Tag: women’s ministry

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Change the Narrative!

If the definition of worrying is using your imagination to create something you don’t want, what is the definition of manifesting?

It is extremely easy to waste time worry about things that you do not want in your life.  Troubled relationships, career challenges and financial setbacks are just a few issues that can have your thoughts wondering aimlessly out of control.

Several years ago, as I experienced several major crises simultaneously, I often worried if I would survive it all.

First there was the divorce. It was hard and I was stressed. How would I survive, how would it affect my daughter, how would dating and relationships look for me afterwards and how would others perceive my choice? That 12 months of required separation in the state of NC was difficult.

I worried myself to the point of being unhealthy. I was stressed, consistently anxious, not sleeping well, over-weight and extremely unhappy with myself. Just when I thought things were about to get better, the cancer diagnosis appeared.

The week of my divorce hearing, I took time off of work to spring clean my home. I was ready for new beginnings and a fresh start. I wanted so badly to cleanse myself of the constant turmoil and self-imposed worrying. I had my first mammogram, which lead to a callback and subsequently to the diagnosis.

Up until the point of getting married, I was fairly consistent with my physical and nutritional health. Marriage added a level of stress in my life that I wasn’t fully prepared for.

How could this be?

On my last day of radiation treatment, I lost my job and the constant worry continued.

What now & What next?

I share part of my story today because this week marks my 8-year survival story!

I am surviving and thriving. 8 years post-divorce & post-cancer

My journey hasn’t been the easiest, and there have definitely been a few setbacks. What I’ve learned along the way is to focus my time, energy and attention toward the things that I actually want for my life.

I am spending less time focused on things that do not bring me peace, joy or purpose. This involves understanding and owning my values and taking intentional action to reset my personal expectations. It takes discipline to train your mind to focus on manifesting and not worrying.

Many of the traditional methods that are talked about for stress reduction and developing discipline actually work if you work them to your advantage.

  • Journaling is great for getting your thoughts and concerns out of your head and down on paper so that you can create a strategy to effectively manage your challenges. I recently saw a post on Instagram that says, “If you avoid conflict to keep the peace, you start a war inside yourself. I couldn’t agree more”. Get those thoughts out of your mind and create peace within!

  • Exercising is a great way to re-direct your energy and improve your ability to do everyday activities. Imagine the heightened sense of awareness you can generate from a little physical movement.

  • Understanding earth’s elements are a non-traditional method of dealing with stress and redirecting your thoughts from worry to manifest. The elements are air, water, fire, earth and space. Find the element that speaks to you intently. I personally feel most relaxed by varying bodies of water. The crashing sound of ocean waves, or the stillness of a calming lake are both great at helping me to relax and find peace.

For my present and future, I am manifesting an everyday life that is filled with reciprocal love, amazing opportunities, genuine friendships, harmonious family interactions and all the blessings that God has planned and purposed for me.

On June 2, 2015, I had surgery to remove the cancer tumors from my body and on June 4, 2018, I re-entered the workforce with new skills and a highly viable career path. Origins of Peace exist today because of the multiple challenges that I experienced in 2015.

Dating and relationships in this survivor era offer the biggest area of opportunity for me. I’ve come close to manifesting the relationship that I desire, but nothing has panned out completely as of yet. Stay tuned for future posts to see how that plays out. I am hopeful.

What am I manifesting for this area of my life?

A love that is never selfish, always of service, and precisely on purpose.

    From My Mouth to God’s ears

My definition for manifesting is to demonstrate the things that I desire in life prior to actually obtaining them. This is easier said than done, but it is possible, and I am actively doing it.

As I celebrate 8 years of surviving and thriving, I choose to demonstrate good health, love and understanding, progressiveness and forward thinking, spiritual fortitude, and all the desires of my heart while God continues to add blessing upon blessing to my life.

My prayer is that you will change the narrative that you repeat to yourself. May your thoughts of worry turn to offerings of praise and gratitude.

Peace & Blessings to you!

If you are ready to create a strategy of manifestation for your life, let’s work together. Schedule a complimentary consultation today by clicking here. 

Much Love,

Melissa

 

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Draw A Circle Around The Things You Love

What do you love and how do you keep it sacred?
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.
Will you join me? Grab your copy here.
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Thank you!

Thank you for allowing Origins of Peace to serve you in 2022!

This year we’ve had a wonderful time making new connections, saying yes to new opportunities and becoming more intentional about the clients we serve and how we show up for them.

Each encounter has been amazing, and we expect greater in 2023.

In whatever way you are connected to Origins of Peace, we hope that we have made it easier for you to understand how creativity can bridge the gap to resolve a multitude of conflicts. 

As we wind down for 2023, I would like to extend an offer for you to enhance your toolkit to resolve conflict in a more creative and wholistic way.

As you know our core focus areas are mental clarity, self-preservation, rejuvenation and service to others, that’s why I am offering you 25% off the following sessions through December 31st. All you need to do is text the word GRATITUDE to 704-388-5276.

Discounted services include Create! Resolve! and Socialize!

My calendar is closed through the end of this year but grab your discounted service now and you and I will work together to schedule the best date and time for you in 2023.

As an additional gift, you will receive weekly affirmations to help you stay focused and on task for the year.

Visit www.originsofpeace.com to check out these services and all we have to offer.

Happy Holidays to you and everyone that you love.

With Gratitude,

Melissa A. Rivers- Origins of Peace

 

 

 

 

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As Far As It Depends On Me

 

 

Romans 12:18 is the founding scripture for Origins of Peace. The construction of the scripture allows for self-reflection, self-evaluation and self-actualization. 

By being open to understanding who you are at your core, what you desire most and what you are capable of accomplishing allows you to challenge the way you handle and process information.

The first phrase of the verse, “if it is possible”, allows you to question your willingness to think, process and act.

The next phrase of the verse, “as far as it depends on me” provides the opportunity to align your thoughts and actions to ensure your personal belief system aligns with what you are putting out into the world.

The final phrase in the verse, “live at peace with everyone”, establishes the goal and objective to strive for.

To make the verse a little more prescriptive, I’ve rearranged it into an easy-to-follow formula:

 

As Far as it depends on me / If it is possible = live at peace with __________________.

 

My personal belief is that peace begins within each of us. If we expect to begin the process of living at peace with everyone, we first have to be at peace with ourselves in all areas. This is not a small task and takes quite a bit of evaluation and action.

We all experience some type of conflict within, but if there is a desire to move beyond the conflict, it is possible!

The last thing to understand is this: The word everyone is interchangeable with everything. This involves taking a deep dive into your 8 Wellness Dimensions to understand how you show up in each area.

Now put the formula to work – Take your effort, divide it by infinite possibility and receive the rewards of peace. Peace is available to you. Put your belief and effort to work in order to obtain it.

My intuitive nature reveals to me that God wants us to do everything within our power to live at peace, but he does not expect us to accomplish this without his help.

“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Romans 12:18, NIV

Our guide, “Pray with Ease!” is a free resource to help you feel confident and empowered in prayer.

Origins of Peace is a Conflict Resolution Consultant Company. To learn more about our company visit: http://www.originsofpeace.com

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Developing A Growth Mindset

Join me for a dose of Spiritual Wellness…

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.

TEXT: James 2:25 & Joshua 2:1-21

This event is open to the public.   No RSVP required. Join us via Zoom.

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There is Peace in your Purpose

I Corinthians 14:33 “For God is not the author of Confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.”

There’s power in your purpose.

What could be better than being in tune with God’s thoughts about your life and actually doing the work that he has called you to perform.

There’s peace in your purpose.

Imagine having clear vision, intentional actions and a desire to please God! What could be more peaceful?

There’s position in your purpose

Now imagine a purpose unfulfilled. Think about the countless number of people who would be unable to fulfill their purpose simply because you chose not to fulfill yours.

That’s how it is. There’s community and fellowship in each purpose. Your next door neighbor could be dependent upon you or it could be someone on the other side of the world. Whatever the case may be, our purposes are connected.

Eliminate the confusion by serving your purpose. God would never give you an assignment that he hasn’t gifted you to fulfill. God wouldn’t confuse you like that. You are well equipped to handle any assignment that has been sent your way.

You have a purpose to fulfill and your purpose is connected to others.

Do you work and serve your purpose.

Successful Moments thru Peaceful Empowerment,

SuGa

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Act Like You Know!

Colossians 2:6-7 NKJ “As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.”

This event did not catch you by surprise. You were made for this! Yes you oh child of God, you can handle it. I know for sure that you can handle it because as the scripture says, you were rooted  built up and then established in the faith! You’ve been taught how to survive extraordinary circumstances so go ahead and give God praise!

Are you asking yourself, what is the “this” that I was made for? If so, let’s define “this” as anything that sets itself up in your path to break your focus, hinder your purpose or delay your blessing.

Your prayers and frustrations have given you access to God’s delivering power in a whole new realm. Your prayers have  rooted you and your cries to God have built you up for this specific event at this particular moment. It is time to walk in confidence being assured that  your “this” will not take you out and it will work in your favor.

Circumstances come to test our faith but Jesus came to root us, build us and establish us in the faith.

I dare you to go ahead and thank God for the lesson and the blessing that your “this” sent your way!

Successful Moments thru Peaceful Empowerment,

SuGa Wellness Boutique

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He Sees Me

Genesis 16: 13-14 NKJV Then she called the name of the Lord who spoke to her. You-Are-the-God-Who-Sees ; for she said, “Have I also here seen Him who sees me?

It’s an absolutely amazing feeling to see God and to be seen by God. If we allow ourselves to slow down from our hectic schedules and seek God, we will find him in everything. The sunrise and sunset, a child’s laugh or the simple beauty of nature, God can be seen in everything that is living and active.

How about those times in our lives when we realize that Good sees us too? For instance have you ever prayed a specific and deliberate prayer and your answer unfolds in the most unique way that leaves you saying, “only God could have done that.” What about when you ask the Lord to make his presence known to you and you feel a gentle rush of wind on your cheek or you smell a sweet aroma fill your room. How about when you’re up praying and crying about a situation and an instant calm comes over you and you start to rejoice. All of these things are proof that God sees you!

My prayer for you is that you will experience God in an entirely new capacity this week. I pray that he shows up for you and makes his presence known in the most unique way. I pray that you are blessed by seeing God in all things and knowing without a shadow of a doubt that he sees you too! Now do me a favor and pray the same for me!

May you walk in peace knowing that God has his eyes on you!

Peace and Wellness my friend,

SuGa

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An Overwhelming Love!

1 Peter 1:6-8 NIV… 6 In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.

Had it not been for the Lord on my side…where oh where would I be!

I heard those marvelous words today…You are Cancer Free!”

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For once in my life I am at a loss for words when it comes to the goodness of my God!

I will let the WORD speak for itself today while I sit back and bask in HIS goodness!

Peace and Wellness,

SuGa

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And to Him who is Able to Keep Me from Falling

Jude 1:24 NIV To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy

Well, I’ve been on a bit of a hiatus from writing since my breast cancer diagnosis. I can honestly say that the past few months have been a heck of a roller coaster ride. I still remember the day clearly (04/22/2015) that I received the news. Although I cried and boo-hoo’d, I can’t say that the news was a complete surprise.

Women in my family have been known to live well into their 90s. I can remember growing up in a five generation family when I was a little girl. When I called “mama,” I would have about 7 loving faces looking in my direction to address my needs. Although the scope of my family has changed significantly, I can honestly say that I want a long, well-lived life. I prayed to God for longevity and I whole-heartedly believe that my early diagnosis with bc is an avenue that had to be traveled in order for me to get to that longevity destination. I’m so thankful that God knows my name, he knows the number of hairs on my head, he knows my thoughts and concerns and most importantly he is concerned about my feelings! (Praise God!)

In the last few months, I’ve had surgery, numerous tests performed and countless doctors appointments. I’ve met some really good people along this path that have held my hand and kept me grounded. My mom and my baby girl have been absolutely amazing in all of this.

To sum it all up: I’m just a women who is overjoyed by God’s love for me and I’m just thankful that God is faithful to fulfill his word in my life.

It takes me right back to SUGA ( Simply Understand God is Able) and I truly understand now more than ever that nothing is too hard for God.

Much Love,

SuGa