...Pain...

Look around for a minute and think about where you are in your life. Are you where you should be?

If not, why not? Are you afraid of change? Are you making excuses for yourself? Why aren't you growing? It may be uncomfortable, but you have to make that next move. Let me be the first to admit that I don't do well with pain, but what I have learned is that growing pains are good pains. We become stronger when we use or muscles; this includes your muscles of faith, your muscles of determination and your muscles of willpower. In a way, the saying, "pain is pleasure" can be used in our everyday lives if we understand that those things that hurt us are the things that we can learn from and build from. Once we get through the pain, we'll be happier, right? :)

If you are where you want or should be, how did you get there? Was it from hard work, dedication and changing your mind? How did it feel when you finally decided to do something to move out of the place where you weren't meant to be? Please share...

 

Change Your Mind, Change Your Life!

Reminder:

To God be the Glory

Romans 16:27 (KJV) ...to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen

Are you aware that  we are nothing without God? He gives us strength to do certain things. Zechariah 4:6 says ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty." I'm saying this to say, in everything we do, we must be careful and sure to give God the glory. We can't boast about the things that we do without including God.

We are quick to say "I got somebody Saved today;" "I got myself a promotion at work;" "I ministered to a person today and I really made them feel good;" "I finally got 'xyz' accomplished;" but when did we acknowledge God? When did we say God helped me? I know we get excited and want to share good news, but we have to change how boastful we are because the same way God gave you the gift or helped you do or say something, He can take it away. Be who God created you to be and don't change from person to person. If people can't accept you for who you are (a person who is unashamed to give God the glory, but a person who still has some flaws), then that's their issue. What I'm saying is don't be the sinner to fit in with one group of people and then the saint to fit in with another group; give God the glory for where you are right now and for the things that He's doing through and for you.

Change your Mind, Change Your Life!

I'm Not Getting Anywhere!

Setting goals is important; however, sticking with them are just as, if not more, important. Often times we quit before we reach the finish line because we feel like we aren't getting anywhere. We may set out to lose weight, help someone in their Christian walk, get our kids on a schedule or hand in work before deadlines; but for one reason or another, we end up going in circles or better yet, standing still. Instead of getting frustrated, we may need to change the goal and break it into smaller goals to ultimately reach the main one.

Though it sounds great to say, "I'm going to lose 30 pounds in 3 months," it may be more encouraging to tell yourself, "I'm going to lose 2-3 pounds a week" and see where that gets you. No matter what the goal or job is, know that it's not in vain.1 Corinthians 15:58 says: Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.



So just know, It's Not Over!

Change Your Mind, Change Your Life!

 

I'm Just a Blogger

Colossians 3:23-24 (NIV) Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. 

I have always heard people say, "I'm just the receptionist," or "I'm just a stay at home mom," and "I'm just a janitor;" but most of the time, the positions that are looked down on are the most important ones that keep the other operations running smoothly. Never say "I'm just..." because as the scripture says, you will receive your inheritance from the Lord. Don't be discouraged by who you aren't, look at who you are right now as well as who you aspire to be. Be the best secretary, parent, garbage man, delivery person, student, retail/fast food worker, etc. that you can be right now and be proud of the fact that you understand the changes and challenges that are necessary before reaching that next goal in your life. Even if you aren't 100% sure of your next move, just keep moving and do not settle for mediocrity!

 Change Your Mind, Change Your Life!

Is This Really Friday?

Typically Friday's tend to bring joy and a feeling of "yes, we made it through another week!" However, someone is thinking, "Is this really Friday? My children are acting up; I have more bills than money; I'm not happy with 'xyz;' today can't be Friday!" Well it is. Pull yourself together and ask God to pull everything else together! We will make it! Change your discouragement into encouragement and read Philippians 4:13 :)

 

Change Your Mind, Change Your Life!

Just Do It!

Let's Go!!!

 

Change Your Mind, Change Your Life!!!

I smile at my Enemies

1 Samuel 2:1

 "...I smile at my enemies, Because I rejoice in Your salvation."

 

Google defines Salvation as deliverance from sin and its consequences, believed by Christians to be brought about by faith in Christ. I think that's a pretty good book definition; even though once you experienced what salvation feels like, it's a little harder to explain the emotion that comes with it. 

 

In 1 Samuel 2, Hannah says that her "heart rejoices..." God did something that only He could do for her and she knew her enemies were watching and even mocking her because she was unable to do what most of them could. In 1 Samuel 1, Hannah changed her usual way of praying and prayed from her heart with sincerity. Sometimes we have to change the way we go to God and know that our enemies are watching and waiting to see how we're going to handle things. So instead of frowning or walking around depressed, we have to smile and rejoice in the Salvation of the Lord, knowing that He is in control and can change minds, situations, hearts and anything else you ask for in the name of Jesus! Salvation is what gives you joy when you should be jacked up, peace when you should be pissed and happiness when you should be hurting. Rejoice in His Salvation!!!!

 

 Change Your Mind, Change Your Life!

Let Everything that has Breath...

Good Morning All! For such a long time I've wanted to hear gospel music that makes me want to dance like David. Of course the shouting music (when I think about Jesus, what He's done for me...) makes me move and there are other gospel songs that I really enjoy, but I want something I can groove to, dance to, 2-step to, worship to and even party to. Last year, my friend DJ 5Starr invited my family and I out to an event called "Jammin' With Jesus" and let me just let you all know: WE JAMMED!

Change the way you think about Psalms 150 and understand that DJ 5Starr definitely praises God through Spiritual Spinning; his turntables are his instrument of praise! Please bring the young and young at heart out to this event! Come as you are and be ready to party...seriously!!

Change Your Mind, Change Your Life!

The Struggle is Real

It seems as though two of the hardest things to do in life is to apologize and to forgive. What does an apology really mean? It's just words, right? And if, by chance, an apology is given, sincere or not, why is it so hard to forgive? It's our emotions. Pride gets in the way of apologizing because then we have to admit that we were wrong. But the bible tells us to confess our sins one to another...We should make a habit of asking for forgiveness, whether someone asks for an apology or not. And anger, hurt and sadness block us from forgiving people. We would rather hold onto those feelings and act like a victim because it's easier to feel sorry for ourselves instead of moving on.

Let's take control of our emotions and change the way we handle apologizing/forgiving. "Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned." - Buddha

 

Change Your Mind, Change Your Life!

A Loan

Have you ever been in a room full of people and still felt alone? Or maybe you had a dream or plan that started with a group of friends, but they slowly begin to lose interest and left you alone. Sometimes you feel like you're the odd-ball or maybe even too normal and you're left alone in your feelings, unsure of what to do next.

Stop feeling like you're in this life alone. Change your surroundings and find like-minded people. It's time for you to take out a loan. Borrow ideas and resources from those who are headed in the same direction as you and borrow strategies from those who have already made it to the goal that you're trying to reach. Make sure you give credit to those people, though. Just because people gain interest in you doesn't mean you don't have to continue paying it forward.

Change Your Mind, Change Your Life!

Beauty

Good Morning Family! I pray that you all had a great weekend 

and that you're ready for this

beautiful week that God has prepared for us :)

 

Change Your Mind, Change Your Life!

Write the Vision, Make it Plain

Good morning family! What are your plans for this weekend? Hopefully, you plan on taking time out to write your ideas down. Ideas for what, you ask...for any/everything! When we write things out, thats actually the 1st step to putting them into action. So even if it's something as simple as ideas to organize your kids room or something bigger like how you're going to build your brand/empire, it all starts with the planning process and putting it on paper.

Try to include these things in your writing:
WHO: Who do I already know that can assist me? Who is this idea going to benefit?
WHAT: What do I want the outcome to be? What resources do I need?
WHEN: When do I see this starting?
WHERE: Where will this take place? Where can I go for support?
WHY: Why am I doing this? Why is it important?
HOW: How can I make this work?

I hope this helps!

Change Your Mind, Change Your Life!

Ideas + Action = Change

Take some time to write your ideas and plans this weekend.

Next week we're going to jump in head first with our actions and make changes!!

Have a Beautiful and Blessed Weekend!

I Love You All!

Change Your Mind, Change Your Life!

What Makes You Sick?

Since Wednesday, my youngest daughter and I have been fighting flu-like symptoms; a fever, chills, aches, coughing, runny/stuffy nose, etc. The most irritating symptom is the chills because no matter how much I wrap us, we're still cold. However, this scripture made me feel warmer than all of the layers of clothes we put on and take off every hour. No matter what I physically have on, God has clothed me in salvation and wrapped me in His righteousness.

So when we begin to think of the other things that may make us sick like our jobs, lack of money, our spouse, the kids...anything, we have to take a dose of Christ! The thought of having to deal with that thing or person one more day might literally give you the chills, but as long as you remember that you're wrapped in God you'll feel better in no time. Change the way you think about those things/people that make you sick and get well soon :)

Change Your Mind, Change Your Life!

Change Takes Time

Remember:

Change Your Mind, Change Your Life

Change Drivers

Good Morning Family & Praise the Lord!

I've always heard, "If God brings you to it, He'll bring you through it;" but what about when you bring yourself to a situation or mess that you don't want to be in? Sometimes we hear from God or our gut instincts tell us to do one thing, but temptation, pride and/or our flesh drives us in a different direction. And once we get there, we find that we should've made a right instead of a left.

So, how do we get back on track when it's our own fault? How do we find the way back to where we were supposed to be in the first place? Well, first of all, we have to change drivers. Give the wheel back to God and let Him guide you and show you how to get back on track. Change directions and follow instructions. Learn to listen clearly and with an open heart, mind and spirit. "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto your own understanding."

Change Your Mind, Change Your Life!

Have a Great Evening, Family!

Have a Great Evening, Family!

Change Your Mind, Change Your Life!

No-Filter

1 Peter 3:3-4
Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel— rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.

I love this scripture because it reminds us that even though it's okay to be beautiful on the outside, we have to change our inward beauty to match or even surpass the outward beauty. Our spirit is what God looks at when He sees us.

A lot of people have been taking "no-filter" pictures, meaning without their hair and/or makeup done and posting them on social media sites. We can do the same thing with a gentle and quiet spirit; we don't have to dress up our hearts with bold statements. Let His blood be your concealer; His Word can be your foundation; His Love should make you blush; and you won't need lashes because He already took them for you! Let's change the way we get ready day to day by making sure our spiritual appearance is precious to God before we start making up our physical appearance.

Have a Great Day!!

Change Your Mind, Change Your Life!

So...it's Monday

So, its Monday; the beginning of another day...another week...another chance to change!

 

Change Your Mind, Change Your Life!

Beautiful Mistake

Happy Monday!

I've been waiting all weekend to give my review of Pia Jones', "Beautiful Mistake;" so finally, the wait is over!!

I was engaged, emotionally, from the very 1st page. The story line was very realistic and easy to follow. The characters were easy to relate to and thanks to Ms. Jones' descriptive writing, I could visualize each one of them and their personalities. One of the things that stood out most to me was how Love changed minds and lives in an instance.

If you're looking for an entertaining, believable and thought provoking novel, I highly recommend "Beautiful Mistake." Ms. Jones did a great job setting her fans/readers up for the next novel; I can't wait to see what happens next!

Beautiful Mistake is available on Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com

Change Your Mind, Change Your Life!

Save a Little Change

The second Sunday of August to the following Saturday is designated as Shop Maryland tax-free Week each year. That means qualifying apparel and footwear $100 or less, per item, are exempt from the state sales tax. Accessory items are not included. The tax-free week for 2013 will occur Sunday, August 11, through Saturday, August 17.

I hope this helps you save a little change, especially for those of us who are doing "Back-to-School" Shopping.

Enjoy and pass the word!

Change Your Mind, Change Your Life!

Can I Borrow Some Change?

It's FRIDAY! For a lot of people that means it's payday. With that being said, I'm asking you to "Pay" it Forward and lend someone some change.

Change the way you talk to people
Change the way you look at and/or judge them
Change the way you answer people

Today, I'm asking that you sow a seed into someone's life; through time, finances, a word...anything, just be selfless and try to make a splash for someone else before the day is over.

And the reason I said "lend" someone some change instead of "give," is because it will come back to you! It may not come directly from them, but a third party might step in and do something to "repay" you for lending that change.

Be Blessed and have a Great Day!

Change Your Mind, Change Your Life!

God Knows My Heart

I have heard people use, "God knows my heart," in so many ways:
* In the club with a drink, "...Girl, yeah, but God knows my heart"
* In the middle of gossiping, "...I know I shouldn't be talkin', but God knows my heart"
* Planning on sinning, "...Yeah, it's wrong, but God knows my heart"

...And the list goes on. We use that phrase far too often as a way to justify our sins or the way we are and how we carry ourselves. Yes, He really does know our heart and what an incredible God He is to love us in spite of how our hearts are! We can live as pure and Holy as we want to, but the Word of God says that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. We have to repent daily and not look for ways to justify our actions.

Let's change the excuses into repentance.

Change Your Mind, Change Your Life!

From My Heart

I just want to take time out to say

I really appreciate your support and pray that you continue to follow my blog and be encouraged by it!

Change Your Mind, Change Your Life!

Reflections of You

Good Morning Beautiful People! This morning I want to do an exercise with you, inspired by the Holy Spirit...literally, as I'm typing.

• Get a mirror
• Put it faced down
• Think about how you see yourself
• Look at yourself in the mirror
• Place it back down

Were you able to "see" yourself? Not just your physical attributes, but your characteristics, as well. If not, what are you going to do to change that? Did you see your ambition? Your drive? Your passion? If not, why not? If you were able to see the makings of you, great! What are you going to do to make sure you continue to let your light shine?

How do you think God sees you? How do you want to see yourself? Take a minute, write it on a post-it note and put it next to your mirror. The change has to start in your mind. If you can't see yourself the way you want to, how will others? "Be the change that you wish to see..." Mahatma Gandi

Change Your Mind, Change Your Life!

Isaiah 26:3

Where is your mind? Is it on your job? Your spouse? The loss of a loved one? Your problems? Your children? Yourself? Dinner? Vacation...

It's no wonder you're stressed and all over the place! The Word of God says that He'll keep you in perfect peace when your mind is on God, not everything else. Keep the Lord first and let everything else fall into place. I know you have responsibilities that require your attention, but it's imperative that you change the way you prioritize your thoughts. Yes, I said prioritize your thoughts! Make a conscience effort to include and put God first in your decisions, situations and even your daily routines.

You'd be surprised at how clear your mind and life become by simply changing the order of your thoughts. And while we're at it, let's work harder at changing the negatives (I can't...I don't feel like...I'll never be able to...) into positives (I can...I'm going to press my way...I can do all things through Christ...).

We can change our minds together! I Love You! 

Change Your Mind, Change Your Life!

Dig Deep

Good Morning Beautiful People! One of my favorite movies is Disney's The Princess and the Frog. I love the scene where Tiana visits Mama Odie and wants to be Changed back to a human. Mama Odie sings this song to her and encourages her to look beyond the surface of her situation:

 You got to dig a little deeper
Find out who you are
You got to dig a little deeper
It really ain't that far

You got to dig a little deeper
For you it's gonna be tough
You got to dig a little deeper
You ain't dug near far enough

I want to inspire you to look at your life and not dwell on where you currently are. You may only see yourself as a caterpillar, but you are about to be Changed into a beautiful butterfly, but you have to embrace this period of transition, FIRST.

Change Your Mind, Change Your Life!

Damaged Goods

So, if you read the "About Me" section, you know that I have three children. Well I have another baby named "Damaged Goods." This is my 1st published novel that God guided me through and made ways to have it published.

I received so much positive feedback and would love for you to read this short novel about Love, Family, Life and CHANGE.

It's available on Amazon.com as a paperback as well as an E-book for your Kindle. 

Happy Reading!

http://www.amazon.com/Damaged-Goods-Lisa-Butler/dp/1456761277/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1375816009&sr=8-1&keywords=damaged+goods+by+lisa+butler

Change Your Mind, Change Your Life!

A Changed Situation

^{Daniel 6
17} A stone was brought and placed over the mouth of the den, and the king sealed it with his own signet ring and with the rings of his nobles, so that Daniel’s situation might not be changed.... The king got up and hurried to the lions’ den. ²⁰ When he came near the den, he called to Daniel in an anguished voice, “Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to rescue you from the lions?”
²¹ Daniel answered, “May the king live forever! ²² My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions...And when Daniel was lifted from the den, no wound was found on him, because he had trusted in his God.

How many times has someone done everything in their powers so that your situation, that thing that should've killed you, wouldn't change? They lied on you; threw dirt on your name; kept rumors going; wouldn't lend you a helping hand...all so you would remain in your struggle or whatever the issue was.

But when you trust God, like Daniel, and continue to give Him the Glory, you will come out without a scratch! He will close the mouths of your enemies and they won't be able to harm you...physically, spiritually or emotionally! 

He will CHANGE that "thing" around for His glory and for your good!

Change Your Mind, Change Your Life! 

You Made It!

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