2019 Word of the Year

Hey beautiful people! I know it has been a while! My apologies! This year has been quite a ride but I’m thankful I am still here.

It’s official! 2019 has started and I don’t know about you, but I am ready for a fresh start. Did you take a moment to see what God has for you this coming year? What story does He have planned for you this coming year?

In the most recent years, I have stopped and asked God what is my word or theme of the year. I want to encourage you to do the same. This can be revealed and confirmed through a song, scripture, title of a book or conference or something you see consistently. I want you to be intentional about receiving your “word” or “theme” for the year and created a document that will assist in the process.

Here the documents you can download to discover your word/theme for 2019:
Thoughts/Prompts
My Word for 2019

Before engaging in this process, I encourage you spend some time in worship, praying and fasting. Get to a place of full surrender because at the end of the day – God’s plan is best!

XOXO,

Danielle Joseph

God has the FINAL Say

As we go through life - we face so many obstacles but we must be determined to keep the faith.

This week has been tough from bad news to worst news. God reminded me HE has the final say. As I drove into work this morning, He confirmed those words as the devotion playing on the radio was "Jesus has the FINAL say". Tears streamed down my face as I thanked God for thinking of me in the small things. That word of encouragement is exactly what I needed. Later on in the day - one of the items I was fearful about was quickly resolved.

I want to encourage you and remind you that God has the final say in EVERY aspect of your life. You can find the link to the Devotion here.

Remember that God is the one who has the FINAL say! Be encouraged.

Many Blessings to you!

For His glory only,
Danielle J.

Women of Faith: Sarah

Happy Saturday FAMily! We are still on the journey that correlates with the Bible Reading Challenge of this month which is “Women of Faith”.

What’s the Definition of faith? Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see (NIV). Faith is truly about believing without seeing.

Sarah (formerly Sarai) was from a city which is modern day Iraq, and was married to Abraham (formerly Abram). After the death of Abraham’s brother, Sarah and Abraham adopted his son Lot. Sarah was barren (Genesis 11:30) so having Lot in the family provided her with the opportunity to still be a mother. In those times, if a woman was not able to produce children on her own, it was seen as a a sign that there was something in the woman’s life that caused God not to bless her. Of course, this brought on feelings of shame and despair.

Since Sarah could not produce a child for Abraham, she made a decision that would affect all of humanity. She decided to give Hagar, her maid, to Abraham to produce a child. Abraham accepted Sarah’s offer and the result was the birth of Ishmael. With the pregnancy, Hagar despised Sarah and Sarah became jealous and harsh with Hagar. Hagar then left and went into the wilderness.

So you’re probably like  - ummm … where is the faith in that?

It is after this sin that Sarah and Abraham have an encounter with God which produces their name change. Due to their repentance and renewed faith, God blessed Sarah with the birth of Isaac. It did not step there -  God would also make her “a mother of nations” and “kings of people” would come from her descendants.

My favorite recap of this story (and amazing verse) is found in Hebrews 11:11 "And by faith even Sarah, who was past childbearing age, was enabled to bear children because she considered him faithful who had made the promise".

Sarah demonstrated faith and obedience while believing God's promises. She left her comfortable and familiar surroundings to launch her journey with God.

Application
What are some dead situations in your life that you have given up on faith? Are there any areas in your life that you know you need to give to God? Have the faith to get up, repent and move forward in faith as Sarah did.

Thank you for going on this journey with me to discuss “Women in Faith”! Hope you enjoyed it.
For His Glory Only,
XOXO
Danielle J.

Women of Faith: Deborah

Happy Saturday FAMily! We are still on the journey that correlates with the Bible Reading Challenge of this month which is “Women of Faith”.

What’s the Definition of faith? Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see (NIV). Faith is truly about believing without seeing.

Today we will explore the story of Deborah, who was a judge and prophetess over Israel. That had to be a walk in faith, as leaders in that time were primarily men. She is introduced in Scripture in Judges 4:4 during a time of oppression.  Judges 4:4-5 states: “Now Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, was judging Israel at that time. … And the children of Israel came up to her for judgment.”

The verses immediately after give greater context and show she was under the leadership of Barak. During a tumultuous time she encouraged Barak and reminded him that God called them to lead Israel in a war against the mighty armies of Jabin and his general Sisera, by utilizing only a very small army of Israelites to do so. God was planning to defeat these foreign armies and deliver Israel.

Deborah saw Barak’s lack of confidence and reassured him that she would surely go with him. Then she also prophesied that the glory of killing Sisera, God’s enemy, would not go to Barak, but “the LORD will sell Sisera into the hand of a woman” (Judges 4:9).

Deborah’s strength, confidence, and encouraging words to Barak and her simply her presence made a difference. Barak did take 10,000 Israelite troops down from Mount Tabor as commanded. “And the LORD routed Sisera and all his chariots and all his army with the edge of the sword before Barak” (Judges 4:15). Barak then pursued the fleeing chariots and army of Sisera and killed them all. Sisera fled away and ended up being killed by a woman named Jael. God’s prophecy had come to pass, as He had spoken through Deborah.

By faith Deborah led the people of Israel during a crucial time.  Her faith in God, true servant leadership and service was exemplary during a time when faith was seriously lacking.

Application
Are there times where you are surrounded by others who are lacking in faith? Have you provided them the words of encouragement they need to keep pushing? Be that Deborah in the corner of your friends, family, marriage, church and community to take things to the next level and obtain God’s promises.

Check in next Saturday, as we discuss Sarah!
For His Glory Only,
XOXO
Danielle J.

Women of Faith: Hannah

Happy Saturday FAMily! We are still on the journey that correlates with the Bible Reading Challenge of this month which is “Women of Faith”.

What’s the Definition of faith? Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see (NIV). Faith is truly about believing without seeing.

Today we will focus on Hannah. This story begins in the book of 1 Samuel, the first chapter.

Hannah was married to Elkanah and he had two wives: Hannah & Peninnah. Peninnah had children, but Hannah did not have any children. Each year Elkanah would offer sacrifices for his wives and children but ensured that Hannah received a double portion because the Lord had closed Hannah’s womb. Scripture states that her rival kept provoking her in order to irritate her. This means that Peninnah (and maybe some others) belittled Hannah because she did not have any children.

This went on for years! Whenever Hannah went to church, her rival provoked her till she wept and could not eat. Could you imagine going to your place of solitude (church) and being persecuted? Crazy!

In 1 Samuel 1:8 it says “Her husband Elkanah would say to her, “Hannah, why are you weeping? Why don’t you eat? Why are you downhearted? Don’t I mean more to you than ten sons?”.
Hannah prayed to God, weeping bitterly. She was authentic with her emotions and prayed to God because she wanted to have a child. In 1 Samuel 1:11 she made a vow, saying, “Lord Almighty, if you will only look on your servant’s misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the Lord for all the days of his life”. That very night God opened her womb and she conceived Samuel.

Hannah's fervent prayer and vow teaches us that consistent faithfulness and persistent prayer get God's attention. She believed God for a son and He multiplied her faith by giving her many children.

Application
What are some areas on your life that you gave up praying about? Have you stopped walking in faith? It is time to pick back up and pray fervently for the things that God has promised you.

Check in next Saturday, as we discuss Deborah!

For His Glory Only,
XOXO
Danielle J.

Women of Faith: Jochebed (Moses' Mother)

Hey FAMily! I am back like I never left! I missed blogging and connecting with you, so I decided since March is Women’s History Month – it would be a great time to come back. We will start with a series that correlates with the Bible Reading Challenge of this month which is “Women of Faith”.

What’s the Definition of faith? Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see (NIV). Faith is truly about believing without seeing.

The Bible is FULL of women who showcased faith in times of adversity. This is a characteristic of a true trailblazer. Today we will focus on Moses’ mother – Jochebed. While preparing for this blog I had to ask myself – was her name ever mentioned in the Bible? I honestly couldn’t remember. The answer is YES! However, how many times do women make history and they are unsung heroes, names never mentioned, and they are never acknowledged for their contributions.

Jochebed took a major leap of faith and placed her newborn baby in a river because she stood on the promises of God. And like Jochebed, we, as women, do the same day in and day out. Mothers send their children off to school or daycare in the crazy world we live in. Entrepreneurs put their dreams and visions out for all to see, in hopes that others will respond and support. Professionals and students put their best efforts forward in hopes that they will reach their accomplishments.

Much like Jochebed we place our hearts into a basket, stand at the riverbed, and wait. Think about the emotions and feelings Jochebed had when she placed Moses down and had to back away. Imagine being her as she left him here alone in the water. Miriam (Moses’ sister) watched from a distant place on the shore, but Jochebed, his mother had to let him go.

The amazing thing is – God is faithful and meets us in our need just in the nick of time.

Exodus 2:5 says “Then the daughter of Pharaoh came down to wash herself by the Nile, while her attendants were walking alongside the river, and she saw the basket among the reeds. She sent one of her attendants, took it”.

At that very instant, Miriam steps forward and approaches Pharaohs’ daughter and volunteers to find a Hebrew woman to nurse the child, and whom did she come back with? Moses’ own mother. So Jochebed got her own child back, at least for a while. Like seriously? You cannot believe this was a coincidence. This was a DIVINE intervention and part of God’s plan.

You see, Jochebed’s name means, “Honor of God” or “God is glory”. God received the glory in the situation because it worked out in Jochebed’s favor. The truth is we need to  “Let it go and trust God” so that He gets all the glory.

Application
What are some areas of your life you need to stop holding on to and start trusting God? Is it your past? Are you walking in fear? In this year, I pray that you walk in faith like Jochebed and allow God to get the glory in YOUR life!

Check in next Saturday, as we discuss Hannah!

For His Glory Only,
XOXO
Danielle J.

I AM BACK: Mourning into Dancing!

You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy. Psalm 30:11
 

I AM BACK!!! I know I have been “ghost” and I wanted to provide some clarity on what has been taking place "behind the scenes".

All I can say is that the first half of the year has been quite a rollercoaster. So much has happened in such a short period of time. It has truly been a journey of understanding who stands with me.  From planning my first La Belle Vie Essentials event to dealing with an attack on my father’s health … Life can literally change in an instant. The verse “If God is for us, who can be against us” came to life this season for my family & I. I am so happy that today I can recite Psalm 30:11. God has changed my tears to joy and I am forever grateful.

The time period from the end of May and most of June, I truly felt like my world stood still. It was as if I was walking in a fog and I literally took things day by day. Those who know me, know that I am truly a “daddy’s girl”. I have a great relationship with both of my parents, my mom is my best friend. My father and I share a special bond and I consider myself his “right-hand”. I have pestered my parents to take care of their health this year. They are both ministers and are accustomed to putting individuals before themselves. During a routine heart catheter procedure the doctors found that my father had three clogged arteries. At the end of May he had a stint put into one of the arteries, and the day before my birthday he had heart bypass surgery.

My family leaned on God, our personal relationships/support, family, church family and friends. It is in this season that I learned it is in the darkest hour you know who stands with you. I will be forever be grateful to those who stood in the gap with my family by providing around the clock prayer, words of encouragement, check in calls/texts, sitting with us in the hospital, holding our hands and literally assisting us in one of the most difficult times of our lives.

Even as I write this, tears are streaming down my face. I am known as the “backbone” for my family and a source of assistance and strength. I held it together for my family, but every evening during that time period I would just go home and cry alone or in front of my husband. I just told God I wasn’t ready to lose my father. People at work were shocked to find out all the details of what happened later on because I kept things together. Secret is … I wasn’t relying on my own strength. I had God and a multitude of individuals who were surrounding me in prayer.

I am happy to say that my father is doing well, and is recovering. Each day he is gaining his strength back and getting back to his “normal” step. We know that this a long road to recovery and lifestyle changes but we are grateful that he is alive and was released from the hospital the Friday before Father’s Day so we could properly celebrate him.

Although ultimately my father did not want the bypass surgery, we accepted God’s will in this situation. We received so much prayer and confirmation during this time. I just wanted to encourage someone to let you know that even if things do not end up the way you anticipated, God is still in control. He WILL turn your mourning into dancing. One of my mentors reminded me “God is. God can. God will”.

There were other factors that kept me busy for the past couple months, however, I wanted to share this testimony. I look forward to getting back on track with all the blog posts, videos, events and new apparel. Stay tuned & God Bless!!

For His Glory Only,
XOXO
Danielle Joseph

Wifey Wednesday: A Year Later

I am so excited to bring “Wifey Wednesday” back! In 2016 we have discussed several topics ranging from marriage being a mirror, walking in faith & being selfless. This year I want to focus on the things I have learned thus far, videos/vlogs, and receiving topic suggestions from you.

To start off the year, I want to share the top things I have learned during my first year of marriage. I’ll do my best to expand on these points at a later date but wanted to provide some insight.

1.      Prayer is key – Prayer is the foundation to ANYTHING great … including your marriage

2.      Communication – You must establish good communication & work on communication skills

3.      Teamwork – “Teamwork makes the dream work”! Both individuals will need to work together towards goals. Even in the smallest things – she cooks, he cleans the dishes.

4.      Date Night – Weekly date nights ensure you are spending quality time together. Put the phones and other distractions AWAY and spend time together. If you can’t do it weekly, strive for bi-weekly or monthly.

5.      Investment – Find ways to invest in your marriage. This may be a marriage retreat, counseling, books or even a simple daily verse reminder that allows you to bring the focus back to you two.

6.      Dedication – Be dedicated & determined to be a good wife. It takes time! No one expects perfection from you. Just give it your best.

7.      Pick your battles – Some things are not worth fighting for! Pick and choose what you are going to “fight” for. When I say “Fight” I mean take a stand and bring to your spouse’s attention.

8.      Be selfless – There are moments that will require you to be selfless. Marriage is a beautiful thing and it won’t always be about you (sorry!)

9.      Be open to change & suggestions – Your way isn’t always the best way! (this one internally killed me lol) Be open to receive criticism & redirection. Your spouse has a vested interest in you and the marriage so be open to suggestions and new ideas.

10.   You are in charge of happiness – You cannot assume that your spouse will ALWAYS make you happy. That is so much pressure to put on someone. In the areas you feel like your spouse can improve – find ways to either communicate this OR show by being the example.

I look forward to growing with you all this year!

For His Glory Only,
XOXO
Danielle J.