Breaking Bread for 10.31.19

Scripture

But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ.

2 Corinthians 11:3 BOOKS

Reflection

Since the beginning of time, beginning with the first man and woman we have strayed from God’s commands, we have allowed ourselves to be lured away by temptation, pride, envy, and arrogance. We have allowed ourselves to believe that we are separate from God and that somehow we can succeed and prosper without Him.

If you notice success absent of God, where do you think this false reality comes from? And do you not think that God still lovingly has to allow you to experience this false reality?

Does this falsehood not come from the same serpent who convinced Eve to bite the forbidden fruit and then convince Adam to do the same? Is it not the same serpent who found a way to shame them and disappoint God? This presence comes in many forms and has many conniving ways to convince you that you don’t need God, that you can do what you want and get where you want in life by your merits and hard work alone, and not by God’s will and grace. It convinces you that God’s Mind is not the ultimate, and that you instead already possess the capabilities to do the far-reaching and unthinkable without any influence by God.

When do you need God most?

Every single second of the day. There is never a time when you do not need God’s presence in your life. There is never a time day or night that you shouldn’t be asking God for guidance even in the simplest of things; asking Him to always show you the way, give you the right thoughts, and show mercy and grace when you expect it the least.

I need to humbly get down on my knees, metaphorically and physically, several times a day and just say, “thank you” in advance for the blessings that I need and that I shall receive. God blesses me and forgives me when I think I need it least and when I have difficulty forgiving myself.

How can that type of love ever be measured? We don’t love ourselves or each other as much as God and Jesus love us. Let’s work at learning to truly love ourselves even our perceived flaws, and then let that love overflow to others-–so that some day, one day, our love as a representation of God’s love, will radiate throughout the world and heal our many nations of the darkness within.

Prayer

Father, forgive me for not beginning my day with a conversation with You. Forgive me for allowing myself to be consumed by what’s going on in the world, by other people, other things, by drama and negativity, and by trying to help people help themselves. Today and everyday should have started with my conversation with you, and it should end accordingly.

Father, I know that each day is a struggle because there is so much temptation around me; so many opportunities to do wrong, to do what feels good even when it’s bad, to turn away from Your light because it’s easier to float by in darkness. I need You Lord. I need Your son Jesus. I need guidance during my moments of confusion, humility when I begin to think of me more than You, and restoration when I have been torn down.

Father, righteousness and success only comes from You, as my failure is my doing. I can have a long-lasting, healthy, joy-filled, loving, and caring relationship with the person I love by always putting You first in my life, in my relationship, in my decision-making; or I can have a draining, short-lived, miserable relationship by focusing on all of the wrong things, relying on self for all decisions, and allowing pride and arrogance consume me.

I can selfishly be consumed and end up lonely, even when I’m not alone, or I can selflessly rely on You for Your light and never be lonely or alone again.

Father free me from the grip of stagnation, indecision, fear, pride, selfishness, bitterness, and envy. Restore me Father so that I may be totally and wholly devoted to You. In Your name I pray. Amen.

Love,

Natasha

Copyright 2011-2019. Natasha L. Foreman. Some Rights Reserved. All Prayers and Reflections are Copyright Protected by Natasha L. Foreman. breakingbreadwithnatasha.com bbwn.blog

Breaking Bread for 10.30.19

Scripture

For what a man thinks, he is.

Proverbs 23:7

Reflection

There’s a saying that, “what you think about you bring about”. Our thoughts and speech are powerful. We can either speak and think of a prosperous future or a bleak existence. Our words and thoughts are energy that come from within. What type of energy do you want to put out there?

I’m about to board an airplane to head home to California, and I’m mindful of my thoughts, as it’s easy to fear the what-ifs. The anxiety of my ER visit last week wants to jump in and stir things up inside of me. But I’m inspired by the comforting feeling that God always has me even when I feel astray, lost, or alone.

I rather focus on the goodness, positivity, and greatness. I am more than fine and okay. I will have a safe and relaxing flight to and from California. I will have an amazing time with family and friends. All is well. All will be well.

Happy birthday shout outs to Debra Collins and Shante Broadus.

Prayer

Father I pray for clear, positive, loving thoughts about myself and others. Let me be rid of negativity, fear, and darkness.

Love,

Natasha

Copyright 2012-2019. Natasha L. Foreman. Some Rights Reserved. All Prayers and Reflections are Copyright Protected by Natasha L. Foreman. breakingbreadwithnatasha.com bbwn.blog

Breaking Bread for 10.29.19

Scripture

You will know that your tent is secure; you will take stock of your property and find nothing missing.

Job 5:24

Reflection

You can’t lose what’s rightfully yours, for God is your safe and foundation.

Prayer

Father, thank You for always protecting me, watching over me, and making sure that my every need is met. I am never lost, never without, never deprived, and never alone because You are always with me. Thank You Father. I love You. Amen.

Love,

Natasha

Copyright 2011-2019. Natasha L. Foreman. Some Rights Reserved. All Prayers and Reflections are Copyright Protected by Natasha L. Foreman. breakingbreadwithnatasha.com bbwn.blog

Breaking Bread for 10.28.19

Before I begin, let me wish my “twin” Abram a happy 9th birthday. He’s my friend’s son, and we share the same birth day. I also want to wish my paternal aunts Karen and Kathy a happy birthday. I look forward to seeing them in a few days. Last but not least, I want to honor my maternal great aunt—the late Earline B. Slaughter, whose birthday is also today. She would have been 88 years young.

Scripture

You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours.

Psalm 128:2

Reflection

If you work hard you will reap the rewards of your labor. If you do nothing you will get nothing. If you have expectations for growth and prosperity yet you do nothing to earn it, you are short-sided and will end up empty-handed.

Yesterday is the day I was born many moons ago and I am grateful for each breath I take, each step I make, each decision made clearly, and to be surrounded by love. I receive what I get, good, bad, and indifferent-– so I strive to give goodness so that I may receive it in blessings later. I’m another year older yet I still have big dreams and goals for my life, my future, and my community. The only person who can get in the way is me, so I must stay prayed up and never let up.

Set a goal with a date and each day work to achieving that goal. Once you have, move on to the next goal. Every day do something to better yourself, your family, and your community….eventually it will pay off and the dividends can help to better our world. God bless you all!

Prayer

Father, thank You for the abundance of blessings. Thank You for my life, my mind, my freedom, and the ability to work. Father I know that You despise laziness, so everyday I actively take part in my life, doing and being more than the last day. Thank You for Your loving care today and always. Amen.

Natasha

Copyright 2011-2019. Natasha L. Foreman. Some Rights Reserved. All Prayers and Reflections are Copyright Protected by Natasha L. Foreman. breakingbreadwithnatasha.com bbwn.blog

Breaking Bread for 10.25.19

Scripture

Lord, I know that people’s lives are not their own; it is not for them to direct their steps. Discipline me, Lord, but only in due measure—not in your anger, or you will reduce me to nothing.

Jeremiah 10:23-24 NIV

Reflection

When we ask for help and then find reasons not to accept it, or make excuses not to be proactive, we are then setting ourselves up to fail. When we ask God to show us the path to take but choose instead to walk around in circles, why complain to Him or others?

We cannot be stagnant in life due to arrogance, pride, fear, worry, doubt, or excessive over-analysis. We need to learn to pray and let God do His thing, and stop trying to figure out how He does it and why He does it—many of us are only curious because we still think we are doing this by ourselves.

Don’t ask for blessings and then not be prepared to accept them. Don’t ask for help and not take it. Don’t let fear or pride block your blessings.

Prayer

Father, I pray to You for strength, focus, fearlessness, and wisdom. I pray for the skills and understanding to be prepared for the blessings I ask for each day. I pray for the courage to get out of my own way and to stop thinking I can do this on my own. I pray that I stop seeing myself as a victim or as though I’m being punished, and instead see the lessons You want me to learn, and accept responsibility for my actions and lack thereof. I pray that I keep my eyes opened to see and embrace Your reality for me. In Jesus’ name I pray to You. Amen.

Love,

Natasha

Copyright 2012-2019. Natasha L. Foreman. Some Rights Reserved. All Prayers and Reflections are Copyright Protected by Natasha L. Foreman. breakingbreadwithnatasha.com bbwn.blog

Breaking Bread for 10.23.19

Scripture

No one is like you, Lord; you are great, and your name is mighty in power. Who should not fear you, King of the nations? This is your due.

Among all the wise leaders of the nations and in all their kingdoms, there is no one like you….God made the earth by his power; he founded the world by his wisdom and stretched out the heavens by his understanding.

Jeremiah 10:6-7, 12 NIV

Reflection

Each day we face a situation or circumstance which allows us to make the decision to believe, trust, and follow God, or try to figure it out on our own. Several years ago I played a game with my boyfriend (at the time), and some friends, where the only way to win was to have a strategic plan, be patient, trust your instincts, work as a team, and respond without reacting.

Isn’t this how life is each day?

My team failed to win the game that night because we did not execute each of these variables effectively.

I reflected on things the next day and saw the parallels to how that game plays out in real life, and saw clearly that if we merely dream but don’t have: a strategic plan (mission-focused goals and objectives), patience, trusted instincts, and the ability to work as a team with God (and whomever He has placed in our lives) without reacting to every thing that happens-–then we will never achieve our goals or live with purpose-–and we ultimately fail.

Are you ready to begin seeing your life differently? Are you ready to begin living your life using God’s strategic plans? Are you ready to trust Him and yourself? Are you ready to take the steps according to His plan instead of impatiently jumping to where you think He wants you to be? Are you ready to learn how to respond and not merely react to what life sends your way? Are you ready to start receiving your endless blessings?

Then let’s do this!

Prayer

Father, there is no doubt in my heart and mind Who You are, Your power, and my place in Your spiritual arms. I pray that You flush out my fear and replace it with courage.

I pray for clarity, discernment, and patience to see my way through life’s forests, mountains, and valleys. I pray that I see risks in life as opportunities to prove my faith and Your power, and not as excuses to run away or stand still in fear.

I know that You are more than a conqueror. I know that You can change my life this very second. I know that I’m standing in the way of eternal greatness and blessings because I have not fully embraced my spiritual self. Help move my feet Lord. Help me to reveal my true self.

Love your sister in Christ,

Natasha

Copyright 2012-2019. Natasha L. Foreman. Some Rights Reserved. All Prayers and Reflections are Copyright Protected by Natasha L. Foreman. breakingbreadwithnatasha.com bbwn.blog

Breaking Bread for 10.21.19

Scripture

In my distress I groan aloud and am reduced to skin and bones.

Psalm 102:5

Reflection

When we think that the pressure has become too great for us to bear, we yell and cry out in pain. At that moment we have forgotten our true existence and forgotten to Whom we belong, and Who’s children we are.

When times get tough as they always will, force a smile on your face as you remind yourself that you are God’s child and no matter what you go through, He and Jesus will always see you through. Keep saying it until you feel it deep inside, until you are declaring it firmly, intensely, and with a power and passion that can’t be rocked.

Say it with me, “I am God’s child and no matter what I go through, God and Jesus will ALWAYS see me through,” now say it again with a smile on your face. Say it until you believe it, and then live each day demonstrating this belief through action.

I love you all and I pray that through thick and thin you always keep your eyes and heart focused on God and Jesus.

Prayer

Father, I pray that even in times of pain, frustration, grief, and anger, that I never forget that I am the perfect reflection of You; that I am a spiritual being having a human experience and not a human being having a spiritual experience; and that as a spiritual being living in and of Your Spirit, the distress I feel is temporary and actually nonexistent.

By giving in to the distress and allowing my hope and faith to wane I reduce myself to mere flesh and bone and forget the demonstration that I am supposed to be having while on Earth. Help me to get and stay focused Father.

Help me to see and always remember my purpose here, and to never ever ever give up on life, living, and serving You and the least of Your children, and doing so humbly and graciously.

In Your name I pray and give thanks. Amen.

Love,

Natasha

Copyright 2011-2019. Natasha L. Foreman. Some Rights Reserved. All Prayers and Reflections are Copyright Protected by Natasha L. Foreman. breakingbreadwithnatasha.com bbwn.blog

Breaking Bread For 10.18.19

Scripture

Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.

2 Thessalonians 3:16

Reflection

Let God make you whole. Let Jesus show you the way. Pray for the stillness of peace and let that peace comfort you in your times of need. If you believe, then believe. Walk in your faith, don’t just talk about it.

Prayer

Father, fill me with your peace so that I might walk straight regardless of the circumstances that come my way. Let me be humble and more like Jesus as I face daily challenges, and deal with people who at times can be unloving and unkind. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Love,

Natasha

Copyright 2011-2019. Natasha L. Foreman. Some Rights Reserved. All Prayers and Reflections are Copyright Protected by Natasha L. Foreman. breakingbreadwithnatasha.com                                                                                        bbwn.blog

Breaking Bread For 10.17.19

Scripture

All those who were in distress or in debt or discontented gathered around him, and he became their commander. About four hundred men were with him.

1 Samuel 22:2

Reflection

We’re approaching the holidays and this becomes a time when more people gain the most weight, stress out even more than any other time of the year, health concerns rise, and when debt collectors turn up the heat and get busy harassing and scaring you the most. This is the time when appliances start to give out, your car seems to have the most issues, your utility bills increase, and your patience runs thin. This is also the time when you need to bear down, kneel down, and pray to God and Jesus for strength, clarity, vision, patience, and the understanding to not only get through these times but to overcome and thrive above them.

Let’s be grateful for our blessings and experiences. Let’s pray for our ability to see and use the provisions God has provided us, and pray for healing from sin, sickness, and disease. I pray for those who have recently passed, and their family and friends.

I love you all and pray you find the peace within to shine as perfect reflections of God.

Prayer

Father, I pray that You place before me and show me the answer to my distress, discontent, and debt. Father, help me to remedy my situation so that my life has more balance. Help me so that my debts are forgiven as I have forgiven my debtors. Provide me the tools, resources, and path out of this stressful circumstance, so that I may have a clear mind focused solely on You and not on me and my family. Father, heal me of my inflictions. Make me whole in Your sight and reality, disproving human naysayers, and turning miracles into moments of ‘it is because He is’ for every day and every moment is a miracle…and it is because You make it possible.

Remove this fear Lord. Remove the fear of losing something. Remove the anxiety caused by fear. Remove all fears. Remove the pain and discomfort. Remove the shame and guilt. Free me Lord. In Your name I pray. Amen.

Lovingly,

Natasha

Copyright 2011-2019. Natasha L. Foreman. Some Rights Reserved. All Prayers and Reflections are Copyright Protected by Natasha L. Foreman. breakingbreadwithnatasha.com                                                                                      bbwn.blog

Breaking Bread for 10.15.19

Scripture

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart….”

Jeremiah 1:5 NIV

Reflection

We may not know what we want to do when we ‘grow up’ but God does. You could be 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, or 90 and still a little confused—but God isn’t. He knows exactly what He has in store for you, and in His Mind there is no limit and your age is merely a number and not a state of being or a restriction on your ability.

We place the restrictions. We dwell on age. We say, “I can’t do it because I’m too old” or “I can’t do it because I’m too young”. God says we can do anything through Him, and His Son Jesus shows us the way. God calls us out each day to demonstrate His power and glory. We choose to be lazy, fearful, and doubt Him.

We are never too young or too old to learn, grow, and live. We are never too old to heal from injuries and rebound to a better state than we were. We place those limitations on ourselves.

We tell ourselves we’re too old to have children, go back to school, travel the world, get back in shape, weigh what we did in high school or college, play like a child, or dance and sing like we’re still a teen—WE do that—NOT God!

When will we stop doubting God? Are you ready to start living and growing to your potential—to where God sees you? I am!!!!

Let’s do this!!!

Prayer

Father, I read these words and its message and meaning are so deep, yet so simple. There is no person or source in the world capable of doing what You do. Only You have the ability to know Your children before they are formed in the womb, and only You can determine our paths before we are born. So only You know what we can and will think and do, long before we make an attempt. Only You know my heart truly, and know what I’m capable of, and where I can go. I am comforted in knowing that every moment I call to You, speak Your name, and say a prayer—You are here, listening, making things happen, and answering my prayers. Thank You Father. I love You.

Love you all,

Natasha

Copyright 2012-2019. Natasha L. Foreman. Some Rights Reserved. All Prayers and Reflections are Copyright Protected by Natasha L. Foreman. breakingbreadwithnatasha.com bbwn.blog

Breaking Bread for 10.14.19

Scripture

So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.

Matthew 7:12

Reflection

The very things you want in life, the very things you hope to receive in an exchange with your fellow man and woman, and the very way you expect to be treated is how you should be in return. If you want respect give it. If you want to be left with your dignity then leave others with theirs. If you want someone to treat you with grace, be graceful. If you want fairness, be fair.

If you want someone to be on time to meet you, be on time to meet them and others. If you want faithfulness and loyalty, then be totally faithful and loyal. If you want extra money, then try donating and tithing a portion of what you have, so that you can receive ten-fold back. What you want you will only receive when you first put it out there. Make sense? Now let’s get out there and create a world of positive reciprocity!

Prayer

Father, thank You for another day of life, freedom, peace, and a chance to make a positive difference in my life, someone else’s life, in my community, and in the world. Father, add an extra layer of strength to me today and these next few days as I face challenges head on that I have been able to avoid for some time, or that never resurfaced until now. Father, touch my heart so that in each circumstance I treat others as I would want to be treated, emulating Your son’s walk through life. In Your name and his I pray. Amen.

Love always your sister in Christ,

Natasha

Copyright 2011-2019. Natasha L. Foreman. Some Rights Reserved. All Prayers and Reflections are Copyright Protected by Natasha L. Foreman. breakingbreadwithnatasha.com bbwn.blog

Breaking Bread for 10.10.19

Scripture

“One thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead”

Philippians 3:13

Reflection

We will always be faced with experiences and situations of discomfort, as long as we walk this Earth in human form. It is what we do, how we respond, what we think, and what we say during these moments that will either deliver us or push us farther in the depths of darkness.

As it was said in a message sent to me from my friend Kenya Ware 8 years ago, “Get past the past by choosing right thoughts because God has victory and blessings in store for your future” and if you truly believe that God will never forsake you, never leave you, and never put more on you than you can handle, then you should always keep your eyes on the prize with images and sounds of victory flowing through your mind.

Let God handle those who have mistreated you, lied to you, misled and deceived you, harmed you, and betrayed you. Allow Him to also heal you from the times when you mistreated, lied, misled, deceived, harmed, and betrayed others. As God works on those who hurt you, and works on you, He also is will work on those you hurt. Don’t just pray for yourself, pray for everyone in this pain cycle. As the saying goes, “Hurt people, hurt people…”

It is not your will but His that makes all things possible. I must remind myself of this daily as each step I take something unexpected comes my way. I must pause from time to time and close my eyes as I pray for God to make things right. I sometimes sit in silence, in deep prayer and reflection, tuning out the rest of the world and focusing on Jesus and God, and what they would expect of me.

It is not wise to always speak your first or even second thought. It is not wise to always react immediately when a situation arises. There must be a balanced approach of thought without also falling into analysis paralysis. Remember that what we say and do cannot be erased or changed once the trigger has been pulled. It is not the quickness of our response, but the thoughtful intentionality of how we respond to circumstances that matter.

Don’t let fear control you. Don’t let the past haunt you. Don’t let someone else’s image of you dictate how you see yourself. How does God see you? That should be your point of focus.

Prayer

Father, You know that I have had my share of ups and downs over the days, weeks, months, and years. You know that each time I fall down whether on my knees or on my face, with Your help, I’ve always gotten back up on my feet.

Father, as I walk through the forest of fear I have to remain focused on what is in front of me and not behind me. Lord today I recite the prayer sent by my friend that says, “I humbly come to You today. I choose to let go of the past. I choose to release those who have hurt me so I can embrace the best that you have for me. Help me to forgive, help me to love, and help me to stay on the good path You have for me in Jesus’ name….”

Father allow me to be free. Allow me to move forward, to heal, to grow, and to be released from feelings of guilt, shame, pain, and disappointment. In Your glorious name I pray. Amen.

I love you all…and thank you Kenya for sharing 8 years ago the poignant message that I reflected and prayed on again today!

Natasha

Copyright 2011-2019. Natasha L. Foreman. Some Rights Reserved. All Prayers and Reflections are Copyright Protected by Natasha L. Foreman. breakingbreadwithnatasha.com bbwn.blog

Breaking Bread for 10.9.19

Scripture

“For God’s gifts and his call can never be withdrawn”

Romans 11:29

Reflection

Eight years ago, my friend Kenya sent a message to me (from a source unknown to me) that said, “When God created you, He deposited seeds of greatness inside of you” and with this knowledge consider the endless possibilities that are brought forth by God’s gifts. We each are filled with greatness and brilliance to bring about positive change in our lives and the lives of our fellow brothers and sisters around the world.

Instead of focusing on what we think we can’t do, instead of focusing on our weaknesses and limitations-–why not focus on our strengths and gifts? Instead of focusing on what things we can’t take care of due to financial constraints, let’s look at what can be rectified each month.

Why not pray to our Heavenly Father for the gifts and guidance to make things in our life as He sees fit? What you have no control over you must let go and let God handle. Let go of your cares and concerns and hold on to your faith and love.

Prayer

Father, today’s scripture and the verse shared in the reflection touched my heart and has shown me the realities of my life because of You. Father, thank You for the gifts and dreams that You have placed within me. Today, I release my cares and concerns to You. Give me the strength, wisdom and clarity to keep moving forward so I can boldly embrace the good things that You have in store for my future. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Lovingly your sister in Christ,

Natasha

Copyright 2011-2019. Natasha L. Foreman. Some Rights Reserved. All Prayers and Reflections are Copyright Protected by Natasha L. Foreman. breakingbreadwithnatasha.com. bbwn.blog

Breaking Bread for 10.8.19

Scripture

For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of man.

2 Corinthians 8:21

Reflection

Strive to give and be your best, doing what’s right, and with the intent to never harm another. Do so to please and honor God. Do so to set the example for others to follow and rely upon. Ask yourself if your actions, words and thoughts serve as a good example of what a righteous Christian is and should be, if not, then what changes in your life should you work to improve? Remember, your life may be the only Bible someone reads. How you live it matters more than you know.

Prayer

Father, let me see the truth in all things in every way. Let me speak the truth and do what’s right in Your eyes and in the eyes of man so that my fellow brothers and sisters also participate in the exchange of honesty. Please realign any plans that are not developed with the intent to be honest, fair, and forthright with others; balance these plans so that all may walk in dignity. Show me Lord how to be the best ambassador in Christ. In Your name. Amen.

Lovingly,

Natasha

Copyright 2011-2019. Natasha L. Foreman. Some Rights Reserved. All Prayers and Reflections are Copyright Protected by Natasha L. Foreman. breakingbreadwithnatasha.com bbwn.blog

Breaking Bread for 10.7.19

Scripture

I will break down your stubborn pride and make the sky above you like iron and the ground beneath you like bronze.

Leviticus 26:19

Reflection

Don’t be so full of pride that you refuse to ask for or receive help. Don’t be so full of pride that you stubbornly live within yourself and never live freely in the world.

You cannot hide from God. You can’t hide your fears, disappointments, anger, frustration, pain, sorrow, resentment, pride, love, joy, happiness, desires, envy, jealousy, greed, contentment, irritation, goals, dreams, or ideas.

So stop trying to be something and someone you’re not, with God, and with the rest of the world. Open up, reveal yourself, and humbly ask the Lord to make you whole. Ask God to make the crookedness in your life straight, the bumpiness smooth, the torn mended, and ask for help to be all that you can be.

Prayer

Father, thank You for making the necessary adjustments in my life, even those that caused me discomfort. Thank You for chipping away at my rough sides and anointing me so that my heart may soften to Your molding.

Father, I do not want to be stubborn, prideful, arrogant, or bitter. Touch me Lord. In areas and ways that I displease You, make me right and whole. In Your name I pray. Amen.

Lovingly,

Natasha

Copyright 2011-2019. Natasha L. Foreman. Some Rights Reserved. All Prayers and Reflections are Copyright Protected by Natasha L. Foreman. breakingbreadwithnatasha.com bbwn.blog

My Book Update

Hi Family!

So let me give you the latest updates on my new book, coming this winter…

Well I’ve handed off 4 sections of it to 12 readers. They were also given a questionnaire to complete which will give me adequate feedback on their thoughts about the book, from concept and approach, to readability and their perceived value.

Once their questionnaires are completed, I will review, and make edits based on their suggestions. Then I begin the next round. I had a huge setback when I lost part of my book awhile ago, but I’m pleased with what came out of that loss. I dug deeper and rose with greater. A great life lesson.

So what comes after that?

Formatting for print, artwork, alignment with retailers, other administrative steps, promo for readers to reserve their copy in advance, and then BAM…launch. There’s of course more, but that’s it in a nutshell.

I’ve learned a lot from this experience, especially because I’m drafting three books at the same time, and it can be a struggle in my mind…

There’s a balance you must find between writing for self and writing for the reader. When it’s 100% for and about you, you may only get a fraction of readers, because they can’t relate. If you wrote solely for your readers, your voice is not your own, and at some point you won’t have an identity to speak from. You will just feel like a soulless puppet.

If you want to write solely for self, then your options are: blogging, journaling, or releasing books that barely anyone buys. You may not like those options, but they are options. Let me be clear, this isn’t to say that blogging is self-satisfying, what I’m saying is if you choose to be, you do have that resource as an option.

If on the other hand, you write solely for the readers, you will most likely reach a point where you want to share your voice, and no one wants to hear it, because all they know is what you’ve been repeatedly sharing in the past.

What I want is in the middle, for self and for readers, my voice and something they can relate to, something that speaks to them and has them thinking that I’m speaking about and to them. For me, that’s a healthy balance.

So, I want to thank those of you who are currently reading and reviewing my book. I want to thank everyone who reads and supports this blog. I can’t wait until launch day. Some of you have been waiting much longer than me for this book release. I humbly thank you!

Love,

Natasha

Copyright 2019. Natasha L. Foreman. All Rights Reserved.

Breaking Bread for 10.3.19

Scripture

For with God nothing shall be impossible.

– Luke 1:37 KJV

Reflection

How will our lives change when we stop believing in “can’t” and “impossible”, start believing “Yes He can!” and start walking as though God has already taken care of all that we want and need? Imagine that.

Continue having an awesome day and see how your day shifts when you begin reimagining your life in the full color of endless possibilities, rather than the gray areas of “can’t” and “impossible”.

Prayer

Father, as I work hard each day I remind myself that all things are possible through You. Even when I lack sleep I know that You will give me the energy I need to press on. When I am hungry You always provide food. When I feel weak, You give me strength.

I pray for my eyes to always remain open to the fact that anything can be achieved and gained when I put my faith in You. I can watch my dreams come true during my lifetime. I can have the things that I’ve yearned for all of my life. I can embrace the things I’ve worked hard to achieve. “Impossible” and “can’t” are not in Your vocabulary, and I want to remove them from mine.

Love always,

Natasha

Copyright 2012-2019. Natasha L. Foreman. Some Rights Reserved. All Prayers and Reflections are Copyright Protected by Natasha L. Foreman. breakingbreadwithnatasha.com bbwn.blog

Breaking Bread for 10.1.19

Scripture

For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people.

Titus 2:11 NIV

Reflection

Seeing this passage and message soon after listening to a sermon on respect, grace, and love in relationships, it puts a smile on my face. I then reflected on God’s greatness and the fact that He’s never let me down or left me alone—so I should never have reason to worry.

God has no limits so my age should never be a concern of mine, God can make happen whatever He wants whenever He wants, so it doesn’t matter if we’re age two or 102, He can do anything.

With my increasing faith I should not worry (even have “good” worry), but instead smile and keep pressing forward. God has me—I just have to keep marching, serving Him, and helping His children. When times get tough I can lean on God and be comforted by His embrace. A triple blessing is knowing that my family is also there for me.

I am reminded of a saying that is shared with the worriers of the world, “if you’re gonna worry then why pray? And if you’re gonna pray then why worry?” This is true.

So I’m going to continue praying and dreaming, working and serving, and believing. With all of that, there’s no time or space for worry. I pray the same for each of you. Whatever is meant for us will never be withheld, or given to another person.

God is good—ALL of the time!

Happy Tuesday and happy first day of October!

Prayer

Father, I opened my eyes and took a breath today because of You, thank You. It is not my will but Yours that wakes me each day. You are my fortress, my protector, my healer, my provider, and I love You.

I pray that worry leaves me and that faith fills me. I pray that doubt disappears and is replaced by belief, understanding, and conviction. I pray in Your name, as a believer and follower of Your son Jesus. Amen.

Love always,

Natasha

Copyright 2012-2019. Natasha L. Foreman. Some Rights Reserved. All Prayers and Reflections are Copyright Protected by Natasha L. Foreman. breakingbreadwithnatasha.com bbwn.blog