Monique Q Caradine

On the business side of life, the plans are set and the strategy is in place for 2012.  I’ve learned some big lessons in 2011 and this is going to be a brilliant breakthrough year!

But personal and family life are important as well.

So how do I make that side of life just as great?

Tony & TJ

After spending some time thinking about it, I have decided that instead of making some grandiose resolution (that I’ll probably kick to the curb after 2 days) there are really only a few simple things I need to do consistently EVERYDAY to make this an all around spectacular year:

1.) Read/meditate on the bible and thank God for the Word. (cuz sometimes, I just don’t make it a priority)

2.) Kiss Tony & TJ. Tell them “I luv u.” (cuz sometimes, things get so hectic we forget and life is too short)

3.) Do something physically challenging. (well, u know how THIS is…at the end of the day, that couch be callin…)

4.) Focus on the BIG goals (purpose). Never let fear cause me to make excuses or get sidetracked. (cuz sometimes it’s easier to waste time on Facebook than to truly accept and walk in God’s plan for my life)

5.) Proclaim my total prosperity in every area of life. (cuz it’s important to speak my own healing, abundance, happiness and prosperity.  There’s power in words!)

6.) Laugh. (cuz it just feels good!)

‘Nuff said.

Far too many people live lives of mediocrity. They work average jobs, have average relationships, eat average food…they wear average-looking clothes and if they’re feeling “just okay” on any given day, that’s fine with them. These people usually live in average neighborhoods, their kids go to average schools and if they can get away with doing “just enough” at work to get by, they are content.

If this is an accurate description of your daily existence, I’m here to tell you: this is not the kind of life God designed you for.

You were created to experience absolute, unadulterated, unstoppable joy and abundance in every area of your life.  You were put on this planet to have extraordinary encounters every single day. You are blessed with breath in your body each day, so that you can enjoy the very best of everything.  You are not here to live a life of mediocrity!  You have a purpose and a special annointing and finding it will put you on the path to absolute joy.

Don’t misunderstand me. I am not saying that life will always be a rose garden. There will be days when we’ll feel lonely, sadness, frustration and a range of experiences that try to steal our joy.  We can’t allow ourselves to linger in that place because that is NOT God’s will for our lives. Every trial is an opportunity for us to learn the lessons we need to learn, so that we can gain the wisdom we need, to become the extraordinary people God created us to be.  Without a test, there is no testimony!

I recently read the following article which I found at Creflo Dollar Ministries website. It was so powerful that I wanted to share it with you. This was the word I needed to hear today. I hope it inspires you. Please share!

FROM CREFLO DOLLAR MINISTRIES [DOT] ORG

“For as a man thinketh in his heart, so is he” (Proverbs 23:7). Our thinking sets the course for our lives. If we find we are not living the abundant life Jesus died to give us, we must examine our thought life. In order to prosper God’s way, our thoughts must agree with His Word. The words we are exposed to on a daily basis have a huge impact on our thinking. And the condition of our minds determines the condition of our lives. Therefore, as Believers, we must go through the process of renewing our minds with the Word of God. Then, when we have thoughts that do not line up with God’s Word, we can replace them with Word-based thoughts (2 Corinthians 10:5).

It is the will of God for us to prosper in every way, from our health and finances to our relationships and jobs. Every area of our lives should be an expression of abundant life. However, we prosper to the degree that our souls prosper (3 John 2). The soul is where the mind, will, and emotions reside. The mind is the primary area that Satan attacks because it is the control center of our lives. Satan’s attacks consist of words and images that oppose God’s Word. He wants us to doubt God and fear that His promises will never come to pass. However, we have the power to transform our lives.

Romans 12:2 says, “Be not be conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Transformation comes when we allow God’s Word to change our thinking.

Many Believers wonder why their lives have not changed since they’ve been saved. The problem lies within their thinking. Many of us have nourished mindsets that oppose the Word for years and as a result, our old nature is stronger than our regenerated spirits. In order for change to occur, we must begin to nourish godly thoughts by consistently meditating on the Word.

Keep in mind that change does not occur overnight; it is a process during which we must refuse to become frustrated. When we remain committed to the transformation process, we will begin to see changes takes place. Change is a lifetime endeavor, not a one-time event.

My prayer is that you will continue to conform to the image of Christ by renewing your mind with God’s Word on a daily basis, so that you can truly know His good and perfect will for your life. Scripture References: Proverbs 23:7 2 Corinthians 10:5 3 John 2 Romans 12:2

Written by Pastor Creflo Dollar

Learning to relax and not stress about the pressures of life is hard but we would all benefit from learning how to do it.  Having been away from Chicago for the past 3 weeks, I am learning how to enjoy the moment, appreciate simple pleasures and just have some fun.   This was hard as hell for me!  Especially since I’m an “obsessive multi-tasker, news junkie, work-a-holic, always plugged in type A personality.”  However, over these past few weeks I haven’t watched ANY news (no, I don’t have a clue what’s happening in the world and for once, I’m not ashamed to say it) and have done very little work ( sorry clients I’ll get back to it all soon enough).

Anyway…

Even though I was a little hesitant about leaving my business, my TV show “Perspective” and my barely 3 week old WVON radio show  for almost a month, I took a deep breath and decided that if  God meant for me to have these outlets, they’ll be there when I get back!  I realize more and more each year (especially as I approach the BIG 4-0), that life is not about fame, notoriety, making money or acquiring more stuff.  To be honest, I really don’t give a $h!t about all that.  Instead, its about giving, sharing, embracing your purpose and serving others.

My family and I have spent the last 3 weeks on the beautiful island of Puerto Rico, my mother-in-law’s native home.  Usually our visits  here are filled with lazy days at the pool or beach or just lazing around our villa but this time we decided to be more adventurous.  We went horseback riding, kayaking and we hiked through the el yunque rainforest.  It’s been amazing!  I also found some new friends and really focused on maintaining my workout routine and healthy eating habits.  This was tough because Puerto Rican food (which has heavy African influences) is sooooo good!

Overall, this trip has put life into perspective for me.  I am more committed than ever to loving my family, being the best wife and mom I can be, being an excellent example of good health and well-being and using my God-given gifts to make the world better.

My summer sabbatical is coming to a close now.  I am blessed to be able to take one!  I have a wonderful, visionary husband who makes it possible!  Nevertheless, everyone should take a break — even if only for one day.  Get away from everything.  The world won’t stop if you do!  You deserve it!  When u step back from the crazy routine of life, you can come back more focused, more at peace and better able to live out your purpose!!!

Here’s a short clip of our journey through el Yunque rainforest.  What an awesome experience…almost religious!  Click the play button and see for yourself.  Remember: Life is about love, sharing and beauty…all of which is exemplified here.

I’ve been on a sabbatical for the past few weeks so I’ve been enjoying a lot of rest, meditation and time with friends and family.  Last night was the first time I had a dream that I vividly remember.  This morning as I was enjoying my breakfast protein shake I recalled these details:

I was in what looked like a church or theater with Tony (my hubby) and some friends and we were goofing off and playing around as usual.  Someone either dared me or issued me a challenge to go out to a nearby pond and catch a fish…and so I did!  Now mind you I’ve gone fishing maybe twice in my entire life.  Once in 1983 when I was a girl scout and once with TJ about 2 years ago.

Anyway, in the dream, I wasn’t out there more than 5 minutes before I caught a fish!  From a distance it looked huge!  But as a reeled it in, it was no bigger than about 4 or 5 inches.  In fact, it kinda looked like Nemo.

So I looked up the meaning of catching fish when I woke up this morning and here’s what I found:

Fish

The fish is a very powerful and positive image in many world traditions.

1. To the Babylonians, Phoenicians, and Assyrians, it was honored as a symbol of fertility.

2. In Native American tradition, the fish is a symbol for mystical secrets, for it can swim to the deepest regions of the ocean and explore its hidden knowledge.

3. In British lore, it was believed that eating fish before lovemaking could enable a couple to conceive a child.

4. The early Christians used the fish as the symbol for the Christ Consciousness. It was widely believed that this symbol resulted from the Greek acronym for \”Jesus Christ, Son of God.\” But there is also the fact that the coming of Jesus ushered in the Age of Pisces the Fish, which encapsulates the mysticism, love, and happiness to which all world traditions ascribe to the fish.

5. In Scandinavia, fish was considered an aphrodisiac, and was popularly consumed on Friday, the feast day of Freya, Goddess of Love – and in her honor Friday was a day dedicated to lovemaking.

There are, therefore, many possibilities if you dream of a fish – all good, even if the fish was a greatly feared one like the shark. If there is a possibility of a pregnancy, dreaming of a fish could mean that a child is on the way, and the pregnancy and birth will be uneventful and result in a healthy baby. If the dreamer is in love but is not yet sure about the beloved’s feelings, dreaming of a fish strongly indicates that the feelings are indeed reciprocated. Dreaming of catching fish, either with a pole or with a net, indicates success and prosperity ahead. Seeing fish swimming in a clear pool indicates that a number of secrets about yourself and the world around you are going to suddenly become clearer.

Whoa…that explains a lot…including why we have fish frys on Friday nights!!

I’ve also been reading my bible and meditating and praying a lot lately.  This is exciting!!  I can’t wait to see what’s to come. 

Have you ever dreamed about fish?  Did your dream come true?  Leave your comments here.