I AM Determined

In a race, a runner can enter a race, but the race is not finished until he/she crosses the finish line. Finishing sounds simple, but trust me, it is challenging for many people. It takes sheer determination to push one to complete what one has started. Often, what is missing from vision to manifestation is just determination. Determination is the catalyst that will propel and sustain one to relentlessly pursue until the end.

Let us consider the runner mentioned above. The runner needs determination to run the race until the end. The runner must be able to have an unwavering mindset that not finishing is not an option. This means that no matter who passes the runner, no matter what place the runner receives, he or she will not give up or give in. Now, I am not suggesting that the runner does not become tired or want to give up, but I am stating that the runner won’t be a finisher if he/she stops. Some call it willpower, others say it is strong mindedness, but I refer to it as determination, a.k.a., “digging deep.”

Digging deep my friends is something we all have the ability to do, but we have to choose to do it. Digging deep means that you will not allow circumstances that arise to stop you if you stumble. Digging deep is what will fuel you when you feel unable to continue. Digging deep is what will keep you running in purpose despite how you feel. When you dig deep you will be a finisher.

Today, it is time to let go of all excuses and activate the determination in you. Choose to be determined, unwavering, and steadfast in the process and promises of God. In Philippians 1:6, Paul asserts that “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ” (KJV). This scripture is our encouragement to be confident in God’s word. What God has begun in us, He is more than able to complete. Therefore, God has done His part and now it is time for us to do our part. We must not only declare that we are determined, but we must exemplify it in our actions. Today is an amazing day to keep going because you are not done until it is finished!

Beauty for Ashes – I AM Beautiful

When there is a fire, the heat intensifies and the light illuminates. Fire, although captivating, is an extremely powerful element. Just one flame can cause a wildfire. Some see fire as a danger; some use it for warmth; some use it for purifying; either way, let us agree—fire is a fierce element. The result of fiery flames is small black ashes. The ashes are so tiny that they can only be collected in abundance. This accumulation of these ashes is soot. This soot is easy to smear but difficult to clean up and wash off. This filthy soot, heaps of ashes, is not just an indication that a fire has occurred; it is evidence that the fire has ended. Yes, this is a metaphor, but if you consider it spiritually, you can begin to respond to the evidence of ashes with joy.

Have you ever been in a fire like situation in your life that you thought would never end? The flames were so bright and the heat was so hot that just a glimpse of ashes would give you joy. How could a glimpse of ashes end your fear of the fire that you are in? How can you withstand fire with hope and expectation? Do you have faith in what will be left after the fire? Many questions arise while one is in a fire because there is an immediate focus on surviving and not succumbing.

Realize that everyone will not witness the various fires that have happened in their life nor will everyone who witnessed your fires, acknowledge the residue of the ashes. Some will talk about your soot instead of your survival. When you focus on surviving what you thought would have overtaken you, you see your ashes as a sign of beauty.

According to the Bible, “Console those who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified” (Isaiah 61:3). This scripture solidifies that God will takes ashes that are naturally seen as filthy and trade them for beauty. Therefore, your beauty is not based on or enhanced by the external application of makeup or approval of others. When you declare I AM beautiful, you affirm that the fire from within you did not consume you—it fueled you!

Self-Care is the First Step Towards Self Awareness

by Preacher Girl  Chelsea T. Pernell

Self-awareness is the first step to positive self-care.  Self-awareness  means that you are consciously  aware of all of your needs. It is a holistic approach to nurture who you are and what you need to live a happy, healthy, and balanced life.  It is extremely important for women and girls to develop a sense of self -awareness. This type of awareness allows one to understand one’s value and worth. Once one knows one’s, worth then others will know one’s worth.

Personal affirmations are mental reminders that help shape your perspective about you!  When one speaks personal affirmations, affirmations help navigate one through the false evidence appearing real. “I AM”is two powerful life-giving words that can ultimately change the trajectory of one’s life. The power of the spoken word has the ability to shift positive to negative , lack to abundance, chaos to peace, and denial to access.  I have learned over the years that I have the power of life in my mouth. It’s up to me to be intentional about what words are released in the atmosphere. Ultimately, I live in the world I frame with my words. I challenge you to affirm who you are and who you shall be.