POV

The energy you carry can either lift a mood, improve a person's outlook, or darken the brightest day. You are your greatest support system and your authenticity is the gift you share with others. When you allow your perspective to broaden, you also allow the joy that surrounds you to seep in. It's in the little things, like a hello, a held door, an admired chuckle. It's contagious energy. What kind of energy are you choosing to carry today?

Ever found yourself a part of gossip and disappointed in your choices later? It happens to the best of us. I hope that the lesson is learned quickly and not repeated but hey, we humans sometimes need an extra dose of get right. But thank goodness that our God is patient and always ready to correct with a gentle hand. Remember, it's never too late to bridle your tongue. Your character depends on it.

The last few months of 2024 were a roller coaster ride for me and probably most.  Life changes, election results, downsizing, layoffs, and deaths all had their placement on many calendars. The gift is that tomorrow brings new beginnings and a rainbow after the rain if you choose to see it. Each year I give myself a motivational word or two so I have a focal point that propels me through the year. Join me in 2025 in discovering the More you desire and what you can do to create it or make room to receive it.

Our memories serve as time stamps of life's joyful moments and challenging triumphs. Today's guest Dorian Jackson shares how a memory from the age of four made her a proponent for change, personal integrity, and living on purpose.  In today's episode, Dorian shares how the Lord's whisper prepared her for her second career in the political realm. The memory of a prophetic word at the age of 17 shifted her awareness and motivated her to be a voice for the people with a strong message of equal opportunities and community awareness.  I hope your takeaway from Dorian's episode provokes you to be intentional in your life's purpose and choices as you too may one day be led to be a voice for the voiceless.Want to connect?www.jackson4weho.poliengine.comIG: dorian4weho

"If you want to make God laugh, man plans." Oh, how often have I heard that saying? I'm a planner. I love creating to-do lists and checking them off once accomplished, but life has a way of stopping me dead in my tracks. Sometimes it's someone else's emergency or work or the weather. Either way, I've learned how important it is to stop and pay attention to the change. I connect everything to a lesson and the Lord. I've noticed, more often than not, that protection followed that change of plans. I couldn't see it right away, sometimes it's taken years but oh the power of patience and stillness. The gift of learning to listen to the spoken and unspoken has probably saved my life. So if you find yourself with a shift in your daily routine or an unexpected pivot of plans, rest in the fact that that hiccup could be a redirection that's covered in blessings.

Life has a way of making you wait. Sometimes we have to wait to hear difficult news or fantastic news. Sometimes we have to wait our turn in line to purchase something or be refused an opportunity. Either way, waiting can be hard. What I'm learning in my own waiting spaces is that the discomfort serves a purpose. It's not always comfortable, welcomed, or presently rewarding...but the gifts that will follow, the life lessons and relationships, the quiet talks, and occasional reassurances keep me focused and faithful to God's word. This part of the journey is the section my flesh would omit but my character is built in. If you find yourself in the waiting room, rest assured that you're in good company for it's the place of preparation.

Life gets loud and time keeps on ticking. It's in those moments that I run to catch it or try to hold on for dear life all while feeling it's slipping away. The control of all situations I crave reminds me that that is a false belief. I will run myself down before I get quiet so I can hear the Lord. Don't let this be you. The gift of stillness is rejuvenation and restoration. It's a true reminder that we don't walk alone or exist in our own strength. Lean into the quiet and rest in the peace that surrounds you in the loudest of spaces....and sometimes the loudest space is your mind. Gift yourself the time to be still. Nothing that's attached to you will miss you.

Life's rejection is God's protection. I say this often. I remind myself that the Lord is all-seeing and all-knowing and there are times when I want things like relationships, jobs, and connections and the outcome doesn't match my prayer.  I then remind myself that Jesus said no for a reason that's beyond my vision or comprehension. I trust his choice and thank him for what's to come in his perfect time. The gift of aging is wisdom and life experience. I'm learning daily to wait, trust, and thank him in the in-between. 

Moving around the world and having to adjust isn't for the faint of heart but change and challenge can strengthen a muscle.  Elizabeth Narciso is a New York-based actor, writer, and filmmaker who enjoys life, laughter, and dancing to the beat of her own drum. In this episode, my guest shares her journey in the business of show in front of and behind the scenes. The gifts she's learned along the way lean into self-worth, femininity, confidence, and trust.   I hope this episode helps you find your definition of success and what makes your heart smile.Want to connect:www.elizabethnarciso.com

I've been purging. It wasn't planned. It was in God's time and through his direction. It's been challenging, cathartic, painful, and peaceful. So many seasons, reasons, people, and times have brought me to this place. So many prayers for more clarity, the now and the wait have had to happen to get me here and now I see the reason for many things and still have unanswered questions for others. What I've learned is that what I need will always arrive and what no longer serves me will flow freely away and make room for my next answered prayer, in God's timing. I just have to trust it. Are you listening, welcoming, and making yourself available to release and receive? If not, what's stopping you besides you? You are a moment's thought away from an answered prayer if you just trust the process and allow the Lord to work in, around, and through you for the betterment of you. Remove your idea of what should be and allow the Lord to clean  house. You deserve the more you seek.

A Mom, Businesswoman, motivator, and fearbuster with a wealth of knowledge describe my guest today. Meet Jewell Love. She's a woman who shows up for herself and others by enriching the minds of people about finance, success, and beauty. At the age of 19, she started the ground plan for her first business, Pai'Bella, named after her first child Paisley. She has continued to be a trendsetter, entrepreneur, and gifter of wealth development and management. In this episode, I hope you are reminded of your power, passions, and purpose. I hope you fearless or fearfully lean into your gifts that the Lord wants you to share with others and be unstoppable.  Want to Connect:Jewell's Financial Services https://form.jotform.com/Jewell_Love/financialspecialist IG @jewelllove_ Beauty Line www.paibella.com Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076564481144&mibextid=LQQJ4d

Ask and ye shall receive. Those are biblical words recited often but your faith and belief that it's possible is the bravery that manifests such a request. Now, God's timing or ways are not ours but his answers are always better.  Meet my podcast guest Rolanda Eatmon. She's a true testament to this. In this episode, Rolanda shares her journey of faith, family, and a barbecue business through perseverance and patience. She reminds us that we can have it all...if we open our horizon to how and when we are to get it.  I hope your takeaway from this episode is that an ask from the Lord merits a guaranteed answer.Want to connect:King of Kings Barbecue food truckwww.kingofkingsbbq.comMemphis, TN901-338-6732

My motto is"My life is an exclamation point!" 95% of the time, that's true. I'm bubbly, fun-loving, and silly. I can also be straightforward, silent, and distant. All of those beautiful traits can exist consistently in one human. I know this very well! The challenge comes when I hit roadblocks and the weight of the world compounds and I find myself leaning into things I can't control versus releasing them and trusting the Lord. Suddenly, I have a problem for every solution, my days are long and my temper is short. It's in those instances that I'm reminded to lean into my joy. The deep belly seed of comfort, security, and safety. We all have it. We were born with it, placed there by the Lord so whenever you find the dark cloud hovering, remember to tap into your supply of joy. It's there on the easy days and the challenging ones, we just have to be intentional about receiving it.

Life can take you from an introvert to a voice heard around the world if you can feel the fear and do it anyway. Today's guest is John Paul Stevenson. I met JP over twenty years ago, thanks to his beautiful wife and my dear friend Cori. John Paul has always had a voice that could make you pause and smile as you long to hear it again. This gift merited him a career three decades long. In the episode, John Paul talks about life, changes, choices, and the power of being present. I hope his words encourage you to find your passion and to stop and smell the roses along the way.

A huge part of our individual growth is self-actualization. Who am I? What do I want out of life? How do I see myself? I've learned that I'm not always the kindest person to me. Some of my motivational words are shared with everyone except myself. I'm learning that I stand in my way more than I thought possible and that excuses are just a detour from your dreams.  I now know that just as easily as I can feed negative thoughts, I can starve them too. If I want a life of joy and gratitude, I have to create it. I have to water what I want to grow. I have to treat myself the way I require others to for self-love motivates change and welcomes abundance. Ask yourself, who are you to you? 

How we move determines our future. When we are deliberate with our words and focused on our actions, we are then intentional in our ways. We open the door to give and receive.  The more specific I am in my goals, be it in relationship, career, or health, the better the outcome. My reaping season increases. I challenge you to do the same.  Do things on purpose. Support that small business, call your friends and tell them you love them, wake up on the right side of the bed, and show up for yourself on purpose. There's nowhere to go but UP from there.

We can't predict our life's journey or choose our parents.  Sometimes the hand we're dealt isn't the one we'd choose for ourselves. Meet Mr. Hank. He's a man of many uphill climbs and breathtaking triumphs. On today's episode, he shares the challenges he's faced and his unrelenting spirit to overcome.  This interview reminds me that whenever I have my 'woe is me days', if I was in a room with people who appear to have it easier, as soon as they share their life's journey, I'd understand why I was built to endure my own.   Be advised: Some of the topics discussed may be triggering. 

Relationships are a healthy exchange of dialogue, knowledge, comfort, and kindness. Often they can feel powerful, mutually beneficial, and supportive. Sometimes they feel exhausted, depleted, and dry. The question I often ask myself is if the present relationship, be it business, friendship or pleasure is in a season of drought, steady rain, or disrepair.  The first person I analyze is me. How can I be better? How can I listen more intently, give grace when needed, and preserve this gift of friendship? I've learned that my givings have nothing to do with anyone else's. I've learned that when I was "I and Me" centered,  I didn't have awareness of someone else's needs or desires.  I recently heard a quote that resonated, " people don't care how much you know until they know how much you care." I let that sink in. It reminded me to make sure I pour into relationships that I desire to grow and release the ones God has shown me no longer serve me. I challenge you to do the same.      

Mentors are a gift to this world. They listen, inform, and motivate those who seek their counsel and desire their earned wisdom. Today you will meet one of my mentors of over 20 years. Antonio Horne is a stage director, college professor, actor, dancer, and dear friend. In this episode, Antonio shares his journey to discover his passion for acting, the challenges along the way, and his deepened faith because of them.I hope this episode motivates you to notice those around you who are paying attention to your words and actions while you continue on your life's journey with optimism and joy.  

We have the power to speak life or death over ourselves. We have the power to insight into worry or peace, to create scenarios in our minds that aren't real, and to evoke stress and strain or peace and joy….it starts with our thoughts and manifests with our words and actions. Worry is easy, joy is hard. Why? Because the world has programmed us to fear. Fear our neighbor, the possible outcome of a rainy day, the could happen, would be, and possibilities. We create beautiful complex happenings, that don't always serve us.  How do I know? I do it all the time! I'm working on retraining my mind. To lean into the positive possible outcomes instead of the misery, angst, and stress. Our mind and body do what we say, so if our words and thoughts are negative, our body follows and if our words and thoughts are positive, then our body follows! How about that?! The most delicious gift is our presence in the moment, not the created thought of the future or sadness of the past. The present and the faith in what we want and not what we don't can align our day for success. We can't control others, but we can surely control ourselves. How can you reset, retrain, and reassess your words and thoughts to better benefit your goals? Exercise your mind with the best possible outcome. Relax into the joy of your breath and lean into what you want, not what you don't. You are just a moment's breath away from your peace of mind. Lean in.

Fear and Faith are two powerful words. They can evoke angst or calm, dread or peace.  I have worked myself into a tizzy over scenarios I had created in my head. Fear of a negative situation that I had willed into existence with my words and thoughts overcame any positive outcome. The power of the tongue is real. We can speak life or death.... but oh, when I walk out on faith- the belief and trust in God for things unseen, I'm blessed every time. Now, I must tell you, the Lord is not here to answer our every prayer the way we desire, he's here to direct our path in the way that blesses us overall. Sometimes that will show up as life's rejection but God's protection.  I challenge you to lean into faith and less into fear until fear completely disappears.

Have you ever been motivated by the doings of others? I have. Over a decade ago I met this woman with a voice that gave me chills. She casually mentioned that she would be opening up for PJ Morton just in case I wanted to come. I came and so did many the others. Her modesty would have one assume she didn't know the power her gift carried. I later found out that that was her superpower. Her modest demeanor was an acknowledgment of God's work through her. What a blessing.Meet today's guest, Keia Johnson. She's a lover of the arts, a soul singer, an actor, a director, a business owner, a world traveler, an educator, and a friend. In this episode, Keia shares how she discovered her love for singing, her softness in the midst of a cold world, and how stepping outside her comfort zone caused a powerful shift.I hope Keia's episode motivates you to challenge your goals and walk into your greatness.

"Nobody told me that the road would be easy but I don't believe he brought me this far to leave me." Mary Mary  God's plan has its fair share of bumps and bruises. It's trials and tribulations, but while you experience those hard days, remind yourself of the good ones. The days made easier when favor and faith won, the times when your belief outweighed your unbelief. The path to our heart's desires is just as rich as the destination so I challenge you to praise him all along the way for some of our most beautiful memories are layered with tears, heartache, grace, and mercy. Nothing is by chance and what we bear is what we were built to handle so when you feel like the bad outweighs the good, rest in the fact that your present rain will soon create a fantastic rainbow full of answered prayers and continued grace. You've got this. Just dust yourself off and try again because, for your every one step, God will take two.

Life is full of winding roads, detours, halted moments and paths less traveled.  While finding your way, don't forget to notice the sunshine, the rainbow after the rain, and the blessings that find you along your journey.  Often times we stay laser-focused on our final destination and miss the lessons that create the blessings. We miss the beauty of the challenge that builds character and makes us who we are,  so while you're climbing up that road to joy, success, and happiness, stop and take it all in. Now that's living.

We made it ya'll!!! We made it to 2024 and that's something to celebrate because everyone didn't. That alone merits a praise break!Every year, I give myself a word. This word helps me get closer to my goals. This year my word is focused. I am focused on being better today than I was yesterday. What's your word?

We were born to live, to love and be loved, to feel fully and experience life present in the moment. Everyone who has a birthday day has an expiration date so while we're here, let's live out loud. Let's love with our whole hearts, let's get out of our way and run toward what scares us so we can realize it isn't real. We were born with what we need to shine and God will give us the rest along the way. 

Life is too short to not celebrate the special people in your life. Words alone can heal a heart and motivate a spirit.  I have met strangers who shared words of encouragement with me and those encounters were the pick-me-up I needed. Don't hesitate to do the same and receive it when it's given to you too because no one has to share. Often we don't see the gifts we carry. We walk around feeling less than when we are beautifully and wonderfully made.  Walk tall in the essence of who you are and gift people with your words. Who will you celebrate today?

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened."  Matthew 7;7-8  It's true, we have not because we ask not and when we ask and don't prepare to receive it, we set ourselves  up for disappointment. Our preparation should come with our prayers so make sure you make room to receive what you've prayed for. Sometimes that involves healing past wounds, forgiveness of self and closing doors of situations that no longer serve you. When my prayers are answered, I want to be in a sustainable place to enjoy them and I pray that same prayer for you.

Our lives are determined by our choices. What's important to us,  what we need to feel happy, joyful, peaceful, and alive. Sometimes we forget that and find ourselves making decisions that don't benefit us because we've decided to give our power away, to care about what others think, to lean into people pleasing, or fall straight into self-neglect. Whatever it is, stop it! Your life is your own. Remind yourself that what others think of you is none of your business and that no is a complete sentence. Trust your judgment and your gut and remember who you're living for.

Often we dim our light out of fear. We think we're unworthy of the beauty that comes with being seen and respected. We fall back into the shadows because we want to be like everyone else when we weren't made to be like everyone else. You are an individual masterpiece worthy of every ohh and ahh. Your gifts and talents are yours to share and enjoy. The world would have you believe that conforming to the status norm is the way to go but Jesus thinks differently. He made you unique and authentic. You are perfectly imperfect on purpose and the sooner you walk in the essence of all you are, the sooner you will attract all your heart desires. It's your light that draws people and things, not your darkness. Stand firm and confident in all you are and watch your life shift in the direction you desire. You're worth it. 

Life has a way of preparing us for what's to come. It's often through time and reflection that we notice we've made it over or have conquered life's challenges.  Today, we have the pleasure of meeting Dr. Goldsby. The first time I met her, I knew she was a woman who was aware of her worth and power. The most beautiful gift is that her softness, kindness, and poise reminded me that our presence alone is enough of an introduction.  In this episode, I hope you are reminded of your purpose, passion, and perseverance, and on rainy days, remember to turn lemons into lemonade.Dr. Goldsby would like to give a shout out to all of her Tennessee friends and relatives.  She'd also like to give a special thanks to her daughter Genese for inspiring and encouraging her to do this!

I ask the Lord for many things. Often his timing is different from mine and that's when the worry sets in.  In those moments, I'm reminded that God's will is better than mine and his timing is perfect.  If I take it to him in prayer, I should leave it there because he knows what the future holds and has always been and will continue to be the supplier of all my needs. So whatever it is, a new job, healing of a broken heart, basic needs, or your wildest dreams, trust that " ask and ye shall receive" was written to free us of stress and worry. I only challenge you to be specific in your request, put "If it's your will" at the end of that prayer, and wait and watch the Lord show out.

One of the hardest things to do is be seen.  Seen for who we really are and not as we present. It's hard to allow people to love us who know our faults and our flaws and it's hard to be loved by those who don't. In one way you feel unworthy and in the other, you feel like a fraud or an imposter. At times we judge ourselves so harshly for going through our individual life's journey. We feel we should know more, do more, have more, be more and it's such a waste of energy. I can speak on this because this is what I do to myself. I judge, I criticize, I chastise myself and I have yet to reap the benefits of such behavior. I have yet to see the positive feedback from this harsh way of self-sabotage so I've decided to stop doing this. It doesn't work. It only deepens the hole of my less-than mentality and feeds the fear. The truth is that where I am is where I'm supposed to be. The lessons I'm learning right now are on purpose. The challenges I'm facing are for my making and not my breaking. In these moments, grace is our friend and God is our support. Lean in and on him. Trust that he has a plan for you. " For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future."- Jeremiah 29:11. Rest in the fact that your Abba father has got it all in control.

1 Peter 5:7-9 6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: 7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.This scripture is easy to say and hard to do. The world will have us believe that we stand only in our strength. That the weight of the world is on our shoulders and our power is only found in ourselves. What a lie. We are only made strong through him, not through ourselves. The Lord has an army called in your favor. A path of protection and joy awaits us constantly if we would get out of our own way and receive it. We can rest in the fact that God's got us and we don't have to do anything alone so take that weight off your shoulders and give it to the Lord. His plan is greater than your wildest dream.

Our self-worth dictates our requirements, what we allow to linger, the friendships we hold on to that no longer serve us, the romantic relationships that have run their course, and the job that is the bane of our existence. Why do we stay? Fear, living in a state of lack, of comfortability, and not knowing our worth. We teach people how to treat us based on what we think we deserve. I know this firsthand. I am guilty of not knowing what I deserve, of being quiet when I should have spoken up for myself, of accepting less than I deserve....but not anymore. My life is precious and so is yours. Who you are and what you carry is unique to only you so stop selling yourself short and go for it. Ask for what you need and believe you're worth it because you are.

Love is powerful. It's something we all long for...from family, friends, and romantic relationships but the greatest love is from the Lord and ourselves.  External love can be beautiful and It can lack what we need because we teach people how to love us. We show them what's required by how we love and carry ourselves. What we tolerate and allow. When we learn to fully love ourselves, we elevate, we rise to a place of acceptance and courage and we set a standard that has to be met to allow access to our hearts.  We breathe deeper and smile more. We see ourselves through God's eyes. What a beautiful gift. I challenge you to look within and love you fully. Nothing but good can come of it.

The individuality of you is your superpower. Only you can do what you do.  Who you are is as specific as your DNA, but it's up to you to tap in and share it.  The world would have you downplay, neglect, or belittle your differences while God is waiting on you to see that that's your ultimate blessing. I challenge you to look at yourself in a new light. See your flaws and "challenges" as gifts and blessings and watch your world shift towards your true calling because there is nothing more beautiful than being aware of the gifts you carry. 

Sometimes in life, we hold back out of protection. We don't show up fully out of fear of rejection, fear, or a need to control the outcome. This can be the biggest setup for failure because if we don't commit fully, then we can't stand in the essence of all we are and are capable of. We limit ourselves before others can. We decide that we're not worthy of the love our hearts desire, that new job, or pursuing  our passion. We tell ourselves no before anyone else can. I'm guilty of this. In my desire to control the outcome, I limit my possibilities of more because God's capabilities are limitless....if only I would get out of my way. What are you standing in the way of and how soon can you move? There's no time like the present to go all in.

If you could exist in a world without fear, What would you do? How would your life change?  Would your light shine brighter?  What things would you achieve?  How would you spend your day? Now let go of False. Evidence. Appearing. Real and get to the doing! Fear stunts growth while faith blossoms and blooms. Allow yourself to have faith that you can live the life you've dreamed of.  It starts with your thoughts and manifests through your word and your actions.  We are as powerful as we think we are. Today is the day to allow the Lord to show you just how preciously unique you are.  Our God doesn't have recessions, he has renewals. There is no time like to present to change your thoughts and live the life you desire, so get out of your own way and LIVE!

You are a blessing. Your whole being is a gift from God. The fact that you can read this or hear a transcription of these words is a miracle.   We often ask God for more and forget the gifts we are and possess in the present moment. Our cup runs over just in the fact that we woke up today. That's where gratitude catapults our "more" that's to come. When we see,  appreciate, and nurture what we have now, the Lord tends to bless us, so while you are praying the prayers of increase, check and make sure you're watering your present.

Often we fear what we desire most. We put up roadblocks and challenges so we don't have to do the heavy lifting of healing and believing we are worthy of our heart's desires.  Sometimes our words are our worst enemy because we believe we aren't deserving. We think we're less than others. We stop short of our goals out of fear.Let's stop this Today! We are capable of all we want in this world and more. Let's not waste another second feeding negativity, doubt, blame, shame, or guilt about what was. We are as powerful as the words we speak and the actions we do and it all begins with self-love. I've decided to keep my cup full. To seize every second of every day. I've decided that I'm worthy of love only I can give myself so I can receive everything I've prayed for with gratitude, confidence, and a testimony that's waiting to be shared. Won't you join me? We are the first inheritor of our love and we were born to shine.

Jesus is a miracle worker. Some miracles are great and some are small but all in all, they are blessed experiences.  I recently met my next guest and her life experiences soothed my soul. I believe the Lord works in multiples and sometimes those gifts come from other people's previous challenges and testimonies that they are compelled to share once they've cleared that hurdle.  Meet Chereka. Her story is one of God's love and the many blessings she's received through her artistry and her children. I hope some of Chereka's beautiful candor and praise in all the moments God showed up in her life bless your soul and remind you that there's no time like the present.Want to Connect:Link tree:https://linktr.ee/TheRayKingSquad@TheRay/KingSquad

You house beautiful things. You carry with you all that you need to survive and thrive in this world. It's right at your center, at your core, because you are specially made. By definition, that means that you are distinguished, set apart from, or excelling others of its kind, designed or reserved for a particular purpose, not usual or commonplace.  There is only one of you. You were created on purpose just as you are to gift this world through your authenticity, your presence, and your truth. So whenever you forget who you are or allow the world to make you feel inadequate, stop and take a look in the mirror. Remind yourself of the gifts you carry and continue on. Time waits for no man so make sure you don't waste yours neglecting and negating your worth.

It's important to be aware of your surroundings, and to see people, not just with your eyes but with your heart. I met my next guest in line on a lazy Sunday at a healthy fast-food chain. One conversation sparked intrigue and God's intentional plan.  In today's episode, you'll meet Siwatu Sanders. He's a design engineer with a passion for entrepreneurship.  Siwatu feeds his creative side that longs for increased knowledge all while helping others achieve their goals.   He comes from a great lineage and offers us words of wisdom to live and thrive by.  I hope this episode helps you explore your desires and reminds you that you are below in every room you enter.Want to connect?https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-sanders-a429025a

Life has a way of placing people in our lives who will have a lasting effect on our hearts and actions. In college, I met this beautiful woman who wasn't afraid of her voice or what people thought of her. I watched her share openly and honestly, something that I was too afraid to do, and it stuck with me. She motivated me to be just as free. Today, I get to share her with you.  Meet Allonya Payne. She's an actor, writer, published author, and mother to a beautiful son. Allonya is a doer, a vision board creator, and a manifestor of her dreams.  I hope you walk away feeling inspired to do the things that scare you, change the things that you can change, and love fully.Want to Connect?TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRnbv7gC/IG:https://www.instagram.com/p/CfJzB7NlqUY/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=Andhttps://www.instagram.com/p/ClmXh0svFcc/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=Books:Love Choices (Short Stories of Dialogue)https://a.co/d/3COc9nkAdoration Anguish Arousal: Book of Poetryhttps://a.co/d/8J9zsEa 

Giving is one of the best feelings in the world. When you give to others, God gives to you. It's beyond material.  A hug, a compliment, a prayer or your time can go a mighty long day. The beauty of giving is that it sets us up to receive. It shows us our power and reminds us of the Lords. There have been many days that the Lord has placed it on my heart to give. Our obedience is appreciated by our God and it's rewarded. So the next time you feel the desire to give, do. It's a sure sign that your blessings are just around the bend.

Trials and challenges can create scares we love to hide but transparency is more beautiful than we give it credit. Our ability to show up for ourselves is very powerful if we utilize it with love and present energy. Life wasn't meant to be only hard or happy, it's meant to be experienced fully. As you travel through your journey of self-discovery, love, hardship, grace, and mercy, remember to take a break when needed and reset, recalibrate, and release. Once you've taken care of yourself, get back up and push through. What you desire is closer than you realize.

Life is all the things.  It's beautiful pain, it's sunny days and torrential rain storms.  It's easy walks and windy days. It's a beautiful day at the beach and a monsoon within minutes.In the mist of every change and shift, remember to dance your way through it.I've been in a season of growth, loss and transition.  There are moments when the bed is my safehaven and other times when I run to the sunshine. Through it all, find your silver lining. Trust that all emotions are temporary and greater is to come.  We have to power to shift our perspective to something that better serves us. This life is full of turbulence and harsh conditions. It's also full of beautiful memories and breathtaking views. While you're feeling all the feels and walking your own personal journey, don't forget to dance through your darkest day. You never know what you're capable of until you do. 

Sometimes we require others to show up in our lives in ways we don't show up for ourselves. We expect them to fill our voids and the places we lack. We hold them accountable for our emotions and the trajectory of our day. The truth is that's a battle no one can win because they aren't responsible for your happiness, growth, or acceptance, you are. I'm learning that man is not my source and anything that I'm missing on my journey of life will find me while I do the work. I'm realizing that I get to show myself how I desire to be treated. That's my job. It's my job to heal, love, and care for me. I teach people how to treat me by how I treat myself. If I speak negatively to myself, then I'm allowing other people to do the same, but if I show up with a heart of love and kindness, positivity and grace for myself, then the people around me will too and  I trust that anyone who doesn't, will have served their purpose in my life. How we show up for ourselves dictates how others show up for us. Remember, it is our job to be what we need while we trust the Lord to lead us toward our greatness because there is only one you and that in itself is the biggest flex.

Death has a way of showing us the present, the now, the gift of today. The loss of my dear friend Crystal has forever changed me. It's made me more alive and in the moment. I'm more aware of the time I have currently and confident in my decisions that best serve me. I'm focused like never before because I realize just how precious life is. I challenge you to allow this moment right now to catapult you closer to your goals, your dreams, and your desires. Feed your positive thoughts and starve anything that tells you otherwise because there is no time like the present...It's actually the only time we have, so seize this moment and live in the essence of who God made you to be and that's unstoppable.

Life is precious. I say this all the time and yet today, it feels more precious than ever before. Eighteen years ago, I found myself fresh out of college in a new state and on a new journey of life. It didn't take long for  loneliness to set in so I prayed for a friend to tell my secrets to.  Everywhere I went, I was looking for her....at the grocery store, the mall, the gas station and low and behold, a couple weeks later, I met her at the gym. The energy and specificity of the Lord's direction was so strong that I knew it was her! Crystal was her name. That day I met my sister in life and in Christ.In this episode, I want to encourage you to pray astronomical prayers and wait with excitement and anticipation for God to show up and show out. And while you're waiting, enjoy every lesson along the way because life is precious. Life is fleeting and it's here for the living.I love you Crys and I will always carry you in my heart. ❤️