WHO ARE YOU?

 

WHO ARE YOU? (All links go to KJV Scripture Reference)

This is one of the most difficult questions to answer - and there's a reason for that!
As human beings, we have a tendency to think of our man/womanhood as something concrete and tangible that connects us to the 'real world'; that's why we follow celebs and mimic them in appearance and attire. After all, fitting in is what we aim for - right?
Who we really are is nothing more than a product of our minds-in terms of how we see ourselves IN this said 'real world'!
As we go through experiences, we develop our own idea that either enables or disables our ability to relate to - or fit-in this world we live in.
The good times offers comfort, but the bad times challenge our establishment. These challenges are what cause a schema that is supposed to break us from this world, and embolden us to see things from a new perspective.
We need these experiences because we are not here to stay; we are only passing through.
Getting back to the question of Who Are You?

You are a mental being, not just any mental being, but a self-conscious mental being; but your state of mind depends upon how self-aware (awake) you are to sound judgment.
The world would have you follow after the image of celebs as opposed to the Image of God - chasing after the glamour and having you doubt your beauty, gender, your wellness, the rhythm of your heartbeat, the sound of your cough - all the way down to your own happiness. The world wants you to doubt everything about your life all - including the shape of the earth.

The world causes this because they want to control you. As people identify themselves in their weakness (doubts)- they give their power over to the world's system without realizing it.
If this said 'real world' is where you identify yourself, then you are in a world of trouble!
There is only One Way to pull yourself out and that is by refusing to accept their lies. You do that by reversing what the world taught you and returning to the foundation that God placed you upon (A Perfect Foundation).

The story on David & Goliath is altogether a perfect example of going against the world and the labels they attach onto you.
When you go with the flow you are only drowning in the sea. The way to fight the world's system is by going against the grain by causing friction and making a difference!

What you overcome is what you become, and like Christ, HE overcame the world - including death! (John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.)

When you overcome mental/spiritual challenges by working in opposition against them, you are in a position to make a difference in this fake world we live in. It is then and there that 'Who You Are' is established.

God Bless!

11 Ways To Promote Financial Growth

11 Ways To Promote Financial Growth 

As long as you're in the drivers seat, you are spending money so to speak. 

With everything, there is a cost—whether or not it's hidden. You need to read the fine print, and beware of all freebies; they often come at a greater cost because the loss at the other end can take years to recover from.

Financial education is paramount when protecting your assets & promoting financial growth. Here are some tips to protect what is yours:

Think Investing - Not Spending

Rather than focus on pinching every penny, start focusing on increasing revenue.  The more you have to invest, the more your money works for you—even as you sleep. There are many growth oriented opportunities to explore—talk to your financial advisor at your bank—they will be happy to assist you. Please steer clear of investment opportunities outside of your bank—as investment scams are at an all-time high.

Many companies and small businesses pull their money out of the business account every weekend—and invests it in the market. Their motto is "in the scope of investing, even a small increase, is a positive gain". Your bank account should have enough in it to cease all bank fees; the rest should to into your interest bearing savings account.

Use Credit For Leverage 

The wealthy will use their credit as a tool, not a crutch: This is where you use credit as leverage to build a business or invest — instead of making purchases on things you don't need with it. This will also help you build a strong credit score, which will allow you to borrow at lower interest rate.

When it comes to investing, start small until you gain experience; then increase your risk.

Start A Business

When it comes to starting a business, see where the demand is; people will pay for a great product or service. Your business needs to be tailored to something that you are genuinely good at. The more you love what you do, the more others will love it too. 

One thing you need to know; services usually sell more than products. 

Hobbies can be quite expensive—so if you're looking to build a business around your hobby, make sure to expose it nationwide or internationally. 

It's also a good idea to learn what others in your area of expertise are doing—so you have a realistic idea of what to expect. If there is no demand for it, these items sit around your home—taking up space—along with all the supplies you bought.

Get Creative/Think Big

Instead of dreaming about how you’d spend a lottery winning, dream about opportunities. The rich didn't get rich from working, they got rich because they got creative! 

There is an endless amount of opportunities from real estate flipping; to investing into something big, to acquiring a thriving business. 

When you start acquiring wealth, you will need protect your assets — and that includes from taxes. 

The reason people are poor is because they only want money to spend. They do not think in terms of saving, investing or increasing. Poor people increase their spending; have no savings; do not contribute to an RRSP or own property. Their minds are set on the things they want—not the things they need. They need to switch their mindset to think big, instead of small — or else they run the risk of having nothing behind their name.

Fear Not!

Too many people have fears when it comes to money, Worrying about money is a waste of time, not to mention the negative, destructive psychological impact it has on your mind as well as your physical well-being. 

Imagine you just invested in a stock. Now imagine that stock loses a great deal of it's value; you have 2 choices: you can either pull out out of fear, or put in so that when it (eventually) rises, you get a higher return on your investment (ROI). If you don't pull out, you don't actually lose anything; you only lose when you give up.

When you are worrying, then you are clearly not doing anything! The way to stop worrying is to take action because action puts you in the control group! 

Give Up Giving Up!

When you look at the financial crisis and inflation that is occurring, it's easy to embellish how bad it really is. When you get discouraged, you are more prone to giving up.

If you think about it, you will realize that now is the perfect time to accept challenges and see what you are really made of. When everyone else is talking about what they can’t have, or do (financially), it's the rich that are cashing in on these opportunities that you won't. Are you going to just sit there and let good opportunities go to someone else?

Be Solution Oriented

Wealthy people never focus on problems, they only focus on solutions. Problem solving is the #1 way wealthy people go about in life. I mean— have you met a poor problem solver? Being poor in itself is a problem, but clearly you're not comfortable with being poor which is why you're reading this.

As you know, life will throw you one crisis after another, so you need to be willing to go beyond reading the information stated here.

Have An Action Plan

In order to become wealthy, you must always have a plan in action—whether it would be to cut unnecessary spending, renegotiate interest rates on your credit cards and loans, start (or grow) a business, invest, or turn an investment deficit into a profit — there has to be continual forward motion.

Now, if you just thought "that is easier said than done" you've just defeated yourself. With some badass math skills and a willingness to take risks, and/or make some sacrifices, it is very easy.

Have A Good Perspective

In order to see yourself having money, you need to shift your mindset to get out that "I don't have enough" phase. 

One way to achieve that is to realize how much you actually have. Truth is most people have a great deal of money coming into their homes each month; it's just a matter of assessing how much it takes to satisfy all your cravings. 

When you're grateful for what you have now, that appreciation will lead to contentment because contentment is gain on it's own!

Challenge Your Beliefs About Money

Money doesn't literally grow on trees, but as long as you keep telling yourself that, it will always be in short supply.

Likewise, if you believe that money is the root of all evil, you will defeat your shot at increase. For the record, it's the love of money that is the root of evil — not having it! (Just saying) Also, having no ambition or being hesitant will hinder your growth.

Develop new mindsets about money and your ambition. The only difference between you and rich people is their approach to them.

Be A Giver

You may think you need to be stingy in order to become wealthy, but when you give, you get the feel of being wealthy. Then you will no longer see yourself as someone in need (poor), but see yourself as one who extends their hands to the needy (role-reversal).

No Risk = No Reward

This will result in your mind being open to possibilities; let me explain:

Pretend your mind is an elastic band. Each time you take a risk, you gain valuable experience. When you experience a setback, you take caution; and when you experience a victory, you reap the rewards. 

With each experience, your mind and potential grows — and guess what grows along with it? 

Money!

Maria

10 Ways To Be Badass!

 

Badasses or rather, people with dark personality traits seem to be better at making themselves more physically appealing. Although most people probably don’t consider those dark traits a desirable quality, many of us are mysteriously drawn towards them.

The badass carries and present themselves in a way that immediately impresses others. But, what is it about the badass that others find so appealing?

#1 We are not followers; we are leaders.     

#2 We are in touch with who we really are. We live, think and act on our own unique terms, and we are not influenced by media or others.

#3 We are confident and proud of who we are, what we've achieved and who we've become.

#4 We don't apologize for speaking our mind or displaying our inner strength. If you find it offensive or intimidating, that's your problem.

#5 We don't kiss anyone's ass - we're too busy kicking-ass! This is how we get ahead in life.

20 Ways To Start Believing In Yourself

#6 We are not afraid to "live", have it rough or get our hands dirty.

#7 We are not complainers, we take action for ourselves. Nagging & complaining are loathsome characteristics of those who aren't willing to do for themselves.

#8 We are not "needy" "slutty" or "too flirty". We don't throw ourselves onto others for self-esteem. We own it!

#9 We can handle any situation "life" throws at us. There is nothing we can't overcome!

#10 We are confident and vocal in bed. We are not shy of our bodies or letting you know what pleases us in the bedroom.  

11 Ways To Promote Financial Growth

The badass carries an invisible quality—it is called confidence!

I've heard it said that confidence is the sexiest quality — and it's true. No one can really get to know someone who isn't; after they are all bottled up—but not preserved like fine wine, but getting spoiled like milk.

Our dark side/confidence may be intimidating for some; but at least we are well respected—or admired like expensive art!

Well, now the secret's out!

Developing Mental Strength

Each day, we face situations that drain our energy— and when our energy is drained, our ambitions are often drained along with them.  How we compose ourselves is essential for moving forward. Henry Ford once said, “when everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it.” This is what gives the situation strength. 

I've encountered people who barely have the energy to get out of bed. They go about their days feeling sluggish. Did you know that by changing your mindset, you can pull yourself out of that slump? Having mental strength is essential for overcoming. so, how do you develop it? Here are a few tips:

Have A Mission Statement

A personal mission statement is a declaration of your purpose and core values. It's not just a statement, but a blueprint of - not only your intentions, but how you plan to accomplish your goals. I believe having a personal mission statement is important; it shows others what you stand for.

Have A Mantra:

The word “mantra” comes from Sanskrit—and glosses itself as a “mental tool” that keeps us motivated and focused, while we deal with life's setbacks - as we strive to achieve our goals. 

One of the most fabulous mantra's I have heard was from the motivational movie Cool Runnings Feel the rhythm, feel the rhyme! Get on up, its bobsled time! 

An interesting fact is the term “Cool Runnings” means “peaceful journey”.

Mantras are a good way to manage stress, it offers you a positive outlook, teaches you acceptance, patience, and increases self-awareness.”

Avoid Self-Pity:

Mentally strong do not people feel sorry for their themselves when trials and tribulations come their way. They have the understanding that life is not always fair. However, they are able to navigate through trials by empowering themselves with knowledge and having the emotional maturity to not fall apart.

Empower Yourself: 

Mentally strong people have self-awareness — and work within the scope of their abilities. They remain in control of their actions and emotions at all times. They know that their strength lies in their ability to handle change.

Accept The Challenge:

“If it doesn't challenge you, it doesn't change you.” 

Mentally strong people accept challenge and welcome change. 

People's greatest fear is change because change means venturing out into the unknown. What people fail to realize is 'comfort' is really complacency. Challenges in themselves have a way of energizing a mentally strong person because it usually brings out the best in them!

Don't Live To Please Others:

A mentally strong person strives to be kind, and willing to meet the needs of others. Mentally strong people are also good negotiators—spotting a good opportunity when they see it. They are also not afraid to confronting someone — but when they do, they leave that person's dignity intact.

Be A Risk Taker:

A mentally strong person has a natural ability of weighing the risk— to— benefit ratio thoroughly. They are willing to accept all potential disadvantages of their decision after each action they take. 

Leave The Past Behind:

There is strength by acknowledging the past— but only when you've learned from it. A mentally strong person avoids filling their head with past disappointments. They choose to invest their brain energy and time on things that are only productive.

Accept Responsibility:

A mentally strong person accepts all responsibility for each of their actions and has the self-awareness to avoid over-reacting in difficult situations. Those who have the ability to be self-reflective and productive even in times of adversity will achieve success because attitude is the equivalent to altitude!

Be Happy For The Success Of Others:

Mentally strong people have the ability to feel joy and excitement at the success of others; they are not threatened over their success. They will even go the distance to learn from them. A successful person is usually willing to let others know how they achieved it — and a successful person 'in training', is willing to learn from them!

10. Don't Give Up:

“Losers quit when they fail. Winners fail until they succeed.” —  Robert Kiyosaki

Mentally strong people are willing to fail because the learning experience of each failure brings them closer to their desired results.

Require Alone-Time:

Mentally strong people require time alone. People today have lives filled with chaos - and mentally strong people don't want that mental-garbage polluting their aura. This allows them the mental energy to plan, be productive and work towards their goals. 

Work Toward Something:

Life isn't going to hand you the winning lottery ticket. Your lottery willing is in the chances you take and the challenges you are willing to face. Mentally strong people enter the world prepared to work and succeed on their own credentials, in all phases of their journey.

Live For The Journey:

Whether it’s a diet or a workout plan, or starting a business or a family, mentally strong people are in it for the long-haul! They know that all of their efforts lie in what they do while they are on their journey. They celebrate each milestone, increase in joy, and accept all setbacks every step of the way. They are fully aware that all good things come in good time. 

I hope you found these tips for developing mental strength helpful.

Maria

Detecting Deceit

Once you tell a lie — Every word you speak becomes questionable...

We are living in a time where we are witnessing lies beyond human comprehension. Lying has become so very acceptable in our everyday dialogue. A person will commit an act —but because they were not on the receiving end, they will state that he didn't do what they've done!

Who tells the truth? Your government? The media? Your doctor? Information is a control mechanism to get your immediate response and trust.

I learned a long time ago that there is no authority other than the one who speaks the truth. So, before you put your trust in anyone, you need to equip yourself on how to detect deceit and deal with it.

                                           Detecting Deceit

Tell A Good Tale!

People will fall for a good story; a good story begins with beguiling – dramatic content – that creates conflict and tension – and a chain of events; they will have character witnesses (celebrities); then submerge you with information – harnessing your undivided attention. Then there's the urgency...

Catch Phrases

To sell us on the principle of their tales, liars will make big claims using catch-phrases. These range from “It’s Expected; Numbers Show; Promising; A New Report Reveals; New Signs Of; What You Need To Know;  (and my favorite) Our Experts...” Honest people don’t use these tactics.

Facial Expressions

Pay close attention to the person's face when they are talking. Less obvious clues your dealing with a liar will show by the reddening on the person’s cheeks, flared nostrils, lip nibbling, burrowed eyebrows, curved lips (downward) deep breathing, and rapid blinking; these signal that there is a chemical response taking place in their brain. Honest people are carefree people.

Eye Contact

Liars, when talking, will look away. They do this to recall what they are trying to lie about. People look to the right to remember, and to the left when visualizing. This is what actually takes place when liars are not making eye contact with you. It’s normal for someone to look away when asked a difficult question. But when someone looks around when asked a question, you should red—flag them.

Other facial clues reveal themselves in the over-emphasis facial expressions (such as a disappointed look on their face), head-nodding and hand gestures; OR they just read their scripts with serious looks on their faces.

Body Language

When detecting deceit, a person’s movement will show clues. Honesty is characterized by features that are in sync with one another—such as soft speech to a soft expression on their face. Liars are often tense— so their body language will reveal it. 

Create Distance

Liars need to distance themselves psychologically from their tales. They do this by putting emphasis on others (characters) to distance themselves from their lie. Their aim is to get others involved (even by blaming) to take the heat off of them. When they can't distance themselves from their lies, they will distance themselves from the people who knows their lies.

Cross Examination

Liars do not like to be questioned. They will go the distance to stop all lines of questioning and/or communication. The reason is they don’t have any proof to back their lie up. The truth never needs to be questioned because it will always reveal itself. 

The Uproar

When you confront someone about their dishonesty, be prepared for an up-roar! You just caught them off-guard so they will react with shock and anger. Their uproar is indeed evidence because lairs don't know how to react maturely. Let's remember, that a person who is honest is a person of authority - and those who have authority don't lose their minds!

Dealing With Deceit

Speak the Truth

When dealing with liars, we often tell "our side of the story". Forget all that. The truth never needs an explanation because it possesses it's own authority. When you tell your side, you water down that authority.

Have Evidence

If you need to tell your side, have compelling evidence and name witnesses who will vouch for you. Liars hate it when the truth stands against them. They fall and they fall hard! 

Resist the Liar

The Bible says in James 4:7b) Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. The good news is the trash will take itself out — but you have to do your part and turn your back on the liar.

Take Authority 

Above (again), I mentioned that there is no authority other than the one who speaks the truth. As we observe God's Word and align our will to His Will, we are all in a position of authority to confront all of the lies.

Deuteronomy 28:13 And the Lord shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath; if that thou hearken unto the commandments of the Lord thy God, which I command thee this day, to observe and to do them:

 I had the experience of dealing with a great liar — who happened to be my birth father. He claimed to be a Christian pastor & evangelist  — however he's the biggest con ever! I have witnessed him use people over & over again. 

An uproar took place at my home October 2023 when he came around looking for a hand-out. He knew he wasn't getting a thing! Two mornings later, I was watching a sermon from an ethical pastor when  this father of mine, gave off a tense vibe and left the room. 

Later that evening, he walked me into a dispute in which he denied being a decadent father and called me the liar for revealing his filth to his church overhead. I took authority and commanded them to leave — and so they fled!

The Take-Away

Remember, there is only one way to win with a liar —and that is by resisting them —because you will never win them.

God Bless,

Maria

 

Writing Wrongs

I was speaking with someone recently who asked "how do you hold yourself together after all you've been through"?

Interestingly enough, "I said, my haters have a version of me living in their minds - but that person doesn't exist - so they can talk all they want. 

Sure they have done me wrong, but I have been writing those wrongs - which has given me the upper hand, and freedom from their hate".

Creating (writing) your own life is the best way to experience it - no matter what you do, and no matter what you have been though.

Write your wrongs, write your rights, write your challenges, write your questions, write your victories,- always write - and watch your life take on a whole new clear direction!

8 Important Reasons To Forgive

"Blessed are those who forgive without an apology - for some were given and refused to forgive"

Luke 7:47 Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little.

Oddly enough, there are twice as many reasons to forgive as opposed to refraining...

The primary reason people harbor unforgiveness is they abhor the idea of God's grace, and believe the person needs to pay for what they've done.

There are 4 typical reasons why people will not forgive:

1) They are indignant: Ephesians 4:26-27 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: neither give place to the devil.

2) They believe that they are perfect and refuse to acknowledge their own sin: 1 John 1:8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

3) They are filled with self-righteousness and prefer to judge what others have done instead of what they have done: Luke 6:37 Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:

4) They are outside of God's love: 1 John 4:18-20 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. We love him, because he first loved us. If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?

The Bible makes it clear that they are seeing themselves incorrectly. 1 Corinthians 13:12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

Those who have a perfect image of themselves do so out of a judging heart; There is only one judge James 4:12 There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another?

Proverbs 10:12 Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins. This is the first & most important reason why a person needs to learn how to forgive. We are imperfect people - dealing with imperfect people!

The sinner is honest about their sin (Luke 7:47) and is willing to acknowledge it; but the one who judges is focused only on the sins of others. This is the second most important reason why we need to learn how to forgive. When we acknowledge our own wrongdoing, we are in a better position to recognize the need for mercy. I want to highlight an important point on this: Many have suffered unjust/undeserved abuse; your suffering does not qualify you as a judge; you responded with pride instead of humility. You need to take-care and realize that you are/were dealing with an imperfect person.

1 John 1:8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

Unforgiveness is a poison to the soul, those who are only focused on the wrongs of others grow in self-righteous pride. This is the third most important reason we need to learn how to forgive. Proverbs 8:13 The fear of the Lord is to hate evil: pride, and arrogance, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate. (Remember, froward means righting your wrongs...)

There is this quote which reads; "it is much easier to become a Christian when you aren't one, than to believe you are already one". New Christians have this advantage: "they are only aware of the wrongs they themselves have committed".

Those who are locked-in to their own sense of being are headed for destruction. This is the fourth most important reason we need to learn how to forgive.

Proverbs 16:18 Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.

When people deem themselves to be as holy as God, they have a false sense of authority. This is because the truth is not in them. They have elevated themselves higher than Jesus. Rather than taking accountability, they cut off the people who would question their integrity; but little do they realize that they are cut off! Isaiah 14:12 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! This is the fifth most important reason we need to learn how to forgive.

Jesus tells us to learn from Him; however, we cannot learn from Him IF we are cut off from Him. Matthew 11:29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. The Bible shows us that when our hearts are in Right Standing with God and others, we can endure anything. When we are in Right Standing with God, we have the Mind of Christ. 1 Peter 2:19 For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. This is the sixth most important reason we need to learn how to forgive.

Christ's work in you is perfected when you overcome unforgiveness and all it's ugliness attached to it. 2 Corinthians 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. This is the seventh most important reason we need to learn how to forgive. 

Unforgiveness leads to an eternity apart from God. This is the eigth most important reason we need to learn how to forgive. 

Proper teaching on forgiveness is one of the biggest fails of the modern church. 

The Modern church's teaching appeals to self as opposed to truth. The main reason I don't attend church is because they teach about the anti-Christ, not Jesus. Ephesians 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 2 Corinthians 11:14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. 1 John 2:22 Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son. 

I need to highlight another important point here; We do not deny that Jesus is the Son with our mouths, James 2:19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. We deny it with our character. The mouth is part of the flesh, but the heart is part of the soul: James 1:26 If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain.

I pray this speaks to your heart in a rich way. 

God Bless