Part 1

use or utilize a microwave to reheat dinner, or cook a frozen meal, but remember a microwave can also sometimes heat your food unevenly.

That means as convenient as it is, it’s not always beneficial. As convenient as it is, when your food is not cooked well, it is not desirable. If you have a microwave mentality when it comes to your life, when it comes to building your relationship with God, when it comes to your response from affliction and tribulation there is a good chance that you may miss some valuable lessons. There is a good chance of having uneven traits and behaviors of immaturity that ultimately will not give you an advantage.

Finally, to level up when it matters most, we must respect time. Some people have no respect for time. Some people are even oblivious to the amount of time they spend on things that are NOT making a difference in their lives. I know some may cringe when I say this, but the amount of time that we are on social media and watching TV is really scary. There should be some things in your life that are not negotiable when it comes to your input, meaning your growth and your development (spiritually, mentally, emotionally, physically, and financially) as a God-fearing Christian.

That is not to say that you may have days where you miss the mark, we all do but there must be a standard. What is your standard? I personally believe people make time for what they want to make time for, and if you are going to level up when it matters most, you must respect time. What is time telling you to do right now? Is it telling you to rest? Is it telling you to go back to school? Is it telling you to write the book? Is it telling you to start the business? Is it telling you to be still? Is it telling you to wait? Is it telling you to spend a certain amount of quality time with God and your family? Is it telling you to be more dedicated and growing your relationship with God and your family? Is it telling you to go to the doctors? I personally deal sometimes with procrastination and laziness, but what I have come to understand is that they do not respect time! In this year 2023, work on areas in your life, little by little, day by day that will challenge you to be more respectful of time, choices, and decisions.

Let us recap part one as we begin this beautiful journey of leveling up when it matters most. The first thing to remember is we will not say yes or commit to anyone or anything until we have consulted with God first. Some of you may say, “Well, what if I prayed and asked God for directions and answers, and I don't hear anything?” I will tell you a word of wisdom that my spiritual mother, Elder Joylette Hillard tells me all the time, “Sometimes silence is an answer.” Secondly, we will only pivot if it aligns with our purpose. We are no longer going to pivot based on good ideas, or influence. Third, we are going to discipline our lifestyles in such a way that we have respect for patience and time. We will set healthy boundaries, and let our yes be yes and our no be no. (Matthew

5:37)

I hope you enjoyed part one of our series. Next month we will continue to discover tangible ways on how to level up when it matters most. This is your year! This is our year! I am so grateful that good news located you today. No matter the scars, no matter the hurt, no matter the disappointment or the pain, it time to level up when it matters most! Stay true to YOUR God given identity!

Live Life on The Promise of IMPACT!

Min. Carenda Deonne – www.carendadeonne.com