Breaking News | Momentum is rare
So, did you catch the breakdance portion of the Olympics? I mean, who would’ve thought we'd see backflips and windmills on a global stage meant for things like triple axels and pole vaults? Yet, there it was, front and center. And why? Because it was something new, something fresh—something that had everyone saying, "Well, this is definitely NOT how it’s usually done!"
Now, speaking of breaking news—let’s talk about Elijah. This guy was the king of doing things differently, making moves that had people saying, “Whoa, did you see that?” Think about it—1 Kings 18:41-46 is like a highlight reel of back-to-back-to-back breakthroughs. But what’s really going on here? We’re witnessing momentum, and not just any momentum. This is the kind that has the devil frantically tossing distractions our way, hoping we’ll trip up on some random hurdle and lose our focus.
Distractions: The Ultimate Momentum Killers
Ever felt like you were on a roll, then BAM—your phone pings, and suddenly you’re five YouTube videos deep into some random rabbit hole? Yeah, digital distractions are real, and they’re brutal momentum thieves. But here’s where we take a page out of Elijah’s playbook. After his fiery altar showdown, after the win Elijah didn’t just pack it up and call it a day. No, he kept that momentum rolling.
And how did he do it? By staying focused when others would’ve kicked back and relaxed. Instead of joining the post-show feast with King Ahab, Elijah went straight into fasting and prayer, showing that his power source was not on the menu. Elijah was all about breaking norms—whether it was hearing abundance in the middle of a drought or preparing for rain when there wasn’t a cloud in sight.
Breaking Moves: Faith in Action
Elijah wasn’t just sitting around waiting for God to drop blessings out of the sky. He moved. Relentlessly. Seven times he sent his servant to check for rain. Seven times, he prepped his inner world for what was coming, even when the skies were clear. That’s momentum—constant, consistent motion in the same direction, building up energy that just can’t be stopped.
And when that rain finally came? Elijah didn’t just stroll to the finish line; he ran with everything he had, outrunning even the king’s chariot. Talk about breaking records! This wasn’t just a physical sprint—it was a spiritual sprint. When you’re running with what you’ve heard in the spirit, God can get you places quicker than any shortcut the world can offer.
The Big Takeaway
God is paying attention when you break away from what traditionally causes people to stop. When you keep pushing, when you keep that momentum going, you're stepping into the next dimension of victory that God has spoken to your spirit. You’re not just moving; you’re breaking through.
So, what’s holding you back? Where is the momentum in your life that’s just waiting to be unleashed? Remember, God’s got the fast track ready for you—just keep running in His direction, and you’ll be breaking records before you know it.
Reflective Questions:
1. What distractions are stealing your momentum, and how can you break away from them to keep moving forward?
2. How can you apply Elijah’s relentless faith and preparation to your current challenges or goals?
Cry baby
Crying is a natural response to emotions such as sadness, grief, or stress, and did you know there are a number of potential health benefits associated with it. Some of these benefits include:
"Tears are like a workout for your emotions - they help release all that pent-up tension and leave you feeling refreshed and relaxed"
"Crying is like a mental spa day - it helps you unwind, de-stress and leave you feeling like a new person"
"Crying is like hitting the reset button on your mood - it might not solve your problems but it will give you a fresh perspective and a better mood"
"Crying is like a hug for your soul, it makes you feel comforted and understood"
"Tears are like magic potion, they have the power to turn your frown upside down"
It is worth noting that crying is a personal and unique experience, and different people may feel different effects. Crying can be helpful to your heart, but it's also important to find a healthy balance, and address the underlying issues that are causing the distress.
All in all, Crying is not a sign of weakness, it's a sign that you're human and you're feeling something. When is the last time you had a big “boo hoo” session?
Are you attractive?
Attractiveness is a subjective and complex trait, and what people find attractive can vary greatly from person to person. However, there are some characteristics that are commonly considered to make people appear more attractive, such as:
Confidence: Confidence can be attractive because it suggests that a person is comfortable in their own skin and has self-assurance.
Positive Attitude: A positive attitude and having a good sense of humor is often seen as attractive because it makes people feel good to be around that person.
Kindness: Kindness and empathy are considered attractive because they suggest that a person is caring and considerate of others.
Physical Symmetry: People with facial features that are symmetrical and balanced are generally considered more attractive.
Self-grooming: People who take care of their appearance, dress well and well-groomed are often seen as more attractive.
Intelligence: People who are intelligent and knowledgeable about various topics are often considered more attractive because they can hold interesting conversations, and have many things to share.
It's worth noting that attractiveness is multifaceted, and it's a combination of many aspects. It is not just about physical appearance but also about inner qualities. People often find different traits attractive in different people. Also, people’s perception of attractiveness can be influenced by cultural, societal and personal bias, which change over time.
Ultimately, beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, and what one finds attractive, another might not.
Writing a book step by step
Writing and self-publishing a book can be a rewarding and daunting experience. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
Choose a topic: Start by deciding on a topic that you are passionate about and that you feel you have sufficient knowledge and expertise to write about. Consider what kind of book you want to write, such as a novel, a non-fiction guide, or a memoir.
Develop a writing schedule: Set aside time each day or week to work on your book. Determine how much time you can realistically commit to writing, and try to stick to a consistent schedule.
Create an outline: Outlining your book can help you stay organized and focused as you write. Start by brainstorming a list of key points or chapters that you want to include in your book. Then, organize these points into a logical structure, using subheadings and bullet points to break up the content.
Write your book: Begin writing your book, starting with the introduction and moving through each chapter or section in order. Keep your outline nearby as a reference and try to stay focused on one topic at a time.
Edit and revise your work: Once you have finished writing your book, it's important to take the time to edit and revise your work. Read through your book carefully, looking for any mistakes or areas that need improvement. Consider hiring a professional editor or enlisting the help of friends or colleagues to review your work.
Choose a self-publishing platform: There are several options for self-publishing your book, including Amazon's Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) platform, IngramSpark, and Lulu. Each platform has its own pros and cons, so take the time to research and compare your options before deciding which one is right for you.
Prepare your book for publication: Once you have chosen a self-publishing platform, you will need to format and upload your book. This may involve converting your document into a specific file format, creating a cover design, and entering your book's metadata (such as the title and author name).
Publish and promote your book: Once your book is live on the self-publishing platform, it's time to start promoting it to your audience. Consider creating a website or social media presence to share information about your book and interact with readers. You may also want to consider reaching out to book reviewers, bloggers, and other influencers to help spread the word about your book.
Writing and self-publishing a book can be a time-consuming process, but with dedication and hard work, it is possible to produce a high-quality book that will reach and engage your audience.
Buyers Guide to Marriage
There’s a pretty standard list of things that someone getting married should consider before they give a heart-felt “I do”. If you get clear on them, then so many other things will fall into place. When we’re blind to the facts and base our relationship potential on whether they smell good, look good, or have good manners, we can set ourselves up for buyer’s remorse in the future. The thing with marriage is that it doesn’t come with a receipt and it wasn’t designed by God to be returned like a shopping item. Here are some things to consider before you buy into whether your partner is marriage ready:
Do you share the same values in faith, family, finances, and conflict resolution? When you’re both on the same page, you will have harmony in your marriage. Having some candid conversations about these areas will eliminate the shock that comes later on when you find out what the other really believes about these things.
Do you share a complementary vision for the future? Knowing where each other’s ambitions lie influences the strategy you take and sacrifices you make to ensure you both get to where you’re going together.
Do you both know how to engage in healthy processes to get better? Another surprise can be eliminated by discovering whether the other person has a record of doing things right when they don’t agree with something or someone. Nothing is more exhausting than being with an emotional infant.
Are there strong, healthy support systems in your life that have been battle-tested and proven for getting to the other side of things? Learning this is a way of finding out if this person has friends that keep them accountable. A bonus would be if they happen to be a strong source of support for their friends when they are in need.
Has all the baggage of the past been unpacked so that there are no surprises? Trust me—everyone has baggage. What you want to know is if they still are carrying that baggage around. If they are, you will know pretty soon into the marriage and wonder to yourself, “is this the person I married?”. If they’ve received wise counseling or have personally worked through a healing process with the Lord that includes forgiveness, you’ll know they are ready for Matrimony.
That wasn’t so difficult, was it? The work that goes into making things work will not be as challenging if you do it in the beginning. If you follow this buyer’s guide, you’ll never have buyer’s remorse in your marriage.