There is a famous quote that I often recite in my line of work- “Our perception guides our intervention.” This basically means, the mindset in which we view things determines our action or inaction. This concept is applicable to our interactions with others and how we view the world in general. A couple of weeks ago, I realized it was time to shift my focus in ALL areas of my life. Rather than analyzing things from a deficit perspective, I started to look at the bigger picture.
Read More“There are some things that one can only achieve by a deliberate leap in the opposite direction.” This is one of the truest, most heartfelt statements I have ever heard. In order to deliberately leap we must take a conscious and purposeful action. How can we do this if jumping is not our desire? Maybe we became accustomed to the course we were embarking on. A sense of comfort had settled in. Our stubborn feet had dug their heels in. Arms were tightly crossed, facial expression of ‘who gonna check me boo?’ appeared and ears closed to any reasonable advice…even if it was coming from God.
Read MoreYou’ve done the work.
Completed your tasks.
Took your bow and you heard silence.
Their quietness struck you, not because they did not see you, but because you know they saw and still chose not to acknowledge.
Then you find yourself questioning whether things were presented properly. Did you cross all the T’s and dot your I’s?
Read MoreYou are sitting at home watching your favorite show, and then comes the interruption- the commercial. You are irritated that you have to take a break and listen to some actors advertise a product that you may or may not be interested in. But every now and again, there is one that resonates with your personal situation and causes you to reflect for the twenty-thirty second duration. Once the show returns, your focus is shifted back to the comedic or dramatic scene at hand.
Read MoreFebruary is the shortest month of the year and also happens to produce the biggest pass or fail test in the love department. This is the month when individuals are assessing the singleness of others and themselves. Couples are measuring the depths of their partner’s feelings and wondering how they will be acknowledged. Excitement frequently turns to angst when choosing between white, dark or milk chocolate. Floral shops are busy with people brainstorming whether to purchase a long stem rose or the bouquet, teddy bear and card or…the list goes on.
Read MoreAs the days of December are moving forward at a steady pace, we are preparing ourselves for the coming new year. This is also usually a time when we begin to brainstorm goals that we want to accomplish regarding our health and wellness, finances, relationships, etc. We write promise notes to ourselves, update our social media statuses informing “new year, new me” and sign up for new membership deals at the local gym.
But do we really grasp the vision that we desire? Or are we consumed by the first obstacle we encounter, give up and begin adding it to our list of goals for the following year?
Read MoreThe bible often reiterates the importance of avoiding idolatry. No matter how many times we may read about it, discuss it amongst our friend circles or get reality checked from personal experience, it is very easy trap to succumb to.
If we reflect on how the Isrealites became disgruntled over what appeared to be a lack of progress, they resorted to building a golden calf and attempted to worship it until it was destroyed. When I have read over the passage, I would question how could they be so ungrateful? Why was it so hard for them to stay focused on God and not worship people, places and things?
Read MoreWe all have intentions, some good some bad. The outcomes of decisions we make in life are ultimately influenced by the intentions behind them. Are we striving to have positive results? Do we want things in our lives to improve for the better? If so, how intentional are we in changing them?
This is a question that I had to ask myself. While participating in the Dale Carnegie Skills for Success class, one of the most important principles learned discouraged us from criticizing, condemning or complaining about people, places and things. As you can imagine, this sounds good in theory but I was unsure how I would implement it.
Read MoreIn my very recent past, I had the privilege of someone placing a mirror in my face. This was not the cute pocket mirror or the handy bathroom mirror. This was a full sized floor mirror that revealed my imperfections. In my everyday life, I could rely on the bathroom and dresser mirrors to give me the view I wanted because they reflected the parts of me that I admired- my face, smile, jewelry, etc. It takes a lot of effort to really view yourself from head to toe. At times, you need to see more than your “look of the day” and take a glance from a spiritual lens.
Read MoreFor a while, ponderings of my future had been at the forefront of my mind. Simultaneously, I had to evaluate whether my thoughts and actions aligned with my intended goals. You see, there were so many things I wanted to accomplish- love, marriage, children and ministry. But I wondered how could those things be accomplished without changing my mindset.
Read MoreI must admit that I have been spending the past few weeks completing dating profiles on the internet and misrepresenting myself. At first, I was the one nervous to date online and would think, “These people are just profiling.” You know saying the correct buzzwords, uploading photos with the right angle, checking off the favorable preferences. However, I have been the one at fault.
Read MoreIt's amazing how often we second guess the plans that have been laid out before us and question the purpose that we are called to fulfill. I must admit, I have been guilty of doing this the past few months. You see, in January of this year God revealed to me that it was time to put my previous business ventures on hold so that I can pour my focus and energies into bringing people closer to Him. That is how New Mindset New Outcome was birthed.
Read MoreI enrolled in the College at Brockport's Counselor Education Program in the spring of 2014. It was one of the best decisions I made in my life. However, these last four years have been mentally, physically, emotionally, financially and spiritually challenging.
Read MoreI have been on the praise and worship team at my church for the past several years. Ushering in the people of God every Sunday morning and reminding them that when the praises go up, the blessings come down. Telling them that worship doesn’t have to be uniform but done in unity! To mentally prepare for Sunday mornings I stay prayed up and always ask God to decrease me and increase Him. I pray that the Holy Spirit has its way and that I not be distracted by distractions.
Read MorePsalm 37:4
This bible verse states that when we delight ourselves in the Lord, He will give us the desires of our hearts. I’ve said this verse many times. Recited it from memory and have visual reminders around my home but it wasn’t until January 2018 that I truly and completely understood the depth of this. Many times I had delved deeper into the word of God in hopes that the things I desired could be achieved. However, during my time of cooperate consecration I realized that when I devoted more time to God He brought out desires in me that I didn’t realize I had in order to fulfill the purpose(s) He had for me! It clicked…delight in Him and be enlightened. Some may think say, “duh, what did you think that verse meant?” I can honestly say that until my mindset shifted, I was very focused on ME. What I wanted.
Read MoreFlowers are some of the most beautiful creations on the earth. However, when we look at them we seldom think of the process it took for those flowers to bloom into their grace. A few months ago I did a presentation at church entitled, “Bloom Where You Are Planted,” and reviewed the importance of recognizing that life is a process in which we navigate many stages- seed planting, watering and pruning.
Read MoreWhoever said it was easy to forgive others was telling a fib! This has definitely been an area I’ve struggled in. It seems the more you try to be positive and surround yourself with positive energy there are always things that come along the way to challenge your beliefs. I have always been taught to treat others the way I would want to be treated. At the same time I felt as though people should know better and have more common sense then to do the things they did to irritate me in the first place.
Read MoreIt wasn’t until yesterday I realized that I had the superwoman syndrome.
At times it’s said that “someone walks around like they have an ‘S’ on their chest” and yesterday I literally did have a silver necklace with the superman emblem filled with clear rhinestones. One may wonder why I was walking around wearing this necklace, here’s why…
Read More