Category: Monday

Devotions, Good Morning, Inspiration, Monday, morning coffee, power your day, testimony

My News from Last Week

Ayoka Boyce

Happy Monday!

Do you want the good news first, or the bad news first? Well, I’ll just go ahead and get the ‘bad’ news out of the way.

I am no longer employed. I had to turn in my resignation last week, or else the job was going to process me as terminated as of today. I’ve been in leave and I needed to secure another position on the company within 60 days. Today is day 60.

So that is the bad news. You may be thinking, ‘ Oh no, what is Ayoka going to do?’ And that brings me to the good news…

The good news is that I am no longer there. I had a toxic relationship with my manager. I am now officially free from him.

I am also free to apply myself for new and better positions without feeling guilty or unsure of myself.

I am leaving the job with over 8 years of mortgage banking, analyst, and management experience. My Office skills are exceptional. And I also worked for and earned my Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt. I did not have any of those things when I walked in the door 8 years ago.

I’m leaving the job as a published author of 4 books. Had I not been there, I would not have been co-workers with best selling author BLUNT, who introduced me to bring an author. She read a Christmas play that I had written for church and told me that I was an author. She then guided me through the process of being published.

Last but not least, I’m leaving the job with hope. The last 2 and a half years there, I felt hopeless. I didn’t see things getting better, and they didn’t. Today, I rejoice in hope.

I’m back to the basics. Applying for jobs, going to interviews and even being turned down. (I was turned down for one just last week) Still, I completely trust God. I would have been miserable on that job. The lady who interviewed me even told me she couldn’t see me staying there working for the wages offered. But, my resume sure looks better than it did eight years ago!

So here’s my Monday Motivation. Just in case you may find yourself in a situation similar to this.

  1. You are headed in the right direction. If you were going full speed in the wrong direction, wouldn’t you want someone to help you get on the correct path? Trust God, He directs your path.
  2. Starting over does not mean that you have to start from the beginning. You are simply starting fresh with more experience and knowledge.
  3. Speak well, with confidence. Your past doesn’t break you, it makes you. Don’t discount your experiences or yourself.
  4. David encouraged himself in the Lord. He was king, he had the promises of God and still, he knew that he had to encourage himself and not let his present situation make him depressed. If David knew to do it, then follow his example. Encourage yourself daily, throughout the day, with God’s Word because He speaks well of you.

And David was greatly distressed;….. but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God. ~ 1 Samuel 30:6

I pray this encourages you. Now I’m off to start my day with Prayer, Coffee and Applications. Enjoy your coffee and power up your day.

Ayoka Boyce ~ Minister, Author, Blogger, and Lover of Coffee

Devotions, Monday, morning coffee, power your day, Renewed Mind, Uncategorized, victory

The Monday Mirror

Ayoka Boyce

I don’t know why Monday mornings are associated with the blues. It’s that one day a week that no one seems to look forward to.

Last night, I certainly was not looking forward to today. Not for any particular reason, I’m just used to dreading the day.

Of course, I had to take a good look, deep inside, and ask ‘why don’t I, Ayoka, like Mondays?’ Is it because no one else likes it, or is it something deeper.

It has to be something deep. It’s nationwide plague of millions of people who don’t look forward to this particular day!

Once I realized this, I knew immediately, this is a stronghold. We’ve been so conformed to not like this day, that we set the tone to have a negative week.

And as I looked at my own personal reasons , I didn’t like the answers that I found.

  • I don’t like Mondays because they represent everything that I didn’t accomplish the week before
  • I don’t like Mondays because I start a diet plans and I don’t seem to break through past Wednesdays.
  • I don’t like Mondays because I know I wasted excellent weekend time that I could have been writing or doing some other project besides ‘work’.
  • I don’t like Mondays because I know I should have pushed harder last week to find a new job so I wouldn’t find myself stuck another week.
  • I don’t like Mondays because I’m afraid that this week will turn into a wasted week, much like the weeks before.
  • I don’t like Mondays because even though I feel like every week can be my breakthrough week, something usually breaks my belief so I stop trying.

As I wrote the reasons why I don’t like Mondays, I realized that what I didn’t like was the pattern of my own behaviors.

Mondays are more like the mirror that refuses to lie. How much did I really work to improve since last Monday? Did I really do my best?

And now that I have looked in The Monday Mirror, I can’t, I won’t have the same week as last week.

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2

This Monday, I’m taking a new approach to my week. I will seek to know what is God’s will is for me to do this week. This week, I won’t pray as usual, asking Him to bless my plans and my will, but rather I will seek to do the will of my Father.

And I believe that this week will not simply be good, but it will be acceptable and perfect.

Happy Monday. Enjoy your coffee and power up your day, in His will.

Ayoka Boyce ~ Minister, Blogger, #author, Lover of Coffee

Coffee, Devotions, faith, Monday, morning coffee, power your day, prayer, Uncategorized

Where did I put my Faith?

Ayoka Boyce

If you follow my blogs, or follow me on social media, then you know that I misplace things often. Keys, notebooks, etc can go missing for weeks and then pop back up in the strangest places.

What I noticed today is that I misplace the things that I use most often. It’s frustrating to look for keys that I know I ‘just’ had in my hands and literally cannot get my hands back on them.

Today, I’m looking for my Faith. I know I just had it. It was in strong operation yesterday when I read the Word and prayed in church. This morning, I need that same confidence.

They say when you lose something, retrace your steps. So what happened between yesterday and today? I left church, had dinner, watched a little television. I know I didn’t leave my Faith at church, I had it with me on the drive home. I completely believed God would show me the way out of this storm.

Did I misplace my Faith when I got home? Is it hiding around here? Maybe it got buried underneath the mail that has bills that I don’t have the money to pay. Or I could have dropped it outside by the car, which is behind in payments. Then again, it could have gotten lost in my phone when I was pressing the ignore button to phone calls I didn’t have the heart to answer.

It’s Monday, and I need to find my Faith. I literally just had it yesterday. Not just a feeling, I had the substance in my hand as I worshipped and hoped. I had the evidence of everything being worked out even before I could see it. Now the substance I seem to hold is an empty purse, a broken spirit.

They say you always find what is lost in the last place you look (duh). So I looked in my Word. I don’t remember leaving it there but I remember finding it there before.

I looked for my Faith in the 4th chapter of 2nd Kings. I found the woman who was moments away from losing everything. She cried to the prophet Elisha and he showed her a strategic plan to immediately get out of debt.

I read it and said, wow, this lady could be me. Hurting and at the end of her rope. No one to turn to and no where to go. There was no escaping or hiding from her situation, she had to face it.

I believe that her cries were not from defeat. If she was defeated, she would have already given up. Her cries mustered up strength that she didn’t realize was there. It didn’t matter how bad the situation appeared to be. It did not matter that time had pretty much run out for her and her sons. There was still faith for fuel.

That’s where I am this morning. I found a reserve of faith that I didn’t realize I had. It didn’t let me give up today. Instead, I activated what I had and I looked in the Word for my missing faith.

But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Hebrews 11:6 KJV

That was my reminder. God wants me to have faith. He doesn’t want me to misplace it, or simply not use it. He is pleased when I believe in Him. He is pleased with me when I diligently seek him.

So today, I’m working. Just like the woman in 2nd Kings, giving up isn’t an option. If you happen to see tears on me, I’m pulling on my strength. And when you see me in my Word, know that I have found my Faith. It’s in the last place I looked. And it is in excellent working order.

Enjoy your coffee and power up your day through faith.

Ayoka Boyce ~ Minister, Author, Blogger, Lover of coffee

Coffee, Devotions, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, focus, Inspiration, Mindset to Finish, Monday, morning coffee, power your day, Renewed Mind, Uncategorized

The Run-Walk-Crawl to Victory

Ayoka Boyce

“If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward” – Martin Luther King Jr

Dr. King showed us 3 wise choices… Run, Walk, or Crawl

This morning, as I begin my new week, which is full of hope and possibilities, I am ready to take off running.

It sounds great, except I feel this way almost every Monday. Yet by the end of the week, I’m exhausted, mentally and physically beat, and more discouraged than encouraged. Things get accomplished but not everything, and not usually with ease.

The Holy Spirit gently reminded me this morning that I am not a runner. Just as I move at slower paces in my body, I work best when I operate at slower paces in the Spirit.

Also it is not good for a person to be without knowledge, And he who hurries with his feet [acting impulsively and proceeding without caution or analyzing the consequences] sins (misses the mark). PROVERBS 19:2 AMP

In other words, If I apply the knowledge and direction that God freely offers, I can make it to the finish line without being overwhelmed, exhausted or mentally/ physically defeated.

Last night, I made my weekly checklist. Today, I begin to execute with His grace and wisdom.

And as for running through this week, I will remember these the lessons from Dr. King…

  1. It’s okay to move at your best speed. I won’t unfairly compare my speed with others. When I go at my best pace, there’s a better likelihood of me reaching my goals.
  • You don’t have to stay at the same speed. I have different levels of energy at different times of the day, evening and week. I will stop expecting to have the same output at 11:30 in the evening as I do at 11:30 in the morning. I’ve tried, it leaves me exhausted with bouts of insomnia. Instead, I will capitalize on my best times and move intently on my slower times.
  • You move to victory, victory doesn’t move to you. Keep moving and make every move toward victory. If not, I will be standing still or going in circles in the wilderness.

The great thing about new mercies, is the opportunity to get it right today. So even though I ran in circles in the wilderness last week, and I didn’t accomplish everything I set out to do, today is a new day.

And in the words of one of my favorite pastors, Bishop Hezekiah Walker, “I do believe I’ll make it”.

Stay on pace! Enjoy your coffee and power up your day. – Ayoka Boyce,  Minister, Author, Blogger, Lover of Coffee

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Coffee, Devotions, happiness, Happy, Inspiration, Monday, power your day

Seven Days of Happiness – Day 1

Ayoka Boyce

I think myself happy, king Agrippa, because I shall answer for myself this day before thee touching all the things whereof I am accused of the Jews ~ Acts 26:2

Happiness is an intentional state of mind. It does not require money, health or stature. When we intend to be happy, we find that it is completely independent of any person or anything that surrounds us.  Happiness is yours if you intentionally choose to have it.

In this passage, Paul coined the words ‘I think myself happy’. He was not a free man. He was as infamous as he was popular. His imprisonment was not like the legal system that we are used to, he wasn’t presumed innocent. Money could not change the situation he was in. Still, he thought himself happy.

When we find ourselves in sticky situations, the enemy will try to make us think that if the outside changes that it will bring us happiness. When bills are overwhelming, we desire a boatload of money to make us happy. When we are feeling lonely, we want to connect with a person to make us happy. While they may provide a temporary lift-me-up, happiness must be brought from the inside out and not the outside in.

Today, I encourage you to think yourself happy. Push your thoughts toward happiness, intentionally.

Enjoy your coffee and power up your day with happy thoughts

cropped-more-than-a-conqueror

Coffee, Devotions, Inspiration, ministry, Monday, power your day, seasons

Windows and Seasons

Ayoka Boyce

I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. ~ John 9:4

Back in 1996, I worked for NorthWest Airlines. As a Reservation Sales Agent, I had the opportunity to relocate to Honolulu, Hawaii because the reservation office there was short staffed. My friends and family were not shocked that I jumped at the opportunity. I reasoning made perfect sense “The opportunity is here now and it will probably never be like this again. I’m out!”

Within a couple of weeks, my clothes were packed and I was sitting in a hotel room in Honolulu, looking at the ocean. Halfway across the world, in the middle of the Pacific, I was living an opportunity of a lifetime.

Today, as I was riding in the car, I thought about windows and seasons. Depending on the season, the windows in the car or the house will either be opened or closed. It is our responsibility to take full advantage of open windows of opportunities.

Jesus explained that opportunities are not everlasting. He worked within the confines of time and took full advantage of his time in ministry. For three years, he taught, he preached, he healed, he forgave, he gave hope and he loved. When he died, he did so with the purpose of redemption. To his family and friends, the age of 33 may have seemed to early to die. However, within his life on earth, he accomplished everything within the allotted window of opportunity.

17342652_10209210706400964_1689519242651985321_nI dedicate today’s blog to a beautiful young woman, Nicole ‘Nikki’ Hudson. Although we mourn her passing at a young age, we rejoice that she lived a full life. She took advantage of all of the opportunities that life presented to her. Her life was ministry, she was an author, a playwright, producer, photographer, singer, sister, daughter and friend. Those who love her, will say farewell. Our lives were truly made richer because she made use of the opportunities God placed in her life.

Live life to the fullest. Take advantage of today’s open windows of opportunity. Come tomorrow, they may not be guaranteed.

Enjoy your coffee and Power up Your Day
Ayoka Boyce ~ Minister, Author, Blogger, Lover of Coffee

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Coffee, Devotions, First day of spring, Inspiration, Monday, power your day

A New Season

Ayoka Boyce

For behold, the winter is past, The rain is over and gone ~ Song of Solomon 2:11

Driving yesterday from Virginia Beach back to Richmond I drove through rain, sleet then heavy snow. By the time I reached Williamsburg, it was a light rain. Before I got arrived in Richmond, the skies were blue with a trace of dampness in the air. My best friend Toni said it best. Virginia is one state where you will experience all four seasons in the same week!

I love the Spring, never been a fan of the winter. I like seeing the buds come out and transform to flowers and leaves. The entire season reminds me that I made it past the winter days of long and cold nights. Everything comes to life again, full of great hopes and possibilities.

The spring is a time for change, we change our wardrobes. We change our heavy coats for lighter jackets. We pack up heavy sweaters for shorter sleeved shirts. We go through closets and attics for spring clean-up. In essence, it is a season for removing things that weigh us down so that we can move forward.

The season gives me a reason to change. I can put off bitterness, because I am in a new season. I don’t have to be offended by anyone’s actions, because I am in a new season. I can let go of fears, because I am in a new season. I can go forward in ministry and business, because I am in a new season. And if anyone asks, “Why today, why now? You’ve been in a mood for the last two weeks”. I can simply say, because I am in a new season.

The best part of entering into a new season is knowing that God can bring change to any and everything. If something in life has been weighing you down, if you have strongholds that have held you down, rejoice because you are in a new season!

Enjoy your coffee today and Power up your day!

Ayoka Boyce ~ Minister, Author, Blogger, Lover of Coffee

cropped-more-than-a-conqueror

 

 

Coffee, Devotions, Inspiration, Mindset to Finish, Monday, power your day, Time Management

Task Masters ~ 5 Steps to Accomplish This Week’s Goals

Ayoka Boyce

Commit your works to the LORD And your plans will be established.~ Proverbs 16:3

Happy Monday!

Take a moment and pretend it is Friday afternoon. Imagine that the work week is over and you are ready for the weekend. You feel awesome because everything that you accomplished everything that you wanted to do. Nothing was too hard for you. God gave you the strength and endurance to jump every hurdle and ignore every distraction. You feel empowered, you learned, and you grew in grace.

That sounds like a great Friday so let’s go ahead and jump into this week.

Five Steps to setting and fulfilling our goals for this week

1. Write out Friday’s Victory list today. This list will include everything you believe that you will accomplish this week. Keep the goals reasonable but don’t be afraid to have to push for them.

2. Write out your schedule for the week. Include your work, church, and family time. Highlight those times and activities. Fill in empty spaces to schedule your time to work on specific tasks.

3. Track your Successes. Check off each success. Check off each task that you fulfill. You are winning ‘victories’

4. Talk about it. Find an accountability group or coach. Who are you going to be accountable to? Who will celebrate with you? Who will give you a pick me up if you get discouraged?

5. Start right now. Don’t wait. Download this free goal setting list and start writing

Goal Accomplishment and Task Checklist

Of course, I recommend this while you are enjoying a cup of your favorite coffee. Power up your day. I am believing God for us to have successful week!

Ayoka Boyce ~ Minister, Author, Blogger, Lover of Coffee

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Coffee, Devotions, Inspiration, Monday, power your day

Decreasing the Value of God

Ayoka Boyce

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.~ Psalm 46:1

People tell me often, ‘Ayoka, you have so much on your plate. How do you manage to get it all done?’ I shake my head and tell people, my schedule isn’t that bad. I am getting it all done.

Here is the truth – I struggle daily with an unrealistic habit, I work very hard to make things look easy and effortless. If I work on a project for 2 days, I will give the appearance that it only took me 2 hours.  I want to, as much as possible, appear to be close to perfect. This makes me valuable, at work, home and at church.

Not only has this thought been unrealistic, it has been prideful. What would actually be wrong with saying, ‘I need help’ or ‘this task is difficult’?

God has given us great assignments but He never meant for us to bear the burdens alone. When we don’t seek His help we actually decrease His value in our life. There is no shame in going to God and casting cares on Him. That is exactly what he wants us to do!

There was a story about a man who was stuck in a flood. Three times someone came to rescue him, and three times he refused the help. When the man died, He asked God, Why didn’t he help? God’s reply was that he sent a lifeboat, a raft and a helicopter. The man never saw the value in the help God sent.

This week, I encourage you not to be overloaded with tasks. Reflect on the Psalm and remember these three points:

  1. Admit that help is needed
  2. Accept assistance when it comes
  3. Allow God to be who he is : Refuge, Strength and Help

Don’t decrease God’s value! Enjoy your coffee and power up your day.

Ayoka Boyce ~ Minister, Author, Blogger, Lover of Coffee

ayokaboyce

 

Coffee, focus, Inspiration, Monday, power your day

Keep Faith Alive!

Ayoka Boyce

For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead. ~ James 2:26

I have joined another 5-day challenge. This one is for organizing live events. So far, the information that I am getting is great. The challenge is organized, and designed to make me get ideas out of my head, onto paper and executed with action.

Throughout the day, other members of the group posted their challenges and I was impressed by the creativity.  I began to write out my part of the challenge, and it started to become real. My thoughts turned unto written words. In a few days, those words will be the course of action.

We control the fate of our faith

If you have desires to do more, such as open a business, write a book, travel the world, you are already demonstrating faith. The challenge is to go further than the desire.If we don’t put faith into action, then we are in the same boat as the one who has no desires at all. If we don’t make moves, we will become nothing more than sounding boards with a few good ideas.

  • If we have ‘dead faith’ are we better off than those who have no dreams?
  • Would our lives be worse if we don’t take action after God shows us a glimpse of who we can become?

We are accountable to our words

When I was a child, my mother would often say, “One day, I am going back to school and get a degree.” Eight years ago, I told her that I was holding her accountable. A few calls later, she was enrolled in college. Within a couple of years, we attended her graduation at Jacob Javitz center. Her action resuscitated her faith!

When we work toward our goals, we keep faith alive. Stay focused, continue to work and continue to go forward. .

Enjoy your coffee and power up your day!

ayokaboyce