All people who claim to be Christians are not true Believers even if they are wearing a robe. This is why God encourages us to get to know him for ourselves.

Many people today have a disdain for Christians. The faith has been exploited from trusted Leaders and even Politicians. Unfortunately, there are bad apples hiding behind the leaves of a belief system for deceptive purposes. I am here to tell you that not all Christians are bad.

The Christian faith is unlike others, it is very open and accepting to all. It’s easy for one to claim being a Christian and not truly believe in Christ or his principles. Many use Christ to create a façade for their reputation or life choices. I have family members who would not step foot in a church but is quick to tell you that they are Christians. There is a difference between a Believer of Christ and a church goer “aka” Christian. One believes in the principles and examples that Jesus set as precedents and uses it to have a better life and perspective on life. This is supposed also affect one major aspect of our lives, our interpersonal relationships.

• 

Jesus was all about personal relationships and making sure to leave a positive impact or significantly enhance the life of another. The characteristics of Christ are also known as fruit. If you look at it this way, all of us in humanity are trees. We all have roots and were all seeds of someone else before us. However, what we produce as fruit can vary in quality and taste. Your mother can be sweet but through life circumstances and a failed mindset to shift past the past you can live bitter and stuck. The people who encounter you are getting a bitter taste in their mouth. They grow to have a disdain for you and now generalize every other tree that looks similar. That’s what the world does, JUDGE. We have Master degrees in judgement. We make assumptions and are so quick to accept the meat of another’s opinion without proper investigation. Our ears are as big as our mouths and we have a large appetite for gossip.

All people who claim to be Christians are not true Believers even if they are wearing a robe. This is why God encourages us to get to know him for ourselves. We can’t take someone else’s word for it. A real Preacher would guide you but also encourage you to delve into the word yourself. You may think well if I can read and teach myself then I do not need to attend a ministry. That’s another blog topic all by itself but guidance is always necessary. Just because you purchase the textbook it doesn’t make you an expert you still must take the class.

Study to show thyself approach is what the Bible says in 2 Timothy 2:15. I implore you to do so. Also I would encourage you to try Christ and his Ambassadors again. Not all of his Children have spoiled fruit. Many of us are authentic individuals seeking truth, a better or enhanced life, enlighten and much more. Many of us are focused on sharing the good news. Many love the gospel over gossip and won’t judge you. A real believer would know that Judgement is only in the hands of God. We are here to love and embrace humanity and make a difference. We’re not the same, please don’t put us all into the same category.

There’s a major difference between a life event & an achievement. One deals with desires, the other… are real goals. – CGEORGE

Psalm 103: 2-5

We all have something to be grateful for. The harsh circumstances increased wisdom, strength, a deeper or renewed perspective but most of all gratitude.

From January 1st until this present day we can honestly say that God has been better than good to us. Today, I challenge you …

1. List each month of the year

2. Next to it, write how you have been blessed, encountered a miracle or life has been enhanced.

I can assure you that by December 31st; you will have a strong list of things to be thankful for, proud of and surprisingly accomplished.

I don’t know you but I am happy for you and all that’s occurring in your life. The good outweighs the bad. In all things, remember to keep God first and He will enable you to soar and live your best life.

Right now, my body just want to be embraced by the stimulating bubbles from peppermint soap. To allow my senses to enjoy the smell and feeling of Ogx’s “Coconut Curls” in my hair.

To have the coolness of water repeatedly beat against my scalp within rythem. I am anticipating a cold beverage shocking and invigorating my palate then to swallow with much pleasure. I want summer to be over!

A lot of times we trip up because we are too busy looking backwards and relishing on what is sometimes crippling. No one can drive a car backwards or look in the rear view mirror the entire time. You can’t live a life fulfilled with your focus being in the wrong place. You can’t change what’s behind but you can learn from it to enhance what’s before you. Sometimes it’s a lack of hope. When Christ is the center of your life you can’t experience crisis because He is a compass. Need direction, need clarity? … Try Christ.

System Overload. That feeling of being on edge, brain on fire, pressure, overwhelming, everything in escalation, nerves off kilter, nail biting, poor habit increasing, I just wanna SCREAM or runaway experience.

It’s that anxious behavior that rears its ugly head like an unwanted pimple before an important day. If you haven’t guessed it by now it’s STRESS.

We often try to digest more than we can ingest, have poor organizational and/ or time management skills. Sometimes life turns a sunny day into an unexpected worldwind where everything and everyone is coming at us or simultaneously making demands. Life will happen but what’s important is our response in these situations.

I know it’s easier said than done to be calm in the midst of a storm but you must take a moment to breathe and access before making a statement or taking action. Being stressed triggers so much mentally, emotionally, spiritually and physically. If your not careful you’ll entertain a lie of a self fulfilling prophesy that will lead to your demise.

Above all things make time for you. Take a personal day by any means necessary. Ensure all levels and areas of health are priority. Failure to do so can and will manifest undesirable results. Here are some tips that may help you get through it

1. Prayer
2. Outlet | Hobby
3. Exercise
4. Do something fun & exciting
5. Break down priorities into categories
6. Create a personal and work schedule
7. Take breaks
8. Surround yourself with positive quotes
9.Be around supportive and level headed individuals.
10. See things from a different perspective. Your just on high demand and entrusted with much.

11. Utilize your vacation time.

Listening is a gift but understanding and comprehension takes skill!- C. George

• 

When you want to vent and all you have is a keypad or pen… its best to choose the pen. Keeping your personal entries private is always the best option to avoid regret. In today’s society it’s the easiest thing to do for some. I believe that restraint and self- discipline can go a long way. I definitely learned the hard way.

They say that words don’t hurt but that’s not accurate. Words evoke a feeling and Maya Angelou once said that “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel”. In this case, words are included in the feeling. They leave a lasting imprint on minds and hearts that destroy relationships, employment, partnerships and the list goes on.

Words are like weapons they are powerful but deadly in the wrong hands. Words are the weapons of the tongue deadly with the wrong intention or motive. I get it, you’re hurt or frustrated seeking immediately relief but social media isn’t the way or answer. Even in the Bible, it’s says in Proverbs 17: 28 that “Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise”. Don’t be the short tempered fool I once was.

Some of you may be literal and ask, why make a reference to the tongue when social media isn’t verbal expression. Guess what? All speech is not verbal and it’s an extension of the contents of your mindset. Your speech represents you and says a lot about your level of intelligence, education class and even character. Don’t believe me? ask someone who reviews resume’s for prospective employees. What’s presented is an extension of you. Today I want you to consider yourself as a brand. What are you selling, in what capacity are you at service? For me, I just want to encourage and inspire people. I must mind my thoughts because they become words spoken or written.

Here are some solutions that help me:

1. Remove yourself from the aggravating or hostile environment
2. Healthily express your feelings to the APPROPRAITE person
3. Confide in a friend who has an objective view in the matter
4. Purchase a journal
5. Type it out on your phone or Word document
6.  Distract yourself with a hobby
7. Go for a walk to clear your mind or take a break
8. Pray.

I just want you to make healthy decisions because everything we do today is reflected in our tomorrow and I would prefer my tomorrow to be beautiful. You are your brand, stay consistent, positive and mature!