Arlinda Christine Ministries

 

There Is Hope

  

 It's kinda hard to believe that October is gone and the newness of November awaits us tomorrow. I think that the past 7 or 8 months have been super hard for me this year. Several large appliances failed, I almost fell deep into depression and some of my fitness goals just went down the drain. It's hard to think  clearly when it ninety plus degrees in your home for weeks. 

    Even in the darkest moments I somehow manage to keep the faith and believe that if God brought me through adversity before, He'll do it again. Coming out of the rough moments this time I noticed something different. I noticed the scars, the damage that stress will do to you when the world weighs heavy on you. I realize now when I eat the most, sleep the most and checkout the most. 

    So, while I came out with no tangible losses, I came out sore for the pain I inflicted on myself. Not physical pain. Emotional pain. That hurts too. Pain of lost time and lost opportunities because with stress I sleep time away. Pain from not staying on my weightloss journey and having to get back on the journey of being consistent. What has been magnified the most, me seeing how I see and value myself when I can't deal with the stress. I love my myself. I need to love myself more.

    Maybe, I've never noticed it before, I clearly see it now. Sometimes, I'm simply not good to myself. Even if I accomplish great tasks, I'm hard on myself when things don't go the way I believe they should. However, there is hope. Hope that this time, I truly see myself and the beauty of all that God allows to flow in and out of my life  Hope that when the next thing comes along that I can't handle, I won't sabotage myself. I'll protect the investment. 

    October saw me come out of a dark space and into some incredible opportunities. It was definitely exceeding and abundantly above all that I could ask for. There is hope and maybe the darkness was needed for me to see bad habits that I had ignored before. For that I'm thankful. 

    My hope is built on nothing less......... 

    

World Stroke Day

Today is World Stroke Day. I'm grateful for so many things. 

I'm grateful for the fast thinking of two amazing women.

I'm grateful for knowing myself well enough to know that I was in a crisis. 

I'm grateful for an amazing medical staff that took excellent care of me. 

I'm grateful for an amazing village. 

  

After the diagnosis it was a lot of therapy, a lot of medication, a lot of naps and a lot of prayer. 

I'd encourage you to:

❤️ Know your numbers.

❤️ Get your annual physicals.

❤️ Listen to your body when things seem different than normal.

❤️ Stress less.

❤️ Practice self-care.

I Go Red!!!!!

 

I Go Red!!!! #nationalwearredday2021

I have participated with #GoRedForWomen faith based initiatives for several years. I loved being a part of #havefaithinheart and #empoweredtoserve It was something about getting information out to the community about stroke and heart disease that I absolutely love.

On November 5, 2018 all of the information that I shared, with others, I now needed for myself. After my first day on a new job, I was rushed to @thechristhospital and it was determined that I had suffered a stroke. It’s been a journey for my family, my friends and myself. Fortunately, the quick response by a school secretary and a school nurse got me the help that I desperately needed.

After leaving the hospital, I was in speech therapy for months and I eventually entered counseling to deal with the depression and anxiety of everything that was going on in my life.

I Go Red for myself, my family, my friends and to inspire others with my story of resilience.

My prayer is that my life experiences are a blessing to others. Remember, we are blessed to be a blessing.

I encourage you to

Know your numbers.
Choose to move.
Stress less
Eat well.
Be well.

You can’t help others heal if you are not well.

Wellness Webinar.2 | Practice Gratitude

Wellness Webinar.1 ~ My 50 Pound Weight Loss Journey

Self-Care Saturdays ~ Get Still

This morning I thought about how my mom would always tell us to get still when we were little. We were busy little people. I can only imagine that my mom wanted us still so that she could have a moment of peace. 

Often we want people to get still. What happens when we get still ourselves?

Here lately my mind has been racing with all of the things going on in my life, in our country and ideas that I need to get out on paper. One evening I went for a walk and I came back and sat on my porch. As I sat there I thought maybe I should get my laptop or maybe I should finish the book that I'm reading and God said, "Just sit still. Do nothing." I looked out from my porch and I saw the trees swaying in the wind, the beauty of the sun going down and children riding their bikes up and down the street. 

I sat still and realized that more often I need to say to myself, "Get still. Do nothing." Even if for a moment.

As you go about your day, take moments to be still, to calm your mind.  Listen to what God wants to tell you, listen to the wind blowing, listen to the laughter of those that you love and in that moment, just be. 

Be well. Be blessed. Be encouraged. All things are working together for your good. 

PopUp Prayer Psalm 138v8

PopUp Prayer ~ Praying Through The Pandemic ~ Romans 8:28

Fat Flush Water ~ Be Well

Today I cut up some fresh fruit and added water and used that as my beverage for today. I think I'm currently finishing my 5th or 6th bottle of water. 

My trainer calls this fat flush water. It consists of 1/2 slice of grapefruit, a slice of orange, a slice of lemon, a slice of lime, two sprigs of mint and a couple of slices of cucumber.

My son wanted to try it too. His water simple has oranges and mint. 

Enjoy!!!!

Be Well & Stay Home!!!

Damn It Spencer ~ Excerpt From Infused

Damn It, Spencer

“Auntie, I believe that your self-esteem is low and that your self-confidence is shot. I’ve never seen you like this over a man. Do you hear what he says to you? Do you read the texts? He told you to die in your sleep, and that you were dumb and stupid. Come on, now. What do you see in him? He needs to leave you alone. Tell him to go.”

Lindar couldn’t take anymore of Spencer’s bantering.

“Okay! Okay! Spencer, I hear you!”

“No, I don’t think you do. I believe Cajun has a hold on you. Ain’t he from Louisiana? Have you seen Eve’s Bayou? Maybe we should watch that …. and that other movie.”

Lindar prayed silently, Lord, give me the strength to not cuss my niece out! She is working on my negative nerves. I know she means well, but goodness gracious! Does she ever stop?

“Do your hear me, Lindar? The movie about the serpent and…and…and…”

“The rainbow, Spencer! The Serpent and the Rainbow!”

“Okay! We need to watch those movies. Maybe we can figure out why he treats you so bad. But then, we need a movie to see why you allow him to treat you the way he does. We need a Terry McMillan movie for that.”

As if she had come up with the perfect thought, she chimed in, “I know, Lindar! We can watch Disappearing Acts. The one with Sanaa Lathan and somebody.”

Purchase Infused today!!!!

Practice Gratitude

Each day practice gratitude. 

Acknowledge what brings you joy. 

In all things give thanks. 

Even When You Don’t Feel Like It

In Ohio we are going into week 3 of our state's "Stay At Home" initiative. It hits me today that my regular routine of beginning my days have been so off. Early this morning I saw a video by Eric Thomas that talked about getting up and going about your day in the manner that you normally would.

As I sat and watched the video, I realized that I have not even touched my makeup bag in almost three weeks. Like many moms I'm juggling several things all at one time. After watching the video I awoke with a renewed mindset to do those tasks that I'd become accustomed to every morning. I reached for my bag and applied a simple nude eye and some Fenty Gloss Bomb. Can I mention this on a site that discusses ministry? Yep! Nearly all of my saved girlfriends wear makeup, so it's ok.

Though this isn't simply about makeup. This is about continuing to be ourselves and doing those things that we routinely do, even when we don't feel like it. Over the course of the day we are teaching, cooking, praying, watching the news and checking in on love ones. 

Sis, don't forget about yourself. Think about your daily routine. Are you sticking with it? Have you let some things go, while you hold the fort together? Take those moments to take care of you too.

Hope You Had A Fab Friday!!!!!

In All Things Give Thanks

It's a Thankful Thursday!!! What are you thankful for today? Even in trying times and difficult circumstances it's so important to find something to be grateful for. It helps you to see the good and not focus on all of the negative things.

Just take a moment and jot down three things, or more, that you're grateful for. Make this a daily habit. I love looking back through my gratitude journal and seeing all of the things that I have been grateful for over the past days, weeks, and months. 

Remember, in all things give thanks. 

  

Werk It!!!

In my bedroom I have the cutest pink and purple weights. It is a set of 3lbs and 5lbs and they have gone unused for years. At least until last week. Last week, I signed up for a 6-week online fitness course with Denise Bryers. I have admired Denise's ability to assist people on their journey to becoming more fit via social media. I saw the videos of her Boot Camps and the many testimonials and was always so excited for her growing business. 

When she offered the online class, I knew this was an opportunity for me to experience her as a trainer and to get some work in. I haven't worked out with anyone in well over a year and I was kinda elated and I'm an introvert, so this really works for me. 

In the beginning, I got off to a slow start. After a class or two I was exhausted and though I wasn't going to give up, I wasn't excited about how tired I was either. Recently after a workout she told us that since we couldn't leave our homes this was a time for us to work out twice a day, focus on our meals and focus on ourselves. She also told us, "You signed up for this!" "You signed for two workouts a day Monday thru Thursday and one on Saturday." I felt that energy coming through my screen. I translated it as, "Sis, you paid your money to commit to this. It's time to see it through."

That message sat with me and on this morning, for the first time ever in my life I was up for a 7:15 a.m. workout and I was ready at 6:15 p.m. for the next one. Look at God!!! Am I sore? Yes. Am I exhausted? Yes. Will I be up at 7:00 in the morning? Yes, I have work to do. 

And those cute weights are no longer neatly placed under by bed. They are strategically placed in my workout area. 

For more information about Denise Bryers visit herFacebook Page.

Denise Bryers

Take Charge ~ Do What You Were Born To Do

This time that we have right now will really have you reflecting on some stuff. Am I operating in the purpose that I was brought to the earth for? Am I using my gifts? Am I doing all that I can for the people that I love and my community. 

Am I pouring into others or allowing my bucket to be full just for myself? As a matter of fact How Full Is Your Bucket? is an excellent book to read in the next week or two.  The flip side is that if you don't have others pouring into your bucket then your bucket is empty and you are depleted. You can't pour from an empty bucket. There's nothing there. 

There are several things that we can do while we are at home.

1. Clear the clutter. ~ We can't think clearly with a whole bunch of stuff that we are trying to hold on to. Trust me, I know. I spent the evening in my closet. Honestly, I don't need to shop for a long time for anything and I really don't need another black piece of clothing.
2. Make that vision board that you didn't make in January or February.  ~ We have time to do it. If you made one, is it hanging up so that you see everyday? Your vision is only as good as you can see it. If it's hidden you can't see it. Do you know where you're going to. Do you like the things that life is showing you?
3. Journal - Reflect on your childhood and answer these questions, "What did I want to be when I was little?" "Did that manifest?" "Why not?" "Now what?" "Am I doing what I was born to do?"

Use this time to do some self work. Someone is waiting for your gift. Do what you were born to do. Your dream is out there. Go get it. 

Mindful Monday

I pray that your day has been peaceful.
I pray that all of your needs are met.
I pray that your family is doing well.

Don't forget that

Even in the midst of uncertainty, God is in control.
Even in the midst of crisis, He's right here.

If you need to, take moments to pause, to breathe and to feel this moment.
If tears began to fall
Just let them

In this moment
Be your truest
Most authentic self

Inhale
Exhale

We are going to get through this
When it's over,
We'll be different
We'll be better

We will be

More loving
More giving
More compassionate

You're not in this alone.
We are in this together.

Self-Care Saturdays

How are you? How was your day? 

Today, self-care for me was reclining in a chair and reading a book. It was a peaceful moment in which I was kind to myself. Yes, you can be kind to yourself and you should be kind to yourself. This is a difficult time for us and it is also a gift to simply sit with yourself, to rest and to reset.

Whether it's a good book or a fashion magazine, grab a blanket, turn on the fireplace, if you have one, grab a cup of tea or hot chocolate and curl up and just be good to you. 

Self-care takes work & you are worth working for.  

FAB Fridays ~ Faith & Belief

Check Out My Latest Blog "FAB Fridays"

But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Hebrew 11:6 KJV

Thankful Thursdays

It’s a #thankfulthursday❤️ What are you thankful for today? 

Normally I write out 3 things I’m thankful for every day but here lately I can think of way more. God, I thank you for my family. I thank you for my older son who is the bomb dot com and has taken on leadership roles in our family with grace. I thank you for my younger son who is each day flourishing in his “new normal” of online learning and understanding that order brings about peace as we all try to “figure it out”. 

God, I thank you for the comforting sounds of trains and beautiful spaces to just be. I promise you I have so much more to thank God for. He’ll bring about calm in chaos. #thatsawordrightthere

I encourage you to look for the good in these times. 

Time is filled with swift transition,
Naught of earth unmoved can stand,
Build your hopes on things eternal,
Hold to God’s unchanging hand.

Originally posted at Arlinda Christine Ministries