Wednesday, April 1, 2015

Challenge Day #1



Today's work is all about reflecting on what is True Living.  We may be caught up in so many obstacles or heading a long a path not quite of our choosing and cease to realize where we are and what we are doing.  We may even think that our current circumstances determine our future.  However, let us consider that over the next 30 Days, we actually have an opportunity to sow seeds and start to manifest those things in our lives.  Let's get ready to be recipients of things when it is time for them to happen. 

See www.peaceandpraise.com to download the 8.5x11 worksheet of "What is Living to You?"

Need to purchase the book?  Check on Amazon.  Want it quicker? Buy on Square and I'll send a copy directly to you. 

Friday, March 13, 2015

It's here!

Finally!  30 Days of Peace and Praise has arrived. Check out how to purchase the book at www.peaceandpraise.com under the "Book" heading. Get yours today!

Also, every month that has 30 days in them, we will walk through the book together.  Order now and get yours in time for April 1!



Thursday, January 1, 2015

2015!!

2014 is gone, but this new year has wonderful things on the horizon.  Stay tuned...

Friday, August 15, 2014

Day 2: THE BUTTERFLY SEASON: HOW FIRM A FOUNDATION


With my book pending arrival, thought I would share little snippets with you.  Check out the snippets and activity below!  www.mkt.com/amina-s-mcintyre


Day 2

THE BUTTERFLY SEASON: HOW FIRM A FOUNDATION

“In every condition, in sickness, in health;
In poverty’s vale, or abounding in wealth;
At home and abroad, on the land, on the sea,
As thy days may demand, shall thy strength ever be.”
~ from How Firm a Foundation by John Rippon

Even wonder how a giant gets big or how a celebrity got so famous?  It often seems like overnight there they were, unable to be overlooked for that thing they did. But the majority will tell you that they had to start somewhere. Silas House, author of The Hurting Part and other books, once said to a group of budding writers that it took him 8 years to become an overnight sensation. Before that, there were many drafts and manuscripts and rejections.  His entire journey started from a simple place: by writing the first word.

The strength comes in that starting place.  A butterfly’s egg is the foundation and everything that happens to it helps to shape its experiences. On the outside is a shell hard enough to withstand any climate.  If the butterfly lays the egg in the wintertime, they will not hatch until the spring comes.  The shell also has a coat of glue that allows it to stick to the leaf and not be removed once it is planted, firmly. 

When we are walking in our calling, that overnight celebrity status seems like a farfetched idea at first.  Whether we make an impression on our job, in children’s lives or in our churches, we often start with the tiniest idea.  We protect it, not worrying about the competition and what naysayers say.  If the idea comes during a season where it can not be cultivated to grow -- maybe we are not able to write that full novel at the moment -- we will put it away for a spring day. But more than anything else, we stick to that call, because deep within it is the life source that will move us to our maximum potential. 

This idea will get tested, pushed, molded, shifted out of the way and criticized. Always remember, the foundation is there for a reason - everything we learned there will carry us through.  “That one is like a man building a house, who dug deeply and laid the foundation on rock; when a flood arose, the river burst against that house but could not shake it, because it had been well built” (Luke 6:48).  If we remember the strength of the egg, the humbleness of the beginning, handling a little recognition will not alter the core, for the glue will stick us to the course. 

Consider identifying the whisper of your call and jot it down. Protect those little eggs of life budding within you, making sure the you can build a strong foundation to handle whatever it brings to you.

Thursday, August 14, 2014

Day 1: 7 Days of Peace and Praise

This week, in preparing for the official release of the book, I'll release everyday a sample of the book.  Today, check out Day 1: Reflections: True Living.  www.mkt.com/amina-s-mcintyre


Day 1

REFLECTIONS: TRUE LIVING

The sound of your heart is made clear in your actions.
~ Rev. Jamie Capers

What is living to me?

This is the question I wrote while journaling one morning.  Julia Cameron suggests in her book, The Artist's Way, to write morning pages - three pages of words, bible verses, pictures, song lyrics, whatever you need to center yourself and prepare for the day.  I use it as apart of my devotion/prayer time, so whatever residual feelings from the day before are withdrawn and new items can be deposited in the coming hours.  This is also where I challenge myself to be better, hence the question…

What is living to me?

I like stability.  I am a planner – I need to know exactly where to go, even if the details are not mapped out (this is where I am malleable and can bend rules a little).  I thrive in goal-oriented situations where things are pre-established, which is why I have multiple degrees and am addicted to Candy Crush.  The rounds are clearly structured so that I can measure my own progress without thinking about it.  My solution was to have a basic job as an administrative assistant or clerk at a homeless resource center so I could pay bills.  A basic job provides some stability – a seemingly ideal situation until I can get my writing to be what is necessary. But the question returned…

What is living to me?

What I have found is that this was coping – merely surviving when my potential, in fact, is much greater than that. The mundane tasks were crippling, clouding my judgment of what was more important to me, what makes me grow. Things I would have completed overtime quickly were now met with intense hesitation. When faced with the question of “What happened?”, it was the necessary mirror to consider exactly the person I was growing into. It led me to believe I may not be embracing my truth. “Behold, You desire truth in the inner being; make me therefore to know wisdom in my inmost heart” (Psalm 51: 6).   I realized I was in fact trying to hide, however, potential and talent shine like a lightening bug in a dark room; once you think they have made it out, a little flash is a reminder of their presence.  So I came back to the question….

What is living to me?

Living, to me, looks a lot like walking in the path I am destined to walk on and not playing it safe.  Trying the areas once more that I thought I failed previously.  Living means not being fearful of reprioritizing or reorganizing.  Living is not being afraid to succeed.  Over the next 30 days, I encourage you to decide, what is living to you?

Activity: What is Living to You?  




Saturday, July 12, 2014

It's Back..

Hi Everyone,

I know there was a bit of a hiatus.  Honestly, we all need a little bit of the time to regroup, to refresh, and restore ourselves. We also need to have a few life experiences so that there is more to write.  It is time to get some new things posted and the content that is coming is sure to remind you of why you enjoy Peace and Praise to begin with.

One of the truly blessed things that have happened in my life is that I've learned about liturgical seasons. Not just Advent and Easter, but also Pentecost and the season we are about to embark upon - Kingdomtide. This time is also referred to as "ordinary time" during which the color green is displayed. Why is this important, because it means it is time for growth.

I don't want to be the same person I was 5 years ago or even 5 minutes ago. There is so more much to breath, feel, embrace and know that staying stagnant will not allow you to every comprehend.  But what I love most about this season is that I've reconnected with my foundation and redefined myself based on the simple promises and goals I set before getting a little distracted.  And looking at them from a wiser, more knowledgable lens gave me more reason to move forward with them.

With that said, I invite you all to take a look at my upcoming website - www.ladylovesherpen.wordpress.com - and to consider purchasing 30 Days of Peace and Praise, which officially comes out on August 24, 2014.    Order form is attached as is the link to the online purchase.  $3.00 will be added for shipping and handling.   I will also be creating "You" retreats for you to do in a group or by yourself, at home or away.

Let's get ready for an amazing journey!

Miss you all and can't wait to walk with you guys.

Amina

30 Days of Peace and Praise

$20.00  $15.00 until August 1st!  Pre-order online or place an order form today!



Wednesday, July 2, 2014

Turn Down for What

There's a holiday at the end of the week, so let's keep the momentum!  No reason to "turn down" in getting the work done, it's almost here! Thanks, Redd Fox (as Fred Sanford).  This will definitely make you move to a new rhythm.