Prayer – Page 2 – Renew Inspiration Mind Body Spirit

Journaling to Stay Grounded

LaPorterMay 7, 20214 Replies

Don’t be ashamed of your story. It just might inspire someone. – 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. Remember, journal writing is your very own personal journey throughout life, your ups and downs, your successes and failures.

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

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

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

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

SPIRITUAL FOUNDATION

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

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

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

AMAZON RESOURCE #1 – Present, Not Perfect Journal

HOPE FOR THE FUTURE

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

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

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

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

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

ON TRACK TO REACH YOUR GOALS

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

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

Here’s my recommendations:

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

AMAZON RESOURCE #2 – ACT Daily Journal

BUILDING SELF-CONFIDENCE

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

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

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

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

FIND TIME FOR SELF-REFLECTION

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

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

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

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

BLUE HOST RESOURCE

JOURNAL PROMPTS

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

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!

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

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS & COMMENTS

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

Believe in yourself today, tomorrow and forever!

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10 Ways to Improve Attitude Awareness

LaPorterApril 21, 20215 Replies

Renew Inspiration, Attitude Awareness, Purpose, Positive Attitude, Prayer, Meditation, Gratitude, Grateful — Renew Inspiration

Watch your attitude. It’s the first thing people notice about 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).

Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! I cannot believe it’s been over a week since I’ve sent out an inspirational blog post to encourage you in some way. I truly apologize, but some days I find it difficult to maintain a positive attitude while trying to cope with life challenges. For example, every time you look around we are forced to deal with racial injustices and gun violence happening all around us. In addition, I am still working from home while helping my children with their virtual learning each day and trying to stay on track with writing my first book.

Despite all of this going on around me, today I choose to have a positive attitude and look at my life in a new way. By making this one choice, I will set myself up to receive beautiful blessings from on high. I will focus on what I have control over and nothing else. After all, a great attitude becomes a great mood. Which becomes a great day. Which becomes a great year. Which becomes a great life.

In life, two things define you:

Your patience when you have nothing.
And your attitude when you have everything.

DEFINITIONS – ATTITUDE & AWARENESS

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

Let’s start this discussion off with the definitions of attitude and awareness.

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.

Now, your attitude is like a price tag, it shows how valuable you are on the inside and out. As you travel along this journey called life, it is important to embrace the moment you’re in which provides opportunities for self-awareness.

AMAZON RESOURCE #1

10 WAYS TO IMPROVE ATTITUDE AWARENESS

If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude. – Maya Angelou

Well, what’s the best way to improve attitude 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.

Here’s 10 ways to improve attitude awareness in your life:

#1 – In life, always act with a purpose.

Make sure that your actions are aligned with your values and who you are as a person. Have a true understanding of why you’re doing whatever it is that you’ve set out to do.

#2 – Stretch yourself past your limits every day.

Create a daily to-do list and strive to push yourself out of your comfort zone. As Brian Tracy says, “You can only grow if you are willing to feel awkward and uncomfortable when you try something new.” This will keep your life fresh and exciting while challenging yourself to get to the next level.

#3 – Don’t expect huge results, just do your best.

Set goals and make decisions without pressuring yourself about the outcome. After all, we want to achieve greatness in life without feeling disappointment if we miss the mark. Plan ahead and do your best.

#4 – Use setbacks to improve your skills.

Examine where you are in this moment to see if there is any room for improvement. Remember, the results you receive prepares you for the results you want to achieve.

#5 – Seek out those who share your positive attitude.

Choose to be around people who share your same values, thoughts and positive attitude. You want to have people in your life to lift you up, not tear you down.

AMAZON RESOURCE #2

#6 – Always say “Please” and “Thank you”.

Being polite to others helps keep you grounded in positivity. If you want to improve your attitude use “Please” and “Thank you” with a smile on your face every single time you are given the opportunity.

#7 – Don’t compare yourself to others.

I know it’s easier said than done, but don’t spend a lot of time comparing yourself to others. This one action may cause you to begin thinking negatively towards your own life. Spare yourself the grief and focus on your own life and adjust your attitude accordingly.

#8 – Start your day with prayer, meditation, and stretching.

Every day when we rise, it’s important to be grounded on a positive foundation. Recite a simple prayer from your heart, then meditate on your words allowing your mind to be free. Afterwards, spend time stretching your body. You will feel refreshed and ready to take on any task that presents itself.

#9 – Live in the present moment.

Become more mindful and take each day one moment at a time. Plan ahead using a daily to-do list, calendar or a planner. Be careful not to over extend yourself by overlapping appointments. Allow time to take a walk outside or to do nothing at all. Your body will thank you.

#10 – Be grateful for everything you have.

Start every day with an attitude of gratitude. Give thanks for all that you have each and every day. When you rise in the morning, thank God for waking you up and for being your provider. Then, write down some things in your journal that you are grateful for. Repeat this action in the evening before you go to bed as well.

Attitude awareness is the first step to building a positive attitude. 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 at any given time, even if it hurts, plant your feet on solid ground and be strong throughout the process. Remember, strong walls shake, but never collapse. Peace and blessings!

BLUE HOST RESOURCE

JOURNAL PROMPTS

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

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

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?

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS & COMMENTS

How do you plan to improve your attitude awareness? Please share your thoughts in the comment section.

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).

Believe God’s Promises

LaPorterApril 4, 20214 Replies

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

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

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

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

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

GOD’S PROMISES

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

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

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

AMAZON RESOURCE #1 – The Promises of God Book

JOURNAL PROMPTS

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

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

Believe in yourself today, tomorrow and forever!

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

LaPorterMarch 8, 2021Leave a Reply

Renew Inspiration, Journaling, Spiritual Balance, Pink Flowers, Writing — pixabay

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

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! Getting started with journaling can be frustrating for some people, but also can be life changing for others. When doing anything in life, such as journaling to improve spiritual balance, it’s important to have a personal and well-defined purpose that will encourage you to stick to it. However, it’s important to note that spiritual balance is not something you can find, it’s something you create.

WAYS TO BEGIN YOUR SPIRITUAL JOURNEY

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

How often do you read and study God’s Word? Do you just read your favorite Bible verse, pray, then move on with your day? In order to find spiritual balance in our lives, it is important to schedule quality time to not only read God’s Word, but also to write down our personal thoughts about the verses read and to determine how we can apply the verses to our own lives.

Here’s some ways to begin your spiritual journey:

Set a time to better engage in God’s Word and stick to your plan.
Gather your Bible, Concordance, Notebook/Journal, Pens, and Highlighters.
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.

AMAZON RESOURCE # 1 – Chakra Healing Journal

WAYS TO FIND SPIRITUAL BALANCE WITHIN YOUR LIFE

Life is all about balance. You don’t always need to be getting stuff done. Sometimes it’s perfectly okay, and absolutely necessary, to shut down, kick back, and do nothing. – Lori Deschene

In addition, to strive for spiritual balance, it’s 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 it will not be easy for some, but to move to a better 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 additional 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.
Set some attainable goals for yourself.
Post positive quotes where you can read them daily.
Recite positive affirmations throughout your day.

As we look ahead in 2021, we’ve got gratitude on our minds. Continue to focus on your healthy living and fitness journey. Don’t procrastinate any longer. Get a journal and start journaling to improve spiritual balance. Whatever your reason, the results will be the same. Once you begin the journaling process, you’ll become wiser, more enlightened, and all-around better version of yourself.

AMAZON RESOURCE # 2 – True You: A Self-Discovery Journal

JOURNAL PROMPTS

I take time to reflect on my amazing life, then write in my journal. – Unknown Author

MIND

What do you need to be content in life?
What thought patterns do I have and how do they impact my life?
What takes your mind away from positive thoughts? Peaceful thoughts?
What is one thing I can do this week to improve my meditation time?

BODY

What is happening in my body right now?
How can I honor my body on today?
What do you love about yourself?
Does your self-care need improvement? How would you improve it?

SPIRIT

What am I grateful for and why?
What do I need to be free from and surrender to God?
How much you are trusting God with your life right now?
Identify one way you would like to grow spiritually in the next year?

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).

Transform Your Mindset

LaPorterJanuary 11, 20211 Reply

You don’t need a new day to start over, you only need a new mindset. – Hazel Hira Ozbek

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 spend some time discussing ways to transform your mindset. After all, your life is only as good as your mindset, right? I have chosen to start over, right now in this very moment. I want to erase all my negative thoughts and feelings from my inner being. I want to replace all negativity with a new pattern of positive thoughts and feelings; a new wave of emotional balance and well-being; a new connection to my life as I know it, think it and feel it. There will be a new belief system inscribed within me. This powerful process will help you to transform your mindset, but you will also need to:

Develop a positive attitude.
Spend quality time focusing on self-reflection.
Commit to writing in your journal consistently.

POSITIVE ATTITUDE

A positive attitude will lead to positive outcomes. – Unknown Author

First, it is important for you to face each day with a positive attitude. Dig deep inside to strive for new opportunities that surround you 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.

Here’s some great ways to develop a positive attitude and help transform your mindset in 2021:

Write your thoughts and feelings in a journal
Set some attainable goals for yourself
Read and be grounded in God’s Word
Meditate and be prayerful
Read inspirational and spiritual books often
Post positive quotes where you can read them daily
Recite positive affirmations throughout your day
Practice yoga and stretch routines regularly
Seek professional help from a licensed therapist

I realize it will not be easy for some, but to move to a better 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.

AMAZON RESOURCE # 1 – Empower Your Thoughts by Scott Allan

SELF-REFLECTION

Women need real moments of solitude and self-reflection to balance out how much of ourselves we give away. – Barbara DeAngeles

Next, self-reflection can be defined as meditation or serious thought about one’s character, actions and motives. Self-reflection is a humbling process. It’s essential to find out why you think, say, and do certain things, then better yourself throughout the process. In addition, self-reflection:

Allows you to notice negative patterns in your life. Consider alternate approaches to your situation(s) and begin to move away from the stressors altogether.
Keeps you focused on the bigger picture. Identify a clear vision of where you want to see yourself in the future. Write it down and remind yourself of what you hope to accomplish.
Prevents you from worrying about things out of your control. Instead, direct your energy toward things you can absolutely improve within your life.
Helps you face your fears. Recognize and admit your fears to yourself and eventually learn how to handle them.
Allows you to clearly define happiness on your own terms. When are you most happy? Who do you most enjoy spending time with? What accomplishments are you most proud of and why? By recognizing the positive life events, you can apply your knowledge to future goals and endeavors.

Keep in mind, self-reflection is an incredible gift so please embrace it every day. Meditation can make our journey through life more peaceful if you allow it to. In the mirror we find a reflection of our appearance, but in the heart, we find a reflection of our soul.

AMAZON RESOURCE #2 – Soul Therapy Journal by Jacqueline Kademian

JOURNAL PROMPTS

What is happening in your mind right now? in your body? in your spirit?
What does my vision for tomorrow look like? for next month? for 2021?
What are the best choices I have made in life so far?
What is one of life’s little pleasures that I appreciate?
Has your mind spent more time today focused on the past, present or future?
How do you keep your thoughts in check throughout the day?
What are you inviting into your life with your actions or thoughts?

SHARING WITH ONE ANOTHER

Let’s talk. How do you plan to transform your mindset? Do you consider yourself having a positive attitude? Do you plan to implement self-reflection into your daily routine? 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).

Life’s Journey

LaPorterDecember 11, 202010 Replies

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. – Lao Tzu

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! This morning I pause to bless this special day that is a beautiful gift from God. Today, I am celebrating my 47^th birthday. Now, what better way to celebrate my life’s journey than to write an inspirational blog post just for you.

After all, every day we wake up it should be a fresh start. If we are honest with ourselves, we have to admit that this year has been really tough on all of us, but especially those who have lost loved ones due to covid-19. I am so sorry for your loss. I could not imagine what those families are going through right now, but I do know that the holidays are especially difficult when you are grieving. Unfortunately, I lost my mother on December 19, 2015 so I relive this sense of sadness and grief during the holidays just like it happened yesterday.

WAYS TO NAVIGATE LIFE’S JOURNEY

Life is an opportunity, seize the day, live each day to the fullest. Life is not a project, but a journey to be enjoyed. – Catherine Pulsifer

Today, right in this present moment, I want to take time to reflect on how to navigate life’s journey. I honestly look at where I am today, and I look at how I came to be here. I acknowledge the darkness and the light that shines within. Each day I focus on my vision of positive changes that I need to make in my life so that I may heal and grow in the most beautiful way possible.

Here’s some great ways to help you navigate life’s journey:

Every day do something that will lead you closer to God. (Read & Study God’s Word, Pray, Meditate, and Listen to Gospel Music)
Thrive on happiness, a calm mind, and good health. (Reading, Journaling, Exercising, Walking in Nature, Practice Meditation, and Listening to an Inspirational Podcast)
Have faith, be courageous, and dream big. (Keep Believing, Trusting, and Hoping)
Strive for greatness and embrace change along the way. (Be Your Own Inspiration, Be Flexible, and Open Minded)
Don’t procrastinate. Think positive and plan ahead. (Observe Everything Around You, Stay Focused, and Create a Vision for Your Life)
Love to no end, be grateful, choose joy and be kind. (Spread Love to Others, Nurture Your Grateful Heart, and Throw Kindness Around Like Confetti)
Be strong enough to let go and wise enough to wait for what you deserve. (Show Strength, Courage, and Wisdom)

Now, this will not be an easy task, but it is a necessary one for you to grow into your better self. However, I do realize this journey has no rules, no right or wrong answers. I accept my journey for what it is, and I acknowledge that only I can do my healing work. Don’t be afraid to make this process personal.

AMAZON RESOURCE #1

POSITIVE AFFIRMATIONS & PEP TALK

Your mind is a garden. Your thoughts are the seeds. You can grow flowers, or you can grow weeds. – Unknown Author

Next, in order for you to embrace this new way of thinking and living, it is important for you to feed your spirit with positive vibes on a daily basis. For example, I choose to feel good about myself and life’s journey each day. Even when I am feeling sad or depressed, deep inside I aspire to be a giver. A giver of life, a giver of good vibes, and a giver of strength. This kind of thinking will help you overcome life’s challenges and improve life’s journey.

Here’s a few positive affirmations and a pep talk I would love to share with you:

I am blessed and in charge of my life.
I am beautiful, brave, and ready to learn.
I am fearless and capable of so much more.
I am bold, strong, and free to make my own choices.
I am enough and perfect just the way I am.

PEP TALK ACTIVITY – Look in a mirror today and say these words out loud – I love myself today because I am beautiful, I am strong, I am powerful, I am fabulous, I am unique, I am blessed, I am smart. Repeat 3 times. Now, be creative and create your own personal affirmations to describe yourself. Allow this to be your pep talk in the morning, repeat it throughout the day, and you can even post them at home/at work.

AMAZON RESOURCE #2

JOURNAL PROMPTS

MIND

What thought patterns do you have and how do they impact your life?
What did you do today that brought you closer to your dream?
What is your life’s vision for the next 3 years?

BODY

How can you love yourself today?
What is one of life’s little pleasures that you appreciate?
Who/What brings the most joy to your life?

SPIRIT

What do you need more of in your life?
What is something you would love to learn in your lifetime?
What are the best choices you have made in life so far?

BLUEHOST RESOURCE

WORDPRESS RESOURCE

SHARING WITH ONE ANOTHER

Let’s talk. Have courage to push harder than yesterday if you want a different tomorrow. Stay positive and be the best version of you possible. How do you plan to improve life’s journey? What is your favorite positive affirmation or quote? What do you believe in? Please share your thoughts in the comments section. I look forward to reading your feedback!

Believe in yourself today, tomorrow, and forever!

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Healing Power

LaPorterOctober 25, 202012 Replies

When God heals and restores, He brings you out better than you were before. – Joel Olsteen

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Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! Today, I open myself to God’s blessings, miracles and His healing power. God is our healer today, tomorrow and forever! Do you believe this on today? Despite what we may be going through in our lives, God wants to heal us from our emotional bondage that continues to hinder our spiritual growth to maturity. God wants to give us peace, love, and comfort throughout our lives. God wants to free our minds, bodies, and spirits from those things that will harm us. God does not want us to live in pain and misery. It’s important for all of us to read, pray and meditate in God’s Word.

Here’s some life challenges that you may be facing during this difficult time:

MIND – Mental Illness, Depression, Mood Disorders, Bipolar Disorders, Schizophrenia, Anxiety Disorders, Personality Disorders, Worry
BODY – Physical Aches and Pains, Stress, Eating Disorders, Arthritis, Stroke, Heart Attack, High or Low Blood Pressure, Diabetes, Cancer
SPIRIT – Lost in Sin, Nonbelievers

AMAZON RESOURCE #1

SPIRITUAL TOOLS TO ASSIST US IN THE HEALING PROCESS

God has an amazing way of taking all the pieces of our life and transforming them into a beautiful design. – Stacy L. Sanchez

God is a healer. By faith, receive your healing today. There is no doubt in my mind that God is my healer. No matter what my mind is telling me or how my body may feel, I trust God to heal me from the top of my head to the soles of my feet. I ask God to bless me with vibrant health and overflowing joy every day. When you enter God’s presence with praise, God enters your circumstances with healing power.

Here’s some spiritual tools to assist us in the healing process:

The Cross of Jesus Christ

The cross is God’s remedy for our emotional pain and distress. Without Jesus’ death on the cross for our sins, no one would have eternal life. Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). This verse explains the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The cross of Jesus Christ provides the way to heaven for sinful mankind, like you and I, who could never get there on our own.

God’s Word

The healing power of God’s Word is shown throughout the Bible. God truly has unfailing love for His people. God has always challenged us through His Word to experience Him in a tangible, but loving way so that He could bless us with health through our obedience. The Word of God says, “For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life” (Proverbs 6:23).

Rejoicing and Praise

God is the only unchanging constant in our lives. When all is gone – health, family, friends, money, position, etc. God remains. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever (Hebrews 13:8). Isn’t that something to rejoice about? Not only is God present with us, but God’s Word also tells us that nothing can separate us from that great unconditional love.

The Holy Spirit

It is a fact that God knew that we could not change our sinful ways or heal ourselves in our own strength. God gave us His Holy Spirit to live within us and to take up residence in our hearts. The Holy Spirit gives us new birth, makes us a new creation in God’s sight and places us into the body of Christ. The Holy Spirit helps us to better understand and apply Scripture to our daily lives. (I Corinthians 2:12-13)

God’s Body, the Church

God’s Word tells us that God loves and accepts us, yet we strive to get love and acceptance from people we can see, hear and touch. If one part of the Christian body suffers, every other part suffers with it. So, if you are in a difficult situation, do not be alone. Reach out to Christian family members, friends, support groups, or spiritual counselors.

AMAZON RESOURCE #2

FINAL THOUGHTS

During these difficult times, trust God and believe in good things to come. God has a perfect timing; never early, never late. It takes a little patience and faith, but it’s worth the wait. Yes, we should be confident and know that God is forever powerful within this Earthly realm. Always remember, nothing in this world is too big for our God. Don’t underestimate God in times of trouble or distress. Humble yourself and turn it all over to God to handle. Allow God to guide your every thought, your every step along this journey called life. As I stated earlier, God is my healing power today, tomorrow and forever!

JOURNAL PROMPTS

Heal yourself, heal the world. – Eileen Anglin

MIND

Define what brings me the most joy in life…
Today or this week I was most blessed by…
The area where I need to put more trust in God is…
An act of obedience God is prompting me to take is…

BODY

Ways I want God to transform me…
An aspect of God’s character he recently revealed to me is…
God is leading me to make the following changes…
The most significant area of my life that is not finding its way into my journal is…

SPIRIT

I feel most distant from God when…
One lesson I learned from Scripture this week is…
Journaling has helped build my spiritual foundation by…
Define an area in my spiritual life where I need to see God’s guidance is…

AMAZON RESOURCE #3

SHARING WITH ONE ANOTHER

Let’s talk. Give God your weakness and He’ll give you His strength. Do you believe in God’s healing power? 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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Overcoming Spiritual Imbalance

LaPorterApril 19, 20205 Replies

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

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Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! Here’s to another beautiful and blessed day! Michigan is still under the Stay-At-Home order due to the coronavirus (covid 19) outbreak. I don’t know about you, but I am really scared. Our government leaders do not care about the needs and well-being of the people. The government is only focused on money and getting the economy back up and running. Rushing to open up businesses and become normal again. It doesn’t matter about how many of us are still dying alone from this awful virus.

I’ve taken this time to overcome my personal spiritual imbalance. Instead of focusing on the fear of the unknown, I am choosing to pray, read God’s Word, and write in my journal. This process has helped me shift my mindset so I can improve my spiritual well-being.

SPIRITUAL JOURNEY

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

How often do you read and study God’s Word? Do you just read your favorite Bible verse, pray, then move on with your day? In order to overcome spiritual imbalance in our lives, it is important to schedule quality time to not only read God’s Word, but also to write down our personal thoughts about the scriptures read and to determine how we can apply the scriptures to our own lives.

Here’s some ways to begin 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, Pens, Highlighters, Sticky Notes, Bible Concordance, Dictionary, etc.
• Designate a quiet space with no distractions.
• Play 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.
• Ask God to direct your Bible study time.

AMAZON RESOURCES #1

SPIRITUAL BALANCE

Life is all about balance. You don’t always need to be getting stuff done. Sometimes it’s perfectly okay, and absolutely necessary, to shut down, kick back, and do nothing. – Lori Deschene

To strive for spiritual balance within your life, 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 it will not be easy for some, but to move to a better 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 often.
• Practice yoga and stretch routines.
• Read inspirational and spiritual books.
• Set some attainable goals for yourself.
• Post positive quotes where you can read them daily.
• Recite positive affirmations throughout your day.

AMAZON RESOURCES #2

MIND, BODY & SPIRIT – 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 your spiritual 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 your life.

Here’s some helpful benefits of meditation:

• 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.

AMAZON RESOURCES #3

LET’S PRAY

Pray. Wait. Trust. – Unknown Author

When life gives you more than you can stand, take a moment to close your eyes, bow your head, and kneel. Open your heart, then open your mouth. Allow true words to flow from your lips. Prayer is the world’s greatest wireless connection. Prayer is more powerful than any level of education, wealth or status. Simply put, prayer changes everything!

Dear God,
Enlighten what’s dark in me.
Mend what’s broken in me.
Bind what’s bruised in me.
Heal what’s sick in me.
And lastly,
Revive whatever peace and love has died in me.
Amen.

Written by Winston Porter

Each day I need to let God’s Word interrupt me, rearrange me and redirect me. My prayer today is that you start taking this time to focus on overcoming spiritual imbalance within your own life. Remember, if it doesn’t challenge you, it won’t change you. Water your roots, so your soul can blossom. Peace and blessings!

AMAZON RESOURCES #4

JOURNAL PROMPTS

Balance your life with spiritual experiences that remind and prepare you for continued, daily ministering to others. – M. Russell Ballard

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!

• How do you define spiritual balance?

• What is your plan to overcome spiritual imbalance?

• What are your priorities in life?

• What do you need to be content?

• What are your values and beliefs?

• How do your values and beliefs align with your spiritual being?

• What is your favorite Bible scripture?

• Identify one way you would like to grow in the next year.

Believe in yourself today, tomorrow and forever!

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Hoping Takes Courage

LaPorterMarch 30, 20204 Replies

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

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

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

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

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

• How much hope do you have right now?

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

• Why do you reflect and spend time journaling?

HOPE IS

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

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

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

• Praise and Worship Experience

• Reading God’s Word

• Meditation/Prayer

• Keeping a Positive Mindset

AMAZON RESOURCE #1

SPIRITUAL HOPE

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

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

COURAGE IN THE MIDST OF A STORM

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

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

AMAZON RESOURCE #2

WAYS TO STAY HOPEFUL

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

AMAZON RESOURCE #3

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JOURNAL PROMPTS

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

• What do you hope for each day?

• I feel hopeful/hopeless because…

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

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

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

Believe in yourself today, tomorrow and forever!

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Strive For Excellence

LaPorterMarch 15, 20206 Replies

Renew Inspiration, Strive, Excellence, Challenges, Affirmation, Journal Prompts — unsplash

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We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence is not an act, but a habit. – Aristotle

Thought for today – There’s no wrong or right way, just strive for excellence.

Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! I sure hope you and your family are in good health. My family is healthy and safe, but we’re still trying to wrap our heads around the schools being closed for 3 weeks starting tomorrow. This brings me to this week’s discussion.

At any time, we have to brace ourselves for various life’s challenges, such as the coronavirus outbreak, massive school closings, national emergency being put in place, etc. Sometimes we’re ready to face the challenges head on and other times we are caught off guard which leads to stress and anxiety. Often times we are in panic mode or find ourselves just falling to our knees crying out to God. Today, I want to encourage you to strive for excellence throughout your journey especially during these difficult times.

WAYS TO STRIVE FOR EXCELLENCE

Excellence is not a skill, it’s an attitude. – Ralph Marston

To begin with, let’s define excellence. According to the Webster Dictionary, excellence (noun) is defined as the quality of being outstanding or extremely good. Now, do not confuse striving for excellence with striving for perfection (being free from all flaws or defects). It’s important to note that they are not one and the same. Also, keep in mind that your journey will be different from my journey or someone else’s, but in the end, we are still striving to push harder than yesterday so we can have a better tomorrow.

Here’s some ways to strive for excellence throughout life:

• Find time to pray and meditate often
• Practice gratitude – keep a list and be sincere
• Schedule time to exercise and get it done – no excuses are allowed
• Keep a success journal and reflect on your written words often
• Identify your values and stick to them
• Learn something new every day – online courses, reading, watching informative videos, listening to podcasts

HOW TO OVERCOME CHALLENGES

Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection, we can catch excellence. – Vince Lombardi

Despite how things may be going in your life right now, it’s important to learn how to overcome challenges that may occur in your life from time to time. Let’s face it, life happens to the best of us whether we’re ready or not. In some cases, these challenges may be life changing, such as a death of a loved one, a terrible accident or a medical diagnosis. As you navigate throughout life, be a reflection of what you’d like to receive. Don’t over complicate the process. What you give out throughout your journey, will always return back to you. Make sure to give love, truth and respect every day.

Here’s some suggestions to help you overcome challenges:

• Embrace self-awareness
• Use time to your advantage, don’t procrastinate
• Commit to focused discipline
• Engage your own creativity
• Think BIG, be proactive and set goals
• Re-evaluate your daily tasks
• Don’t be afraid to ask for help from family, friends or co-workers

EXCELLENCE AFFIRMATIONS

My goal is not to be better than anyone else but better than I used to be. – Unknown Author

Remember, everything in your life is a reflection of a choice you have made. If you want a different result, make a different choice. Now, repeat the excellence affirmations noted below:

• I am a woman or man of excellence.
• I am kind, smart and can accomplish my goals.
• I am increasingly excellent in all that I think, say and do.
• I attract love and excellence into my life.
• I demonstrate excellence within me.
• I strive for excellence and thirst for knowledge.
• The energy of excellence is infused into my very being.

Close your eyes and take a deep breath. Now, open your eyes and recite these powerful words again. Take a moment to add some additional excellence affirmations to make this list complete.

JOURNAL PROMPTS

Walking the grounds of gratitude, I stumbled upon the palace of happiness. – Brendon Burchard

• What did you achieve today?

• What can you do right now to lift your mood?

• Define 3 things you can do to improve yourself.

• Describe a time when you had to make a really hard choice.

• Right now, my greatest challenge is _______________.

• My greatest qualities are _________________.

• What do you love most about my life?

• What are 5 good/healthy habits you want to start next month?

• How can you improve your mindset so you love yourself more?

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).