19Feb
Tyra Lane-KingslandReal Life, Spiritual Life

Permission For Joy

With so much going on in the world today, it can be hard to smile.

 

Wondering if you’ll be fired tomorrow. Finding out needed medical treatments won’t be covered. Going to the store to buy eggs and seeing they’re $12.99 a carton. Turning on the news and seeing children being abused. Finding out yet one more loved one has passed away. 

 

Yet amid life’s sufferings you have permission for joy.

 

I don’t know about you but sometimes I feel guilty for smiling when the earth is groaning. I can feel torn for having unshakable faith and deeply rooted joy when I see my sisters in Christ going through tough times. 

 

But make no mistake about it, God INTENDS for us to have joy. 

“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” – Proverbs 17:22 

Joy is a fruit of the spirit and a byproduct of abiding in Christ. And not only that, because you are spirit, soul and body, joy affects your whole being. Did you know that laughter and joy can actually improve heart health? Science confirms that joy reduces stress hormones, lowers blood pressure, and increases circulation, which all contribute to a healthier cardiovascular system.

But in the midst of life’s challenges, how do we cultivate true, lasting joy?

We must give ourselves permission for joy and choose joy no matter what we see before us.

Joy is not the absence of struggles but hoping for the best and believing the best because of Christ’s finished work on the Cross. Psalm 16:11 reminds us: You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

When we shift our gaze from our circumstances and lock onto God’s faithfulness, we cultivate RESILIENT JOY, the kind that sustains us even in our darkest hour.

Again, for some of us this doesn’t come as easy. Which is why I’m grateful for my husband and children. My husband brings laughter and levity to our family. Laughter comes easy to him. Just the other night as we were lying in bed he was watching something and broke out into raucous laughter. Secretly in my heart I said to the Lord, “Lord give me the ability for laughter to come easily.” 

While my heart is positioned for joy through my abiding, it doesn’t always result in easy smiles and robust laughter. Joy is the STANCE and its effects can be smiles, laughter, peace, contentment and more. It is my prayer for myself and for you that no dam or barrier would stand in the way of our FLOW of joy. May the floodgates of JOY be opened in your life! In case you needed to hear it, this is your permission for joy. 

Practical Steps to Boost Joy:

✅ Get around some kids. Sit in their presence. Watch them, listen to them, be fully present in the moment. They will definitely do or say something that will fill your heart.
✅ Surround yourself with uplifting people who make you laugh.
✅ Practice deep gratitude. When you pause and deeply consider how blessed you are, it will fill you with joy.

✅ Manage in consumption of things that bring you down (news, social media, even people)

✅ Listen to uplifting music like this song HERE

 

May your heart be glad, your soul be light and your joy be FULL! Your heart will thank you for it.

 

As always, it is my prayer that you’ve been Inspired To Live Fully!

03Feb
Tyra Lane-KingslandSpiritual Life

When The Weight Of The World Feels Heavy

I don’t know if this has been the case for you, but the last month has felt like a lot. The weight of the world’s troubles, the noise of the news cycle, and the everyday burdens we carry for our families can feel overwhelming.

As a prophetic intercessor God often shows me things—things that stir my spirit and press on my heart. I also reside close to the Nation’s Capitol which adds to this weight as the pulse of national and global events beats loudly just outside my door. Couple that with trying to raise six children who are trying to process big feelings associated with all these world events and it can all seem like TOO MUCH. 

But thanks be to God! I don’t have to buckle under this weight and neither do you.

While there are some burdens we cannot escape, there are others we can lay down.

I can choose not to watch the news 24/7, letting it consume my thoughts and emotions. Instead, I can fill my home with worship music, shifting the atmosphere and turning my focus back to the One who holds it all.

I can choose to steward my time, energy, and emotional capacity wisely—focusing on what is within my sphere of influence rather than depleting myself over things I cannot immediately change.

This is not ignoring reality nor is this being insensitive to our collective grief but it is choosing to operate from a place of wisdom and faith rather than fear and exhaustion.

It is choosing to cast my cares.

It is choosing to direct my energy to those things that I can have a direct impact on.

It is choosing to trust God in the midst of it all.

When the weight of the world feels too heavy, remember that God invites us to find refuge in Him. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 

He is our burden bearer. He is our strong tower. He is our Peace.

 

We were never meant to carry the weight of the world. He calls us to obey Him, to trust Him, and to cast our cares on Him. 

 

Soothe Your Soul

Here are a few practical things I do to soothe my soul when the weight of the world feels heavy:

  • Guard Your Gate – Be mindful of what you consume. Whether it’s TV, conversations or even social media. Choose what nourishes your spirit rather than drains it.
  • Bathe in Worship and Prayer – Worship shifts the atmosphere. Prayer shifts our perspective. Make time to pour out your heart to God and let Him pour His peace into you. HERE is a song that is currently ministering mightily to me.
  • Prioritize Rest and Renewal – Mental and emotional well-being require intentional rest. Step away when needed, breathe deeply, and remember that your well-being matters.
  • Be Rooted in the Word – His word is a lamp unto our feet. His word is unchanging in an ever changing landscape. His word is what is TRUE! Fill your mind with His truth rather than fear-driven narratives.
  • Focus on What You Can Influence – Ask God, What is my assignment in this season? Instead of being overwhelmed by everything, focus on where you can truly have an impact. What is He calling YOU to do in this season? This is how you will be most effective.
  • Release It On Paper – Writing things down is very therapeutic. Since childhood, journaling has been a very effective way for me to process my emotions. You can find a guided journal with prompts that I created specifically with you in mind HERE

 

Beloved, you don’t have to carry it all. God has never asked us to do that. May you offer your burden back to Him as a prayer request. When I see and hear things in the spirit, I offer it back to Him in prayer. I see it as a cyclical heaven/earth exchange. God has things He wants to transact on the earth yet God works through people so He gives us sensitivity and INsight. We take what we sense, see and hear and pray it back to Him according to His will. He then dispatches His heavenly hosts to carry it out on the earth (this is just how I sense heaven and earth operating).

 

May Jehovah Sabaoth be your protection. May Jehovah Shalom guard your heart and mind. May you find assurance in knowing that I AM THAT I AM has it all in His hands. 

 

As always, it is my prayer that you’ve been Inspired To Live Fully!

27Dec
Tyra Lane-KingslandHome Life, Nourishing Life, Real Life, Spiritual Life

End Of Year Reflections

A year’s worth of life experience.

A year of highs and lows. 

A year of loving and learning.

A year of sowing and reaping.

For many years now I’ve wrapped up my year in deep introspection. I usually sit with my journal and a list of questions for my end of year reflections as I ponder on the ways God has worked in and through me throughout the year. I look over the goals I began the year with and assess the progress I’ve made. I think about my relationships, my health and more. This process can sometimes be painful albeit it is a great growth exercise in that I learn to be gentle with myself and not allow thoughts of failure or shortcoming to overtake me. 

It is a great opportunity to truly see the ways God has shown up for me and to measure success based on His metrics. I am always encouraged as I think about the relationships that were fortified, the spiritual illumination God gave and the limited beliefs I’ve been delivered from.

As 2024 draws to a close, I invite you to sit at Abba’s feet and reflect. For many of us, the year has been chock full of highs and lows, blessings and challenges, moments of clarity and seasons of uncertainty. Through it all, God has been GOD! And no matter how violently the storms raged, He has been Yahweh Shalom, the Prince of Peace who commands the storms to be still. And He is the God who causes all things to work together for your good because He knows the plans He has for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Pausing to intentionally reflect is healthy. Reflection is not just an act of looking back and mulling over the past; it’s a critical part of the growth cycle and positions us to align ourselves with God’s purpose. Reflection allows us to see ways we’ve grown and gives us a chance to align/realign with our values.

Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to Yahweh. Lamentations 3:40

One of the most profound ways to reflect is to consider how God’s hand has been at work in your life. Have you seen His faithfulness in answered prayers, unexpected blessings or quiet moments of peace? Even in trials, we can trust that He is shaping us for His glory and for our good.

How has He shown up in your holistic wellness? Has He walked you through decluttering your soul? Has He shown you how to ease your mind by casting your cares? Has He challenged you to improve your diet? Has He spoken a fresh word to you during your quiet time?

Man, as I consider all the ways He’s been with me in 2024 all I can think of are these words from Minister Nathaniel Bassey, “See What The Lord Has Done!” As you intentionally reflect on the year, here are some questions to guide your thoughts:

End of year reflections

Spiritual Life:

  • How have I deepened my connection with God this year?
  • How has my faith grown this year?
  • How did I operate in my gifts this year?
  • What spiritual practices did I employ in 2024 that bought me closest to God?
  • What challenges have strengthened my dependence on God?
  • Are there areas where I need to trust God more fully in the coming year?
  • How did God get the glory out of my life in 2024?

Purpose:

  • What were my biggest wins for 2024?
  • This year I learned that I am capable of……..
  • What was my biggest AH-HA for 2024?
  • How did I live IN PURPOSE & ON PURPOSE in 2024?
  • What has God been teaching me about my purpose?
  • What new skills did I learn in 2024?
  • What were my biggest time wasters, if any?
  • What limiting beliefs or behaviors am I leaving behind as I move forward into 2025?
  • What activities do I need to start, stop, slow down?

Gratitude:

  • I am so grateful that God ……..
  • I am thankful that God removed……
  • I am so grateful to _____ for showing me…..this year.
  • What made me smile this year?
  • How did God surprise me in 2024?

Holistic Wellbeing:

  • How did I view my body in 2024?
  • How have I cared for my body this year through rest, movement, and nourishment?
  • In what ways have I honored my body as a temple of the Holy Spirit?
  • What steps have I taken to cultivate my emotional and mental well-being?
  • Did I spend enough time outdoors in 2024?
  • If I could improve one thing about my health in 2025 what would it be?
  • What missing piece if any is missing from my wellness routine?

Relational

  • Who were my key relationships in 2024?
  • What new relationships did I foster?
  • What business/career/ministry relationships do I want to nurture going forward?
  • What were my favorite moments spent with loved ones in 2024?
  • How can I be a better wife, mom, daughter, friend in 2025?
  • What collaborations do I need to pursue in 2025?
  • Who do I need to enlist as an accountability partner so that I can achieve my maximum potential in 2025?

As you prepare to welcome 2025, remember that Yahweh Sabaoth, the Lord of Host is leading the charge into your new year. Isaiah 41:10 encourages us: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” It is with this assurance that we can boldly step into this new year with hope and confidence, trusting that He will guide us every step of the way.

I hope sitting with the end of year reflection questions lets you see how God’s righteous right hand has been at work in your life. He loves you with an everlasting love and will never leave nor forsake you. 

May the coming year be a season of going deeper and higher in God, nourishing your body and nurturing your soul as you live fully in His grace and purpose for your life. If you need additional support in getting there, be sure to join me for the 7th annual Fully Focused Fast. It will definitely set you on course for living abundantly in 2025.

As always, it is my prayer that you’ve been Inspired To Live Fully!

01Jul
Tyra Lane-KingslandSpiritual Life

Finding Joy In Thankless Work

For the third day this week I’ve pulled underwear apart from pants and pulled a ton of clothes right side out while doing endless loads of laundry (I have four sons, need I say more?!). As a mom of 6, wife and ministry leader much of the work I do happens in silence. It’s in the little, unseen, intangibles that I move stealthily like Marvel character “Sue” aka Invisible Woman, working to keep the ship floating, the troops happy and God’s people edified.

In the mundane moments of our daily routines it’s easy to feel overlooked and underappreciated.  This can feel even more pervasive since we live in a world where success is often measured by tangible outcomes and esteem is often ascribed through rewards and recognition.

Does any of this sound familiar? If you are a woman and especially if you are a mom, I bet these word resonate deep within your soul. Hear me sister when I say I feel you. So I need you to click HERE so you can head on over to iBelieve to keep reading….. You are not alone.

As always it is my prayer that you’ve been Inspired To Live Fully!

27Mar
Tyra Lane-KingslandSpiritual Life

Women’s History Makers Part IV

March is Women’s History Month and our series on modern day women’s history makers is coming to a close this week. All month long I’ve been honored to share the significant contributions that women of color are making to improve health outcomes. In addition to highlighting the modern day HER-story maker, I’ve been sharing the grounding work done by the women who paved the way and have been dropping health tips too. I pray you’ve been encouraged by seeing these amazing women knowing that YOU TOO are writing HER-story! So without further ado, I wrap up this series with a woman who is near and dear to my heart.

 

HER-Story

Dr. Celeste Owens was a beloved Psychologist, missionary, wife, mother and friend. More than anything she loved Jesus and lived a life of radical surrender. Born July 18, 1970, Dr. Celeste was the eldest of 8 siblings. Early in life she knew she wanted to become a psychologist and that’s just what she did. With extensive training in trauma, Celeste co-authored multiple articles and led conferences on the impact of family violence on youth and society. For several years she operated a private practice which I had the honor of visiting and speaking at one of the workshops she held there.

 

In obedience to Christ she was led to close her private practice and launched headlong into her next phase as an author and motivation speaker. With a heart for holistic wellness, Dr. Celeste was also a Certified Natural Health Professional and engaged her following in implementing God’s strategies for health and healing. A true servant, Dr. Celeste and her husband Andel founded Surrender 365, a non-profit organization whose mission is to meet the physical and spiritual needs of the marginalized around the globe.

 

Dr. Celeste was my beloved friend. We did a lot of work together in the health and wellness space. Her publishing imprint, Good Success Publishing, published my 1st book Purpose Parenting. When I’d call her I’d often say, “I’m calling to talk to the good Dr.” or “I’m calling my friend” to denote what kind of conversation would follow. And I can still hear her say, “Hey Tyra” which is how she always greeted me. On November 19, 2022, Celeste entered her eternal rest. While we will miss her, her legacy lives on. She’s left a treasure trove of resources through her books and weekly YouTube broadcasts where you can find her teaching on topic from combating depression to choosing the best essential oils for weight management. I encourage you if you don’t already have it, to get her book The 40 Day Surrender Fast. I am forever grateful for the impact she’s had on my life.

Women’s History Hero

Martha Minerva Franklin (October 29, 1870 – September 26, 1968) was a bold and vocal advocate for racial equality in nursing. Throughout her life she broke many color barriers. She was one of a few African Americans to graduate from her high school and in 1897 she was the only African American member of her graduating class from Philadelphia’s Women’s Hospital Training School for Nurses. She observed that Black nurses weren’t receiving fair treatment so she launch a full scale investigation. After her investigation it was determine that Blacks could join the American Nurses Association yet they were still discriminated against.  This caused her to reach out to over 1500 nurses to establish their own collective. From this meeting emerged the National Association of Colored Graduate Nurses (NACGN) with Martha unanimously elected president.

By the end of World War I NACGN had a membership 2,000, which by 1940 had reached 12,000. As membership increased, a national registry was established to help black nurses find work. In the 1920s she relocated to New York where she enrolled in a postgraduate course at Lincoln Hospital, a prerequisite for status as a registered nurse in New York State. At age 58, she spent two years at Columbia’s Teachers’ College, studying to qualify as a public-health nurse. She stayed on working in New York for many years before retiring in her home state of Connecticut.

 

Women’s Health Tip

Eat in season! Eating what’s in season ensures you’re getting the freshest, most nutrient dense produce available. Eating in season and eating local also sensitizes you to local pollen and can help ward off such adverse reactions to pollen. One veggie that’s in season right now is asparagus. I want you to head on over to my IG page HERE and see my recent post on the health benefits of asparagus.

 

 

As always, it is my prayer that you’ve been Inspired To Live Fully!

20Mar
Tyra Lane-KingslandHealth

Women’s History Maker’s Part 3

March is Women’s History Month and our series on modern day women’s history makers continues. Each week in the series I will be sharing significant contributions that women of color are making to improve health outcomes. In addition to highlighting the modern day HER-story maker, I’ll also be sharing the grounding work done by the women who paved the way and I’d be remiss if I didn’t leave you with a practical application so you’ll get a health tip too.

 

HER-Story

Dr. Yolandra Hancock, more affectionately known as Dr. Yola is a physician and public health champion. Whether testifying before Congress or equipping parents with tools to navigate childhood obesity, Dr. Yola’s passion for improving health outcomes is clear. Having studied at some of the most hallowed learning institutions in the world coupled with having worked in one of the nation’s top children’s hospital, Dr. Yola’s experience makes her a highly sought out expert. She’s been seen on CNN and during the height of the pandemic became a trusted source of information with her weekly Facebook live broadcasts.

 

With her commitment to education, Dr. Yola has served as an Associate Assistant Professor. She believes in not only treating patients but in educating them as well which she does through her private practice, digital products and supplement offerings. And with a heart to serve, she sits on several boards and serves in her local church. Dr. Yola in not only a physician, she is a mother, educator and woman of Faith. And most recently she completed writing a parenting book and course that she looks forward to releasing later this year. Join me in celebrating Dr. Yola for her commitment to improving health outcomes for women and children in our community using a holistic approach! And be sure to check out her Tedx Talk HERE .

Women’s History Hero

Dr. Ionia Rollin Whipper (1872-1953), was a highly skilled obstetrician. Not only was she one of the only African American obstetricians of her time, she was a fierce advocate for public health. In a well documented diary held by the Smithsonian Institute, Dr. Whipper documented her work as an assistant medical officer for the Children’s Bureau of the U.S. Department of Labor. During her career, she not only attended to pregnant mothers but also taught midwives about record keeping practices and on sterilization of equipment. She worked as an obstetrician at Freedman’s Hospital’s Maternity Ward in Washington, D.C. She also mentored teenage girls and in 1931 opened the Ionia R. Whipper Home for Unwed Mothers in Northeast Washington, D.C. It would remain the only maternity home for African American women in the Washington area for several decades. 

 

Women’s Health Tip

Breakfast is the act of breaking your overnight fast, hence break-FAST. And how you break your fast matters. Breaking your fast with fruit and healthy fats is a great way to POWER your body and your mind for the day ahead. With the easy digestion and assimilation, fruit is an excellent way to start your day. Here’s an easy, quick breakfast bowl you can recreate. Be sure to tag me in your posts on social media when you make it. You can find me here on IG & Facebook.

 

Until next week, be blessed!

 

As always, it is my prayer that you’ve been Inspired To Live Fully!

13Mar
Tyra Lane-KingslandHealth

Women’s History Makers Pt 2

March is Women’s History Month and our series on modern day women’s history makers continues. Each week in the series I will be sharing significant contributions that women of color are making to improve health outcomes. In addition to highlighting the modern day HER-story maker, I’ll also be sharing the grounding work done by the women who paved the way and I’d be remiss if I didn’t leave you with a practical application so you’ll get a health tip too.

 

HER-Story

Tiffany Simmons is a Master’s prepared Registered Nurse Educator, clinical and community expertise over 18 years in Mental Health, Geriatrics, Pediatrics, Community Based Nursing, long term and acute care nursing settings. Ms. Simmons is an Assistant Professor in the College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences at Howard University, where she is the course coordinator for Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing and Community Health Nursing. She also serves as co-faculty for Intro to Professional Nursing. Not only is she committed to educating her students, she is also drawing attention to systemic racial inequalities that are impacting health outcomes for African American patients.

 

Ms. Simmons is not only a mental health expert, she is a mother, ministry leader and mighty woman of prayer. Equipping the next generation of mental health workers is of upmost importance which is why I’m elated to share her work with you. Join me in celebrating Ms. Simmons for her commitment to improving mental health outcomes in our community!

Women’s History Hero

Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler was the first African American woman to received her M.D. in the United States. Dr. Crumpler began working as a nurse with no formal training. She would often visit the sick with her aunt who cared for sick neighbors. In 1860, she was admitted to the New England Female Medical College whereshe graduated in 1864, In 1883 she published her Book of Medical Discourses which shares much of her career. After the Civil War ended she moved to Virginia and joined other black physicians providing medical care to the formerly enslaved. She subsequently returned to her hometown of Boston (which happens to be my hometown too) to continue providing medical care to women and children.

*While this photo and another are often used when mentioning her, no known photos of her exist. Much of what is known about her comes from her book. Kudos to Dr. Crumpler for paving the way!

 

Women’s Health Tip

Try a smoothie. Smoothies are a great way to have a complete meal on the go. You can consider replacing one of your daily meals with a smoothie. But all smoothies are not created equal. It’s best to prepare them at home. Smoothies purchased at the grocery store or even at your local smoothie shop tend to have added sugars. When building your smoothie try to include veggies. You should supercharge your smoothies with nutritious add ins like chia seeds, spirulina, hemp seeds, flax seeds, or seamoss gel. Click HERE for my absolute FAVORITE smoothie recipe.

 

 

Until next week, be blessed!

 

As always, it is my prayer that you’ve been Inspired To Live Fully!

06Mar
Tyra Lane-KingslandHealth

Modern Day Women’s History Makers

History is made NOW.

 

History is HER-story; the story of women making history right now! March is Women’s History Month so every Monday this month I will be sharing with you the significant contributions that women of color are making to improve health outcomes in the here and now. Yet I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge the great work done decades and decades ago by pioneering women that paved the way for today’s history makers so I’ll be highlighting a Woman’s History Hero in each segment.

It’s also National Nutrition Month, so you know I’ve got to equip you with a practical health tip.

 

HER-Story

Up first is Dr. Cozzette Lyons-Jones

 

Dr. Cozzette Lyons-Jones is the immediate past Chief of Adult Medicine at Watts Healthcare Corporation. With a heart for public health and utilizing her expertise in executive leadership, Dr. Lyons-Jones has worked tenaciously to eradicate health disparities. Having served as the president of the Association of Black Women Physicians, she is committed to equipping the next generation of women physicians of color.

Dr. Lyons-Jones is the recent recipient of the NAACP’s Community Hero award for her work in healthcare. You can catch Dr. Cozzette on her show Uncontrolled Substance where she educates her listeners on health literacy and self-advocacy. Not only is she a physician, she is a wife, mom, missionary and woman of incredible faith.

Kudos Dr. Cozzette on all the work you do to support the community in walking in radiant health!

 

Women’s History Hero

Mary Seacole

I was IMMEDIATELY captivated by this woman upon seeing her face because she looks JUST like my Jamaican grandfather. But when I read her story I was even more taken by her. Mary Seacole is known as the Black Florence Nightingale. She was a free Jamaican businesswoman, author & doctress who provided medical care, lodging and food for British soldiers at the battlefront during the Crimean War. She was highly skilled and was able to successfully treat cholera and yellow fever. Having travelled widely, she attempted to offer her medical expertise to the British War Office but was declined on what she felt was the basis of her race. She established her own hotel and there treated soldiers who affectionately called her “Mother Seacole”. Like many women of color, our stories go unheard. But not anymore. We will amplify the voice of women of color. Thank you Mary Seacole for your contributions to healing the sick.

Women’s Health Tip

Eat More Leafy Greens.

They’re packed with vitamins, minerals and fiber but low in calories. Eating a diet rich in leafy greens offers numerous health benefits including, reduced risk of obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure and mental decline. And there are plenty to choose from. In addition to collards and kale I suggest you try: dandelion, watercress, arugula, swiss chard, microgreens and bok choy. I encourage you to try my Black Eyed Pea & Collard Stew recipe HERE

 

Until next week, be blessed!

 

As always, it is my prayer that you’ve been Inspired To Live Fully!

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