embrace – Renew Inspiration Mind Body Spirit

Patience Hidden Within

LaPorterJune 24, 201818 Replies

And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience, and experience, hope. (Romans 5:3-4)

Thought for Today

Trust the wait. Embrace the uncertainty. Enjoy the beauty of becoming. When nothing is certain, anything is possible.

Welcome to Renew Inspiration! I am so glad you decided to read my blog on today. I want to spend some time talking about patience. Unfortunately, patience in life is not spread evenly amongst people. Some of us have it, and some of us don’t. According to the Webster Dictionary, patience is the capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble, or suffering without getting angry or upset; to wait or to do something despite difficulties or to suffer without complaining.

Everything comes to you. In the right moment. Be patient. Be grateful. – Unknown

Well, what does patience mean to you? As we go through life, we often take a lot of things for granted. For example, do you have patience with yourself when you are dieting or exercising? Do you have patience with your family as it relates to doing household chores, doing school work, going to various appointments during the week, participating in school events or running errands on the weekend? How about your co-workers helping you meet important deadlines for projects at work? Now, let’s take a moment to think about your personal behavior. Do you find yourself screaming a lot, losing your temper, or always stressed out about something? The real question should be, do you have patience hidden within?

Let’s Get Personal

For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. (Hebrews 10:36)

Honestly, I consider myself to have lots of patience, but lately I find myself wondering how much patience I really do have. Well, my husband and I adopted 2 boys with the hopes of giving them lots of love, positive support, and helping them become more independent in life. Yes, we want the same dreams for our boys as you have for your children. We want them to be successful in school, play sports, learn karate, play video games, and enjoy their favorite hobby. Both of our adopted sons have a hearing impairment, but we do not allow it to define our children. Both boys attend speech therapy and behavioral therapy regularly.

When we adopted our children, I knew it would be a struggle because of the adoption itself, the unknown factors involved with their history of abuse, the boys being developmentally delayed, and the hearing impairment. After years of therapy and the cochlear implant in 2016, we came to realize that these factors help define our children. I truly understand that. However, I was not prepared for all the negative energy that the oldest child is bringing into our household. Unfortunately, he is defiant (disrespects, lies, don’t follow directions, sneaky, failing grades). I don’t think you can ever prepare yourself wholeheartedly. After all, you have opened your home and your hearts to strangers. You have sacrificed so much to provide things for these children that they probably would have never had in their young lives. You are willing to love them despite their past trauma and living situations. In most cases, you don’t even know what the children really went through in their young lives. It takes a lot of patience to parent children I am sure you already know, but it takes even more patience when you have negative factors playing a huge role in the dynamics of your family unit.

I wanted to provide you with a real life example because I am living with this lack of patience every single day. To take it a step further, I noticed that I began struggling with patience especially after my mother passed away in 2015. She was my ROCK, my strongest supporter, my EVERYTHING. She encouraged me and always complimented how well I worked with our boys through their personal struggles. So, as I write this blog today, I ask myself the very same question that I asked you earlier, do I have patience hidden within?

Patience is not the ability to wait but the ability to keep a good attitude while waiting. – Unknown

When I decided to blog, I wanted my blogs to be different. I want to impact your lives in a unique way. I want you to think about your life and how you can make positive changes as you read my blog. I want to impact your life in a positive way. Remember, to grow from within, sometimes you press yourself to move out of your comfort zone and be willing to feel awkward. Yes, you may feel uncomfortable when evaluating your current living situation or when trying to change something for the better, but that’s when you know the best is yet to come. Don’t be afraid to be different. Don’t be afraid to be alone. You are not alone while going through this process. Well, it’s time for you to get your journal or notebook out so you can start the necessary work.

Symptoms When You’re Impatient

How do you know when you’re being impatient? You will probably experience one or more of the following symptoms:

• Shallow breathing (short breaths)

• Muscle tension

• Hand clenching/Tightening

• Restless feet

• Irritability/Anger

• Rushing /Quick decisions

Patience is the calm acceptance that things can happen in a different order than the one you have in mind. – David G. Allen

Ways to Manage the Symptoms

Here’s some strategies to help you manage symptoms for patience:

• Take deep slow breaths, and count to 10.

• Focus on relaxing your body.

• Learn to manage your emotions.

• Force yourself to slow down.

• Practice active listening and empathetic listening.

Patience is a form of wisdom. It demonstrates that we understand and accept the fact that sometimes things must unfold in their own time. – Jon Kabat-Zinn

Journal Prompts – Ways to Work on Patience in your Life

• What does patience mean to you?

• What gives you patience and why?

• Do you believe in something most people don’t? If so, what keeps you believing?

• What future challenge are you most looking forward to and why?

• What is the best way to show patience to family? friends? strangers?

Prayer for When You Are Waiting and Feel Impatient

Heavenly Father, I know I am impatient, so prone to worry, to give up, to lose hope. Please help me to rest in your promises on today. In this season of waiting, renew my joy in this moment so that I do not miss your presence in this place. Thank you for never giving up on me. Thank you for love, your guidance, and your glory even when I cannot see. In Jesus Mighty Name, AMEN.

I WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU

So, what’s your story as it relates to patience? Think about your life right now where you are. Describe a situation or a person in which you wish you showed more patience? Don’t be afraid to comment or ask a question. WE all learn from other people’s struggles and life experiences. Help can be found if you take the first step today. I will be waiting patiently for your comments and/or any questions you have. Believe in yourself today, tomorrow, and forever!

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Be Strong and Courageous

LaPorterMay 27, 20187 Replies

dream, strong, courageous, goals, fears — Pixabay

Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord. Psalm 27:14

Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! Let’s face it, it is hard to start projects, whether it is writing a book, training for a 5K, going back to school, changing jobs or any other dream you may have. The moment you take that first step on your journey, the moment you start working toward your dream, little seeds of courage starts to sprout all around you. Take a deep breath and capture the moment. Despite the fear you may feel because you are entering an unknown territory, embrace your true feelings and know that courage is not just around you, but within you as well.

Face Your Fears

Sometimes what you’re most afraid of doing is the very thing that will set you free. -Unknown

Be strong and courageous throughout your journey! Remember, how far you’ve come, not just how far you have to go. It’s important to face your fears in life and realize that being afraid is okay. When you allow yourself to “feel” during a situation, then and only then, you will be able to overcome the obstacle at hand. For example, I have a fear of writing a book. It’s okay for me to feel a certain kind of way about writing a book because I have never done this before. Despite my hesitant feelings, I have started to face my fears and just started researching and writing down ideas for my first book. Remember, being honest with yourself is key to facing your fears and communicating with positive people who support your endeavors.

Here’s some ways to help you face your fears:

• Pray to God for strength and courage to face your fears
• Ask your family and friends for encouragement or share your feelings
• Seek out professional help – Examples: pastor, therapist or local support group
• Research the topic online or at the library to get a better understanding
• Read an inspirational book related to the topic
• Take a class or start a hobby related to your topic
• Write a journal entry related to the topic and how you feel

lion, woman, courage, fear, strength, overcome — Pixabay

Strengthen Your Heart

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

You are not where you want to be in life, but neither are you where you used to be. As we continue our journey through life, we often spend a lot of time trying to discern God’s will for our lives. Now, let’s think about that for a moment. We ask God to direct our paths every day or to help us make important decisions that will impact our lives in some way. We often find ourselves waiting to hear a voice from God. Then, once we hear God’s voice we begin to listen to cowardly advice from those negative people around us which cause us to be frightened and timid throughout the situation. There’s no magical wand that is used in these situations. Remember, God can call you to do great things as He did with Joshua in Numbers 13:30. In this scripture, Joshua believed that God could help them take the promised land while others were afraid.

Here’s some ways to help you strengthen your heart:

• Read and meditate on God’s Word
• Attend church and bible class regularly
• Participate in support groups within your church or local community
• Read an inspirational book, positive quotes or positive affirmations daily
• Make time for personal reflection throughout your day or week
• Seek out professional help – Examples: pastor, therapist or local support group
• Keep a journal so you can express your feelings and thoughts honestly

Life is too short to start your day with broken pieces of yesterday, it will destroy your wonderful today and ruin your great tomorrow. Do you believe this on today? I sure hope so. Let’s begin to live for today and make positive choices in our lives that provides us with an uplifting future. Almost every successful person begins with two beliefs: the future can be better than the present and I have the power to make it so. In addition, your mind, body and spirit must work together as one unit. Sometimes when you’re in a dark place, you think you’ve been buried, but actually you’ve been planted. Sprinkle your soil with the Fruits of the Spirit: Faithfulness, Self-Control, Patience, Goodness, Gentleness, Joy, Kindness, Peace, and Love. Remember, never lose hope because miracles happen every day.

Believe in yourself today, tomorrow, and forever!

Three Life Rules

1. If you don’t go after what you want, you’ll never have it.
2. If you don’t ask, the answer will always be no.
3. If you don’t step forward, you will always be in the same place.

-Unknown

Special Quotes

Courage doesn’t mean you don’t get afraid. Courage means you don’t let fear stop you. -Unknown

Courage is the power of the mind to overcome fear. -Martin Luther King, Jr.

I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. -Nelson Mandela

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

Journal Expression – It’s Time to Pray, Meditate, and Write

Take some time today to listen to God. Pray, meditate, and sit in the quiet, think, and listen. Also, have your Bible and journal nearby, and see what God has for you today.

• What does it look like for you to take a step of courage today that will help you start?

• What is one question you’ve been afraid to bring to God? Ask God the question right now, out loud, and listen for His answer.

• List one dream you have for your life. What would this dream look like to be full of hope, even if you don’t know how your story is going to end?

• Write about a door you know God has closed in your life. How did you find the courage to work through this experience?

Prayer for Strength and Courage

Heavenly Father, I want to hear from you on today. Speak to me right now in this very moment. Teach me how to hear you in my heart. Please show me what you want me to do to live out my calling. Give me the strength and courage. In Jesus Mighty Name, AMEN.

ACTION: After you pray to God, wait and listen. Then, journal what you hear and have the courage to share with a family member, a friend, or a mentor you trust. Remember, the best way to grow in your ability to hear God is to practice and let others help you.

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Embrace Who You Are

LaPorterApril 22, 20185 Replies

Embrace and love your body. It’s the most amazing thing you will ever own. -Unknown

personal, person, surrender, embrace, nature — pixabay

Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! So glad you have returned for more uplifting inspiration that comes from within. Today, let’s focus on this topic: Embrace Who You Are! Now, think about that for a moment and define what that means to you, right now in this very moment. Then, answer this question: What is your personal vision for your life? Take a moment and visualize your life as you want it to be. Go to a quiet, private environment for 15 minutes every day where you can close your eyes and imagine your body, environment, relationships, and life in ways that please you. Always remember, what has been has nothing to do with what will be, and what others experience has nothing to do with your experience. This is the moment where you must find a way to separate yourself from all of the past and from the others in order to be what you want to be. Then, you will be able to embrace your personal journey one step at a time.

The more you embrace and surrender to change, the more you will be supported. -Unknown

hero, embrace, woman, power, strength — pixabay

You have within you, right now, everything you need to deal with whatever the world can throw at you. Do you believe this? Sometimes you have to be your own hero. Do you have the courage to do so? Just because you are struggling throughout your journey does not mean you are failing. Keep believing and the good things will happen. Do you have the faith to believe in yourself? Always remember the one who falls and gets back up is so much stronger than the one who never fell at all. Your purpose is to fully be all that you are. Now, think about that for a moment. Look at yourself in the mirror and tell yourself with confidence – I BELIEVE IN THE PERSON I’M BECOMING!

Your greatest obstacle and your greatest strength stare back at you in the mirror every day. -Unknown

Make your own happiness and peace of mind a priority. Be more positive, be happier, think positive & find greater success by doing the following:

• Write yourself a love letter.
• Learn something new from someone today.
• Choose a positive mantra and repeat it throughout the day.
• Take a moment to write down your values. What is most important in your life?
• Keep good on promises to yourself. Do at least 1 thing to work towards your goals.

Strength grows in the moments when you think you can’t go on but you keep going anyway. -Unknown

Believe in yourself today, tomorrow, and forever!

Welcome March – Total Health & Wellness

LaPorterMarch 1, 20182 Replies

The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way. Psalm 37:23

In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:6

Welcome March! Well, today is March 1st. Where did February go? I do realize it is the shortest month of the year, but I cannot believe we are ten days from Daylight Savings Time (March 11th) and nineteen days from the first day of Spring (March 20th). Well, I have to ask you…Have you taken time to renew your inspiration? Are you inspired to become better than you were yesterday? What drives you to push forward when obstacles arise in life or do you just want to give up? Who inspires you to reach for your dreams throughout this journey called life or do you feel left alone? Does anyone challenge you to set realistic goals for yourself? If not, today is your lucky day. I would like to challenge you today to get inspired for TOTAL HEALTH & WELLNESS. Let’s strive to organize your MIND, BODY & SPIRIT.

The mind is like water. When it’s turbulent, it’s difficult to see. When it’s calm, everything becomes clear. -Prasad Mahes

To the mind that is still, the whole universe surrenders. -Lao Tzu

Now, on our journey for TOTAL HEALTH & WELLNESS, it’s important to make a mental connection with your body and spirit. First, make sure to be realistic and put your thoughts into perspective honoring your personal beliefs. Second, don’t be afraid to prioritize things that matter most to you in your life right now, in this very moment, and remove all negativity, both people and things. Third, don’t be afraid to say NO to others and think positive thoughts throughout your day. Fourth, start using a calendar or planner to organize your appointments and errands. In addition, create a separate To Do List daily to stay organized and stress free.

Journal Prompts
• What are your priorities in life?
• What do you need to be content?
• Write down something that you want to remember. Why is it important to you?

Your body loves you. Love it back. -Unknown

Embrace and love your body. It’s the most amazing thing you will ever own. -Unknown

Now, that we have discussed our MIND, it’s time to discuss our BODY. First, it’s important to treat your body well and with respect. Second, our bodies are built to move so make sure you plan some kind of exercise daily (cardio, strength training, stretching). Third, make sure to eat a well-balanced diet to include plenty of fruits and vegetables. Remember, move more, eat less. No more excuses. Fourth, set realistic goals and a create a plan to reach your goals. Fifth, track your food and exercise. Sixth, join an online Wellness or Health Program, such as Weight Watchers or Spark People for additional support.

Journal Prompts
• Write 5 things you would like to do more and make a plan to do them.
• What do you love about yourself?
• Identify your strengths and weaknesses.

Everything has a spirit – honor that. -Unknown

In the long run, the sharpest weapon of all is a kind and gentle spirit. -Anne Frank

Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds. -Albert Einstein

spirit, reading, Bible, God's Word — Pixabay

Now, we have discussed MIND & BODY. Let’s now discuss our SPIRIT. First, it’s important for you to connect with your inner being or your spirit throughout the day. For example, spend time in prayer, meditation, and reading God’s Word to receive the proper guidance in your life. Second, you can attend religious services often to get your spirit renewed or find scriptures to meditate on throughout the day. Third, take time to write down a spiritual quote or your favorite scripture to have it hidden in your heart. Fourth, you can get engaged with your spiritual self by reading inspirational books, writing personal reflections in your journal, or listening to spiritual music. Remember, your spirit drives your thought process, your emotions, and your mood so we have to keep it grounded with a strong foundation.

Journal Prompts
• What are you thankful for? Why?
• What are my values? What do I believe in?
• Identify one way you would like to grow in the next year.

So, are you up for the TOTAL HEALTH & WELLNESS challenge? I sure hope this blog has given you a boost of energy and some ideas to help you get started. Please leave a comment and share what you have chosen to do differently in order to better organize your MIND, BODY & SPIRIT. Remember, we learn from one another so don’t be shy. I look forward to reading your comments.

TOTAL HEALTH & WELLNESS TIPS
• Your success is found in your daily routine.
• Fitness Rule #1 – Never skip Mondays.
• Count your blessings and practice kindness every day.
• Let go of what you cannot control.
• Listen to your heart.
• Remember, to breathe.

Where do WE go from here?

LaPorterFebruary 17, 20184 Replies

Where do we go from here? As a concerned parent, I struggle with my emotions related to the constant gun violence within our schools around the country. I thought a school was supposed to be a safe place for our children to learn, to dream, to imagine, and to grow friendships. However, every time I watch the evening news, there seems to be yet another tragedy plaguing our hearts, another story of senseless violence toward our children. Unfortunately, our children are no longer safe when they attend school because people are violating this safe zone to terrorize and murder innocent people for their own selfish gratification. What makes matters worse, is these stories seem to be the norm in our communities…in our cities…in our states…all over the United States of America! Our elected politicians only want to discuss this issue when there is another school shooting that takes place. Do you notice this trend too? Quite frankly, one death should be too many! Every American should be outraged at how our politicians are handling these kind of life changing events. These tragedies can happen anywhere. The next time it may be a school in your area, just a thought.

Where do we go from here? I honestly think that we need to discuss the root of the problem, in my opinion…MENTAL HEALTH! I don’t know about you, but I hear mental health come up in every last one of these mass shooting stories. As I look at the mental health programs in our community, or the lack there of, mental health is the first program to have funding cut and our politicians always choose to close the mental health facilities. I often wonder where people go that need this mental health resource? Unfortunately, these people have to deal with their own personal issues and they live right in the midst of our neighborhoods. We will never solve the gun violence as a whole because we do not have control of every person that owns or gets a gun in their possession, but we could make an attempt to reduce the number of casualties and/or school shooting events around the United States of America if we only had courage to do so, just a thought.

Where do we go from here? Well, I feel that we should go back to the basics: love, family unit, and prayer. This is truly my inspirational twist to such a serious problem that exists everywhere in the United States of America. First, where is the love and compassion for one another throughout our communities? I was taught that charity begins at home. We have to teach our children to love themselves so they will be able to love others. Also, we have to teach our children how to respect themselves as well as others, and their property. Remember, we cannot be afraid to correct our children when they are wrong. We must continue to embrace them with love and nurture them to the fullest. Second, where is the strong family unit? I remember the saying “a family that prays together, stays together”. When was the last time your family prayed together? When was the last time you sat down and talked with your child and/or a young person? Communication is very important and don’t under estimate our children. Remember, our children are little people that exists in a cruel and harsh world. Third, when do we pray together besides in church? Personally, I think we should put prayer back into our schools so that our children could have a spiritual covering throughout their day, but that’s my opinion. There is so much confusion and chaos within our schools and It seems to be getting worse, not better. After all, our children spend a great deal of time in school, so we need to give them hope again by offering a more positive and safe educational environment.

We don’t have control of gun violence, but we should have control of our households. Strive to meet the need of anyone, young or old, that may be suffering from mental health issues. Don’t just turn a blind eye to the situation. Do the right thing and find some help in your local community. If you are unable to find the services, contact your state or county and demand services be provided. Don’t forget your child’s school as well. The school may have mental health contacts to provide to families too. Finally, let’s begin sending letters and making phone calls to our politicians. I believe our children are worth it. After all, they are the future for tomorrow, right? I would love to hear your opinion about this matter. Please leave a comment so we can discuss this very important topic on a positive platform.