe it or not, even as I type these words, it seems easier said than done. I realize this will not be an easy process for some, but to get to a better spiritual place in life, we sometimes need to place ourselves in uncomfortable situations and/or conversations. Involve yourself with like-minded individuals who build you up and not tear you down.

Here’s some ways to help you find spiritual balance within your life:

Write your thoughts and feelings in a journal
Read and be grounded in God’s Word
Meditate and be prayerful
Practice yoga and stretch routines
Read inspirational and spiritual books
Listen to a motivational podcast
Set some attainable goals for yourself
Post positive quotes where you can read them daily
Recite positive affirmations throughout your day

SPIRITUAL BALANCE AND MEDITATION

My mind and body are in perfect balance. I am a harmonious being. – Louise Hay

When thinking about spiritual balance, it is important to prepare your mind, body and spirit for the journey. From experience, it is difficult to have spiritual balance without first getting the mind ready to receive our spiritual gifts from God. So, in addition to reading and studying God’s Word, it is also important to practice meditation regularly.

Meditation can be defined as a practice where an individual focuses his or her mind on a particular object, thought, or activity to achieve a mentally clear and emotionally calm state. Remember, practice makes perfect so make sure to plan for meditation every day. It’s important to start with good breathing techniques when doing your meditation. In addition, create a peaceful and safe space where you will not be distracted during your meditation. It is important to let go of any and all frustrations throughout the meditation process. Meditation, when done correctly, offers many benefits throughout his or her weight loss journey as well.

Benefits of meditation includes, but not limited to:

Reduces stress and anxiety
Reduces impulsivity, cravings, and addictions
Increases resilience in hard times
Increases happiness and optimism
Helps create loving, harmonious relationships
Increases focus, creativity, and life satisfaction
Increases memory, compassion, and productivity
Produces a deep state of peace and well-being

How to Meditate:

Sit Still – Just sit still and close your eyes – Outer stillness will lead to inner stillness
Relax – It’s not a process – You just let go and surrender
Pay Attention – To nothing in particular – Just be awake and focus on self-awareness

HOW TO RECOGNIZE THE PRESENCE OF GOD

We cannot attain the presence of God because we’re already totally in the presence of God. What’s absent is awareness. – Richard Rohr

Every day is a new beginning. Take a deep breath, smile and start again. The presence of God is all around us. Can you feel God’s presence right now in this very moment? God inhabits every part of our lives except for the parts that we refuse to share with Him. Would you agree? When we don’t sense God’s presence in our daily routines, it’s not because God leaves us, but it’s because we have not developed a deep awareness of God’s presence in our lives. This process takes not only practice, but it also takes commitment and the willingness to surrender to God’s will throughout our lives.

Here’s some steps to recognize the presence of God:

Step 1: Do everything in your life for the love of God. It is important to give God your happiness and praises as well as your pain and suffering. God is always listening because He is your protector.
Step 2: Look for God’s goodness in all things. Remember, it is important to notice God’s presence in both simple and great things. Acknowledge this fact often throughout your life.
Step 3: Create stopping points in which to rest in God. Spend quality time throughout your day to pray, meditate and communicate with God.

Now, begin finding spiritual balance and placing yourself in the presence of God, breathe deeply and be aware of his loving kindness. Always remember to put God first in everything you do. Don’t forget to acknowledge God’s presence in the simple and more complicated things in life. Spending quality time in God’s presence has to be a priority in life.

BONUS – INDICATIONS OF GOD’S PRESENCE IN OUR LIVES

Don’t equate the presence of God with a good mood or a pleasant temperament. God is near whether you are happy or not. – Max Lucado

Here’s some important qualities that are indications of God’s presence in our lives:

Peace (Romans 15:33; Philippians 4:9) – When you know God’s presence, you can have inward calm despite chaos around you because He is the God of peace.
Rest, Refreshment (Matthew 11:28; Acts 3:19) – When you acknowledge God’s presence within, you will always have rest and feel refreshed.
Encouragement (Psalm 16:11; 21:6) – When you are aware of God’s presence, you can’t help but be full of joy and gladness because with Him come eternal blessings.
Shelter (Psalm 16:8-11; 31:20) – When you acknowledge God’s presence, you can feel secure and protected at all times.
Enlightenment (Psalm 89:15; 90:8) – When you get in touch with God’s presence, you will allow God to order your steps, then you will follow.
Nearness (Psalm 145:18; James 4:8) – When you bask in God’s presence, you can feel a sense of comfort knowing that God accepts you right where you are and you feel Him close to you.
Contentment (Hebrews 13:5) – When you experience God’s presence, you can be satisfied because you know you have all you need.
Endurance (Psalm 46:1; Isaiah 41:10) – When you spend quality time in God’s presence, you can feel renewed as you find His strength to help move you forward.

TIME FOR REFLECTION – JOURNAL PROMPTS

The body benefits from movement, and the mind benefits from stillness. – Sakyong MIpham

What are your priorities in life?
What do you need to be content?
Write down something that you want to remember. Why is it important to you?
Write 5 things you would like to do more and make a plan to do them.
What do you love about yourself?
Identify your strengths and weaknesses.
What are you thankful for? Why?
What are my values? What do I believe in?
Identify one way you would like to grow in the next year.

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

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).

Happy Mother’s Day

LaPorterMay 8, 2022Leave a Reply

A mother’s heart is like a rose, always open, always loving. – 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! Happy Mother’s Day to all of the well-deserved women reading this blog today. My prayer is that you got a chance to relax a bit and enjoyed time with family and friends.

Mother’s Day is a holiday honoring motherhood that is observed in different forms throughout the world. However, Mother’s Day is bittersweet for me since I lost my mother in December 2015. In honor of my mother, Rosalynn K. Russell, I wrote this poem as I struggled through my first phase of grief:

STILL HERE – Written by Latisha Porter

Still here…your spirit lives within me, I can feel you, but I cannot see;

Your beautiful face that often lit up a room, makes us wonder if you left too soon;

Still here…your presence surrounds me day by day, sometimes I cannot find the words to say;

I love you, I miss you, I cry myself to sleep;

No one seems to understand me cause my emotions are so deep.

Still here…your love will forever be in my heart, even though you’re gone, we’ll never be apart…Still here!

POSITIVE AFFIRMATIONS FOR MOTHERS

Surround yourself with only people who are going to lift you higher. – Oprah Winfrey

Did you know that positive affirmations are used to reprogram the subconscious mind and to encourage us to believe certain things about ourselves or about the world and our place in it? Positive affirmations are also used to help us create the reality we want in life. Now, with that said, please recite these positive affirmations every day and look in a mirror as you say them. Repeat them until you feel it in your soul, and you begin to believe every word.

I am divine love.
I am a good mother.
I must take care of myself so I can take care of those I love.
I am an amazing mother, even as I work hard to become a better one each day.
There is value in everything I do.
Love flows into my life easily and effortlessly.
The love I give comes back to me tenfold.
I am worthy of love, support, and appreciation.
My needs and desires matter and they deserve to be met.
It’s okay to need, want, and take a break from my family to be alone.
Taking care of myself is not selfish, it is necessary for me to be a great mother.

MOTHER’S DAY FUN FACTS

Mothering is the gospel lived out as you hold your child’s heart in beauty, prayer, and patience. It’s not the big decision, but the little ones, trusting God through it all. – Elizabeth Hawn

DID YOU KNOW…

Ann Reeves Jarvis of West Virginia helped start Mother’s Day Work Clubs to teach local women how to properly care for their children.
In 1868, Ann Reeves Jarvis organized Mother’s Friendship Day at which mothers gathered with former Union and Confederate soldiers to promote reconciliation.
In 1870, Julia Ward Howe wrote the Mother’s Day Proclamation which was a call to action that asked mothers to unite in promoting world peace.
In 1873, Julia Ward Howe campaigned for a Mother’s Peace Day to be celebrated every June 2.
The official Mother’s Day holiday arose in the 1900s as a result of the efforts of Anna Jarvis, daughter of Ann Reeves Jarvis.
In May 1908, Anna Jarvis organized the first official Mother’s Day celebration at a Methodist church in Grafton, West Virginia.
By 1912 many states, towns and churches had adopted Mother’s Day as an annual holiday.
In 1914, President Woodrow Wilson signed a measure officially establishing the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day.

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

TIME FOR REFLECTION – JOURNAL PROMPTS

A mother instructs with wisdom, guides through example, trains by love. – Roy Lessin

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 everyone takes their own path. Ready, set, write!

Write a letter or poem to your mother expressing your gratitude and appreciation.
What do you like about yourself as a mother, sister, aunt, friend, etc.?
What makes you feel nourished in your mind, body, and spirit?
How do you add value to the world and those around you?
How can you show yourself more love?
What is your favorite part of your daily routine?
What do you want your legacy to be?

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).

Practice Self-Care During Your Grief Experience

LaPorterApril 30, 2022Leave a Reply

Self-care is giving the world the best of you, instead of what’s left of you. – Katie Reed

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 discuss how important it is for you to practice self-care during your grief experience. Although everyone grieves in their own unique way, the emotional turmoil you feel during your grief experience can be complicated and have you feeling depleted. Whether you want to admit it or not, grief also leaves you feeling as though you have no voice when other people are not willing to listen to how you feel.

WHY SELF-CARE IS IMPORTANT

Give yourself the same care and attention that you give to others and watch yourself bloom. – Unknown Author

So, what is self-care? According to The Self-Care Solution written by Suzy Reading, self-care can be defined as any life-giving activity that restores, sustains or improves your health. Self-care is nourishment for your mind, body and spirit. Self-care can also help people become the best version of themselves when they learn effective ways to navigate through life.

Suzy Reading provides three reasons why self-care is important:

Stress is not going to go away. Stress is a normal part of life. In fact, life would be boring without some stress to keep us on our toes, right?
Stress has a cumulative effect. Stress can add up very quickly so make sure to plan for regular pressure releases throughout your day. For example, go for a walk, do a stretch routine or meditate.
Too much stress is dangerous. It’s a fact that too much stress makes us ill and greatly diminishes our ability to enjoy life.

In other words, self-care is necessary and can lead to:

A relaxed mood and improved state of mind
Improved thinking, organization, and personal relationships
Clearer understanding of where we are mentally and physically, and the ability to address our personal needs before we tend to others

SELF-CARE TIPS FOR GRIEF

Self-care is how you take your power back. – Lalah Della

Let’s be honest. It’s hard to think about yourself when you’re experiencing grief. Grief is hard and painful. There’s so many thoughts, feelings and emotions swirling around in your head all at once. Unfortunately, grief takes over your reality and your own needs tend to fall by the wayside. Make the time to implement some of these tips into your daily life routine. The tips are in no specific order, so scan through and pick those you relate to. As you can see, self-care is not selfish, but it is necessary to help keep you calm during your grief experience.

Take a moment and use these self-care tips for grief that can help you keep a calm mind, body and spirit:

#1 – Breathe Mindfully – Take time to breathe slowly and focus on your natural breath. This process will put your mind in the present moment.
#2 – Be Kind to Yourself – Being kind to yourself has tremendous healing power. Treat yourself as you would treat a beloved friend. Give yourself space to feel the pain of grief and allow your heart to break. Self-compassion
#3 – Let Yourself Cry – If you feel the need to cry, then let your tears flow. Crying is a gate way to your total healing experience.
#4 – Pray and Meditate Regularly– Despite how bad you’re feeling inside, it’s important to spend time in prayer and meditation. This process will help clear your mind and keep you in the present. Consistency is key so start with 10 to 20 minutes per day.
#5 – Connect with Others – No matter how difficult it may be, it’s important for you to have interaction with people you trust. However, if you feel like your support system has fallen apart, then find a compassionate grief counselor or therapist to speak with.
#6 – Move Your Body – Push yourself to move your body. Take a walk outside, practice doing yoga or try a new exercise class. Exercise does the whole body good. Exercise will help you sleep better and offer you a healthier option to release stress during this difficult time.
#7 – Express Yourself Through Creativity – Allowing yourself to spend time writing in your journal, drawing, coloring or knitting can help you focus on activating your creative side of your brain.

As you can see, grief can manifest itself physically, mentally, and emotionally. If you are not careful, grief can throw off your whole life balance and really have an effect on your future health.

HOW TO CREATE A SELF-CARE PLAN

Self-care is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation. – Audre Lorde

The best way to practice self-care during your grief experience is to create yourself a self-care plan. A self-care plan will allow you to be proactive and to take action when you need it most.

Here’s the five components necessary to create a self-care plan:

#1 – Identify personal needs and values – Keep in mind that your personal needs and values change when you experience life events, such as grief. Question – How do you feel?
#2 – Boundaries in regard to relationships and time – Set healthy boundaries with people and stick to them. Question – Does people energize you or deplete you?
#3 – Support system and circle of trust – Put a dependable support system in place that you trust. Question – Who is it that you lean on and trust?
#4 – Community resources and creative outlets – Research valuable community resources that will assist you throughout this journey. Question – What resources do you have available to you?
#5 – Personal and professional goals – Set personal and professional goals to improve your life. Question – Where do you want to see yourself I the future?

When done correctly, you will have time to reflect on the past, consider the future, and make most of the present.

JOURNAL TO OVERCOME GRIEF

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

SELF-CARE AFFIRMATIONS

Be enough for yourself first, the rest of the world can wait. – Unknown Author

Self-care affirmations will help you to focus on improving yourself. 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 personal.

Here’s a few of my favorite self-care affirmations to help you get started:

I love and respect myself.
I know my value and self-worth.
I care about myself and listen to all of my needs.
I am strong, resilient, and smart.
I treat myself with love, kindness, and acceptance.
I am powerful, healthy, and capable.
I am free of self-doubt and insecurities because I am confident.
I am centered, at peace, and in love with myself.
I affirm empowering and kind messages to myself.
I set healthy boundaries and stick to them.
I always focus on the positive side of life.
I embrace my past and learn from it every day.
I am not my mistakes or my past.
I release myself of any misery and suffering.

Remember, there’s no time limit on the grief process. Instead of avoiding grief, take time to address the pain and heartache you feel while you practice self-care. Then, go through the grieving process at your own pace and release the negative feelings by:

Crying or laughing about a past memory
Talking about your loss and sharing the memories with others
Writing about it or writing a letter to them, or even keeping a journal

TIME FOR REFLECTION – JOURNAL PROMPTS

Breathe. Let go. And remind yourself that this very moment is the only one you know you have for sure. – Oprah Winfrey

What was the last self-care thing you did?
What is one thing you need to let go?
What is one way you like to recharge your energy levels?
What is holding you back from improving your lifestyle?
How can I honor my body on today?
How important is self-care to you while you grieve?
What would you like to include in your daily self-care routine?

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).

Journal To Overcome Grief

LaPorterApril 17, 2022Leave a Reply

Grief never ends, but it changes. In passage, not a place to stay. Grief is not a sign of weakness, nor a lack of faith. It is the price of love. – 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’ve enjoyed your Easter holiday so far! Today, let’s discuss how to journal to overcome grief. Grief hits everyone differently. Coping with the loss of someone or something you love is one of life’s biggest challenges. Even though you may associate grieving with the death of a loved one, there are other losses that may occur in one’s life that may cause you grief, pain, and heartache, such as:

Divorce or relationship breakup
Loss of health
Losing a job
Loss of financial stability
A miscarriage
Retirement
Death of a pet
Loss of a cherished dream
A loved one’s serious illness
Loss of a friendship
Loss of safety after a trauma

Despite the unrest, hatred, loneliness, and fear that is experienced during the grief process, it’s important to find healthy ways to cope with your thoughts, feelings, and emotions.

BENEFITS OF JOURNALING THROUGH GRIEF

Grief can be the garden of compassion. If you keep your heart open through everything, your pain can become your greatest ally in your life’s search for love and wisdom. – Rumi

Journaling is a proven coping tool for exploring grief and other complicated emotions. I don’t know about you, but journaling is my safe place, my time to just write how I feel and scream on paper, and no one will ever know. A journal provides a safe environment for you to express your heart felt thoughts. Every person’s grief journal will be different based on the persons expectations, goals, experiences, and preferences.

There are benefits of journaling through grief, such as:

Reduce stress and anxiety – Expressive writing can lower stress and anxiety levels during any situation.
Improve your memory – Regular journal writing can improve your short-term memory.
Stay organized – Keeping a journal such as a weight loss diary or grief journal lets you maintain an organized record of your progress.
Strengthen your self-discipline – Journaling helps you to keep a regular writing schedule until it becomes a habit.
Prioritize problems and fears – Journaling helps you to see your triggers more clearly so you can prioritize and solve your problems and fears.
Allow yourself to self-reflect – Don’t over think your written entries, just write honestly, and make time for self-reflection.
Clarify your thoughts and feelings – Jot down your thoughts and feelings with no editing and you will contact your internal being.
Be creative – Add photos and positive quotes to enhance your written entries.

As you can see, keeping a journal allows you to track patterns, trends, improvement, and growth over time. Make sure to reflect on these thoughts often throughout your journey.

JOURNAL TO OVERCOME GRIEF

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

Today, I’m excited to share my new book called Journal To Overcome Grief: A Personal Journey to Healing that 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.

GRIEF AFFIRMATIONS

The irony of grief is that the person that you need to talk to about how you feel is the person who is no longer here. – Unknown Author

Grief affirmations may offer you hope when you feel there is none left. Grief affirmations can help shift your mindset in a positive direction. Take a moment each day to recite the following grief affirmations with confidence. Then, you’ll watch your life change right before your eyes.

No matter what you say, I know my grief matters.
I am strong because of what I have been through.
I heal with curiosity, presence, and hope.
Grief gives me wings with which I spread love.
I am always healing, and never alone.
My life is a celebration of their life.
Grief is a call for me to wake up and live, and love, even more.

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 personal.

TIME FOR REFLECTION – JOURNAL PROMPTS

You never really get over the death of someone you love. You simply get through it. – Unknown Author

How do you define grief?
Do you plan to start journaling through grief? Why or why not?
What is grief trying to tell you through this experience?
What triggers your grief when you’re alone?
How can you begin to make space for grief instead of avoiding it?
What are your saddest moments when you feel stuck in isolation?
What wisdom have you learned from grief?

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).

How To Survive Life Changing Hardships

LaPorterApril 1, 2022Leave a Reply

Hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny. – C.S. Lewis

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).

Special Thought – Life is hard. But not impossible.

Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! Let’s WELCOME APRIL in by learning how to awaken our whole being – mind, body and spirit through journal writing. Knowledge is power and I want to share some with you today. Well, I hope you have your journal and something to write with. I love to write in my journal because it is a safe place for me to put my feelings and emotions into words, then put my words into action.

Mind – Your mind will always believe everything you tell it. Feed it faith. Feed it truth. Feed it with love.
Body – Your body is healthy and beautiful.
Spirit – Everything you need is within you.

Journal writing is a form of personal expression. Journal writing can be whatever you want it to be. Now, take a moment and write down the questions below in your journal. Then, spend some time answering each question.

What are your strengths and weaknesses?
What is your proudest accomplishment?
What is your biggest failure?
What is overwhelming in your life right now?
How can you reduce this overwhelming feeling?

This journal writing exercise will help you navigate life and the various hardships you may experience along your journey.

WHAT IS A HARDSHIP?

If we believe that tomorrow will be better, we can bear a hardship today. – Thich Nhat Hanh

There are so many people still hurting right now and struggling to find a way to put their lives back together after being isolated for so long during the pandemic. Have you ever wondered how some people survived life changing hardships during this time?

Hardship (noun) can be defined as a severe suffering or privation; adversity or something difficult or unpleasant that you must endure or overcome.

The most common examples of hardship include:

Illness or injury
Change of employment status
Loss of income
Natural disasters
Divorce
Death
Military deployment

Believe it or not, hardships are a constant reminder that we are human. Whether big or small, we all go through hardships in one form or another in life.

HOW TO SURVIVE LIFE CHANGING HARDSHIPS

Everyone has hardship in their life. Everyone has pain. – Gayle Forman

Let’s face it, life is full of ups and downs. Even though each person must experience their own set of hardships in life, it’s important to know how to navigate through the process so you will survive life changing hardships.

Make A Plan – While you don’t have a crystal ball that’s going to tell you when hardships may occur in your life, you can look at patterns in your life to see what challenges you may be experiencing at the time. Then, make a plan for you to follow if a hardship may occur in the future.
Know You’re Not Alone – Believe it or not, there’s someone in this world who has gone through the same thing you’re experiencing right now. You’re not alone. Don’t be afraid to share your burdens with family or friends who are willing to assist you during your darkest hour.
Ask For Help – There’s no need to feel ashamed or to go through hardships alone, ask for help. Whether you ask a family member, friend or stranger, there should be people in your life that want to see you overcome this hardship and succeed.
Express Your Feelings – Don’t trap your feelings inside, but instead express your feelings either verbally or in writing. Talk to a friend, therapist or write in your journal.
Endure Your Hardships – Unfortunately, there is no escaping hardships in life. However, it’s important to know that you must endure your hardships rather than looking for an easy way out.
Be A Risk Taker – Don’t be afraid of failure. In order to accomplish great things in life, you must be willing to take risks.
Positive Mindset – What you think becomes your reality. Train your mind to think positive and uplifting thoughts. For example, recite positive affirmations, read an inspirational book or listen to inspirational podcasts.
Look For Learning and Growth Opportunities – When you’re stuck in the trenches of life, it’s hard to find a positive outlook. However, push yourself to find learning and growth opportunities as you endure the painful hardships.
Don’t Give Up – Whatever you do in life, don’t give up. Make goals for yourself and make a plan to reach those goals. When hardships occur in life, be ready, take time to analyze the situation, put your pride aside and ask for help if you need it.

Learning how to deal with hardships takes time, persistence, a positive attitude, and a willingness to change.

LIFE CHANGING AFFIRMATIONS

At the end of hardship comes happiness. – Charlie Gilkey

Affirmations are a great way to kick-start your day or to end your day in reflection. The purpose of positive affirmations is to affirm to ourselves that things are good even if we don’t necessarily feel that way at the time. Life changing affirmations can be used as a guide to help you receive healing and immediate change in life. Remember, consistency is key. Also, it’s important to find affirmations that resonate with you and align with your beliefs. Take a moment each day and recite the following life changing affirmations:

Today is filled with possibility.
I am limitless, my soul is eternal, and my potential is infinite.
I have the power to create the life I desire.
I am worthy of love, happiness, and fulfillment.
I create happiness by appreciating the little things in life.
I am strong enough to overcome life challenges.
My life is filled with purpose.
I can become anything I put my mind to.
I am confident about my future.
I see failure as an opportunity to learn.
I am fearless and my doubts are replaced by faith.
I don’t live for things. I live for a spiritual purpose.
I am superior to negativity and I rise above my struggles.
I have a healthy body, tranquil mind, and a vibrant soul.

WAYS TO RESTORE YOURSELF

When something is renewed, restored, or resurrected, it’s never the same as it was before. God has something better! – Jana Carlson

After you have embraced the concept of how to survive life changing hardships, it’s important to realize that you have the power to cultivate positive energy within your own body as well. Yes, even when you are exhausted, burned out, and feel like you’ve got nothing left to give, your body can guide you to a more peaceful place of greater vitality, inner strength, and well-being.

Here’s some helpful ways to restore yourself at any given time in life:

Rest when your body says rest. When you listen to your body and give yourself the rest you need, you’ll rebuild your energy over the long-term.
Practice self-awareness and cultivate stillness within you. Allow yourself to feel the stillness around you, letting it soak into your body.
Practice whole-body breathing. Feel your breath inside your body and notice how far it reaches within you.
Nourish your body wholeheartedly. Be conscious and heartfelt in how you nourish your body by choosing healthy foods that feel inherently good for you.
Develop a self-care routine that may include practicing restorative movement, light walking, stretching, and yoga. This will help regain energy in your body.
Have compassion for yourself and treat yourself kindly. Be kind in your thoughts and feelings towards yourself. Do this in Christ’s strength, not your own.
Nurture what inspires you, the simple pleasures of life through your thoughts, energy and actions.
Don’t neglect your own needs. Learn to guard your time like the precious gift that it is.

Remember, to be totally restored takes time as well as our precious minds focused on God and His greatness. We can survive life changing hardships if we keep our faith in God. Then, and only then will God renew us with hope and joy leaving us with much needed anticipation for eternity.

TIME FOR REFLECTION – JOURNAL PROMPTS

What motivates you the most?
What have you purposefully skipped out on, even if you wanted it?
What’s the first thing you turn to when you feel overwhelmed?
What changes do you want to see in your life in five years?
What do you wish to gain or experience coming out of a current change you’re going through?
What are three goals (big or small) you want to accomplish from this change?
What flaws and mistakes can you forgive yourself for?
How can you make sure to fill your cup before giving yourself to others?
What’s a limiting perspective or mindset that you’ve lived with your entire life? How do you plan to work through it?
What gets you out of bed in the morning? Are you pursuing that daily?
What things are you willing to let go of so you can live your best 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).

Learn How To Improve Your Life Through Forgiveness

LaPorterMarch 8, 2022Leave a Reply

Forgiveness is the greatest gift you can give yourself. – Maya Angelou

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! So, how’s 2022 treating you so far? There’s a lot going on in my life right now, some good things mixed with some bad. Despite all of this, I am still committed to writing inspirational blog posts that will help you work through some of your challenging life problems. One topic that keeps stirring in my spirit is the act of forgiveness.

Let’s begin our discussion by defining forgiveness. Forgiveness means that you accept the behavior, you accept what has happened, and you are willing to move past it, and move on with your life without worrying about past events that cannot be changed. Often times this process is easier said than done.

REASONS WHY PEOPLE STRUGGLE WITH FORGIVENESS

Forgive people in your life, even those who are not sorry for their actions. Holding on to anger only hurts you, not them. – Unknown Author

When you’re dealing with forgiveness, it’s important for you to:

Recognize how you truly feel in the inside concerning the person involved or the situation.
Learn to accept your feelings and where you are right now in this very moment.
Make a plan to take action so you can move on from this hurtful place.

Forgiveness is an extremely hard process to work through. Most of the time people struggle with identifying the various emotions that their feeling, such as anger, guilt, shame, etc.

Here’s some other reasons why people struggle with the act of forgiveness. People are:

Scared that forgiveness may justify the pain and hurt that was caused.
Not ready to grieve the experience so they can accept and let go.
Worried that by forgiving the person involved we make ourselves more vulnerable to being hurt again.
Scared to face and process their emotions in regard to what happened.
Refusing to forgive so they can maintain a false sense of control over the experience or person.

The struggles people may experience related to forgiveness are real. Remember, you don’t have to go through this process alone. Contact your doctor, join a local support group or find a licensed therapist in your area.

IMPROVE YOUR LIFE THROUGH FORGIVENESS

True forgiveness is when you can say ‘Thank you for that experience’. – Oprah Winfrey

Although forgiveness seems to be difficult for most people to do, when it’s done consistently it can improve your life. However, before you attempt the act of forgiveness, take a moment to reflect over the situation and consider what it is you’re trying to get out of this process. The concept of forgiveness doesn’t mean that you condone what happened or that the person involved is blameless. It’s making the conscious choice to release yourself from the burden, pain, and stress of holding on to resentment.

Grab your journal. Write down the following questions and your answers.

What do you want to receive from the forgiveness experience?
Why do you feel the need to forgive the person or situation?
Who are you really doing this for?
Will you be able to handle the result even if it’s not in your favor?

Now, let’s look at some ways to improve your life through forgiveness.

Be prepared to take back your power over the situation. Don’t allow anyone or anything to control your happiness. You have the power to overcome and reach your destiny.
Be honest with yourself and feel your pain. Give yourself permission to acknowledge and honor the pain that’s real in your life. Then, make a plan to release it.
Name the feelings and emotions you’re feeling. Whether you hurt yourself or have been hurt by someone else, allow yourself to name the feelings and emotions. Some examples may include guilt, grief, shame, regret, sadness, anxiety, panic, fear, confusion, numbness, etc.
Have patience because forgiveness is a practice. Show yourself patience and grace as you navigate through this experience. Nothing changes overnight. It takes time and a commitment to practice forgiveness.
Set healthy boundaries. It’s important to nurture yourself throughout this process. Set healthy boundaries and only allow people to be a part of your life or space that respect you on every level. This is not a compromise.

Always remember, taking action can help you to facilitate healing and make you feel more empowered over the situation.

FORGIVENESS AFFIRMATIONS

Forgive yourself, you are not perfect. Show yourself grace, you are still learning. Show yourself patience, you are on a journey. – Shannon Yvette Tanner

Forgiveness is a process. If you’re feeling resentment. Let it go. If you’re feeling anger. Let it go. Just like you would show someone else patience, compassion, and grace, make sure to do the same thing for yourself.

Now, repeat after me:

I will take small steps towards making peace with my past. Every day is an opportunity to do it better, an opportunity to become a better version of myself.

Forgiveness is a gift I give myself.
I am worthy of forgiveness.
I accept that I am human, and I make mistakes.
I forgive myself for the hurt I’ve caused.
I accept my shortcomings and forgive myself.
I forgive myself for not knowing what I know now.
I have the power to forgive everyone who cause me pain and heartache.
I let go of unforgiveness, grudges, and malice.
I am proud of who I am – strong, powerful, limitless, and courageous.
I am ready to get out of my comfort zone and explore the opportunity of forgiveness.

As you practice working with the pain that’s there, you grow key strengths of self-compassion, courage, and empathy that inevitably make you stronger in every way. Now, breathe in and say I acknowledge the pain, hurt, and heartache. Breathe out and say I am forgiving and releasing this burden from mind, heart, and soul. Forgiveness allows me to be happy today, tomorrow, and every day of my life.

TIME FOR REFLECTION – JOURNAL PROMPTS

Remember when you forgive, you heal. And when you let go, you grow. – Unknown Author

How does forgiveness improve your life?
Why is it so hard to ask for forgiveness?
Who do you need to forgive?
Why is it important for you to forgive others?
What do you need to be forgiven for?
How does withholding forgiveness serve you?
How would your life change if you practiced forgiveness on a regular basis?

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS

Sharing is caring. I would love to hear from you. Please answer these questions in the comment section. You never know, your comment may help someone else along their journey. What will happen once you forgive another person? What is the best part of forgiving? What is the hardest part of forgiving? What resonates with you after reading this blog post?

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).

Badass Blogger Award – Blogging With A Purpose

LaPorterFebruary 27, 20226 Replies

I am a blogger – that is an amazing thing for me, because it captures a moment in time every day. – Mena Grabowski Trott

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, I am using my blogging platform to have some fun while supporting other bloggers. Earlier this month, I was nominated by Deandra, the creator of The Black Princess Diaries website, for the Badass Blogger Award. Deandra, thank you for uplifting me and my Renew Inspiration blog. This is such a humbling experience that I don’t take lightly.

In addition, I want to pause at this time to thank Katie, the creator of the Dating Bitch website for creating the Badass Blogger Award. The goal of the Badass Blogging Award is to show appreciation for other bloggers and inspire confidence within the writing process. Don’t doubt yourself, but instead keep publishing informative and uplifting content for your readers.

It has been a long time since I’ve received a blogger award from another blogger. Believe it or not, receiving blogger awards help to motivate you as a writer, keep you focused on your blogging goals, and build a sense of trust within the blogging community. For example, it has been four years since I stepped out on faith and created my Renew Inspiration blog. I stayed committed and focused throughout my blogging journey posting inspirational and uplifting blog posts. My ultimate goal was to inspire, encourage, and motivate everyone who visit my webpage.

AMAZON RESOURCE # 1 – Blogging for Dummies Book

THE RULES:

List the rules and display the award logo in your post.
Mention the creator and link back to the original blog post.
Thank the person who nominated you (and link back to their post).
List 3 things about you that make you a badass.
Answer your nominator’s 6 questions (so, there will be a total of 7 questions).
Create 6 new questions of your own.
Nominate 7 more badass bloggers and notify them of their win.

DEANDRA’S QUESTIONS FOR ME:

List 3 things that make you a badass.

I’d say 3 things that make me a badass are – 1) Always inspiring others to be the best version of themselves. 2) Not being afraid to move out of my comfort zone to do what makes my soul happy. 3) My willingness to help others reach their goals or higher potential.

What’s your favorite activity to do on the weekend?

Since I work a full-time job Monday – Friday, I love to sleep in on Saturday. Then, I spend time doing chores around the house and running errands. After grocery shopping and meal prepping for the upcoming week, I like to spend time writing, reading, and meditating. Sometimes we have family time which includes watching movies, playing board games or video/VR games.

Do you prefer to write blog posts that are on the longer or shorter side?

Great question. I have to say that most of my blog posts are on the shorter side. I normally choose a topic of my choice and write just enough to inform my readers of the topic’s importance. In addition, I always include journal prompts at the end of my blog posts that inspires my readers to improve themselves in various areas of their lives.

Could you see yourself being a blogger forever? Why/why not?

Yes, I could see myself being a blogger forever because I love to write inspirational blog posts and use my blogging platform to help others reach their personal achievements.

What’s something that makes you, you?

I am a woman of my word. I am a kind and compassionate person. I love to spread inspiration and happiness all around me like confetti.

Which would you prefer, reading or listening to a podcast?

I honestly prefer reading and holding a physical book in my hands, but I listen to podcasts for inspiration sometimes as well.

What do you think makes your blog different from all of the others?

My Renew Inspiration blog was created from a painful experience after my mom passed away in 2015. I used my grief journal entries to create my blogging platform and then decided to expand my blogging entries to reflect everything surrounding inspiration.

MY QUESTIONS FOR YOU:

List 3 things that make you a badass.
What is it that makes you who you are?
Why do you enjoy writing blogs?
Do you consider yourself a unique blogger? Why or why not?
Where do you find inspiration?
What do you believe stands between you and complete happiness?
What’s something you think every person should experience in their lifetime?

MY NOMINEES:

The Professional Martini Drinking Blogger
Find Your Flourish
Simply Katricia
Random Thoughts ‘n Some Coffee
Life Lessons from Around the Dinner Table
Fluxing Well
Mind Beauty Simplicity

BLOGGING COMMUNITY

Let’s use this opportunity to improve our blogging community by:

Continuing to support and uplift one another.
Finding new bloggers in your niche to support.
Reading blogs often and writing a helpful comment.
Encouraging other bloggers to keep blogging.
Asking for help or support when you need it.

As you can see blogging can be a rewarding opportunity for most people who choose to do it but launching a new blog can still be a scary experience for many. It’s important for new bloggers to keep learning, be flexible, ask for help, and be willing to adjust with the blogging industry standards. Deandra, thanks again for nominating me for this amazing award! Happy Blogging!

AMAZON RESOURCE #2 – This Year I will 52-Week Guided Journal

TIME FOR REFLECTION – JOURNAL PROMPTS

Blogging is not rocket science, it’s about being yourself, and putting what you have into it. – Unknown Author

1) How would blogging benefit you right now in this very moment?

2) What is your purpose for blogging in this season of your life?

3) What are your top 5 blogging goals for this year?

4) How does your blog stand out from all the rest?

5) How do you plan to improve your blog?

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).

Journaling to Heal Within

LaPorterFebruary 17, 20225 Replies

Journaling is paying attention to the inside for the purpose of living well from the inside out. – Lee Wise

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 journaling to heal within. Journaling allows you to gain clarity inside and out. Journaling also helps you to make positive changes in your life. If you allow it, journaling will offer you a glimpse into your soul in its purest form. Before we get started, please make sure you have the following:

An open mind; Meditation ready
Willingness to express oneself; Eager to move from one place to another freely
Humble and caring spirit; Broken soul
Journal or Notebook
Pen or Pencil

I want to encourage you to pause for a moment and look within. Create awareness of your overall energy, how you feel and what you’re thinking. Believe it or not, journaling can be another form of self-reflection. Journaling can make you aware of negative patterns in your behavior so you can focus on the present moment. Journaling is an effective way to accelerate your emotional healing.

AMAZON RESOURCE # 1

BENEFITS OF JOURNALING

Journal writing, when it becomes a ritual for transformation, is not only life-changing but life-expanding. – Jen Williamson

What’s the message that you need on today? What is it that you need to focus on within your life, right now, in this very moment? During your lifelong journey, it’s important for you to speak positive words into your soul. Despite the hurt you may feel or the sadness you experience in life, often times you forget that the power to overcome life’s challenges is already inside you. If you feel lost or defeated, it’s because the heart and mind are not working in harmony, when they work together you will find peace. There’s a lot of benefits of journaling, but here’s a few that I want to share with you.

Journaling:

Helps you think more critically about your life
Reduces stress and anxiety by keeping you in the present moment
Allows you to recognize and release negative thoughts and feelings
Increases your happiness in life and improves your mood
Encourages inner peace and a feeling of well-being
Provides self-discovery, self-awareness, and moments of reflection
Helps you gain clarity in your life, better memory
Increases creativity, positivity, and mindfulness
Builds resilience and confidence
Helps to organize and process your thoughts and feelings
Improves your sleep and overall mental wellness

As you can see, making the decision to practice journaling will bring mindfulness, peace, and emotional healing into your daily routine.

JOURNALING TIPS

Journal writing gives us insights into who we are, who we were, and who we can become. – Sandra Marinella

There is no wrong or right way to practice journaling, just write! Journaling is a great way to release emotions so you can be in a better headspace. Include journaling in your daily routine so you can heal any emotional, physical or mental wounds that may have been caused by negativity from others or internally. Here’s some great journaling tips to help you get started:

Tip 1 – Create a safe place to write; Declutter your space; Add your preferred lighting and scented candles; You should feel good, happy and calm in your writing space
Tip 2 – Let it all out; Allow your thoughts to flow freely and write about anything
Tip 3 – Dedicate time and write regularly; Try to write in your journal on a regular basis; Every day is ideal
Tip 4 – Try new things; Move out of your comfort zone; Try things that make you happy; Write letters to yourself or to loved ones (past or present)
Tip 5 – Don’t get too negative; Shift your writing in another direction; Avoid rereading your negative writing, but instead have a balanced point of view

What’s your story or experience? It’s important to allow yourself to feel and to express yourself honestly throughout this process. For example, I survived throughout my journey because the fire inside me burned brighter than the fire around me. I had to reflect on scriptures that were hidden in my heart in order to rise up above my problems, situations, depression, sadness, hurt, etc. Remember, this is a personal journey. It’s important for you to find your safe place and surround yourself with God’s love, peace, and joy.

AMAZON RESOURCE #2

TIME FOR REFLECTION – JOURNAL PROMPTS

In the journal I do not just express myself more openly than I could to any person; I create myself. – Susan Sontag

What is something that has been weighing on your mind lately?
What do you see as your biggest accomplishment?
Do you have any regrets about how you’ve lived your life so far?
What have you done to make amends and/or forgive yourself?
What is the most important thing you have learned about yourself in the past year?
If you could be anywhere right now, where would you be?
What can you do right now to lift your mood?
How can you make this week a better one than last?

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS

Journal writing is a voyage to the interior. – Christina Baldwin

Sharing is caring. I would love to hear from you. Please answer these questions in the comment section. You never know, your comment may help someone else along their journey. Journaling can help you heal within so you can overcome any obstacle that you face in life. Have you already tried journaling to overcome challenges in life? If so, please share your experience(s). What advice would you give yourself to begin the healing process? After reading this blog post, what resonates with you?

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).