Category: Daily Inspiration

30 Days of Giving Thanks ~ Day 20: Gift of Writing

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Never imagined being an author… Been writing since grade school, but then it was more so an emotional outlet. Now, I write to share the beauty of God’s grace and love… how deep it reaches (to the lowest of valleys), how wide it stretches. (from the east to the west… immeasurable).
This time two years ago, I was thankful to have finally received my 1st set of the new book, “Out of the Darkness, and Into the LIGHT” (part of the “See Self as God Sees” mini-book series)
Thank You and Continuous Blessings to those who have purchased a copy!! Your support is Always Greatly Appreciated!!!
Do you have a story to share? Not just a story, but a message! Happy to help because I know there are people I can’t reach, but YOU can!!! I’d love to chat with you. Go to http://www.kocyshalashaun.setmore.com
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30 Days of Giving Thanks ~ Day 18: Growth

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What growth are you thankful for?
Thankful for growth emotionally, professionally, and definitely spiritually. Still working on the physical! 😞😖 (I did walk up 12 flights of stairs Friday because the elevators were out and hadn’t clocked in yet… 😫😫, next time I’m just gone be extra late)
Emotionally, have seen growth in not taking things so personal. There are a MILLION and one reasons why people say & do certain things, or feel a certain way and majority of the time it has absolutely nothing to do with lil ol’ me!!!
Professionally, have seen ‘some’ growth in keeping my mouth closed… 😝, and putting into action (not just remembering) to work unto God (Colossians 3:23).
But Spiritually… WOW!!!! How my eyes have opened in this year alone. Increased Faith to take on new ventures and step out of my comfort zone to connect with people who have been an amazing complement to my life directly or indirectly. Increased Faith to FINALLY invest in myself (for real, for real). Not all ventures/investments proved successful and there were some financial losses, but I made an effort, which is more than I can say this time last year. I think the greatest growth thus far, has been in the areas of self-awareness (acknowledging the reason behind certain decisions), and discernment (taking heed to the spiritual tugs that something just ain’t right).
Growth indeed!!! Practice = Progress | Change = Growth.

30 Days of Giving Thanks ~ Day 17: He Kept Me

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So many times I’ve wanted to give up and many times I have, but TGBTG for seeing something in me even when I didn’t see it myself. Not all will understand, yet many will… no amount of degrees, awards, commendations, accomplishments, praise, etc. matter when you lack a true sense of identity!!!
So, today, I’m thankful that God kept me and continues to keep me not just in times I’ve wanted to give up, but in spite of my faithlessness, in spite of being rebellious, in spite of my lack of trust. He kept me and He’s taught me through his continued love, grace, mercy, and provision that we’re ALL worth being kept!!!

30 Days of Giving Thanks ~ Day 16: KLove

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It’s not everyone’s ‘cup of tea’, but it’s been mine well over 10 years now. I absolutely, hands down love my Praise & Worship Music (as if it’s not obvious).
Having grown up on gospel, I was not feeling the first ‘non-denominational/diverse church experience, like 🤨🤨… But years later, a coworker from AOA introduced me to KLove and that was the start of my love for praise/worship music. One of my supervisors introduced me to Mosaic Church and that’s where I fell in love with the praise/worship experience (and yes, I know it’s so much more than words, song, and raised hands). KLove has truly been a Positive & Encouraging source in my life from both the music and the stories shared. To untrained ears it may not sound like something you care to listen to, but the more you listen to the WORDS, you will begin to experience a shift in your spirit.
I share this today because maybe, just maybe this is the shift you’ve been seeking to begin or improve your relationship with Christ, to regain your hope in life, or to simply be reminded of who God is and how great His love is for you.
Check it out at www.klove.com.
I think the first artist I fell in love with was Michael W. Smith… Here’s one that is my absolute favorite (“Agnus Dei”) and had a chance to hear him sing it live in St. Louis at the Joyce Meyers Women’s Conference.

30 Days of Giving Thanks ~ Day 15: His Validation

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Can we serve without celebration? “Don’t let your need to be celebrated cause you to miss what God is trying to do in your life!” It took me a long time to get this. But the job loss was the beginning of a shift I needed to change my mindset, to change my motives, to change my perspective on certain things. It was the shift I needed to see through a different lens. Yes, I still fall short sometimes, but NOW I recognize what’s happening and know how to step back without hesitation.
Check out this video titled “A Cure for Validation Addiction” and read Judges 4 and Colossians 3:23

30 Days of Giving Thanks ~ Day 14: His Set of Footprints

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He whispered, “My precious child, I love you and will never leave you. Never, ever, during your trials and testing’s. When you saw only one set of footprints, It was then that I carried you.” Footprints in the Sand
It took losing my job and three years of unemployment to fully understood what it meant to allow Him to carry me. I say ‘allow’ because it’s not that He wouldn’t have or hadn’t done so before, I just didn’t think I needed to be carried. I was the strong one, the held together one, the one expected to do and be…
I was so used to handling things my way, so caught up in being a perfectionist, so caught up in being people’s go-to person to the point I wore myself out and y’all, it took everything in me to say to God that I could not and did not want to be that person anymore (not the way I was going about it). I was starting to see signs of what could’ve led to a breakdown, and knew I had to let go. I simply wanted a different job, but he knew what was best. Even though I’d rejected his help before, even though I insulted his sovereignty by thinking I knew what was best for me, like the Loving Father he is, for three years (and still now) He showed me what it meant to be carried, what it meant to really cast my cares on Him, what it meant to believe and have faith. For that I’m THANKFUL.
Consider how God has been wanting to carry you. Be thankful by saying ‘Yes’ to His will and His way!!!

30 Days of Giving Thanks ~ Day 13: Life’s Challenges

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Many times our challenges [frustrations] are answers to prayers that we don’t even understand when we submit them, such as “Lord, have your way with me.” “Lord, help me to be more patient, more compassionate, or more sensitive to the needs of others.” or that we’ve forgotten about.
So the next time someone cuts you off in traffic or fails to let you merge, or when you stop by the store after a long day at work and the lines are longer than usual… when someone who’s always had your back, suddenly switches teams or when someone questions your authority… it’s all about ‘perspective’. Not “Why?” But “Lord, what do you need me to see? What are you wanting to show me? What are you teaching me through this situation, this person?
Maybe a challenge is not an answer to a prayer, but simply God looking out for you, having your back, covering you, protecting you.
Yes, for all these reasons and more, I’m thankful for challenges that are really lessons in disguise to build me, not break me. Consider your challenges and the hidden lessons, the hidden blessings!!!

30 Days of Giving Thanks ~ Day 10: The Small Things

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Every so often, I remind myself to submit a prayer of thanks for the things I once took for granted until I was without or witness someone doing something great without what I do have.
So the small things for me may be different for you, but the small/simple things that I remember to thank God for is a roof over my head, food on the table, clothes to wear, a vehicle to drive and financial provision through a job. But then there are other things I find myself being thankful for like a bed to sleep in, hygiene products, hot water, mobility of my limbs, and a sound mind. I am EVEN thankful for YouTube which allows me to create my own playlist of songs, sermons, and motivational affirmations that help me forget about what’s going on around me and/or slip into a place of peace with Abba Father! I’m thankful for those special hugs… you know the kind you used to get from mama/daddy who are no longer here, but there are a few people in your life who have that special touch!!!
What small things are you thankful for?