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5 Lessons Through Intergenerational Friendships

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As a younger adult I now have a few older adult friends with a large age gap difference. These relationships came at the right time when we both needed a human friend and fellowship. The friendships just happened without my seeking and took place in a situational type of way.

I’m more open to them now than I was a few years ago when I found them to be a little odd. Who says age matters in friendship? It really doesn’t, we just all have to learn that not everything always has to be in the exact same way when it comes to certain situations. That’s where newness and freshness gives its savor. Below are some highlighted lessons to consider on these unique friendships.

 

1) The quality of friendship is what’s more important. Age difference doesn’t necessarily mean good or bad. It’s what the persons bring in the friendship and how they operate in relationships.

2) There are special qualities that my intergenerational friendships have than those of my peer group and age category . While I’m appreciative of friends of all ages, I do recognize the distinctiveness between the different kinds. These friends have been around much longer and have had more experiences. They bring qualities including double wise advice and sometimes greater perspective.

3) Having a variety of kinds in friendships bring a fun mix and flavor. A positive mix gives a person a chance to evolve in their own way.

4) Sometimes the intergenerational friends have shared experiences and relate in some connecting way. As I talk and spend time with friends of these kinds, I’ve learned that we relate more than I think and can have a wonderful time with our connection. It’s great to have someone who understands and is there for you. Somehow the connection helps both in the friendship.

5) Give the connection a chance, its healthy to have the balance. With certain things we really don’t know if it’s meant to be or can work well unless we give it a chance.

 

  What lessons have you learned through/about intergenerational friendships?

 

 

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5 Lessons Through Literacy

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Literacy has an important position and role in our communities and world. When I think of literacy I think of books and reading. Growing up reading was one of my favorite activities to do, especially reading creative stories. I still enjoy reading even up to this present time. There are many ways in which literature functions in life. Whether it’s in a classroom, library, house, workplace or any other location, it still remains information and knowledge. Below are some highlighted lessons to consider on literacy.

 

1) Communication and the comprehension of it can be developed through many kinds of reading and  different kinds of writing. We communicate in various ways including talking, listening and the way we act. Language is a strong part in how we communicate. What we say, how we listen and what we write all has a part in the process.

 

2) Writing promotes literacy. Every time a writer writes and shares their writing they encourage others to read, communicate and connect in some form.

 

3) Literacy is for everyone. Whether a person likes/dislikes to read and write and/or is strong/not strong in reading and writing, we all need it for everyday life and while it doesn’t have to be everyone’s favorite thing to do we can make it interesting in creative ways.

 

4) Literacy can be in the form of pictures and music. Images and music communicates a message, sound or information when we view and listen closely and thoroughly.

 

5) Literacy affects every area of living on earth and  the quality of life. The attention we give literacy in whatever form can bring the change and increase we need in earthly living.

 

    What lessons have you learned through/about literacy?

 

 

 

 

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diversity experiences inspiration inspirational introversion introvert life lifestyle lonliness reflection Uncategorized

5 Lessons Through Introversion

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Sometimes it was hard for me to accept my introversion as apart of my life. We often look around and see what is happening around us and wonder where are we in the midst of it all. After all most introverted people are observers. As we go about each day we often notice things that others may notice, but may not pay as much attention to. Below are some highlighted lessons to consider about introversion.

 

1) Introverted people enjoy the company of others, but need time to refill and replenish.  There’s no truth to the perception that all introverts want to always be alone and never around others to socialize and communicate.

 

2) Reserved individuals want to connect, but on a deeper level. Some introverts may feel like loners and outsiders because they are not connecting with others on a deeper and meaningful level. Even when we as the introverted don’t always have this in our lives, we must be appreciative of the deeper level connection when it does happen and take full advantage of it.

 

3) Introverts are not always quiet when they are around those they are familiar with and feel most comfortable and free around. You may just be surprised to learn what’s really in an introvert .

 

4) What appears to be reticent may just need one on one connection. Smaller groups and one on one connection is often enjoyed in introversion.

 

5) Introversion is not a bad or negative personality, it actually has its goodness and splendor of its own. Differences are unique which make them something worth to explore or consider.

 

  What lessons have you learned through and/or about introversion?

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Accepted & Chosen in Christ

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Every person wants to have a certain level of being accepted and chosen at some point. Maybe you have a heart  desire, dream and vision. Things may seem like a HUGE X  everywhere you go and look. Well guess what? There’s an acceptance and chosen place for you! No matter how much others may dismiss you or not see/embrace the potential and jewels inside of you. Below are some highlighted points on being accepted and chosen in Christ.

 

1) God gave His ONLY Son for you! God accepts you and wants you so much that He gave up something so precious and greater than us so that we can have everlasting life.(John 3:16)

 

2) Our Heavenly Father will never cast us out when we come to Him and we will receive all that He gives us. This is great news that in Christ we are never casted out, thrown out and pushed aside. All the Father gives, we are guaranteed to receive! (John 6: 37)

 

3) Blessed with all spiritual blessings! God has given us spiritual blessings in heavenly places. This shows just how much we are chosen in Christ. (Ephesians 1: 3-4)

 

4) We are a peculiar people. As children of God we are so special in Him and belong completely to Him. There’s nothing better than that!

 

 

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5 Lessons Through Resilience

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Have you ever felt a strong urge and pull to try just again? Where you ever in a place with something wonderful you wanted to get away from cause of setbacks, but that something won’t let you go? Resilience is something we all need to develop in our lives. So many things happen in our lives, but we have the choice to not let it block us or to let it block us. Which one will you choose? Below are some highlighted points to consider on resilience.

 

1) Our recovery process starts with a change of false and negative beliefs. Throw out the junk and accept the valuable treasure.

2) Each day is a chance to make progress no matter what the day may present. Use difficult days as a stepping stone to something greater ahead.

3) See where you can walk in resilience in the little things that will grow when you face greater challenges ahead. This could simply mean doing an activity or task again that didn’t work the first time. Maybe it could be not letting a sad or bad moment stop you from enjoying yourself.

4) Every good and positive direction can lead to resilience. See many opportunities for  resiliency rather than just one attempt.

5) Your story don’t end with you, you develop more as others share in resiliency. There are others out there that are apart of the movement of recovery from hardships.

 

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RESILIENT: Rise Above the Ashes book by Crystal Holdipp will be released on July 17, 2016 at Amazon.com!

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5 Lessons From Judges

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The book of Judges shows how the Israelites sinned against God, how the wages of sin brings about spiritual death and how disobedience and purposefully  staying in sinful acts will bring about judgment on a person, people, country, nation and world.

Major themes from Judges include the covenant broken between the Israelites and God due to the people of Israel not doing as they said, judges being raised up by God and Israel’s destruction. Below are some highlighted lessons to consider from the book of Judges.

 

1) Keep in covenant with God. Every relationship has a covenant  whether we know it or not. Each person in the relationship must do their part to build and bring about a healthy outcome. Staying in covenant with God is our protection, safety and security. However when we go astray it leads to serious consequences.

 

2) God will raise up a voice and person that is bold enough to speak and do what He tells them to. In the book of Judges there were major judges such as Othniel, Deborah, Gideon, Ehud, Samson and Jephthah. These judges brought Israel out of unjust treatment and persecution.

 

3) Who we do business with and connect with matters. Seek God’s wisdom concerning partnerships. The Danites(one of the tribes of Israel) experienced loss when they were forced out of their inheritance land – which was the result from the tribe not seeking God’s wisdom in who they partnered with.

 

4) Ungodly cycles continue when people keep the mindset of living for self. The cycle of apostasy in Judges is when there’s a continual cycle of each generation who don’t know God, they worship idols and other false gods and partake in wickedness. God sends a judge to save them and the cycle goes over and over again.

 

5) Develop an appetite for God. An appetite for worldly sinful pleasures will draw us away from wanting more and more of the Lord.

 

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Q & A with JayEss

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Gospel Hip Hop Artist JayEss brings a message of hope and inspiration through rapping about everyday issues. JayEss is signed to independent  record label company, Zoe Records. The rapper has been working on his upcoming project titled ‘7even’ that is soon to be released.

I’ve had the opportunity to interview JayEss and here’s what he had to say about his music and faith.

 

Q: Tell us a little about yourself.

A: For those who don’t know me, my name is  JayEss, I’m a hip hop artist from East London and my message is speaking to everyday life issues.

Q: What inspired you to record these tracks?

A: As the days went by I started writing down things I saw on a daily basis and as time went on I had a body of work that could be moulded into a project.

Q: What inspires you to sing/rap?  

A: Everyday life and hearing dope rappers.

Who are your musical inspirations?

A: Notorious B.I.G. is my number one, he’s the one that made me even attempt this art form for myself. I’m inspired by good music in general.

Q: Have you always enjoyed the art of music?

A: I only started appreciating it when I started rapping in 1999.

Q: What can we expect from you in the future?

A: I’m venturing into acting so you will see me in a few acting roles. I have my own film company so the majority of my music videos and short films are filmed in-house. Shout out to Billicity Media who have been great in creating visuals for my 7even project.

Q: What words of encouragement would you tell the aspiring singer/rapper that desires to begin a music career/ministry?

A: Believe in yourself and be yourself.

Q: If you could spend time with someone who you admire, who would that be? Why?

A: Sean Puffy Combs and Curtis Jackson and I’d pick their brains on business and how to stay consistent.

When did you start your faith journey?

A: My faith journey began in 2005  when I started following Christ off the back of a conversation with my friends for seven hours straight. My journey has had its ups and downs but that’s life. I prefer to follow the teachings of Christ than anyone else’s.  His way of thinking, his morality and the love he showed for his fellow-man was beyond comprehension.

Q: Did you have any challenges that you personally overcame? How did you overcome those challenges?

A: I overcame getting over my ex that was a nightmare lol.

Q: Any additional comments that you would like to add?

A: If you’re following Christ then study him.

 

To stay connected with JayEss,connect with him on Facebook by clicking here http://bit.ly/28YKA7J and/or through following him on Twitter @JayEssonline .

 

 

 

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8 Lessons Through Evangelism

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As believers and disciples of Jesus Christ, we are commanded to evangelize the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. There are effective ways to share the good news of the Gospel with other unbelievers. The bible is our tool when we go out fishing for the lost and love is our bait in drawing people to Christ. Below are some highlighted lessons through evangelism.

 

1) The Gospel of Jesus Christ is for everyone. According to Mark 16: 15 we are to preach the gospel to everyone that we have an opportunity to do so. It doesn’t have to be fancy or huge in any way. It could be the simplest statement of words that causes someone to consider and/or question what you said that could potentially have impact that leads them to Jesus.

 

2) Compassion towards unbelievers is vital to reach them. It is important that we allow people to share with us what’s on their heart. We don’t always have to reply to everything, but sometimes just listening with compassion and care makes much of a difference. As we listen God will allow opportunities for us to plant a seed in them in whatever way He directs us.

 

3) There is plenty of work to do for the Kingdom of God, but few workers who have a willing heart to do the work. (Matthew 9: 37 – 38) Do we have a willing heart that will go out and win souls for Jesus Christ? A willing heart will do just that.

 

4) Through the power of God we must become set apart and dedicate our lives for serving. (1 Peter 3: 15) Disciples are to walk in the way of Jesus Christ and holy living. They must become a servant.

 

5) We need the power of the Holy Ghost when going out to evangelize. The power of the Holy Ghost moves differently in each believer. There can be many blockages in someone that can quench or hinder the power of the Holy Ghost from operating in their life. Every Christ follower can boldly ask to be filled and refilled with the Holy Ghost. Don’t be discouraged if you have not yet seen the manifestation. Keep asking and seeking the Lord.

 

6) Every believer must stay watchful and don’t give in when we face afflictions.(2 Timothy 4: 5) The devil doesn’t stop his work of wickedness and evil so we must always keep watch and stay faithful to God even when we go through.

 

7) Keep praying and always give thanks.(Colossians 4: 2 -6) We must never stop praying in our service and must always have thanks in our hearts.

 

8) In order to effectively share the good news we must be students of God’s Word.(2 Timothy 2: 15) Studying the bible is extremely important as disciples. Sometimes tiredness, busyness and other distractions will try to creep in, but we have to learn to refocus as students. We don’t have to be the smartest, be the best verbal speaker or have the highest intellect in order to work for the Lord. Remember God can use that which seems foolish!

 

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5 Lessons From Prayer

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Prayer is a spiritual discipline that all believers and Christ followers must exercise and operate in. There are many kinds of prayers including  warfare, declaration, intercession, confession, and thanksgiving. There are various lessons and instructions in the bible teaching us how to pray.

We must keep our connection with God and one of the most effective ways of doing so is through talking with Him and sitting to listen to what He is saying to us. Interceding on behalf of others is something that needs to be a priority in our lives and it must become a godly habit to look out for the next person. Below are some highlighted lessons from prayer to consider.

 

1) Passionate prayers from the righteous are of great advantage(James 5:16). Do you take pleasure in talking to the Lord? Are you enthusiastic about coming before the Lord in prayer? It’s not about what we show outwardly, but more with what’s truly taking place inwardly.

2) To obtain the mercy and grace we need, we must come boldly before God(Hebrews 4:16). Boldness displays our courage and confidence in God. When we come boldly before God we step up in the midst of whatever is going on and believe in God to do what He promised He will do.

3) We must make every effort to get our heart right with God. There are hindrances that become road blocks  in our prayer life and become barriers from us seeing the manifestation of what God desires to manifest amongst His creation. Any sin, holding on to offense, disobedience and nursing of wounds(instead of allowing God’s healing to flow) can cause delays and interruptions along the way.

4) Praying God’s will which is in His word will accomplish much(Isaiah 55: 11). Nothing beats praying the will of God. During our prayer time we must get rid of or throw out  any unscriptural opinions or ungodly requests.

5) Be specific in your requests, expressions and petitions. It’s ok to tell God exactly what’s on your heart and mind. Yes, He already knows, but He wants us to give Him our all and that includes our cares and concerns.

 

How has the power of prayer impacted your life? What are some lessons that you have learned through praying?

 

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5 Lessons From Joshua

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The book of Joshua is an example of how God will take those that follow His lead from a place of famine and desert to the place He has promised. There are major themes throughout the book of Joshua including the Israelites preparing for battle, the spies in the land of Canaan and Rehab’s promise, the Israelites crossing the River of Jordan and the Israelites gaining territory of Jericho. Below are some highlighted lessons to consider from the book of Joshua.

 

1) When God gives us a promise there will be obstacles and difficulties that stand in the way. Opposing forces are a part of the process to reach where God is taking you and what He has for you. There’s no way around it or no other way that will keep you from opposition.

 

2) God can use anyone or anything He chooses. Rehab in the bible was a prostitute who helped the Israelites conqueror the land of Canaan. Whoever or whatever God uses to help bring you to destiny may not always be the ideal.

 

3) Praise brings the walls down. There’s something that troubles the enemy when we praise in the midst of battle. The walls that block us from reaching our Jericho must come down with continuous praise.

 

4) Even after we have made mistakes, been through a lot of pain and find ourselves in a broken place, God can provide for us a place of restoration and healing. In Joshua chapter 20, it mentions The Cities of Refuge. That was a place where people who accidently or unintentionally murdered someone could find shelter and refuge.

 

5) The pain in the process is vital to bring about the divine outcome. We need the pain. No pain, no healing. When there’s no pain, there’s no overcoming and no testimony.