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.

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

Inner Calm

This is a video from Bobby McFaurin live (I featured his "Don't Worry, Be Happy" on the blog before).   When I stumbled upon this awesome clip, it colored my day and evened my mood. I often watch it, from the interactions with the audience on down, because it is brilliant. Be calm today, be peaceful, be you.


Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Speak Over Yourself

It's Wednesday and we're halfway to Friday!  Here's a little inspiration to make it through the rest of the week. Speak over whatever you're concerned about in finishing all your task.  Be encouraged!


Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Looks Aren't Everything

Ever wonder if you only looked a little more or did little more like this person, things would be easier?  Cameron Russell, in her Ted Talk, wants you to think a little differently.   Happy Wednesday!


Wednesday, May 7, 2014

First Wednesday: Seye Awe and The

Happy First Wednesday!  As always, we are featuring an independent artist's song.  Today is the Nigerian-born Seye Awe & The Sought Outs "Casting All Your Cares".  Follow them on Facebook and download their music by clicking "Band Profile".  See their interview below the video:





Wednesday, April 30, 2014

No Limits

We all have certain obstacles that hinder us from pursuing our goals, keep moving toward them anyway.  Check out the Pep Talk from Wish at the Well.  Happy rest of the week!


Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Instructions for a Bad Day

When it doubt, listen to this poem by Shane Koyczan.  The visual is from Kevin McDonald's "Life in a Day; some film clips are from Jon Goodgion.  Happy Wednesday!



Lyrics (as posted on deviantart.com)

"There will be bad days. Be calm. Loosen your grip, opening each palm slowly now. Let go. Be confident. Know that now is only a moment, and that if today is as bad as it gets, understand that by tomorrow, today will have ended. Be gracious. Accept each extended hand offered, to pull you back from the somewhere you cannot escape. Be diligent. Scrape the gray sky clean. Realize every dark cloud is a smoke screen meant to blind us from the truth, and the truth is whether we see them or not - the sun and moon are still there and always there is light. Be forthright. Despite your instinct to say "it's alright, I'm okay" - be honest. Say how you feel without fear or guilt, without remorse or complexity. Be lucid in your explanation, be sterling in your oppose. If you think for one second no one knows what you've been going through; be accepting of the fact that you are wrong, that the long drawn and heavy breaths of despair have at times been felt by everyone - that pain is part of the human condition and that alone makes you a legion. We hungry underdogs, we risers with dawn, we dissmisser's of odds, we blesser's of on – we will station ourselves to the calm. We will hold ourselves to the steady, be ready player one. Life is going to come at you armed with hard times and tough choices, your voice is your weapon, your thoughts ammunition – there are no free extra men, be aware that as the instant now passes, it exists now as then. So be a mirror reflecting yourself back, and remembering the times when you thought all of this was too hard and you'd never make it through. Remember the times you could have pressed quit – but you hit continue. Be forgiving. Living with the burden of anger, is not living. Giving your focus to wrath will leave your entire self absent of what you need. Love and hate are beasts and the one that grows is the one you feed. Be persistent. Be the weed growing through the cracks in the cement, beautiful - because it doesn't know it's not supposed to grow there. Be resolute. Declare what you accept as true in a way that envisions the resolve with which you accept it. If you are having a good day, be considerate. A simple smile could be the first-aid kit that someone has been looking for. If you believe with absolute honesty that you are doing everything you can - do more. There will be bad days, Times when the world weighs on you for so long it leaves you looking for an easy way out. There will be moments when the drought of joy seems unending. Instances spent pretending that everything is alright when it clearly is not, check your blind spot. See that love is still there, be patient. Every nightmare has a beginning, but every bad day has an end. Ignore what others have called you. I am calling you friend. Make us comprehend the urgency of your crisis. Silence left to its own devices, breed's silence. So speak and be heard. One word after the next, express yourself and put your life in the context – if you find that no one is listening, be loud. Make noise. Stand in poise and be open. Hope in these situations is not enough and you will need someone to lean on. In the unlikely event that you have no one, look again. Everyone is blessed with the ability to listen. The deaf will hear you with their eyes. The blind will see you with their hands. Let your heart fill their news-stands, Let them read all about it. Admit to the bad days, the impossible nights. Listen to the insights of those who have been there, but come back. They will tell you; you can stack misery, you can pack disappear you can even wear your sorrow – but come tomorrow you must change your clothes. Everyone knows pain. We are not meant to carry it forever. We were never meant to hold it so closely, so be certain in the belief that what pain belongs to now will belong soon to then. That when someone asks you how was your day, realize that for some of us – it's the only way we know how to say, be calm. Loosen your grip, opening each palm, slowly now – let go."

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Define Yourself

 See Lizzie Velasquez's amazing story (13 mins) of overcoming labels society has placed on her.  After being cyber bullied as a teenager, she decided to be a motivational speaker and excel past all limits.  This Wednesday, decide how you define yourself.  Have a great rest of the week!


Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Giving is the Best Communication

This Thailand mobile advertisement has the strongest message of how one small step can impact in such a larger scale.  Do little things this week that will go a long way.  Happy Wednesday!


Wednesday, April 2, 2014

First Wednesdays: Duran

This is dedicated to the CHILD…the one in all of us. The child that wants to BE…not to be told. The child who’s DREAM was lived through a bathroom mirror and a toothbrush microphone. 
~ Duran

Photo from website www.iamduran.com
It's the first Wednesday of March! Today, we're featuring Duran, a singer, rapper and songwriter based in the Atlanta area by way of Maryland.  Described as "a smokey, savory and sweet gumbo", his music is a fusion of neosoul and hip hop - a special blend of verity and sensibility reminiscent of your grandparents hot toddy, an elixir for the weather-beaten soul. His movement, with his loyal group of Stargazers, is to encourage people to "believe that following the unique design plans or 'divine blueprints' - which were written in the stars - will bring their dreams to life."

One who is very down to earth with insight beyond his years, Duran has been seen at local festivals such as the Artist's Showcase at Taliah Waajid's World's Natural Hair Show and shared stages with major emcees such as Big Sean of G. O. O. D Music. Last year, Duran was featured on CBSAtlanta for his tribute to Trayvon Martin, "Skittles and Arizona" (video below).  He is currently expanding his artistry to include acting, as he was "Jeremy Furlow" in the New African Grove production of August Wilson's Joe Turner's Come and Gone (August 2013); his upcoming role is "Booth" in the Songs of Karibu production of Suzan-Lori Parks' Topdog/Underdog (AOA Studios; April 25-27, 2014).

His most recent studio project is entitled, "Stargazers: Why Shouldn't It Be Us?", which can downloaded from his website at www.iamduran.com (under "Menu" tab at the top left corner, click "Music").  Sample some of his music and quotes below!

Getting Started
"My brother introduced me to freestyling and I took it from there. I used to use poems to impress girls. Lol." ~ Duran




Inspiration
"I'm inspired by life. I'm a firm believer that art imitates life; I can not write or perform anything that's not based in truth. I hope people will take away a firm belief in dreams and in purpose. That's what my movement is all about. Dreams = purpose and vice versa." ~ Duran


For Stargazers
"I hope people will see what [they are] doing and begin to listen to that inner voice they have. The one that tells them to follow their heart. I'm not claiming to be a leader but, if I am seen that way, I hope to do so by example." ~ Duran



Booking Information:

Email
eyeamduran@gmail.com
Website
Twitter
Instagram
Facebook

"You are a VIRTUOUS, BOLD, PASSIONATE, UNIQUE being with the POWER to move mountains, walk on water and SHINE with the STARS. TRUST your VISION and follow your HEART."  ~ Duran

Tuesday, April 1, 2014

Happy April!

It's not an April Fool's Joke!  We're back to jump start in April and we have quite a bit in store for you!  Welcome back everyone. 
 

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

What's in your Heart?

Happy Wednesday! Today's video is all about drive and trying something new.  Getting out there and trying instead of just allowing things to happen to you.  The narrator is a drill sergeant, but sometimes you need one to get you through to the next level.  Keep focused, keep moving, take more risks.



Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Facing Rejection

Just because someone says you can't accomplish some thing doesn't mean it can not be done.  If they could do it, so can we - at least finishing our own goals.