Today is a sure thing. It has arrived to remind us that new possibilities exist and that potential is yet to be realized for the greater good of ourselves and others. Yesterday is behind us as is our past. We have brand new opportunities today to display Christ in us and to take full advantage of all that today offers. A butterfly goes through a metamorphosis as it leaves the pupa, larva and caterpillar stage behind. Exiting from its previous form was necessary for the caterpillar to experience the true beauty of what it was meant to become. The same is true for those who are new in Christ. Accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior transforms us as the sins of our past are forgiven and the beauty of our new life begins. #drnatalie #drnatalieafrancisco #imjustsaying #ijs #inspiration #motivation #affirmation #aspiration #activation #action #letsdothis #letsdoit #letsgo #emerge #evolve
Although my children are now adults, I often reflect on times when they were much younger. God allowed me the honor of not only teaching them, but learning from them as well. One such lesson came as a result of my daughters interrupting me when I was having a personal time of prayer and bible study in my bedroom. They were very young and I used to long for the quiet times that I spent alone with God—so much so that I would become rather perturbed when they disrupted my devotional time—until God interrupted my so called disruption. He impressed upon my heart that each time my children entered my bedroom was not a disruption, but a divine interruption and opportunity for instruction. It hit me like a ton of bricks! From that moment on, I decided that I would view and use every opportunity as God had spoken to share my devotional time on an age appropriate level with my daughters whenever they divinely interrupted my personal time with God. I would read and explain the scriptures to them as well as give them the chance to read and ask questions to make sure they could understand and apply the lessons I taught them. Today, as I see my adult daughters who love and serve God as a result of developing their own personal relationship with Him, I am thankful for disruptions in life, for I now perceive them as divine interruptions in our schedule and opportunities to learn lessons that can be taught to others. #drnatalie #drnatalieafrancisco #imjustsaying #ijs #inspiration #motivation #affirmation #aspiration #activation #action #letsdothis #letsdoit #letsgo #emerge #evolve
Too often, we take life’s opportunities and the people closest to us for granted without even realizing it. To avoid such an oversight, we can intentionally focus our attention towards prioritizing the relationships and realities that are assigned to our stewardship with an attitude of appreciation expressed by our words. This shift alone will cause us to resist the temptation to complain and to sublimate that energy in a positive way by thinking and speaking positively and acting proactively. In so doing, we allow ourselves to appreciate the people and predicaments that are placed in our lives, realizing that they all work together for a greater purpose to glorify God, fortify our character and solidify what we value the most. #drnatalie #drnatalieafrancisco #imjustsaying #ijs #inspiration #motivation #affirmation #aspiration #activation #action #letsdothis #letsdoit #letsgo #emerge #evolve
John J. Murphy disclosed a powerful yet profound pearl of great price by stating “when we are in harmony and balance with our core essence, our authentic self, we act with power, strength, confidence, and grace.” Our core essence is the real us—the spirit or nature of who we really are without the shell of our outer body or other influences to cover us up. We can and should not change who we are to please people or to pretend to be someone else. When we discover our true selves, we then unlock the passion and pursuit of purpose and the ability to follow through with the God-inspired plans that we are to accomplish, while being uniquely ourselves. Today is filled with brand new opportunities to share our authenticity and uniqueness with the world. Let’s give our best and trust God to handle the rest. #drnatalie #drnatalieafrancisco #imjustsaying #ijs #inspiration #motivation #affirmation #aspiration #activation #action #letsdothis #letsdoit #letsgo #emerge #evolve
How we decide to live today is the determining factor of what we can expect to receive tomorrow. The choices we make, the deeds we do and the relationships we prioritize today will greatly impact and influence the path that is forged ahead of us. If we desire to attract valuable, meaningful and significant people and resources into our lives as we move forward, then we must give special attention to how we think, speak and act in the span of time that we have in this moment. Today is the day to live fully, faithfully and freely, for we will reap the fruit tomorrow and thereafter of what we strategically sow today. #drnatalie #drnatalieafrancisco #imjustsaying #ijs #inspiration #motivation #affirmation #aspiration #activation #action #letsdothis #letsdoit #letsgo #emerge #evolve
Do you have a potential book, poem, song, creative idea or business inside of you? Your dream will remain dormant unless you decide to unleash your potential by turning your formulated, creative thoughts into firm, concrete action steps. Start today to realize your potential by doing what is necessary to research your idea. Discover what you need to do to get started and seek out and surround yourself with those who can mentor you who have accomplished or achieved success in your area of interest. Solicit their help to devise a strategy to assist in the development stages of launching your dream, but decide to take responsibility for doing the work of working your own plan, step by step, with all the creativity, energy, diligence and determination you can muster. Before long, you’ll find that the reality of the principles shared in Proverbs 24:3-4 have unlocked your potential by bringing your dream to life. Then, you can mentor others by sharing the same wisdom that you have learned and put into action. #drnatalie #drnatalieafrancisco #imjustsaying #ijs #inspiration #motivation #affirmation #aspiration #activation #action #letsdothis #letsdoit #letsgo #emerge #evolve
Philippians 4:6 is a scripture that has conditions that must be met and a promise that will be realized as a result. The conditions are as follows: Decide not to be anxious. Commit everything to God in prayer. Pray with supplication (humble entreaty or petition). Pray with thanksgiving unto God. When we meet the fourfold condition of this passage, we can expect to receive the promise of embodying the peace of God which carries with it the fourfold benefit of replacing anxiety, surpassing our understanding, guarding (hence protecting) our hearts as well as our minds. Now that promise of peace is enough positive power to get us through, carry us over, and lift us above any situation that comes our way. Let’s position ourselves to meet the fourfold conditions found in Philippians 4:6 so that we can receive the fourfold promise! #drnatalie #drnatalieafrancisco #imjustsaying #ijs #inspiration #motivation #affirmation #aspirarion #activation #action #letsdothis #letsdoit #letsgo #emerge #evolve
Proverbs 10:22 lets us know that being rich has very little if anything to do with money or possessions. True wealth does not come from seeking to be rich financially or materially, but it is found when we choose to serve and obey God with a pure heart by following after His will rather than money. I have learned that the blessing of the Lord that makes us rich carries with it favor from God which is priceless and supersedes the value of money. When we are faithful in and consistent with using the resources of our time, abilities and money wisely, we will abound with blessings. Pursue faithfulness in being authentically you from the inside out, and watch God’s blessing chase away the sorrow in your life. #drnatalie #drnatalieafrancisco #imjustsaying #ijs #inspiration #motivation #affirmation #aspiration #activation #action #letsdothis #letsdoit #letsgo #emerge #evolve
No one knows what is best for us better than God and ourselves. Although those in our circle of influence may offer counsel to take and mistakes to avoid, we must seek God and follow His direction as well as our own gut instincts or intuition. Some people call the latter a “sixth sense” of sorts. I believe it is the work of the Holy Spirit tugging at our conscience to follow the right path and to avoid the wrong one with each decision that must be made. No one is responsible for making the decisions that will govern our lives but us, and we should not give away that God-ordained power of choice — for in doing so, we become pawns or puppets for others to play with as they so chose. Instead, we must follow the plan that works best for us, and that plan becomes clearer each day as we spend time with God and submit our plans as well as our decisions to Him. After all, He is the true Expert and Mastermind. #drnatalie #drnatalieafrancisco #imjustsaying #ijs #inspiration #motivation #affirmation #aspiration #activation #action #letsdothis #letsdoit #letsgo #emerge #evolve
Having a dream and taking the time to set goals to accomplish it is admirable, but in order for our dream to become a reality we must endeavor to follow through with the necessary effort so that our goals are achieved. The word W-O-R-K, as difficult as it may be to hear, harness and hone, is well worth the effort and energy. Our success depends on the preparation, pursuit and persistence of the work (exertion or effort directed to produce or accomplish something) that we are willing to wield. According to a dictionary reference, the word wield means to exercise power, authority and influence as in ruling or dominating; to use effectively, to handle or employ actively; to govern and manage. We only have the power and authority to have dominion and rule over what has been assigned to us—that is, our own thoughts, words and actions as well as the sphere of influence that God has given us. Paul reminds us that we are only called to operate within the sphere that belongs to us rather than in another person’s sphere of accomplishment in 2 Corinthians 10:13-16. Within that sphere, the possibilities are as limitless as our dreams and desires. However, we must seize every possible opportunity to work our plans in believable and achievable action steps if we want to enjoy the fulfillment that will surely follow as we begin to launch and live our dream. #drnatalie #drnatalieafrancisco #imjustsaying #ijs #inspiration #motivation #affirmation #aspiration #activation #action #letsdothis #letsdoit #letsgo #emerge #evolve
We weren’t born with a silver spoon in our mouths so to speak, so there is no need to have a mentality of thinking that the world owes us something. Quite simply, we will get out of life what we are willing and determined to put into it. It is a biblical principle that what we give will be given back to us again, not only in good measure (according to what we have given), but with a greater return than we ever could have imagined. If we give of our time to those who are dearest and most important to us, than they will do the same to show that they value the investment that was made in their lives. If we give of our talents to help those less fortunate than ourselves, as well as to help others who are levels above us in order to fulfill their dream/vision, we will be rewarded in return by our Father in heaven as well as by others on earth. Some call this The Law of Reciprocity, meaning that we will indeed reap whatever we have sown, either sparingly or generously. Life doesn’t owe us a thing, but we do owe it to God and ourselves to give our best so that we can live our best and most blessed lives. #drnatalie #drnatalieafrancisco #imjustsaying #ijs #inspiration #motivation #affirmation #aspiration #activation #action #letsdothis #lletsdoit #letsgo #emerge #evolve
Proverbs 31 gives us a pictorial view of the woman who seamlessly balances everything with grace upon her life, pep in her step, kindness on her tongue, a smile on her face, and commendations from her family and community. This lady evidently could do it all, but I am convinced that she didn’t accomplish everything at the same time. She had to have a prioritized plan that was realistically doable...and let’s not forget that she had some maidens to help her as indicated in verse 15! Having a prioritized plan which lists anything that is important to us along with the order in which tasks are to be accomplished and the specific day and time frame for each task (preferably listed in the calendar format of a cell phone or something small that can be carried) helps to alleviate undue stress and keeps us from overly committing or doubly booking ourselves. It is true that whatever we devote the majority of our time, energy and effort to is our true priority. Actions still speak much louder than words. It is also important to establish boundaries, not just for us so that we know when to say no, but also for others so that everyone involved in our lives can respect the boundaries that we have set and help to establish relationships of accountability. #drnatalie #drnatalieafrancisco #imjustsaying #ijs #inspiration #motivation #affirmation #aspiration #activation #action #letsdothis #letsdoit #letsgo #emerge #evolve
Perfection is unattainable in this life, and striving for it will only produce overwhelming frustration for ourselves and others. However, attaining excellence is not only possible, but believable and achievable in areas of our personal and professional lives where we focus our attention and time. The areas that we neglect will not exemplify excellence unless we value and prioritize those areas enough to give ourselves fully to them in purposeful thought and action. Excellence requires attention to detail and performance that produces a desired result to honor our time, effort, integrity and character. Today, let’s follow the example of Daniel whose commitment to God was demonstrated in his pursuit of excellence. Serving God and striving for excellence will cause great men and women to recognize, appreciate and call upon the gifts that are within us. #drnatalie #drnatalieafrancisco #imjustsaying #ijs #inspiration #motivation #affirmation #aspiration #activation #action #letsdothis #letsdoit #letsgo #emerge #evolve
Determining to achieve what we dare to believe is the catalyst to guarantee what we will receive. We will only accomplish and enjoy the rewards of what we have mentally fixed our attention upon and focused our efforts towards. Inspiration (whether it is a good idea or a God-idea) alone will not produce the results that we desire. Inspiration must give way to the application of action steps necessary to achieve not just what we can fathom, but what we will discipline ourselves to literally do. Don’t just talk about it; decide to be about it!” #drnatalieafrancisco #drnatalie #imjustsaying #ijs #inspiration #motivation #affirmation #aspiration #activation #action #letsdothis #letsdoit #letsgo #emerge #evolve
Regardless of the thoughts, opinions and albeit well intentioned wishes of others, there is a wellspring of wisdom inside of us from which we must ultimately take our own counsel. Within each of us is the capacity to access the Source of all wisdom who knows the plans predestined for our lives better than any other person, including ourselves. Once we seek God for direction regarding the path of our purpose each day, we must diligently follow that path trusting that we will follow the leading of the inner voice that speaks to us when we take the time to intentionally listen. We must never allow the dissenting voices of others to dissuade or deter us from doing what we know is right. Whenever given the choice, we must choose to obey God rather than men. #drnatalieafrancisco #drnatalie #imjustsaying #ijs #inspiration #motivation #affirmation #aspiration #activation #action #letsdothis #letsdoit #letsgo #emerge #evolve
Time waits for no one! So why is it that we procrastinate and put off for tomorrow what desperately needs our attention today, as if we have a monopoly on dispensing time to arrive and depart at our pleasure? Time is a gift that is to be valued and managed well as we use it efficiently and effectively to prioritize and manage all of life’s daily affairs. Now is the time to take time seriously, and to spend it wisely. #drnatalie #drnatalieafrancisco #imjustsaying #ijs #inspiration #motivation #affirmation #aspiration #activation #action #letsdothis #letsdoit #letsgo #emerge #evolve
There is an old saying that tells us that, “if at first we don’t succeed, then try, try again.” To try means to attempt or to put forth some effort toward accomplishing a goal or task. Trying is not as strong of a word as doing. Doing is synonymous with other words such as performing, executing, accomplishing, exerting, completing and finishing. When we adopt this mindset, the old adage that we are familiar with will change because we’ll find ourselves literally succeeding as a result of following through with Nike’s simple but profound slogan: “JUST DO IT!” #drnatalie #drnatalieafrancisco #imjustsaying #ijs #inspiration #motivation #affirmation #aspiration #activation #action #letsdothis #letsdoit #letsgo #emerge #evolve
We often have expectations regarding whether others are producing desired results, but do we have the same stringent requirements for ourselves? Although we may have leadership responsibilities that influence others, the greatest influence we can make is by evaluating ourselves and determining to achieve results conducive for our own spiritual growth and professional development. People respond more to our actual actions than our words as we set the bar in our example of excellence and exemplary service. After all, if real results are to ever be, it is essentially up to you and me. #drnatalie #drnatalieafrancisco #imjustsaying #ijs #inspiration #motivation #affirmation #aspiration #activation #action #letsdothis #letsdoit #letsgo #emerge #evolve
Revelation 4:11 reminds us that we were and are created for the purpose of glorifying God as we give the best of ourselves away as an act of worship. That means that all that we think, say and do should reflect the glory of God, thereby giving Him pleasure. The beautiful thing about living our lives in this way is that God allows the overflow of His glory and pleasure to rest upon us so that we are blessed and can continue to be a blessing to those around us. Just think ... whenever we strive to be and do our personal best, then we are instrumental in inspiring and pleasing our Creator, and in so doing, our joy becomes full as well. #drnatalie #drnatalieafrancisco #imjustsaying #ijs #inspiration #motivation #affirmation #aspiration #activation #action #letsdothis #letsdoit #letsgo #emerge #evolve
Envy is a feeling of discontent or covetousness with regard to another person’s advantages, success or possessions. It has been referred to by some as “the green-eyed monster” because it has such an ugly connotation and disposition on its bearer and wearer. Envy, according to Proverbs 14:30, manifests itself as “rottenness in the bones.” However, the antithesis of envy is joy and gratitude which result in “a sound heart [which gives] life to the body.” Envying others regardless of who they are, what they have or what they have achieved, is unhealthy and harmful, and produces nothing good. Exchanging envy for enthusiasm is a sure way to channel energy positively so that we are motivated to be excited about and thankful for the plan that God has for us while we celebrate others along the journey. In fact, rejoicing when others succeed may very well push us closer to manifesting the success desired in our own lives. #drnatalie #drnatalieafrancisco #imjustsaying #ijs #inspiration #motivation #affirmation #aspiration #activation #action #letsdothis #letsdoit #letsgo #emerge #evolve
I have often learned the most valuable lessons in my life as a result of disappointment and painful circumstances. No one wants to willingly walk through the valley of disappointment, and often there is very little rejoicing while enduring the valley experience. Yet, as a result of having gone through it, there are opportunities to learn more about ourselves and others while our character and resolve are strengthened. In addition, the disappointment or painful circumstance may serve as the catalyst to catapult us toward discovering and utilizing creativity, ingenuity and talents that would have otherwise remained dormant. King David of Israel wrote about every emotion he experienced from one end of the spectrum to the other. Even in the midst of a whirlwind of disappointment, discouragement, disillusionment and despair, his heart remained fixed on who God was and how He had been with him in and through every circumstance. The valley experiences that David encountered and so openly penned in his poetic prose, allowed him to appreciate the mountaintop experiences in his life all the more because of the lessons he learned along the way. One of the valuable lessons that we can learn from Psalm 61 is that we can surrender all our anxieties, emotions, concerns and fears to God with full assurance in His ability to hear and answer our prayers. #drnatalie #drnatalieafrancisco #imjustsaying #ijs #inspiration #motvation #affirmation #aspiration #actvation #action #letsdothis #letsdoit #letsgo #emerge #evolve
Have you ever created a “things to do list” to accomplish projects and tasks at home, work and/or church, and later discovered that everyone and everything had been included on your list except yourself? It is important to care for and meet the needs of others as we are led by God and are equipped to do so, but we must also remember to make decisions regarding our own health and wellness in the process. The choices we make today concerning ourselves as well as others will determine the kind of life we will have both now and in the future. Every action invites a reaction just as every choice invites a consequence. If we desire better consequences, then we must give full attention to making quality decisions that will produce a quality life for ourselves and those we love. #drnatalie #drnatalieafrancisco #imjustsaying #ijs #inspiration #motivation #affirmation #aspiration #activation #action #letsdothis #letsdoit #letsgo #emerge #evolve
It is imperative to keep a dream or vision before our eyes—not just in our imagination—but in black and white such as recorded in a journal, notebook, business plan or on a vision board. A visual reminder of what we desire to accomplish or achieve will give us the motivation and inspiration to awaken each morning with a renewed sense of purpose to pursue a passion that is worth the effort, energy, service and sacrifice expended each day. In Habakkuk 2:2 of the Message Bible translation, God told the prophet (and he admonishes us as well) to “write what you see. Write it out in big block letters so that it can be read on the run.” That scripture implies that we are to be moving, progressing and running towards the fulfillment of the vision that God gives us — a vision with a mission that motivates the writer and reader to continue pressing forward positively and persistently in both action and attitude. We determine our own destiny once we decide to devise a strategy in visual form to keep us focused on our future, one day at a time. #drnatalie #drnatalieafrancisco #imjustsaying #ijs #inspiration #motivation #affirmation #aspiration #activation #action #letsdothis #letsdoit #letsgo #emerge #evolve
No one has the right to live our life or to dictate how it should be lived. However, there is wisdom available from God and biblical principles that when applied, can help us to design the kind of life that will bring us pleasure while serving a cause greater than ourselves. Although challenges may come and go along the way, they serve as a reminder that they can be overcome by our tenacious, indomitable will that is empowered by God. When we decide to become fully engaged in life and enthralled by all that we have to offer, we can make an indelible mark upon the world that will not be easily forgotten. #drnatalie #drnatalieafrancisco #imjustsaying #ijs #inspiration #motivation #affirmation #aspiration #activation #action #letsdoit #letsdothis #letsgo #emerge #evolve
We are only responsible for our own decisions and actions, and should not take on the responsibility of others’ choices and behaviors. Once we discern and discover the necessity of taking personal responsibility for our own life rather than someone else’s (excluding the stewardship and guardianship of our own children), we free ourselves to embrace destiny and to release the people pleaser personality. There is one simple word that must become a regular part of our vocabulary in order to avoid the people pleaser personality, which can easily cause us to become overburdened with tasks and responsibilities that perhaps our neighbor should carry, and that simple word is “no.” Others will be able to tell if we are serious when we respond to them based on how this simple word is communicated, and whether or not we back up our response with our intended display of tough love. Remember that our goal is not to please people, but to please our audience of One—God. Today, decide to only take on the responsibilities that belong to you, and to let everything else go without feeling guilty or condemned. You’ll notice that you’ll begin to breathe a little easier, walk a little straighter and that your own load of responsibilities will become a little lighter. #drnatalie #drnatalieafrancisco #imjustsaying #ijs #inspiration #motivation #affirmation #aspiration #activation #action #letsdothis #letsdoit #letsgo #emerge #evolve
Some people refer to life as a game to be played, and if so, they consider themselves symbolically as actors on a metaphoric stage. Well if that were true, authenticity would be exchanged for the angst of trying to figure out what role to play for whom at any given time depending on the audience who is watching. Life is not a game, but rather, it is a gift that is to be lavishly loved and lived in such a way that the genuineness of who we really are and all the wondrous capabilities of our mind, spirit and body are explored and employed to add distinct value to the world from our own unique perspective. My husband says it this way: “No one can do what you can do like you, but you.” So here’s the challenge for you and me. I’ll be me to the best of my ability while you do the same with God’s wisdom and grace, and together we’ll anticipate unlimited possibilities to unfold as our untapped potential is unleashed because we choose to be authentic from the inside out. #drnatalie #drnatalieafrancisco #imjustsaying #ijs #inspiration #motivation #affirmation #aspiration #activation #action #letsdothis #letsdoit #letsgo #emerge #evolve
I love the song “No Limits” by Israel Houghton. The lyrics refer to a prayer by Jabez (meaning pain or sorrow) whose mother named him such because she bore him in pain. Yet, Jabez did not allow his name or present surroundings to dictate his destiny. In 1 Chronicles 4:9-10, we are told that he was still more honorable than the rest of his brothers and family, and that Jabez asked God to bless him as well as to enlarge his coast or territory. In other words, he wanted God to release his hidden potential and to allow him to see and accomplish more than Jabez or his family could ever imagine. And God did indeed grant his request! Like Jabez, we can pray and expect God to do what others perhaps think is impossible once we remove all limitations, whether they are self-imposed or otherwise. Israel Houghton’s lyrics are powerful, for they remind us not to settle for less than God’s best in and for our lives: “No limits; no boundaries. I see increase all around me. Stretch forth; break forth. Release me. Enlarge my territory...Say what you heard [from God] so you can see what you said. Take the limits off...No limits!” #drnatalie #drnatalieafrancisco #imjustsaying #ijs #inspiration #motivation #affirmation #aspiration #activation #action #letsdothis #letsdoit #letsgo #emerge #evolve
On July 27, 2011, my husband and I celebrated 28 years of marriage. Our anniversary gift to ourselves was a trip to San Juan, Puerto Rico. We spent the week enjoying time with each other in a way that we often cannot at home because of our daily schedules and commitments. It is good to take time away to reflect, renew, restore, relax and re-prioritize so that what is truly important is valued and nurtured. Relationships are more important than routines, and our commitments to God and family should always supersede the tasks that demand our attention on a daily basis. The beauty of sharing life with those we love and not taking our relationships for granted is what truly makes everything else that we do richer and more rewarding. As my husband and I enjoyed each other’s company over food, fun and frolicking in the San Juan sun as we zip-lined from mountain peak to mountain peak across the rain forest, valleys and rivers 1,500 feet below, we were reminded of the gift of loving each other and life—a truly adventurous journey that has stood the test of time. What is even more exciting is that there is so much more waiting for us to explore as we continue to learn and grow together, and the same is true for you. That’s the abundant life that we all have access to for our enjoyment, fulfillment and God’s glory. #drnatalie #drnatalieafrancisco #inspiration #motivation #affirmation #aspiration #activation #action #letsdothis #letsdoit #letsgo #emerge #evol
Brian Tracy said, “People with clear, written goals, accomplish far more in a shorter period of time than people without them could ever imagine.” I have found this to be quite true. When I take the time to heed the words of the prophet Habakkuk and write down my vision in clear, concise steps that are both believable and achievable, then I can (as the visionary and writer) read and allow others to run with what I have been given while holding myself accountable. Any goal can be accomplished if it has the anatomy of what it takes to be worthwhile. The anatomy of a goal consists of the goal itself (to answer the “What” question), the benefits (the “Why” that motivates us to follow through), and the strategy (the “How” which gives details to include the plan and specific dates/times as measurement metrics). The end result will not be realized without adopting and assessing the anatomy of our goals along the way which will in turn establish direction for our lives and challenge us to continue to develop and grow while remaining relevant and on the cutting edge. This builds confidence, reduces stress and helps us to focus on our God-given vision while making full use of our abilities and resources to achieve intended results that will be well worth the effort. #drnatalie #drnatalieafrancisco #imjustsaying #ijs #inspiration #motivation #affirmation #aspiration #activation #action #letsdothis #letsgo #letsdoit #emerge #evolve
What we decide to do today will directly determine what will unfold for us tomorrow. In other words, the effort we put into what is most important to us or the lack thereof will either yield dividends for us or depreciate the value of what we desire for our future. Whatever and with whomever we spend the majority of our time and effort ultimately determines what and whom we value most. When God directs us in assuring that our priorities are in the right place today, then our targeted efforts will pay off in greater ways than we could possibly imagine tomorrow. #drnatalie #drnatalieafrancisco #imjustsaying #ijs #inspiration #motivation #affirmation #aspiration #activation #action #letsdothis #letsdoit #letsgo #emerge #evolve
We can only impart to others what we have first received. Scripture reminds us of this when we read about how David, after having experienced obstacles and opposition from his enemies and fellow Israelites at Ziklag, encouraged himself in the Lord. He wasn’t dependent on others for encouragement. Instead, he realized that motivation to move forward came from within, and that is what empowered him to fulfill his purpose as Israel’s king, leader and warrior. Today, allow your inner spirit to motivate and empower you to become who God predestined you to be and to reach others for maximum kingdom impact. You will discover that there is no greater joy than to know that your life is making a difference for the cause of Christ and for the sake of being a blessing to others. #drnatalie #drnatalieafrancisco #imjustsaying #ijs #inspiration #motivation #affirmation #aspiration #activation #action #letsdothis #lletsdoit #letsgo #emerge #evolve
My husband and I had the privilege of being asked to co-officiate the wedding of one of our church members in Frederick, MD. It was a joy to watch them focus on one another during the ceremony, and to remind them that focusing on their love relationship even in the midst of challenging times that were sure to come, would help them to weather the worst of storms. Focus is a powerful tool to keep us single-mindedly attentive and attuned to what matters the most at any given time in our lives. We need focus to stay on track in our relationship with God, loved ones, work, church and other responsibilities that require our effort and energy. Maintaining mental vigilance, spiritual victory and physical vitality will allow all of our dreams to become a reality. #drnatalie #drnatalieafrancisco #imjustsaying #ijs #inspiration #motivation #affirmation #aspiration #activation #action #letsdothis #letsdoit #letsgo #emerge #evolve
Past hurts, disappointments, mistakes and misunderstandings have a way of trying to encroach upon our present endeavors. However, instead of allowing them to cause us to fear or fail to move forward, we can use them as combustible fuel to ignite and inspire us to passionately pursue today’s tasks. There is value in past experiences when we extract lessons from what transpired and use them to propel us into our purpose as God directs. Each new day is a reminder that we are still here to fulfill God’s plan and our dreams, and that is only possible when we focus on the value of today and all we can learn from and contribute to it. #drnatalie #drnatalieafrancisco #imjustsaying #ijs #inspiration #motivation #affirmation #aspiration #activation #action #letsdothis #letsdoit #letsgo #emerge #evolve
The remedy for boredom, stagnation, lethargy or apathy is deciding to change the condition and therefore, the position. The condition has to do with an existing state of being—that upon which something else is contingent. Therefore, if the condition one is in is not satisfactory or productive, it can only be altered by changing the position of one’s conscious thoughts, conversation and conduct. A position, according to the dictionary, is merely a “condition with reference to place, location and/or situation; bodily posture or mental attitude; stand.” A better condition is the result of thinking, speaking and acting from a better place or position. The position of the mind determines the condition of one’s life. Selah! (Pause, and think about it. Then take a stand if necessary to change the position of your posture and mental attitude and therefore, your condition.) #drnatalie #drnatalieafrancisco #imjustsaying #ijs #inspiration #motivation #aspiration #activation #action #letsdothis #letsdoit #letsgo #emerge #evolve
We are only responsible for our own decisions and actions, and not those of others. In like manner, we are also responsible for our own fulfillment and joy in life which can and should not be delegated to others. Whereas family and friends are important and valuable relationships to have, they are not to be depended upon to make us happy or whole. Others should not be expected to fill the void that was created to be filled by having a healthy and whole relationship with God and ourselves. Once we accept the fact that God sent His Son, Jesus, so that we can enjoy a full life on earth as well as in eternity, we then realize that true joy and fulfillment comes from within rather than from without based on circumstances or people. #drnatalie #drnatalieafrancisco #imjustsaying #ijs #inspiration #motivation #affirmation #aspiration #activation #action #letsdothis #letsdoit #letsgo #emerge #wvolve
There is a marked difference between the effort of trying and the effort of doing. Merely trying often does not require as much effort, visionary insight, and forethought as does the attitude of doing what is necessary to achieve anticipated and expected results. Focusing on accomplishing something worthwhile and meaningful adds value not only to the task itself, but also to the doer of the task and others who are impacted in some way by what has been done. There is no greater fulfillment than knowing that our life has touched another by what we decided to actually do in a day’s work. #drnatalie #drnatalieafrancisco #imjustsaying #ijs #inspiration #motivation #affirmation #aspiration #avtivation #action #letsdothis #letsdoit #letsgo #emerge #evolve
There is a vast difference between an occupation and a vocation in life. An occupation is the employment that serves the purpose of meeting financial obligations by using a skill set and/or abilities to perform the work for which compensation is received. A vocation is the calling that God has placed upon one’s life to pursue and yield to His purpose using natural gifts and talents as well as skills that are honed to accomplish that which God has ordained to glorify Him, bless others and fulfill the desire of one’s heart in the process. The ideal situation would be for our occupation and vocation to intersect so that we actually do what we love to do (that which brings us joy) while making an impact upon others for the sake of expanding God’s kingdom...and the additional icing on the cake would be to receive compensation for it. Here are questions to ask concerning our occupation and vocation when desiring to discover the pathway to fulfillment: 1. Am I currently pleased and at peace with where I am and what I am doing right now? 2. Does my present place of employment place a demand on my potential causing me to excel in the utilization of my gifts and talents? 3. Am I able to serve as an example in my lifestyle and work ethic in pointing others to Christ? 4. Would I want to continue doing what I am doing now even if I never received compensation for it, and would I be fulfilled? 5. What can I realistically do (and when) to ensure that my occupation and vocation intersect? Take the time to answer these questions honestly and put yourself on the pathway to fulfilling your heart’s desires as God leads. #drnatalie #drnatalieafrancisco #imjustsaying #ijs #inspiration #motivation #affirmation #aspiration #activation #action #letsdothis #letsdoit #letsgo #emerge #evolve
It is a wonderful thing to channel our energy and effort into the direction of what resonates most with our purpose and deepest passions. It does not serve us well to concentrate on negative, unproductive thought patterns, plans or people. If what we are thinking upon and doing at this present time does not serve us well, then it is obvious that our focus needs to be redirected. Only then will we experience different results and find ourselves in the center of God’s will which is the best and safest place to be. #drnatalie #drnatalieafrancisco #imjustsaying #ijs #inspiration #motivation #affirmation #aspiration #activation #action #letsdothis #letsdoit #letsgo #emerge #evolve
Have you ever thought about how powerful we are? God has given you and me the authority to determine the course of our destiny and to do what is necessary to make it so. It is totally up to each of us to discover, discern, and determine to do what is most expedient not just for ourselves, but also for those closest to us. We have the power to formulate the right thoughts and to eliminate the wrong ones—to choose blessings rather than to accept curses—to add value and order to the world instead of chaos and disorder—to use our innate gifts and abilities and not to take them for granted by misusing or abusing them. Oh, yes—we are powerful indeed! #drnatalie #drnatalieafrancisco #nataliefrancisco #imjustsaying #ijs #inspiration #motivation #affirmation #aspiration #activation #action #letsdothis #letsdoit #letsgo #emerge #evolve
There are many who choose to follow the way of the crowd rather than to pursue the road less traveled. It is much easier to do what has already been done and to go where others have gone than it is to forge a path as a trailblazer. Consequently, being the first or the only person to tackle what others dare not think about or attempt to do requires unwavering fortitude, untapped creativity, unyielding resolve and unmitigated nerve. It takes courage to resist the voices of the masses who favor what is popular and familiar, to follow the orchestral arrangement of a purpose that resounds in the deepest recesses of your soul where God is the Master Conductor and you are the featured musician poised to perform according to His interpretation of music that only you can hear. It is much easier to blend in with the average and status quo than it is to stand out because of a spirit of excellence that drives you to be better, wiser, stronger, healthier and happier. Choosing the way of excellence as opposed to the way of ease, albeit difficult, is well worth the effort. #drnatalieafrancisco #drnatalie #imjustsaying #ijs #inspiration #motivation #affirmation #aspiration #activation #action #letsdothis #letsdoit #letsgo #emerge #evolve
Today, God has set before us the ability to choose for ourselves...a power that should not be delegated to others while we have full, capable faculty of mind and will. We can choose to be better or bitter, to live abundantly or accursed, to love lavishly or with limits, to speak with conviction or complaint, to move forward in faith or to grovel in fear and failure. The choice is always ours to make, and deciding to follow the right choice will influence and impact not only our lives, but leave an impression and a lasting legacy upon those who are watching, listening to, and following us, particularly our children. #drnatalieafrancisco #drnatalie #imjustsaying #ijs #inspiration #motivation #affirmation #aspiration #activation #action #letsdothis #letsdoit #letsgo #emerge #evolve
Our Omnipotent (All Powerful) God created the heavens and the earth as well as humankind with the wisdom and creativity that flowed from the Godhead Trinity. That same power, wisdom, and creativity are available to us when we allow God to direct our thoughts and works. We are afforded opportunities each day to display the boundless creativity and capability of our minds when we commit all that we desire to accomplish to God and ask Him to establish our thoughts. In so doing, we invite God’s presence, power and purpose to permeate our mind, body, and spirit, and the results are evident, excellent and effective for others to see. #drnatalieafrancisco #imjustsaying #ijs #inspiration #motivation #affirmation #aspiration #activation #action #letsdothis #letsdoit #letsgo #emerge #evolve
The earliest recollection I have of who God is came as a result of my mother and father taking me to church, Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. I was amazed at the way the choir sung and the musicians played, and at five years old, I asked my mother if I could learn how to play the piano. The desire to do so was very strong to the point where it spilled over into my childhood dreams. The manifestation of my dream of playing the piano was realized several years later, and many other desires were launched from that dream as well. Looking back, I believed I learned two very important lessons: 1) Purpose often unfolds as a result of our childhood dreams. 2) God-given purpose is attached to the thing we desire to do. Although what we desire to do may be delayed, it shall come to pass. An African Proverb says, “The danger of this generation is that they want to eat their dinner in the morning.” In an age where the invention of the microwave oven allows us to prepare and eat food quickly, we tend to think that the rest of life—including the fulfillment of our goals and dreams—should manifest just as quickly. However, waiting for the divine timing and season for us to reap what we have sown will allow wisdom to be awakened and patience to be perfected in us. #drnatalieafrancisco #imjustsaying #ijs #inspiration #motivation #affirmation #aspiration #activation #action #letsdothis #letsdoit #letsgo #emerge #evolve
The best part of waking up is not “Folger’s in your cup” but the opportunity to celebrate and live life to the fullest in all its richness. There are so many ways in which to express the love of God, the value of service and the purpose for which we were created. What is truly important to us will become the impetus that motivates us to live each day with a mission that keeps us faith-filled, focused and fueled with the fire of a passion that cannot be quenched. That mission becomes our life’s charge or work, not just because we’ve chosen to do it, but because we sense that it is what we are called and equipped by God to accomplish for the sake of pleasing Him, blessing other people, and thus, living a rich and rewarding life. Do you have a personal mission statement? If not, take the time to seek God for His wisdom and direction so that you will discern, know and live out what is truly important to you. You cannot help but celebrate once you discover just how rich and full your life can be. #drnatalieafrancisco #imjustsaying #ijs #inspiration #motivation #affirmation #aspiration #activation #action #letsdothis #letsdoit #letsgo #emerge #evolve
Although what we do should be strategically defined, we are not solely defined by what we do. It is important that we give proper attention to the goals that we choose to pursue and accomplish, for goals should be driven by the results we desire to achieve. However, how we conduct ourselves along the way as well as the methods we choose to use stem from a deeper place within us. It is our character that shapes and forms us, and thus becomes the very nature of who we are. True identity comes from within and therefore defines us. That is why it is paramount that we understand who we really are based on the One who created us and the Word that He has spoken to us. When we are confident in whose and who we are, then all that we think and do emanates from that place of assurance and excellence is sure to follow. #drnatalieafrancisco #imjustsaying #ijs #inspiration #motivation #affirmation #aspiration #activation #action #letsdothis #letsdoit #letsgo #emerge #evolve
Everything that we need to do on a daily basis may not be pleasant, but if it is to be accomplished, it is possible when we commit our ways to God and make what we need to do a matter of priority. By making up our minds to complete the task, we eliminate all excuses and are motivated to move forward with decisive action. Any task can be undertaken and any ambition achieved when we adopt this attitude and follow through with simply doing what needs to be done. The outcome will be well worth the commitment and at the end of the day, we’ll thank God, and yes, ourselves, for being decisive enough to act in the best interest of keeping the bigger picture in mind as we pursue our dreams. #drnatalieafrancisco #imjustsaying #ijs #inspiration #motivation #affirmation #aspiration #activation #action #letsdothis #letsdoit #letsgo #emerge #evolve
We are responsible for creating the kind of life that we desire—one that is rewarding and fulfilling. Such a responsibility can never be delegated to someone else, for the right and will to create has been bestowed upon us by our Creator. God, in His Sovereignty, created the heavens and the earth and all that dwells therein, and as if that were not enough, He stood back and admired His own handiwork by stating that what He had done was indeed good! The mere fact that God saw and said that all that He created was good implies that He found pleasure and delight in what He had accomplished as recorded throughout the first chapter of the book of Genesis...and then, He rested. We, too, will gain a sense of fulfillment when we utilize the creative power of God within to bring into fruition the vision that we see and speak each day. Whatever we deem as valuable, meaningful, and good in our eyes will demand the very best of our time, talent, and treasures. Taking this kind of ownership and pleasure in a God-given vision is what allows true purpose to be revealed and untapped potential to be released. #drnatalieafrancisco #imjustsaying #ijs #inspiration #motivation #affirmation #aspiration #activation #action #letsdothis #letsdoit #letsgo #emerge #evolve
What we perceive is what we believe, and what we believe is in essence what we are destined to receive. These scriptural passages remind us that what we think upon will travel from our head to our heart, and from our heart to our tongue. Therefore, the power of our thoughts will influence our heart (which is the seat of our emotions and feelings). The heart is powerful enough to make a correlation between that which we choose to feel and consequently speak into the atmosphere. These three powerful components of thought, heart, and tongue affect one another, and the proper or improper use of all three will determine our destiny or hasten our demise. You have the power to hone in on or to halt your destiny with your head, heart, and tongue. Choose to use the power of these three forces wisely. #drnatalieafrancisco #imjustsaying #ijs #inspiration #motivation #affirmation #aspiration #activation #action #letsdothis #letsdoit #letsgo #emerge #evolve
It really is possible to live life on our own terms, which simply means that we choose to obey God while taking control of our own decisions and actions without delegating them to others and subsequently blaming them for the outcome. After all, we are responsible for the choices we make daily and the consequences of those choices. Procrastination, lack of motivation, intimidation, and stagnation are thieves that come to rob us of our time, energy, confidence, and progress. They are merely excuses for not moving forward and allowing the brilliance of God’s light to shine through us. When we reject and eject the excuse-laden mentality that points the finger at others for what we should take responsibility for ourselves, we’ll find that excellence will make its abode with us and the results will be incredible. Now, that is what it means to truly live life on our own terms! #drnatalieafrancisco #imjustsaying #ijs #inspiration #motivation #affirmation #aspiration #activation #action #letsdothis #letsdoit #letsgo #emerge #evolve
What do you love? Whatever it is that you are truly passionate about should serve as the driving force that consumes the best portion of your time, energy, and money—even when others do not believe in or support it. If what you give the majority of your attention, effort, and resources to is not what is truly your heart’s desire, then it is best to reevaluate where you are and what you are doing. A self-assessment of your gifts as well as where and how you can use them for maximum effectiveness, will help to redirect and reinvent your life if necessary so that you actually love living, learning, and letting the best of who you are and all that you are able to offer add value to the people and the world around you. Don’t let your destiny lie dormant. Awaken the dreamer within and begin to live the life you dream about every day. #drnatalieafrancisco #imjustsaying #ijs #inspiration #motivation #affirmation #aspiration #activation #action #letsdothis #letsdoit #letsgo #emerge #evolve
To live with intention is to live with focused attention directed towards fulfilling our life’s mission. Our mission or reason for living is what drives us to accomplish a predetermined purpose that was planted as a seed in us before we became an embryo in our mother’s womb. According to Jeremiah 1:5, God had a conversation with the prophet Jeremiah to tell him what He had predestined for Jeremiah to become before he was born. As a result, Jeremiah was able to live out his purpose of becoming a prophet to the nations, and he intentionally did so against all opposition and in the midst of difficult times. Even when faced with the temptation to quit, Jeremiah’s purpose became like fire in his bones to rekindle his passion so that he refused to give up. Living with intention will allow us to be passionate about who God has created us to be and what He has predestined us to do. Consistently communing with God keeps us connected to Him and in sync with His plans for us so that we can intentionally respond to His leading in our daily living. #drnatalieafrancisco #imjustsaying #ijs #inspiration #motivation #affirmation #aspiration #activation #action #letsdothis #letsdoit #letsgo #emerge #evolve
We’ve heard it said that tomorrow is not promised. I believe such a statement was made as a reminder to focus on what we have and can do today. That is not to say that we should not plan for the future or set goals in order to accomplish and therefore, live out our dreams. In essence, it is wise to plan for the future, but not at the expense of neglecting the possibilities and opportunities that are afforded to us in this present time. Time does not wait for anyone, so we must be good stewards of every minute and not take the challenges, joys, or the people in our lives for granted. All we have right now is this moment in time, which comes and goes quicker than we can blink an eye. Making the most of each moment requires focus, strategic thinking, flexibility, and the ability to follow through with the actions that will back up our words by putting feet to our God-inspired ideas so that life will not pass us by without us making full use of all that it has to offer. Philosopher, William James, made a profound statement regarding his perspective of life—one that we would all do well to consider and adopt: “Life’s value is not in its duration but its donation—not in how long we live, but how fully and how well.” #drnatalieafrancisco #imjustsaying #ijs #inspiration #motivation #affirmation #aspiration #activation #action #letsdothis #letsdoit #letsgo #emerge #evolve
There’s an old adage that says, “When life hands you lemons, make lemonade!” It may sound comical to some, but it is actually a strategy that, if used, allows us to make the best of any situation that comes our way. Choosing to respond appropriately to life by thinking critically and following through with words and actions that create value, lessens the likelihood of reacting emotionally to problems or people that rub us the wrong way. Nothing and no one has the power to annoy, irritate or aggravate us unless we willingly give away that power. Instead, it is much more advantageous to expend that power in positive ways by directing it towards the greater good—such as a goal or vision to be achieved or a cause that is larger than any individual—which will, in turn, serve the needs of others as well as fulfill our own dreams. #drnatalieafrancisco #imjustsaying #ijs #inspiration #motivation #affirmation #aspiration #activation #action #letsdothis #letsdoit #letsgo #emerge #evolve
Jesus taught us to give our cares and concerns to Him (which includes the weight of the baggage we carry from others) that are too heavy for our shoulders. Once we take upon ourselves the yoke of Christ, we learn this valuable lesson: we are only responsible for our own choices. What others think, say and do is based upon their own decisions apart from us. It is a fact that some people make wrong choices, and then try to blame others for the wrong choices they have made instead of taking responsibility for those choices themselves. The best thing that we can do is to decide to take responsibility for our own lives and to let go of the temptation to carry guilt, condemnation, shame, or blame that never belonged to us anyway. Refusing to be overloaded with the weight of others’ choices and accepting responsibility only for our own, frees us to fully explore and enjoy our lives so that we can equip others with the lessons we’ve learned from the triumphs and tragedies that God allows to come our way. #drnatalieafrancisco #imjustsaying #ijs #inspiration #motivation #affirmation #aspiration #activation #action #letsdothis #letsdoit #letsgo #emerge #evolve
Despite the fact that all have sinned (Romans 3:23), the price was paid by Jesus on Calvary’s cross to cover our sins and unrighteousness. Because of our Savior’s sacrifice, we need not settle for an excuse-ladened, mundane or mediocre life—nor should we return to old habits, patterns, and sins that once held us captive. We are now made righteous, blameless, holy, and worthy of receiving the shed blood of Jesus as atonement (amends, satisfaction or reparation) for our wrongdoing. We have a higher standard and purpose in life to pursue because of what Christ accomplished through His life, suffering, death, and resurrection. Our sins were put to death when Christ was nailed to the cross, along with low-level thinking and living beneath our heritage as sons and daughters of God. Rather than raising our sins up again, we should choose to let our standards rise to the level of our integrity, righteousness, and standing in Christ. #drnatalieafrancisco #imjustsaying #ijs #inspiration #motivation #affirmation #aspiration #activation #action #letsdothis #letsdoit #letsgo #emerge #evolve
I have learned that the more I give of my time, talents, and treasures to God and others, the more I receive in return. In other words, as we continue to give the best of ourselves in abundant supply, our inner and outer resources receive constant replenishment. This is good news, and proves that the principle of “Sowing and Reaping” which is also known as “The Law of Reciprocity” really works. To some, this may not make sense, but God’s Word (which has been tested throughout the ages and found to be true) supersedes our own thoughts. God is honored and others are blessed through our giving, and the added benefit is that we will reap a harvest in return that never runs out. #drnatalieafrancisco #imjustsaying #ijs #inspiration #motivation #affirmation #aspiration #activation #action #letsdothis #letsdoit #letsgo #emerge #evolve
Have you ever taken the time to think of what you would do in life if money were no object? What is it that you would do for free even if you never received a dime for it? Once you discover that, you have uncovered your true purpose and released the potential of what you do best. Whatever that passion is, it remains easier for you to do and more difficult for others to take on because God has already equipped you with the desire to accomplish what brings Him, others, and you joy. That desire begins as a seed planted in your heart to serve as a clue to what you really were created to do. Don’t neglect that seed of desire, but rather, nurture it by watering it with faith, hope, love and the willingness to act upon those virtues through meaningful service. After all, faith is useless without works, hope unused defers and diminishes desire, and love underdeveloped does not express the true nature of God or compassion for others. If the truth be told, the only way to become our best is by cultivating faith, hope, and love. Developing these virtues in our lives daily—with more emphasis on the virtue of love—will cause us to mature in our Christian walk and motivate us to do good works that will follow us into eternity. #drnatalieafrancisco #imjustsaying #ijs #inspiration #motivation #affirmation #aspiration #activation #action #letsdothis #letsdoit #letsgo #emerge #evolve
Love and persistence are admirable traits to possess because they drive us on despite discouragement or difficulties that may arise. When the love of God motivates us, we can tenaciously tackle any challenge that befalls us. The nature of love and persistence will compel us to continue forward, determined not just to endure but to outlast and overtake the opposition and obstacles in our way. We are more than conquerors through Christ who strengthens us. Nothing will faze us because Jesus is our ultimate example of love and persistence in action. #drnatalieafrancisco #imjustsaying #ijs #inspiration #motivation #affirmation #aspiration #activation #action #letsdothis #letsdothis #letsgo #emerge #wvolve
Life has built within it contradictions and complexities that are sometimes beyond our comprehension, but yet it is to be lived with the assurance of knowing that God can and will use all of it—the polarities of the good and bad—to test our faith, strengthen our resolve and cultivate our character. It is utterly impossible and improbable to encounter only mountaintop experiences, for if God only allowed us to live in this ubiquitous state of euphoria, we would fail to rely upon Him fully and thus miss learning the many lessons of wisdom and value to be grasped not only for our sakes but also for the sake of sharing our tests and testimonies with those in search of His love, light and liberation. Our lives are to be living epistles of the embodiment of ups and downs to show that there is a Shelter in Whom we can find solace, stability, and strength in the midst of life’s vicissitudes and victories. #drnatalieafrancisco #imjustsaying #ijs #inspiration #motivation #affirmation #aspiration #activation #action #letsdothis #letsdoit #letsgo #emerge #evolve
Life has no meaning until we discover our purpose and determine to utilize our gifts, talents, abilities and skills to add meaning to life. Doing so creates the value-added benefit of impacting the lives of others while leaving an indelible mark on our assigned sphere in the world. The value we create by being authentically ourselves and participating fully in life by bringing the best of who we are and what we can do to the table, so to speak, opens up a smorgasbord of opportunities to be useful, resourceful, and influential as we dare to make a difference by the life we live and the service we give. #drnatalieafrancisco #imjustsaying #ijs #inspiration #motivation #affirmation #aspiration #activation #action #letsdothis #letsdoit #letsgo #emerge #evolve
Doing what others said or thought couldn’t be done (including ourselves) is an exhilarating feeling, especially because of the satisfaction that is gained not only from the accomplishment itself, but also from the sheer joy that comes from knowing that perseverance pushed past pessimism, courage conquered critics and action annihilated our own anxieties. God’s power working in and through us to accomplish His purpose will be evident to all when we surrender our ways and will to His and choose to follow His lead. However, in order to hear and obey, we must place ourselves in a position of spending quality time with God and fine-tuning our spiritual ear to hear His voice as He speaks to us in various ways. #drnatalieafrancisco #imjustsaying #ijs #inspiration #motivation #affirmation #aspiration #activation #action #letsdothis #letsdoit #letsgo #emerge #evolve
No matter what comes our way, it is our perspective and attitude that will gauge how we choose to respond. There is no guarantee that everything in life will be perfect or pristine, but we can be confident that God will use everything that is allowed to cross our path to refine us when we respond as a student willing to be taught in order to mentor others with the lessons that we have mastered. Approaching life in this way helps us to accept what God allows for a greater purpose while living joyfully not because of circumstances but despite them. It is our Perfect God, not perfect conditions, that strengthens us in the midst of an imperfect world and gives us grace to respond to life in ways that please Him. #drnatalieafrancisco #imjustsaying #ijs #inspiration #motivation #affirmation #aspiration #activation #action #letsdothis #letsdoit #letsgo #emerge #evolve
Jesus pushed Himself forward to fulfill His mission as prophesied by Isaiah and other biblical patriarchs. Because He pushed forward to fulfill prophecy and destiny, we now have access to salvation for our soul, healing for our body, freedom from religious legalism, and reconciliation with God our Father. Now, we like Jesus, can push ourselves forward to fulfill our distinct purpose despite the challenges that come our way. We can do all that we were predestined to do, and become all that we were foreordained to become, and we owe it all to our suffering Savior who is now sitting at the right hand of God interceding on our behalf. You and I can make it, because Jesus showed us the way! #drnatalieafrancisco #imjustsaying #ijs #inspiration #motivation #affirmation #aspiration #activation #action #letsdothis #letsdoit #letsgo #emerge #evolve
A prime example of a person who was converted from the legalism of religion to the liberty found in having a relationship with Christ was Saul of Tarsus, who after his Damascus Road experience with Jesus, became Paul. Before he was converted, Saul thought he was justified in persecuting Christians and consenting to the death of Stephen in the book of Acts. Paul’s belief system was staunch and his behavior was stalwart in his “self-justified wrongdoing” until Jesus got His attention by speaking directly to Him while he traveled on the road to Damascus. That was when Paul, after experiencing the reality of Jesus who pursued him for the purpose of having a relationship with him, was converted immediately. Soon, Paul began to see, think, and therefore, act differently with his newfound relationship with Christ. His name change represented a change in his behavior and assignment. Instead of persecuting and consenting to the killing of Christians, he would now pursue a relationship with them and seek to relate to sinners to share with them what it meant to have a relationship with God through Jesus Christ—one that was possible no matter how horrendous one’s past was. Real conversion carries with it the evidence of real change in our creed, conduct, conversation, and companions. The past has no hold on our present or our future when we allow Christ to convert us from the inside out. Thus, the difference in having religion versus having a relationship with Christ can be seen in the fruit or evidence of real conversion. #drnatalieafrancisco #imjustsaying #ijs #inspiration #motivation #affirmation #aspiration #activation #action #letsdothis #letsdoit #letsgo #emerge #evolve
None of us is perfect, and because of that we may make wrong choices, mistakes, and therefore, experience failure just like Simon Peter. However, there is a perfect God living within us when our lives are totally surrendered to Him who, even in our human frailty of failure, loves us unconditionally and offers mercy and grace to help us in our deepest times of need. I have learned that failure is not the end, and it may serve as the catalyst to catapult us towards a closer relationship with God and unlock the door of creativity as we learn to fail (and sometimes, even fall) forward instead of backwards. The goal is to keep moving in the direction of destiny and not to falter because of failure or detour due to defeat. So here’s the lesson: even when we fail, we must learn how to fail forward. God is still with us as long as we stay on His winning team. #drnatalieafrancisco #imjustsaying #ijs #inspiration #motivation #affirmation #aspiration #activation #action #letsdothis #letsdoit #letsgo #emerge #evolve
My husband, Bishop @lwfiii,makes this emphatic statement often in his sermons: “No one can do what you can do like you, but you.” The reason why this is obvious, of course, is because although others may try to imitate or emulate, they can never duplicate you or the purpose for which you were created. You are as unique as your fingerprints, DNA, personality, innate gifts, developed skills and abilities. It is totally up to you as to how well you choose to express your distinct individuality to the world, for in so doing, you will add tremendous value to the people and world around you like no one else can in ways that will glorify God, edify others, and satisfy your pursuit of purpose. There is greatness inside of you, so be sure to unleash it for all to see! #drnatalieafrancisco #imjustsaying #ijs #inspiration #motivation #affirmation #aspiration #activation #action #letsdothis #letsdoit #letsgo #emerge #evolve
We need not wait for perfect conditions to exist to follow and live our dreams. The sooner we realize that perfect conditions and people do not exist, the closer we will be to setting and accomplishing our goals. We live beneath our privileges when we settle for mediocrity and surrender to procrastination which will only lead to stagnation. Simplistic advice to motivate us to move from dreaming to doing is found in this imperative command: “Get it done!” Don’t wait … initiate and activate! #drnatalieafrancisco #imjustsaying #ijs #inspiration #motivation #affirmation #aspiration #activation #action #letsdothis #letsdoit #letsgo #emerge #evolve
Now is the time to take advantage of the precious commodity of time that God gives to us each day. Ephesians 5:16 admonishes us to make full use of each moment by “redeeming the time.” The Greek word for redeeming in this verse according to Strong’s Concordance is “exagorazo,” which means: (1) to redeem by payment of a price to recover from the power of another, to ransom, buy off (metaphorically of Christ freeing the elect from the dominion of the Mosaic Law at the price of his vicarious death); (2) to buy up, to buy up for one’s self, for one’s use; to make wise and sacred use of every opportunity for doing good, so that zeal and well doing are as it were the purchase money by which we make the time our own. Suffice it to say, the only way to refute the evil of the day in which we live is to redeem the time we have been given, knowing that the ransom of Jesus’ sacrificial death and glorious resurrection has recovered us from the power of the enemy, restored our fellowship with God the Father, and renewed our purpose and passion for using the commodity of time wisely to do good. We’ve been given each minute to put ourselves in it to win it! #drnatalieafrancisco #imjustsaying #ijs #inspiration #motivation #affirmation #aspiration #activation #action #letsdothis #letsdoit #letsgo #emerge #evolve
We have the final victory because of the finished work of Jesus Christ who died and rose again. Our ability to be triumphant is not predicated upon the predicaments that befall us from day to day. Rather, our choice to rejoice comes as a result of our personal relationship with God and the assurance of knowing that we can have joy in spite of the juxtapositions of our life’s journey. Joy differs from happiness in that it comes from the inner resource of our spirit which is connected to the inexhaustible Well of Joy, Jesus Christ, who lives within us. Happiness, on the other hand, is dependent upon “what is happening.” Instead of focusing on what is happening and letting that determine whether or not we will be happy, let us keep our minds firmly fixed on the fact that we are already victorious in every situation because of Christ who lives in us. #drnatalieafrancisco #imjustsaying #ijs #imspiration #motivation #affirmation #aspiration #action #letsdothis #letsdoit #letsgo #emerge #evolve
We are responsible for our own thoughts, decisions and actions which will either contribute to or collide with our joy. When we determine to live in such a way as to focus upon that which draws upon the essence of who we are, provoking us to push beyond our comfort zones to add value to the world around us through our living and giving, then we’ll find that we fill our sphere of influence and ourselves with inexpressible joy. That is because the moment we discover the essence of who we are and what we are called to do, is the exact moment when our God-given personality, potential, purpose and passion meet with opportunities that are as original as God created us to be...and only we are able to seize those opportunities that come our way to fulfill our joy. #drnatalieafrancisco #imjustsaying #ijs #imspiration #motivation #aspiration #activation #action #letsdothis #letsdoit #letsgo #emerge #evolve
When Jesus lived on earth, He revealed His mission statement to His disciples so that they would know who He was and why His Father sent Him. This statement succinctly shared why Jesus was able to put up with people who either misunderstood Him or stood with Him during His earthly ministry, crucifixion, death, burial and resurrection, without losing focus. How powerful! Corporate and nonprofit entities often have mission statements consisting of core values or principles that guide business practices and the service that its target audience of owners and customers expect. In like manner, we should have a personal mission statement that guides our behavior and delivers a promise of serving those in our sphere of influence. That mission becomes our life’s charge or work not just because we’ve chosen to do it, but because we sense that it is what we are called and equipped by God to accomplish for the sake of pleasing Him and being a blessing to other people. #drnatalieafrancisco #imjustsaying #ijs #inspiration #motivation #affirmation #aspiration #activation #action #letsdothis #letsdoit #letsgo #emerge #evolve