Long encouraging post alert! 📢
Everything that is going on in the world is very challenging and scary. We however can make a difference by loving others and focusing on the positive things in life. Being optimistic and open to making changes for our good and others. The things we do and say on a daily basis matters.

Parents it is our responsibility to help shape, mold, train, and ease our children’s minds. What we focus on, talk about, or put our hope in is important. There are solutions to the many problems we face. I tell my kids every day I love them. We as a family have a motto. Be faithful, grateful, loving, and humble. We say thing’s we are grateful for everyday. We try to focus on speaking life by encouraging one another and others. We pray often for the best and prepare for the worst.

Who you listen to and surround yourself with is important. Find people in your life that will lift you up! Take life day by day and enjoy your time together with friends and family. Make memories. Forgive often! Serve someone with your unique gifts and talents. When we focus on these things it gets a little bit better.

I am writing this to encourage you and also as a reminder for myself. I fail at this sometimes. I will always be growing. I put postive quotes and scriptures all around our home to keep this mindset. I pray a lot! I got peace like a river. I got peace like a river. I got peace like a river in my soul! 🎶 I also fuel my mind and soul with worship music.

I have to say my only trust is in God. I know he is working all things out for good for those who are called according to his purpose. He has a plan and I trust it. Having a relationship with Jesus Christ is the most important thing in life. He is my only hope. He is peace and joy. He comforts me and guides me. He helps me see and love people the way he does.

He transforms hearts and minds. There is much deception and evil in this world but he is in control. How do you have a relationship? First accept him as you Lord and savior if you have not already done so. Repenting that you are a sinner. That you fall short of the glory of God. Trust him and follow him.
because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.”
Romans 10:9‭-‬11 ESV

If you feel convicted of the presence of sin in your life and have the desire to form or renew a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. You can be saved and enter into a relationship with Jesus.

If your a believer I encourage you to spend time with God daily. Get in community with other believers. Get connected to a local Bible teaching church. Find a mentor and an accountability partner. Praying about everything and reading your Bible should be a top priority. How can we be like Jesus if we don’t know what he has done? When reading your Bible look for what it teaches you about God instead of what it teaches you about yourself! The Bible is living and active. It is amazing. I suggest reading it from cover to cover. Read it in context! Get in a bible study with others. The bible is our final authority on all matters of our life.

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
Hebrews 4:12 ESV

Jesus will come back someday. I honestly would not doubt it being soon. No one knows the hour. We must be ready. The evil in this world will be punished! God hates the things that threaten what he loves.
He will wipe every tear. This life is only temporary. Hang in there my fellow believers because it will be a glorious day when he does. We can rest in him by trusting him above anything else. Wait on the Lord with patience and humility. Don’t lean on your own understanding. Everything else is sinking sand. Every knee will bow and every tounge confess that Jesus Christ is Lord! I can’t stress enough that Jesus is the way the truth and the life. If having a relationship with Jesus interests you or you feel a tug on your heart I would love to talk with you. I would love to pray with and for you!

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33 ESV

Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome. For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.
1 John 5:1‭-‬4 ESV

May peace, joy, and love be in your hearts and home. Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus! He is working all things out for good!

My confidence is in him alone. He works all things for his glory and for a purpose. We will have trials and tribulations in this life. It’s not about self help but in Christ alone. 

Our best life for a believer in Jesus Christ is NOT NOW it is in heaven! The world is not our home. We are citizens of heaven. The best thing here on earth is having a intimate relationship with him and guidance of his holy spirit. If you are a believer you will have trials and tribulations. It’s called spiritual warfare.

 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12 ESVhttps://bible.com/bible/59/eph.6.12.ESV

Death is the ultimate healing for the believer. We have this wonderful promise to look forward to when we reach our final destination at home with God in heaven:He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” And he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment.Revelation 21:4‭-‬6 ESVhttps://bible.com/bible/59/rev.21.4-6.ESV

We just need to pray, fight the good fight, and surrender all thing’s to GOD.

God is so GOOD! Not ME but GOD! When I am weak he is strong. He gave me everything. Every opportunity!Every talent! Every lesson! He is a father of love, comfort, forgiveness, and goodness.

I use to love to sing when I was a young woman. I also knew of God I didn’t know him personally. I became angry and rebellious towards God and my parents right before highschool. I had decided to quit singing, acting, and playing instuments because I was mad. I had prayed to go to this school that was focused on creative arts. My family couldn’t afford it with four children. My family was going through a lot then too. I didn’t understand it then. I totally do now. I quit focusing on anything to do with my faith and God. I would say God I am having fun right now. I will come back someday. I focused on my self and control. I ran to things for what I thought would bring me love and comfort. I used drugs, alcohol, success, and men. It wasn’t cool or the solution in my mind to follow Jesus! Well, I am here to tell you it was all a lie! You can start over no matter what your past is! Let go and let GOD! 

God was always there and never pressured me to come back to him. This is the first time in my life that I am in a deep relationship with him. I spend time with him everyday by praying, reading his word, worship, and resting in silence. I start my day with it! When I’m sad or overwhelmed I run to him. When I am happy I praise him. He is my #1everything!

It is a BIG difference and changes you from the inside out. God put the desire in my heart about 4 years ago to lead worship. I wanted to but didn’t really believe it would ever happen. I didn’t think I had a good enough voice. I wasn’t a good enough Christian. I didn’t have any experience or enough time. I wasn’t perfect enough. I will fail. Lies Lies Lies! The enemy likes to kill and destroy. 

This last Sunday was the first time I had the opportunity to lead a song. I sang King Of My Heart. That song points to so many thing’s in my life. I was so nervous and scared. I didn’t think I could do it when I was told I was leading a song. True example of Gods power not mine. When I am weak he is strong. I asked him if it was his will I would remember my lines and lead well. I asked him to download in my brain what he wanted me to do. He gave me the opportunity. I wanted to make him proud. I prayed my focus was to glorify him not me. It was one of the most beautiful experiences of my life. I am so honored to be apart of Real Church and helping lead worship. 

I LOVE LOVE LOVE leading worship. It is what I was created for. I love singing and praising God! I love to encourage others to live their life focused on a relationship with Jesus Christ! I want Jesus everyday all day. I want people inspired to live for Jesus and to look forward to spending eternity in heaven. Faith Inspired by grace!
It brings me pure comfort, joy, and happiness. I am working on letting go and trusting God for what he wants me to do and be. It is so refreshing. He is giving me a new life and it’s exciting! Thank you Jesus!

His will is to protect you, grow your faith, and bless you. He created you for a purpose and has a perfect plan for you. The desires in your heart, the fire in your veins, are for a reason. Seek him and he will direct you. He is a father of love and goodness. He loves you. HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN. HE IS GOOD!

No matter what your past is or where you are in your life right now, God never rejects his people. Give it all to God. Repent and ask for His forgiveness. Always Remember “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). Never give up, believe in the truth. Your true identity is in Christ. Your past doesn’t define you. It doesn’t matter where you start, you just have to have faith and start somewhere. 

My advice is stand out, live boldly, and be YOU! Don’t judge others, serve others. Take it day by day and make simple changes every day. It’s ok to take baby steps. Be patient and don’t let your emotions get the best of you. Spend time with God daily. He loves when you talk to him and sing praises to him. Get a journal  and write down your prayers, take it seriously. I also suggest you create a vision board. I have one in my room and one in my office. I also put motivational quotes, scriptures, and goals all over my house. It’s amazing, what you find really does come true. Spend time relaxing, eat healthy, exercise, and laugh. It’s ok to make mistakes, just learn from them. “If you really want to do something you will find a way, otherwise you will make an excuse.” (Jim Rohn). 

Surround yourself with people who will encourage and uplift you and don’t be afraid to let go of the toxic relationships in your life. You deserve to be happy and you are worthy. Also, make sure to pay it forward and be grateful. A thankful and trusting heart has no room for complaining. Don’t overlook the blessings or lessons. God’s grace inspired me to forgive and let go.

It’s a rollercoaster fun ride this life but someday Jesus is coming back. Would you be proud with what you are if he came back today?

One of the best days of my life today! It has always been a dream to lead in worship at my church as an adult! I forgot how much I use to enjoy singing at school and church as a little girl. My mom always said I would again. She basically told the worship pastor at Real Church   I was trying out. After today I can’t believe I ever quit singing. It just felt like I was created to lead worship. I loved every minute of it. The experience was so amazing and I will never forget this day. 

While I was singing I felt tingling all over my body and a cool rush ran down to my feet. I felt complete peace and love. I kept hearing pray over the congregation, ask for their hearts to be softened, and chains to be broken. There will be no more bondage! I literally heard chains drop and could feel Gods presence! I then heard chains clinging and falling to the ground. 

The bondage of souls were set free today! People were set free of addiction, fear, guilt, anxiety, and insecurity.

Tears rolled down my check and I was in awe. He truly is freedom. The experience of my life feeling and hearing God overcome to save his precious children. I can’t wait to be on stage again. God is so cool.

No matter where you are or what you have done God loves you! He wants you to know him intimately. He can and will break chains! All you need to do is take the first step and trust him! Accept him as your Lord and Savior! We can’t earn salvation; we are saved by God’s grace! When we have faith in His Son, Jesus Christ. All you have to do is believe you are a sinner, that Christ died for your sins, and ask His forgiveness. Then turn from your sins—that’s called repentance. Jesus Christ knows you and loves you. What matters to Him is the attitude of your heart, your honesty. I suggest praying the following prayer to accept Christ as your Savior:

“Dear God,

I know I’m a sinner, and I ask for your forgiveness.

I believe Jesus Christ is Your Son. I believe that He died

for my sin and that you raised Him to life.

I want to trust Him as my Savior and follow Him as Lord,

from this day forward. Guide my life and help me to do your will.

I pray this in the name of Jesus. Amen.”

God is good all the time! Jesse and I had moved to Florida before we had our first baby because we wanted to focus on our marriage, our family, and thought if we didn’t move we never would. It was very hard leaving everyone and everything. I personally had a ton of responsibility as a Regional Manger in my LegalShield business, owning and operating a part time salon business,  running a faith based networking group, and serving at my local church Faith Community. It was very hard leaving our friends and family but we felt God wanted us to move and for me to slow down.

This journey moving to florida and becoming a family of four has challenged and stretched us in so many ways. In my opinion becoming a mommy is way harder than anything I have ever done. I am a different person. 

In the last two years God has really been working on my heart. I have always yearned for success and worth. I had way too much going on that I couldn’t focus on the most important relationship in my life. My relationship with Jesus Christ! My second most important relationship with my husband and family. 

I was way too focused on building my business and empire not God’s empire. I wasn’t focused on who and what God wants me to be. I was chasing worldly success not godliness. 

I finally decided to surrender to what God wants for my life instead of trying so hard to be and do. The kids helped me focus and slow down too. Being a stay at home mom is really hard for me. I’m actually cooking. Lol! I am learning to submit to my husband and it not be a bad thing in my mind. 

God wants me to humble myself and focus on being a wife and mother before anything else. I sometimes feel like a failure but then have to remember that it’s not what God says about me that is the enemy. I have struggled with depression and feeling worthless for a long time. I know I do too much and a jack of all trades. I even have asked  God why he made me the way he did. I know I am overwhelming at times but don’t want to be. Why can’t I be really good at one thing. 

A few months ago I fell off performance club in my Legalshield business. This was really hard for me to accept. I had been working really hard on my business with what little time I had and it just wasnt working for me. I felt overwhelmed and confused. I felt unfulfilled and lost. I was sad I really didnt have many friends. I felt lonely being a stay at home mom. I felt like a failure because I wasn’t really bringing in much income for our family. I was having second thoughts about our  decisions on moving to Florida. What am I suppose to do God? Should I get a job at a salon? Should I just stay home and keep working on my new ideas? What do you want me to do? I had been really down and not sure what to do. 
I have been really resting in Christ any time I have. I am praying and reading his word morning, afternoon, and night. I have taken two months off from any working.

I am asking the Lord to change me into what and who he wants me to be. To give us friends, open doors, and opportunities. Real Church and our church family came into our life at the perfect time. It came into our life when we were feeling lonely and lost. Truly an answer to our prayers. 

The first time we visited because my mom wanted us to go we felt so loved. Everyone was so kind and caring. I got truthbumps from the worship team Paige Collins and Justin Collins.

We enjoyed all the people and had an instant connection with the pastor David John Philips and his wife Courtney Philips. Our daughter even looks like they could be their daughter. We since then are serving wherever they need us and are willing to do whatever.

We finally feel we belong somewhere. We love everything about Real Church. We are so thankful to be apart of starting a church and to be apart of the worship team. This has been something I have always wanted to do. 

God always has a plan. His timing is perfect. He knows what is best for you always. We are excited to learn and grow. We are excited to see what God has in store for Real Church and Clearwater. We are excited to see where God takes us as a family. 
Thank you mom Annie Paredes for telling us we needed to go and for making me try out for the worship team.  I am super excited to be singing again. Thank you God for blessing us with an amazing church family. Thank you for helping me realize what is the most important assignment or job. To build a relationship with you and build your kingdom. 

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.1 peter 5: 6-7

God has created you for a specific purpose. We each have a specific set of gifts, talents, abilities, passions, experiences, circumstances, and opportunities to be used for His glory. When you become a believer and surrender completely to God’s will for your life, God begins to use you for his purpose! When you focus on having a relationship with Jesus Christ you then begin to understand the specifics of your purpose and begin to sense God using you. You will experience a sense of fulfillment and purpose. Thank you Heavenly Father!  No one else can do exactly what you were designed to do in the way that God equipped you to do it! 😁
Isn’t that just awesome! Whatever your individual assignment is remember that God is the one who equips you and will bring about all the results he desires. Just focus on following him and he will accomplish the tasks through you. We are all called to Ministry and service it’s just we all have a unique assignment. If it’s God’s will it will be.
The ministry of Jesus Christ is to reconcile sinners to God, and the ministry of all believers is to act as ambassadors for Christ, pointing others to Christ, serving other’s, and spreading the message of salvation.
If the call is the same for all believers and the ministry is the same for all believers, what sets one believer apart from the next? The assignment!

What assignment has God called you to do?

Manners and etiquette seem to obsolete now a days. As parents let’s start being intentional about bringing manners and etiquette back into our society. I believe these are a few non-negotiables that we should STILL be modeling and teaching our kids.

Look someone in the eye when you are talking to them . . . even if you are shy.

Be responsible and “own” your piece of the pie. Don’t blame others for your mistakes. 

Take ownership of what you did wrong.

You as a child are not entitled to anything. 

You must work hard and earn your spot on the team, in the classroom, or with your friends.

Make sure what you wear is appropriate. Don’t show the world everything you got! (Especially not on social media!)

Do a job, ANY job 100 percent. No job is too small.

When two adults are talking, don’t barge in and ask for something. Wait until there is a pause in the conversation and then say, “excuse me.”

When you are at dinner with family or friends, put down the technology and prioritize the relationship in front of you.

Say please, thank you, excuse me, and I’m sorry.

Family is a team. We all help around the house.

Do unto others as you would want done to you.

Respect your elders. 

There are lessons and consequences in every decision you make.

Tell the truth. 

Don’t talk with your mouth full.

Sharing is caring. 

Put others needs before yourself. 

I think if we started teaching our children these simple habits, our world as a whole would be a better place.

Building a personal relationship with people is the absolute key to your success in all areas of your life!!! We must cultivate and care for our relationships. Invest in people. Love and respect people.

*I like to say you never know what that one connection can do for you both personally and professionally. It’s either a lesson or a blessing. Be intentional on meeting people and making things happen for them. Schedule time to build relationships on and off line. Build friend’s with every connection. Your networth is your network. Bring value to others.

*People from all parts of your life can and will affect you and your business. Your spouse, family, friends, teammates, customer’s, and prospects they all matter.  Don’t neglect your family and loves ones. Set time just for your loved ones.

*You must cultivate your relationships and also set healthy boundaries.

*Don’t be afraid to eliminate toxic relationships or spend limited time with those individuals. This will hurt you and it isn’t selfish. If you have a relationship that is difficult and they are treating you with disrespect it is ok to take your self out of the situation.

*Don’t let people bring you down. Don’t listen to the naysayers and dream stealers either.

*Be wise with who you spend your time with and how. You buy people’s opinions you buy their lifestyle.

*People are not born with natural abilities to develop and build great relationships with others. These are skills like any other that can be learned and mastered if one recognizes the need and takes the time and effort to develop them. I suggest you read How To Win Friends And Influence People By Dale Carnegie.

*We can all become better relationship builders by clearing our minds, studying, bring awarness, and practicing. I reccomend reading or listening to thing’s on the subject. Develop yourself! It’s ok if we need practice.

*Be someone that people want to be around. Be approachable and friendly. Give sincere compliments. Inspire people to believe in themsleves and their dreams.

*The way you carry yourself and dress matters. Dress appropriately for the occasion or function. Always dress to impress. Try to stand out in a positive way.  Your brand online should be comsistent with who you are in real life.

*Be interesting and have fun. Be YOU! Let people know what is important to you. Take care of yourself. Live a life other’s want to follow. Be grateful, happy, and positive.

*Don’t gossip and forgive. Be honest and communicate. Solve problems don’t make them.

*Welcome diversity – This is the foundation of every good relationship. When you trust someone, you form a powerful bond that helps you communicate more effectively. If you trust, you can be open and honest in your thoughts and actions, and you don’t have to waste time and energy “watching your back.”

*Mutual Respect – When you respect people, you value their input and ideas, and they value yours. You can develop solutions based on your collective insight, wisdom and creativity.

*Mindfulness – This means taking responsibility for your words and actions. Those who are mindful are careful and attend to what they say, and they don’t let their own negative emotions impact the people around them.

*Open Communication – We communicate all day, whether we’re sending emails and IMs, or meeting face-to-face. The better and more effectively you communicate with those around you, the richer your relationships will be. All good relationships depend on open, honest communication.

*Work on your energy, vibe, and awareness. Meaning working on your self. Who are you attracting? What do you do on a daily basis? Are you making time for you?

Are you aware of who your tribe is and is it aligned with who you are or whom you want to be? Your vibe attracts your tribe. The happier you are the more people we attract.

*Be aware of people. Smile at people, give sincere and genuine compliments.

*Build rapport by asking questions. Listen to the other person. Everyone has the desire to be heard and understood. Share experiences and situations that relate to whom your connecting with. Show empathy and sensitivity to their feelings. Don’t argue or one up. Be open and share when the time is right.

Help people with what they want or need. Be reliable. Genuinely put effort in serving and helping them. Respect people and their time. Show you care. Be empathetic. Put your self in their shoes. Offer help. Do what you say you will. It builds trust. Give away credit. Be a SERVANT Leader. Focus on the goals of whom you serve. Put other’s first. 

LOVE GOD SERVE OTHER’S! Jesus came to serve not be served. Reading the bible daily is one of the best ways to learn how to build relationships. It also strengthens your most important relationship with Jesus Christ.

*Thank people, stay in touch, and send a message to brighten someone’s day. A simple text or phone call can go a long way. It’s important to grow and strengthen your relationships.

*Happy customer’s are the lifeblood of your business. Take care of them. Thank them for their business. Learn about their needs and desires. Happy customer’s or client’s give referrals.

*Match and mirror people. Their tone, their energy, their body language. It helps them trust you and feel comfortable. This very important if your trying to influence or help someone.

* Don’t judge. You never know what is going on in someone’s life.

*Remeber people do business with people they know, like, and trust.

“Become genuinely interested in other people. …Smile. …Remember that a person’s name is, to that person, the sweetest and most important sound in any language. …Be a good listener. …Talk in terms of the other person’s interest. …Make the other person feel important – and do it sincerely.” By Dale Carnegie

Remeber people matter. It takes time and energy to build relationships. I hope these tips were helpful. If you have any questions or want to build a relationship with me dont hesitate to reach out. Thank you

Christina Littlejohn Inspireconnectcollaborate@gmail.com