BSFP, Inc.

That's why there is such power in true friendships! "It’s natural to lose friends over time. People change. People move. All too often, few take their place." "We become known more by our titles, our accomplishments, or our kids. Increasingly we become known by what we do more than who we are." That's because today people don't know who we are...they only know / see what we do.   True friends know who you are (when the curtains are closed), they know who you can and will be and support your journey. They ask you the tough questions to push you. They correct you without fear of offending. They challenge you to take risks for your betterment and uplifting. They give you permission to be who you are, not less. They don't allow you to be stagnant. They encourage you to move forward and grow. They value you for who you are more than what you do. They help you reach new heights and your potential.  We don't get offended by their correcti

"The root of anger is the perception that something has been taken. Something is owed to you. And now a debt-to-debtor relationship has been established." We should really stop to think about this: "How long are you going to allow the people who have hurt you to control your life?" When we stay angry, upset, in a rut, in our feelings...we are giving up our power, we are giving our energy and our healing ability away. We are giving up control. Why would we want to give that kind of authority over to anyone who has abused, mistreated, manipulated or harmed us?  This is written in God's word repeatedly for a reason: "forgive them seventy times seventy. And remember them or the harm they've done no more."  Forgive, clean out the clutter and press forward. It's not for them, it's for you.

God says: "There is a pace I set for you, a pace where you feel most at home, I want you to find it and keep hold of it, it holds great promise and reward. It is a pace that doesn't require you to rush to get to the finish line, it's a pace that doesn't stress you or cause you to worry...it's a pace that allows you to get to where I intended for you to be at the time I have set for you to get there." Trust that! "Trust that God is with you and wants to do things together with you where you don’t have to race to keep up."  I have learned that if you are racing, it's clearly outside of the rhythm God has placed within your heart and that's why you're not happy or content when you finally reach the finish line. "The race is not given to the swift or the strong...it's given to the humble and patient."  Remember the story: "the tortoise and the hare."  Everything has purpose!

o   Tomatoes They contain lycopene, an antioxidant rarely found in other foods. Studies suggest that it could protect the skin against harmful UV rays, prevent certain cancers, and lower cholesterol. Plus, tomatoes contain high amounts of potassium, fiber, and vitamin C.   o   Blueberries These berries are full of phytonutrients that neutralize free radicals (agents that cause aging and cell damage). The antioxidants in these berries may also protect against cancer and reduce the effects of age-related conditions such as Alzheimer's disease or dementia. o   Black Beans A cup of black beans packs 15 grams of protein, with none of the artery-clogging saturated fat found in meat. Plus, they're full of heart-healthy fiber, antioxidants, and energy-boosting iron. o   Oats Full of fiber, oats are a rich source of magnesium, potassium, and phytonutrients. They contain a special type of fiber that helps to lower cholesterol and prevent heart disease. Magnesium work

"When you embrace your value and God-ordained purpose in life, you will be able to walk in strength and confidence." Remember: "The enemy will take notice of a person once riddled with insecurity standing strong, and he will come at you like a thief in the night with his arrows of discouragement to break you." God's word says: put on the full armor of God to protect yourself from dangers and attacks. This armor is a conscious outlook training our thoughts, our words, our attitudes and our behaviors.  Mediate on my word day and night, let it always be with you - for it is your most powerful weapon.  God loved you so much, He made provision to keep you safe. He never said the road would be easy, He said no weapon formed against you will prosper/succeed. He said pain will endure for a little while but joy, joy will always comeback!

We can't hold on to the old spirit man and grab on to the new spirit at the same time. It doesn't work that way. At some point, we must let go of one to grab the other, or else we are not going to grow, nor see that lasting change or gain the promise that God has in store for us.  Change / Reaction / Action are all choices! Choices we get to make. We alone make. We want to be better than we must intentionally make wise choices in order to be better, in order to grow.  "There is no growth without change, there is no change without loss, and there is no loss without pain." If we are going to grow, we are going to have to change, and CHANGE means LETTING GO of some old things, old habits, no longer supportive friendships, no longer healthy relations to grab hold of some new things. If we think we can hold on to both (past and present, old habits, past pains, failed relationships and all the goodness intended for us) what happens? We will get st

"being strengthened with all power  according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience  (Colossians 1:11)." It's so easy to lose our patience during difficulties or stressful situations. It's also easy to take those frustrations out on others.  This scripture reminds me to continuously ask for patience which can be given in abundance... Allowing me to be wise in my dealings and speech when under fire/stress/pressure.  Breathe in patience and exhale kindness!

The Real Battle is our mind and the thoughts that consume it and us. To find peace, we must replace our fears, anxieties, defense mechanisms, and controlling behaviors with prayer, Scripture meditation, and thanksgiving. As easy as this sounds, it holds so much challenge because our flesh is weak and easily influenced by our surroundings and society. Our brains will not stop thinking about something just because we tell it to. Our minds are like computers, they process what is downloaded into them. So, if we don’t replace our negative thinking and behaviors with something else, those anxious thoughts will just continue to play in our minds. This will hinder us from achieving the levels God intended for us to. We will be held captive by the things that are not even relevant or of any true value today or down the road. We will lose out on relationships with those who truly care about us; God will raise someone else up to take up the charges that we haven't. G

Smoothies are a meal anyone can make, no matter how skilled or unskilled you are in the kitchen or pressed for time you may be.  You can easily prep that meal to go. And if you prepare it right, they are filled with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, protein, healthy fats and so much more. Isn't that worth it? There's more: Not only can smoothies be nutritious, they’re also delicious and come with a it diversity for the creative soul. So, they are never boring. The process is fairly simple and can be really entertaining: leafy greens plus fruit plus a liquid-base  and for an extra boost you can add on some superfood  choices. Leafy Greens Nutrition Facts Kale This   nutrition   powerhouse offers everything you want in a leafy green. It's an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K, has a good amount of   calcium   for a vegetable, and also supplies folate and potassium . Collards Collard greens are similar in nutriti

"If we want to seize the day, we must be prepared to seize negative emotions like guilt, fear, worry, anxiety, jealousy, envy, greed, resentment, hatred, bitterness, unforgiveness, self-pity....and those like it, for these types of “distractions” can rob us of many days."    Focus on the positives and attempt to always give your best and you'll start to see the difference in your attitude and ability to be successful and peacefully happy.

What is BSFP? BSFP, Inc. is an incorporated 501(C)(3) nonprofit youth mentoring and empowerment Organization filled with programs serving youth throughout communities in Rockland and Orange County, New York.  What is the Purpose of BSFP? Out of an unmet need in our community, BSFP is creating an environment where youth are motivated to achieve, and feel empowered to become self-sufficient shareholders in the economic and social fabric of the communities we serve.  We are striving to empower and reignite passion, confidence, determination, and inspiration in our youth. Showing them support and that they have resources, that we are here to help them thrive and fulfill their dreams.  Is BSFP Only For Youth? No, there is something for everyone. The focus of this Organization is to promote youth engagement, community participation, promote healthy development, and increase success and positive life decisions.  Like to learn more? bsfpny@gmail.com www.bsfpny.org

I keep reading that Superfoods are great for your body. Are they really?  Well, they are all natural and filled with many nutrients that our bodies crave but don’t receive. They in fact are nutrient powerhouses that pack large doses of goodness, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. It turns out eating them may reduce the risk of chronic disease, and prolong life, and people who eat more of them are healthier and thinner than those who don't. So, they really are great for the body. As good as they are for us:  be wise and eat them in moderation.  Some top superfood add ins I found to be great adds to my smoothies: Chia Seeds These do-it-all super-seeds are good for your head with their high content of omega fatty acids that increase healthy brain function, but have also proven to be good for your heart by fighting high cholesterol and heart disease. They even boast a wide variety of nutrients, such as: protein, fiber, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, iron, calcium and

Fact: the devil is a liar! Trying to take matters into our own hands does not bring us closer to being like God. That's not our role, or His expectation of us. Every time we try to control our circumstances, our future, and people around us, we are trying to take on a role that wasn't meant for us. We stress ourselves out (unnecessarily) and become overwhelmed with frustration. We stepped into a role that wasn't ours. We told God to take a back seat and tried it! We are not meant to control things outside of our circle of influence, we can only control how we respond, how we deal with them. We are meant to only control ourselves. All these situations are intentional and meant to shape us, help us grow, strengthen us and our character. They are meant to help us gain wisdom and understanding.  Let's let go of trying to do the impossible!

How many times has God asked us to let something go? Give it up? And we struggle, contemplate what He has asked? We are no better than this man who loved money and the thought of having it more valuable and rewarding than what God had for him. When God asks us to let go of something, turn away from something, it's not because He wants us to be miserable, be in pain, it's because He has something even better in store. If we are impatient and distracted by the now we won't be able to receive and appreciate the "to come." Learning to let it all go.

Today: I look at myself with a fresh lens, new outlook and believe that where I am today, is temporary. I have the power, strength and ability to see more and therefore strive for, seek and become more. I'm taking the limits off myself and realizing the word is for me. I deserve it and can achieve it all.  Change your perspective and you'll increase your outlook. Nothing is impossible!

Who are you when no one is looking? That's who you are... "If you build your identity on anything that can be taken away from you, you’re going to be inconsistent and insecure, and insecurity can lead to depression and anger." You will forever be on a mission to please others, be like others, depend on others to determine and establish who you are. That's not fair to you or God who created you to be: special, different and unique! Remember this: "Until you start feeling secure about yourself, people are going to be able to push your buttons and shape your identity." "When you know who you are and WHOSE you are, people can’t tell you who to be, how to be, what to be nor can they push your buttons." They can’t get to you. You are secure and sure-footed in Christ. 

The key to fueling your body and have that sustaining "beat the long day" energy is to eat clean, nutrient packed foods that will work with your body.  But why smoothies? That's just one alternative that has great benefits. ·         Get your daily allowance of fruits and vegetables.  Consuming the daily recommendations of fruits and vegetables can be a challenge. Blending a couple of servings of each into a smoothie helps ensure you meet your body’s daily nutritional needs. ·         Easier weight loss.  There are a number of weight loss programs that promote replacing a meal with a liquid drink. Provide your body with all the vitamins and minerals it needs via smoothies, cut out the unfriendly weight gaining crap from your diet, and watch the pounds melt away.  ·         Improved digestion.  Nobody I know wants to experience constipation or indigestion. Ease the burden on your digestive system while you simultaneously consume plenty of dietary fiber to ensu