What Kind of Relationships Are You Building?

What is Networking?

It is an ongoing pursuit requiring a commitment. A process. It will take time and consistency for you to achieve your networking goals. It is a two- way street. A relationship. You must be willing to help people and organizations more than they help you. It is an opportunity to transform and enhance your life. Yes it is a lot of time but also a lot of fun.

It is great to have a huge database of contacts however it is what you do with those contacts that speaks volumes.

Networking must be apart of your routine and not just an occasional activity.
Networking doesn't mean you should go and start schmoozing a room pushing sales on people at events. It is based on building relationships. It is not something you do "only" when you have extra time. If you are too busy for people than you are over worked or have a selfish view of your own importance.

Personally or professionally relationships take work and commitment.

Networking can benefit every professional and person on every career level  in every industry. It is critical for everyone. It also takes place in your life to prepare you for the future. Even as a student or a young teenager.

Networking is not only there to represent your employee, it is a representation of YOU! You are worth the investment.

Add genuine and unique value to your relationships. Add a personal and authentic touch by LISTENING! It is a priceless strength that will  leave a lasting impression on people. And you will also discover what is important to them. Take mental notes.

My message is; get out of your comfort zone and re-create who you were born to be.

I never understood the importance of networking until recently (3 years) but once I discovered how imperative it was for both my business and personal life.  I truly love meeting new people and discovering new paths and avenues that may enhance my life on all levels. It excites me to discover interesting things about people. Despite whether it becomes a business opportunity, there is always something to learn. You / I don't know "it all" as a matter of fact I don't know much. Learning is a "forever endless journey" and the more we interact with  people the more we grow!

So get out there and network. Build relationships. Don't be shy. Shyness is not of God. It is born out of fear.

Be blessed and hey maybe we will cross paths while networking :-)

What Does The Word Have To Say About "Purpose"

I promised myself and you that I would blog about "purpose" today. I started off thinking I would just write my own interpretation of what it means to me to have purpose but as I began to read my word I researched all the scriptures in the bible that speaks about purpose.

But before I do that I will share just a few words.

When we wonder around day to day aimlessly, it provides no benefit to you, our loved ones or those around us. A lack of purpose leaves you frustrated and with no understanding of what to do with yourself. The you in turn lack direction in everything you do.

If you don't know what your purpose is, now is the best time to spend with yourself - alone reflecting on what that may be. In order to discover your purpose, think and find the things you love to do and what makes you feel fulfilled, content and happy. Find what it is that moves and excites you. Figure out where you can best utilize your gifts. We all have gifts. Each and every single one of us.

Once you figure out your purpose; do the things you do on a day to day basis align with your purpose? Everything you say or do should compliment your purpose. If it doesn't then revisit your plans and to-do lists and make the necessary adjustments to align with your calling. Your purpose.

Your purpose may be to provide a strong educational home schooling program for your children, then follow your hearts desire. Your purpose is not what the "world" may see as purpose. That's because it's not their purpose, it's yours!

Avoid things and people that will distract you from your purpose. Like draining tv shows or reading books that have nothing to do with your purpose when you could utilize that time to read a book that will bring you closer to your destiny. Or sitting on the phone gossiping for hours when you could have been one step closer to your purpose had you not gotten on the phone.

There are things in our way that will block us or blind us, we must determine what or who that is, retire him / her or IT and stay focused. For many of us, God has shown you your purpose a long time ago but there is too much baggage in the way and you keep missing it. Clear your mental and physical space and give life all you got and trust me "life" will pay you back.

God is the Author of purpose. He does not lie. We ALL have a purpose.

Here is Gods word on PURPOSE!

But for this very purpose have I let you live, that I might show you My power, and that My name may be declared throughout all the earth. Exodus 9: 16

I truly love this one too :
Where there is no counsel, purposes are frustrated, but with many counselors they are accomplished. Proverbs 15: 22

Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams]. Ephesians 3: 20

O LORD, You are my God; I will exalt You, I will praise Your name, for You have done wonderful things, even purposes planned of old [and fulfilled] in faithfulness and truth. Isaiah 25: 1

You have proved my heart; You have visited me in the night; You have tried me and find nothing [no evil purpose in me]; I have purposed that my mouth shall not transgress. Psalm 17: 3


Let your eyes look right on [with fixed purpose], and let your gaze be straight before you. Proverbs 4: 25

Look carefully then how you walk! Live purposefully and worthily and accurately, not as the unwise and witless, but as wise (sensible, intelligent people). Ephesians 5: 15

Living your life with purpose renews your passion for life.

Sealed with LOVE

Lizzy

I am Ready To Serve....

I woke up this morning with excitement and joy and although I do this most mornings, today is a very special one. It is the day I get to do what I do best; serve!

The Street Projects Team will be doing our "Spa Day Barbeque" for the homeless and near by residents in the shelters downtown Brampton at Grace United Church. There will be manicures, pedicures, foot and hand massages and best of all hair stylists to pamper our "friends."

Most of us know how amazing it feels to get pampered, however many of "them" don't or it's been years since they have felt good, pretty, loved or worthy! So I have made an effort along with my K.h.e.m brothers and sisters to make this a very special day.

Our youth from the ministry will be serving fresh lemonade and the men will be barbecuing!

Friends, the world around us will not get better if we don't try and make a small difference. Be the change you want to see around you. It starts with one person and yes ONE person CAN make a difference. A huge difference. It always starts with one and then grows to two and then three and the next thing you know you have a community on your team and then a city!

There are so many things you can do. Mentor a women or a youth at risk. Volunteer for a non for profit organization. Start a readers club for the youth on the streets. Serve breakfast to the youth and adults living in the projects. Go and visit a near by community center and facilitate workshops on self-love or self- esteem...fulfilling your destiny. The ideas are endless.

Go that extra mile. The world needs YOU!
If you need some advice or don't know how to bring that idea you have to life, email me and I will do my best to help with some direction elizabeth@devainyou.com

Stay tuned for the Spa Day video and photos.

Sealed with Love

Elizabeth Correia

My Worst Moments Were / Are Preparing Me for My BEST!

I am sitting at my computer set next to a large window in my room and just thanking God for my life. For all that He has brought me through and that He is doing in me.

After spending some time (recently) reading the pages in the hard copy of my memoir, I realized wow! Yes I definitely went through some things. But all along I knew there was a purpose in it all and that I would come out victorious. Did I know when or the timing? No. Not at all. I only knew i knew.....which I still know :-)

I thought back to the days I was a foster kid myself and how it felt to be living in strange homes only to be ripped away or run away days later. I remember the smells in some of the homes that i personally thought were filthy and in no condition for a child to live in. Now, filthy to me may not be filthy to you. My mother was a clean freak and you could eat off our floors so truthfully I was probably just exaggerating...a bit (lol). I thought back to the locks on the cupboards and the fridge and then of course our bedroom windows. And then i took some time to think of all the beating I took both physically and emotionally from people I thought I loved. I thought of friends I lost. Things I have seen with my innocent (at the time) eyes and the innocence I lost. But through it all, I knew this can't be it. There got to more to this life and why I am here.

If I had never lived in foster care as a young girl, I would not know hands on what it takes to be a loving and caring foster parent. If I was never abused I wouldn't know the signs to look for in abused children and women. I would not know how to mentor abused youth and women. I would not have the compassion I have for the unfortunate. If I was never homeless, I would not know what to say to the homeless when I am out ministering to them with love and care. If I had not been abused in every way by past lovers, I would never know hot to tell a friend she needs to run because I can see the signs! If I had not sold drugs and did other forms of "hustle" I would not value a "real job" or appreciate money. The little I may have. Because for too long I did not care to have a job. I would not know what to say to our youth about why they "need out" and where they will end up. I would feel foolish even mentioning the word "hustle" or "drugs"not knowing exactly what...to say. Our youth today want to know you that you actually know what they are feeling before they even give you the time of day.

If I was not a single mother at the age of 18 what could I possibly say to the young teens who are parenting not one but two sometimes three children. How and why would I encourage them not to have sex at a young age? Just because it's not right or their too young. No, it goes so much deeper then that. If I did not survive a marriage break down I would not see why it is so important to wait on God!

In saying of this. I say this; everything I went through as young girl, teen and adult prepared me for today. For the best days of my life. Everything I am today, everything i do today is a product of my past! I thank God He chose me for this. He knew I could handle it. And He knew I would come out stronger then ever. That it would make me not break me.

Every-time something drastic took place in my life or every-time I somehow got beat down mentally or physically, I got right back up. I have never stayed down for long. Because I have always known who I was and that there was a purpose in it all. Even as a young girl, I knew.

Please know that whatever it is you are going through is preparing you for your BEST! It will pass and you will look back and actually thank God for it. Stop for a minute right now and study the situation you are facing. What is it? What is the lesson you need to get out of this? Why is it so hard? Are you entertaining something that is NOT good for you? If you are, then YOU are the problem. Remember "WE" are the solutions to our problems. All of them! God has given us the choice to make a difference in our situations. I have always chosen to RISE!

I encourage you to see your trials as building blocks to where you are going. Yes you are going somewhere. To a place where you will experience true joy and peace. Take the right exit! Don't look back. Keep walking. Thank God for your worst moments and keep it mov'n!!

Sealed with LOVE

Elizabeth