Your Next Step

Friendly Tip: You Will Be Strengthened and Lifted Up!

 

Yes, I am back and thank you for welcoming me back. It has been several months since I have contributed to Restored Ministries Blog. I have thought about writing because I know this is part of my ministry; but honestly I feel like the enemy has been trying his best to take me out and keep me from contributing.    

 

THIS WEEK, I HAD AN OVERWHELMING SENSE OF WORRY (about returning to blogging) & TODAY I HAD AN OVERWHELMING SENSE OF ANXIETY.  

 

Here’s what I learned:

When you have an assignment that GOD wants you to focus on, we often become stuck in a season of planning to do it. We then move into a season of deciding to do it and right before it is time for us to move forward, sometimes we get this overwhelming sense of anxiety. Anxiety is a form of fear. The enemy wants to block us from our blessings. Instead of allowing the enemy to take me out, I write anyways, specifically- write about my experience.

 

This message will be for someone…

You were gifted with your baby and now you’ve succumbed to an overwhelming place of worry and fear. You are wondering what to do next. You have the solution; because I know he has told you exactly what to do. Start pressing towards your next step and often you will need to pray towards your next step. Yes, press on and pray towards your next step knowing that he is with you. What’s so amazing on the other side is that he will hold you with his strongest hand! Believe in the power of GOD and move!

 

Scripture Reading: Isaiah 41: 10 “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” 

Friendly Activity: Make a list of two things that have been on your heart. Next to each item, make note of what you know you’ve been called to do in that area. Pray and ask GOD for strength and make a move. Trust me, he will help you, let us know of the results.

 

May you find rest in the Lord!

 

Good Night Friend!

 

 ~Lereca Monik

God Loves Us More

Wake up, are you too labeling yourself as a Spiritual Orphan. A spiritual orphan is someone that feels deprived of GOD’s protection or advantage. In some cases this can be a Christian that professes outwardly to know GOD as a Father; but often experiences internal contradictions? Maybe you personally understand. I did.

 

Let me paint the picture for you!

• Are you trying to live like the Jones’? Some of us are trying so hard to be accepted by society that we will spend our last dime on material things that do not matter.

 

• Have you isolated yourself from the church? Some of us say things like I am not religious I am spiritual so we neglect fellowshipping with the body of Christ. Note: we need to the body of Christ to help strengthen us.  

 

• Do you feel an overwhelming sense of insecurity? Constant reassurance from others is simply an example of not having confidence in GOD’s love.

 

• Are you focused on being performance based? This person is always working hard to outshine others. Additionally this person judges the weak performance of others!

 

So often we struggle to comprehend that GOD loves us. When I made the decision to seek GOD’s love first, I learned:

• God’s love is simple: I had been looking for something complicated and something big, in fact his love is simple. He asks us to simply go to him.

• God’s love is strong: GOD gives us strength especially when we are weak. He will carry our burdens for us when we need him to. He will be the footprints in the sand for us.

• God’s love abounds: His love is more than enough. Our cup will always overflow with his love, if we keep him first and in the center.

• God’s love is endless: GOD will never stop loving you.

 

Here’s the message. Stop living as a Spiritual Orphan and allow GOD’s love to overtake you. He loves you more than you will ever know!

 
~ Lereca Monik 

Help Is On The Way

  

Friendly Tip: If You Need Help, ASK For It! Help Is On The Way!

 
When Lereine was about seven weeks old, I was tired. I was exhausted; and I did not know it was appropriate to ask for help. At this point of mother hood, I was thinking to myself; I cannot operate like this for the rest of my life! Have any of you experienced the same moment? If so, you know exactly how that feels.

 

I knew that I needed something; but I did not understand it was okay to ask for help. I was Lereine’s sole care taker at the time, so I assumed that because she was my baby that I could not ask for help. I thought it would be rude or inappropriate.

 

The same applies in life. GOD gives us our baby and we spend every day trying to nurture it. Sometimes we forget that we need help from him and the village to help us.

 

One lesson that I learned is that if you need help- ASK. I wanted help, I needed help; but I didn’t ASK for it.  

 
GOD knows you need help; but he wants you to ask him. The moment I set aside my pride and started asking for help is the moment my life started changing. I encourage you to get out of your own way and ask for exactly what you want or need. Know this- GOD is here to help you! Your help is on the way.

 

Scripture Reading: Isaiah 41:13 I am the Lord your God; I strengthen you and tell you, Do not be afraid; I will help you.’

Friendly Activity: The week I want to leave you with an uplifting song! When you are feeling discouraged, are afraid to ask, please listen to the lyrics.  

I know you need help at this stage of your life. When GOD gave you your baby, he knew you would need a little help. When you find rest in him, he will be there to help you.

 

May you find rest in him!    

 

Good Night Friend,

 

Lereca Monik 

 

You Reign – Part 2

  
Friendly Tip: Let His Power In You Speak For Itself

 

Life will throw you a few curve balls, won’t it? We’ve all experienced them, haven’t you? When life throws you curve balls- you are afforded the best opportunity to ante up your time with GOD. 

 

Why? Because, GOD cannot show us miracles without mess, we would not see blessings without burdens…In order to be a testimony we must face a few test.

 

How are you handling these tests? When curve balls are being thrown at you, learn how to swing back with the word of GOD. The word will remind you of your power and your greatness. The word will remind you that you are a queen and a king. During these valley moments, become lost, we think we can’t find our way, and then we forget about GOD’s promise. 

 

As some point, I got lost too. To find my way out of the valley, I immersed myself in his word, and I started pouring into other people by joining Restored Ministries as a blogger. 

 

As I shared last week, I kept hearing You Reign. I had no clue what it meant; but I knew in meant something. So I remained obedient. 

 

In GOD’s speed and by his power, I now carry the title of Ms. Texas America 2016. This was not something I planned for; but is something that was a part of HIS plan.

 

GOD is amazing. I accepted my crown in the spiritual realm and it was manifested in the physical realm. Miracles do happen.   

 Scripture Reading: Ephesians 3:20 “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us”

Friendly Activity:  

Ponder on these five (5) steps, See where you might be stuck, and Get moving in a new direction.

 

· R: Remember Who You Are

· E: Embrace Your Uniqueness

· I: Invest in Yourself

· G: Give of your Gift

· N: Next in Line

 

God will bless you immeasurably more than you can ask or think, find rest in him and let him do the work. Good Night Friend.

 

~LeReca Monik

You Reign – Part 1

  

Friendly Tip: Beauty for Ashes because You Reign

 

Earlier this year, I declared victory over my life. I asked for a QUANTUM LEAP. I asked for FAVOR. I asked for COURAGE. I asked for GRACE. I asked for CLARITY. I was being called to move into my next level. I felt as if I would soon experience ELEVATION. I embraced it and remained committed to the process.    

 

I kept hearing “You Reign” and I translated “You Reign” into “We Reign.” At the beginning of the year, I wasn’t clear about my message; but I went with it anyways.

 

I was led to come from “Behind the Smile.” Behind the Smile, was a series reminding all of us that we do not have to be enslaved to our past. It is also a reminder that we will all experience a moments of feeling hurt, being hurt, or hurting others. This hurt helps us grow as people, it also helps us relate more effectively with others. Thank you for allowing me to relate more with you.  

 

Once I came from “Behind the Smile” it became apparent that I needed to “Bring the Smile.” “Bring the Smile” is my commitment to posting with a purpose- and I gave birth to 11am Smiles. You may follow me on Facebook to get my 11am Smiles. You can find me at Lereca Monik.

 

Through this, I am learning more about my purpose which is “Beyond my Smile.” “Beyond my Smile” is my WHY for living. I was given a platform to connect and relate to more people, which is beyond me. I think it all started here, as I minister to you, I minister to myself! Our latter will be greater!

 

Please join me next Monday, as I unveil his promise- my platform. I hope that you will see how your life can be transformed if you declare victory, remain obedient, operate in love, and be willing to do the work.  

 

We were all born for greatness; we are born to be queens and kings- so stop living otherwise! Experience greatness, put your crown on your head, and reclaim your seat on the throne, “We Reign,…You Reign…Let’s Reign together.”  

 

Scripture Reading: Isaiah 61:3 “To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting the Lord, that he might be glorified.”

 

Friendly Activity:

• Make a list of everything from your past that is haunting you.  

• Pray over those past pains.  

• Make a list of everything you are grateful for (thank GOD out loud for them)

• Make a list of your hidden dreams (Dream Big)

• Ask GOD (out loud) for FAVOR in those area

 

He will trade your ashes in for beauty, if you chose to find rest in him.  

Good Night Friend.

~Lereca Monik 
 

Mind Your Mind

  
Friendly Tip: Mind Your Mind

 

After about a month or so after giving birth to LeReine, I had a nice little rhythm going. I would:

1. Wake up every two hours to pump.

2. Pack the diaper bag nice and neatly.

3. Sleep when the baby was sleeping.

4. Co-sleep to aid with middle of the night feedings.

5. Text baby photos to loved ones.

6. Record her development

 
 I had gotten into a routine; but there were still things that I felt “I wasn’t getting done or getting done correctly.” At this moment, when I felt like I was in momentum…I started having second thoughts about motherhood. I started questioning and doubting my ability to be a mother.  

 

This also happens when we have given birth to our baby in life. We know that our baby is our gift; but sometimes we question whether we are doing the right thing. Self-doubt seeps into our thinking. We often begin to focus on what’s wrong, what could be done differently, we often focus our thoughts on what could go wrong, as opposed to thinking about what you are doing right.  

 
I encourage you to MIND your MIND. Start replacing those doubts with GODLY affirmations. You will notice a shift in your thinking. If you cry out to HIM, he will help you with your unbelief.  

 
Scripture Reading: Mark 9:24 Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!”
Friendly Activity: This week make of list of everything that makes you feel doubtful. Switch those doubtful feelings to affirmations of believe, write down your new affirmation (I am blessed), and then practice saying them out loud before you go to bed and when you wake up in the morning.

 
Good Night Friend 

~Lereca Monik 

Emotional Equilibrium

  
Friendly Tip: “Reclaim Your Emotional Equilibrium”

 
About a week after giving birth to LeReine, I had this overwhelming feeling of anxiousness because I was excited about being a mother. I felt like I had finally accepted (well somewhat accepted) that my life would look very differently forever.

 
When I thought about my future with LeReine, I was overjoyed! I experienced so much joy that I wanted to cry.  

 

Wait, have you ever experienced being so overjoyed that you wanted to cry? Did you over analyze the situation? Yes this was my moment too.

 
Frankly, I wanted to boooo-hooo! When I thought about this level of crying I started to over analyze why I was crying, then I tried to hold back the tears. I quickly realized that crying was necessary at this particular time. So guess what? I cried…I probably cried for an entire day, maybe an entire week. LOL.

 
You too will experience this same moment when you have given birth to your baby. You will experience a moment of joy and then you might feel like you need to cry. LET IT OUT! Cry.  

 

I learned that crying is not necessarily a sign of weakness, it is actually a sign that you need to “Reclaim Your Emotional Equilibrium.” For some reason, I was afraid of crying (maybe because of my A-Type personality). You too might feel like you don’t want to cry; and you need to, so cry it out!
 

Ask GOD for the answers. He will let you know if it is time to rebalance your emotions. When you do, you will find rest in him. Until next week,

 

Good Night Friend.

Lereca Monik 

 
Scripture Reading: Psalms 34:4 I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.

 
Friendly Activity: This week get alone and ask GOD to show you what you need to release. Give yourself permission to cry it out. Journal the experience.    

Embrace Uncertainty

  
Friendly Tip: “Embrace the Uncertainty!”

The morning I went to the hospital to prepare for delivery for Lereine, I was so anxious. My knees were shaking, my voice was shaking, and I thought I was cold, in fact I was just nervous.  
I was nervous for many reasons; and I could not wait to see her face. I had a scheduled caesarean; but the same feeling applies for mothers giving birth (I heard). There’s this moment of anxiousness and pain, and then when you PUSH hard enough- you give birth to your baby and forget about all the pains you experienced before. 

 I remember hearing Lereine’s cry; she was the loudest baby in the nursery. I looked at my mom and said, oh my gosh-what do I do now? My mom said “embrace it!” 
I remember meeting Lereine for the first time. I was so excited and a little nervous at the same time. I don’t think I slept much at all.  
What I can tell you however is that I fell in love for the first time.

The same applies in life, you will experience a few pains right before birthing your “baby” and then right when you give birth, you will be on an emotional high. More than likely you will be up at night and have many moments of uncertainty. Embrace the uncertainty! 

Embrace it and then give it over to GOD. 

May you find rest in him…
Good Night Friend,

Lereca Monik 

Scripture Reading: John 16:21

Friendly Activity: Every night this week, make a list of everything you might be uncertain about. Give it over to GOD.  

From Being Barren to Giving Birth

   

 Genesis 25:21 “Isaac prayed to the LORD on behalf of his wife, because she was barren; and the LORD answered him and Rebekah his wife conceived.”

 
Before I begin the series, I just wanted to briefly touch on the birthing process. See in life, giving birth is a process. First the egg must be released and the seed must be planted. No seed, no baby. All births begin with seed and then the seed continues to grow. Growth only occurs if the seed is being properly nourished. If the seed is not nourished properly, your pregnancy might come to a drastic end and you might lose your baby or your baby might be born prematurely. Honestly you don’t want either.  

 
When GOD is trying to help you give birth to a new you, a new business, a new project or a new idea- you might feel barren; but GOD will say it’s time to give birth. It does not matter how old you are or whether you have ever given birth before. Just like a physical pregnancy, you will experience a spiritual pregnancy and endure the birthing phases.

You will experience phases in sequential order:

 

1. Ovulation– this is the phase that causes you to place your life in GOD’s hands. It was revealed to me that I needed to release myself from the need of controlling everything in my life. This was not easy; but it was necessary. The word tells us that Rebekah was barren for 20 years; but regardless of the time, GOD answered her prayers. If you don’t release your life to him, you will never experience giving birth to all he has promised for you.
 

2. Conception– this is the phase in which GOD will help you to conceive your purpose. God’s promise seed for your life is planted.

 
3. Gestation– this is time or season in which your baby is being developed. Some people might be in the season for one year and others might be in this season for many years. This totally depends on what GOD has ordained specifically for you. This is the phase that requires nourishment. I recommend you feed yourself with the word of GOD and drink from the well of the living water so that GODs word will live in you and radiate through your baby.

 
4. Contraction (Labor)– at this point of the birthing cycle, many people experience a whole lot of pain. This is when your life is getting prepared to give birth so something new. Many people might describe this phase a level 5 storm.    

 
5. Birth– …Some people want to quit at this phase; because the pain seems too hard. What you don’t realize in the moment is that if you push one more time you will give birth to your baby….PUSH!

 
When GOD wants us to conceive, we will; I believe it is important to have an intimate relationship with him before conception. When we do, we can truly rest in him to protect our baby and guide us along the way during our pregnancy and after we give birth.

 

Discovery Question:  

What season are you in? Are you feeling barren or getting ready for birth? What do you need to give over to GOD?

 
 

Isaac prayed for his wife to get pregnant, and GOD answered. Wherever you are in your birthing phase, I encourage you to give it over to GOD, let him answer. When you do, you will experience peace and you will be able to rest.  
 

Good Night Friend!

Lereca Monik

#liverestored #anewyou #itstimeforachange #maventalk #gnf #restoredministries 

 

Good Night Mom

  
Last year many of you followed my “I DARE YOU!” series. Thank you so much for reading, commenting, and going on that journey with me. The “I DARE YOU” season for me was GOD’s way of asking me to place him at the center of my life. The beautiful thing about the series was that I was given a platform to pour into all of you as well. 

 My life was transformed; and I was able to break free from the many chains that were keeping me in bondage. I boldly say…I am truly blessed!
 

Quick Question:

Has GOD ever had to allow things in your life to happen so that you can focus all of your attention on him? Have you experienced pain so deeply that you wanted to die; but GOD offered you a little glimpse of hope and life, leading to your decision to choose life? Has your life been totally disrupted, and you are currently struggling trying to find the pieces to help put your life back together again?

 
I have been there too. It was two years and four months ago on August 26, 2013. That was the day GOD totally disrupted my life! That’s the day that GOD said enough and I was blessed to birth a beautiful baby girl named, Lereine Mari-lyne Coxeff. 

 
You see giving birth to my daughter was more than becoming a new mom. GOD later revealed to me that my journey to becoming a mother would also be my journey to doing his work. Little did I know, my disruptive phase would become my instructive phase. I needed to be pruned from my old ways, old habits, old thoughts, old people, etc. This was all orchestrated to replace all old things with something new. 

 
I became a NEW me! I am now the same person, with a different platform. During my first year as a new mother, I was stretched in so many ways and I was forced to move completely out of my comfort zone.   
God was clear that this would be a season of:

· Re-alignment (I needed to realign myself with the word)

· Re-evaluation (I needed to reevaluate myself and my life)

· Re-commitment (I needed to recommit myself to GOD’s promise for my life)

· Re-assessment (I needed to reassess my relationships)

 
My journey into motherhood helped me develop this series called “GOOD Night MOM.” Good night mom is a weekly series that will offer support, encourage growth, and create a platform for others to share their experiences after giving birth to something. I will use my experiences as a new mother to offer a message to my readers and followers. Each week will include a tip, a story, a scripture, and a discovery question.         

 
I look forward to taking this journey with you. My only hope is that you will learn how to rest in the lord. 

 

Good Night Mom,

 

Lereca Monik

#liverestored #anewyou #itstimeforachange #maventalk #gnm #RestoredMinistries