heart – Renew Inspiration Mind Body Spirit

Pure Worship Experiences

LaPorterSeptember 22, 20186 Replies

worship, experiences, fall, leaves, autumn — pixabay

God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. (John 4:24)

Special Thought – Worry traps our hearts. Worship sets them free.

Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! Let’s welcome FALL today with an inspiring word: WORSHIP. I still cannot believe that it has been a whole week since I have published a blog post. Believe it or not, I have been working on this piece since last weekend. I don’t know about you, but time seems to get away from me with appointments for the boys and unexpected school meetings that are never positive. Nevertheless, here is a spiritual blog post that will enrich your life in more ways than one if you allow the process to take place.

Despite everything that LIFE throws at you, we have to spend time in pure worship. Would you agree? Well before you can partake in pure worship, it is important to know what it is, right? So, how do you define pure worship? Well, pure worship can be defined differently for each person. I honestly believe when you experience God on a personal level while praying, talking to God, meditating, singing spiritual songs, praising God for all He has done, dancing, or reading God’s Word, you are practicing pure worship. This is your personal time with God where you pour out your heart, clear your mind, and strengthen your soul.

Worship is simply giving God his breath back. – Lou Giglio

To take it a step further, do you realize how important corporate worship is as it relates to our spiritual growth? Corporate worship can be defined as time designated to assemble with fellow worshippers to praise God, encounter Jesus, fulfill God’s purposes in us as His Church and participate in our eternal spiritual experiences using our gifts to help glorify God.

Do not forsake meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another and all the more as you see the day approaching. (Hebrews 10:25 NIV)

Here’s some examples of corporate worship:

• Praise Team & Choir
• Praise Dancers
• Praise & Worship Music
• Reading God’s Word
• Corporate Prayer
• Tithes & Offering

Think of it this way. Corporate worship allows God to give His graces and blessings to church congregations across the world. In addition, there is a benefit for worshipping together with other believers as well.

Here’s some of the benefits of corporate worship:

• Awakening – A fire is kindled in our hearts which helps us through our difficult times.
• Assurance – A sense of community which helps our desires for belonging to a group.
• Advance – Spiritual growth within is being conformed to the image of Jesus Christ.
• Accepting Another’s Leading – Embrace being led by someone else during worship.
• Accentuated Joy – Our own adoration and joy increased during worship services.

Finally, corporate worship plays a huge role in rekindling our spiritual fire and keeping it burning within. In addition, corporate worship brings together God’s Word, prayer and fellowship among fellow worshippers. Corporate worship, in most cases, will strengthen your own pure worship experiences as well as you become one with God.

Worship is an act of war against the enemy of our hearts. – Holley Gerth

journal, writing, feelings, emotions — pixabay

Time for Reflection – Journal Prompts

• Define your own pure worship experience(s).

• How often do you experience pure worship and/or corporate worship?

• How important is worshipping God in your life?

• Where can you improve with your pure worship experience(s)?

• What is your favorite way to worship God?

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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Grace Changes Everything

LaPorterApril 16, 20183 Replies

He who loves purity of heart and has grace on his lips, the king will be his friend. Proverbs 22:11

Grace changes everything. Grace has been defined as “the free and unmerited favor of God, as manifested in the salvation of sinners and the bestowal of blessings”. Simply put, grace is “undeserved favor from God.” God’s grace is adequate for anything and everything that you experience in this life. Despite what prompted the hurt you’ve experienced in life, know that God’s grace can bring peace, hope, and healing. One beautiful thing about grace is that God does not withdraw His grace when you stumble or fall. Now, let’s pause here and give God some praise for His sincere love for us. Instead, acting with grace, God gently picks you up and enables you to take the next step. You can always find at God’s throne of grace whatever help you need whenever you need it. You can run to the Lord in times of trouble, when your heart is breaking, at life’s crossroads, and during the darkest and loneliest nights. Remember, God is waiting for you with open arms.

By grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. Ephesians 2:8-9

God offers us an extravagant gift: His grace. The best thing about that, it cost Him everything, but it costs us nothing. The only payback God asks is that we reach out and take the gift and then rest in it with guilt-free comfort knowing that you are saved through faith. If you find yourself in a small place, God knows you’re there. He’s with you, and He can do something mighty big. Trust his amazing grace. One thought I often meditate on is that when you trust in the Lord, you will never be disappointed.

I don’t know exactly what’s next but I’m stepping forward with grit, anchored in grace. -Julie Graham

Let’s pray:
Heavenly Father, Master Grace Giver, thank you for giving me grace each and every day. Help me to become an extender of grace to others even when they don’t deserve it. I will never forget the price you paid to set me free, and for this I want to say thank you. Amen

Here are some Prayer Prompts to encourage, strengthen, and inspire you as you journal your prayers.

• Heavenly Father, you are…
• Heavenly Father, I thank you for…
• Prayer for peace when it comes to…
• Prayer for moments when I am….
• Heavenly Father, please give me patience to…
• Heavenly Father, I pray healing over…
• Heavenly Father, I love you because…

Journaling to Find Yourself

LaPorterApril 5, 201810 Replies

Inhale the future, exhale the past

journal is a reflection of who you are, it’s a repository for all of the things that interest and inspire you. A journal provides a safe environment to experiment with your writing style and technique. Simply put, when you write in a journal it becomes your personal journey of creative and heart felt thoughts.

Stay patient and trust your journey

Now, let’s take the journaling process to the next level. How about using the journaling process to find yourself? Journaling is a way to capture ideas and keep your dreams alive until you can put them in motion. Ideas can be found all around you. Take a moment and look around you right where you are. Inspiration is not required to knock at your door twice. We have to be ready and willing to do what’s necessary to grow, to learn, and most importantly, to find yourself.

A little progress each day adds up to big results

cup, saucer, coffee, journal, pen — pixabay

5 Tips for Capturing your Best Journal Ideas:

1. Take your journal everywhere you go to capture those special thoughts or moments as they happen. If your journal is too big, you can always buy a small notebook to use while you are on the go. Then, transfer or glue your notes in your journal at a later time.

2. Select a journal that feels right to you. You can purchase a beautifully crafted handmade journal, a hardcover book with unlined pages, a softcover notebook with lined pages, a 3-ring binder with loose paper, or just a spiral notebook. It really doesn’t matter your style, just make sure that your journal feels right to you and you can comfortably use it to capture your thoughts.

3. Handwrite your journal entries so you are unable to edit your thoughts. Handwriting keeps things more spontaneous and also gives you clues about your emotional state. If you’re anything like me, you can tell what you’re feeling just by analyzing the state of your writing.

4. Create an informal table of contents in the beginning of each journal. Number each page and try to list the topics covered as you go along. This makes finding stuff a lot easier down the road or when you just want to reflect on some of your past writings. Don’t worry about doing this each time you journal, but make sure to complete this step before starting your next journal.

5. 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, just write.

Here are 10 reasons why you should use journaling to find yourself:

1. To ponder and pen your big dreams – Your journal is an ideal place to write out all of your desires and dreams. If there were no limits, what would you want to become? Who would you want to meet? What would you have? Where would you go? Write it all down, describing in detail what your success would look like. By doing this, you can begin to put the laws of success attraction into motion.

2. To get clarity and solve problems faster – When you are unable to see a clear path in your life, it’s better to jot down all those thoughts swirling around in your head. Writing things out gives you the accurate perspective necessary to attract the right solutions. Take a moment to write down questions related to your problems. In fact, you should have an attitude of expectancy that you will find the right answers.

3. To chart what works – Journaling about your ideas, successes, and even failures empowers you to backtrack to see what’s working in your life and what’s not. It’s important to be honest with yourself and be willing to make the necessary adjustments where needed to live a rewarding life.

4. To track your past victories – Take a moment to celebrate your victories and write when and where you have excelled in life. It’s easy to remember your every mishap, but also make an effort to note what’s going right in your life as well.

5. To plan and strategize – Use your journal for both short-term and long-term planning. This process will allow you to work through specific strategies on how you will accomplish your goals. Plan everything from the week ahead to the entire year in your journal.

6. To create a success action routine – Your success action routine should consist of time for meditation and visualization, speaking positive affirmations and reviewing your goals. Visualize yourself completing your goals and feeling the benefits and rewards of doing so.

7. To take control over your future – Journaling about your ideal life and begin to act as if you have that life right now. Be descriptive and detailed in your writing. This will help you prepare for an opportunity that doesn’t exist yet, and ready yourself for the victory to come.

8. For self-improvement – Your journal is a safe place where you can truly be honest with yourself. This is your book, your story, your journey. You have no limitations or boundaries. Your journal is private so you can express yourself and get to know who you really are and what you truly desire.

9. To help you through the decision-making process – In your journal, you can list pros and cons when you are faced with having to make a difficult decision. Write out every possible outcome and use this to guide you through the decision-making process.

10. To keep you in a state of gratefulness – As you go through the process to find yourself, stay grateful throughout your journey. Express gratitude in your journal. Slowing down to make note of what you’re thankful for can relieve you of anxiety, stress, and help you to enjoy life to the fullest. In addition, the act of gratefulness also draws more positivity your way, helping you to create a cycle of success.

Still stuck in a rut and have nothing to write, here are examples of ideas to include in your journal:

• Reactions to personal situations and world events
• Goals you’re working toward (weight loss, career, personal)
• Inspiring quotes or affirmations
• Poetry that moves you
• Pictures from magazines or photos you love
• Books to read
• Music you’ve heard that you may want to purchase
• Websites to explore
• To do lists or reminders
• Topic research or exploration
• Relationship successes or problems
• Travel plans
• Dreams to explore
• Feelings, thoughts, or emotions

One small positive thought in the morning can change your whole day

Journal Prompts are given to inspire you to write freely and to help you think about mind, body, and spirit as you write. But today, think of journal prompts as a thought provoking exercise to help you find yourself.

• Name 5 things that you love about yourself.
• What did you learn about yourself this month? this week? today?
• What are you inviting into your life with your actions?
• Has your mind spent more time today focused on the past, present, or future?
• What feels like a struggle at the moment?
• What do I want to accomplish in my life today? tomorrow? next week? next month? next year?
• What has been going well in my life lately?
• How can I create more acceptance in my life?
• What traits do I like about myself?
• What are my character strengths?
• How have I been holding myself back?
• How can I take a step forward?

Dream. Plan. Do.

So, grab your journal and write your ideas so you’re able to retrieve your thoughts whenever needed. Your journal holds all of your pertinent life information so you can remember and reference at any time in your future. Remember, you shape your world for success. Begin to imagine and dream. Don’t be afraid of goal setting and planning. Have courage to move in a positive direction toward your personal growth and advancement.

I WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU
If you do keep a journal, please share some of your organizing tips and techniques; pros and cons of journaling; journaling tips that help you continue your journey. We learn from one another so your comments are necessary in order for all of us to learn and grow. I look forward to reading your feedback!

In the Midst of it All

LaPorterMarch 30, 20188 Replies

In the midst of life’s greatest storms, do not forget your divine heritage as a son or daughter of God. -Ronald A. Rasband

In the midst of it all, what do you feel? What are your thoughts? How do you cope with every day struggles of life? Now, I realize my struggles may be different from your struggles, but can we agree that it takes a strategy to not only cope with the struggles of life, but to overcome such struggles?

Let’s face it, painful life experiences often leave heart-deep scars within us. Even though danger is long past, fear still lingers around us. It affects our present relationships and experiences, and even our perception of God. We may never know why it has happened to us, but we do know that we can and will survive it. We also know that God has given us a new day and a new season to reach out for His blessings in joy and gratitude. Painful experiences leave scars within us, but they also leave strength and wisdom in the midst of the storm, giving us the opportunity to help those enduring similar trials now.

JOURNAL PROMPTS:
• Find a quote to live by and write it down. Then, write a journal entry.
• What book has influenced your life?
• What are you grateful for?
• Define your struggles and create a plan to overcome them.

Inner peace begins the moment you choose not to allow another person or event to control your emotions. -Unknown

EMOTIONAL FREEDOM

Sometimes I feel tangled up in my emotions. Trying my hardest to break free. Emotional freedom is almost at my fingertips, but it is difficult to trust myself to move in the right direction. Can I control my emotions or do my emotions control me? I ask myself this question every day. How about you?

Emotional freedom is what we all strive for while on this journey called life. Trying to live a healthier lifestyle. But let’s be honest my friends, the struggle to emotional freedom is real and sometimes scary. The temptations and challenges are real, such as unhealthy foods, drinks, not enough time to exercise, health issues…the list can go on and on. But once again, I ask myself daily…Can I control my emotions or do my emotions control me?

I am a survivor, a fighter, a wife, a mother, a sister, an aunt, a friend. Yes, I am all of these things, but most of all, I am strong enough to overcome this emotional struggle. I am strong enough to make a commitment to not only myself, but also to my loved ones. I am strong enough to control my roller coaster of feelings, desires, and personal choices in life. So, I ask myself and you should ask yourself…Can I control my emotions or do my emotions control me?

Emotional freedom is within our reach, but we must stay focused and keep pushing toward our ultimate goal…to be at peace, happy and free of all negative feelings that sometimes hide within.

JOURNAL PROMPTS:
• How do you see the world? Describe it in detail.
• Share a vivid dream.
• How have you changed in the past year?
• What are your priorities in life?

Peace comes through hope. -James E. Faust

BEING AT PEACE & FINDING GOD’S PURPOSE

There is one sure way to know that you are doing exactly what God wants you to do, you will be at peace. Not every day, not all the time, but even in the midst of hard times and confusion you will feel good about what you are doing. Even when it seems like you are getting nowhere, you will know there is absolutely nothing else on earth you can do other than what you are doing. It’s called being on purpose. There will be times when you want to walk away, but you won’t. You can’t. Perhaps the money will not show up fast enough, but some way, somehow, you will have just enough to handle the task at hand.

Every day, every hour, and every minute has a purpose. God has a plan for you. Continue to trust that. He is taking you great places. -Unknown

When you are doing what God wants you to do, nothing else matters. You will be willing to stick it out in bad times. You will ignore people who tell you that you can’t or that you are crazy. You will be so intent on finding the happiness and success you know you deserve, you will be at peace. In peace, you find God’s purpose for you.

Simply put, your peace is God’s pleasure – Now let’s go find it – Are you ready? Ready, set, go!!!

JOURNAL PROMPTS:
• What do you feel strongly about?
• Something you are proud of.
• How would you like people to describe you?
• Discuss one way you would like to grow in the next year.

Travel light, live light, spread the light, be the light. -Yogi Bhajan

TRAVEL LIGHT

woman, stillness, meditation, light — pixabay

If you know that your life is a journey and if you want to make it to your divine destination, you must learn to travel light. Shake off all of the unnecessary baggage and negative thoughts. Unpack the abrasive attitudes, addictive appetites, belittling burdens, conflicting confusion, and frivolous fears that you have packed away in the crevices of your heart and mind. Pack a tidbit of truth, a capsule of courage, a fistful of faith, and a pocketful of prayer, and be your way to a healthier and stronger you!

JOURNAL PROMPTS:
• What do you love about yourself?
• If you could change just one thing about yourself, what would it be?
• What do you want people to remember about you?
• What do you need to be content?

Rock bottom became the solid foundation on which I rebuilt my life. -J.K. Rowling

SOLID FOUNDATION

A solid foundation is the most important part of a building. Without a solid foundation, the building won’t last very long. Unfortunately, the building could crumble or fall apart at any time, especially if stress is placed on it by a storm.

The Bible encourages people to build their lives on the solid rock of Christ, rooted securely in Him (see Matthew 7:24-27 and Ephesians 3:17). If you try to build your life on what people say and think of you, how they treat you, how you feel, or your past mistakes, you are building on sinking sand. But if you trade that old, cracked foundation for a solid foundation, one based on Christ and His love, nothing can shake you.

JOURNAL PROMPTS:
• What is your favorite scripture that you have hidden in your heart?
• What or who gives you comfort during difficult times?
• What can you do to nurture your mind, body, and spirit more?
• What has been going well in your life lately?

Journaling is like whispering to one’s self and listening at the same time. -Mina Murray

JOURNALING – TIME FOR PERSONAL REFLECTION

journaling, book, flowers, writing — pixabay

Journaling helps you make sense of your emotions and pinpoint patterns. Journaling helps to reduce stress, solve problems more effectively and even improve your overall health.
One way to practice journaling is to write about a good life experience. Not only does this remind you that there’s life beyond bad feelings, but it also serves as an emotional anchor. When you describe a happy memory in your journal, you will be mentally reinforcing that memory so that it might occur to you later in life while you’re going through difficult times.

Now, let’s practice this exercise to access your anchor:

I remember a good feeling _______ [when]. I simply felt ______________ [describe the feeling in a few words]. I was __________________ [where], and I remember noticing _________________ [something sensory]. It was a time in my life when I was doing ________________ [an activity or a general description]. I’ll never forget ________________ [people, weather, environment, etc.] around me. I’ll never be right there again but I know I CAN feel that way again.

My Inner Voice

LaPorterFebruary 25, 20184 Replies

Renew Inspiration has given me my inner voice to express my thoughts toward important topics that are dear to my heart. Thank you for spending this time with me on today. I don’t take your time for granted so allow my words to bless you and resonate in your spirit on today. Come along with me on this journey to experience my inner voice.

I didn’t give you the gift of life, life gave me the gift of you -Unknown

My inner voice cries out for all the children who are neglected and abused. My heart opens up for children who needs to be nurtured and loved despite their rough backgrounds. My thoughts are always racing about ways I can help children overcome obstacles that was not no fault of their own. Even though your inner voice cries out, you know that you are unable to help or save them all, so what do you do?

Where there is great love, there are always miracles -Unknown

My inner voice cries out for not just my own children who were adopted at a young age, but I strive to make a positive impact on the lives of every child I come into contact with. Some days your smile, your kind words, uplifting compliment or just a kind gesture are the only positive moments a child may experience throughout their busy day. Once again, I realize I cannot reach them all, so what do you do?

God knew that it doesn’t matter how your children get to your family. It just matters that they get there. -Kira Mortenson

My inner voice cries out for children who were blessed to find a loving family to take them into a safe and loving home, but to a child that has experienced abuse and/or neglect it’s hard for them to adjust properly due to the trauma of their pasts. In some cases, the new parents have no idea what the child has experienced, therefore it is difficult to help the child cope with his or her feelings. Sometimes it takes more than a prayer, hot meal, a warm hug, or a kind word to make these children feel the love that you are willing to share.

Let’s stay here for a moment. Now, what is happening right now, in this very moment. There is a new family unit being built with a foundation of love, prayer, and positive support. So that should be enough, right? Unfortunately, I can speak to this from my current experience. I call this creative parenting because you have to make adjustments daily in order to meet the child where they are for that moment. Even outside therapy sessions are not enough to deal with the emotional stress that families experience when trauma was introduced to children at young, tender ages.

We do not need to know the beginning of a child’s story to change the ending -Fi Newood

With that being said, my inner voice cries out to all parents who have sacrificed everything in order to provide for their children, both biological and adopted. The willingness to put your life on hold in order to provide a positive structure and future for a child shows your character. The child’s total well-being is always in the forefront of your mind. I strive to advocate for both of my sons each and every day. When children have special needs, it’s even another layer of difficulty put on the family unit. You have to make sure that the necessary resources and time is set into place not only at home, but also at school and extracurricular activities, such as sports, clubs, hobbies, etc. You are the voice for your children and must advocate for them in every waking moment. In return, you must teach your children how to advocate for themselves as well.

My inner voice cries out each and every day that I wake up knowing that I am responsible for two children that look up to me waiting on direction and guidance. It’s not always easy, but the experience strengthens you and changes your life forever. Let’s not give up on our children throughout our journey called life. Help support our children who may not have the positive support at home. Be a mentor, volunteer at your local schools, volunteer at local youth agencies, be a foster care parent, or even adopt a child. There are so many ways to give back to those children who need it most. I do realize WE cannot save them all, but even if we save one, that’s better than doing nothing at all.

Time for Renewal

LaPorterFebruary 21, 20186 Replies

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you -Ezekiel 36:26

Now, tell me what is your breaking point? When do you just STOP and take a rest? When do you say “No” to others because you already have too much on your agenda? Believe it or not, most people do not make time for the renewal process to take place in their lives. We just keep going and going like the Energizer bunny, right?

However, it is important to realize when it is time for renewal. Allowing time for renewal offers one many advantages in life. First, time for renewal offers one personal growth and expansion from the inside out. Second, time for renewal offers one a fresh start to something that will be much better, and in most cases, greater than what they were already experiencing. Third, time for renewal offers one the ability to make necessary plans and allows their mind to think of resolutions that need to take place. Fourth, time for renewal can give you rest from the day to day hustle and bustle of life, which can interpret to self-reflection. Fifth, time for renewal offers one an opportunity to transform one’s mind and body to a more refreshed state.

If we just be still and listen, we will hear the sigh of relief inside our hollow bodies…we will hear the quiet and slow beats of our hearts and the pleasant thoughts surrounding our busy minds!
I encourage you today to really think about your personal journey and how important it is to make time for renewal. You will experience life awakening experiences that will allow for personal growth as well as an expansion of your creativity that only you can explore and enjoy.

Until next time, believe in yourself today, tomorrow and forever!

Quotes:
Everything in the universe has a rhythm, everything dances -Maya Angelou

And suddenly you know, it’s time to start something new and trust the magic of beginnings -Meister Eckhart

The Soul Within

LaPorterFebruary 11, 20186 Replies

Scriptures:
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1

Do you know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore, glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s. I Corinthians 6:19-20

Once again, I want to thank you for believing in me and supporting my writing endeavors. I don’t know about you, but I am putting last week behind me and planning to have a much more productive week ahead. Sometimes I just sit and think about everything that life throws at us from day to day…from hour to hour…from minute to minute! For some of us, this experience can be very difficult to manage throughout our journey. We depend on support from family and friends to help us through those challenging times. For me, I pick up a pen and just start writing. Whichever way you choose to release this negative energy is good, the most important thing, is to release it. However, some people are not that fortunate. They have to face these hard times alone or just don’t have the means to find ways to handle the pressures of life.

The Soul Within was written with you in mind. Even if you are not experiencing a difficult time right now, just keep living. It is important to learn how to mentally withstand difficult situations presently and in the future. According to the Webster Dictionary, soul is defined as the principle of life, feeling, thought, and an action in humans, regarded as distinct entity separate from the body. Your soul is the part of you that consists of your mind, character, and thoughts.

The soul within is like an instrument playing a special tune to everything that life throws our way. The soul within clears our mind in the midst of chaos and confusion. The soul within offers a sense of comfort and peace as we go through challenges in life. The soul within at times, get filled up with our emotions especially when we experience heartache and pain. The soul within often times try to protect us from the negative world we live in. The soul within runs so deep that some people have out of body experiences that only they understand and can explain. The soul within is your protector, your guide, your teacher, your angel, your friend. The soul within can be a mother to the motherless and a father to the fatherless. The soul within can be your companion, comforter, and helper. The soul within showers you and those around you with love, peace, joy, and gratitude each and every day. The soul within will always be there tucked deep inside just waiting for the right time to assist you, but we have to learn how to get out of the way. No matter how difficult it may be, take a deep breath, close your eyes, and enjoy the soul within experience.

Quotes:
There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you. -Maya Angelou

Maybe you’ve been assigned this mountain to show others it can be moved. -Unknown

Positive Thoughts:
Stop trying to calm the storm. Calm yourself, the storm will pass.

It is well with my soul.

Her soul is fierce. Her heart is brave. Her mind is strong.