Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Necessary endings

This evening I took some time for myself, to reflect on my future and to use this quiet time to listen to where God is leading me. Praying for clarity, wisdom, and knowledge, so that I understand why he is stretching me. I know at times he does this because growth is not in my conform zone. 
God asked me to be still for a moment. He knew, I needed this time for myself because I'm so focused on pouring life into others and helping them grow that I sometimes forget to refuel. 

I had no idea that today would be the day he wanted me to make extra God Room than my routine "God room" but he knew. During my trip to Florida 2 weeks ago, I met a very nice woman, during our encounter she gave me her business card and on the back she wrote out 2 books. She said she normally writes the first book on the back of cards but something was nudging her to write the second book on there too. 

The second book she wrote down was the one I happened to start reading today. When I started reading the first chapter, the story I was reading, jumped off the page. It was similar to my story in some ways. Which I found interesting and wondered how all the pieces fit together. Then it hit me..... 

Before my time with God today, I received an Angel in the mail, it was a gift from my aunt and the message on the Angel was "Go Confidently toward your Dreams". 

I believe this was God affirming his perfect plan for my life. Now it is my duty to accept necessary endings in some areas of my life. I have some things (and people) I need to give up in order to move forward. Becoming aware of these necessary changes is a sign of true growth! 

Dr. Miranda 




Monday, March 28, 2016

Dare to Dream!

Scott Faye once said that we all need to “Dare to Dream”. I remember the first time I heard this, I thought to myself “then what” I wasn’t afraid of dreaming. I think I was more afraid of leaving my comfort zone to put my dreams to the test.  I had this thing we call “fear”. Fear is what most would believe to be an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat. Yet, what unpleasant emotion would my dreams or putting them to the test cause? What pain could it possibility cause? I was unsure, therefore, I put my dreams on the back burner, year after year. Then I remember sitting in service one Sunday and Pastor Penny Maxwell said something that resonated with me. She said we all have fears. So even when we are afraid, “Do it anyway”. It was a sermon on leadership, and leadership was one of the things I was struggling with in my life at that time. I felt like she was talking to me. I felt like I was the only one in the room and the phrase “Do it anyway” was on repeat.  I felt a sense of peace at the moment, I knew that God was telling it “its OK to dare to dream and to take action”. He told me that I am more than enough and he gave me my dreams so that I can fulfill it. I remember thinking “so what am I afraid of”? It wasn’t the fact that I thought I would fail because I knew that everyone fails, I have done it myself, plenty of times before, it wasn’t that I thought I was inadequate because God told me I was more than enough. So what was I waiting for?  
You see, Fear really means “False Evidence Appearing Real” so instead of talking yourself out of chasing your dream and taking action because you are afraid, Do It Anyway! Your potential is on the other side of your fear.  Once I realized that I had the ability to soar and that I serve a Big God then my eyes were opened and the lies that I believed that caused me to have fear was shattered….
So I challenge you to live beyond your fears today, I challenge you to look in that mirror this morning and tell yourself that you can soar! You were meant to be Great, no matter how bad your situation may look. And keep in mind “ A dream worth pursing is a picture and blueprint of your purpose and potential” #DaretoDream
~Dr. Miranda

Sunday, March 27, 2016

Happy Resurrection Day!

Someone once said that "Easter is a promise God renews to us each spring. A promise that we’ll always have Him there, And like the flowers that bloom so bright
And birds that sweetly sing,
We always will receive His tender care, A promise that He’ll hold us up. Each time we start to fall. And see us through each hour of care and strife. Easter is God’s promise. That His love rules over all, And through Him. We will have eternal life". 

With that I know my sins have been washed away and I have been made new!  Remember the reason for the Season! 

Happy Resurrection  Day!
 
~Dr. Miranda


Friday, March 25, 2016

Good Friday

We serve such an awesome God. As I get my day started, I am thankful that HE loved me enough to give his only son to cleanse me of my sins. I have been washed clean and nobody or any situation is greater than He who lives inside of me.
Enjoy this day! Happy Good Friday....

Thursday, March 24, 2016

***** NEW Mastermind Group Starting Soon*****

***** NEW Mastermind Group Starting Soon*****
*** ACT NOW! Only 10 Spots Available***
I would like to invite you to my next Mastermind Group study on “Everyone Communicates, Few Connect” by John Maxwell. This is a 10-week in-depth study that will afford you the opportunity to join forces and mastermind with a unique group of like-minded and like-valued individuals who are focused on taking results in every area of their lives to a new level. Having the support and ideas from other focused and driven people allows us to see things differently and to get a new perspective on goals and action plans.
Together, we will learn how to effectively connect with others by understanding and implementing the five principles in Everyone Communicates, Few Connect. You will not only learn the Five Principles but also the Five Practices to develop the crucial skill of connecting, including:
-Finding Common Ground
-Keeping Your Communication Simple
-Capturing People’s Interest
-Inspiring People
-Staying Authentic in all Your Relationships
The ability to connect with others is a major determining factor in reaching your full potential. It’s no secret! Connecting is a skill you can learn and apply in your personal, professional, and family relationships- and you can start now by taking this MMG!
This MMG will start Thursday, April 14, 2016 and runs through June 16, 2016. If you are interested in further developing yourself, there is an investment of $49.99. Learn More: 
http://www.johncmaxwellgroup.com/sophiamiranda/Mastermind


Perseverance

Perseverance
My son had received the perseverance award several years in a roll and as a mother I was very proud of him. I thought to myself, wow, my son, knows what it means to keep going even when things get hard. Well, the past two years I have learned a lot about perseverance, for myself. Throughout my journey on chasing my dreams I have been met with barrier after barrier and where a normal person would just cry it out and give up, is where I cried it out, lifted my hands to ask the Lord for his guidance, and kept pushing forward, even when I did not want to.

The thing about chasing your dreams is nothing will come easy. It is an uphill battle however, the reward you receive once you make it to top makes it all worth the fight. You see, perseverance means that you must possess steadfastness in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success. Remember that when you keep pushing there will be a moment when preparation meets opportunity and success is born.

I challenge you today to go the extra mile, to fail forward and not quit, get knocked down and dare to get back up and keep going! God didn’t say your journey would be easy but it will be worth the time, tears, and sweat put into the journey. Go far and conquer all.
   
Look in the mirror and say to yourself “Be Great” why? Because you are!

~ Dr. Miranda  

Tuesday, March 22, 2016

Trend Setters

Trend Setters!

Being different is what makes us unique. Never be afraid to be who God called you to be in this world. People tend to follow the trends and the mass majority.
Well, today I challenge you to be a trend setter and instead of following the majority,be yourself and allow other the opportunity to see the real you!

Suzy Kassem puts its it like this "Being different and thinking differently make a person unforgettable. History does not remember the forgettable. It honors the unique minority the majority cannot forget".

Last week someone handed me a notebook with a note and a card inside which was a random act of kindness. What that person did not know, is the impact she had on my life and how much I appreciate her actions. She thought and acted differently which was something I can not forget!

Do something today worth remembering.

~Dr. Sophia Miranda​

Monday, March 21, 2016

It has been a great experience partnering with John Maxwell and devising a plan to add values to others all over the world. I have learned so much these past six months about myself and the leader I would like to become. John truly has a servant heart and I am grateful to be surrounded by good people.

Moment Leaders vs Movement Leaders

Moment Leaders vs Movement Leaders

What do you think about when you hear the term "Leader"? Do you think about yourself in this role or do you see others in this role. I know some people don't see themselves as leaders and the reason is because they do not understand what leadership is. Leadership is NOT a positional title. Leadership is what John Maxwell says "leadership is influence, nothing more, nothing less". Yet, we see consistent power struggles in the workplace with individuals who think themselves as leaders due to their position but have no followers. 

I know I personally see this on the everyday basis and I realized I didn't want to fall in the trap of being a moment leader. I want to do and be more! I want to be a movement leader! God has called me out and I finally stepped up to the call. I said to God, when he called (he has been calling for a while) "Here I am, I'm ready, willingly, and able to make a movement". He never said it would be a walk in the park or easy as pie, but God promised if I was obedient he would take care of the rest. 

John Maxwell taught me the difference between a moment leader and a movement leader and I would like to share that teaching with you: 
Moment Leaders are ones who ask how long will the process take, they love instant gratification, lead with emotion, and are bigger on the outside than on the inside. 

Movement Leaders are the ones who ask how far can we go, knows that anything worth having is never easily obtained and the process is uphill, they lead with character and let's it strength them and lastly, they are bigger on the inside than on the outside. 

So, what type of leader are you? Moment or Movement? I challenge you today to join with me and become a movement leader! 

Dr. Miranda 

Saturday, March 19, 2016

Character and Integrity

Character & Integrity 

When you are investing your time in someone or even yourself, do you examine their character or yours for the matter? How about integrity? 

Most people ask me what is character and integrity? Well character is the mental and moral qualities distinctive to an individual and integrity is the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; moral uprightness.  
I believe when we intentionally invite like-minded and like-valued people to walk along side of us while we chase our dreams we have to a quick character and integrity check every so often in order for us to continue to grow. 

We often have people in our lives that we believe will be there for a lifetime, only to find out that they were only meant to be there for a season. We usually come to this conclusion after we sit down and do a character and integrity check. 

We also realize at times the people who were our biggest fans during the aspiration phase of our dreams are not our fans when we start chasing our dreams. It's not because they don't love us or care about us anymore, they just can't see us differently and have put a limitation on our growth. You see, God, put that dream inside of you, not them and that's why they can't see or understand your willingness to step out of your comfort zone. Paul Martinelli once said God made us to "be and do more". So go and chase your dreams without limitations. While you are pursuing them like your life depends on it, remember what Les Brown said  "Align yourself with people that you can learn from, people who want more out of life, people who are stretching and searching and seeking some higher ground in life". 

So, I challenge you to do a character and integrity check on the people in your circle and on yourself to be sure you are in an environment that allows you to take action to live out your dreams while you are adding value to others! 

~Dr. Miranda

Thursday, March 17, 2016

God Room

God Room 
Over the past few days I have had the opportunity to connect with some amazing individuals, who are like-minded  and genuine about adding value to other people's lives at the John Maxwell Leadership Conference. The most important part of our connection was the fact that we All have a relationship with God and God's presence was truly in Orlando with us as our faculty members taught key elements of leadership. There were many takeaways in respect to leadership that I took with me but the key takeaway wasn't during the conference, this one was delivered during worship service by John himself. He spoke of us having "God room". What does that mean? Well, simply put, We must have room for God in our lives. We do this by inviting him into our hearts and lead through obedience. 

Now anyone who knows me, knows I am or should I say I WAS  God's stubborn child. Although I was stubborn, I have always made room for Him in my life. I continued to be stubborn until he took me on this journey of faith and trust. I am so grateful for all the lessons I have learned along the way, although most were not very pleasant. But I stand here today with a story/testimony that I can use, to reach out and touch others. I now know when God says Go to just do it with no questions or debate. 

During service that day I was given the opportunity to witness hundreds of people give their lives to Christ. Some were from countries where being a Christian comes with great consequences but they still did it. 

The courage they demonstrated knowing the consequences was powerful to me. I thought to myself how can I be afraid to leave my comfort zone to chase my dreams when God is standing here showing me his power. 
My purpose and dreams are bigger than me.. But that's ok because I serve a Big God! 

So, I challenge you today to add God room in your life and watch were it takes it! 

Dr. Miranda 

Tuesday, March 15, 2016

Growth

I once heard someone say "I’ll never be PERFECT but I can be BETTER. Today, I’m focusing on improvement, not perfection". I believe this to true each and every day because focusing on improvement equates growth. 

Your personal growth is very important for each individual and their success or ability to capture their dreams. So, do what Les Brown says, find what it is you want then go after it like your life depends on it, why? Because it does!  

I have done this myself and now I invite you to join in on this journey called life. Let's Do Life Today! Tell me how can I serve your needs today. 

~Dr. Miranda 

Monday, March 14, 2016

Connections

Today is a day of connections. As you know I love my Monday's. Why? Because they Matter, just like you Matter! The connections you make today will impact who you are and where you go tomorrow. Seek out like-minded people to take on this journey called life. But remember you will only attract who you are, so be who you want to attract. And ask yourself,  What is the greatest conversation you will have with yourself today? 

Today, as I connect with others, I have the opportunity to attract like-minded people and welcome them into my spear of influence. There are over 2,000 people at the John Maxwell conference that I am attending so as John would say, "the answers of tomorrow will be told by a leader today" and that Leader is me. Why? Because I am a conquer and victorious and I'm walking in my purpose. Are you? 

~Dr. Miranda 

Sunday, March 13, 2016

Blessed

Blessed
You hear people all the time say that they are blessed. What does it mean to be blessed? Is this a status, just a term, or something more?  Blessed, to me, is when you have found favor with the Lord.  We  are all in line for blessings and one person's blessing may be very different from your blessings. So don't compare yourself to someone else or be envious or jealous of what God has blessed them with  because you do not know the hell that they had to go through to receive that blessing. 

My blessings are my own and I'm grateful for each one given to me. I am also patient when I'm going through a season that is preparing me for my blessing because although that season is difficult I know that I am being cultivated and nourished to take on God's purpose for my life. 

So, today reflect upon the blessings God has already given you, be genuinely happy for the blessings giving the others, and be patient, trust, and have faith that you are being position to receive your next blessing! 
Happy Sunday 
~Dr. Miranda

Saturday, March 12, 2016

Grateful

Grateful 

Take a moment this moment to reflect upon the week that has passed and think about all the things that you are grateful for. Think about the new connections and future friendships that will develop because you took time to add value to someone else's life this past week. 
I know I am grateful for my family and friends this week, in addition to all the new connections I have made, people who I will be able to call friend, one day. I am grateful for my spiritual  gifts of wisdom, exhortation (encouragement), faith, leadership, and teaching as I am able to carry out my purpose each and every day. 

So, this Saturday before you go out and run your errands, take a moment and think about the things and people that you are grateful for in your life and simply say thank you!
 
~Dr. Miranda 

Friday, March 11, 2016

I have a Dream……

I have a Dream……
Have you taken a moment this week to sit down and think about your dreams and aspirations for your life? Have you thought about what it is you are specifically called to do in this life time? What is your purpose? Why you can start living a life of significance each and every day? I know I have come to the realization that I had to stop and do all of the above to get to where I am in life today. I had to stop living for everyone else’s dreams and start chasing my own. This week I spoke a lot on our thoughts, words, and action and the reason for this is because I want you all to start chasing your dreams no matter how delusional it may seem to others. Les Brown says “your dream was given to you. If someone else can’t see it for you, that’s fine, it was given to you and not them. It’s your dream. Hold it. Nourish it. Cultivate it!” So why are you still not chasing yours?

When I started to chase my dreams and acting on what it is I wanted in my life, the people who were around when my dreams were just my thoughts and aspirations, were having a hard time actually watching me take action to make my dream a reality. Not because they did care or love me but because we were not on the same page. I have what my brother calls a winner’s mentality and I have decide to put my trust in God and leave my comfort zone. When I made this decision I realized I couldn’t bring everyone with me on my journey. I had to find like-minded people who shared the winner’s mentality in order to continue on. I believe we all need to find the like-minded people in our lives and put some distance between those who don’t have the same vision because they are stunting your growth!

So, today take a moment and think about your dreams, put it to paper because the time to start acting on them is NOW.


~Dr. Miranda

Thursday, March 10, 2016

Actions Speak Louder Than Words

Actions speak louder than any written or spoken word. Someone once told me that our thoughts drive our emotions and our emotions drive our behavior which drives our actions. Therefore, we have to have a healthy thought life in order to have a healthy emotional and physical one. So ask yourself, what types of thoughts are you having? Are they positive or negative? 

Being intentional about filtering out your negative thoughts and replacing them with positive ones will in turn change your behavior. John Maxwell  said that "having good intentions, isn't enough..."; we have to back it with intentional actions. Why? Well, because saying words without action is like saying I'm going to be more active to lose weight and then stay in bed all day.

Earl Nightingale said "Whatever we plant in our subconscious mind and nourish with repetition and emotion will one day become reality".

So, I challenge you today, take a moment to align your thoughts with the behavior and action you want to display. Then, be a person of your word and intentions so that you can intentionally take action! 

~Dr. Miranda

Wednesday, March 9, 2016

Our Words

Has it ever occurred to you that our words are powerful? What comes out of our mouths can bestow a positive or negative impact on someone else’s life. In Proverbs 18:21 in says “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit”. Meaning there is true power in our tongue, we all have the ability to either speak life into someone and their situation or we can speak death over them and what they are going through. Which do you find yourself doing most?  I know I have chosen to speak life into each and every person I come into contact with because I know the power that lies in my tongue. This is a conscience choice I make each morning, it doesn’t change depending on my personal situation, or issues I might be going through that morning and it doesn’t change during the course of the day no matter how good or bad my day has been. There is always someone out there that is going through a season in life that needs to hear your words of encouragement. It could be a close friend or a complete stranger that needs you right now.


What I have come to realize each day when I make my choice to speak life into others is that I begin to bear good fruit in return. So today, take the focus off of yourself and add value to someone else by being the hands and feet of this world. Make a choice to positively impact others by being encouraging to them. Speak life into someone each day and watch the fruit you will bear in return!

Tuesday, March 8, 2016

YOU Matter!

Self-talk is the most powerful type of communication in the world. We are our greatest critic. How we talk to ourselves matters, our thought life matters, and who we see in the mirror matters! It reflects how we value ourselves and our self-worth. Who do you see when you look in the mirror? Do you see a person of value, one who is a daughter or son of God? Or do you see failure and regret? I believe we all have moments and events in life that shape our thinking and we start to believe the lies this world tells us about ourselves. But there is a way to take back the control and that’s with daily affirmations. Daily affirmations help you to reprogram your brain to see someone of value looking back at you in that mirror. So, for each negative thought you have about yourself today, write down and say the opposite of how you feel. For example: You may think “I am not enough, you write and say out loud “I am enough”, you may think “I am not a good leader”, you say “I am a great leader”, you may think “I am not worthy”, you say out loud “ I am worthy”. Do this each morning and be intentional, take back the control and be a priority in your own life. James Allen once said “You are today where your thoughts have brought you; you will be tomorrow where our thoughts take you”…….. So, where is it, you want to be tomorrow? Before you answer that remember….. YOU matter!
#dreamchaser

~Dr. Miranda

Monday, March 7, 2016

Mastermind Groups

YOU are your greatest asset! Knowing this, you need to ask yourself, do you have a growth plan for personal and professional success? If not, lets talk. Each and everyone of you need to have a growth plan in place, if you want to experience a life of significance.

I am facilitating a new series of Mastermind groups starting next month to kick off the spring season! Here are some of the topics:
1. Personal Growth
2. Communication and Connection
3. Leadership 
4. Intentional Living

I will keep you all posted on the date, time, and cost of the mastermind groups. 
The mastermind groups are offered via teleconference and in person! Contact me if you are interested!

Monday's


So many hate Monday's but I simple don't. To me, Monday symbolizes a new beginning, a fresh start, a clean slate from last work weeks mistakes. I love Mondays because God gave it to me. I look at it as another day that God has blessed me with in order to use me as his vessel and to be a blessing to others. So instead of complaining about Monday and wishing our weekend was longer... Smile... It's a New Day!
#mondaysmatter