Having an Attitude of Gratitude

  Happy Thanksgiving

In all things give thanks for this is the will of God….

As we prepare for the holiday season and on this particular occasion Thanksgiving, keep in mind all that you have to be Thankful for. This is a special time to care, love and give. Let the people in your life know that you love them. With all the festivities that this joyous occasion shall bring it also serve as a difficult time for some. This is the season when depression is at its peak.

Over a course of a year a lot can change. As you celebrate take time to call and console those that has lost a love one, encourage those that are facing hardship and pray for those that have a need.

If we reflect over our life there is always something to give thanks for. If you need a few reasons why you should be thankful, here are a few good reasons: If you woke up this morning than that is a good reason to be thankful. If your body is functioning than, that is a good reason to be thankful.

Did you wake up in a warm bed, than that is reason enough to be thankful? Can you walk through a door and call it your home, than that is a reason to be thankful. If you have clothes on your back, food on your table and a job that’s meeting your obligations than that is a good reason to be THANKFUL…

I once had a conversation with a man name Mr. Grey; he had approached me on my way exiting the Mini Mart after paying for gas. He asked, “If I can spare some change.” I had just received change back from the attendant so I said sure and gave him what I had. He looked at what I gave him and he responded with a God Bless you. He assured me that he was going to purchase something to eat with the money I had given him. As I returned to my car, he accompanied me and I looked in his cart and there laid a bible. He had told me that he visits a local church. As he began to speak he had this over whelming joy; as he talked about how God provides for him on a daily basis. His joy was infectious. My joy was full because of him.

From the way that he was talking it made you forget about the raggedy attire he was wearing and the fact that he was living on the streets. He talked as if he had money in the bank and a roof over his head. He talked about what lead to his life of homelessness and that he knows, that this was something he had to go through. 

He shared with me a few days earlier a couple had seen him and they asked him what size shoe he wore. This couple came back to give him a bag filled with shoes and sweaters. He began to show me. You would think that he was a kid showing off his Christmas gifts.

When I left this man, I had a very Fresh Perspective. I was not facing half of what he was facing and he was thankful. It is my prayer that his story inspires you.

You may not be where you desire to be in life, but be thankful for where you are. You may not have all that money can buy, but be thankful for what you have.

May you celebrate Thanksgiving, in the spirit of Thankfulness.

Be Inspired,

 

Danietra

 

F.I.T. Friday:Nutrition is a big factor in your Success

****Information is courtesy of 50 Million Pounds Weight Lost Challenge********

Basic Nutrition

There are small things you can do as far as making nutritional choices that can yield BIG RESULTS. Below you will find a nutritional strategy that will help you make smart, tasty choices that will help you shed those stubborn pounds, feel better, look better, and become healthier. This is not about drastically changing your eating habits, but making a few minor substitutions and compromises so that you can still enjoy the foods that you like, but in a healthier way. Open your mind to the possibility of trying different foods and different ways of preparing them.

 

Some Basic Guidelines
The quantities listed below are the maximum amounts that you should have at one sitting. If you want to eat less than the maximum amounts shown, you’re allowed to do that. But don’t skip meals! Remember, avoid eating fried foods as much as possible and watch how much salt you eat. Try not to consume more than a teaspoon of salt per day.

 

BREAKFAST		QUANTITY
Eggs		2
Cold Cereal		1.5 cups
Hot Cereal
Oatmeal		1 cup
Farina		1 cup
Grits		1 cup
Cream of Wheat		1 cup
Pancakes		2 (no more than 5 inches across)
Waffles		2 (no more than 5 inches across)
Yogurt (low fat)		6 oz. (in regular package)

 

Instructions:
Choose only one of the items above to have for breakfast. Always eat one piece of fruit in the morning. Pay attention to the quantities listed for each item. Don’t skip breakfast. Even if you’re not hungry, try to at least have a piece of fruit in the morning. You can add berries or sliced fruit to your low-fat or fat-free yogurt and sprinkle it with some granola. The hot cereal should measure only 1 cup AFTER it’s cooked. You’re allowed to have a small amount of butter (1 pad size) and 2 tbsp of syrup.

 

More about cereals:
The best to eat: Bran, Corn Flakes, Cherrios (plain), Shredded Wheat (not frosted), Total, Puffed Rice, Puffed Wheat, Oatmeal, Farina, Cream of Wheat, Grits

 

Avoid: Those cereals that have sugar added to them or have the word frosted in their title.

 

FRUITS
Instructions:
Fruits are full of powerful vitamins and minerals that can help fight disease and make you feel better as well as increase your energy. Eat as much fruit as you like. There are, however, some fruits that are better than others when trying to lose weight.

 

Best to eat: Strawberries, blueberries, apples, oranges, cherries, plums, grapefruit, pears, grapes, peaches, cantaloupe, and honeydew melons

 

Eat less of these: watermelon, pineapple, avocado and those juices that are marked “made from concentrate.”

 

BREADS
The best to eat: Whole Grain, wheat, whole wheat, multi-grain or Rye Pita Bread

Avoid: White and sour dough

 

Instructions:
Breads can be high in something called the Glycemic Index (For more about this, read Extreme Fat Smash Diet). You should limit the amount you consume per day to no more than 2 regular slices.

 

MILK PRODUCTS	QUANTITY
Milk: Skim, 1%, 2%, Fat-free	2 cup
Low-fat Cottage Cheese	3 tbsp.
Yogurt: Low-fat plain yogurt, Low-fat fruited yogurt	12 oz.

 

MEATS	QUANTITY
Chicken (not fried)	4 oz.
Turkey	4 oz.
Sirloin	4 oz.
Beef	4 oz.
Ham	4 oz.

 

Instructions:
Meats when eaten in proper quantities are part of a healthy nutritional plan. You should consume no more than two servings of meat in one day. Please pay attention to the quantities that have been listed. 4 oz is approximately the size of 1 and a half decks of playing cards. Remember, try to limit your fried foods. Grilling, baking, sautéing are healthier ways to prepare your meats and they can be just as tasty!

 

VEGETABLES/GRAINS
Good to eat: All vegetables except those listed below. Don’t fry your veggies. Bake, grill, boil (not too long), sauté, steam. Don’t cook with bacon or other fats. Use a small amount—1 tbsp—of butter if you like. Add some spices for flavor.

 

What to avoid: white rice, white potato (white is the color of the pulp, not the skin. A red-skinned potato is still a white potato, because the pulp is white). Instead, have brown rice and sweet potatoes/yams.

 

BEVERAGES
Best to drink: natural juices, freshly-squeezed juices, water, flavored water, unsweetened tea, herbal tea, diet soda

 

Try to avoid or reduce your consumption of: regular soda, alcohol, sweetened drinks, drinks that are marked “made from concentrate.”

F.I.T. Friday: Taking Control/ Authority

…. Be ye transformed in the renewing of the mind…  Romans 12: 2b

In order for you to have a successful journey in conquering the bulge, you must first deal with the core source of your issues. Which all trace back to your way of thinking. Your perception; your mind-set is a key component in the outcome of your success.

You have to transform the way you think, in order to see the pounds; drop. The biggest battle is not losing the weight, however, it is in the ability of you taking captive your thoughts that inhibits your efforts. Thoughts that is self-defeating, the voices that tell you to give up, go ahead and eat that hamburger that’s induced with a lot of calories instead of a healthier alternative. Not only that but the many excuses of why you can’t prevail over the weight. Take those very thoughts and bring them into subjection. Instead of your mind telling you what you can and cannot do or feel, begin to declare to it the way you want it to feel and do and it will align itself accordingly.

 Note: Many have shed excess pounds only to regain it again. The mind-set did not change, so the pounds came back.

Transforming your mind:

Its not going to only take will power to defeat the unwanted pounds, but you are going to need to be conscience of implementing changes to your diet. Your old nature is ever present and it is/will be continually at war with your new lifestyle, in addition to your body fighting you, when you introduce it to an exercise program. Once you begin an exercise regiment, your body is going to reward you by aching. Preserver through the aching its just responding; alerting you it’s shocked.

The saying of, “old habits are hard to break.” Does have some truth to it. On the other hand it is also said, “That it takes twenty-one days to enforce a new habit”.

The only way to break an old habit is by introducing a new one. Fair exchange is no robbery.  For Example: If you eliminate soda replace it with water and add (Crystal Light).

Small changes can yield, big impact. Word of CAUTION!!! Make changes that you will keep to, do not attempt to go gun ho and over exert yourself. Gradually make changes in your diet and workout plan.

 Putting food in its place:

Our bodies need food, but it wants “Junk Food”.  When we begin to break the chain that links need and want, the battle is half way won.

Implement changes that you will be satisfied with. Food is a drug, in the sense that it is addicting, especially “Junk Food”. It is the answer for many things and it is often used when celebrating, in need of comfort or boredom.

One or many of them is the case for those that are struggling with obesity. Food becomes a friend to many, and they turn to it. While it is a friend in that moment, its effect is an enemy to the body. Our bodies need food, but it wants “Junk Food”.  When we begin to break the chain that links need and want, the battle is half way won.

Go forth and be prosperous in your pursuit of a healthier you!

 Be Blessed,

Danietra  

60 Day Weight Loss Challenge

 (If you can dedicate 60 days…You can transform your L.I.F.E.)

What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you…. I Corn. 6:19

Are you tiered of feeling tiered…frumpy… and FAT!!!

Take Action: Starting, on this first day of the eleventh month, of the year 2007, you’re cordially invited to become a healthier you.

~~~~~~~~~~Let the Challenge Begin~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Do you know that you are housing precious cargo; you are the temple of the indwelling spirit of the Living God. He has created you in the image of his likeness and breathed into you the gift of life (His Spirit).

So, if we house such precious cargo, then, why do we not, myself included, take care of our temple? We adorn it all to well, investing a lot of time, resources and effort to beautify the exterior; all awhile the total man is living in an unhealthy state. What good is it to have an illusion of well-being?  We are called to be stewards over everything that God has given into our possession. Which also, include our bodies. We are to take care of our Temple. What type of steward are you?  Well, let’s get real if your belly is protruding and your waist line is expanding than that is an indication that you have not been a good steward over your body. You may not be over-weight but you can stand to shed a few pounds. 

Obesity is an epidemic; not only in America, but it is rampant in the Body of Christ. Masses of believer are living in the category of obesity or borderline.

Saints now is the time to set our house (bodies/temples) in order.

From this day forward we will exchange the identity of our body for the identity of temples. Temple exudes as a form of reverence; it speaks of sacred things, precious things a treasure of sort.

Let us begin today to take stewardship of our templess and bring it into a balance of a healthy life style.

As I challenge myself in the area of building a temple that is pleasing unto the Lord, would you join me on a 60-day journey? Would you dedicate the next two-months to a lifestyle that will ultimately change your body image, self-esteem and confidence…but your overall life. You will build your immune system that it will better fight on your behalf, gain more energy, which means that you can do more for the Kingdom, and you will have more stamina to chase more devils. So look at what you will…GAIN!!

There’s a cure to type-two diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, high blood pressure and cholesterol and some forms of cancers. You hold the key that unlock the doors to a healthier you. Look down at the ground and there are two God given gifts that will aid you in your pursuit of healthy living.

We can go it together…I know that with support and motivation, we can accomplish great things.

Are you up for the challenge, are you ready to take control over your life.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Posting Before and After:

At the end of our journey I want to celebrate your success and encourage others to join in our efforts of living a healthier, balanced life lifestyle. And the testimony of your weight loss can inspire others. After all, we overcome by the blood of the Lamb and by the words of our testimonies: So if you would like to share your success with the world. Send in your photos and I will post them on Friday in which I declare as “F.I.T. Friday’s”.

If you too would like to board the train that is headed in the direction of well-being and healthy living. Send me an email to beinspired@freshperspective.info, letting me know you’re on board.

ALL ABOARD………

Next Post Topic Preview: Taking back control/authority

In order to obtain a healthy body, you must first start with a healthy mind, it does not make sense to work out the body and not deal with the root cause.

Uniting together to fight against obesity.

Message from the Blogger

Well…It’s been a while since; I have made a stop by here. But today I decided to return and do some decorating, with the hopes of updating more frequently. I guess the hiatus is more less, of figuring out which direction; I would like to take this blog. Now it’s kind of like a buffet table, where it’s no central theme. But as I keep my ears open and my heart receptive to the leading of God, He’ll instruct me in the way I should go until then, I will write what ever it is he lay upon my heart.I am beginning to adorn this place so that it will feel like home. So come back and visit. I am new to blogging so if you have any suggestion on how to make this place pretty and get some traffic flowing this way; please do share your wisdom. I will greatly appreciate it. Thank you in advance.

God Bless, 

Danietra

P.S. I’ll be back…Hopefully sooner than later

My Favorite Scripture

For God so loved the world that He gave his ONLY begotten Son; that whosoever believes upon Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

He did not send his Son to condemn the world; but through Him the world would be saved.

 John 3:16-17

This scripture verse is one of my favorites. To know that God loved the world ( and on a personal level, me) that He would give his only begotten Son as a ransom, to deliver  me from a hell bound life, that I may receive the free gift of salvation that  leads to reconciliation with Him. I can wrap myself in this verse and feel the power of unconditional, unwavering and undying love.

A love that will stand the test of time, a love that is empowering, a love that sustains, a love that love you just the way you are; but love you enough to not leave you that way.God loved the world and for that reason he sent His, Son Jesus to compensate for the fallen state of man through the act of Adam in the Garden of Eden. Through Adam man fell in to a state of sin.  Sin comes at a price tag of death.

For the wages of sin is death. Which demands to be paid, upon the due date? But God in his unfailing love chose a virgin by the name of Mary, to bear the promise seed that will redeem the world from the wages that sin required.  For without the shedding of blood there would be no remission of sins. 

 In Old Testament times, during the time of atonement, the children of Israel would bring an offering; they would bring an oxen or bullock; to the high priest to sacrifice for their sins. In their doing they would put the sacrifice on the altar, and they would put their hands on the sacrifice symbolizing the transference of sin. The sins that they committed were put upon the animal and the sacrifice was consumed by fire, and for a season their sins were forgiven.  In those days their sin was not atoned for and forgotten. Because, they were dealing with man, their sins often time came back to remembrance. 

Praise God, that in New Testament times, Jesus became the sacrifice, the Lamb, which took on the sins of the world; Jesus atoned for the sins of the world.  When we reach our hand out to receive salvation, the sins that we committed are transferred upon the sacrificial act on the altar of Calvary, where Jesus laid His life down, for the sake of sin.  Once we come into fellowship with God, by way of Jesus, He gives us a new beginning.  Our sins are forgiven to be remembered no more.  God cast them into the sea of forgetfulness. Then He gives us new lives. 

Scripture Verse to remember:

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

2 Corn. 5:17 

Despise not the days of small beginnings…

People have a tendency of looking at where they are now in their life and determine their future in respects to their present condition.  Your tomrrow do not have to be like your today. If you are sowing seeds than you can be certain that a harvest will be rewarded, however, it is up to you to determine the size of the harvest. 

II Corn. 9:6 states “He who sows sparingly shall reap also sparingly; he who sows bountifully shall reap also bountifully, let every man purpose in his heart so let him give…” I know that this scripture verse is used in reference to money, however,  I believe these same principles can apply in any area of your life. Where you are now in your present state does not determine where you will end up.  Do not base your tomorrow on your today. Your future shines as bright as you would like it to. What you do today determines your tomorrow. Another scripture states, “As long as the earth remain there will be seed-time and harvest.” The seeds you sow today will be the harvest you’ll reap tomorrow.  Despise not your small beginnings, because it serves as training camp to prepare you for what’s to come.  I am reminded of the verse, “He that is faithful over little will be ruler over much.”  So your small beginnings allow God to view your stewardship ability.  He wants to see how you will handle that small income, that small house or that small car.  Would you spend your money wisely, will you keep that small house clean or treat that small car as  you would a luxury vehicle. 

If  you are  renting; are you treating that home or apartment as if it is your own home? If you’ re an employee, how would God rate you on your yearly review?  The way to discover if you are ready for the big is to consider your actions today, are you faithful in that of another mans. 

Points To Remember:

~What you do today will yield result in your tomorrow~If you sow little; you will reap little~If you sow bountifully; you will reap boutifully  

Life Has No Guarantees

Living like there’s no tomorrow …

 Live today as if it were your last. After all, tomorrow is not guaranteed. When I say live like it’s no tomorrow, I am not telling you to go live it up, party hardy, get drunk or anything like that, it is quite contrary.

However, what I am advising is that you make every day count for something. If you were informed today, tomorrow was your last day to live. What will you accomplish in them last awakening 24 hours? You would probably cram everything you ever wanted to do, saying what you always wanted to say. 

Not taking one second for granted, but savoring each moment. You’ll probably set your affairs in order; spend time with family and friends. Seeing that twenty-four hours will not allot you much time to do anything let’s project it out a little more how bout six months, twelve months or even five years.

 What will you do? What will you accomplish or strive to attain if your life gave you an unambiguous date that you will no longer be here. 

 Make a list of the things that you desire to accomplish, places you’ll like to go, wrongs you would like to make right.  What loose ends would you take care of? 

Seeing that tomorrow is not promised to any one, live today like there is no tomorrow. Instead of putting off that dream  vacation, start making provision for it. That strained relationship you been contemplating on mending, reach out today, to start mending. Let today be the day that you open your heart to receive love, letting down your guard in spite of being hurt previously, not allowing the past to hinder you from giving someone the oppurtunity, to love you. Fulfill all your dreams, open up that business, write that book or put out that demo. Now is the acceptable time, more than ever. 

 No one knows exactly when his or her number is going to be called, but one thing is certain, there is a one-in-one chance that we all, going to die.  The wealthiest place on the earth is the grave.

The grave houses treasures of unmet fulfillments. Many have died with their dreams buried in their hearts, with plans to heal broken relationships and plans to love again. Many put off that planed vacation for someday, one day, or eventually. For many the day never came, for them but you still have a chance while the blood is running warm through your vains.

Today is our only guarantee, so live in its fullness.

•  Make your dreams; your reality
• Maintain Peace as much as it depends upon you
• Share your life without apology
• Live and let live  

 Living like there’s no tomorrow, 

 Danietra 

Victim vs. Victor

….Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world. 1John 4:4 

 

You can be a victim of circumstances or victor over your circumstances, the difference between the two is your decision to choose what role you will play. In life we all will face hardships, disappointments and pain. No one is exempt but it is your response that identifies which category you place yourself in. It is not easy to take the wails of life and find stability. Often times it takes some longer than others to bounce back. But then there are those that face set backs and never recover, they become victims of circumstances. Across America our streets are filled with people that has lost hope and settled for a life of defeat. Failure, is not when you fall but it’s when you decide to stay down. Life will knock you down but don’t stay down. There is more for you to do, your life is worth living, don’t let defeat win.

 

You must fight to the very end. You do have more life in you. There is more winning power in you than you know. You can rise up with victory if you will stand up to fight. Don’t go down by defeat stand to the last round. You can make it. You might have a black eye. You can make it. You might have been hit with a low blow. You can make it. If the enemy did not knock you out with that last punch. Arise with the wind of God in your back.

 

Sometimes we try to take our life into our own hands and wonder why we fail or can not stand when the enemy comes in like a flood. One reason is due to our blindness of who God is and as a result we do not know who we are and can be through him. If all knew what God says about them in Him there will be more survivors and fewer victims.

Victims do not know that God declares them to be Victors. Life trials have beat them so badly that it has blinded their vision to see the possibility to ever regain stamina to stand for another round. You stand to gain so much more if you will take another chance. I know you been hurt before, but take another chance. I know that thing you attempted to do the last time did not succeed, take another chance. I know you gave your all, but take another chance. Take that chance and stand again. Those situations were the foundation in which you are to build this chance upon.

 Victims never win, because they see things as they are and not as the endless possibilities they can be. A victim see set backs as defeat. A victor never loose because they can see things as they can be. A victor sees set backs as an opportunity. Instead of viewing it as defeat they acknowledge it as a learning experience. Have you fallen by life waste side. Allow God to make you more than a conquer as He declared you to be through His son and your Savior Jesus Christ.

 

 

 

Father in the name of Christ Jesus,

I have fallen by life’s waste side and I have lost my stamina to continue to fight.  But your word declares me to be more than a conquer. My eyes have been blinded by the trials, tribulations and set backs that I have encountered and it has impaired my ability to hope for anything better for my life.  However, I know that it is You that gives sight to the blind and You cause the lame to walk. Lord I pray for your anointing that it will destroy every yoke that is upon my neck that I may rise again not by power nor by might but by your Spirit.

Lord, unveil my mind that I may know who I am in you. Enlighten my understanding that I may comprehend what your word says about me in you. I declare that I am more than a conquer through Christ Jesus and greater is He that is in me than He that is in this world. I shall live and not die. Because Jesus came that I might have life and have it more abundantly.

So it is no longer I that live but Christ that lives in me and  for that  reason I am not a victim but a victor because all things are working together for my good and they are working according to Gods purpose for my life. They are not designed for my defeat or demise but for my learning and I will look at it no other way but for my gain. Thank you Lord for teaching me in every lesson I face. Forgive me for not trusting You in the way that I should, I know that these trials have not entered my life to destroy me but for my betterment.  In Jesus name I pray.

Amen!!!

Stages of Faith….What stage are you on????

Ask in faith. When you pray Mark 11:24 declares

When you pray believe you receive. Your faith will be challenged. It is good to have faith during the dry season but there will come a time that you will have to operate in faith during the storms of your life. The bible decree that we go from faith to faith; glory to glory. We will never experience the rewards of faith if we only use it during the dry season. When everything is going well in our life, faith comes real easy, when nothing is shaken. How do you survive the storm? I am glad you asked, the only way to survive a storm is faith. Your faith will carry you through every trial; test and storm that you will be faced with.

 

Faith can only be strengthened when it is exercised. It is liken to the body when one do not exercise it is displayed in the form of his body; they are out of shape, over weight and weak. Next you have a person that works out moderately and you can tell by the form of his body, he’s not over weight but he maintains a steady weight with out fluctuating. Lastly there is the person that has a daily exercise regiment and eat healthy this person is called a fitness buff. They have toned bodies because they exercise they are better fit, strengthen and have better resistance and endurance. That is how I like to think about faith you have weak faith, moderate faith and strong faith. Weak faith is when one is not operating in positive faith. Fear is a negative trait of faith. Whether it is positive or negative its faith. A person with weak faith never leaves the shore for fear of what might happen.

 

 The next level of faith is moderate you have just enough faith to keep you a float, you have gotten into the boat and launched just a little off shore; your not out there to deep and your close enough to run back to shore when the tides hit. When you’re in this state of faith you can see little reward here but the last of the group are the strong in faith these are the ones that have gotten off shore and into the boat pass by the floating and launched into the deep; they so far out the people that’s standing on the shore can no longer see them, all they see is an image of their silhouette.

 

Because they have gotten off the shore and went past safety this group is real risk takers not only are they out of their comfort zone they are treading on deep waters, they are in a state of limbo at this point anything could happen but they dared to be adventurous. These people testimonies are far greater; their experience more exciting.

 

Once the journey is over the strong in faith share their testimonies with the shore sitters and safety patrol. Are you a shore sitter? My advice to you is sit there no longer at least get into the water and float. And if you are safety patrol you’ve compassed these waters many times before it is now time to take a risk and live life on the edge.

 

If you are strong in faith and you have experience God in many fashions and form take the time to go back to the shore that you may take a shore sitter  out for a ride that they can see first hand faith in action that they too can dare to get off the shore.  Without faith it is impossible to please God. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God.