Merry Christmas To All

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
- Isaiah 9:6

Merry Christmas to you all and your families! Remember that while you are enjoying this holiday that Jesus is the reason and we are able to see this holiday, and many more, because of His love and grace.

Verse of the Week

"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me."
- 2 Corinthians 12:9

Jesus didn't come to save those who had already been delivered. He came to save those who had lost their way and/or did not believe in His mercy and power. You do not have to have this perfect image in front of the Father. No one is perfect, and no one knows that better than God. It is when we fall short and where we lack that He shows his immense grace and power to us. He wants those opportunities to show you how great a God He is and how he can do the unimaginable. So don't get hung up on all the things you aren't, what you have yet to achieve, or what you aren't able to do, because God made us who we are for a reason and loves us no matter what.

Verse of the Week

"Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see."
- Hebrews 11:1

It is difficult for anyone to believe something they can not physically see - it's just human nature. But God reveals himself to us in numerous ways throughout our lives so that we feel his presence, and know he's watching over us. People tend to attribute great happenings in their lives to things like luck and good karma, but it is really His divine mercy and blessings that provides us all the great things we have.

Faith is necessary for all believers because it is what gets us through the trials and problems that arise. Without it as a strong foundation, we will continue to find ourselves falling short of His glory, and doing things we know we should not. Build up your faith so you can continue to cultivate a strong relationship with the Father, and receive his love in full.

Verse of the Week

"Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart."
- Psalm 37:4

Verse of the Week

"Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind."
- Ecclesiastes 12:13

Can You Please Pass the Blessing?

In lieu of the Thanksgiving holiday approaching, I wanted to take the time focus on something that, despite seeming relatively simple, many of us tend to forget to do it - be  thankful. We are all blessed in some shape or form; often in ways we don’t even realize. Whether it is a job that we have been able to maintain, a roof over our head, food to salivate over, drinks to quench our thirst - major keys - or even simply being able to see another day, there is something each of us should be thankful for. Furthermore, it means there are things we should not take for granted.

Verse of the Week

"But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high."
- Psalm 3:3

Release on the Way: Giving Thanks

I have now completed all my job interviews and have received a job offer! Now that this phase of my year is complete, I can begin focusing my efforts here and start preparing more posts to be released.

In the honor of the season, my next blog post will be centered around Thanksgiving and what it means to be thankful. Despite this seeming like a simple thing to understand, sometimes we lose sight of it. I hope this Thanksgiving season, everyone is able to enjoy a great time with friends, family, co-workers, and/or anyone else that brings you joy, and everyone remembers those who may not be as fortunate as you.

Verse of the Week

"(13) When tempted, no one should say, 'God is tempting me.' For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; (14) but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed."
- James 1:13-14

Update for Blog

Hey readers! I hope everyone is doing well as we approach Thanksgiving. Put in the extra effort at school, and/or work, so that this Thanksgiving dinner is well earned.

I know most of my posts have for the most part been verses and not really monthly posts as I normally do. That is due to the fact that interviewing season has been in full effect and it's been hectic applying for different jobs, as well as preparing for interviewing. However, the season is soon going to come to an end, and then I can resume posting on the blog as normal. I just ask for your patience in this whole process.

Thanks for your understanding and new posts are soon to come!

Verses of the Week

"(31) Whoever heeds life giving correction will be at home among the wise. (32) Those who disregard discipline despise themselves, but the one who heeds correction gains understanding."
- Proverbs 15:31-32

Verse of the Week

"The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold."
- Psalm 18:2

Verse of the Week

"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery."
- Galatians 5:1

Verse of the Week

"My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."
 - Psalm 73:26

Advice of the Day

Don't be afraid to ask for help. No one can get through everything on their own, and that is in every capacity of life. Whether it's help through the loss of a loved one, or help navigating the workplace, we can all benefit a great deal from getting assistance from others. Don't let your pride stand in the way of that.

Verse of the Week

"Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him."
- Psalms 34:8

When you allow the Lord into your life and allow him to direct your path, you will amazed at all of his wondrous work. Only He can make the impossible possible, and He will continue to give you more than you ask for, so long as you dedicate your life to Him.

Advice of the Day

The today message is simple: HARD WORK PAYS OFF.

Grind hard now so that you can relax later.

Verse of the Week

"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."
- Romans 12:12


The message here is pretty simple:
1) Believe in the hope that things will work out for the best, and be happy that it will.
2) The Lord is slow to anger, and rich in kindness. We should strive to follow his example, and not be so quick to spread anything besides positivity. Patience is truly a virtue.
3) Have faith that your prayers are heard and that they will be answered. They may not be answered when you want them, and exactly how you would like, but that is because God has a reason for everything. Trust in Him and His work.

Task of the Day

At some point today, or the rest of this week, take some time to talk to someone - a friend, a family member, a coworker, anyone - and see how they are doing. It could be as simple as asking about their day. Your concern could mean a lot to them, because you never know what someone may be going through, or if they are having a bad day.

Verse of the Week

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud."
- 1 Corinthians 13:4

Need Advice?

I've been pretty good so far about creating posts related to concerns and topics people seem to have these days, ranging over numerous capacities of life.


Is there anything I haven't covered that you'd like to hear about? Email me at sereneparadox@gmail.com and I can make sure your topic is one of the next to be released.

Verse of the Day

"Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord himself, is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation."
- Isaiah 12:2

#SingleForTheNight

Commitment - You would think it would be such a simple concept to understand, right? Wrong. These days, people can’t even commit to a show to watch, much less a relationship. The definition of what it means to commit to another person seems to have changed from back in the day where people held a relationship in a higher regard. As sad as it is, the lines between a relationship and just talking to someone seem to be pretty blurred. It’s already hard trying to slide into the DMs, but after you do, you enter a whole new world of ambiguity. People just don’t seem to value a relationship as much as they used to. I decided to write about this because it seems every so often, another case arises to exemplify my sentiments. That is why I believe - and I think many people would agree - that what I see today aren’t relationships, but really close friendships.

Blog Post To Be Released This Week

After some delay in my writing, I am nearly finished with my blog post on commitment and the big issues we face today in regards to it. Thanks for your patience and I hope you enjoy the piece once it's released!

Verse of the Week

"Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good."
- Romans 12:9

Verse of the Week

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."
- Matthew 11:28

God wants us to lean on him, especially in times of trouble and tribulation. No one can go through everything alone, and God doesn't want anyone to do so. He is there for all of us and it is through His love, compassion, and blessings, that all of ours burdens are lifted. You will only make more trouble and create more stress for yourself if you try to make it through life on your own.

Quote of the Day

"Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success."
- Henry Ford

Verse of the Week

"Before a downfall the heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor."
- Proverbs 18:12

We've all had those times when we got too big for our own shoes. Maybe a lot of good things had been happening recently; maybe you got a promotion at work; maybe you realized that you're doing better than your colleagues or fellow students. Whatever the case may be, everyone at some point has placed themselves on a higher pedestal than they should have, thinking that everything was by their own doing, instead of giving glory to the one who has blessed you. Pride comes before a fall. Sometimes we forget that God has a plan for us and will continue to lead us to success. But when we begin to think we can do anything without His hand in the things we do, then we will see how helpless a situation can be. Never forget to give thanks to the Lord for all His good work, and to have humility. We all fall short of His glory, but he continues to show His love all the same. When we can show humility, He will continue to bless us all the more.

New Topic Coming Soon - What is Commitment?

You know, one topic that seems to be receiving a lot of scrutiny is the topic of a relationship and what it means to be committed to someone. As sad as it is, not everyone holds it to the standard that they should. So, that's where I come in! I want to take a look into this and give some insight as to why people's idea of a relationship has changed and why people don't seem to hold it to the higher degree that it calls for. I don't have a set date for its release but with classes starting soon, I want to get it out as soon as possible or within the first few weeks of September.

#JustWaitOnIt

Quote of the Week

Instead of a verse today, I want to share a quote that ties back to my post a couple of days ago.

"Let go of yesterday. Let today be a new beginning and be the best that you can, and you'll get to where God wants you to be."
- Joel Osteen

Just as I stated before, yesterday was the past and today is the present. Don't dwell so much on things that went wrong before when you could put that same energy to something more productive now. God will direct you as you go and will take you to your appointed place. You just have to do your part and move forward.

Quote of the Day

"We've persevered because of a belief we share with the Iraqi people - a belief that out of the ashes of war, a new beginning could be born in this cradle of civilization. Through this remarkable chapter in the history of the United States and Iraq, we have met our responsibility. Now, it's time to turn the page."
- President Barack Obama

Think of this in terms of school. As we near the time to resume classes, we should keep this perspective. Last school year may have been rough, had numerous challenges, and copious amount of stress along with it, but now, it's a new day and a new year. Take this as an opportunity to do things better than you did last year and strive to do better. Don't let the negativity of last year hold you down now. Rather, use it as a source of strength to push yourself to a new level this time around.

Verse of the Week

"Whoever watches the wind will not plant; whoever looks at the clouds will not reap."
- Ecclesiastes 11:4

One thing people are most afraid to do in life is take a risk. People don't like the feeling of not knowing how certain actions can pan out when they do something with unforeseen outcomes. It could be confessing your feelings to someone, taking a promotion at work, or even moving out of your parents' house. Regardless of the reasoning, the same outcome will come if no risk is taken - nothing. Close mouths don't get fed. In life, you have to be able to take risks and take action when necessary. If you wait around for the perfect conditions, you will never achieve the things you want. I'm not saying that things will work out perfectly if you do take a risk, but I am saying if you go through life never trying something because you're afraid of things not working out, you will only be holding yourself back from great possibilities and opportunities.

Advice of the Day

Finding your strengths and what you're good at can be one of the most challenging things to discover. For some, it's something they find out very early on in their lives. For others, it's a little more difficult. So how does one find their true calling? Well, that takes the application of yourself to different things. In other words, getting involved with different fields or activities you may not typically do. That way, you receive exposure to different areas and eventually, you will find something that you know internally is your true calling. The sooner you find out what that is, the sooner you can start developing that strength to benefit you in life.

Verse of the Week

"Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven."
- Matthew 6:1

Ensure that your praise and worship to God is genuine, and not for show to others. If you glorify God in front of others to gain their approval or to show off, you are only wasting your time. The Lord accepts praise and offering from those who do it out of their love and thankfulness for all that He has done for them.

Taking the Action Others Won't

I know it's the summertime and no one wants to do anything that requires even lifting a finger. But you have to remember that even though the summer is a time of relaxation and enjoyment, it could also be a beneficial time for you to take actions that can put you ahead of the game! Not many people will take time in their summer to brush up on subjects in school they didn't understand, start a personal project that can added to a resume, or even do research on potential careers one may want to pursue. No matter what the proactive action you have in mind is, utilizing a time period like the summer, where you have a great deal of free time, will help set you up for great success. The job market gets more competitive by the day and you would be doing yourself a big favor if you take steps to make yourself more marketable when the time allows.


Just some words to the wise.

Verse of the Week

"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."
- Romans 12:12


Joyful in hope: Keep hope that things will always work out because God has a plan for you. As difficult as that may be to do at times, you have to trust that there is something great in store for you.


Patient in affliction: The Lord is slow to anger and rich in kindness. Don't let yourself be consumed by the different negative emotions that arise in times of trouble. Patience is a virtue for a reason. Think before you act.


Faithful in prayer: You have to keep faith in God when you pray and believe that he will answer you in His own time. If you don't believe or are not strong in faith when it comes to prayer, when life becomes challenging, or you don't see the progress you want, it will make it that much harder to keep faith in God's work. Be patient, commit all things to God in prayer, and trust in Him to answer them.

Advice of the Day

I've heard from my friends a lot recently about how they fear for the future because they're plans since starting school have not panned out exactly as they had intended. I'm here to tell you that no plan is perfect and anything that can go wrong, will (it's Murphy's Law). However, that in no way means you are destined to fail. Rather, you will have to take a different route to achieve your goals. Everything happens for a reason, and if you have some master plan that ends up not working out, that's perfectly fine. Don't let that discourage you from success. Nothing usually goes exactly the way we planned, but when it doesn't, we compromise and move forward. And you will still achieve great things. You just need to be patient, open-minded, and prepared to adjust when the situation arises.

Completion of Series and Things to Come

Good Morning Readers,


I hope you enjoyed this past series "Battle of the Sexes" and all the information I shared. I've received a lot of positive feedback from it and am thinking of either starting a new series, or extending this one to encompass more areas I didn't cover. I'll keep you all posted with these ideas in the works. Otherwise, I appreciate all the shares people have given, and continuous support of my writing. Good luck this week and remember, the weekend is just two days away!

Verse of the Week

"For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'"
- Galatians 5:14


But this should be taken a step further. These days, not everyone loves themselves the way others do. Not everyone sees themselves in a positive light. So we should see this as treating others the way Jesus would treat people - in a kind and caring manner. That is how you spread positivity throughout the world.

Battle of the Sexes: Part 4 - There is No Title to Encompass a Woman

Being a woman is a beautiful thing. Let that word sink in - woman. The word holds a significant amount of weight. They were made with the ability to do the impossible. They are a beauty to behold. They are a treasure that people will cherish forever. They face challenges on a daily basis - and on a monthly basis - that seem unbearable to most. But somehow, they find a way to overcome them. Overall, being a woman is an honor and a gift that should be embraced. But what exactly is the makeup of this divine creature? What qualities must one possess to be a woman? Just as I explained the complexity of a woman and what she does, it is understandable that there may be confusion and misconceptions about what it means to be one. Not everyone can be called a woman. It’s not a title one receives because of age or by inheritance. It’s not a word one can throw around when they think they’re grown. It is an accolade that is earned.

Conclusion of the Series Soon to Come

Good morning people! I hope you've found the 'Battle of the Sexes' series informative and useful so far. Unfortunately, it will be coming to a close soon as the final piece of it is expected to be released this week. So keep on the lookout for the drop.


I appreciate your feedback and continued reading of my work!

Verse of the Week

"For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth comes knowledge and understanding."
- Proverbs 2:6

Battle of the Sexes: Part 3 - “She’s Every Woman” … or So You Thought

Women. God’s gift to man … and your worst nightmare! Just kidding. Women - God’s gift to man, and yet the hardest gift  in the world to understand, to the point where graduate students still struggle to understand how women operate. My uncle has his Master’s degree in Psychology and still struggles to comprehend them. Have you seen the meme where the guy is solving thousands of complex math problems and “The Guide to Women: Chapter 1” is the caption?

Accurate. But just because women are so hard to understand at times, doesn’t mean it’s impossible. It just takes time, open ears, communication, practice, studying, and of course, a lot of prayer. The first step you can take to understanding women is realizing the knowledge you may have about them isn’t necessarily true. Just how well do you think you know women?

Part 3 Timeline

As of now, Part 3 of the series is still expected to release this Friday. If there is any hold up, I will post the update here.


Thanks again for your patience.

Verse of the Week

"But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness."
- 1 John 1:9

Unfortunate Delay in the Series

Good Morning Readers,

So due to a recent illness I have been dealing with for almost a week now, I am postponing the second half of the series. My goal is to have it out by next week. I appreciate your patience and I hope everyone is staying safe out there.

Verse of the Week

"There is no one holy like the Lord; there is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God."
- 1 Samuel 2:2

Battle of the Sexes: Part 2 - Real Men, How Many of Us?

What exactly do you think makes you a man? Are your actions and lifestyle reflective of those ideals? As men, we are all guilty of falling prey to stereotypes at some point in our lives, where we believed our actions were representative of what it meant to be a man. Whether that was reinforced by the hype and encouragement from our boys or the society that we live in, that didn’t always mean we were right. Coming to terms with the truth is tough and for some, it’s not a case of learning the truth, but accepting it. To my surprise, my view of the misconceptions guys have of what it takes to be a man overlapped significantly with the input from women. So take these words with a grain of salt. To my fellas, don’t take this post as me calling you out because I, as a man, have things I have to improve as well. Rather, take this post as a way to help you better yourself in areas you may be lacking in or with which you may have the wrong idea. It will make a difference in the long run.

Part 2 Coming Soon

Good morning people. Thanks for all the feedback you all had on part 1 of this new series. It is much appreciated. I'm currently working on Part 2 and it will be released sometime this week. So keep an eye out!




P.S. If you follow or subscribe to my blog, you will get notifications when posts are released.

Verse of the Week

"Let us hold fast to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful."
- Hebrews 10:23


Keep checking out my last post that started my new blog series!

Battle of the Sexes: Part 1 - "What a Man, What a Mighty Good Man"

So you think you know what makes a man? You believe you can think like them and know what goes on in their heads? What's your justification? Is it personal experience? Is it what your friends have gone through? Is it what you read online, saw in a movie, or heard on the radio? Well, similar to how difficult it can be to understand the complexity of a woman, there is more to a man than meets the eye. There are a significant amount of supposed facts I hear from my female friends and women in my life about men, and more often times than not, it's usually wrong. I feel that the view of men being "dogs" and "good-for-nothing" tends to take precedence over the truth about them. That's not to say that there aren't a good amount of them that promote this stereotype, which makes it hard for women to think otherwise, but a few off colors in a painting shouldn't take away from its beauty. Don't let those guys ruin your perception of men.

Then what is the truth about men?

Battle of the Sexes Series in the Works

Men. As simple as they may seem, there is actually a lot more to them than most people know. My initial motivation for this piece comes from years of hearing about all the problems women have had with "typical men", and how they are no good. This usually stemmed from events, such as a guy breaking a girl's heart or forgetting the things — like anniversaries and dates — that make the biggest difference. So I thought maybe an explanation of how men operate and how they think would help correct some of their misconceptions. My goal is to introduce a new perspective, in hopes to alter the way women see us. This may be an extremely difficult task since Beyonce dropped Lemonade, but I’m up for the challenge. In the process of brainstorming this idea, I decided to add a spin on the piece.

Instead of simply discussing the issue at hand, I wanted to break this down into a blog series. In the first part of this series, I’d explain some of the misconceptions surrounding men. I’d then go on to explain some of the characteristics men believe are necessary to be a man, and why they’re false. After that, I would do the same for the women. The one thing I want everyone to keep in mind is that my words aren't law. Every person in this world is different, so not everything will apply to a single person. However, these pieces will still provide substantial knowledge of the truth behind men and women, and what you should keep in mind about them before you approach or profile them. Now that you have the background, let's get to work.

Verse of the Week: Father's Day Edition

"My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline, and do not resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in."
- Proverbs 3:11-12

Happy Father's Day to all the fathers around the world. Continue to make impacts in the lives of your children, family, and those around you. Also, continue to be a standing rock to your loved ones as the Lord has been for us all.

Annoucement: Posts in the Making

So I know it's been quite a while since I last released something but with the transitions I've been going through this summer, it's been tough. Regardless, check the list below for some of the posts to come this summer! The goal is to have at least one out before the 4th of July weekend.

> Misconceptions Women Have About Men
     - Possible subcategory: How Men are Viewed
> Misconceptions Men Have About Women
     - Possible subcategory: How Women are Viewed
> Advice to Men and Women on How to Find the "Right" Person (May be 2 pieces)
> Being Independent (One in college and one in general)

These are a couple I have been brainstorming and will solidify in due time. Stay posted for their releases!

Verse of the Week

"Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them -- to the Israelites."
- Joshua 1:2

Sometimes we are thrown into positions and/or situations that we could never imagine we would be able to handle. Remember that God gives his toughest challenges to his strongest warriors and would never leave you astray. You just have to trust that he will get you through the challenge, as he did for Joshua.

Verse of the Week

"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you."
- Psalm 32:8

Quote of the Day

"There are two mistakes one can make along the road of truth ... not going all the way, and not starting."
- Buddha


For all my recent graduates, be aware that as one chapter of your life is closing, it is shedding light on the next. You have a long journey ahead of you on your way to solidifying who you are as a person and setting yourself on the right path to success. Don't be afraid to push forward in areas you aren't familiar with or trying something new. It is all apart of life and will contribute to your growth as a person. Good luck in your endeavors and continue on the path to reaching your full potential.

Verse of the Week

"Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up to her to make her holy, cleansing her by washing with water through the word."
- Ephesians 5:25-26

Advice of the Day

For most people, Summer '16 has finally started. I suggest making it a habit to use the summer to better yourself in different aspects of life you usually don't have time for during the school year. Maybe you take time to start reading some good books, develop an exercise plan to follow, learn a new language, or even get on a regular sleep schedule (because Lord knows we didn't have one during the school year). The summer should definitely be a time to have fun, enjoy, relax with family and friends, and just have personal time. However, it can also be a time to put yourself ahead of the game or put yourself in a better position than you were before. Food for thought.

(Late) Verse of the Week

"for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus."
- Romans 3:23-24

Technical Difficulties

Hey Readers,


I recently moved into my apartment this past weekend in North Carolina and haven't had my internet fully installed yet. So I apologize for not having been active recently. Once I have it up and running, I will continue posting, as well as uploading the post release for the month.


Thank you for your patience

To the Classes of 2016

CONGRATULATIONS ON MAKING IT TO GRADUATION!

I wish you all the best as you move on to the next stage of your lives and know you're destined for great things. Keep pushing forward against the odds and always remember to stay true to who you are in whatever situation that may arise. No one can ever be a better you.

Message to Readers

With the conclusion of finals, I should be more active with my posts. I am currently changing states for the summer for an internship so it still may be a bit shaky. However, I will be posting normally soon! Thanks as always for your patience.

Advice for Finals

Study with a friend or with a classmate, and try and teach them the material. It helps a great deal! If you can teach it to them without any problems, you most likely have a firm grasp on the concepts you are studying. However, if you falter in your explanation, maybe you don't know the material as well as you think.

Verse of the Day

"So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed."
- John 8:36

Quote of the Day

"It always seems impossible until it's done."
- Nelson Mandela

Verse of the Week

"Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts."
- Colossians 3:16

Advice of the Day

Remember that no matter what, you should always look out for your best interests. Now I know that may sound pretty selfish, but my point is that you should ensure the things you do won't put you in a bad place. You can think of it in the way that airlines say in case of an emergency to put on your oxygen mask before you help someone else. Of course there's nothing wrong with being selfless (in fact, I encourage it), but there are situations where people sacrifice consistently for others and don't take care of themselves. This is especially directed at college students when you are faced with certain situations that may affect you in a bad way. Make sure you are making smart choices that won't put you in a bad spot.

Finals Season on the Horizon

Hey readers! I hope your weeks are going pretty well. I apologize for the absence of posts recently but things have been getting a little real as finals approach. That being said, I will not be posting as frequently as usual as I will be taking more time to study. The next blog post piece I release will be after the conclusion of finals. In the meantime, I will continue posting motivational verses and advice for you all to help push you through your challenges and exams for those who have them.

Stay tuned!

Advice of the Day

Don't make yourself unhappy just to keep others happy. It is a sweet thing to do, but will end up costing you in the long run. That can take the form of becoming depressed, coming to hate this other person or other people, or losing your sense of self. Do what makes you happy because at the end of the day, your happiness and well-being is what matters most.

Verse of the Week

"If you love me, keep my commands."
- John 14:15

Leadership Post

If you haven't gotten a chance to, read my previous blog post on leadership.  I believe many of you will find it both beneficial and a good read. Don't forget to use the boxes below it to give your opinion on the piece.

Thanks!

Leadership is More Than the Title

     It took me a while to compile this piece and I do apologize for the wait. I just wanted to make sure that certain things were said in a way that people understood and were able to fully (or mostly) grasp the message being conveyed. Leadership is a complex topic that one will never truly understood until they are called to serve. It is a position that can be very rewarding, but also tolling. My hope is that by the end of this piece, all the people reading either have a better understanding of what it takes and means to be a leader, and/or find a newfound appreciation for the leaders they may know. I hope this piece makes up for it being released so late.

Verse of the Week

"Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes."
- Ephesians 6:11

Slight Delay

Good Morning Readers!

I apologize for not posting in the past couple of days. Yesterday was my birthday and I was barely inside. I thank God for seeing me to my 21st! Nonetheless, I should be releasing my piece before week's end.

Thanks for your patience

Post on the Horizon: Leadership is More Than Just a Vision

My next release will discuss what it means to be a leader and both the spoken and unspoken responsibilities that come with it. This is a topic that I don't think can be explained in just one post. So this may just be the first part or half of the larger piece. Leadership is a role that many people underestimate and/or do not fully grasp. In today's society, we find it so easy to criticize our different leaders but do we really fully understand what it takes to be in their shoes?

My goal is to release the piece sometime this week or early next week, so stay tuned.

Verse of the Week

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."
- Galatians 6:9

Return from Spring Break

     You know, one topic that seems to come up a lot is how we all become who we are because of the environment we were raised in. Depending on your living situation or how you were brought up, you would act a certain way in response to different stimulants. What do you think? Do you think that we are all products of our environment? Do you think our lives were set up for us already? Are we only then limited by what we are exposed to? If people are born in better situations, does that mean that they are better than us? These are the kinds of questions that come to me as I think of the idea that I am a "product of my environment" and to be honest, I find it to be for the most part true. However, I see it in a different perspective than what people expect.

Return from Spring Break

Hey everyone. I am just returning from my trip to Miami for Spring Break so I will soon post up the topic for my new post as well as post itself!

Verse of the Week

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
- Romans 8:28

Advice of the Day

Never forget you didn't get where you are on your own. Remember that the next time you have the opportunity to give back or help someone in need.

Updates and Checking In

Hey readers! I hope everyone is enjoying their day, and for those on the East Coast, are enjoying the nice change in weather.

To my college students, I hope you all are pushing through those last exams and projects due before Spring Break! For those who are on break already, I hope you are enjoying it as I'm sure it's well deserved.

I will look to release my new piece towards the end of the month once I have a better sense of what topic I want to focus on, and once I get more input from the readers.

Otherwise, enjoy the day and talk to you soon.

Verse of the Week

"Jesus looked at them and said, 'With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.'"
-  Matthew 19:26

Advice of the Day

If what you're doing isn't something you're passionate about, or isn't challenging you, then you need to make a change.

Advice of the Day

There's nothing wrong with being different. Psychologically, we tend to conform to those around us in an attempt to fit in and not stand out. But as we try to conform to those around us, we compromise who we are as individuals. So my advice to you is to maintain your individuality, and to not let others around you change who you are as a person. If you be yourself and others can't respect that, at least you still have respect for yourself, and knowledge that your values, or character, could not be changed.

Verse of the Week

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud."
- 1 Corinthians 13:4

Quote of the Day

"Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which one has overcome while trying to succeed."
- Booker T. Washington

Quote of the Day

"Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world."
- Harriet Tubman

Quote of the Day

"Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are change that we seek."
- President Barack Obama

Verse of the Week

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."
- Galatians 6:9

Quote of the Day

"The battles that count aren't the ones for gold medals. The struggles within yourself -- the invisible, inevitable battles inside all of us -- that's where it's at."
- Jesse Owens

Quote of the Day

"I had no idea history was being made. I was just tired of giving up."
- Rosa Parks

Giving up should never be an option. No matter how tough a situation, class, or struggle may be, you have to push through it if you want to reach your goal. The harder the challenge, the bigger the reward is when you overcome it. Those before us didn't give in, and neither should our generation.

Valentine's Day

I hope everyone enjoyed their Valentine's Day yesterday! You don't have to have a significant other to be happy on Valentine's Day. It can just be a day you take to treat yourself or be with people you care about. Don't let the hype get to you.

Enjoy the week!

Quote of the Day

"We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope."
- Martin Luther King Jr.

In college, and even in life, it's easy to want to give up on everything when things get tough. Remember, nothing great comes easy and just as we've seen through the history of our black ancestors, perseverance pays off in the end. You just have to trust in your hard work and efforts.

Advice of the Day

No one but you can determine your value. Therefore, don't let others undermine how amazing a person you are and will continue to be.

Verse of the Week

"Jesus replied, 'What is impossible with man is possible with God.'."
- Luke 18:27

Internships: The Bridge to a Bright Future

Internships are reservoirs of resources for students because they offer such a wealth of knowledge and experience that aren’t typically found in ordinary jobs. Internships are just the kind of thing to make your resume stand out compared to other students in the work world. Not only that, you get the chance to network with significant individuals in your field, and learn firsthand the kind of work to expect in the future. This, along with many other reasons, make internships such a valuable asset for all students to utilize as much as possible.

Post to Be Released

How's everyone doing?

You can expect the post for the month to be posted sometime later this week so please be patient with me as I am finalizing it before it's release.

Thanks!

Verse of the Week

"'Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,' says the Lord Almighty, 'and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.'"
- Malachi 3:10

Advice of the Day

One thing we tend to lack sometimes is empathy. A lot of times we don't realize how blessed and fortunate we really are and the little things that we take for granted. You never know someone's story or what they're going through, and a lot of times we are so quick to judge people based on what we only see with our eyes. So when you come in to contact with people, or pass them by on the street, try to stay positive and pass good vibes. It can go a long way, even if you don't realize or see it. But if you don't have something positive to say, don't say it. Don't make a person's potential bad situation any worse.

New Post Incoming: Internships!

Now that January is coming to a close, I am sure many of you are starting to seek internships for the summer. Internships are a great way to earn work experience, learn more about a career field you may be interested in, and build your resume to look more attractive to possible employers. The post will come out sometime in February so be on the lookout!

As always, if you have any ideas for posts you would like to see or want advice in a certain area, just email: sereneparadox@gmail.com and I will do my best to get it out.

Verse of the Week

"My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father -- Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world."
- 1 John 2:1-2

Side Note: For those affected by the snow, please stay safe out there.

Advice of the Day

This probably sounds cliche but it can't be stressed enough: Be true to who you are and don't try to be something you're not. You are not only lying to yourself, but you are giving others a false image of who you are as a person. No one likes a person that isn't genuine. If you try too hard to be something you're not, you end up losing yourself along the way. We were all made for a specific reason and we shouldn't try to change who we are because there will never be another you.

Verse of the Week

"And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister."
- 1 John 4:21

Love and treat everyone as if they were your brother or sister. God created us all in his image and we are all his children, so we should treat it as such.

Advice of the Day

Setbacks are a setup for a great comeback. The bigger the setback, the bigger and better the comeback. Don't get discouraged when you fail at something because you will fail at a lot of things. No one is perfect. What separates you from other people and makes you a stronger person is being able to capitalize on those setbacks to turn them into something positive. So as you strive, strive with endurance and a positive mindset that things will work out in some way in the end.

Quote of the Day

"In three words I can sum up everything I learned about life: it goes on."
- Robert Frost

Remember this when the semester is starting for you. Even if things didn't go exactly as you planned last semester, you'll only hurt yourself dwelling on it. Use that letdown as fuel to push harder this semester.

Verse of the Week

"Behold, I am doing a new thing; now, it springs forth, do you perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert."
- Isaiah 43:19

As we are starting (and some of us will soon start) a new semester in school, let's go in with the perspective that we will do better than we did last semester. The old semester is behind you, and any mistakes you may have made can be made up now. Put more effort, work, and focus into your studies and make sure you will make yourself proud at the end of the semester.

Advice of the Day

Don't let other people set limitations for you. You have the ability to go as far as you want.

What College Means For Your Future, Take 2

They say knowledge is power, but knowledge doesn't just refer to book smarts. It also refers to being well informed. My purpose here is to take a second look at what impact college can have on your future, except the emphasis will be more on how to get the most out of your time there. I have released earlier posts that discussed aspects of college that people should be aware of before going, such as their statistics, cost, what they provide, what a degree can mean for one's future, and what the future can look like for a graduate depending on their field and interest. Now, I want to provide insight on how students can navigate the college environment to benefit them the most and ensure that they will be well prepared by the time graduation comes around.

Verse of the Week

"But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."
- Matthew 6:3-4

When giving, or doing any good deed, let it be out of the goodness of your heart, and not for the recognition from others.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Happy New Year to all my readers and their respective friends and families! We are now in the year 2016, and I see it being a year of great change for the better. Let's all remember to thank God for all the blessings he gave us in 2015 and the many more to come in this new year. Also, let's transition into 2016 with a positive mindset of great things to come!