Life Lessons – Page 4 – Renew Inspiration Mind Body Spirit

2021 Blogging Milestone & Goals

LaPorterJanuary 1, 20214 Replies

Blogging, Writing, Renew Inspiration, Journal Prompts, Affiliate Programs, Social Media, Milestone — Renew Inspiration

Remember to celebrate the milestones as you prepare for the road ahead. – Nelson Mandela

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).

Today’s Thought – I will focus on progress, not perfection.

Happy New Year and welcome back to Renew Inspiration! I want to take a moment to share my 2021 Blogging Milestone & Goals with you. It has been three years since I stepped out in faith and created my Renew Inspiration blog. I stayed committed and focused throughout this time while sharing uplifting blog posts. My ultimate goal was to keep you inspired, encouraged, and motivated. I am happy to say that I’ve accomplished this goal and will continue to do so moving forward. In addition, I want to pause at this time to thank you for being supportive throughout my blogging journey!

Today I am excited to share some of the reasons why I enjoy blogging:

To inspire, encourage and motivate
To share ideas and my passion for writing
To cope with life and its many challenges
To expand networking opportunities with other bloggers/writers
To express myself and share creative writing experiences
To make money using affiliate programs

RENEW INSPIRATION BLOG DETAILS

Here’s my Renew Inspiration blog details:

Website https://renewinspiration.com
Blog Posts – 74 in 2019 vs 51 in 2020
Blog Subscribers – 323 in 2019 vs 441 in 2020
Blog Stats – 16,748 in 2019 vs 32,597 in 2020

AMAZON RESOURCE # 1

AFFILIATE PROGRAMS

In addition, I have set up affiliate links to help monetize my Renew Inspiration blog. Moving forward, you can continue supporting my blogging efforts by clicking on the links below to make purchases, then I will receive a small commission to help offset my blogging costs.

Here’s my Affiliate Programs & Links:

WordPress

Blue Host

Amazon

Pixistock Link

https://pixistock.com/stock-photo-subscription/ref/695/

Ivory Mix Link

https://ivorymix.com/product-category/memberships/?wpam_id=1185

SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS

Next, my Renew Inspiration social media accounts continues to grow because of supportive people like you. For that, I want to say thank you and I appreciate all of you.

Here’s the links to my social media accounts:

Pinterest – pinterest.com/lporter08/

Followers – 6,700 in 2019 vs 8,300 in 2020
Monthly Viewers – 210.5k in 2019 vs 338.5k in 2020

Twitter – twitter.com/renew_lporter08

Followers – 3,887 in 2019 vs 4,011 in 2020

Instagram – instagram.com/renewinspiration/

Followers – 887 in 2019 vs 1,045 in 2020

Facebook – facebook.com/renewinspirationmindbodyspirit

Likes – 474 in 2019 vs 572 in 2020
Follows – 486 in 2019 vs 599 in 2020

AMAZON RESOURCE #2

2021 RENEW INSPIRATION BLOG GOALS

Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment. – Jim Rohn

Spending time writing and blogging has taught me so much about myself. I’ve found my passion while inspiring others along this journey we call life. It’s important for me to keep learning, be flexible, ask other bloggers/writers for help, and be willing to adjust with the blogging industry standards.

Here’s my 2021 Renew Inspiration Blog Goals:

To increase my Renew Inspiration blog subscribers.
To market my Renew Inspiration blog using various social media platforms.
To support other bloggers via Twitter and in Facebook Groups.
To collaborate with other bloggers throughout the year.
To complete & publish my first Renew Inspiration book project.
To research E-book ideas/processes and create at least one this year.
To participate in various online courses to improve my writing & blogging skills.

AMAZON RESOURCE #3

JOURNAL PROMPTS

What are your short-term and long-term blogging goals?
How have you been getting in the way of achieving of your blogging goals?
How you stay organized as a blogger?
What are some of your blogging lessons and what you learned from them?
What inspires you to write, blog, and be creative?
How has blogging helped me get closer to being spiritually grounded?

SHARING WITH ONE ANOTHER

Let’s talk. How does writing or reading inspirational blogs help you? 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).

Coping with Grief During the Holidays

LaPorterDecember 19, 20203 Replies

The loneliest walk you’ll ever take is the one down the road of grief. – Author Unknown

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 am truly lost and broken on today. It has been 5 years since my beautiful mother left her earthly body to be in heaven. I realize deep in my heart that she is in a better place where she will no longer be in pain while struggling to breathe due to suffering from severe COPD. I watched her change from an independent, vibrant, and feisty woman to one who struggled to care for herself on a daily basis. Watching her go through this terrible transition honestly broke me down to my core. It hurt me so much because I could not do anything to help her overcome this awful illness that she had to endure.

AMAZON RESOURCE #1

WAYS TO COPE WITH GRIEF DURING THE HOLIDAYS

Missing you comes in waves, tonight I’m drowning. – Unknown Author

The holidays can be a time of sadness, pain, anger or dread for anyone dealing with an illness, grief or the loss of a loved one. Unfortunately, grief can also magnify the stress that is often already felt during the holidays. On the other hand, it’s important to note that it’s alright to have a good time in spite of your grief. Just allow yourself to feel whatever your heart is feeling in the moment.

Here’s some effective ways to cope with grief during the holidays:

Offer yourself some grace – Give yourself permission to feel whatever it is you’re feeling. If you feel sad, allow the tears to come; if you feel angry, allow yourself to vent some steam in a safe manner.
Be kind to yourself – Be sure to get plenty of rest and nourishment you need; do not take on more than you can handle; if you need to be alone, then honor that. If you desire the affection of others, seek it out.
Ask for and accept help – It’s okay to tell your loved ones the best way that they can help you during this difficult time. Remember, ask and you shall receive.
Set healthy boundaries – Choose to participate only if you’re ready and feel comfortable in the scheduled activity or event.
Focus on what you can control – Observe your surroundings and relationships. Then, do what makes you happy.
Find a way to honor your memories – Create a special way to memorialize your loved one. For example, light a candle, arrange to have a prayer vigil, release balloons, plant a tree, or create a stone garden.
Find support – Sharing your feelings is often the best way to get through them and finding people you can talk to will help. Family and friends can be a great support during times of grief. If they are unavailable, seek professional help from a licensed therapist, a grief counselor or grief support group in your area.
Make a difference in your community – Give to your favorite charity organization or purchase a gift for a needy child. Consider volunteering at a nursing home, hospital, hospice, children’s shelter or soup kitchen. This can help you cope with your grief by contributing to the greater good within your community.

Keep in mind, the best gift you can give anyone you love is that of being true to yourself and living your life to the fullest, even as you adjust to the loss of a loved one during the holidays. With time, I know I will learn to live and express myself differently, but for now writing is my first choice throughout this lost and broken journey. Have a safe and wonderful holiday season!

AMAZON RESOURCE #2

JOURNAL PROMPTS

MIND

Why are you grieving?
What is your fondest memory?
Some of my grief triggers are ___________________.

BODY

Why do I feel lost and broken on today?
What was my high and low today?
I find it most difficult when __________________.

SPIRIT

What do I know to be true in this moment?
What is something you would love to learn in your lifetime?
I am really having a hard time coping with __________________.

BLUEHOST RESOURCE

WORDPRESS RESOURCE

SHARING WITH ONE ANOTHER

Let’s talk. Believe it or not, writing my feelings out in a journal or on my Renew Inspiration blog helps me sort out my thoughts. I’m able to release the hurt, loneliness, pain, anger, and heartache all in one place without judgment. Have you ever felt lost, lonely and broken throughout life? How do you cope with grief during the holidays? If so, how did you cope with your grief and pain? 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).

Season of Gratitude

LaPorterNovember 1, 202015 Replies

Gratitude helps you to grow and expand; gratitude brings joy and laughter into your life and into the lives all those around you. – Eileen Caddy

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 November with new dreams and a fresh start. When I think of November, I think of gratitude. Gratitude turns what we have into enough and more in some cases. Gratitude turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. Gratitude can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. What does gratitude mean to you?

DEFINE GRATITUDE

Small seeds of gratitude will produce a harvest of hope. – Unknown

Gratitude is defined as the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness. When was the last time you showed gratitude toward yourself and to others? Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow. If you allow it, gratitude can also unlock the fullness of life. Inhale love. Exhale gratitude.

In addition, gratitude helps people:

Feel more positive emotions.
Relish good experiences.
Improve their overall health.
Deal with adversity.
Build strong relationships.

IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT GRATITUDE

Gratitude is the fairest blossom which springs from the soul. – Henry Ward Beecher

Quite frankly, I believe that all good things come from gratitude. If you really think about it, gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings. Live in gratitude. When you are thankful for what you have, you are always rewarded with more.

Moreover, here’s some additional important facts about gratitude:

Gratitude shields you from negativity.
Gratitude makes you at least 25% happier.
Gratitude helps to rewire your brain.
Gratitude eliminates stress and heals your body.
Gratitude can improve your sleep habits.
Gratitude can help boost your self-esteem.
Gratitude can help improve your personal relationships.

7 GRATITUDE AFFIRMATIONS

Gratitude is the single most important ingredient to living a successful and fulfilled life. – Jack Canfield

Here’s 7 gratitude affirmations to help you become more grateful:

I feel grateful to be loved by family and friends
I am grateful for how the sun warms my face
I am grateful for my sense of taste and smell
I am grateful for shelter
I give thanks for every breath I take in
I am grateful for music that speaks to my heart
I feel grateful every time I lift another’s spirit

AMAZON RESOURCE #1

GRATITUDE JOURNAL

The real gift of gratitude is that the more grateful you are, the more present you become. – Robert Holden

A gratitude journal is a diary of things for which one is grateful. Gratitude journals are used by individuals who wish to focus their attention on the positive things in their lives.

Start a gratitude journal to include a personal reflection (goals, thoughts, feelings), affirmation, scriptures, poems, quotes, kind gestures (writing notes, letters, or making phone calls). Be creative and honest. This process will change your life in a positive and uplifting way.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Gratitude helps you to grow and expand; gratitude brings joy and laughter into your life and into the lives all those around you. – Eileen Caddy

Gratitude is a lifestyle that you choose. Overtime, choosing gratitude means choosing joy. It’s a choice that requires constantly renewing of your mind with the truth of God’s Word, setting your heart to inspire others with creativity from within, and disciplining your tongue to speak words that reflect God’s goodness and His grace. Honestly, I believe a grateful spirit, rooted in the soil of God’s goodness and grace, will impact how you view and respond to everything in your life. When gratitude becomes your default setting, life changes.

AMAZON RESOURCE #2

JOURNAL PROMPTS

Living in a state of gratitude is the gateway to grace. – Arianna Huffington

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!

How have you shown gratitude on today?
What made you smile today?
What are you learning about yourself?
What’s a simple pleasure that you’re grateful for?
What mistake or failure are you grateful for?
How often do you practice gratitude?
How have gratitude changed your life?

AMAZON RESOURCE #3

SHARING WITH ONE ANOTHER

There is a calmness to a life lived in gratitude, a quiet joy. – Ralph H Blum

Let’s talk. It is important to practice gratitude in your daily life to feel happier and more connected to the world and a higher power. How often do you practice gratitude? Do you keep a gratitude journal? 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).

Improving Attitude Awareness

LaPorterOctober 11, 20204 Replies

If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude. – 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! Today, I choose to have a positive attitude and look at my life in a new way. With this brand-new attitude, brings a positive mindset and beautiful blessings from on high.

As we travel along this journey called life, it is important to embrace the moment you’re in, which is a process called awareness. Well, what’s the best way to practice awareness? You start this process by training yourself to be mindfully aware of what is happening in your life right now, in this moment. Awareness balances thinking and reduces anxiety. Keep in mind, anxiety is focused on the past or the future and awareness is grounded in the present.

Attitude is defined as a settled way of thinking or feeling about someone or something, typically one that is reflected in a person’s behavior.

Awareness is defined as the quality or state of being aware; concern about and well-informed interest in a particular situation or development.

AMAZON RESOURCE #1

WAYS TO IMPROVE YOUR ATTITUDE

The greatest discovery of all time is that a person can change his future by merely changing his attitude. – Oprah Winfrey

In life, two things define you: 1) Your patience when you have nothing and 2) And your attitude when you have everything. Attitude awareness is the first step to building a positive attitude. Believe it or not, our attitude plays a big part in our every day lives and can affect the outcome of our future. Always remember, attitude is a choice. We can choose whether to have a good or a bad attitude at any given time.

Here’s six valuable ways to help improve your attitude:

Live in the present moment – Learn how to stop, sit and be quiet even if it is just for 10 minutes per day. Your mind, body and spirit will thank you later.

Act with a sense of purpose – Your actions must be in line with your personal values and who you are as a person. It is important to live your life with purpose.

Expect the best out of every situation – Don’t complain or think negative. Instead, replace negative thoughts with positive ones.

Use setbacks to improve your skills – Don’t be afraid to look back at your actions so you can learn important life lessons from your mistakes.

Spend time with like-minded individuals – The people you surround yourself will reflect upon you and how you live your life.

Take action and then let it go – Holding on to your past is not an option. Take appropriate action and let go of everything that is holding you back mentally, physically and spiritually.

AMAZON RESOURCE #2

FINAL THOUGHTS

Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference. – Unknown Author

As you go through life, always expose yourself to positive information and hang around positive people so you will achieve positive results. Whatever life throws at you, even if it hurts, press forward and plant your feet on solid ground and be strong. Remember, strong walls shake, but never collapse.

JOURNAL PROMPTS

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

Mind

Meditate and think about only positive thoughts. Then, write about your thoughts.

When you close your eyes, what do you always dream about? Write about it.

If you could paint a picture of your favorite memory, what would it look like?

Body

Live in the moment right now, describe the feeling and everything around you.

What is the most complicated part of your life right now?

Do you adapt easily to change or is it hard for you?

Spirit

You’re looking through the window to your soul, what do you see?

What is the biggest thing you want to change about yourself?

Do you wish you could press the reset button on anything in your life? If so, what?

AMAZON RESOURCE #3

SHARING WITH ONE ANOTHER

Let’s talk. How do you plan to improve your attitude awareness? Please share your honest response in the comment section. I cannot wait to hear from 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).

Journaling Beyond Measure

LaPorterSeptember 13, 202010 Replies

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

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 want to explore various ways to make your life complete using my very own concept called journaling beyond measure. Journaling beyond measure will help you gain clarity inside and out. In addition, this concept will help you to make positive changes in your life that will offer you a glimpse into your soul in its purest form by doing the following:

Making you more aware – Helps you get to know yourself better; Brings your thoughts and feelings to the surface
Letting you take control – Minimize the chaos in your life; Journaling helps get things into perspective
Shifting your viewpoint – Offers a safe place to practice positive self-talk; Retraining the brain to think positively
Letting you notice patterns – Helps you see how you’re doing over time

BENEFITS OF JOURNALING

Journaling is my safe place and I use this time to just write how I feel with no excuses and no explanations given. Believe it or not, journaling has many benefits, such as:

Lowering your stress levels and making you feel calmer.
Helping you gain clarity and improving your short-term memory.
Encouraging you to maintain an organized record of your progress and journey.
Helping you increase your happiness and improving your mood.
Helping you develop self-awareness and empathy.
Offering you an ability to heal your past or present traumas.
Helping you to increase your personal creativity.

Remember, when you write in a journal it becomes your personal journey of creative and heart felt thoughts. Your experiences may even bring about other benefits if you’re open to the process.

AMAZON RESOURCE #1 – Creative Journaling

JOURNALING TIPS

In addition, journaling can provide an outlet for your personal thoughts and feelings to be expressed freely without criticism. From my experience, it’s important to have your guard down when making the decision to start journaling. After all, journaling helps you to gain better control of your emotions and thought process, which improves your overall mental health.

Here’s some amazing journaling tips to keep in mind as you embark on this journey:

Keep a regular writing schedule so journaling becomes a habit.
Select a journal that you feel comfortable using to capture your inner thoughts.
Don’t over think your written entries, just write honestly.
Be creative, add photos and positive quotes to enhance your written entries.
Take your journal everywhere you go to capture special thoughts or moments.
Be spontaneous and free letting it all out with no structure.
Don’t get too negative, but instead shift your writing in another direction.

Finally, don’t worry about format, grammar, or spelling. Remember, this is your personal space and a written account for how you feel right now in this very moment. Don’t worry about following your traditional writing rules. Dedicate time daily and just write.

AMAZON RESOURCE #2 – Bible Journaling

JOURNAL OPTIONS

Next, I want to share some journal options that you can include into your journaling schedule. Some people may do just a simple journal based on everyday events or you can get creative and try some other journal options, such as:

Bible Journal – Bible Journals can provide you with a therapeutic way to better cope with everyday situations, understand your feelings and establish a connection between your life and the biblical content. Include notes, scriptures, life lessons and examples, pictures, quotes, questions, etc.
Gratitude Journal – Gratitude Journals allow you to recognize, appreciate and record pleasant occurrences in your life. Also, you can include blessings, special moments of authentic happiness and contentment. Include what you are grateful for, personal thoughts, quotes, stickers, etc.
Prayer Journal – Prayer Journals allow you to deepen your relationship with God by writing down your prayers every day. Learn by reflecting on prayers that have been answered, and others that haven’t. Some suggestions may include prayers, scriptures, personal thoughts, self-reflection notes, quotes, etc.
Reading Journal – Reading Journals can be a place to store your personal reactions to what you’re reading. Writing down your responses will allow you to discover how you feel about the book itself, the characters, scenery or plot. Include the book(s)/authors you are reading, personal thoughts, and emotional responses, connect the book to your own life, questions you may have about the book(s), connect with the characters, etc.
Scrapbook Journal – Scrapbook Journals is a cross between scrapbooking, journaling, collaging and sketching pictures to tell a story or to highlight a special memory. Include pictures, personal thoughts, quotes, stickers, etc.
Travel Journal – Travel Journals are a place where you can write about trips you have taken, what you learned during and after the trip. Include adventures, stories, memories, pictures, personal thoughts, culture, customs, the people you met/saw, favorite places you visited, quotes, etc.

Now, remember I just wanted to share a few journal options, but you can create any type of journal based on your life and style. There are no right or wrong journal options. Choose the journal option that you will enjoy, learn from, and continue to grow throughout life.

FINAL THOUGHTS

So, whether you are currently writing in a journal on a regular basis or you would like to start, these benefits, tips and options should help you start journaling beyond measure. Don’t be afraid to grab your journal and write your ideas so you’re able to retrieve your thoughts whenever needed. Your journal holds pertinent life information, so you can remember and reference at any time in your future. Believe in yourself today, tomorrow, and forever!

AMAZON RESOURCE #3 – No Excuse Journaling

JOURNAL PROMPTS

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!

Bible Journal Prompts:

What is your favorite scripture and why?
What values do you want to live by based on scripture?
In what area of my life do I need to improve self-discipline?

Gratitude Journal Prompts:

What are you grateful for?
What would my ideal day look like?
What is one thing that I can do to change my attitude?

Prayer Journal Prompts:

What is one thing I could do this month to improve my prayer life and spiritual walk?
What is one thing I can do today that would promote a quiet spirit within me?
Do you think God will answer your prayers? Why or why not?

Reading Journal Prompts:

What is your favorite book/author and why?
What is one book you’d like to read before the end of 2020?
If I was given the opportunity to write a book, I would write about….

Scrapbook Journal Prompts:

Do you consider yourself being a creative person?
How do you like to retell a story or special memory?
What is one thing that I can do this week to improve my creativity?

Travel Journal Prompts:

What makes this trip special to you?
What are you planning to do on this trip?
Take time to reflect on the location, people, the customs and the food.

SHARING WITH ONE ANOTHER

Let’s talk. Journaling can help you overcome any problem or obstacle that you face in life. How do you define journaling beyond measure? Have you already tried journaling to overcome challenges in life? If so, please share your experience(s). Please share your honest response in the comment section. I cannot wait to hear from 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).

Engage in God’s Word

LaPorterAugust 23, 20205 Replies

Get in God’s Word until God’s Word gets in you. – 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).

Thy word is thy lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. (Psalm 119:105)

Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! Let’s begin this beautiful Sunday discussion on how to get engaged in God’s Word. Especially during this pandemic or any time of crisis, it is important to keep God’s Word in the forefront of our minds. As believers in God and Jesus Christ, we must schedule quality time to not only read God’s Word, but also to write down our personal thoughts about the verses read, determine how we can apply the verses to our own lives in 2020 and don’t be afraid to cross reference the information in the Bible Concordance.

PREPARING FOR YOUR SPIRITUAL JOURNEY

Pause and find the blessings in today. – Unknown Author

Making time to read and study God’s Word is so important for your spiritual growth. God’s Word can help guide us in the right direction or make us rethink a situation before we pursue it further. Take a moment right now to analyze where you are today and then continue reading my list of suggestions that will help you prepare for your spiritual journey ahead.

Set a time to better engage in God’s Word and stick to your plan.
Gather your materials, such as Bible, Notebook, Journal, Pens, Highlighters, Dictionary, Bible Concordance, etc.
Designate a quiet space with no distractions.
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/spiritual journey.

Don’t be afraid to be creative. Be your own inspiration. After all, this is your spiritual journey. Make it as comfortable as you like, but also for growth purposes step out of your comfort zone from time to time to make it an unique and pleasurable experience as well.

AMAZON RESOURCE #1

BETTER ENGAGE IN GOD’S WORD

Each day I need to let God’s Word interrupt me, rearrange me and redirect me. – Unknown Author

Our time spent reading Scripture, prayer, and meditation must alter us if we have truly experienced a spiritual encounter with God. After all, God has created us to interact and respond to His Word in multiple ways. We should all endeavor to engage in God’s Word throughout our lives and hold ourselves accountable.

Here’s five ways to better engage in God’s Word:

Study – When we study God’s Word we are investing focused time in a passage word, character or theme. Study requires you to analyze the Scripture which takes concentration and focus. The primary goal of study is understanding.
Devotional – The goal for devotional reading is application. Simply put, what the Scripture means to me. However, we must make sure this is not the only way we interact with Scripture or we risk losing the truth.
Meditation – Meditation is the ability to hear God’s voice and obey His Word. During meditation it is important to fill your mind with Christ. The goal of meditation is reflection.
Memorization – It is important to understand what Scripture teaches us so have God’s Word hidden in your heart and mind. Memorizing God’s Word helps us achieve the goal of discipline.
Action – Clearly, we must be focused on doing what Scripture teaches. We must be changed and compelled into action, whether in our thoughts or our actions. Spending time in God’s Word must lead us to obedience.

So, as you can see, there are various ways to better engage in God’s Word. Keep in mind, you may not be able to engage in all of these ways each day but schedule your time to include all the areas of study, so you can have a better understanding of God’s Word. Remember, spending time studying God’s Word is our intentional determination to grow in our understanding and to strengthen our bond with Him. Even if you have not engaged in God’s Word in the past, take a leap of faith and start today.

AMAZON RESOURCE #2

JOURNAL PROMPTS

True peace comes from knowing that God is in control. – Unknown Author

MIND

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7)

What takes your mind away from the Lord, thus robbing your peace?

What is your biggest dream?
What has prevented you from going after your dream?
What thoughts have I been repeating in my head lately? Are they true?

BODY

Who is own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripe ye were healed. (I Peter 2:24)

List 5 ways you’ve become stronger and more courageous this month.
Lord, please strengthen my heart when it comes to ________________.
When I’m in pain, physical and emotional, I find strength in ________________.
How can I make more space in my life for the things I love?

SPIRIT

Behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you. (Proverbs 1:23)

Where do you see the unmistakable mark of the creator? Thank and praise God for it.

How is God trying to get your attention to stop, treasure, and ponder how he’s working in your life right now in this very moment?
When have you seen God use something small to produce a big outcome?
What can I do to nurture my spirit more?

AMAZON RESOURCE #3

ENGAGE IN GOD’S WORD KEEPSAKE

Please accept this ENGAGE IN GOD’S WORD keepsake. Post it on your wall, mirror and/or social media accounts and cherish it always.

Renew Inspiration, Engage in God's Word, You Are God's Masterpiece, Pink Flowers — Renew Inspiration

SHARING WITH ONE ANOTHER

Let’s talk. How often do you read God’s Word? When is your favorite time to ready and study God’s Word? Do you have a favorite scripture that is hidden in your heart? Do you keep a written Bible Journal or Notebook to reflect your study time? Please share your honest response in the comment section. I cannot wait to hear from you.

Believe in yourself today, tomorrow and forever!

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Worthy Enough To Shine

LaPorterJuly 28, 20204 Replies

I am worthy of the very best in life, and I now lovingly allow myself to accept it. – Louise Hay

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Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! I am worthy. I am loved. I am whole. I am enough. I choose to shine bright on today. How about you? Now, it’s important to note that the ways I choose to shine may be different than yours on any given day, but the end result should be the same, we’re worthy enough to shine! Our lives should be an example and reflect positive vibes through the eyes of others. For example, it seems like random people always offer me positive compliments regarding my smile or grateful compliments for the kind gestures that I showed them (holding the door open or just saying hello or good morning). Despite how dark it is all around us, we are all worthy enough to shine so let’s get to it.

AMAZON RESOURCE #1

WAYS TO KNOW YOUR WORTH

The only keeper of your happiness is you. Stop giving people the power to control your smile, your worth and your attitude. – Mandy Hale, SimpleReminders.com

Remember, that at any moment you can choose to feel whole again and worthy, no matter what is or isn’t in your life. You need nothing to feel worthy except your realization that you are. Nowadays, it’s so important to know your worth.

Here’s some great ways to know your worth:

Be yourself and be your own inspiration.
Set reasonable goals for yourself.
Be kind to yourself and take back your personal power.
Build on your strengths, not weaknesses.
Be decisive and take risks.
Have faith, show gratitude, and stay hopeful.

AMAZON RESOURCE #2

WAYS TO SHINE

Your value doesn’t decrease based on someone’s inability to see your worth. – Unknown Author

Even when I am not feeling well or just simply having a bad day, I try hard not to reflect my negative vibes and feelings toward others. As we travel along this journey called life, we will experience some ups and downs. However, the way we respond to life’s challenges is the key to overcoming the obstacles that occur in our lives.

Here’s some great ways to shine throughout your life during difficult times:

Read God’s Word, pray and meditate.
Smile and believe in yourself. Yes, believe in the awesome person you’re becoming.
Show kindness everywhere you go. Especially, to unkind people.
Forgive people who don’t deserve it. Then, let it go.
Acknowledge your patterns of stress and release them into the atmosphere.
Move out of your comfort zone throughout your journey so you can grow.
Allow yourself time to heal from life’s challenging moments.
Be gentle and patient with yourself. Practice self-care routines.
Love unconditionally. Find time for self-reflection and to write in your journal.

Every situation in life is meant to be temporary. When life is going as planned, make sure to enjoy every moment. And when life is not going as planned, know that it will not last forever and better days are sure to follow.

JOURNAL PROMPTS

Your greatest obstacle and your greatest strength stare back at you in the mirror every day. – 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. Everyone takes their own path. Ready, set, write!

- Do you feel worthy enough to shine?
- How well do you really know yourself?
- Where does your mind wander throughout the day?
- Do you strive to learn something new every day?
- What do you need to do to become healthier (inside and out)?
- What are some things that you want to change in your life?
- What would you do if you can travel into the past?

Free Colorful and Creative Stock Photos

WORTHY ENOUGH TO SHINE KEEPSAKE

You alone are enough. You have nothing to prove to anybody. – Maya Angelou

Please accept this WORTHY ENOUGH TO SHINE keepsake. Post it on your wall, mirror and/or social media accounts and cherish it always.

Renew Inspiration, Worthy Enough To Shine, Keepsake, Yellow Flower, Nature, Sunshine, Bloom — Worthy Enough To Shine – Renew Inspiration

SHARING WITH ONE ANOTHER

Your worth can never be determined by someone else. You don’t have to prove yourself to anyone. – Unknown Author

Let’s talk. Remember, your actions will always reflect who you are so the closer you get to being who you are meant to be…the brighter you shine! How do you choose to shine during life’s most difficult times? Please share your responses in the comment below so we can learn and grow together. I am excited to hear from you. Until next time, stay encouraged, stay healthy, and stay safe!

Believe in yourself today, tomorrow and forever!

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Journaling to Inspire

LaPorterJuly 14, 202016 Replies

Renew Inspiration, Journaling, Inspire, Pink Flower — pixabay

Don’t be ashamed of your story. It will inspire others. – Unknown Author

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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, then put my words into action. Journal writing can be whatever you want it to be and it can be your very own personal journey throughout life to reflect on, your ups and downs, your successes and failures.

As we begin to think about journaling to inspire, let’s take a moment to think about 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?
How do I stand out in a crowd?
Do I inspire myself and others along my journey?

HOW TO BECOME INSPIRED AGAIN

The real difficulty is to overcome how you think about yourself. – Maya Angelou

Believe it or not, journaling is not the only option available to you. When you no longer feel inspired in life, it’s important to make positive lifestyle changes to help you become inspired again.

Here’s some helpful suggestions:

Change your physical environment. If your indoors, go outside and vice versa.
Enjoy the various facets of nature. Go outdoors and take a walk.
Be venturous and try something new. Find a new hobby that you will enjoy.
Read an inspirational book. Choose a book to help boost your motivation.
Listen to a podcast. It’s nice to find encouragement while listening to others.
Be creative. Take an art class, spend time coloring/painting, etc.
Listen to music. Music can be a mood changer.

AMAZON RESOURCE #1

CONCEPTS TO IMPROVE LIFE’S INSPIRATION

These mountains that you are carrying, you were only supposed to climb. – Unknown Author

An inspiring person has two core beliefs:

To believe in themselves.
2) To believe in others.

When people speak of their personal ambitions, it is with great passion, optimism, and enthusiasm. Now, here’s some important concepts that are required in order for you to improve life’s inspiration:

Goal Setting

If you want to live a happy life, tie it to a goal, not to people or things. – Albert Einstein

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. Here’s some steps to follow when goal setting:

Identify what you want and name your specific goal(s). Identify one or two things you want most and set these as your beginning goals, such as weight loss, building stronger relationships, being a better person, etc.
Write your goal(s) down and write the steps needed to facilitate the goal(s). Make sure to include changes in habits and lifestyle that must take place.
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 as necessary to reach your goals and adjust your efforts as needed.

Self-Confidence

Self-confidence is a super power. Once you start to believe in yourself, magic starts happening. – Unknown Author

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. There are two main things that contribute to self-confidence: self-efficacy (when we see ourselves and others mastering skills and achieving goals) and self-esteem (we cope with what’s going on in our lives and know that we have a right to be happy). Here’s some ways to build self-confidence in your daily routine:

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.

AMAZON RESOURCE #2

Self-Reflection

Where you are a year from now is a reflection of the choices you choose to make right now. – Unknown Author

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 clearly define happiness on your own terms.
Allows you to make decisions based on your conscience.

Self- Discipline

Self-Discipline is a key ingredient to success. – Unknown Author

Self-discipline gives you the power to stick to your decisions and follow them through, without changing your mind, and is therefore one of the most important requirements for achieving goals. Here’s some effective ways to help improve self-discipline:

Practice mindfulness meditation to help refresh yourself.
Think in milestones which includes smaller tasks and healthy habits.
Embrace discomfort in order to learn from mistakes and grow.
Create daily to-do list and plan to complete tasks.
Stay consistent and track your progress.
Set rewards to treat yourself from time to time.
Set consequences when you fail to meet your expectations.

Self-Care

Saying no can be the best form of self-care. – Unknown Author

Prioritizing everyone else in your life may seem honorable, but the reality is, totally neglecting yourself isn’t good for anyone. In order to take care of others, you first need to take care of yourself. Here’s some great ways to practice self-care throughout your journey:

Make time for exercise or yoga.
Read an inspirational book or read positive affirmations.
Listen to soothing music with your eyes closed.
Create a relaxing routine (warm bath, meditation, reading, writing in your journal).
Get out in nature (go for a walk, run, or hike).

AMAZON RESOURCE #3

Spiritual Foundation

Be like a tree. Stay grounded. Connect with your roots. Turn over a new leaf. Bend before you break. Enjoy your unique natural beauty. Keep growing. – Joanne Raptis

Without a strong spiritual foundation, you cannot withstand the storms of life that you may be facing, whether they are financial, emotional, or relational. Although society and culture may offer many solutions to help you brace against the struggles of daily living, here’s the three essentials needed in your spiritual life to weather any storm you might be dealt:

Praise and Worship
The Word of God
Prayer

These spiritual essentials will help you build strength which is your spiritual foundation and begin to experience a powerful new sense of God’s presence and purpose in your life.

JOURNAL PROMPTS

Your life only gets better when you do. Work on yourself and the rest will follow. – Unknown Author

Mind

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

What is overwhelming in my life right now?
What am I ashamed of and/or what do I fear?
What matters most to me right now in this very moment?

Body

Your body is healthy and beautiful. – Unknown Author

What are my strengths and weaknesses?
What are my short-term goals and long-term goals?
What is my proudest accomplishment and my biggest failure?

Spirit

Everything you need is within you. – Unknown Author

What brings calm to your spiritual well-being?
How do you plan to increase your faith in God or a Higher Power?
What is my vision for my life in one year, two years, three years?

AMAZON RESOURCE #4

JOURNALING TO INSPIRE KEEPSAKE

My mind is focused, my body is healthy, and my spirit is calm. – Unknown Author

Please accept this journaling to inspire keepsake. Post it on your social media accounts and cherish it always.

Renew Inspiration, Journaling, Inspire, Flowers, Writing — Journaling to Inspire -Renew Inspiration

SHARING WITH ONE ANOTHER

Never lose hope. Storms make people stronger and never last forever. – Roy T. Bennett

Let’s talk. Do you spend quality time journaling? Do you inspire to become a better person? Why or why not? Please share your responses in the comment below so we can learn and grow together. I am excited to hear from you. Until next time, stay encouraged, stay healthy, and stay safe!

Believe in yourself today, tomorrow and forever!

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The Truth Unspoken

LaPorterMay 10, 20202 Replies

The truth is rarely pure and never simple. – Oscar Wilde

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Welcome back to Renew Inspiration and Happy Mother’s Day! Today, I want to share some inspirational words with you. What is 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? Well, for me I have to say that I have been really focusing on “truth” lately. During our life long journey, it is important for us to listen to what people say and what people don’t say. Believe it or not, unspoken words are usually more important than hidden secrets or truths. If you really take a moment to open your spiritual ear, you realize that unspoken words often times speak the loudest.

DEFINE

A lie travels round the world while truth is putting her boots on. – French Proverb

• Truth (noun): The quality or state of being true; a fact or belief.

• Unspoken (adjective): Not expressed in speech; tacit.

AMAZON RESOURCE #1

SPEAK POSITIVE WORDS

Speak positive words into your very being – mind, body & spirit. – Unknown Author

Depression and grief may rise up within me, but I meditate on positive thoughts continuously to overcome this feeling. Quite frankly, sometimes this is not enough. Today is truly a difficult day for me because I have to feel the sadness and experience the overwhelming grief from my mother’s death in 2015. It’s like it was just yesterday. No one can prepare you for the emptiness inside after losing your mother or any loved one for that matter. No words can comfort your heart after it is broken in so many pieces. I look up at my mother’s and father’s picture above my desk every day and think about all of the positive memories that are carefully stored away in my mind and in my heart. Sometimes I shed tears and sometimes I just pick up a pen and just start writing.

Now, this is my testimony or life experience however you want to define it. What is your story or experience? It is important to allow yourself to feel and to express honestly. I survived throughout my journey because the fire inside me burned brighter than the fire around me. I reflect on scriptures that are hidden in my heart in order to rise up above my problems, situations, depression, sadness, hurt, etc.

• Don’t mistake God’s patience for His absence. His timing is perfect, and His presence is constant. He’s always with you! Deuteronomy 31:6

• Ask and it will be given to you, seek and you will find, knock and the door will be opened to you. Matthew 7:7

• With God there is no limit to what you can do. There is no obstacle you can’t overcome. Through Him, all things are possible. Matthew 19:26

AMAZON RESOURCE #2

WAYS TO EXPRESS TRUTH WITHOUT WORDS

Truth is always universal. Positive thinking can never fail; it is a proven truth. – Bill McDowell

Know that your words, thoughts, and actions speak into your very existence throughout your journey. Whether you agree with me or not, it is important for you to understand where you are. You don’t owe others nothing in life, but you owe everything to yourself, especially the truth.

Here’s some ways to express truth without words:

• Establish trust with yourself and others.

• Make time to listen to your most intimate thoughts.

• Don’t overthink or analyze situations.

• Be willing to share your heart and soul through good deeds.

• Use facial expressions or body language often.

• Show your creativity through writing, music, and dance.

LIFE CHANGING QUOTES

Truth isn’t always beauty, but the hunger for it is. – Nadine Gordimer

• Don’t underestimate me. I know more than I say, think more than I speak, and notice more than you realize.

• Before you speak, let your words pass through three gates: Is it true? Is it necessary? Is it kind?

• Greatness is hearing your truth and speaking it, no matter how your voice shakes. -Mel Robbins

• Comfort is no test of truth. Truth is often far from being comfortable. – Swami Vivekananada

• Here is your truth. You have God within you. Live from that place and all will be well. – Wayne Dyer

• What I know for sure is that speaking your truth is the most powerful tool we have. – Oprah Winfrey

AMAZON RESOURCE #3

JOURNAL PROMPTS

The truth doesn’t cost anything, but a lie could cost you everything. – Unknown Author

• How do you define truth?

• What do you want people to remember about you and your character?

• Looking over your life, what’s your biggest regret?

• What have you done to make amends and/or forgive yourself?

• How do you express truth throughout your journey?

• If you could change just one thing about yourself, what would it be?

• How do you use positive words to stay encouraged?

• If you could be anywhere right now, where would you be?

SHARING WITH ONE ANOTHER

The truth is effortless. – Rashida Costa

Let’s take a moment to share with one another. How important is knowing the truth and/or telling the truth in your life? Do you spend a lot of time speaking positivity into your life?

Please share your responses in the comment below so we can learn and grow together. I am excited to hear from you. Until next time, stay encouraged, stay healthy, and stay safe!

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).

Trust the Timing

LaPorterApril 5, 20206 Replies

Hold the vision, trust the timing and process. – Unknown Author

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Thought for today – Trust the wait and embrace the uncertainty.

Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! I pray that you and your families are still healthy during this coronavirus pandemic. My message to you on today is to be patient and trust the timing. Trust the timing mentally, physically, and spiritually. Remove your expectations of when it should happen or what it should look like, and live in the present.

Now, repeat after me – I am in perfect balance. I am physically and emotionally connected and healed. I am free of worry and I am at peace with who I am. Every day I grow stronger and more relaxed. I love myself and life. Before moving on, take a moment and allow these words to resonate with you. Keep re-reading these words until you believe each and every word.

AMAZON RESOURCES #1

TRUST THE TIMING

I am learning to trust the journey even when I do not understand. – Mila Bron

To begin with, I know that you may not have all the answers right now, but the truth is none of us do. In life we all know that there is never a dull moment. Despite all of the unknowns in life, I still strive to trust the timing and want to encourage you to do the same. While it is easy for us to give up or to lose hope, I suggest for us to do the opposite. Dig deep down within to find the courage, the peace, and the strength to trust the timing in ways that will make you come out of this difficult time a better person.

Here’s a few ways to trust the timing within your life:

• Be present. Take a deep breath, inhaling and exhaling slowly. Focus on your breath and this will instantly bring you to the present moment. Notice that with every breath, things change within you and all around you.

• Give thanks. Acknowledge where you are right now and what it took to get you there. Then, say THANK YOU from the heart for your life and for your family. Feel the gratitude for what has gone well and for the many blessings that are coming your way.

• Be open and honest. Remember that life is all about learning and honesty. Be curious to experience a different way of doing or being, with yourself and with others.

• Make time for reflection. Sit in silence to just be with yourself and your thoughts. Be honest about how you feel and what you’re thinking. Write in your journal for a few minutes everyday and gradually increase your time each week.

• Have unwavering faith in yourself. Know that everything is unfolding as it should and one day, you’ll be able to look back and connect the dots. Recognize and celebrate small wins. Keep a journal to track your accomplishments and lessons learned.

• Repeat a daily positive affirmation. Find or create a daily positive affirmation that resonates with you and what you want to embody. I’ve included a few of my favorites in the next section of this blog post.

AMAZON RESOURCES #2

AFFIRMATIONS

The best is yet to come. – Unknown Author

As we cope with high anxiety, lots of worrying, and the stress of everyday life, it is important to keep our inner thoughts on positive and inspiring words of encouragement. I encourage you to take a moment each day to repeat a daily positive affirmation to uplift your spirits and to give you strength to endure all that you may experience.

Here’s some encouraging and positive affirmations to consider:

• I face today with an open mind.

• I am grateful for all that I receive.

• Today I lead with love and speak with kindness.

• My actions reflect the words that flow from my mouth.

• I am gentle with me and will act with good intention.

• I believe it is safe for me to honor my needs first.

• I allow others to support and love me.

• I have the ability to achieve and succeed.

• I set myself free because I forgive myself.

• I feel it is safe for me to choose and every choice is an opportunity.

As I am writing this blog post, my prayer for you is to become all that you want to become during this crisis and beyond. Your future is far better than your past. Remember to listen and trust what it is you need and the rest will follow. Believe this in your mind, body, and spirit. Know that no obstacle will stand in your way. Why you ask? Simply, because your potential is limitless my friend. Your faith should never waver. What God has for you, is for you. Trust God’s timing. Trust God’s plan for your life.

AMAZON RESOURCES #3

JOURNAL PROMPTS

Mental

• What is on your mind right now in this very moment?

• How does the thought of gratitude bring you peace and comfort?

• What negative thought patterns do you have? How do you plan to correct them?

• Have you spent more time today thinking about the past, present or future?

• How often do you spend time practicing meditation?

Physical

• What are you proud of yourself for today?

• What have you done lately for yourself?

• What does your self-care routine look like?

• How much do you truly love yourself?

• How are you mistreating your body or compromising your health?

Spiritual

• Where did you see God in your life today?

• What attribute of God is most significant to you?

• What prayer have you seen answered recently?

• How can you have peace in the midst of chaos?

• Where does your true spiritual power reside?

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).