Aug
29
2010
Dear Friend,
Are you being choked by Ivy?
A few weeks ago we had a landscaper come to our house and give us some estimates on doing some yard work. Well he ended up giving me the topic of this newsletter (as well as a very reasonable estimate)
We got to the side of my house and we have some ivy growing on our bricks. I always thought it added something to the house, my husband thinks it’s an eyesore. The gentleman proceeded to tell me that the ivy was sucking the moisture out of the bricks with it’s tentacles (he even showed me the tentacles).
Ok, moisture….bricks… sucking the life out of it? I still wasn’t convinced. We have a window by the ivy and the gentlemen even said if I was to open the window the ivy would start making it’s way in the house. At this point I just stood there (even thought about experimenting and opening the window just to see if it would start growing in the window). But why? When we are warned about something why do we ignore the signs?
What a revelation, I thought. He even showed me the roots and if I planted anything in the ground the ivy would wrap it’s roots around the flower and choke and kill it.
Do you have anything sucking the life out of you? What about people? Do you have anyone around you that is draining you?
If so, make the decision to let it and them go! I have learned the best thing I can do is pray for people. Near and far.
Stay Blessed,
Nicole Cleveland
Chief Editor/Founder
Breathe Again Magazine
www.breatheagainmagazine.com
www.nicoleconline.com
PS. The landscaper is coming back to remove the ivy from my bricks. I am letting go.
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Aug
17
2010
“Have you ever felt worthless because of your past? I know I have.
So many times we have a tendency to beat ourselves up because of past mistakes and circumstances that cause great pain and distress in our lives.”
That’s an excerpt for Beauty for Ashes by Rosalind Tompkins, author, pastor, business owner and friendz network member.
She is a contributor in our new issue.
Make moment and visit www.breatheagaimagazine.org for stories of hope and inspiration. If you are not a subscriber to Breathe Again Magazine, do so today by clicking here. We need you. (and it doesn’t cost one cent).
Thank you for reading and make it a blessed one.
Stay Blessed,
Nicole Cleveland
Chief Editor/Founder
Breathe Again Magazine
www.breatheagainmagazine.com
www.nicoleconline.com
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Jul
31
2010
When I say delivered from people I mean:
* released from what they say about you
* not affected by how they feel about you
* not living to please them
Simple words, but hard to do for some.
Why do we care what others say about us?
As my daughter would say,”they are not paying my bills.” As if a 6 yr old has bills. But she adopted that surge of confidence from her father. I admire my husband in so many ways and this is one. He has never allowed what people say, do or don’t do affect him. It just rolls off him. He loses no sleep, doesn’t get upset or even frustrated.
I had to learn that at the end of the day, my job is to do my best to please God and not man. Someone will always have something to say. Be it right or wrong, it’s their opinion. Just let it roll off you.
Are you delivered from people?
How do you deal with the negative opinions of others about you?
P.S. Did you know I have a fan page for the book “So He Cheated, Now What? Click here and hit the”Like” button to support the book that is restoring broken marriages. We all know someone dealing with the aftershock of cheating. Please recommend this book to them. Click here to purchase.
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Jul
15
2010
Rejection is hard to overcome. When a persons rejects you, most times it plays on your self esteem. “What’s wrong with me?”, “Why doesn’t he want me?” “why doesn’t she want to be my friend?”, “I’m ugly…fat…or both?”
Instead of looking at it as rejection, look at it as a release.
Sometimes when a person rejects you it’s for your good. It doesn’t feel good at the time, but more than likely it was bound to happen. They just beat you to the punch. A separation may be what God has mandated. God may need to speak to you but there are too many distractions around you. You knew the relationship was not good for you.Instead of looking at the negative, look at the positive.
That person did you a favor.
God has released you.
Trust me, it’s all for your good.
Stay Blessed,
Nicole Cleveland
Chief Editor/Founder
Breathe Again Magazine
www.breatheagainmagazine.com
www.nicoleconline.com
P.S. Did you know I have a fan page for the book “So He Cheated, Now What? Click here and hit the”Like” button to support the book that is restoring broken marriages. We all know someone dealing with the aftershock of cheating. Please recommend this book to them. Click here to purchase.
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Jul
09
2010
12 For it is not an enemy who reproaches me, Then I could bear it; Nor is it one who hates me who has exalted himself against me. Then I could hide myself from him. 13 But it is you, a man my equal, My companion and my familiar friend; 14 We who had sweet fellowship together Walked in the house of God in the throng. Psalms 55: 12 - 14 (NAS)
The above scripture is shocking but true.
Family and friends don’t betray each other, or do they?
Yes, they do!
Seems like the ones you love the most are the same ones that constantly hurt you. If you are like me you want to help everybody. You want to save the world. These are good characteristics to have. But sometimes people take advantage of your kindness.
So what do you do?
1. Act like it never happened?
or
2. Deal with it,forgive and keep it moving
The latter is the correct answer. If you go with #1 and act like it didn’t happen, it will resurface. It may hurt a great deal in the beginning but time and most importantly God’s grace & mercy will get you through the hard times.
Pray for those that hurt you.
A wise woman once told me - “Baby - hurt people, hurt other people”
Stay Blessed,
Nicole Cleveland
Chief Editor/Founder
Breathe Again Magazine
www.breatheagainmagazine.com
www.nicoleconline.com
P.S. Did you know I have a fan page for the book “So He Cheated, Now What? Click here and hit the”Like” button to support the book that is restoring broken marriages. We all know someone dealing with the aftershock of cheating. Please recommend this book to them. Click here to purchase.
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Jun
15
2010
Father’s day is just around the corner.
Photo courtesy of Graphicsarcade.com
My message to my husband and the father of my children:
Thank you for Staying
Many will read that and say “why are you thanking him for staying to take care of his own children, that is what he is supposed to do.”
Yes, that is what he is supposed to do but the reality is a huge number of men in our society don’t stay - they walk away. Some never even pick up the phone and call. Some don’t pay child support. Some are just MIA.
That was me, I grew up without a father, no child support and I can count on my hands the number of times I received a phone call.I had no one to call me his little girl (and I longed for this).
Sometimes I watch my husband play with the kids and am so thankful that he chose to stay.
Boo - “Thank you for taking care of our family. Thank you for staying.I love you more than all the sand on the beaches.” (smile )
Now don’t get me wrong, there are men out here taking care of their kids and even raising them. (mothers walk away too)
Happy Father’s Day to all the real fathers out there.
Stay Blessed,
Nicole Cleveland
Chief Editor/Founder
Breathe Again Magazine
www.breatheagainmagazine.com
www.nicoleconline.com
P.S. Did you know I have a fan page for the book “So He Cheated, Now What? Click here and hit the”Like” button to support the book that is restoring broken marriages. We all know someone dealing with the aftershock of cheating. Please recommend this book to them. Click here to purchase.
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May
13
2010
Changes are inevitable.
We change everything from hair to homes. When we don’t like what’s on TV, we change the channel. If something is not working in our life, we change the direction. But we can’t be afraid to change. BAM is my 4th child. I gave birth to this beautiful, bouncing vision almost 4 years ago (wow- time flies)
In March we changed the format of Breathe Again Magazine.Initially, I didn’t want it to change, but my accountability partner, which is my coach (and everyone should have one or two or three) had me look at the big picture. No sugar, no fluff - Something was broke and it needed to be fixed.
Picture courtesy of Herd
Have you ever had one of those moments?
BAM is a labor of love. But it’s not just for me, it’s for you.
“Our mission is accomplished when we offer hope and a moment of encouragement, even if it’s to just one woman”, and that one woman is you. God Bless you for reading and thank you for being our friend.
Have you birthed a vision? Are you in labor right now? I would love to hear about it. Leave me a comment.
Enjoy the new articles and stories of hope.
Stay Blessed,
Nicole Cleveland
Chief Editor/Founder
Breathe Again Magazine
www.breatheagainmagazine.com
www.nicoleconline.com
P.S. Did you know I have a fan page for the book “So He Cheated, Now What? Click here and hit the”Like” button to support the book that is restoring broken marriages. We all know someone dealing with the aftershock of cheating. Please recommend this book to them. Click here to purchase.
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May
01
2010
We all need help at some point in our lives. We are at full speed doing anything and everything. The “to do” list is full, appointments, meetings, rehearsals are booked and we seem to have it all together.
But the person inside you is overwhelmed. Too much to do in so little time.It seems like you have to be everything to everybody. (you just want to scream) In the midnight hour you whisper to God– ” I need help”.
The next day the cycle begins again. You are getting burned out.
At some point we must do a self evaluation. Here are a few tips.
1. Seek God for direction - “God, which way should I go? ”
2. Ask for help - If you need help at home, ask the kids or your spouse to help more. If it’s your business, hire a coach.
3. Let Go - Maybe this is re-evaluating your business, letting go of toxic people or changing careers - You know the saying “If it ain’t broke….” well, “If it isn’t working than LET IT GO”.
Stay Blessed,
Nicole Cleveland
Chief Editor/Founder
Breathe Again Magazine
www.breatheagainmagazine.com
www.nicoleconline.com
P.S. Did you miss my interview on Hearsay with Cathy Lewis or on The Sharvette Mitchell Radio Show? Click here for archived interviews.
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Mar
31
2010
Have you ever said something you regretted? Sometimes, we can speak without thinking.
You never know what a person is going through. Your words and/or actions may hurt them in ways you’ll never know.
Make sure you’re careful how you treat your co-workers, family, strangers, and friends… you just never know.
Walk in love each day. Treat others the way you would want to be treated.
Stay Blessed,
Nicole Cleveland
Chief Editor/Founder
Breathe Again Magazine
www.breatheagainmagazine.com
www.nicoleconline.com
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Feb
11
2010
Happy Birthday!
You may be saying, “Today is not my birthday”. Think about it, each day we get to see is a celebration. It’s a birthday celebration.
The Lord has allowed us all to see this day. For that, we should be thankful. Let’s not wait until a new year to celebrate. Let’s celebrate everyday.
Happy Birthday!
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