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Fearless Faith Friday | Choosing to Spend Time with God

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It can be challenging to “find the time” to spend with God in a world that glorifies busyness. And because God has granted us free will, many of us never prioritize spending time with Him. Instead, we make time for work, errands, social media scrolling, Netflix binging, and whatever else our hearts desire. While I’m not condemning the many ways we spend our time, I am suggesting reevaluating how we spend our precious 24-hour days.

The Benefits of Spending Time With God

Choosing to spend time with God is what Luke 10:42 calls “choosing the better thing.” Rationalizing why we don’t spend time with God does nothing but push Him into the background. Doing this makes it harder to hear or even recognize His voice. That’s a scary place to be.

So, why should we spend more time with God? Well, for starters, the more time we spend with Him, the more:

  • our gifts develop
  • our faith increases
  • our purpose becomes more clear

I’m barely scratching the surface of all the incredible and miraculous benefits of spending time with God. It’s truly mind-blowing what God can do for your life and the life of your loved ones when you give Him your full and undivided attention.

READ: How to Build a Relationship with God

What does Spending Time with God look Like?

I approach spending time with God as I do with a dear friend. That means I’m fully present and ready to engage. I’m open to hearing the good and the not-so-good and look forward to learning something new.

Here are a few simple ways to start spending time with God:

  • Listen to a worship playlist
  • Pray (verbally or prayer journaling)
  • Read a Daily Devotional or Bible Plan
  • Take a nature walk (and be fully present of your surroundings)
Devotionals for Women
READ: Top 4 Devotionals for Women

Things to Keep in Mind

When you decide to spend time with God, be intentional. Find a quiet, distraction-free spot. Be prepared to write down any passages that stand out, words you may need to look up, or practical applications to use daily. Also, have a pen and a journal ready, especially if you’re listening to a sermon or reading a Bible plan or devotional.

You also want to be ready to hear and record what God reveals to you during this time. Keeping a journal will allow you to look back and reflect on how much your relationship with God has grown.

READ: Studying Scripture Using the SOAP Method

As the saying goes, you make time for the things that are important to you. God wants to hear from you, even if it’s just five minutes. So, in the coming days, I challenge you to make an intentional effort to find time to spend with God.

Lifestyle | What I Read in 2017 + What I Plan to Read in 2018

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I always enjoy sharing my favorite books! So much so that on Instagram, I created the #wnjreads hashtag. I also share a lot of my favorite quotes on social media, as well as through my newsletter. Most of these quotes are actually from whatever book I’m reading at the moment. That said, I want to share 5 of my favorite books from 2017, as well as 3 quotes from each book. I’m also sharing 5 of my must-read books for the New Year. This list could also be called, 10 Books to Grow Your Faith and Business in 2018. Either way, take a look and let me know what you think!

Related: How to Choose Your Word of the Year

My Top 5 Books of 2017

1. Instinct, T.D. Jakes

  • “We need to fail boldly if we want to succeed extravagantly.”
  • “When ideas hang out with influence, income will always emerge.”
  • “You can’t take everyone with you just because they were with you in the beginning.”

2. The Four Agreements, don Miguel Ruiz 

  • “God is life. God is life in action.”
  • “Doing your best is taking the action because you love it, not because you’re expecting a reward.”
  • “Respect your body, enjoy your body, love your body, feed, clean, and heal your body. Exercise and do what makes your body feel good.
“We need to fail boldly if we want to succeed extravagantly.” ~ T.D. Jakes

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3. Cultivate: A Grace-Filled Guide to Growing an Intentional Life, Lara Casey

  • “She believed she couldn’t, so God did.”
  • “We can’t do it all, and do it well. But, we can choose to cultivate what matters.”
  • “You don’t have to be perfect or have it all together. God has it, and His abundant grace is yours for the taking.”

4. You Are a Badass at Making Money: Mastering the Mindset of Wealth, Jen Sincero

  • “If you’ve made a backup plan, you haven’t made a decision.”
  • “Get yourself in the position of bringing in money and deal with the fine-tuning later.”
  • “When it comes to changing your life, if you’re not scared, you’re doing something wrong.”

5. I am Number 8: Overlooked and Undervalued, but Not Forgotten by God, John Gray

  • “Your job is not to try to knock someone else out of your position, but to maximize your position as best you can.”
  • “The anointing that has your name on it, the calling, the gift that has your name on it, is irreversible and irrevocable.”
  • “So many people want the platform, but they don’t want the process. They want the position, but don’t want the pain.”
“If you’ve made a backup plan, you haven’t made a decision. ~ Jen Sincero”

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My Top 5 Must-Reads in 2018

  1. Higher is Waiting, Tyler Perry
  2. Soar: Build Your Vision from the Ground Up, T.D. Jakes
  3. Abundance Now: Amplify Your Life & Achieve Prosperity Today, Lisa Nichols
  4. The Four: The Hidden DNA of Amazon, Apple, Facebook, and Google, Scott Galloway
  5. Rise & Grind: Out-Perform, Out-Work, and Out-Hustle Your Way to a More Successful and Rewarding Life, Daymond John
10 Books to Grow Your Faith and Business in 2018

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So tell me, what were some of your favorite books from last year, and what do you plan on reading in 2018? Let me know below!

As always, thanks for reading and commenting and until next time, be blessed and stay safe.

Love & light…xo!

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Spiritual Wellness | 7 Simple Reasons to be Thankful Everyday

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I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving! Darrius and I enjoyed our time celebrating the holiday with his family in Delaware and now, we’re back in Maryland gearing up for a quiet and relaxing holiday weekend. But before I start my weekend, I want to leave you with 7 simple things to be thankful for every day. 

Related: 5 Ways to Practice Gratitude + 5 Scriptures on Gratefulness

Reasons to be Thankful Everyday

1. Family, friends & loved ones. | When all is said and done, family is all you have. It’s truly a blessing to have people who support, uplift, pray for and even lovingly correct you. Blood relatives, in-laws, friends who have become like family…be thankful for them all, every day.

2. Clean water. | Having clean drinking water is something I’ve taken for granted for years. However this year, thanks to our dear friends Rich & Erika Akwo, I’ve realized how bless we are to have access to clean water. I’m thankful to have clean water to cook with, shower in and to drink. From the water crisis in Flint, Michigan to the water crisis in Cameroon, I have a new found appreciate for something as simple as clean water. For more information on how you can help provide clean water to those in Cameroon, read more here.

No matter what, there is always something to be thankful for. Always. #gratitude

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3. Pets. | Although we don’t have any pets just yet, I have several friends and family members who do. I’ve seen firsthand how having a pet can bring so much joy to one’s home. That’s definitely something to be thankful for!

4. Your gifts & talents. | I’m not sure about you, but there have been times when I’ve taken my gifts and talents for granted. Now that I’m more aware of what they are, I try to use them to inspire and uplift others as often as possible.

7 Simple Reasons to be Thankful Every Day #gratitude

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5. The internet. | Being able to connect with family and friends whenever you want, because of the internet, is definitely something simple to be thankful for. Being able to know what’s going on in the world, thanks to social media, without having to wait for the local news report is priceless!

6. Music. | Music has the power to uplift, comfort, bring people together and do so much more! For that, I am thankful.

7. Your ability to read this post. | Being able to read this post means that you’re alert, capable and above all, it means that you are ALIVE.

So tell me, what are some simple things that you can be thankful for everyday? Let me know! 

Thanks for reading and I can’t wait to read your responses. Until next time, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

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#WNJInspired | 11 Things You Should do Every Day to Live a Better Life

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I’m big on having daily routines and adopting positive habits. Doing this has helped make my life better and not to mention, less stressful. Sure, life doesn’t always go the way we plan. But it’s still nice to practice good habits and set routines. It makes the day run so much smoother.

All year I’ve been tweaking my routines and practicing different positive habits. Today, I want to share 11 things you should do every day to live a better life. I’d never tell you to do something that I haven’t done or practiced so yes, I truly strive to do these 11 things on a daily basis.

Related: 11 Ways to Have a Better Day

Things You Should do Everyday

1. Journal & Express Gratitude | I’ve mentioned this several times, but after my morning prayer and devotions, I journal. Even if I’m short on time, I always make sure to jot down at least 3 things I’m grateful for before starting the day. Doing this puts a smile on my face and definitely puts things into perspective.

2. Feed Your Mind Something Positive | I’m always listening to upbeat and positive songs during the morning hours, but I’ve recently started listening to podcasts and certain audiobooks in the a.m. I’m in the car a lot during the beginning of my work days, so I usually turn on one of my favorite entrepreneurial or lifestyle podcasts.

Related: The Morning Playlist You Need to Have an Amazing Day

4. Drink Water | Before tea, coffee or juice I have a glass or bottle of water. We all know the benefits of drinking water, but I will say that increasing my water intake has done wonders for my skin and energy.

5. Move Your Body | Setting aside the time to go for a 1-mile walk or do a 30-minute workout is everything! Doing those activities is yet another energy booster. Walking is so therapeutic for me. It helps clear my mind and calms my spirit. Working out is a great way to get out any frustrations from the day.

11 Things You Should Do Every Day #selfcare

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Things You Should do Everyday

6. Read Something | I think it’s SO important to read something, every day. Even if it’s an online article or a short devotional, exercise your mind by reading on daily basis.

7. Genuinely Compliment Someone | This random act of kindness is something I started doing a few months ago. Genuinely complementing someone can do so much for their confidence. I know how great I feel when others genuinely compliment me, so to return the favor to someone else is the least I can do.

8. Moisturize | I mean, who doesn’t want soft, supple and clear skin? Find a moisturizer that works for your skin type and slather it on, day and night. Don’t forget your neck too!

Related: 5 Things to do at Night to Prepare for Tomorrow

9. Say, “I love you.” | Simply put, life is way too short not to tell those you love that you do.  If you don’t already, tell those you love “I love you” every day.

10. Sit in Silence | Most days, when I get home from work, I sit or lay across my bed and close my eyes. I don’t turn on the TV or look at my phone. I just lay or sit in silence for at least 20 minutes. Doing this is a great way to download from the crazy or busy day you’ve just had. It also helps unwind and relax your body in preparation for the evening.

11. Set Intentions for Tomorrow | Don’t wait for tomorrow to plan for tomorrow. Take a few moments each evening to set your intentions for the next day. This small task will help you feel more be prepared and it will leave you less stressed the next morning.

Don’t wait for tomorrow to plan for tomorrow. #wnjinspired

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So tell me, what are some things you do every day to help make your life a little better? Let me know! 

Thanks, as always, for reading and commenting. I really enjoy sharing inspirational and lifestyle posts with you. It not only helps me continue to strive to live a positive and uplifting life, but I’ve also seen it inspire others to do the same. If you want even more uplifting and inspirational messages, in a more condensed version, keep up with me on social media! Until next time, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

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#WNJInspired | 5 Things to do at Night to Prepare for the Next Day

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If you subscribe to my newsletter you probably remember me saying that this summer was “a wild one”. I can honestly say that I’ve gone through just about every emotion there is over the past 3 months. Despite the wild and craziness of the season, my saving grace has been my evening and morning routines. Having set routines makes navigating through my days so much easier. Therefore, I want to share a few of my “night before” tips with you. Here are 5 things to do at night to prepare for the next day!

* See Also: 11 Ways to Have a Better Day

7 Things to do at Night to Prepare for the Next Day

1. Clean up your surroundings. | I always tidy up before heading to bed. When everything is in order and in place, I can breathe easier. Plus it helps to know where things are when you’re trying to head out the door in the morning. Spending 5-10 minutes in the morning frantically looking for your car keys or phone, when you’re probably already running late, is no fun – trust me.

2. Make a list. | When I jot down a few reminders for the next day I feel like I’m already 5 steps ahead. It doesn’t have to be anything elaborate; a short list of 3 or 4 reminders will do. I often list 3 people I need to email/or call the next day on a post-it and stick it on my computer screen.

3. Pick out your clothes. | This is something I’ve been doing since I was in grade school. My husband does the same thing. Hang your next day outfit in the front of your closet, or even on the outside of your closet door. Place your shoes, jewelry and any other accessory you’ll need on the dresser or somewhere visible. This simple task will save you so much time in the mornings.

* See Also: The Ultimate Playlist for an Amazing Day

7 Things to do at Night to Prepare for the Next Day

5 things to do at night to prepare for the next day. #wnjinspired

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4. Set your alarm. | Thanks to the iPhone iOS 10 upgrade, the ‘Bedtime’ feature reminds me when I need to go to bed in order to get at least 6-7 hours of sleep. Since I’m working on consistently going to bed and waking up at a certain time during the week, this feature is the perfect way to keep me on track.

5. Unplug. | After you’ve set your alarm, put your phone on silent and place it face down on your dresser. Also, turn off the TV or laptop. The worst thing you can do is sleep with those on. The bright light from both is distracting and makes it harder for you to get a good night’s sleep.

So tell me, what things do you do at night to prepare for the next day? Anything I mentioned above? Let me know! 

I hope you find these tips helpful. Doing these 5 simple things has really helped me prepare for a productive “next day”. I plan to share my morning and evening routines with you in the near future, but in the meantime feel free to follow me on Snapchat. I often share snippets of my routines over there. Until next time, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

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Lifestyle | 7 Life Lessons You Learn in Your 20s

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As I get ready to enter into a new decade, I keep thinking about the many lessons I’ve learned throughout my 20s. If I shared all of those lessons, we’d be here until my next birthday. So I’ve decided to share just a few. Read ahead to find out 7 life lessons you learn in your 20s.

Related: 10 Things I Wish I Knew 10 Years Ago

Life Lessons You Learn in Your 20s

1. Know your worth. | If there’s one thing I’ve learned in my 20s it’s to know your worth. It’s imperative to understand that wanting the best for yourself, and expecting nothing less, is exactly what you deserve. Know your worth, know your value and never settle.

2. Nobody really knows what they’re doing. | Truth be told, we’re all just winging it. Simply put, there is no “right way” to go through life. I’ve learned to focus on being the best version of myself, while being kind to others along the way, and leaving the rest up to God.

3. This world owes you nothing. | I’m not a fan of people who feel entitled. The world owes you nothing and we should not live life, expecting the world to give us what we think we deserve. I’ve learned that you have to work, sometimes harder than others, to get what you want/deserve. You get out  of life what you put into it. Period.

* SPOILER ALERT * Even if you work your hardest, you still may not get what you want or deserve. Unfortunately, that’s life. 

7 Life Lessons You Learn in Your 20’s. #wnjinspired

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4.  The only thing constant is change. | Things, people, and situations change. Throughout my 20s, I’ve had to deal with so many changes. Prayerfully I’ve been able to move forward, but it’s been unbelievably difficult to adjust to certain changes. Your 20s are the perfect time to learn how to become more flexible and open to change.

5. There will always be someone better than you. | In your 20s it’s easy to feel irreplaceable and invincible. Trust me, I’ve been there. But never think you can’t be replaced because you can be. You’re not always going to be everyone’s cup of tea and as they say, there’s always going to be  someone better, stronger, or prettier than you. This is why knowing your worth is extremely important. As long as you’re the best version of yourself and you give it everything you’ve got (at all times) you’ll come out of the top every time.

Related: 50 Life Goals in 7 Years

6. You can’t please everyone. | I’ve learned this lesson quite a few times in my 20s. While I respect the opinions of my loved ones, at the end of the day I have to make the best decision(s) for myself. It’s really that simple.

7. Some things should be kept private. | As much as I LOVE sharing my life on social media, I’ve realized that some moments are not meant for the world to see. I’ve learned that although I may be OK with sharing certain things, the other people involved may not want that moment shared. Also, sharing too much with the public leaves room for judgement, speculation and questions. Who wants to deal with any of that? I sure don’t. Trust me, keeping some things to yourself is definitely a good thing.

So tell me, what do you think about my lessons? What are some life lessons you’ve learned in your 20s? Let me know! 

Thanks for reading and be sure to share some of the lessons you’ve learned in your 20s below. I can’t wait to read them! Until next time, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

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#WNJPlaylist | The Perfect Playlist for a 30th Birthday

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I’m sure you can tell, after reading several posts, that I absolutely LOVE music! No matter the genre, I guarantee I can find at least 3 songs that I like. Music has always been a huge part of my life, but in my late 20’s I truly began to appreciate (good) music. So it’s only right that I create a playlist for my upcoming birthday.

Related: The Morning Playlist You Need for an Amazing Day

Music is something that helps me get through everything. Whether I’m happy, excited, irritated or stressed, I turn to music. It has the power to motivate and uplift, as well as calm and center me. I’m sure I’ll be blaring several of the songs listed below throughout the day on Thursday. Check out the perfect playlist to get you hype for an upcoming birthday!

Playlist for a 30th Birthday

R&B + Neo Soul + Pop 

  1. Indy Girl | Chrisette Michele
  2. This is Me | Fantasia
  3. Grown Woman | Beyonce
  4. Born This Way | Lady Gaga
  5. Bravo | Ledisi
  6. Go Deep | Janet Jackson
  7. Get Right | Jennifer Lopez
  8. No Time for It | Fantasia
  9. One of Those Days | Whitney Houston
  10. 7/11 | Beyonce
  11. Private Party | India Arie
  12. Body Party | Ciara
  13. Brand New Me | Alicia Keys
  14. All For You | Janet Jackson
  15. I’m Every Woman | Whitney Houston
The perfect playlist for an upcoming birthday! #wnjplaylist

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Gospel + Christian + Motivational 

  1. Wanna Be Happy | Kirk Franklin
  2. Lord I Lift Your Name on High | Donnie McClurkin
  3. My Testimony | Marvin Sapp
  4. God in Me | Mary, Mary
  5. The Battle is the Lord’s | Yolanda Adams
  6. I Didn’t Know My Own Strength | Whitney Houston
  7. Oceans (Where Feet May Fall) | Hillsong United
  8. I Will Survive | Chantay Savage
  9. Free as a Bird | Vivian Green
  10. Take Me to the King | Tamela Mann
  11. Breakaway | Kelly Clarkson
  12. I Got This | Jennifer Hudson
  13. Higher Than This | Ledisi
  14. Strength, Courage & Wisdom | India Arie
  15. I Look to You | Whitney Houston

So tell me, what songs would you add to a playlist for a 30th birthday Let me know! 

Thanks for reading and commenting! Until next time, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

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#WNJInspired | 20 Things You Should Do in Your 20’s

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I can’t believe the summer is already winding down and I really can’t believe that I’ll be celebrating my 30th birthday in 9 days! Where has the time gone?! Before the summer slips away, and before I turn the big 3-0, I want to share a few things I’ve learned during my 20’s. I’ll be publishing a few posts surrounding that topic leading up to my birthday and today, I want to start with sharing 20 things you should do in your 20’s.

* See Also: 50 Life Goals

20 Things You Should Do in Your 20's

Personal & Life Experiences 

  • Cultivate meaningful relationships
  • Live on your own (without your parents)
  • Travel to another country at least once
  •  READ (books, magazine articles, website articles, etc.)
  • Spend time with your parents/family

* BONUS * Figure out what your passion is, even if it takes a while. 

20 things you should do in your 20’s. #wnjinspired

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Career & Business 

  • Perfect your networking skills
  • Clean up your online presence
  • Find a business mentor
  • Update your resume
  • Intern, Intern, Intern!

20 things you should do in your 20's

Money & Finances

  • Make a plan to pay off your student loans
  • Open a bank account (& learn to track your spending)
  • Set savings goals (weekly, monthly, quarterly, etc.)
  • Check your credit report often (…and get help understanding it if you you’re unsure of certain things)
  • Invest in yourself

* BONUS * Develop multiple streams of income. 

It’s important to understand and check your credit report often in your 20’s. #wnjinspired

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Health & Wellness

  • Create a workout routine
  • Practice self-care often
  • Schedule (and actually go to) doctor’s appointments
  • Let go of toxic relationships
  • Develop healthy eating habits

So tell me, what are some things you’d suggest doing in your 20’s? Let me know!

Thanks for reading and commenting! Until next time, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

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* Linkups: Small Victories *