#HappyBirthday Today we celebrate 2 years!!! It has been amazing and we have some major announcements coming in the month of December. Today we are running a sale for the day. Simply use: BDAY2 as the code! Thanks for all the support!
For His glory only,
XOXO
Danielle J.
#HappyMonday Happy Monday beautiful people! As we continue to have an "Attitude of Gratitude" this month, I encourage you to focus on Colossians 3:17 today. In all that you do, do it all in the name of Jesus. This means that even if you don't like the job and/or career that you are currently in, give it your all as if you were working for God. Even in the moments when you do not want to do your homework, assignments or are struggling to focus - work as if you are working for Jesus. In the midst of all you do, give thanks! When you are being treated badly, work as if you are working for the Lord. I promise you, He will handle everything on your behalf. I know it is tough, but He will see you through. Rely on His strength and have a continued attitude of gratitude and you will see how He works things out in your favor. Hang in there! You got this! Be blessed!
For His glory only,
XOXO
Danielle J.
I want to begin by saying MY GOD IS AWESOME! He has blessed me with a loving husband and 3 beautiful & amazing children. I love being a wife and mother. I feel that it's one of the most precious gifts (among others) that I was given. But I must say that this journey has not been easy.
On August 16, 2009 my faith was put to the ultimate test. It was a beautiful summer morning. My oldest son was 7, my daughter was 2 and my youngest son was 9 weeks old was home from the NICU. This was the 1st morning that I woke up without a massive headache. So I decided to enjoy the day with my kids. Then my hubby and I got a sitter and decided to go watch a movie. Well.... this was the quiet before another big storm...
During the movie my headache came back, and then I realized that my right leg felt like it was falling asleep, it felt weak. I kept shifting then told my husband that I didn't feel well. We decided to leave and head home. As hubby was hailing a cab, I began to experience the worse headache of my life. This scared me! I said a silent prayer. My ultimate fear was happening but the doctors and specialist that I saw since giving birth, said that I was too young for this to happen. Even the one a specialist I saw the day before told me I was too young to have a heart condition.
My husband had to carry me up 3 flights of stairs to our apartment (which was not easy being that I just gave birth, I was so heavy). My leg was too weak and my pain was excruciating. He laid me on the bed and ran to get me some pain medication. I remember calling out to him from my bedroom and he couldn't understand me. When I tried to say something to my oldest son he couldn't understand me either. That's when I realized what was happening. I reached for my cell phone to put my thoughts in text.. tears filled my eyes as I realized that I could not lift up the cell with my right hand... I quickly grabbed the cell with my left hand and typed CALL 911 I AM HAVING A STROKE!
As I was being rushed to the emergency room I remember my husband saying "My wife is only 30". At the emergency room the doctor told my husband that I was having a stroke. This was the first time I had ever seen him cry. I remember thinking.. who is going to care for my family? My kids were so young. I was in the stoke unit for a week then had intense rehabilitation as an inpatient at the hospital. I was the youngest stroke patient on the floor. I had to learn how to walk and use my right hand again. I kept praying, fighting and focused on getting back to my kids.
Not being able to do the simple things that we take for granted daily like scratch my cheek, feed or bathe myself, stand up, walk and hug my kids was the worst ever. BUT GOD!!! It took me a year and a half to be strong enough to walk on my own without a cane. Lots of support, self-love, family love, prayer & strength got me through this fight. I appreciate the second chance that God gave me. Sometimes you have to be cut down to your lowest so that God can build you to your strongest. Appreciate every day that you are given. Have gratitude. Time is a precious gifts. Never loose faith.
Thank you so much Jasmine Bernard-Straker for sharing your story. We appreciate you being open with your testimony and reminding us that God is a God of second chances. May God richly bless you and your family!
For His Glory Only,
XOXO
Danielle J.
Happy Monday folks!!! Today I encourage you to “Throw gratitude around like confetti”. You know how glitter and confetti get all over the place? That is exactly how your heart should reflect gratitude. Choose to look at the glass half full today. You may be overwhelmed and frustrated with the things that are going on around you – in your career, work, school or personal life. Take a moment to reflect and find reasons to give thanks today. 1 Chronicles 23:30 states “They are to stand every morning to thank and to praise the LORD, and likewise at evening”. Make it part of your lifestyle to have an “Attitude of Gratitude”. Be blessed!
For His Glory Only,
XOXO
Danielle J.
#MotivationalMonday Happy Monday beautiful people! You did not wake up today to be mediocre! Put your best foot forward today in every aspect of your life: school, work, career, with family and friends. Colossians 3:17 states: “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Make sure your work ethic reflects Christ ... at the end of the day that is who we ought to please. Make it a great day!
For His Glory Only,
XOXO
Danielle J.
#MotivationalMonday Happy Monday beautiful people! One thing I have learned is that anger cripples you. You cannot allow it to control you. My biggest battles have been won when I have remained silent and allowed God to move. Psalm 4:4 tells us to mediate overnight and do not sin. Sometimes it takes a good night rest to realize the things you are worried about and/or are angry about have no meaning. Let's make a commitment to not walk in anger, but in love. Lets examine ourhearts in this season to ensure we are reflecting Christ. Be blessed!!
For His Glory Only,
XOXO
Danielle J.
#MotivationalMonday Happy Monday beautiful people! As we continue to examine ourselves physically, mentally and spiritually we find our verse in Lamentations 3. Let us examine our ways and contrast it against the word of God. Does your actions line up with the word of God? Are you living a life that is honorable to Him? Let's work on honoring God on a daily basis with our words, actions and lifestyle. As we continue to press forward towards the goal, He will see us through every obstacle. Be encouraged!
For His Glory Only,
XOXO
Danielle J.
As we continue on our path of “Self-Examination" in the following areas: physical, mental and spiritual – I wanted to speak on addressing our thoughts and emotions.
At times we are truly emotional beings. We get upset, hold grudges and remain in the bondage of unforgiveness. Ephesians 4:26-27 states “In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold”. In essence we are not to give the devil any opportunity. This means within our relationships with others, friendships and marriage. We need to protect our thoughts, actions and emotions.
God gives us the best example. He isquick to forgive, and fast to forget. We need to learn to follow His example of forgiveness and grace. A wise man takes control of his anger and gives it over to God, but a foolish man lets his anger control him. He invites it in to stay. We are not perfect, we never have been–we never will be. We’re bound to hurt each other and say things that sting. That is a part of life. The important things is to recognize the moments we do this and apologize.
We need to pray that God will help us understand one another, and to view each other through a veil of grace and apply this in every aspect of our lives (including towards ourselves). If we let each other down, we will also be the hand that picks one another up. Scripture tells us not to let the sun go down on our wrath (being upset). We need God’s help, and pray that He teaches us to examine our hearts and to calm ourselves down.
My God guide and protect our thoughts & emotions. May He help us to stay positive and to remove negative thoughts before they take root. Scripture after scripture tells us to take our thoughts captive, to keep our bodies from sin, and to guard our hearts according to His Word. The smallest temptation can turn into sin and take root when we allow it to step through the door. What may start out as a simple argument can grow into something far worse if we invite these thoughts in and allow them to grow. There’s a war that is waging inside us. The best way to calm that war is by guarding our thoughts, kneeling in prayer, and admitting that we need God’s help.
May God give us the strength to let go of anger and any grudges we hold. Remind us to count the many blessings we have, and to find. May He help us to heal from those things we have lost, to be content with the things that we have, and to dwell on our future together instead of the past. With Him and through Him, we become a mighty force, set on fire, filled with His Spirit, and ready to fight for our marriage.
For my followers who are single: Ask God to examine your heart, thoughts and emotions in this season. He is yearning for you to be a reflection of Him in your daily life amongst friends, family, peers and coworkers. With His help you will be able to put all of this in check and create healthy relationships.
For my followers who are married: Think of ways that your thoughts and emotions may have been an obstacle in the past. Address those deep rooted issues in your life and put it before God in prayer. Ask Him to help you keep your thoughts and emotions in line so you can have a healthy marriage and maintain good standing in your other relationships.
For His Glory Only,
XOXO
Danielle J.
