The Gorgeous Inside Challenge

This year my 25th Birthday was extremely special! There weren't any material objects that I craved for whatsoever. I am so content in my portion that everything added and taken away is a blessing at this point. The first half of the day my family and I went to bless others around the town.  25 Random Acts of Kindness for every year of life! Now giving is NEVER about who knows or ANY type of reward that a person can give you back. Giving is about genuineness with a cheerful heart, knowing that your reward is in heaven. I only share this with you all just in case you all ever want to have a unique birthday celebration! You are blessed to be a blessing! Never forget that!

Throughout this journey of Holy Spirit filled stops and detours there was one idea that punctured my heart in the best way to start something brand new! 

The Gorgeous Inside Challenge

How often do we see people emphasizing external beauty? I mean it's every where. From the media to our facebook pages. And do not get it twisted, there's nothing wrong in looking and feeling beautiful, however it becomes an issue when we focus more on things of the flesh as opposed to our inside: our spirit. 

With this challenge I am encouraging women to leave a note on a public restroom mirror or facility reminding others that the mirror will always be too fickle to reflect their true beauty! Or just simply leave a word of encouragement! You can get as creative as you'd like! It's your love note leaving a little sprinkle of love to whomever finds it. 

Please TAG #GorgeousInsideChallenge on Instagram, facebook and twitter with your love notes! You seriously never know who needs a word of encouragement and reminder of God's love! I mean how many times have you been having a bad day and felt blessed by a kind word or deed right on time?! 

I look forward to seeing them!

Here is an awesome example left on a gym mirror in Jupiter, Florida by one of our sisters in love!

(To friends and family who have stayed loyal to the blog even when I haven't posted much, THANK YOU! I will get better! There's so many things that will share with you all soon! 2014 is already awesome!)

Sign On The Dotted Line

A common trend I have seen on social media is people taking others quotes with no respect to it's author. Who doesn't LOVE 160 characters of realness to share anyway?! Everyone can use good words daily. But that does not mean that you can claim it as yours.

Some of you may be saying 'It's not that serious. Who cares?' Let me explain why it can be serious:

You don't know what people had to live through to attain that wisdom. You don't know how many tears they cried to learn that message. You don't know how many hours they spent studying and trying to put things in their own words, finding the treasure in the tests and sitting on God's Word. True, 'there is nothing new under the sun (Ecclesiastes 1:9)', however at least try to put it in your OWN swag to it.

No one would ever walk into an art gallery and sign their name on someones art. No one plays a record of another artist and says 'that's me'. No one walks into a hospital and throws on a Dr's gown without first having gone through the preparation; without first accepting that calling.

I know everyone is philosopher on social media but the next time you want to claim someone else's work/words/personal experience as your own, please consider signing their name on the dotted line. It's simply respect.

-Paloma Duran

In a way, fraud in business is no different from infidelity in marriage or plagiarism in scholarly work. Even people committed to high moral standards succumb.Miroslav Volf  

  

11 Ways to Stay Hungry in Harmony

Yes, it's amazing to stay hungry, but can you do it in harmony through all seasons?

The regular wear and tear of life can have an affect of all of us if we don't take care of ourselves. Being a dreamer, as I know many of you are, that hunger can keep us up at night. This hunger is only fed by action. Or so we thought. I am going to share with you 11 ways to stay hungry in and out of seasons without losing your mind or damaging your health.

1. Turn off your phone and become MIA from social media accounts without permission or forewarning. Seems sort of unprofessional right? Well so is directing your attitude upon others because you feel trapped and overworked, or possibly putting the wrong message out there because you're having a bad day. Face your problems before you facebook them.

2. Positive Self Talk and Messages. Sounds corny right? Well allow me to remind you that no one can give you better encouragement than you can give yourself. Come on. You talk to yourself all the time anyway. You might as well be your own cheerleader, mascot and team instead of opponent.

3. Pray. Pray. Pray. If you don't know the benefits of prayer then I suggest you try it. If it's been a while for you, try writing letters to God. Extremely therapeutic and helpful! Besides, where you lack, God will supply.- Philippians 4:19

4. When you're facing issues, please don't go to people that aren't equipped  to speak upon your life in that area. Like if you're having financial issues and need financial advise, why on earth would you go talk to your next broke friend? If you're having marriage issues, your single friends are not the one's to call; nor Tyron. You get the picture.

5. Reading. Who ever said reading is for dorks must have been sippin' on gin and juice. Read things that will add upon you, that will lift you spiritually and challenge you. Watching TV or listening to music is cool but it's so important to be mindful of what you let come inside of you. What comes inside will come out. Above all else, Guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.- Proverbs 4:23

6. Pay attention to what you consume. I love that quote "you are what you eat." And although I am no health guru, nor certified personal trainer, the average Joe will tell you 'when I eat healthy food I feel better, when I eat greasy food, I get the itis." You need your energy to function to the best of your ability. It is your only temple so take care of it.

7. Stop telling those seasonal friends your lifetime goals. Not everyone who asks how you're doing and what you're up to really cares. Some people honestly just want to make sure it's not better than them. Your true confidants should not exceed the number of fingers in one hand.

8. Take it one day at a time. Many times people tap out or never even start because they think about the long term goal instead of the big picture. Each day is a new chance to take a new step. Sometimes you might even crawl or limp. Rest when need be. Then take another step.

9. Understand, accept, embrace the fact that not everyone is going to like you. Not with bitterness and 'these haters' messages every where, but with dignity because it means that you're actually an individual. The person who is liked by EVERYONE has a chameleon suit that is exhausting to change from. Save yourself the headache. It's quite possible to respect and love everyone without necessarily needing them to like you.

10. Your blessing is in being a blessing to others. Have you ever thought that you were having a bad day, then talked to someone that was doing a lot worst, only to come to the conclusion what you're going though is chump change? Be grateful for every breath that you take and use it to be a blessing upon others.

11. Never take things so seriously that you lose your ability to laugh. “There is nothing in the world so irresistibly contagious as laughter and good humor.” 
― Charles Dickens. Joy is contagious. Pass it on.

Be that go getter! Balance is everything though! 

Start Where You're At. Work With What You've Got.

I felt extremely led to make this video today. It is a right now message built to encourage you to take those steps towards your destiny.

I sincerely hope you enjoy and that this blesses you.

Start Where You're At. Work With What You've Got. 

Stay In Your Own Lane

There's so much going on and readily available for us to view almost instantaneously through social networking. We would be liars if we said we didn't occasionally look to see how others were doing. And while others can influence us and motivate us, I want to remind someone that NO ONE CAN BE YOU BETTER THAN YOU.

I'll be very transparent and use my own experiences as an example. My purpose, condensed, is writing and encouraging people. Often times quotes come without thought to me. These are the gifts I've been given from God. But my writing style isn't traditional. It's to the point and raw. What some people may take paragraphs to write or say, flows through me in one sentence.

Here's my point. I admire many authors and contemporary people truly making a difference. But I find that when I share their work, say or do something as they would, it doesn't nearly have the same affect as when they did/said it initially.

So I stay in my lane. I am not graced to speak on finances, so I don't go there. I am currently not married, so I won't touch that. These pipes of mine sing best in the shower and unashamedly during praise and worship, but I bet you'll never catch me trying to record the next 'hit' with auto-tune. You see, I stay in my lane.

Although staying in your own lane sounds like a restricting term, it can actually make one limitless. It means that one knows the gifts that they were birthed with, and they can take the time to perfect them.

Again, THERE'S NO ONE QUITE LIKE YOU.

But let's be clear. Just because you're not great in a certain area doesn't mean you should never touch it whatsoever. But it does mean before hoping from one project to the next, from one area to another, perfect your craft or simply just be you.

No one has walk, talk, talents, experiences, swag, vision, assignment, grace, purpose just like yours. Walk in THAT authority. That you can never be a carbon copy because you are too busy being an original. SO what if they hate on you?! People often mock what they can't jock. Be who God created YOU to be.

Are you having trouble finding out what you're purpose is? You find that out on bended knees.

Through experience and trying to silence my purpose for so many years, I can tell you this: Your purpose is that vision that keeps coming upon you no matter how many times you try to ignore it. Your purpose is you doing that thing and hours passing with it feeling like a second. Your purpose are those visions so great that they keep you up at night. I can't tell you your purpose but I can tell you it's waiting for you and I am waiting for you to bless us all with it! 

  

Don't Get Caught Up In The Hype

We live in a cut throat world. Just as soon as we think we have the hottest, latest phone or pair of shoes, a new one makes it 'cold' two weeks later. We just can't keep up. Why waste time trying to? 

Contemporary society says cars, bling and more material things are representative of our success. Although those things are awesome, they are not the only representation of success. Americans are buying more than they can afford to impress people who don't really care.

You want proof? According to Nerd Wallet, just check out the American Household Credit Card Debt Statistics latest information

U.S. household consumer debt profile:

• Average credit card debt: $15,257

• Average mortgage debt: $149,782

• Average student loan debt: $34,703

You don't want to see America's total debt numbers. And you can blame the government all you want, but each of us have a responsibility for our own well-being. Don't get caught up in the hype. People may have a lot to 'show for' but nothing saved up in the bank for their future. People may have some nice cars in their drive way, and feel utterly empty inside. 

That is why it's so important to be rooted on solid ground. It's not what other people see that defines you or makes you successful, it's what is going on within you. Are you living your dreams? Are you surrounding yourself with positive people? Are you spending more time on instagram than you spend with God? Are you happy, forreal?

You can settle for the show, or you can invest in the background work first. Have a solid root that lives beyond all seasons and grows larger than a naked eye can fathom. It's not just about what others see, it's what's going down behind the scenes.

#LetsKeepItAuthentic 

Building a Skyscraper

Did you know that the taller the building, the deeper the construction team had to dig into the dirt?

Yes. In order for a massive building to be built, the earth must first be torn and it's base rooted on solid ground. These tall buildings have to be able to withstand trembling winds, up-roaring floods, panicking shakes, and a stampede of people inside trying to make a difference. But before it can be this beautiful building it's core had to be constructed on sure ground.

What am I trying to say? I am trying to say that each expert started as a beginner. I am trying to say that when your world gets shaken, it is not without a reason. I am trying to say that the depth of your past is an indication of the height of your future. As I check my very own heart, I ask you friend, are you building your dreams on solid ground?

Matthew 7:24-25 (24) Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.(25) The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.

Love Others How They Want To Be Loved

Love others how they want to be loved, not how you want to be loved. Many present day relationships come to an end as fast as they came to be. In the end, it seems as if someone is always pointing the blame in the opposite direction. Although he/she may have been wrong, have you thought about the effort that you put in to love that person as they wanted to be loved?

We can be so selfish at times with our partner; majority of the time, not even realizing it. It’s only natural to have an expectation of love we receive with the same love that we give. For example, one may consider being left alone and given space when upset a form of love from their partner, while the other may want to be coddled when hurting. It’s so important to understand each other’s love language. Then you all can grow and teach each other, instead of rip each other apart from simple misunderstandings.

Take the time to truly get to know each other and challenge each other to love the other how they want to be loved, not how you want to be loved. After all, isn't love all enduring? Love cannot blossom to its full potential until it’s nurtured.

Just Fly Bumble Bee

Did you know that bees were never meant to fly; aerodynamically speaking?

According to the laws of science the bee’s body is too large and heavy for its frail and small wings to hold it. Technically speaking, the insect that has been found to have one of the most impressive and advanced species systems (such as creating honey, following their queen bee structure and carrying on the legacy of photosynthesis), should ONLY be able to crawl. Yet bees travel in packs into untold lands for a greater purpose. The bees never think “what if I fall?” They never stop and compare their wings to others. They just go. With their one weapon’s use costing their life, they fly against all measures with no fear.

The bee reminds me of all the limits we put on ourselves. It’s like the moment our faults are pointed out; we start to believe them too. Who says you’re not good enough to fly? Who told you that you can’t change for the better NOW? Who said you've got to be like them?

One of the most amazing things about God is that he uses some of the most unexpected candidates. Then He qualifies the one’s brave enough to look past the technicalities of the world. If faith can move mountains, will you let mountains move you? Or will you soar above the say so’s and supposed to’s and just go?

Sometimes I even doubt myself. But then God reminds me that this is a journey. Don’t waste your time wishing and talking as I have before. Just fly. 

A Poem For Your Children on Christmas

Let us not forget the Christ in Christmas. As our children frolic along in their innocence this season, let us never think they are too young to know the truth about it. I found this poem that I wanted to share with you all. Who knows, maybe parents will even benefit. ;-)

"Santa lives at the North Pole.

JESUS is everywhere.

Santa rides in a sleigh.

JESUS rides on the wind and walks on the water.

Santa comes but once a year.

JESUS is an ever present help.

Santa fills your stockings with goodies.

JESUS supplies all your needs.

Santa comes down your chimney uninvited.

JESUS stands at your door and knocks, and then enters your heart when invited.

 

You have to wait in line to see Santa.

JESUS is as close as the mention of His name.

Santa lets you sit on his lap.

JESUS lets you rest in His arms.

Santa doesn't know your name, all he can say is "Hi little boy or girl, what's your name?"

JESUS knew your name before you did.

Not only does He know your name,

He knows your address too.

He knows your history and future and

He even knows how many hairs are on your head.

Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly.

JESUS has a heart full of love.

All Santa can offer is HO HO HO.

JESUS offers Health, Help and Hope.

Santa says "You better not cry."

JESUS says "Cast all your cares on me for I care for you."

Santa's little helpers make toys.

JESUS makes new life, mends wounded hearts, repairs broken homes and builds mansions.

Santa may make you chuckle but.

JESUS gives you joy that is your strength.

While Santa puts gifts under your tree.

JESUS became our gift and died on a cross.

Yes, from sin He sets us free!"

Hurt People, Hurt People. Be Free.

Goodness it's so easy to forget when caught smack in the middle of confrontation.

 No matter how wrong someone may be towards us, we've got to be mindful. In fact, we really may not know where they're coming from no matter what angle they're presently coming in. You may have no idea the abuse they've experienced or that the same actions that they're displaying are only the same principles taught to them growing up.

I am not trying to alleviate all responsibility because wrong is wrong right is right, but you never know what other people are going through internally...no matter how much their outward appearance may tell a different story.

If you yourself are hurting inside, God is the healer of all wounds not visible to the natural eye. Allow Him to heal you. The temporary ointment of the world won't suffice. The compliments won't withstand. The lust won't command...much of anything. Heal. Keep It Authentic with yourself.

And if I'm going to Keep It Authentic, the boldest thing I ever did was come to the alter and admit to Jesus that my heart was in pieces.

He will heal you. Because realistically, hurt people only end up hurting other people and themselves.

Today on Independence day be FREE. Free from the bondage and chains that have tried to maintain in your heart, spirit and mind. Be FREE of insecurities and judgement. Be FREE of distrust. Be FREE from lust. Be FREE from the feeling of abandonment. You are good enough. You are wonderful. You are healed. 

The Lord is gracious and full of compassion, slow to anger and great in mercy. The Lord is good to all, and His tender mercies are over all His works.” (Psalm 145:8)

Who Lied To You?

Who lied to you and told you that you had to be perfect to come to God?

A friend of mine once said "I am not ready because I'm not ready to live my life like that."

Like what?

There's this strong misconception that one has to COME cleansed but that is an upright LIE! The Lord says "come as you are!"

Allow me to tell yall what that means.

That means broken, broke, abused, addicted, boisterous, cunning, deceiving, fraudulent, hopeless, insecure, jacked up, killer, sinner, lustful, knocked up, liar, hurt, used, bruised, backslider, opportunist, drug dealer, prostitute, and everything in between.

You come willing and He will do the rest. Know that it's going to take work, and a surpassing faith but He will bring comfort, peace, healing and restoration to every area of your life and the lives of your family if you trust Him enough to say "I can't do this without You" and then obey.

What are you waiting for? There's no mess too big or no heart too broken for God.

It's not a sprint. It's a marathon. Keep Going!

American Autumn - Ode To MLK Day #SpokenWord

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In an effort to wake us all up, I offer a dose of authenticity at it's finest. This video was not intended to offend anyone but inspire everyone to push for their dreams. After all, MLK didn't have a structured plan, just a definitive mission. No dream is too large!