The 5 Practices That Deepened My Faith—and Could Change Yours Too

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding." – Proverbs 3:5

In 2019, I began a journey that would change my life forever. Life felt like a complex puzzle—each experience, trial, and triumph slowly fitting together in ways I never expected. As I sought to understand what God says about love, hate, peace, forgiveness, and truly living, I found myself facing some of the most emotionally and mentally challenging moments of my life.

During this time, I often asked, "Why is this happening to me?" In my search for answers, I realized that I had been turning to everything but God—friends, attention from others, distractions, unhealthy habits, toxic relationships, and temporary comforts—rather than the One who created me.

Every creator knows their creation inside and out, understanding its purpose, strengths, and limitations. God, my Creator, knows every part of me—every strength, flaw, and challenge I face. And just like an artist takes pride in their masterpiece, He takes pride in me. If God values me so deeply, how could I not learn to love and care for myself in return?

As I came to this realization, I knew that truly knowing Him required spending time in His word. The more I read the Bible, the more clarity I gained, and I loved it. I started reading multiple versions and translations, writing Scripture on post-it notes and posting them around me, trying to memorize more and more. My endless questioning began to quiet as His wisdom filled the gaps.

Learning God’s word didn’t happen overnight—it’s a journey I’m still on today and will be every day. But since 2019, I’ve grown, matured, highlighted and learned more Scripture than ever, cut my hair and even took the step of baptism. With each passing year, more pieces of my life puzzle fall into place, revealing a clearer picture of my faith and purpose.

Last year, I made a significant decision: after five years, I cut and combed out my locs. I believed my hair carried old energy, and I wanted a fresh start—one that reflected the internal transformation I was experiencing. At that same time, I had been eager to get baptized but felt led to wait until my church’s construction was complete and not just go anywhere else.

Looking back, I see how God was aligning everything in His perfect timing. What I once saw as a delay was actually preparation for something greater.

Now, as a born-again follower of Christ, I feel renewed—spiritually, emotionally, and even physically. My journey has been one of growth, surrender, and trust, and I don't know what's next. But what I do know is this: the more I seek Him, the more I understand myself and this life journey I'm walking through.

I’m excited to share my story with you—not because everything is perfect and I have all the answers, but because God is good and I’ve experienced firsthand how faith transforms everything. My hope is to offer encouragement and share the tools that have helped me deepen my faith, strengthen my spiritual fitness, and increase posi power.  

Five Key Practices That Deepened My Faith

1- Reading the Bible: Diving into Scripture is essential. Every verse offers wisdom, guidance, and comfort, like uncovering pieces of a puzzle that reveal God’s character and His plans for us. His word has become my lamp and foundation, lighting the way through life's challenges. Read my favorite scriptures in my Positivity eBook, Got Lemons?

2- Journaling My Thoughts: Journaling allows me to process what I read and reflect on its meaning. Writing down my thoughts solidifies my understanding and helps me figure out how to apply these lessons to my life. Looking back at my journal entries, I can see how God has moved in my life in ways I never expected.

Over the years, I’ve tried different journals, but I keep returning to the Daily Kairos journal. In the past, I would jot things down in my phone or on random pieces of paper, but in 2025, my goal is to journal consistently in my prayer journal. This is the prayer journal I use:)) - (Not an ad—just sharing tools that help with faith and posi power!)

3- Practicing Gratitude: Gratitude has been transformative. It shifts my focus from what I lack to the blessings I already have. By acknowledging the small and big gifts in my life, I cultivate a heart of thankfulness that strengthens my relationship with God. Gratitude has brought me closer to Him in ways I never imagined.

The Daily Kairos prayer journal includes a gratitude section, which is why I love it so much—Scripture, prayer, and gratitude all in one. Get you one!

4- Praying: Prayer is my lifeline. It's best wireless connection to have!! It’s a conversation with God that keeps me grounded. Whether I’m expressing my fears, hopes, or seeking guidance, prayer brings me closer to Him. In my moments of doubt, prayer has been a powerful reminder that I am never alone.

When I don’t know what to pray but feel the need to spend time with God, I say The Lord’s Prayer or Psalm 23. And as my faith has deepened, I’ve realized I have an advocate who speaks on my behalf, even through wordless groans. Sometimes, all I need to do is acknowledge that I need God, and just one thought—just one prayer—can shift everything. If you know, you know. Try it, and you’ll see what I mean!

5- Posi Praise Playlist: Music has the power to shape our mood and mindset. Instead of listening to sad songs or meaningless lyrics, more often especially when I'm having "a moment" I choose music that lifts my spirit and praises God. I created an iTunes playlist full of songs that inspire worship and positivity—check it out! What would be on your Praise Playlist?

Overcoming Obstacles in Faith

Throughout this journey, I’ve faced many obstacles that tested my faith. I've experienced toxic and I've acted toxic. Doubts crept in, and at times, I felt distant from God. But I learned that obstacles are opportunities for growth and letting God work in our lives and change us. As a follower of God, life won't come without challenges. It means I have a savior on-call and ready who knows me and loves me. Each challenge is a chance to lean on Him, seek counsel from Him, and turn to prayer for strength. And I mean, of course I want more of Him! Every hurdle became a stepping stone that deepened my understanding of God’s goodness and faithfulness.

As I continue navigating life, I am reminded that faith isn’t a straight path. It’s a long road filled with ups and downs, each twist revealing more about who I am and who God is. I'm not perfect and I don't seek to be anymore. I am here to live in love, pray and praise the perfect never changing Lord. My faith journey is ongoing, Him changing me to be like Him is ongoing, and because I know the Lord is good and trust Him, it's allllll gonna be good. Happy to know when the Lions come my way, I will be safe.

Faith Action Plan

What practices have deepened your faith? Do you have a prayer journal? What's your favorite praise song? I would love to hear about it in the comments. 

Peace and posi,

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