Don't Forget the Woman Behind the Mother!

I can speak about this because there was a time in my life where I got so busy being a mother and a wife that I forgot to BE a woman. 

Too many wives and mothers are caught in this trap and it's disturbing to know and see this because the reason we become mothers and wives is because we can do and BE it. I know one thing for sure is that God never gave us those blessings to wear or tear us down. In order to BE an amazing wife and DO all that it takes to BE a mother, you've got to fill up your gas tank on a daily basis. It needs to be filled with gas / fuel. And that fuel called SEL-LOVE. 

Eating healthy, exercising, getting at least 7 hours of sleep (or more), building healthy relationships, spending quality time with friends, having hobbies, laughing a LOT, feeding your mind with positive reads, spending quality time alone, enjoying the water while it beats on your skin in the shower, having a prayer life, setting goals and watch them unfold, living with passion DAILY, have boundaries, attend self-development workshops and conferences, invest in your own education and dreams...if we cannot do and BE these things than we are nowhere near ready to become mothers and wives and if you already are one than it is NOT TOO LATE ladies!

I do not claim to know all things, but one thing I know for sure from experience and working with girls and women on a daily basis is that if you do not invest in yourself mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually, you WILL crash!!! 

Come on woman get up and do something today!!!!

For no other reason but because YOU DESERVE TO LIVE!!!!

Join us July 9th at the 'Healthy Me' Networking Event as Kiesha Francis speaks on Self-Love branding. Whether you're a mother, wife, entrepreneur, new in business, and employee or a boss, you don't want to miss this! 

For more information, please email us at shecanbookings@gmail.com

Planning to Win- The Importance of a Life Coach

The majority of the population has no idea what life coaches do. Not only that, but they have no idea what kind of person would hire a life coach. 

So, here’s some types of people who could use some coaching:

1. You’re stuck. So, you have this decision to make. Either to get married, leave your crappy relationship, change careers, make a geographical change or go after that big, badass dream of yours. Anything. You’re confused with the voices in your head. The one that tells you it’s too risky vs. the one that says “go for it!” You’re swimming with thoughts of “what if I do it and it doesn’t work” vs “what if I don’t do it and I regret it”. And you want a guarantee of the outcome.

A life coach will look at her magic 8 ball and tell you the answer.

Not really. A life coach will help you dig underneath the thoughts and feelings of “what if’s”, help you discover what’s important to you about this decision, and explore those voices. Which one is the scared and playing-it-safe inner-critic and which one is your bedazzling inner intuitive voice. A life coach won’t make the decision for you, but help you clarify and sort it all out.

2. You’re lost. Maybe you don’t know what your “thing” is. Maybe you don’t love your job, or you feel like you’re living your life like a sloth on auto-pilot (did you know there is such a thing?). Maybe you just got out of college and don’t love the field you studied in. Or, your routine as a parent/spouse is leaving you unfulfilled. And don’t get me started on the guilt you feel about this.

Rest assured you are totally normal and there are boatloads of people just like you. I believe everyone is lost before a big breakthrough.

A life coach will help you sort out what your true personal values are (you may have NO idea, or may think that your values are what you inherited from your family or other institution) and when you discover those, you can get clear on what is important to you. That way you can decide how you want to honor those values and a really awesome side-effect is you being fulfilled. Imagine that!

3. You’re unhappy. If you’re unhappy, you need a change. Or you need to change. Or maybe you just had a breakdown. Or you’re about to lose your damn mind.

Either way, a life coach can help you through this. Your coach will help you pinpoint why you’re unhappy (many times you think it’s one thing, and it’s another) and help you make changes. This also goes back to your values. The majority of the time, people that are unhappy aren’t living their personal values, and the values that are true to them are being stepped on or suffocated.

Example: You don’t love your job. Or even if it’s your job as a stay-at-home-mom. What’s making you unhappy isn’t your boss or your kids. Somewhere inside of you might be a value around freedom. Or purpose driven work. Or creativity. And if you’re not getting it, your soul and spirit will suffer.

4. You’re happy. So, why would someone need a life coach if they’re already happy? It’s the perfect time for a life coach. When you’re happy, and you love where you are, you’re more likely to be open to growth. You’re more likely to wonder what else is out there for you to reach out and grab and be more willing to do the work. I’ve met many people that are unhappy that are willing to do the work as well, but being happy can be a great motivator as well.

5. You just got out of a relationship. You’re brokenhearted, or maybe not-so-much. Either way, you’re starting over. And that’s a beautiful place to be. You have every reason to be excited about beginning again on your terms.
But, what are your terms?

You might not know. Working with a life coach will help you clarify what you want, why it’s important to you, what’s possible for you (hint: everything), and how you can get it. You can brainstorm, strategize, explore and clarify. (And for some clarity on why your relationships might be failing, click here).

6. You’re comfortable. You have your routine. Your comfort zone. It starts here and it ends there. Any variation of it and you squirm. We’ve all been there. It might be one part of your life, or it might be all parts of your life. And yes, life should be comfortable, but are you having FUN? And some kind of excitement?

Coaching will invite you, hold your hand and push you to step out of your comfort zone. A coach will challenge you to make new magic this way.

7. You’re scared. Let’s face it: We’re all scared. We’re afraid of the dark, afraid of looking stupid, afraid of failure, afraid of success, afraid of what people will think, afraid of what they’ll say, afraid of being alone, afraid of being seen, afraid of not being seen, afraid of leaving a relationship,
Afraid,
Afraid,
Afraid.

A life coach will hold the space for you to name your fears, give you tools to take action despite them, and change the way you look and feel about your fears. You’ll still have fears, you’ll just be able to stand up to them with more courage.

8. You’re done with therapy and thinking, “Now what?”. Therapy and coaching can make a great marriage together and life coaching after therapy can be a perfect self-discovery journey. Many therapists cross over into life coaching, and if you find someone that does that for you, great. But, if you feel your relationship with your therapist has run its course, finding a life coach that will help you with your “now what?” inquiry may be just what you need.

Therapy will help you uncover and heal your issues from the past. This is essential for being able to forgive and move past hurtful experiences. Life coaches generally don’t need to know your stories of your past. We’re interested in where you are now and where you want to go. We generally coach people who are of sound mind and who are well mentally and emotionally.

One thing is true about all of these things. No matter what you feel, you are not broken, nor do you “fixing”. You are naturally creative, resourceful and whole when it comes to you and your life. And a life coach can help you tap into that.

Also, life coaches aren’t magic bullets, or magic pills. The solution always resides inside of you, but many times we are so fearful, we can’t hear or see it. Coaching can help you look at any situation from a different perspective to get you out of that paralyzing fear.

My hope for you and all people is that when they are ready, they get a coach. You don’t have to spend your life savings on one, there are ways to get coaching inexpensively. All coaches have different styles. Do your research, listen to your heart and find the right one for you.

Why Dead Sea Salt is THE Salt for YOU!

Four years ago I discovered this amazing salt. I couldn't understand why this particular salt was so good for you when many claimed 'salt' wasn't good for you- period. However, there's a huge difference between the two.

Celtic sea salt supplies all 82 trace minerals needed by the human body for optimal health and longevity. Refined salts contain harmful chemicals and other processing additives.

I found a list online of it's top benefits but first I will add a few of my own.

• If you have an acne issue, simply fill a spray bottle with water and sprinkle some Celtic sea salt into the bottle. Every night before bed, spray the salted water all over your face and wash as you would normally wash. Make sure you rinse off all the salt after a minute or so

• Every morning upon waking up, pour a tea spoon of the salt into half a cup of warm water, mix it and then drink it. It is great for flushing you right out

• Throughout the day, sprinkle the salt into your bottled water and drink it all day. You don't have to sprinkle much just enough to slightly taste the salt.

Those are my top three suggestions. Keep in mind Celtic Sea Salt does NOT taste as bad as table salt. No comparison.


Now for the article I found online at Water Benefits Health:

10 Key Health Benefits to Celtic Sea Salt!

 

Natural salt is the element that helps to regulate water content in the body. The balance of water and salt in the body is critical.
Another key reason why natural salt is so important is because our bodies need trace elements for proper function. These elements are usually not found in food or nutritional supplements in a form that the body can utilize.

However, all 82 of the essential trace elements needed by the body are found in natural unrefined sea salt and are in a bio-available form.
In general, natural sea salt helps to balance the entire body. Some of the more pronounced benefits include the following:

• Regulates heartbeat and blood pressure. Even though refined salt can cause high blood pressure, natural salt with adequate water intake can help to stabilize irregular heartbeats and normalize blood pressure. In other words, if you have low blood pressure, taking Celtic sea salt can help to raise it. If you have high blood pressure, it can help to lower it.

• Eliminates mucus buildup. Not only does this salt help to eliminate existing mucus buildup, but it will help to prevent it. This benefit makes it very helpful for people with allergies, asthma, sinus issues, or bronchial congestion.

• Improves brain function. Sea salt is vital to the health of nerve cells and their ability to communicate and process information. This salt also helps to extract excess acidity and toxins from brain cells.

• Balances blood sugars. Celtic sea salt is especially helpful for diabetics because it helps to balance blood sugars.

• Alkalizes the body. Excess acidity in the body is an underlying cause of many diseases. Salt is vital to the removal of excess acid wastes from the cells. In addition, mineral rich salt will help to maintain the optimal acid-alkaline balance.

• Increases energy. Salt and water are the key elements for the generation of hydroelectric energy in the cells. When sodium and trace minerals are deficient in the body, fatigue will set in.

• Provides electrolyte balance. Natural Celtic salt will help keep the electrolyte minerals in your body balanced, releasing excess sodium and water. For problems with water retention, gradual sea salt intake can help to release excess water stored in body tissue.

• Builds immunity. Regular intake of natural sea salt and its highly absorptive minerals can give you a higher resistance to illness, infections, and disease. It can also help your body to heal faster after an injury or surgery.

• Promotes restful sleep. The abundance of trace minerals in natural sea salt will have a calming effect on the entire nervous system. In addition, the proper ratio of water and salt consumption can help to prevent the need to urinate during the night.

• Prevents muscle cramps. Muscle cramps are often caused by an electrolyte imbalance, especially a lack of sodium. Celtic sea salt provides these minerals in the correct proportion. Your body will take what it needs and get rid of the rest, as long as you are drinking enough water.

Visit any Health Store near you to purchase a bag. A small bag can be purchased for as little as $5 and a large will cost a few dollars more.


In Health, Lizzy

Have You Heard of the Healing Plant Called Moringa?

 

As you may already know, 4 years ago I survived the unthinkable. Well at least to my family and I- it was. Shortly after my brain surgery I was introduced to this unbelievable healing plant / seed called 'Moringa' Only days after eating the seeds, I began to feel different. In a good way. I couldn't pin point exactly what I was feeling, but it felt good. After much research, I knew I had hit the jack pot with this plant / seed / powder / oil.

 

Moringa oleifera is a slender, medium-size tree with drooping branches and pretty, lacy leaf fronds, native to the southern foothills of the Himalayas in northwestern India, Pakistan and Afghanistan.

 

In addition to being a valuable source of food, moringa is a medicinal plant, which in India’s age-old Ayuvedic tradition can prevent some 300 diseases. A significant amount of scientific research has been conducted in many countries over the past 20 years on the nutritional and medicinal benefits of moringa, including America at a number of prestigious institutions such as the John Hopkins School of Medicine. The research confirms the leaves to be a powerhouse of nutrition, containing, ounce for ounce, seven times more vitamin C than oranges, four times more beta-carotene than carrots (precursor to vitamin A), three times more potassium than bananas, and four times more calcium and two times more protein than fresh milk. The leaves also contain more iron than spinach and are high in magnesium and fiber.

It is extremely rich in antioxidants that reduce damage to the body from environmental stress and help maintain heart heath. It strengthens the immune system; regulates blood pressure to prevent high blood pressure and blood sugar levels to prevent diabetes; detoxifies and protect the liver and kidneys from damage from toxins; and maintains reproductive health.

 

 

More Benefits of this Power House Plant:

 

1. Increases the Natural Defenses of the body

 

2. Provides nourishment to the eyes and the brain.

 

3. Promotes metabolism with bio-available ingredients

 

4. Promotes the Cell structure of the body

 

5. Promotes natural Serum cholesterol.

 

6. Lowers the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

 

7. Promotes the normal functioning of the liver and the kidney.

 

8. Beautifies the skin

 

9. Promotes energy

 

10. Promotes proper digestion

 

11. Acts as an antioxidant

 

12. Takes care of the immune system of the body

 

 

If you haven't tried this amazing plant yet, find a local Health Store that sells natural herbs and

GET ON IT!

 

  

 

Ladies,

 

Are you ready to make energizing changes to your diet and overall lifestyle; mind, body and soul- but don’t know where to begin?

Join Kamshuka and Elizabeth Correia for this fun and inspiring day to help you transform your life from tired to inspired!

 

'Healthy Me' Creating the Life You Deserve!

 

This one day educational and energizing retreat is aimed to help Women achieve success in health, increase resilience, improve relationships, communications and overall wellness. You will also discover the best foods to help boost brain power, increase energy levels and promote beauty from the inside out.

 

To register or obtain more information email shecanbookings@gmail.com or call

Elizabeth at 647-773-1876 / Kamshuka 416-320-9645

 

You may purchase tickets via email transfer or at:https://www.eventbrite.com/e/healthy-me-creating-the-life-y…

 

Attendees will receive a gift bag full of healthy products & samples!

 

 

Speakers:

 

Elizabeth Correia: The Power of Forgiveness

 

Colleen Blake-Miller: Don't Give Up

 

Belinda Kamshuka Barrocks: fearLESS

 

Keisha Francis: Love Yourself

 

 

We're creating a space for you to recharge, renew and say 'yes' to YOU!

The Secret to Living is Giving!

'Pay if Forward' is a title to a movie but the concept has been around from the beginning of time.

The gift of life was given to us so that we can return the favor. When you give you release a kingdom principle in your life.

As the author of 'If You Played In My Playground' I know 100% that I received the gift of life from God to write this book on purpose for purpose; to pour out my trials, struggles and breakthroughs so that my process of transformation would work in your life (the reader) so that you may be complete within yourself.

I did not write the book to just 'sell' a book. My desire was to restore hope into the lives of many women, men, boys and girls all over the world who have simply given up or lost a sense of hope. It's not just ink on a paper, it's the written expression of a true living God- inside of me. What made me a believer was what He was able to do with my story- my mess. And in return I just want to pay it forward...

We all have a playground filled with unique stories. Imagine in Iraq right now; what their playground looks like; a war zone.

Sometimes that 'thing' in your life that can be your greatest gift, that also first presented itself in a moment of pain- it isn't ideal or picture perfect and all you want to do is give up, but on the other side of that 'thing' is where your victory is at.

The thing that hurt me the most is the very thing that I am using to help people today.

What is the 'thing' you have that you can give? Is it your story? Your time? Your resources or money? Is it your smile or a listening ear? Find it and give it away!

Love, Lizzy

What Do You Focus Your Thoughts On?

There are two things I instantly think of when I think of the 'old me' and that is ego and anger. Because I had so much stored up inside of me, it only took a second for my ego to rub me the wrong way. This was a big problem of mine until I began practising self-awareness and mindfulness. I am still a work in progress as it's a lifetime journey. As I hear daily, I apply daily.

Self-awareness is observing your emotions, thoughts, breathing, eating, your words, working and so on- while continuing to be aware that you are doing these things. In one simple sentence, self- awareness FREES us from suffering.

The most valuable thing I learned on my journey to transformation was that I could stop alowing my mind to run me. You're probably doing it right now while you read this! If you don't watch and observe your thoughts closely, your mind can get you into a lot of mischief. 

Ok, let me put it this way, you know how easy it is to watch the actions of others? Well, it's one small step from watching YOUR thinking to watching your actions and the actions of others.

How do we do that? Pay attention!

Don't just look up at the clouds, observe the clouds. Don't just look at the birds, observe and LISTEN to them. Don't just breath- smell the air! Don't just stand in the shower thinking about the office, your to do list, the kids, your bills, stand there and FEEL the water tapping on your skin. Don't just cook your food, smell the food. Take it ALL in. 

Can it be that simple? Yes, you are NOT your mind. They're separate. So you have the power to control it. Tap INTO that power. It lives inside of you. When you remove the blinders, you experience a wholesomeness that brings with it- inner peace.

Thoughts lead you further and further from living authentically in the present moment. Each time you become aware of SELF, you strengthen self-awareness.

Lizzy's Word:

Be mindful of the places your mind wanders through!

The Light of this World!

My light, yes 'my' light...is the truth. It's the God that abides inside of me. The God inside of me is truth and truth is light and God is light, so I am light!

The truth is God is our Father
The truth is we are sons of God
The truth is EVERYTHING God says we are, WE ARE!
...

No, I wasnt always this FREE. But now I am. Because truth has 'made'me free! Ohhh what a feeling.
Seriously...I mean while thousands of people were our poppin bottles this weekend and screaming at the top fo their lungs- watching and worshipping 'all star' celebrities that have no idea who they are and if they do, it's only for a night or two.. breaking their bank accounts to rock the latest red bottoms, hustlin to get into the VIP sections at the clubs and perhaps even looking for their new found love.. I was home with my family popping jokes. I woke up Friday, Saturday and Sunday feling like I was partying for Jesus. Oh what a party!

And no I am not acting all bran new- for those of you who are reading this saying "oh Liz acting like she wasnt out here with us years ago...." Yeah I hear you and guess what? I was in my 20's! Yes I once was lost too. Been there, done that so I know all about the hustle, all about the game and all about the world. I have no regrets because it was all apart of my purpose. But there comes a time where we gotta just 'throw our hands up in the air' and surrender.!

Truth is not laying up in a man's bed. Truth is not up in the club. Truth isn't is all those material things we chase after. Truth is God and God is truth. And once I knew who's I was, I knew WHO I WAS! And if I am light, than I gotta be the light. Knowing this changed 'the game' for me! That's how I became a hustler for Jesus!

The most intelligent , beautiful, loyal, giving, humble and FINEST man in this world chose ME! Did I mention His name? Yeah and what????

Know who you are, so that you may know who you are NOT!

"How Do I Find My Purpose?"

Have you ever asked yourself, “how do I really know what my purpose is?”

Look, God created purpose before He created person.

 

The bible states that we’re the workmanship of God. So, we’re perfectly designed and crafted for a purpose. I mean everything He’s created was created with and FOR purpose. Think of the trees. The cows. The lakes. The fish. Ohh and let’s not forget bee’s!!

Everything about you was created for a purpose. Your struggles, your past, your story…it’s all a part of your blueprint. Trust ME!

Frustration comes when a person is not seeking and walking in purpose. This is where the devil wants us. This is where he traps us. Then all of a sudden we feel lonely, sad, unworthy, left out, not good enough, not smart enough, too old, too young, too white, too black, too poor, too skinny, to thick… and all these things lead to depression and that’s exactly where he wants us; because in a state of depression, you do nothing! Your body is still here but you inner being is dead.

Remember, the average person dies at 75 but stopped living at 25!

The devil’s job is to ‘kill, steal and destroy’ and that is his only mission. He cannot ‘GIVE’ life so his job is to make sure he takes it!
Your primary purpose is to seek God and ONLY in and through Him, you’ll discover your secondary purpose.

If you think your purpose in life is to get married or have children, that is not so! If it’s a desire, that’s different. It may or may not be a part of your destiny. Your only purpose right now should be to ‘be’ the best version of YOU! Work daily towards that and in finding yourself, you WILL discover your gifts and passions. And your passion is what you will use to serve the world.

When I began to seek God and know God for myself, I started seeing and believing exactly what He wanted to do in and through my life. That did not happen overnight. I worked diligently on recreating that little girl who lost herself at the age of five. It took time BUT it has been the best time of my life and I can only imagine what’s to come!

Purpose = Your Supreme Reason for Being

 

Love, Lizzy

Be A Woman of Excellence!

Just some Sunday Inspiration!

Daniel was a man of excellence, and because of that, the King promoted him to a position of great influence (see Danile 6:3).

Daniel was also a man who refused to compromise. Even if his choices endangered his life like when he refused to stop praying and got thrown into the lion's den, he would not compromise.
He believed strongly in keeping his commitments, promises and vows, and he was willing to endure personal discomfort to do it.

Our God is an excellent God, and He has called us to be excellent too. To be excellent is a decision we must make and it means we got to go the extra mile to do OUR best. We don't have to be THE best- but we must 'DO' our best. We should always strive to do what God would do in the situations we encounter.

Make a decicion today to BE excellent!

Lizzy's Top 15 Healthy Foods

Whatever your lifestyle is, it's not difficult to make small changes.

I don't know about you but I had more sugar in the last couple of months than I've had in the last few years.

For the last four years, I've been eating pretty healthy and for some reason I went off a few months ago. Not good. It's not good because I don't 'feel' good. I went from juicing DAILY to juicing a couple of times a week in the last couple of months. I know how amazing I felt before I fell off so it's time to get back!

I started my week on Sunday with no sugar. I had a coffee this morning and added some natural brown sugar but I'll let myself off the hook this time....The last two days have been great. I know two days isn't much but what a difference I already feel just in two days. Despite still going to the gym at least a few times a week, diet is everything!

So here are my TOP healthy foods that I went and stocked up on yesterday for eating and juicing!

Apples: Calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, vitamin C, beta-carotene, pectin

Avocados: Potassium, tryptophan (an amino acid), vitamin C, beta-carotene, vitamin B5, vitamin K, high in vitamin E

Bananas: Potassium, vitamin C, beta-carotene, vitamin C, beta-carotene, vitamin K, vitamin B6

KEFIR: kefir is made by fermenting milk with 10 to 20 different types of bacteria and yeasts, where yogurt is usually just fermented with a handful of types; this leads to a higher probiotic count in the final product. Kefir is a source of several B vitamins, which are essential for our good health and functioning. It has B12, which is important for your blood and nervous system, and B1, (otherwise is known as thiamine) which is important for helping you withstand stress. Kefir also contains biotin, which is a B vitamin that helps your body use other B vitamins.

Grapefruit: Calcium, magnesium, potassium, vitamin C

Lemons: Potassium, vitamin C

Tomatoes: Calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, beta-carotene, folic acid, vitamin C

Beets: Calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, manganese, folic acid, vitamin C

Carrots: Calcium, magnesium, potassium, beta-carotene

Fennel: Calcium, magnesium, sodium, folic acid, vitamin C, potassium, rich in phyto-oestrogens

Spirulina: Potassium, sodium, vitamin B3, gamma-linoleic acid, beta-carotene, It's a nutrient rich algae available as a dry powder

Squash: Calcium, magnesium, potassium, vitamin C

Ginger: Calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium

Molasses: Calcium, magnesium, potassium, B vitamins

Quinoa: Iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, vitamin B3

I've obviously got more like salmon, flaxseeds, bee pollen, tuna, lentils, chick peas etc but for now there's a short list. By making good health your goal, you will have a better understanding of food and of the factors affecting health issues.

Even if you made poor choice this year, make 2016 a year of transformation. You deserve it!

Your True Identity Is Hidden in Him!

Being a young girl 'today' is soooooo far from what it was in my playground; when there were no reality shows, no facebook, instagram and twitter. No cell phones with data, no girls injecting their boobs and backside and of course their lips, no red bottoms...we just wanted a pair of jelly bean shoes from 'Honest Ed's' and a wind breaker oh and maybe some 'madonna glow in the dark' rubber bracelets and some ty dye to design our jeans and t-shirts... or a time when pills, mollies and X were never a cool thing to try. A time when drug addicts were soooo seperated from us......


Our youth are searching for their identity.

Their trying to find it in other boys, girls, music, drugs, alcohol, sex, celebrities, actors and rappers.

There is ONLY one place their going to find it!!! In the One who created them!!! ‪#‎God‬

I am Back In School at 40!

 

 

In the last few months I have been thinking a LOT about purpose.

Just five years ago, I barely saw any of this coming. Yes, I knew God had a purpose for my life, but I also discovered that-that purpose was rapped up in Him and in order to get to it, to have access to it, I'd have to rap myself up IN Him as well.

It took discipline, courage, strength, determination, passion, motivation and FAITH to do this. To believe that I could and would walk into all that He had ordained for my life. You see it was nothing but faith. Because looking at the conditions of my life- and especially 5/6 years ago, it was not evident that I would have overcome. No not at all!!

  

I had many plans. Plans of owning a clothing line / store, an accessories boutique, a skin care line, a perfume line, a juicing booth, an image consulting business...you name it. But none of those plans stuck with me. The more I studied Gods word and allowed Him to work through me, the closer I got to discovering my purpose. For many years, I wanted to go back to school. I've probably thought of 4-5 different degrees to study in the last 15 years. Everything from Public Relations to Social Work to Fashion. I became more and more frustrated with myself for not going to school. I was watching the time and the older I got the more frustrated I grew.

 

All of this changed when I started listening closely to Gods direction and voice. I discovered that my primary purpose was to live with and for Him (God). And through Him, I would discover my

secondary purpose. I knew that I had to be still and stop all 'my own' planning in order to allow His plans for my life to prevail. Once I surrendered my life to His plans, then I would and did discover my secondary purpose. It was only then (in the last year) that I finally got the OK in my spirit to go back to school. I know 100% what my secondary purpose is and so now is the PERFECT time (Gods time) to do so. Otherwise, I would have wasted time, money and energy.

Going back to school at 40 feels fantastic! I am a more dedicated student now than I could or would have ever been. I am stabled in my mind. I am disciplined. I am settled. I am focused and I am a leader. I am a leader because I serve many people. Not because they serve me.

Whether you're 18 or 80, Gods timing is the BEST timing!

  

With Love, Lizzy

Are You A Game Changer?

You must decide what you want and it WILL happen....

In other words, you must know your purpose before it comes into manifestation. So when you decree a thing (make a decision) you then cut things away...

There are things in your life that just don't fit any longer. That season is over. It's been over. You're just refusing to let go! And this why you're frustrated and stressed out. You really think God created you to be stressed out? You've lost your passion for life and passion is the very thing that gives you POWER!

It's not what you hang unto that changes the quality of your life. It's what you cut OUT!
God wants to use you as an agent of change..to advance the Kingdom of God. The Kingdom of God is Gods Royalty, the Rule, and the Realm. When we talk about advancing he Kingdom of God, it's not just some lofty word. He has given us power and authority. He's not just trying to get us to Heaven (that's such a religious mindset) He is trying to bring Heaven here TO earth!

But the question is, do you avail yourself?

Stop asking, " God what can I ask you for today? What can I use you for?" and start asking, "God what can you use ME for today?"

When we allow God to use us to be game changers, we put a smile on His face. I know all about games. I use to play them. A lot of them. Dangerous ones too! I lived more then 20 years of my life playing games. Worldly games and it kept me in bondage. But I have chosen to turn away from the world's fun and games and I am now a game CHANGER for Him. He has equipped me for such a time as this. Ohh what he can do with your sin. Trust me!!

I wake up every morning with purpose...

It's up to YOU to discover YOURS!

Love, Lizzy

How I Discovered My Purpose!

I know 100% I have discovered my primary and secondary purpose and as a result, I am walking out my destiny!

I can recall just 4-5 years ago, when I literally struggled to believe what my propose really was. I mean, I had a feeling that 'speaking' was my calling but those negative thoughts of 'I am not good enough' kept bombarding my mind. I was confused and of course I was living in that 'victim' mode.

I am often asked, "how do you know what your purpose is?"

It wasn't until I started seeing myself as a son of God (a child of God) and understanding who's I was-that I began to see WHO I was. Through out my life, I believed I was called to do many things. I started off by thinking I was a 'Fashion Stylist' and so I worked with many artists as a wardrobe stylist and fashion consultant. I went on to sell products; such as makeup, skin care, clothing, accessories etc. And believe me, the list goes on. I was all over the place. Confused...and no direction or sense of purpose. It wasn't until I began to study the word of God- that I really understood what my purpose was.

You see, when I decided to take a step back and just rediscover who I really was and why I was created, it was in that moment that I realized-outside of KNOWING God, I was nothing... and outside of God, nothing really mattered. Everything I had started, I couldn't finish. Everything I thought I was suppose to do-was total opposite of what I was called to do. It was all apart of what God was calling me to do, but it wasn't the THING I was born and created to do.

Yes, today, I use my fashion sense to do what I do because it's apart of my branding and marketing BUT it isn't what God called me to do. I know this because even while I was in that scene and phase in my life- there was still a void. I still felt empty. Everything I did (business wise) was what my flesh desired NOT my spirit. So I had to make up my mind to surrender to God! I had to stop the 'doing' and just BE!

In doing so, I had to first heal! I was broken and needed a whole lot of healing. In healing, I realized and discovered a deep desire to heal others. I did not call that desire upon myself. God Himself called me to do so. Through many visions and dreams He called me to do what I do today. BUT!!!! There was a process. Ohhhh there was a process!!!

I had to prepare myself for the journey and in doing so I had to be willing to go through the process. Let me tell you, the process was not easy. When I say this, what I am saying is that I had to unlearn everything I learned. I had to be willing to do it God's way...because no other way worked!

Only through knowing God, I discovered my secondary purpose. My primary purpose was KNOWING Him. Apart from knowing God, our thoughts and desires are based off of flesh. And so everything I thought I was suppose to do, was what my 'flesh' wanted to do NOT what God called me to do. And the only way to know what it was that God called me to do, I had to first KNOW God. My Father, my creator, my sustainer, my provider!

I felt this deep desire to serve girls and to use my story in service of my community. I was confused as to how to go about using my voice BUT He gave me the tools to do so. It was the one thing I had tried that for some reason came with ease. Everything I needed to fulfill this calling- was and is available to me. After all, He called me to do this-so He will make it possible.

This is how I know that I have discovered my purpose. I first found Him and in Him, I have healed and I am whole. In knowing God, I have come to know who I AM and what I am called to do! But I was first called to KNOW Him. To live in Him and allow Him to live in ME!

It's not 'me' doing anything but it's what I see my Father (God) doing through me.

There is no better feeling than knowing that I am putting a smile on my daddies face! Abba!

Love, Lizzy

Why You So Afraid of Success?

Something on my heart....

Sometimes the very 'thing' you're so afraid to do or try is the very 'thing' that will change your life and the world around you-FOREVER!

I was 12 years old when I actually decided without a doubt that 'one day' I would write a book about my life. Like, I mean I literally told my library teacher (Mrs. Hayes) that I was going to write a book about my story. She asked me 'oh why do you want to do that? What will it be about Elizabeth?"
I answered, "I want to help girls who are being abused and who don't like themselves. I want to tell them to be strong and don't let anyone hurt them or abuse them" Little did she know....at the time, I did NOT like myself one bit!

Little did I know what the next 15-20 years of my life were going to look like.

As the years went on and I experienced more pain, abuse, shame, self inflicted emotional drama, neglect and abandonment, I realized more and more that I was going to ONE day write a life changing book / memoir for women and girls- on the affects of abuse (emotionally, sexually, mentally and physically). But I was so afraid. I was afraid of letting out my secrets. I was afraid of telling 'my' truth. I was afraid of exposing those who abused me. I was afraid of telling the world about the places I'd been, things I'd done, toxic choices I made and the alleys they brought me threw. I was afraid of being vulnerable and most importantly, I was afraid of freedom. I had being life as a prisoner my entire life and I was scared to death of FREEDOM. Kind of like a man standing in his jail cell the day he is about to be released after doing 15-20 years behind bars. It was nerve wrecking and scary to face the UNKNOWN.

I started writing that book when I was 33 years 'young' but I came up with the title at 18 'If You Played In My Playground'

Writing it alone was the longest emotional rollercoaster ride I had ever been on. I laughed and I cried. I laughed and I cried. I had to dig up memories of my childhood that made me lock myself in a room -alone- and ball my eyes out for hours at a time. I had to go back and stand face to face with 'my story' in the deepest way you can ever imagine. And this hurt sooo bad. There were moments I had to put my pencil down and just feel the memory. Go back to the moment of that memory and really just 'be still' in it; in order to deal with the emotional aspect of it- that I NEVER dealt with as a child. I will NOT sugar coat this in any way. It hurt mannnn. I fought to go back there because my entire life I was a RUNNER. The moment I got to run away from my 'home' I became a runner. If something hurt bad enough, I ran! Because I had wanted to run ever since I was 6 years old so the moment I got to do it- I mastered it.

The truth is, I did not want to write my dark secrets in that book. It didn't feel good at FIRST! I was so cautious of what the world would think of me and I thought by writing the book I would go back to live in that place of darkness again. Ohhh was I wrong!

I had the entire book pretty much written and put down for months. Again, afraid of the world. The moment I was able to speak to my sister after my brain surgery (December 2011), I said to her, "Sue I am going to publish the book mama. If I had died, nobody would've known the real Liz" It was a true AHA moment for me.

I had to come face to face with death in order to discover my true purpose in this world. I didn't think for one second or worry for one second (after surgery) what 'others' would think of my TRUTH. Because I knew God Himself gave me that vision when I was 12 years old and I knew that He did so because He could trust ME to bring it to life. To bring MY life back to life.

Today, through that book, through 'my story' I empower the lives of disadvantaged and disenfranchised girls and woman who have been afflicted by challenging family of social circumstances. Today, because of the freedom I stand and live in, I inspire girls to live each day recreating who they desire to be, therefore enhancing their quality of living and becoming leaders of their OWN future.

The very thing I was so afraid of was MY PURPOSE!

Whatever your 'thing' is, I am begging you to just DO IT! You're feeling that push because it was given to YOU! If you do not bring that vision to life, you will be held responsible for it. That 'thing' is your purpose tugging at you, screaming at you, calling to YOU! Shut out the world and lock into your calling.

Go ahead, 'it's' calling YOU!

Love, Lizzy

Who Are You vs Who You Are Not

Have you ever had to introduce yourself in a workshop or classroom setting? Ok, so you know how it is, everyone gets up when it's their turn to speak and they say their name and tell everyone in the class something or a few things to describe who they are. Something like this, "Hi my name is Sandra. I am a mother. I am a nurse. I have 3 children and I love dogs." Well, I don't do it like that-anymore. I use to until I experienced an AHA moment about 2 years ago-while introducing myself.

I got up to tell the classroom who I was and instead of doing the 'norm' I did something a little different. I got to sit there and listen to about 17 people introduce themselves and then I went last. But I sat there in aw as everyone followed the exact same pattern. Everyone shared their occupation. How many children or pets they had. If they were married or divorced and hobbies. I got up and said something like this:

"Hello everyone. I am so excited to be here with you all. Well, Elizabeth is the name my father gave me. He named me after Mary's cousin-in the bible. He never explained why, but I get it now and personally think it's a beautiful name. I am kind. I am a giver. I am compassionate. I am welcoming. I can be very silly. I am passionate about empowering women and youth. I am courageous. I am a go getter. I love LOVE and I am loyal....." I probably said a few more things. But it went a little something like that. Let me tell you, the look on everyone's face was priceless. They were waiting for more but at the same time they were totally intrigued. I then said, "oohhh and God has given me the awesome privilege of giving birth to two rock star boys whom I personally feel are the coolest kids in the world"

One woman spoke out and asked, " ummm can we do this all over again?" And the entire class laughed.

Please get this clear, you are not your occupation. You are not your marital status. You are not how many kids you have or don't have. You are not broken. You are not a victim. You are NOT the titles you wear or have been given. You are not your name.

The next time you are asked to introduce yourself to a classroom or group setting, tell them who YOU ARE!

I have created a small list here for you to read and pick out a few words that resonate with you. You may also add to this list. Print it out, circle or highlight the words that best describe YOU.

Which of these traits do you possess and value:

• Kind
• Dependable
• Great Listener
• Energetic
• A child of God
• A woman of God
• A believer
• A woman / man of faith
• Funny
• Open
• Self-aware
• World changer
• Compassionate
• A giver
• A problem solver
• Grateful
• Humble
• Happy
• Warm
• Trustworthy
• Responsible
• Sympathetic
• Lifelong Learner
• Sociable
• Strong
• Courageous
• Committed
• Loyal
• Empathic
• Confident
• Self Assured
• Romantic
• Optimistic

These are just a few. Go ahead and add your own.

P.S
Tell yourself:

I Found God When I Lost My Religion

I struggled for many years not knowing the difference between religion and God. I mean, I knew what I felt during worship and while praying. I knew God was real and present and spoke to me often. But then I was confused by all the 'rules' the church folk often spoke of. Like how women aren't suppose to wear pants and it's not right to wear jewelry and our hair / head must be covered while in worship. I mean I can go and on. That was the part that really confused me. I knew deep down inside that all of this had absolutely nothing to do with God.

God is simple.

The world has God trapped up in a box and this is why the 'church' (the people) are suffering and confused. I was one of them- so I know.

It took some time but God was awesome enough, as He's always been, to send a man into my life to teach me about the true living God. My pastor ( Boby Somers ). He did so by opening up my heart to the Kingdom message:
Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and ALL these things will be added unto you -Matthew 6:33

The message that transformed my life in every aspect. All these years, the church spoke about serving God in order to get to Heaven...to paradise. And I swore they spoke more about getting there- then they did about experiencing God here on earth-while still alive. But what I needed at the time, while broken, confused, hurt, angry, in debt, depressed and ready to give up on God, was something more. I needed to discover what my purpose was and why I was here. I needed to heal. I needed to know what to do with all my pain. I needed to forgive. I needed joy, love and peace. I wanted a discipline to pattern my life by. What I was getting for so many years was NOT that at all. I was identifying myself with a denomination- NOT God. How could I represent God if I am identifying with something (religion) that has nothing to do with Him or who He is or even what He created. Identifying with God liberated me to live in the order He requires me to live in. In total freedom where I can function from a place of purpose.

Religion promised me something that 'it' could never give me.

God promised me LIFE and He gave it to me; free from pain, confusion, drama, pain, depression and unforgiveness.

Through my pastor's teachings and the word of God (the bible), I was able to completely transform my mindset. Through the kingdom message, I received peace of mind. I began to understand who I was because I knew Who's I was. I am a King, therefore I am suppose to live like a king.

I received healing in areas of my life- I had no idea needed healing. I discovered my purpose through my pain and wanted nothing more then to spread His love and light in the world. Each and every day was and has been beautiful.

Kingdom living is LIFE. The Kingdom of God is not a place. It is within us. Each of us. When we live the way we ought to live, the same pattern that Jesus lived His life, all things will be added unto us.

I welcome you to watch this short video clip describing 'Kingdom Living Now' Please watch and listen with an open heart. Shut out the negative thoughts and noise. Be still... because I promise you-this has nothing to do with religion.

Religion is bondage and that is exactly where I was coming from. Today, I am healed and delivered. My only purpose in life is to serve Him. Because through Him, I am able to do all that I do-with a smile on my heart. Only God!

Kingdom Living Now

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How's Your Heart?

While today was another fantastic day filled with love, laughter, growth, new friendships and bonds, I had quite an AHA moment- in a moment. Don't you just love those?

I came home this evening, got settled in and took out my paper and pen to write in my journal and out of what I wrote I came up with a blog post.

I asked myself, "Lizzy how is your heart?" I opened my Word (bible) and began to search for scriptures that speak of 'the heart'.

I came across Proverbs 4:20-27: 'Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.'

We, especially women, are so quick to keep our homes spick and span, our clothes ironed, our cars smelling sweet and our hair and nails done! But how much attention do we give our hearts? Like really?

When the bible says that the heart is to be guarded because everything flows from it, it means that it is from our hearts that the rest of our attitudes get their cue. Feeling depressed? Stressed? Frustrated? Check the contentment quotient of your heart. Once we really check our hearts we know why things are happening in our lives- the way they do.

Rather than cleaning up the other parts of our lives, we'd be wise to pay attention to the deeper parts of ourselves. Our minds. Our hearts. Our words. By running a vacuum through a few ventricles, we may discover a layer of jealousy, anger or envy that we've stuffed out of sight. When it comes to cleaning up, most people stick the surface; what others can see with their eyes.

There's no use to try and trick the world by putting on a happy face and a fake positive attitude in public for others to see, if our hearts are stuffed with hidden issues. What's cluttered in our hearts will eventually spill over into our daily lives with our friends, children, co-workers, neighbours and God!

Yes your house looks good and ready for a gathering, but how's your heart?

Lizzy



































































































































































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