Tuesday, September 25, 2012

The Greatest Actors of Our Time

“Lights, Camera, Action”!  This is the norm in Hollywood for all working actors.  The glam, red carpet events, award nominations and award shows are all a part of life for the elites in Hollywood. 

In the early part of each year, actors await the announcements of the Oscar nominations.  It’s the ‘Oscar buzz’, a major event for Hollywood actors, directors, producers and the behind-the-scene greats await to hear their destiny in Oscar World.  Although, it’s exciting for the famous, there are the infamous who have been overlooked for an Oscar nomination for their superior daily performances.
 
While the famous are being praised and rewarded for their false acts, some are not receiving the recognition for their stand up performances of everyday life.  Who says you need acting classes or an acting coach?  We display our talents through everyday life while others pay hundreds or thousands of dollars to learn, enhance a craft or talent that most of us have mastered through life's experiences. As actors spend their days running from paparazzi; we are avoiding debt collectors.  We laugh, smile, and help someone in need, while we’re experiencing hardship in our personal lives.  That’s pretty good acting!  In fact, it costs absolutely nothing.  It’s the acting abilities that so many of us have encountered - by no means deliberate.   

The Great Actors Within

From the financial stress of high debt, low savings and insufficient income; to the emotional roller coaster and the mental distress we encounter daily, it’s no wonder the depression and suicide rates are at its all-time high.  These days, it’s difficult to identify the sufferers.  We perform our greatest acts by showing a different side outwardly than what we are truly experiencing inwardly.  The person you sit next to every day at work that smiles or laughs with you could be the same person going through financial strain behind closed doors and is in danger of losing his car or home.  Or the unfriendly cashier at the grocery store who gave you an attitude when you asked her to check an item that did not scan on sale, could be a single mother who is extremely tired from working two jobs to pay her bills and feed her children.  It is inevitable what so many people may be facing today.  Nonetheless, these are the same people we interact with every day who could be dealing with hard times in their lives but are great actors in hiding what they are truly experiencing.  For those of us who experience someone who may be unpleasant, keep this in mind:  

·         Be patient and know that there is a reason why someone is mistreating you and it has nothing to do with you.  Hurt people; hurt others.

·         Embrace them with love.  This could be someone who is not used to receiving love and does not know how to give it. 

·         Do not allow their actions or behavior influence you.  Sometimes, our response can make a world of difference.  People who are negative and express negative behavior expect to receive negative results.  Prove them wrong and react in an opposite manner.  Respond with grace and humility. 

It’s easier said than done: Letting go of the past

If the current events aren’t enough, so many of us are struggling with letting go of our past.  The past is the cause of numerous lost and broken people walking around today.  If that’s not enough, the past causes a lot of hindrances in our lives too.  It robs us from the endless possibilities of pursuing our goals and living our dreams.  There are many culprits of hindrances that keep us from moving forward and living our dreams such as unforgiveness, bitterness, loneliness, discouragement, emotional distress, low self-confidence and low self-esteem - to name a few.  It steals our chance of fulfillment, joy and happiness in this world.  Living with these hindrances may cause us to block our blessings.  Understandably, some people would like to seek help and do not know where to start or go to seek the assistance.  We need not only the guidance in pointing us in the right direction, but we also need the assurance that seeking help will benefit our lives.  We have become accustomed to believing that things in life will not get better and opt for living a mediocre life.  We’ve built patterns in withholding emotions and feelings that are affecting our happiness and well-being.  In essence, our lives are in constant replay as if we’re watching re-runs from an old syndicate show.  Instead, it’s our life being displayed in rewind.  We choose this lifestyle because it’s all we’ve grown to know.  It’s a familiar path we take in life that makes us feel more comfortable with ourselves.   

But we can choose to live differently.  It is time to take a stand for yourself and live the life you were meant to live.  A life that is unimaginable and beyond your wildest dreams!  You have to start somewhere.  And starting with the emotional healing process and finding your inner peace is a great way to start.  The healing process is indicative to a peaceful present and a better future.  So, it’s important to research all of the resources available:  

·         Books – there are tons of books that focus on emotional and mental healing.  Conduct a search on the internet or your local library to determine the right book for you. 

·         Internet – the internet provides a ton of information on the topic of emotional healing and letting go of the past.  There are websites and other resources provided on the internet that will guide us and get us started. 

·         Counseling – the thought of counseling makes a lot of people nervous.  I used to cringe at the thought of talking to someone about my darkest moments in my childhood.  But I overcame that fear and sought counseling through my church.  It was the best decision I’d ever made and I’m grateful that I did.  Seeking counseling through a therapist, local church or community centers, it will serve you a great deal emotionally, mentally and physically. 
 
Be open-minded to one of the options mentioned in seeking the help needed to overcome the barriers from your past.  You will be thankful that you did.  You all deserve a better present and future. 

Stay Encouraged and Be Blessed!

Saturday, August 25, 2012

Test the Waters: Living Life with No Limits!


Often times, a bright idea pops in our heads and we look around      like some magical character is going  to jump out and show himself  as the culprit of that idea.  It's Amazing that we forget the idea
was not presented by accident, there's a reason why we thought it in the first place.  It is God channeling us to think big and venture out to do more in life.  But how many of us take our thoughts seriously and pursue the ideas that have been instilled in us?  Do we doubt our abilities of achieving great things in life? Or do we fear the price of rejection and never try at all?  

Well, let me be the first to say that if this was a multiple choice test, I would choose option 'D' - all of the above.  Most of my life was spent living in fear, with self-doubt, and afraid of being rejected.  Instead of taking a chance or risks, I'd play it safe and protect my feelings from getting hurt.  Perhaps the hurt I've endured in my life kept me from trying - so I didn't.  For many years I've allowed great opportunities pass me by, simply because I chose to live cautiously instead of just giving life a chance. How does one break the barriers that stem from the negative occurrences?
It isn't easy but admittedly, it definitely is achievable.  Until one day, I had an inkling to do something spontaneous.  So, I decided to test the waters in certain areas in my life and see what results I’d receive.  The results were indeed amazing but not surprising.    

The first attempt at faith was to post my resume to several online job sites but chose Florida as the location.   I wanted to test the waters and see what happens.  This was the beginning of a wonderful journey to do things in 'faith' and watch faith work in my life.  Although, I started with one job site, I was confident that I would receive a response about an opportunity.  And did I ever!   

The day after posting my resume online, I received an email from a company who was interested in
interviewing me for a position in my field of Technology.  The job included relocation expenses, a great salary, benefits and more.  Although, I really wasn't looking for another job, I wanted to take a 'leap of faith' as everyone says and see how it will work in my life.  There were many more opportunities that followed since I debuted my resume online.  In addition, since that experience, I've been taking a chance in other areas in my life.  Many doors have opened for me and great opportunities have presented itself in my life thus far.  I now realize that I was limiting myself from the possibilities that life has to offer.   

I wanted to share my testimony because I know many of you have the same mindset.  Not realizing your full potential, living a mediocre life, allowing fear and doubt to decide for you.  Sometimes we analyze things too much.  We are the cause of confusion in our lives.  Instead of giving it a Go - we give it a No!  Nothing in life is perfect, but we will not know what doors will open in our lives if we do not try. 
 
If you're still in doubt and need encouragement to get you started in living a life with no limits, here are a few principles that helped me along the way: 

Believe - we can't do anything in life unless we believe.  Believe in yourself, in God and in what
you want.  "All things are possible to him who believes." Mark 9:23 NLT

Pray - The bible says, 'you have not because you ask not'.  Well, there you have it, start praying
and ask God to open doors in your life.  And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you” Luke 11:9 (NLT)  

Take Action - Take action and do something.  We can't expect to accomplish things in life if we are not willing to do the work.  God will do his part if you do your part.  Start by writing goals and follow through with them.  We are responsible for the actions we take in our lives.  Be a doer!  

Have Faith - Do everything in faith.  It's amazing what can happen when you do things in faith.  The possibilities are endless.   
"Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be Strong."
I Corinthians 16:13 NLT

 Start today to live life with no limits!  And test the waters for yourself.

 

 

 

Thursday, January 12, 2012

WHEN FAITH SEEMS SO FAR AWAY

Recently, I was asked to minister on Faith at the Women’s Ministry at my church.  When I began to prepare my notes, I started brainstorming on what personal testimonies I wanted to share that would go in-line with the topic.  Two years ago, I would have been shy at the thought of sharing personal stories.  But knowing who I am today, I can freely speak on matters that were hurtful, confusing, and degrading without getting upset.  Many years ago, I was unable to think let alone speak on many things from my past because of the emotional distress that it caused.  I decided to take a leap of faith and speak freely, boldly, and confidently on any topic pertaining to my life. 

I’m a living witness as to what faith has done for my life.  Let me explain….
Last year, I was having a challenging time at my job.  I was overlooked for a promotion and two months after promotions were announced I was overlooked again for a leadership position within my group.  Clearly, I was disappointed as I should be (I’m sure some of you have experienced the same).  But one thing I’ve adapted to do in my life is pray about EVERYTHING!  Asking God for guidance is the only assurance I needed – and I did.  What God proposed for me to do was be patient and have faith.  Well, as many of us may already know that it’s easier said than done.  However, I knew this was God’s test for me and I did not want to fail. 
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.                                                   
 ~Hebrews 11:1 (NKJV)

It was shortly after, that God revealed that he had other plans for me in another area of the company.  Throughout my years with the company, I’ve had the opportunity to build great professional relationships in other areas of the company and I knew this would be a wonderful opportunity to communicate with some of my contacts.  Several months later, I received a phone call from a Vice President in the Technology department.  He asked if I was interested in a position in his area and of course, I obliged.  A few days later I interviewed over the phone with another VP in his department and a week after that interview the Director from the department traveled from New York to the Delaware office to interview me as well.  The Director informed me that he would be out of town on business and would contact me when he returns.  In less than two weeks, I heard back from him and an offer was made for the position.  The amazing part of it all was that I did not have to go through the normal protocols of posting for the position.  One simple phone call made it all happen and I did not have to fill out an internal posting for the position.  If anyone understands what ‘faith’ really is and the blessings you can receive in your life when you live in faith - this is a perfect testimony of it! 

We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are. ~ Romans 3:22 (NLT)

 Just as my career was headed in a better direction, my personal life was being challenged.  After several years of being in an unhealthy marriage, counseling at my church and many prayers God finally saw I had enough and guided me in starting the separation process of my marriage.  I knew it wasn’t going to be an easy task but it was the right thing to do.  The situation became chaotic and there was no peace.  I was instructed by one of the assistant Pastors at my church to stay in prayer which included praying for my ex-husband – something I was totally against.  If anyone knew half of what I went through with him, it would be easier to understand.  But I wanted to remain obedient and follow through on God’s instructions.

I have often seen friends, family and colleagues go through some pretty messy divorces.  And regardless of what led to this decision for me, I didn’t want us to be another couple going through a bitter divorce that may lead to negative results.  It was important for me to ensure that we went through a peaceful divorce and remain in good standing for the sake of my stepsons.  The truth is that we were both good people who were not good together. 

In the beginning, there were many days I dreaded the idea of going home.  But I continued to keep my head up and ignore any negativity that came my way.  Even when my faith was being tested, I continued to be faithful, obedient and patient.  The truth is….faith is all I had to get me through.  Although, I could not see the plans that God had ahead for me but I knew in my heart his plans were good – indeed they were!  Each time I prayed God for guidance in my situation, he answered my prayers by showing me.  I’m a visual person and I often need to see things come to pass in order to better understand it.  And can I tell you that each time I prayed about my circumstances, he would send me a revelation that was powerful.  It wasn’t long before I’d see the answers to my prayers. 

For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. 24 Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.     ~Mark 11:23-24 (NKJV)

After one and a half year of being separated, it finally sunk in for the both of us.  We both stayed focused on finalizing things in a much smoother capacity.  There was no animosity or bitterness between us.  We were both able to move forward with our lives and remain friends.  It wasn’t easy but faith is what got me through it all.  I share my personal experience to encourage anyone that when you pray and ask God to be the light in your life when everything seems so dark - he will show you the way.  You must stay in prayer, believe and trust in Him.  But most importantly, have Faith!  
Stay Encouraged and Be Blessed!

 

 

Saturday, September 10, 2011

Embracing the Letting Go...

Several months ago, I had to make the decision to ‘let go’ of some things.  In some instances, I had to also let go of some people in my life.  It sounds awful but let me explain what it all means.  There are many of us hanging on to situations from the past that may involve people or even things that may be causing hindrance in our lives.  I can admit that I have done that for years – until recently.  There were several mishaps in my life that made me realize presently that it was time to let go of the past and anything attached to it – things, people, and even memories.  Some memories are good but the ones that are bad and ugly are best to let go or as I often tell people – Release it! 
 
For many years, I moved on with life contemplating the thought of revisiting my past, until I came to the realization what it would do to my current state of being.  The past does not identify who I am today; rather it would heal some open wounds that still plague in my life.  I’ve been able to talk about certain incidents in my life without getting upset which has made me realize that I’m stronger and able to handle revealing more truth.  It was a means of healing, knowing where I’ve been and where I no longer choose to be.  Actually, it would help most of my family and friends to understand some of my previous actions and why I’ve chosen my current path.  A path that I’m very proud I’ve taken to finally become the person I was always meant to be.  It took some major steps in my life and deciding to ‘embrace the letting go’ for good! 
 
So, as I reflected on my life I knew that there are people today living with a secret or secrets from their very own past.  This entails fear when we withhold information about our lives. Afraid of exposing details of events that occurred that may cause potential grief.  Constantly thinking the opinions of others and protecting the guilty.  No one wants to be treated as a victim.  Instead, we all want to be respected for the courage and bravery we demonstrate when revealing the truth.  Having the faith to gracefully expose the truth and finally be healed. 
 
Although, you will never forget the ride of your life – whether it be good or bad but it no longer has to partake in your present and future happiness.  I took steps in my life to ‘embrace the letting go’ of the past and I encourage you to do the same.  As I share what I did to be completely healed, my sincere hope is that you find your way very soon too if you have not done so already. 
 
First step – Talk to someone you trust.  Whether it be a professional counselor, family member or a respected member of your church.  I entrusted an assistant Pastor at my church.  Our first meeting was scary and emotional.  But that first meeting broke the ice for several more meetings to come.  We had more sessions and she saw an improvement in me and she commended me for my courage to come forward.  She also revealed the strength I demonstrated since our first meeting.  I am proud to say that she and I have become very close friends too.  She’s been a blessing in my life and I completely trust her. 
 
 
Second step – Self-Evaluation.  Take time to reflect on what the past has done to your life.  If the past has caused you to be unpleasant toward others, make continuous bad decisions or you’re still living with bad habits and addictions, it’s time to put an end to it all.  Write down any negative feelings or actions you’ve shown throughout your life.  I’m sure it has caused you to live a life with negative results.  Make a decision to reverse it to a positive.  Start living life in a positive realm and watch your life transform for the better. 
 
Third step – Forgiveness.  It’s time to forgive yourself for any hurt you may have caused onto others due to what you’ve experienced in your past.  We have all at some point in our lives acted out with hurt we’ve experienced.  So, start by forgiving yourself first to start the process of healing.  Next, forgive those who may have hurt you in the past.  It can be difficult to forgive someone who has caused harm to you directly, but forgiveness is inevitable and is another step in your healing process.  Forgiveness for myself and others has brought peace and joy in my life.  I can now confess that I’ve been healed and transformed.  I’m no longer a product of my past. 
 
      Sins confessed you must forget;
      Look not back to yesterday-
      Full of failure and regret;
      Look ahead and seek God’s way.
                                ~D. De Haan
 
       Don’t let yesterday’s failures bankrupt tomorrow’s efforts.
                                                       ~RBC Ministries
 
Fourth step – Release it!  When I decided to finally ‘let go’ of my past I knew it was the best decision I’ve made in a long time.  I stayed in prayer throughout this process and released it to God.  It was no longer my burden.  I’ve released it and embraced a new beginning in my life.  Releasing and letting it go allows you to move forward with your life and be free of the past.  I can now confess that I’m no longer a victim instead a Victor!  And you too can be a Victor and experience the Victory in your life. 
 
There’s so much more to life then living in rewind.  Make a decision to let go and move forward with your life. 
 
Do you have a past that is difficult to let go and don’t know how?  Or have you found a way to heal, let go and move forward with your life?  Please share the steps you took to overcome that barrier in your life.    

Monday, August 8, 2011

You Complete Me!

Ever had someone say, "You Complete Me?"  Or have you heard it said to someone else? Perhaps, you may remember Tom Cruise say it in Jerry Maguire or have read it in a romantic novel. Either way, we have all come across those words one way or another.

I recently had a conversation with a friend who expressed her feelings to me about her relationship. She explained that without her boyfriend she would not feel complete. I continued to listen to her go on and on about her relationship and how happy she finally was. Although, I'm equally happy for her, it made me realize that I used to feel that way. In fact, I had a conversation with an ex-boyfriend recently and realized that I wasn't the only one with the same feelings. He shared a very familiar phrase about how he felt when we broke up years ago. He told me, "I haven't felt COMPLETE since we split". Wow, I was surprised to hear that from him and it made me feel warm and fuzzy inside to have someone feel that way about me. 'How sweet' - was my true reaction.

But let's hit the fast forward button.

It wasn't long before realizing that it wasn't so sweet after all. In fact, my whole persona of 'you complete me' has changed. To feel complete means to be whole. I now know what a problem it is to feel that way. Feelings of wanting someone else make you feel complete and whole explains the insecurities a person struggles within. After having continued conversation with my ex and hearing him explain the feelings he had at the time of our break-up confirmed that we both were trying to feel complete being together.

The misconception that so many of us have on relationships can actually hurt us. If you do not feel complete and whole within then you can not have a healthy relationship with others. Finding this in someone else is hurting yourself and in the long run will hurt them too. This extends from not loving yourself first. I've learned and realized how long I've been hurting myself and others by not learning to LOVE ME first.

I have come to terms with knowing my very own downfalls in relationships. And I started with getting to know me and loving me first! This may shed some light in your own journey too. We go through a break-up and feel disappointed by the turn of events. But instead of taking time to heal to learn about yourself and what it really means to love yourself we jump into another relationship to have the feelings of fulfillment and completeness. Not only have I myself experienced this but I've seen it happen with people I personally know. The end results have always been negative.

Although, I have not spoken to my ex in quite a while, what's more disturbing is knowing that in my last conversation with him, he still struggles with feeling complete within. He continues to focus on his relationships to feel complete, wanted, and loved. And when things don't go his way in a relationship, he dismisses women's feelings and uses the women for his own enjoyment. This stems from a lack of being in love with himself. This is a topic that will be discussed separately very soon. (Lack of Loving YOU First)

My sincere hope for my ex and those of you out there struggling with being complete within, is to take time to heal. By doing so, you get to learn more about who you are, you'll be able to release the past, and learn to move forward without guilt or regret. This is a first-step process in getting to know you and falling in love with yourself. It will allow you to have a better perspective in life. You would be doing yourself and those you come in contact with a favor.

Many blessings from me to you!

 

Monday, August 1, 2011

Love is the Greatest

I promised myself that I would not revisit my past, unless I was writing about it.  As I decided to write about Love and how it has changed my life, I realized that this is a great opportunity to revisit my past and share my own testimony.  My hope is that you can understand what Love has done for me and apply what you read and learn into your own life. 

Recently, I’ve been reading a book that speaks on how to apply Love in everything we do in life.  Regardless of our circumstances, we should apply Love in it instead of frustration, anger, resentment, and any other negative feelings we may experience.  Reacting in either manner can lead to negative results in our lives.  It’s called living in Strife!  We must keep strife out of our lives to live a healthy, happy, and fulfilling life.  In order to achieve this, apply love instead. 

As a child, I clearly remember the many days and nights I dreaded being home with my family.  It was difficult surrounding myself with love, when no love was given in our home.  I was too young to understand what love was let alone give it to anyone or anything.  Due to the lack of love I received as a child, led to countless bad decisions, days of misery, and a list of insecurities within myself.  I often felt that I was a mistake and was not meant to be in this life.  It’s sad to admit but it is how I felt in those years since it seemed that nothing positive was going on for me.  Although, I have some happy memories of my childhood; they are far and few in between.  There were more unhappy moments then happy ones.  But with hope and faith I imagined that one day I’d be free.  So, here I am – I surpassed it all!    

It’s clear to me today when I reflect on those years that the reasoning behind my misery and unhappiness is that our parents didn’t show love to each other and it reflected on the entire household.  A household without love led to numerous arguments, resentment, dishonesty, secrets, disrespect, and the list goes on.  My siblings and I did the best we could to make sense of it all but it was truly a battlefield of survival.  For many years to come, I struggled with my own identity.  I was merely trying to determine how I’m suppose to fit in.  As I continued to read the book, I decided to ask myself a very important question.  “How am I suppose to show anyone or anything love if I never had it myself?”  

Through many heartbreaks and bad relationships I now stand tall and am fully aware of how great life is when you experience Love.  For some it may mean to feel loved, but to others it’s the gift of showing love.  When you show love; you receive it.  It’s that simple.  And you do this by realizing that you have love to give, so you are ready to receive it. 

In fact, it’s impossible to love anyone if you do not love yourself first.  I’ve heard this many times before and had not clue what it meant until now.  You must allow yourself the time to heal from the bad experiences in your life to feel the love you have within you.  This gives you the opportunity to deeply fall in love with yourself.  It is then that you are prepared to give in the form of Love.  Once you’ve been able to get through that hurdle, you will experience the windows of opportunity  that Love can provide in your life.  

I encourage you today, if you’ve struggled with accepting and loving yourself due to past hurt, please release it and set yourself free from it.  It is time for you to finally set yourself free and humbly accept the free will of Love.  Every experience in life helps us learn and grow.  When we learn and grow, we are given the ability to move forward.  Apply love in every aspect of your life.  You will experience a major transformation in your life.  What I’ve learned through this process is that we all have control and power over our lives.  We do not have to live in agony any longer.  Choose love and watch your life improve drastically.  Love is not a feeling we feel for each other; it’s so much more. 

Here’s the biblical meaning of Love:

I Corinthians 13:4-6

1If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I would be nothing. 3If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it;a but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing.

4Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud 5or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. 6It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. 7Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.

8Prophecy and speaking in unknown languagesband special knowledge will become useless. But love will last forever! 9Now our knowledge is partial and incomplete, and even the gift of prophecy reveals only part of the whole picture! 10But when the time of perfection comes, these partial things will become useless.

11When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child. But when I grew up, I put away childish things. 12Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity.c All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely.

13Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love. 

Make everyday count – have a blessed and productive day! 

~Vicky Valdes

Monday, July 11, 2011

Wake up – It’s Time for Breakfast!

Every morning when I awake I sit on the edge of my bed and thank the Lord for allowing me to see another day. I then prepare myself to take a shower. My shower consists of my gratitude checklist. I close my eyes and allow my gratitude checklist to pour over my face to awaken my mind and spirit - just as a shower in the morning would normally awaken me.

Each day my gratitude list is different. Some days my gratitude list includes my health, senses, my job, my car that provides me with daily transportation, my family, wonderful friends, colleagues, and the list goes on and on from there. We all have so much to be grateful for so it’s not very difficult to compose a gratitude list even a mental one. It’s a wonderful way to start your day and you will see your day flourish from there.

Once I’m in my car driving, I start to pray. Some days my prayers are focused on my morning travel and sometimes my prayers may last the entire drive. It all depends on what my spirit calls me to do. What’s important is that I’m still giving thanks and showing my gratitude through prayer. When I arrive at work, I immediately log into my computer to get my day started. I then pull out my book of Our Daily Bread and read the scripture of the day.

These all consists of my very own ‘spiritual breakfast’. A great way to start my day! I am aware that with having my spiritual breakfast it will provide me with the nourishment I need to have a productive and blessed day. Some people drink coffee because the caffeine helps them wake up and give them the energy they need to get their day started. Well, the same goes with my ‘spiritual breakfast’. It gives me the boost I need to get me going daily. Without it my day can go in various directions - but I choose the direction of a positive path.

I encourage all of you to do the same. When you wake up in the morning, say to
yourself, “It’s time for breakfast!” And take it from there.

Make everyday count – have a blessed and productive day!

~Vicky Valdes