eyeInspire: Reach Out & Be Used

God breaks into a life in a spectacular manner, and sometimes conversion is a quiet experience.

But what exactly is conversion? Something that Saul came to know very well. Conversion, by definition, is a change in character, form, or function; or a spiritual change from sinfulness to righteousness. In the story of Saul and Ananias, it became clear that Saul was on the road to becoming an evil man, but God chose to use Ananias in the process of converting Saul. Ananias questioned God when it came to this, but in the end did what God told him to do, and that was go to Saul (who was blinded) so that he could see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.

Sometimes we assume that people are beyond God's reach. But NOTHING is too big for God. Think about the people that testify about how bad they were or how far they were from God's will. When these same people give testimonies, they're witnessing how great God's grace and mercy is.

Saul's story challenges those assumptions, as should we. God blinded Saul in order for him to see again, but when he was blessed with a new sight, he was converted through God. We have to embrace those who are far from God, because they can be converted through us. As God wants to use us as instruments, just as he did Saul. Jesus said "Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name..." Acts 9:15 We never know how God will chose to use us or those around us.

Remember, every saint has a past and every sinner has a future. eyeInspire you to reach out to those around you and let God use you.

If you don't know the story of the Saul's Conversion, read all about it in Acts 9:1-19.

Spread Love. Live life. Be Inspired.

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eyeInspire: Love Your Enemies

"You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?" - Matthew 5:43-47 NIV

How many of us can say that we've been hurt by someone before? How many people in this world have enemies? Some of these things go without saying, and as easy as it may be to hurt those who hurt us, or hate those who hate us, we are instructed to love them. If the world lived by the words "An eye for an eye", we'd all be blind. It's so much easier to live a loving life. When you love your enemies, you'll throw them off, and sooner or later, they'll have no reason to hate you. If you choose to love those who have crossed you, they'll soon be convicted by your love for them. Am I saying loving those who have went against us is the easiest thing to do, no! Love is not only a noun, but it's a verb and so much more.

If you find it hard to find love for others, think about the love God has for us. How many times have we gone against His Word and his Basic Instructions? How many times have we disappointed him, yet and still, he wakes us up in the morning out of pure love. He blesses us with so much, although we don't deserve it. Think back at what you may have done yesterday or even last week, did you really deserve God's love from cursing someone out, stealing, lying, or cheating? Of course not, but because God loves us so much, He will always provide for us and never stop loving us. 

You can never be too kind or loving to someone. In fact, most of us don’t show enough love and kindness to people around us. Being kind helps us to cultivate other qualities such as compassion, patience, and love. Start exuding more kindness to the people around you, and see how they react. Not only that, notice how you feel as you behave kindly to others. Chances are, you will feel even better than yourself. Today, eyeInspire you to love your enemies, be kind, exude love.

Spread Love. Live life. Be Inspired.

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Bad News Bears

eyeAsk, How do you break bad news to a friend?
They say a real friend should always be able to tell another friend the truth, albeit right wrong or indifferent. Does everyone agree? In my man experiences I have come to realize that whether or not the friend appreciates it, I must keep it real for lack of a better term. Hating me or not, I would rather be able to hang my hat on the fact that I am straightforward with those whom I really care about. At this point I realize that it is not the easiest thing in the world, but it has become the most proficient.

I recently had to break some disturbing news to a friend, at the same time telling them about themselves and their ways. TOUGH love I called it; and it's definitely what I want in return. Anyone can be idle and watch, waiting for the so-called "I told you so" moment, but if you never mentioned anything how can it be?

As I grow, mature, succeed, fail, or remain status quo, I am trying to rest on my morals and be able to conquer one of the hardest things in the world - sleep comfortably with myself at night.

Do you not want the same? Leave your thoughts in a comment.

- Basquiat

Spread Love. Live life. Be Inspired.
Proud supporter of The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

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Impossible Friendships

The Hardest thing I've ever had to do, was tell her that we could no longer be friends. It was too much for me; the emotional roller coaster, the daydreams and nightmares, thinking of something that I knew I could never have totally... Sure that night we spent together was amazing, and until this day I wish it never ended. Quite some time removed, "I wish we never did it," and I wish it never felt so good.

What am I to do? She has someone, and so do I. But what about what we felt, what we want? A wise old man told me that you can't dance to every song, but what about the ones that seem to be tailor-made for ME and HER. I'm so confused, but then again I'm not. My heart is telling me things that my mind knows cannot be. So, in the end I guess I must be a man about it and tell her that:

"We Can't Be Friends"
(Video)
- Basquiat
Spread Love. Live life. Be Inspired.
Proud supporter of The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

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eyeAsk...

Can you settle for being
"just friends"
with your ex if you still have feelings for him/her?

eye just wana know, so COMMENT!
Deuces,
DANiE



"Spread the love and live your life, while seeking to inspire and be inspired."
Proud supporter of The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

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eyeAsk: Selfish or Selfless?

When it comes to being you, there's a lot that goes into the job. You have to maintain your physical appearance, your sanity, your health, your money, your family, your job, your friends, your...wait - in essence family, work, and friends aren't thing you HAVE to worry about. So when you don't, is that being selfish? Let's say you do care, and you give to others more than you tend to yourself; is there enough leftover for you? Some people put themselves on the back burner, and are generally selfless.

eyeAsk, is there a happy medium between selfishness and being selfless?
Sure there is. We just have to create the balance. This may be a challenge, but the most challenging part is the people we surround ourselves with.

If these people are selfish, they won't care if they occupy your time or ruin your plans, because as long as they're taken care of, that's all that matters. It's okay to be selfless, but make sure you don't become a pushover and submissive to others. Take care of you, and then take care of others. What good are you if you're a mess trying to help out the next person?

Matthew 5:42 says, "Give to the one who asks you, and do not reject the one who wants to borrow from you." That's called being selfless. "Instead of being motivated by selfish ambition or vanity, each of you should, in humility, be moved to treat one another as more important than yourself." - Philippians 2:3 NET

What do you think? Agree? Disagree? COMMENT!
♥ t i f f a n y
"Spread the love and live your life, while seeking to inspire and be inspired."
Proud supporter of The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

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When the Leaves Turn...

We've all heard the saying "People are in your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime." I hold this saying to be true, and know that everyone that I have encountered in my life has been there for a specific purpose. My friends mean the world to me, and those who I no longer consider my "friends", once played a role in my life; whether it was major or minor. There are some that I predicted would be there for a reason and that's all, but the hardest ones to get over...the people that come into your life for a season.

Speaking in terms of a year, there are four seasons. The transition from each season can sometimes occur easily; while there are times that the changes bring us gradual complications or sometimes hit us full force without any notice. In terms of friendships, when the leaves turn, there's a chance that they may turn back - but there's also a possibility of them being replaced with new leaves.

When the leaves are turning - you know it. There's this gut feeling that you're stuck with, but you take it for what it is and live in denial while you still can. When the leaves have turned - you may be heartbroken and confused, or you won't be phased by it. Not because you don't care, but because you saw the changing phase right in front of your eyes and was well prepared to enter into a new season.

Sometimes we have to make special note of the people that are in our lives. Why are they there? Are you beating a dead horse trying to keep a friendship alive? Have you grown so much that you're in a better place and can no longer live in the same season as some of your other friends? There's nothing wrong with that, we just have to take life for what it is, appreciate the memories we had, and look forward to the ones that are to come.

When the leaves turn, make the best of it - and the friends that are there for the lifetime will be with you every step of the way.

♥ t i f f a n y
"Spread the love and live your life, while seeking to inspire and be inspired."
Proud supporter of The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

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eyeInspire: Choose Your Friends Wisely

“…Do not throw your pearls before swine.” - Matthew 7:6, NAS

Do you realize you have treasure on the inside of you? You could say that your pearls are what God has given you to be a blessing to the world around you—your gifts, talents and abilities. When you get around true friends, people who really believe in you, they won’t be jealous of your gifts. They won’t constantly question who you are. They won’t try to talk you out of your dreams. It will be just the opposite. They’ll help you polish your pearls, develop your pearls, enhance your pearls, and grow your pearls. In other words, they’ll give you ideas. They’ll connect you with people they know. They’ll help push you further along. If you stay around people who don’t value your gifts nor appreciate what you have to offer, that’s casting your pearls among swine.

Your inner circle, those who are closest to you, should be people who celebrate who you are; people who are happy when you succeed. They should be people who believe the very best in you. Remember, it’s not the quantity of friends that’s important, it’s the quality of friends. Choose your friends wisely so you can be all that God has called you to be.

Today you should thank God for the gifts, talents and abilities He has given you. Ask Him to help me you recognize the treasure within. Ask God to give you the wisdom to discern the right relationships He has ordained for you.

Agree? Disagree? COMMENT!
♥ t i f f a n y
"Spread the love and live your life; while seeking to inspire and be inspired."
Proud supporter of The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
Inspirational Vitamin

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10 Ways to Inspire

Today's "Toast to Repost" will leave you inspired and ready to inspire others...enjoy!

Top Ten Ways to Inspire Others to Be Their Best
by Michael Angier

We all know people who are inspiring. But just how does one inspire others? Here are ten simple ways you can inspire people to be their best:


1. Be a good example. People watch what you do more than they listen to what you say. Be someone worth emulating.

2. Care about others. People don’t care about how much you know until they know how much you care. Ask questions. Take a genuine interest in people.

3. Encouragement. Everyone goes through tough times. When you support people and encourage them through these times, you’ll be inspiring them to see the best in themselves and in the situation.

4. Be inspired yourself. Look for people, ideas, environments and knowledge that you find inspiring and motivating.

5. Share from your own experience. You have more to share than you realize. Mine the rich experiences of your life and share your wisdom from your unique point of view. You may be the only one who can touch someone with your inspiring message.

6. Be vulnerable. Be willing to share your failures as well as your successes. Others will relate to you. They’ll understand that they’re not the only ones with challenges.

7. Tell stories. Facts tell and stories sell. They inspire, too. We learn best from parables and we all need to develop our own inspiring stories.

8. Be a good communicator. Increasing your ability to communicate effectively is a critical element for you to inspire others. Watch how you speak and what you say. Invest in your communication skills.

9. Challenge people. Many of us have had teachers who at times seemed more like tormentors than mentors. They challenged us to do our best, and we were better for it. Practice "carefrontation" —the careful and caring confrontation of others.

10. Read. It may not follow that all readers are leaders, but certainly all leaders are readers. Stay informed. Share what you read with others. Tell people about books that have inspired you. Share the knowledge.

I hope these ten tips help you to inspire someone to become a better them!

Spread love. Live life. Be inspired.
♥ t i f f a n y
Proud supporter of The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

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eyeAsk: Who Wants to Be Pure?

Picture this: You're in the gym day after day working towards a goal. One day without thinking, you leave your iPod, or mp3 player of choice, there. The next day you return in the hopes that someone was kind enough to had placed it in the Lost & Found bin or had given it to the person in charge; but not all of us are that lucky. Someone just gained a new treasure. No worries, even though it costs a couple hundred dollars, it can be replaced. Great right?! Sure it is. Now, if this was only the case when it came to losing something like...your virginity. We can go on and on about the values that aren't being taught at home, or the lessons children miss out on from not having religion instilled in their lives at a young age, but reality is what it is.

Today eyeAsk:
Is it too much to wait for marriage? What would it take for you to be celibate? Why does being pure lie heavier on a female's hands?
Some of you may, or may not know of some young celebrities in the entertainment industry who make it look cool to be who they are and believe in what they do. Angela Simmons, Jordin Sparks, and Teyana Taylor have both made it publicly know that they are saving themselves. Take a look at their past interview excepts:

Teyana Taylor: "I have a purity ring. The only time you get in trouble is if you attempt to do something. If you're laying up on a boy then something is going to happen. So I just keep my legs closed until I am ready for that. I can’t have a boyfriend because the only thing they want to do is have sex...You know many young girls think that virginity is lame and promiscuity is cool. They succumb to peer pressure and then find themselves in grown folks situations that they aren’t equipped to handle. I hold bible study class at St. Lukes church in Harlem when I’m home. I actually teach the class because I want them to know it's okay to praise God and keep your legs closed. I’m just trying to be a good example right now."

Angela Simmons: "Ok, the whole virginity thing came out because of the breakup I had previously. And on the show, of course, it came up that I was saving myself for marriage."
Honey: Is it weird that people know that now? AS: "Yeah, kind of. Do I care that much? Not really, because it’s not like it’s a bad thing. No, it’s not for everybody. Everybody doesn’t have to wait, but this is what I have to do in order to get a relationship where it’s all good. I just think that when the sex factor is taken out of the relationship, you really get to know a person."

"My parents gave me a purity ring and talked to me about waiting until I'm married to have sex. It wasn't forced; it just made perfect sense. "It's going to be awesome to say to my husband that I waited my whole life for him." - Jordin Sparks

I definitely think that these ladies are people young women should be looking up to. Especially since the age when girls are giving up their pureness to boys gets younger and younger every year. We live in a generation of 15 and 16-year-old mothers. Some other stars who plan on remaining "pure" are Justin Beiber, The Jonas Brothers, and Miley Cyrus. What's your opinion on the topic?

♥ t i f f a n y
"Spread the love and live your life; while seeking to inspire and be inspired."
Proud supporter of The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

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ToP THiS: How Not to Care 101

Anyone who knows me personally, comes to learn that one of my favorite sayings is - "I don't care". This phrase alone often makes people wonder how I can be so nonchalant and careless about things that would get to the average person. There is no specific answer to that, but I can offer some tips/tactics on how to be nonchalant. It's as simple as saying "No" - unless you're a person who gives into people easily and end up saying "Yes" all of the time. It may sound harsh, but when it comes down to it, you have to look out for yourself first, or before you know it, you'll end up with your feelings hurt and the other person without a care in the world. It's not that hard, just set all feelings aside and don't think about how the other person will be affected by you saying "I DON'T CARE!"

The nonverbal "I don't care": This consists of the screwed up face combines with the subtle rolling of the eyes. Or, the nod with the smirk or crooked smile that let's the person you're dealing with know that...YOU DON'T CARE! This will get to them most because you're not giving them any energy to feed off of. If you say something, you give them something to be mad at; but getting them mad withing uttering one word, that will have someone LIVID!

"I don't care" as reverse psychology: Out of all the ways one can say "IDC", I think this one cuts the deepest. Someone may do or say something to you that hurt your feelings, or just straight out blindsided you. Instead of beating yourself up wondering where it came from, just ask them (asking implies that you care). Let the person pour out their heart and tell their story, and once you've heard enough - even if you have to cut them off - say "Okay, I don't care. Thanks!"

The "I don't care" shrug: Similar to the "nonverbal IDC", the shrug adds somewhat of a sarcastic flare to your IDC. It's one of those "::shrug & walk away:: - So, you don't care - Nope" conversations. It's a small gesture, but it works.

"I don't care", the statement: We've all used this tactic at least once in our lives. Have you ever not cared so much that in your head you just want to scream to the person STFU?! Welp, here's your chance! Don't literally say STFU, just give them a strong "I DON'T CARE" and keep it moving. They may not get why you're upset, and it may seem like you care since you got so angry, but believe you me; you're whistling teapot will cool down after you release those three words.

"I don't care" as an answer to questions you don't want to answer: Although this tactic can be mean, sometimes it just needs to be done. Don't you hate it when people ask you questions they can find out on their own; i.e. Google?! I know I do, so to keep this from happening to me, I use the "I don't know, and I don't care" phrase as an answer; even if I know the answer to the question. Sure, you may be called mean, but hey, it happens. They'll know better than to ask you anything else ;).

What do you think about this topic? COMMENT, or not, IDC! ;)
♥ t i f f a n y
"Spread the love and live your life; while seeking to inspire and be inspired."
Proud supporter of The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
*This post was inspired by DANiE

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Friends Love At All Times

"Friends always show their love. What are brothers for if not to share troubles?" - Proverbs 17:17 (interpreted)

How many of us consider ourselves independent? Do you like to bother others with your troubles, or would you rather keep them to yourself and work them out on your time? When friends ask, "What's wrong", do you just say nothing and put a smile on your face to cover it up? I'm sure that in one way or another, we've all fell victim to this. Many of us go through periods in our lives feeling afraid and alone. Why is this? One of the reasons may be because we are afraid to open up and expose ourselves.

You may have heard the phrase, "People come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime." As hard as it may be to believe, it's the truth. God doesn't put us through situations or bring people into our lives for nothing. Everything we encounter and go through has a purpose. So use those people we consider friends in family to help us through hard times. God never puts more on us that we can bear, share some of the burden with a friend. They'll understand and still love you the same.

Agree? Disagree? COMMENT!

For more scriptures on friendships, check out my "God's Guide to Friendship" post.

♥ t i f f a n y
"Spread the love and live your life; while seeking to inspire and be inspired."
Proud supporter of The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

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eyePoll: True Friends See & Tell

"Would you tell your friend if you caught his/her partner cheating?" Seems like it would be a nobrainer, and for the most part it was. When we asked you this question as a part of our poll 83.33% of you said "Yes, I wouldn't be a friend if I didn't", while 16.67% of you said "No. Friend or not, it's not my place. Nor is it any of my business.". I guess it all depends on how close you and that particular friend are, and the situation. Granted, things may get a little complicated if you're friends with both parties.

How did you vote? Didn't vote? What's your opinion?

♥TeAM elleELLEeye

Spread Love. Live Life. Be Inspired.
Proud supporter of The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

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eyePoll: Truth Hurts

No matter who we are, what our age or how honest we think we've been throughout our lifetime, we all have told a lie. Whether the question was "Honey, do I look fat?" or "Have you ever cheated on me?", we have held back the truth from someone, often thinking that it would protect their feelings. That lie may have seemed like the right thing to say at the time, but was it worth it in the long run?

In any case, we've all played the other side of the fence as well, the person who that "little white lie" was told to. When it came to the issue of being "protected by a lie" versus being "hurt by the truth", 72% of you would rather be hurt by the truth. I was surprised that the vote wasn't split a bit more even, but I guess our readers prefer the truth. Some people would like to be protected by a lie to cover their insecurities or to be naive to a situation. Where did you stand on the issue and if you didn't vote what do you think?

COMMENT!
♥ t i f f a n y

Spread Love. Live Life. Be Inspired.
Proud supporter of The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

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eyeAsk: Can Friends Be Business Partners?

YES and NO

Some may find that working with a friend is the coolest thing in the world. And although that may be true, sometimes the business and personal issues get intertwined. And what are you to do when this happens? Stop, drop and roll! No, but seriously, you have to stop and think about why you are working and from that point on leave the personal outside of the workplace.

On the other hand, working with a familiar face may be easier than working with a stranger. If your friendship is solid enough for you to understand that you will have problems at work, but you have a common understanding of who's the boss and who's in charge of what, that's great. Being friends might even make your working relationship that much better because you understand one another.


What do you think...can friends be successful business partners?

Spread Love. Live Life. Be Inspired.

♥ t i f f a n y
Proud supporter of The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

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eyeAsk: Do You Apologize?

Do you apologize?
After a fight, serious or petty, one of the hardest things for a human being to do is to suck up their ego and say sorry. But why is this? Some people feel like it makes them seem weaker and others just don't feel as though they owe anyone an apology. At the end of the day, it comes down to perception and personal reflection. But here's something to remember:

"Apologizing: does not always mean that you are wrong and that the other person is right. It just means that you value your relationship more than your ego."

Agree? Disagree? Comment!

Spread Love. Live Life. Be Inspired.

♥ t i f f a n y
Proud supporter of The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

God's Guide to Friendship

I've been sitting here for some time thinking about how much my friends mean to me. And in the hopes of finding a scripture that related most to my friendships, I couldn't find one...because there are too many! I love the bible, it's the dictionary to life. Here are 10 encouraging Bible verses about friendship and how to relate them to your life:

#1 Seek to become someone's true friend
Proverbs 18:24 NIV
A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

#2 Seek friendships with the wise
Proverbs 13:20 NIV
He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harms.

#3 Sacrificial love for friends demonstrated by Jesus
John 15:13 NIV
Greater Love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.

#4 Good Friends will make you a stronger Christian
Proverbs 27:17 NIV
As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.

#5 Seek to have loyal friendships that last when tested
Proverbs17:17 NIV
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

#6 Choose your friends carefully
Proverbs 22:24-25 NIV
Do not make friends with a hot-tempered man, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn his ways and get yourself ensnared

#7 The power of two!
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 NIV
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work; If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!

#8 The Greatest Friend is God
James 4:8 NIV
Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded

#9 A caution for friendship
Proverbs 12:26 NIV
A righteous man is cautious in friendship, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.

#10 Friends serve as advisors
Proverbs 15:22 NIV
Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisors they succeed.

Spread Love. Live Life. Be Inspired.

♥ t i f f a n y
Proud supporter of The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
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