BEST ARTIST EVER!

God is The Creator of All. Do you ever take time to take in how amazingly creative and beautiful he makes this world? I get fascinated by how beautiful the sky can be at times. 

I take pictures all the time, even if I'm driving 

(DO NOT BNSPIRED TO DO THAT lol). 

because I really love to capture the moment. It makes me really appreciate him even more.

Next time during your SUPER BUSY life if you're driving, taking a walk outside, or even on a plane, become aware of God. Look up and take notice of how amazing he is & acknowledge him. 

He is the BEST Artist Ever!   

Facebook Inspiration

This Speaks Volumes! 

Zaressa!

I have a friend named Zaressa. We went to Samford University together. She still lives here in Birmingham. We don't get to hang out as much but I seen her a few weeks ago & we were able to catch up a little bit. It was really good to see her. This past Thursday I woke up at 7:30 & the first thing I see is this text from her. It really blessed my heart! I can honestly say I've been doing better at pursuing my personal relationship with God as well as really trying to live right. I've planted a lot of seeds. I'm not just talking about tithing but good seeds in general (giving to people, having the right attitude towards others & situations, nice gestures, etc). Lately I had been feeling like everything was still the same in my life. I was feeling like nothing was really growing. I couldn't see it. Crazy right? I know I'm not the only person who has felt this way before so I'm not ashamed to share that. I would ask "God when will show up for me?" "I know you can see me, my growth and my effort".

The night before I received this text, I literally prayed about all these things Zaressa mentioned. This was the discernment I needed from God. Sometimes he won't give it to you directly but he'll give it to you through others. I'm so thankful to have a friend that can SPEAK into my life like Zaressa! Good hearted, genuine people are rare. 

Thanks You Again Z! 

What Drives Your Life??

This was Day 3 of "Purpose Driven Life". I really should have posted this a long time ago since I'm on day 19 right now but I still want to share it. On this day it asked an important question.. "What Drives Your Life?" Drive is defined as: to guide, to control, or to direct. We all are driven by something. The author states that there are hundreds of values, circumstances, & emotions that can drive your life. 

The 5 Most Common Ones Are:

*Guilt-running from regrets and hiding shame

*Resentment & Anger- holding on to hurts & never getting over them

*FEAR- from result of traumatic experiences, unrealistic expectations, growing up in a high control home, or genetic predisposition

Materialism- desiring to acquire becomes the entire goal of your life. Feeling that having More will make you more happy, more important, or more secure. 

Need for Approval- allowing expectations of other people(parents, friends, teachers, children) to control your life

Is your life driven by one or more of these things? Be honest with yourself. Are you materialistic? Are you a people pleaser to the point that what other people think of you consumes you? Do you have anger and resentment built up in your heart from things that happened years ago? Do you have a ton of regrets? 

All these things leads to the same thing: Unused potential, unnecessary stress, & an unfulfilled life!

Find Your Purpose In Life & Your Purpose Will Give Meaning To Your Life.

5 Benefits Of Living A Purpose Driven Life

*Purpose Gives Meaning To Your Life- Without God, life has no purpose; The greatest tragedy is not death, but life without purpose. 

*Purpose Simplifies Your Life- It defines what you do and what you don't do. Your purpose becomes the standard you use to evaluate which activities are essential & which are not. You ask yourself"Does this activity help me fulfill one of God's purposes for my life?"

*Purpose Focuses Your Life- It concentrates your effort & energy on what's important! You become effective by being selective

*Purpose Motivates Your Life- Purpose produces passion! Passion starts to die when you lack a purpose

*Purpose Prepares You For Eternity- Many of us spend our time on earth trying to create a lasting legacy but what really matters most will not be what others say about your life. It'll be What God Says! 

Lauryn Hill - Tell Him

This song has been in my spirit the last few days. I'm a huge fan of Lauryn Hill. This is definitely one of my favorite worship songs. Check Out the lyrics below. 

BNspired

Kevin Durant!

Anyone who watches the NBA knows how GREAT of an athlete Kevin Durant is. This was his post interview after a game a couple weeks ago. 

While watching this, I couldn't help but think of how powerful and influential this interview was. It was funny too because the reporter seemed to be thrown for a loop after he gave all Glory to God & none to himself. A MAJOR part of God's glory is giving our gifts back to Him & Durant does this consistently. I know Durant is on a bigger stage bc he is a Superstar NBA player BUT we all should strive to give God Glory no matter what stage we're on. Big Ups to Durant! 

Seen this post by a friend via IG!! He recognized this greatness as well!!

BNspired

Bad Habits Anyone??

One of my morning devotions was on Breaking Bad Habits. We all have them right? I know I do. 

Here is what my devotion said. 

click to make images larger

Try To See The Good In Everything

This past week in Birmingham, Al was very VERY interesting. We were caught completely off guard by a winter snow storm. Winter snow storm? In Alabama? YES, that is correct! Due to how cold it was, the snow was able to stick to the ground & quickly turn into ice. I've never witnessed something happen so fast. Everything started closing, people were in a rush to get to their families and hopefully make it home. A TON of people were stranded on highways. A TON of kids had to stay at their schools overnight. People had to spend the night at their workplace, salons, restaurants, their cars, & even Walmart! Some people decided to walk many miles to their loved ones or home. Throughout all the craziness that went on, it was really good to see how people pulled together & helped others out. What's that saying? 
"There Is  Beauty In Every Storm". I truly believe that after this week. 

This Doctor walked 6 MILES in the Snow Storm to perform Brain Surgery!! How Heroic is That!!

An ambulance crashed on their way to pick up a pregnant lady who was in labor. The doctors talked her boyfriend through the delivery process. They were able to deliver a healthy baby!! God is amazing!

Here is a picture of a major high way here in Birmingham. It became a parking lot. 

I seen this post on facebook & thought it humorous as well as true!! I think it's always good to pull some positives from a bad situation! 

S/O to Janaye!

BNspired!

40 Day Purpose Driven Life

Today along with an accountability partner, I started this 40 Day Journey to Discover My True Purpose. I'm excited! I will be sharing with you all via my blog, my experience!

 "The Purpose Driven Life" by Rick Warren is among the New York Times Best Sellers List. Have you discovered your True Purpose in Life yet? If not Join Us! Go grab a copy of this book!

BNspired

The Dangers of Detachment Bible Study Notes

Here are my notes from Bible Study this week at The Rock Church here in Birmingham, Al! Ever felt detached from God? 

Check These Notes Out ASAP

Click To Make Notes Larger

BNspired

"Formerly Known" by Andy Mineo

Andy Mineo is a talented Christian rapper. He's very versatile and one of my favorite artists to listen to. You can download one of his best mixtapes right here for free!! Just click the link and give his music a shot. You will not be disappointed.

 http://reachrecords.com/releases/show/Formally-Known-Mixtape

SPEAK LIFE!

Ask Yourself This Question... "What Am I Speaking Over My Life"? Are you speaking Life over your circumstances? Are you speaking fear? Are you speaking frustration? Are you speaking doubt? Are you speaking negativity? Are you speaking EXCUSES? 

Many of us fall victim to these things at some point. Some of us have a negative habit of speaking death instead of life over our circumstances without even knowing it. It's a habit. We may say things like "Man I just can't seem to do anything right, it's not going to happen, it'll never happen, I feel terrible, I'm broke, I'm going to fail, I Can't, etc..." Do these things sound familiar? 

Many of us know that the power of life & death lie in the power of the tongue but do you really believe that? 

BNspired to DO SOMETHING NEW! BNspired to Speak Life over yourself & your circumstances! Everyday I wake up, I'm making it a habit to Speak Life. I say things like "Today will be a Great, Productive, Positive Day. Today I will help someone in a great way. Today I am extremely blessed & favored. Today I will be productive. I Am Blessed, I am prosperous, I am beautiful. ETC.. 

Check out this AWESOME song called "Speak Life"! 

Here are some affirmations you can start to speak over your life. 

BNspired

Happy MLK Day!!

If Not For Love Then Why?

I was driving to work one rainy morning and while I was at a red light, I looked over and seen this. Inspiration is truly everywhere if we take a moment to notice. "If Not for Love Then Why?" A lot of things came to mind when I 1st seen this. Instantly I wanted to capture the moment, so I took a picture. I started thinking about the aspects of LOVE. I believe it's our sole purpose on this earth. Some may say "well if its not for love then its for the MONEY" lol I guess that really does depend on who you're asking but I would take LOVE over MONEY any day. True Real LOVE... Rare, but it's there. 

BNspired to Love More. Love What You Do. Love The People Around You. Love Strangers. It's a million ways you can show love throughout your day, Do IT! 

I Think Myself Happy

I'm pretty sure you have heard this before right? The only person in charge of your happiness is YOU! Paul said in Acts 26:2 "I think myself happy". Sounds like a good idea to me! Think more on positive thoughts that make you happy. This could include happy memories, doing things that make you happy, going places that make you happy, etc. See yourself being happy then begin to speak those things into existence. Go out & Make It Happen. 

BNspired to CHOOSE HAPPINESS today over frustration, dissatisfaction, uncomfortable circumstances, excuses, loneliness, etc. CHOOSE to CREATE your OWN HAPPINESS. 

Do You Feel Good?

I really believe the more you "Feel Good" the better your day will go as well as your life! The Secret is a very interesting documentary I watched back in 2013 about how your feelings, thoughts, & words really shape your life. I think it's a ton of truth to that. BNspired to focus more on things that make you FEEL GOOD! See how your life begins to change!

The Rock Church App!

Do you have "The Rock" Church App Yet? If Not, What Are You Waiting On??? If you are ever in need of a good word thats very relatable & engaging download this app!! There are several sermons you can watch or listen too. BNspired!

Isaiah 43:18-19!!!!

These are my #2014verses! In all I do, I reflect on these 2 verses. Do you have a 2014 verse that really speaks to your life?

BNspired to find you a verse or 2 to really reflect on & believe in for your future. It's really awesome. I picked these 2 verses from Isaiah towards the end of 2013. Right around the time January 1st came around I seen this post from Joel Osteen as well as this Verse of the Day on my Bible app. 

"You Will" @andymineo Acoustic Cover | @whatisjoedoing @chansolegit

CHECK OUT THIS AWESOME SONG COVER TO ANDY MINEO "YOU WILL"

Finish Strong Bible Study Notes!!

Here are my notes from bible study last week.

 FINISH STRONG 

Click on Notes to Make Larger

Also if you would like me to send you these notes via email, just shoot a quick comment below!

BNspired

Finish 2013 Strong!

Can you really believe we're almost half way through December? Time has been flying. Despite everything we've all went through in 2013, we still have time left to finish this year out strong! I'm determined to do so. This morning a friend of mine sent me this text so I went and listened to the song. I hope it blesses your day likes it's already blessed mine. I looked up some verses that goes hand in hand with this. We all have weak moments right? I've had more than a few lately but I know I'm only growing stronger from them. 

2 Corithians 12:9-10 Each time he said,  “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.”  So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.  That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.  

Instagram Inspiration

A Great Friend of mine posted this yesterday. Definitely felt some conviction after reading it. BNspired not to try to force things in your life. This includes friendships, relationships, trying to fit in, etc.. I'm learning this myself. If things don't happen naturally then maybe it's not something you need at the time. We all can strive to learn to be more patient with ourselves. Everybody won't be truly for you & that's fine. When you know your value, you don't have to beg people to like you, be your mate, to spend time with you, or to love you. Long as you're confident in who you are, you'll be fine. 

GREATER IS COMING!

I can't make this up. I'm at my office working on some scheduling. I'm currently listening to Jekalyn Carr - Greater is Coming. I happen to look down on my phone and I see this daily message from Pastor A.D. app. GREATER IS COMING not only for me but for you as well! BNspired to Really Believe That! 

Check Out This Great Song Below "Greater Is Coming"

Andy Mineo- Curious

Like Rap Music? Check out a great Christian rapper by the name of Andy Mineo. I came across a great song of his titled "Curious". I was talking to Rashad Johnson via Instagram when I seen a post from him which had some of the lyrics to the song on it. It was so ironic because I had been listening to the song earlier that day & the lyrics he had put up was my favorite part of the song! 

I've been focusing more on building my future instead of dwelling on my past. Andy said we should be content & focus on the things God gives, not things he didn't. I Loved that. It was clarity. 

      Here's the song..Hope you all enjoy it!

AFFIRMATION!

I really didn't realize the true importance of "AFFIRMING" myself that much until I read this in a book titled "One Day My Soul Just Opened Up" by Iyanla Vanzant. This is an amazing book geared towards spiritual strength & personal growth. It's a very applicable read. A couple days ago, the main focal point was "Affirmation". We all know it's better to think about the positives than negatives in your life. One way to do that is to affirm yourself! Everyday throughout your day, BNspired to AFFIRM YOU! Think positive thoughts about yourself, how you look, who you are, things you've done to help others, etc. I'm telling you, this is a great way to build yourself up. 

The truth is you are beautiful, you are smart, you are genuine, you are loving, you are growing, you are better today than you were yesterday & you are well on your way. The truth is your hair does looks pretty, your smile is eye catching, you are unique, you are special, you are a great friend, you are a great companion, you are a wonderful mother, father, sister, brother, aunt t, etc. Tell yourself these things daily! 

BNspired to BUILD YOURSELF UP! AFFIRM YOURSELF!

 

Clarity Check✔

I was reading one of my devotions the other night and the main verse came from Deuteronomy 31:8. This was my first time reading this verse and as I read it something clicked in my head and brought me back to a verse I had focused on a few weeks ago which was from Hebrews 13:5. This was clarity for me & I just wanted to share with you all that no mater WHAT you're dealing with, TRUST & BELIEVE that God is always there. The word says "He Will Never Fail You, He Will Never Abandon You. Remember these verses, BNspired to implant them into your heart!

Devotion

This was my devotion Saturday Night. It was definitely something 

I needed & was right on time. 

The entire devotion reads:

God's answer of "not now" to Hannah's prayers was difficult to bear while enduring the cutting, taunting word. God's timing may appear to be disconnected from your circumstances, but in hindsight His timing is timely. Weather through the storm, God will give you the strength. If you know of a fellow Christian going through such times, come alongside them and help lift them up.

Despite my circumstances this just goes to let me know that His timing is timely. 

Timely is defined:
as: occurring at a suitable time; seasonable; opportune; well-timed: 

I was thinking of different situations I've been dealing with & the fact that I've been praying for more patience all throughout this year. It only makes sense that if I've been praying for more patience, God would allow certain things to happen that would FORCE me to BE patient. I have faith knowing that everything will work out for my good according to his timing, not mine! 

BNspired

Pastor AD Daily Inspiration

If you haven't already, go download Pastor Adrian Davis App! He sends daily messages/inspiration that truly bless my life. Just Type in Adrian Davis in the app search bar! 

BNspired!

Facebook Inspiration

Seen this on Facebook the other day & felt I had to share it! It Inspired Me so Hopefully It'll Inspire You As Well! S/O to my bro Devyn for sharing!

Morning Inspiration

It's funny how just as I was updating this blog, I received this text from my brother Mark. It's great having real friends that really do care about your faith. This was just what I needed to read this morning, so maybe it's something you need to read as well! Thanks again Bro

BNspired

Bible Study Notes

I Love Bible Studies At The Rock Church here in Birmingham, Al. Here are my notes from yesterday. 

The Series is titled "I'm Under Construction". This is perfect timing for me being that I'm truly under construction with different situations in my life. I hope you enjoy these notes & try to make them applicable to your life!

BNspired

 Click To Make Notes Larger

"You Must Lift As You Climb"

This was one of my devotions last night from a GREAT App called "Devotion". It read "While encouraging others is part of following God, how you receive those encouraging words is just as important. Instead of responding with a negative reaction that promotes lack of confidence, accept it gracefully with a simple thank you or one with sincere gratitude. God made you in his image and values your every thought and presence. 

I read this shortly after I watched the "Black Girls Rock" event on t.v. last night. The entire show was very inspirational to me and one of the main quotes I heard was from the creator Beverly Bond. After her speech towards the end of the show she stated "You Must Lift As You Climb" How GREAT is that? That's the sole purpose of why I started this blog "To Inspire and Encourage" others. I believe little things go a long way. BNspired to compliment somebody you don't know today. Trust me it will mean more to them than you know!

BNspired

Keep Moving!!

Seen this picture on Instagram!

Caption: 

No Matter What Life Throws At You! 

Who likes to be stagnant? Not me! BNspired to grow, to learn, to improve, to help, & to LOVE! Growth presents itself through experiences, people, & life lessons so whatever you're dealing with keep moving

forward. 

Facebook Inspiration

I seen this post from a friend last Thursday & honestly it has flashed through my mind a lot every since. It's not by coincidence how just hearing or reading different things kind of connects back to something that really stood out to you before. After I read this post, the main thing that stood out was doing things to please God or "Prove Him Right". That's how we can operate in excellence everyday consistently. 

Looking back over different situations that I've experienced, I'm realizing that even though I love God and try to live right, it's been easy getting wrapped up in trying to please PEOPLE instead of him. After reading this, it was like a lightbulb went off & things really started to make sense to me. 
I'm so glad I can log onto different social networks & see inspirational posts like this one. Thanks AC!!