Tribulation is a term that can mean trouble or affliction of any kind.
I don’t know about you, but my excitement level around experiencing tribulation is pretty much non-existent.
There is absolutely nothing fun about it……………….it is often painful, isolating and just plan hard.
I am learning to use my feelings about different tribulations that I experience, as a sign of self-awareness.
I’ve begun asking myself, what type of support do I need in order to get through the situation?
While I am very aware that those feelings of pain and isolation are most likely temporary, it sure feels like an eternity when you are experiencing them.
I thank God for Romans 8:24, because within it I am made aware of the hope for something greater…..
Greater than the hurt
Greater than the isolation
Greater than the disappointment
Greater than……..
More often than not, tribulation is not directly about you, but it is definitely for you.
Acknowledging your feelings about an experience creates a truthful space that allows you to see more deeply into your own needs and perceptions.
Yes, tribulation can create an awareness of what you need in order to make it through, but it can also make you aware of your hidden judgement toward others.
#somethingtoconsider
Tribulation produces Patience
Patience produces Experience
Experience produces Hope
This week I challenge you to use the knowledge that you gained about yourself when you were experiencing a trying time, AND THEN extend those lessons learned to others who are experiencing tribulation as well.
Anyone or anything that is near and dear to my heart has a specific prayer strategy attached to it.
This is important to me now more than ever because the world is different, people are different and the expectations that are placed upon us can be quite daunting.
It can be A lot!
No matter how challenging times may seem, if I hold something sacred to my heart, I tend to protect it…sometimes more than I should.
I can be guilty of protecting relationships that I have no business entertaining.
With this being the case, I place everything that is near to me in a prayer circle. I identify it as something special and then I create specific prayers around it.
My prayers include guidance to know if I should protect it, nurture it or eliminate it.
It is extremely important to classify accordingly. My circle includes family, friends, acquaintances, career & business and anything else that is significant to me.
I am definitely not a “good vibe” only type of person. I believe in genuine interactions and meaningful connections, however; when I’m done, I am done for real.
BUT TRULEY, I tell you, if anything that is within my circle allows outside influences to deteriorate what we have, a realignment is in order.
As we prepare for Love & Culture Month (February), let’s get clear about what is important. If it is important to you, you should be important as well.
What’s in your circle and do you have a prayer strategy for it?
On February 1st I will begin re-reading the book Draw the Circle The 40 Day Prayer Challenge.
Want to join me?
We can check in with one another every 8 days or so to see how things are going and to discuss the revelations that are being shown to us.
Bible Study – Rahab: Developing a Growth Mindset
Tuesday, November 22nd
7:00pm – 8:00pm Rise Up! From Adversity to Anointed.In 𝘋𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘭𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢 𝘎𝘳𝘰𝘸𝘵𝘩 𝘔𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘴𝘦𝘵, you will learn how to recognize those “Crimson Soul Moments” of life where your current reality and desired future collide.
Together we will discover how Rahab shed the negative labels and embraced a new mindset.
Today I am sharing one final lesson from my eBook Pray with Ease.
Creative Freedom
Exercising Creative Freedom is much like wandering and exploring.
Have you ever taken a long walk in the woods or through a botanical garden? Maybe you’re adventurous and like to hike alongside a mountain waterfall.
When you have creative freedom in God’s word, it’s much like an exploration. You can freely move at your own pace and immerse yourself in everything that is around you while expressing your gratitude for the experience.
Creative Freedom allows you to be bold, powerful and intentional. Once you set your intentions and find your Energy Enhancers take a moment to immerse yourself in the words. Explore the scriptures and feel the inspiration that is embedded within.
Focused Intention + Energy Enhancers + Creative Freedom = The Ability to Pray with Easy
You are now ready to pray those bold, powerful, impactful prayers!
Here is a list of a few of my favorite tools for enhancing spiritual wellness:
T.D. Jakes Woman Thou Art Loosed Bible
The Bible Experience Old & New Testament
Woman Evolve by Sarah Jakes Roberts
Journal & Writing Pen
I wish you great success in all of your endeavors.
If you desire individual coaching to help enhance your spiritual wellness email me directly at melissa_rivers@originsofpeace.com
Sponsorship Opportunity
Sponsor a breast cancer Survivor for our Sister Support Circle in need.
Give her the gift of inclusion and belonging by financially supporting a survivor who would enjoy this opportunity to grow.
A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Heal Recover Grow Incorporated, a non-profit agency dedicated to assisting women who have experienced breast cancer, job loss or divorce re-engage in society as skillful, confident and empowered citizens by offering, self-improvement opportunities, skills development classes and mentoring relationships.
Every breast cancer Survivor needs a support circle. It’s time to find yours.
Your circle should be filled with those who are rooting for you when you feel down, who sit with you when you don’t feel well and who push you when you fail to show up as your best self. A breast cancer Survivor is already powerful – but when survivors who are determined to thrive become a collective, great things always happen.
Are you a woman who has survived breast cancer?
Are you ready to find and connect with your sister support circle?
Do you find it challenging to get genuine support and find people who can empathize with you?
Are you ready to offer the support that you are desperately in need of?
If you can relate to any of the questions above, join us for the Sister Support Circle. This exclusive event is especially for woman breast cancer Survivors to unite through a common bond, gain support from other Survivors, and foster a life-long support network.
Mark Your Calendar for the following dates:
October 5th
October 12th
October 19th
October 26th
November 9th
December 14th
There is a $100 dollar investment to join. Sponsorship opportunities are available.
You can expect to experience the following:
Become an empowered survivor
Gain empathy and support from like-minded sisters
Increase your happiness and awareness
Find a safe space to share your thoughts
Regain your confidence
Make lasting friendships
Improve your sense of belonging
The Sister Support Circle only has 5 openings in 2022. Sign up now to reserve your spot.
Upon registration you will receive a welcome kit and next steps on how to join the circle.
Your welcome kit includes the following key items as well as other essentials to celebrate your arrival into the circle.
Manifesting your Intentions Journal
Herbal TEA Variety Pack
Weekly Affirmation Cards
Instructions on how to make the most of each week and attract the support you need from the circle
Sponsorship
Do you know a Survivor? If so, you can…
Sponsor a sister in need. You can Sponsor a woman to join this unique circle.
Give her the gift of inclusion and belonging by financially supporting a survivor who would enjoy this opportunity to grow.
A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Heal Recover Grow Incorporated, a non-profit agency dedicated to assist women who have experienced breast cancer, job loss or divorce re-engage in society as skillful, confident and empowered citizens by offering, self-improvement opportunities, skills development classes and mentoring relationships.
It has taken me a few days to compose this post. I’ve started and stopped numerous times, overwhelmed by the emotional burden that has presented itself with the loss of Mr. Chadwick Boseman.
I am seriously grieving this man and the loss of his life. I didn’t know him personally but I know a cancer diagnosis personally and watching my uncle rapidly decline from colon cancer, I’ve felt that journey, and it’s a hard one.
To reflect on the many accomplishments of Mr. Boseman in spite of his diagnosis is an absolute honor. cancer has a way of making you feel small, fearful, inadequate, weak and incapable. Five years after my diagnosis and I still struggle with the anxiety of it all.
I commend Mr. Boseman for living out loud and giving black people something to believe in and to strive for, through his many roles. Tonight I watched Black Panther along with much of the nation. I’ve seen it a few times before, but tonight I watched with pride and reverence. I appreciated the land and the waterfalls, the sunsets and all the imagery that make that movie spectacular! Wakanda means possibility to me and Wakanda Forever means “Oh the Possibilities!” https://youtu.be/r8nxdAGg2FY
Tonight I was reminded to show up even when I do not feel like it, stop over-thinking and serve my purpose.
I pray that we all learn to live out loud in the possibilities.
#RIPChadwickBoseman
“To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen”. Jude 1:24-25
I pray life has been good to you and good for you! I am slowly getting back into the groove of things after a looonnnnggg holiday hiatus. Real quick, let’s check in, how are you doing?
I know this time of the year can be a bit overwhelming because everyone is attempting to live their best life and construct the perfect Vision Board. It can become a bit much.
I did things a little different this year, as far as creating my Vision Board. I decided to allow my Spirit Needs to be the governing body for all that I manifest this year. That means I’ve chosen 4 Scriptures to guide me in all things Melissa…personal and professional. I have 4 overall objectives to accomplish: 1. Celebrate the good things daily, 2. Maximize my health, 3. Do more of what I love and 4. Grow my business.
I’ve listed several goals under each objective to help me achieve them. I turned my goals into an Action Plan that I visit and review daily. I’ve learned that I need to be more specific in asking for what I want, and Make Accommodationsto receive!
I’ve already met my January financial goal for my business!
It’s not enough to have good intentions and an Action Plan. You need a good word to stand on. You need a good scripture or quote that will help you get through the challenging times when things begin to look bleak. I’ve chosen 4 Scriptures that are my building and stumbling blocks for 2020. If I start to stumble I want to rest in the assurance that I am stumbling on a good word – Amen!
Here are my 4 Scriptures. You can feel free to use the same four or find others that will help you Make Accommodationsto receive!
Philippians 4:8 – Whatever is honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent and worthy of praise..think about these things
3 John 1:2 – Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.
Hebrews 1:14 – Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?
Philippians 4:19 – And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
I want to hear from you! Have you created a Vision Board for 2020, if so how do you feel about it? Has it been beneficial so fare? If you haven’t created a Vision Board, what’s stopping you? Comment below and tell me what’s on your mind.
Hi there & Happy Valentine’s Day! I hope everyone is doing well and feeling great! I am excited to share today’s post with you. As promised, I am focusing on song lyrics this month and creating a quick, snippet of inspiration based off of a line or verse.
I heard a little of “The Makings of You,” by Curtis Mayfield the other night and I’ve been listening to it since that day. Beautiful song! For all you lovebirds out there, I recommend playing it for Valentine’s Day. It might score you some extra love points. You can thank me later.
I am inspired by the lyrics, “these are the makings of you, it is true, the makings of you.”
Your presence excites me
The thought of you makes my heart pound
And when I see you, I anticipate the moment that you acknowledge me and say hi
You are wise and kind and gentle with your words. Your affection cannot be duplicated
Your gaze of admiration makes me giddy and vulnerable all at the same time
You have that effect on me
I want to know all about you
How you think and why
You embody love, humility, strength and wisdom
You make me better, not just me but everyone you meet
“These are the true makings of you”
Go in peace and find somebody to make you feel giddy and vulnerable all at the same time.
Welcome February…the month of love! This month we will shift our focus from spiritual wellness to emotional wellness. We will dive into our thoughts about love and acceptance of self. We will explore the possibilities within self-forgiveness while creating a stronger mental image of who we are and what we are capable of.
I brainstormed the following points during a creative writing session at the Pink House in Charlotte NC.
I pray your heart will open to the possibility of maybe…
My thoughts are inspired from a verse within the poem Wild Geese by Mary Oliver.
“Tell me about despair, yours, and I will tell you mine….”
Most often pain is the point that brings people together.
Maybe we can share our story and get inspiration from each other.
Maybe I will tell you of my deepest fears and hope that you will still love me.
Is it okay that I confide in you and express what is truly on my mind or I could just sit in silence while you share your story.
If we lean on one another maybe we both can be healed, or maybe we should release all expectation and appreciate the things that we do not know…..
If this is your first time on my page. My name is Melissa Rivers of OriginofPeace.com. I am a Peace Coach helping individuals heal from past hurts and regain their confidence. I am excited to have you join me. Please consider signing up to receive emails from me. Let’s do a quick recap of the last few posts. Last week we discussed the importance of having an established morning routine. I gave you the 3 Fundamental Necessities that I use to make sure my day starts off great. I also gave you several of the affirmations that I repeat throughout my day. Prior to that, we spent time fasting, affirming and visualizing what success means to us and how to get motivated to finish what we start. Today, we are taking a closer look at the affirmations that I shared last week. As promised, I am going to breakdown each affirmation by letting you know what inspired it, a Personal Reflection of what the text means to me, and how God’s Love ties it all together. The affirmations that I shared last week are as follows: I am loved, I am accepted, I am successful, I am rewarded, and All things work together for my good. This group of affirmations is inspired by The Book of Esther. Are you familiar with Esther’s story? If not, I will give you the quick, snapchat version of it. A young girl loses both parents at a young age, her male cousin Mordecai takes her in and raises her as his own child. She develops into a beautiful woman and attracts the eye of King Xerxes. The King chooses her to be his Queen. Here’s our first clue about the title. A poor orphaned girl who was taken in by her cousin ascended to royalty and lived a luxurious life. Esther’s story is the perfect come up story. Can you imagine going from Orphan to Queen, from broke to balling, from poverty to luxury? I can, and that is why the inspiration for my affirmations is, The Book of Esther. Let me put on my visionary goggles and dive in to the text for you.
The First Affirmation is: I Am Loved
Inspired by Esther 2:7 – Mordecai had a cousin name Hadassah, whom he had brought up because she had neither Father nor Mother. This young woman, who was also know as Esther, had a lovely figure and was beautiful. Mordecai had taken her as his own daughter when her father and mother died.
Personal Reflection: I am grateful that in times of tragedy, my family has had my back. I lost my Dad at age 2 but I’ve had male figures throughout my life that provided the stability and love that I was unable to receive from my Father.
God’s Love:In times when I feel alone and uncertain of my future, God strategically places people in my life to love me, to affirm me and to take care of me.
The Second Affirmation is: I Am Accepted Inspired by Esther 2:9 – She pleased him and won his favor. Immediately he provided her with her beauty treatments and special food. He assigned to her seven female attendants selected from the King’s Palace and moved her and her attendants into the best place in the Harem. 2:15-…and Esther won the favor of everyone who saw her.
Personal Reflection: When I feel inadequate or under qualified, God makes room for me in high places and He positions me exactly where I need to be. God’s Love: God accepts me and approves of me, just as I am and with all of my flaws.
The Third Affirmation is: I Am Rewarded Inspired by Esther 2:17-18 – Now the King was attracted to Esther more than to any of the other women, and she won his favor and approval…So he set a royal crown on her head and made her Queen…And the King gave a great banquet, Esther’s banquet…
Personal Reflection: I am humbled by the ways that God has blessed me. He’s given me beauty for my ashes on so many occasions. I feel like royalty because God has crowned me with healing and redemption over and over again.
God’s Love: Just when I think God has blown my mind with a blessing, he goes way above and beyond that blessing to bless me again.
The Fouth Affirmation is: I Am Successful
Inspired by Esther Chapter 5:2-3-…when the King saw Queen Esther standing in the court she found favor in his sight, and the King held out to Esther the Golden Scepter that was in his hand. And the King said to her, “What do you wish, Queen Esther? What is your request? It shall be given to you up to half the kingdom!”
Personal Reflection:I am blessed to hold positions that I never imagined myself qualified for. I am grateful that my worth and value are acknowledged, appreciated and accepted.
God’s Love: God continues to make room for me to share my gifts. He ensures that my knowledge and input are appreciated.
The Last Affirmation is: All Things Work Together For My Good
God’s Love: God has blessed me in every season of my life. He keeps reinventing me and creating a better version of me. In spite of my many challenges and short-comings, he has always placed me on top. God makes room for me to share my gifts and talents with others, he’s given me a bold and confident spirit and he places me among people that contribute to my growth and well-being.
Isn’t God Amazing?
So just like Esther, I started at the bottom but now I am here. Here to command the room, here to use my talents, here to walk boldly among authority figures and here to take my rightful place as royalty.
Those are my affirmations. When I repeat them, all of the thoughts and images that I’ve shared with you, circulate through my mind and I walk boldly through my day, affirming all that God has called me to be.
And my friends, That is What Happend.
Just like me, you can change the way you see yourself.
I would love to help you create Affirmations and that are personal and useful for your everyday life. It all starts with Mental Clarity through Prayer. My latest course entitled, “No More Struggle Prayers” will help you find the correct words to pray and affirm over your life.
Through creative writing, I will teach you how design bold and intentional prayers using your inspiration of choice. I am a Christian so I use the Bible often as inspiration but please feel comfortable to bring whatever material inspires you.
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