Dive Into the River of Knowledge: Transform Your Life Through Learning

I have discovered that learning is like spring water that you gather in your hand so you can take a drink. There is a river of knowledge just waiting for you to launch out and dive into. When I think about all the things I am currently studying, I am excited thinking about how I can use that knowledge to reach my goals. Knowledge is power! B.B. King said, "The beautiful thing about learning is that nobody can take it away from you." But the truth is, the knowledge that can be taken from you is the learning that you rob yourself of. You can stay on the dock and not put anything into your growth. Choose to go against how you may feel or think. Do not let the words of others put limits on your potential. Research has shown that learning stops our brain from deteriorating and can even improve your happiness! There are other benefits as well to investing in your self-development. You can look up more benefits from previous research if you would like to find out more. Choose to expand your mind and grow. Learning new things can take you into a new career or help you to start a business that you have always wanted to. You can spend time alone reading, take an online course, or even listen to a podcast to learn. It can be as simple as an interesting article, a puzzle, or reading a book. Or it can be as challenging as taking a college course. Whatever you decide, be proud of yourself for making choices that are moving you forward. Your life will not look the same as you go to new heights. Everyday make it a goal to learn something. I encourage you to drink flavorful water and learn something today!

Every Detail Matters: A Lesson From Amy Lamott

“There is ecstasy in paying attention... Anyone who wants to can be surprised by the beauty or pain of the natural world, of the human mind and heart, and can try to capture just that - the details, the nuance, what is. If you start to look around, you will start to see.” ― Anne Lamott, Bird by Bird Since we are talking about growth and development books this week, I am currently reading "Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life" by Amy Lamott. In this book, Amy gives simple advice to help improve our writing skills, and it can also apply to our lives . She goes over topics in the book, but something that stood out to me is when she mentions for her readers to pay close attention to details. By doing this, we improve our lives as we slow down and smell the roses. Paying close attention to details can transform your writing from boring to interesting and unique! This allows us to enjoy things that we tend to miss in life. Art is a perfect example of someone noticing the details. Salvador Dali has amazing pieces of artwork that are incredibly detailed. I could easily spend a great amount of time studying one art piece because the details are so profound and meaningful. If the viewer is not careful, they will miss something special and important about the piece. In studying artwork, we begin noticing details that are valuable to the piece. Without the detail in the painting the piece would lack character and would look like every other artwork we see. Every day you could look around wherever you are as a challenge to develop a keen eye on the details around you. What do you hear? What do you see? What do things around you feel like? Begin describing those things in detail and you will begin to appreciate minute details more. If you are a writer, I encourage you to read this book and you will learn helpful tips to enhance your writing!

Elevate Your Reading Journey: Join Our Exciting Contest!

This week marks a special occasion on our blog – we are launching a contest to celebrate the joy of reading and personal growth. Whether you are reading a Christian book, an educational book, or a motivational book, we want to see what you are currently reading that is your improving your personal growth. Here is how you can join in on the fun: simply take a snapshot of the book you are currently reading and send it our way by our Facebook page under the post regarding this blog post. (So, get connected on our Faith Post Daily Blog page on Facebook if you have not yet so you can join in on the fun)! This is not just about sharing your current read but also about connecting with a community of like-minded individuals enthusiastic about learning and self-improvement. On Thursday, we are taking the engagement up a notch by featuring a poll on our Facebook page, where the power lies in your hands. It is up to our Facebook community to cast their vote by liking their favorite book picture. This is a fantastic opportunity to discover new books and get inspired by what others in our community are reading. Next Monday we will announce the lucky winner who will receive an incredibly special prize – a copy of my upcoming eBook, "Devoted", a 7-day devotional to strengthen the body of Christ! I cannot wait to share it with you! So, let us join and celebrate our collective love for reading and personal growth. Submit your entry, join the conversation, and you might just find your next favorite book through this contest. Happy reading and good luck to all!

Beyond the Desk: Key Ingredients for a Satisfying Life and Thriving Career

"You will never feel truly satisfied by work until you are satisfied by life." – Heather Schuck, entrepreneur, and author. Advancing in your career can be challenging. Work can go unappreciated, become boring, or even exasperating. I passionately believe that you cannot succeed and advance in your career without doing so in your personal life as well. I have learned practical tips that you can use to see changes in all areas of your life. My podcast library is filled with mentors. Having people that pour into your life on a consistent basis is important for growth. Make it a priority to never stop learning. Mentors have been where you are and can give you practical advice to help you in different areas of life. If you want to be a public speaker, you could listen to Terri Savelle Foy. You could listen to Faith Driven Entrepreneur. There are so many people giving wisdom for free. Take advantage of resources that are available to you. Proverbs 15:22 says, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” Networking is also a valuable and necessary skill to succeed in life. Without networking, you would run into problems that could be easily avoided. If you need a babysitter, knowing who to call will help you save time. Having that connection can even be the difference for customers who walk into a 70-degree versus a 90-degree building. Connecting with people can even bring opportunities along later in life. Ephesians 4:9-10 says, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.” Challenging yourself can also help you grow. Learning something you did not know about your career field or trying a new recipe can help stretch you by trying new things. You could even get a degree or a certificate that will advance your knowledge. Challenge yourself to improve in areas you struggle in. You could be like me and find it debilitating to fold and put away the laundry that has been sitting for two days. You can challenge yourself and set up a system to reward yourself if that motivates you. Morgan Freeman is quoted saying, “Challenge yourself; it is the only path which leads to growth. Fatigue, discomfort, discouragement are merely symptoms of effort.” Do not be afraid to do the work to see the changes you want to see in your career or personal life. Find mentors, connect with others, challenge yourself, and watch the change that will happen in your life. When I started applying these tips my life began seeing positive changes all around. Let me know your tips as well and let us connect!

Believing Beyond Sight: A Testimony of Faith and Love

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrew 11:1 Faith is believing what you may not be able to prove true. You believe against all evidence in the natural. Do not look at the facts, or what others may say. I heard my pastor say once, “Faith sees it done now, in the present.” So, faith does not look at the circumstances or base its hopes on them. I remember when I prayed for my husband. I wanted to be married so bad and felt like it would never happen. I did not put myself in the dating scene either like someone who wanted to be married should have. But I knew God had someone special for me. So, when my mom got sick and my husband came in the picture, I was so happy. I knew that God had answered every prayer I prayed. I wanted someone who could make me laugh. Check! I always wanted kids (but I could not have any of my own). Check! He had three kids! My faith in God was tested but made stronger as I prayed and trusted God for years. I have journals I have filled with prayers concerning my husband and I look back amazed. There was times I cried over those pages as I prayed to God and chose to trust Him. It makes wonder how I missed the signs, but my husband knew he wanted to marry me the first time he saw me. I could write a book about the love and faithfulness of God in our love story. Even though you may not see things happening, engage your heart in prayer. Believe God is moving on your behalf and what His Word declares belongs to you! Listen to the Word through preaching or on an audio Bible and grow your faith in whatever area that may need it. Romans 10:17 says, “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

Unlocking Deeper Connection in Marriage: The Power of Active Listening

 

 

"The art of conversation lies in listening." - Malcolm Forbes.

 

Marriage is such a gift that society has blown off. It is normal to see spouses being unfaithful and not respecting one another, but more than that, is the lack of connection because there is no communication. Communication is an art form that enhances relationships and improves lives. There are strategies you can learn to improve your communication skills, such as working on your listening skills. Listening more than we speak is hard because we want to be heard. You may even feel that what you have to say is more important than what your spouse has to say. To see major improvement in your communication, you must listen more to what the other person is saying. There is a quote by Epictetus that explains it well, "We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak."

Another tip would be to maintain good eye contact with your spouse to reassure them that they have your undivided attention. Learn to read between the lines of what is being said and what they mean. "The most important thing in communication is to hear what isn’t being said.", a quote by Peter Drucker’s that explains the value of understanding hidden messages and recognizing them through your spouse’s words. In learning to read your spouse, you can show them support and understand how to meet their needs. Then, you can start to show them empathy. When you show your spouse empathy, you let them know that you care, and you are attentive to them. Also, try to avoid distractions when you are speaking. You should create times throughout your day where you can speak to your spouse alone. No kids, no phone, no interruptions.

Listening will transform not only your marriage, but also other relationships you have. Your spouse wants to feel heard and understood, so begin transforming your communication with listening. Your marriage will be stronger, and you will learn more about your spouse along the way!

Embracing the Journey: 5 Strategies to Overcome Obstacles and Triumph

Obstacles in life happen. What is your reaction to them? These 5 strategies can help you conquer challenges and walk confidently in life.

1. Cultivate a Growth Mindset: Learning is a great way to discover techniques that you need to accomplish tasks. One way to cultivate a growth mindset is by reading and challenging yourself. When you refuse to stop, the boundaries that may have held you back before get broken. You step out of your comfort zone and stretch yourself when you have a growth mindset.

2. Set Clear, Achievable Goals: Habakkuk 2:2 says, “…Write the vision, and make it plain on tablets, that he who reads it may run.” Having clear goals is important because where is the end of the race without a finish line? I believe it was Desmond Tutu who said, “There is only one way to eat an elephant: a bite at a time.” Whatever your goal may be, it can be broken down into bite-sized goals. Maybe you want to run a marathon, so you could start training with a mile, then two miles, then three. One of the main reasons goals do not get accomplished is that we take on too much at once. Set short, achievable tasks every day and you will meet your goals in no time!

3. Build a Supportive Network: Who is around you? Surrounding yourself with the right people is imperative to achieving your goals. The right people will encourage you to conquer challenges, not distract you. The right people will motivate you, not cause you to stumble. You want to surround yourself with people who are where you want to be in your life. Choose mentors and learn from them, even if it is through a book.

4. Embrace Flexibility and Adaptability: Being adaptable is key to walking confidently. Thomas Jefferson once said, “In matters of principle, stand like a rock. In matters of taste, swim with the current.” Being able to be flexible will help guide you through the obstacles by helping you to accomplish whatever it is that needs to get done.

5. Practice Self-Care and Persistence: Self-care can help you regroup, and take things in from a different perspective rather than emotional. Water and exercise are important, but creativity, relationships, and rest are also valuable in our lives. Without caring for our well-being, we run the risk of not reaching our goals and burning out. Self-care will aid in our persistence by rejuvenating and motivating us.

Whatever obstacles you are facing, just know that you can overcome them. From cultivating a growth mindset to self-care, you have the tools inside you to win. Find the right people to pour into you, and watch what happens with just a few sessions!

Echoes of Laughter: Reflections of a Moms Absence

In honor of National Poetry Month, I am challenging myself to write a poem. The prompt is: Write a poem that is also a letter. To your past or future self; to a friend; to an emotion; to a loved one who passed away.

I miss you—
With Mother's Day drawing near.
The echo of your laughter, I yearn to hear.
I miss you—
In the eyes of my children, your absence is clear.
I miss you—
Seeking wisdom, and I stand alone,
Wandering through memories, in whispers, you're shown.
I miss you—
Here, amidst the silence,
Your presence felt in its absence.
I miss you

Navigating Uncertainty: How to Foster Hope with 3 Practical Strategies

 

A reader suggested that I write about having hope for their future. Hope is something that seems to fade, but the truth is that hope is already in our DNA. We just have to know how to bring it out and tap into it. I have three tips for you so you can get your hope back.

The first way to encourage hope to flourish in your life is to focus on what your goals are. The Bible says in Proverbs 16:9, "A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps." You plan, God directs. When we are so focused on meeting our goals, there is no time for discouragement to creep in. Try writing down your goals and praying over them and ask God to give you direction. Following the plan of God may not be easy, but you will have a hope that you can not find anywhere else. There is a quote that hits the nail on the head perfectly, "Laziness may appear attractive, but work gives satisfaction." by  Anne Frank.

The second thing I do to make my hope sky rocket is to not surrounding myself with negative things. The more toxic things we consume, the more we give into negativity. Philippians 4:8 provides us with a list of things we should be thinking about; "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." It takes diligence to listen to positive things, but I promise you that it will benefit you more to in the long run.

The final thing I do to keep hope is to increase my faith by reading the Word. When your faith seems weak, hope seems far away. Hebrews 11:1 lets us know how faith and hope work together. It says, "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see."  The Word increases our faith by taking the Word and begins repairing things. As faith starts to grow it will continue to produce more hope.

So, you can use these three tips to amp up the hope in your life. Encourage others to do the same. So many people are stuck but they cannot find the way out of the pit. But with these tips, you can use them yourself and be a light for others who are in the dark.

 

 

 

 

Searching for Peace: A Journey From Chaos to Serenity

"And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7

 

 This verse constantly pops up in my life. Believe me, I know how it feels to have a thousand racing thoughts and to have your mind never at rest. I went through a tough season in my life during my twenties. I know how Job felt (to an extent lol) when Satan tried to get him to turn his back on God. It was a testing period that took a lot of out of me physically, mentally, and spiritually. My family was also going through a rough season with my dad passing, so my family did notice what I was going through. I started having health issues and kept getting weaker by the day, and I thought I was going to lose my mind! It was rough experience, but God is faithful and brought me through by His grace. During that time, I had dreams and God spoke to me about my calling. Even though I was going through so much turmoil, God  spoke to me and gave me a heart for missions.

During this time, one of my sisters went to a church and invited me and two of my other siblings to go with her. I had so much that happened in my life during that time, so my mind stayed constantly worried. But one night the pastor called for prayer, so I went up. I did not expect anything to happen, but when the pastor prayed for me God's peace filled me! I had never experienced anything so sweet as the peace of God as I did that moment. The singers were worshiping, and it sounded like angels! I remember I tried to stop worshipping, but I could not! God's presence was so strong that night! God gave me so much peace! All the anxiety and racing thoughts stopped. His peace will help you through anything you face  too! Go to Him and receive it! You cannot explain it, but there is nothing like the peace of God!

 

BIBLE VERSES ABOUT PEACE:

• "In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety." Psalm 4:8

• "The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace." Psalm 29:11

• "I will listen to what God the LORD says; he promises peace to his people, his faithful servants— but let them not turn to folly." Psalm 85:8

• "Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble." Psalm 119:16

• "A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones." Proverbs 14:30

• "You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you." Isaiah 26:3

Here is a link to more verses:

http://www.biblegateway.com/keyword/index.php?search=peace&version1=NIV&searchtype=all&limit=none&wholewordsonly=no&startnumber=1&resultspp=500&displayas=long&sort=bookorder