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

Celebrating 2 Years!!

 #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.

Give Thanks ... In Everything

#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.

Share Your Story: Attitude of Gratitude

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.

Throw Gratitude

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.

Motivational Monday

#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.

Wifey Wednesday: Being Single & Content

Now before you kill me, hear me out! I can already hear you saying “That’s easy for her to say, she’s already married” or even rolling your eyes! Listen Linda, listen!! As I stated on a previous blog, I was single for 7 years. The photo on this blog was on my birthday on 2013 and I was very much SINGLE. Don’t I look happy? It is because I actually was. On that day my coworkers kept complimenting me stating I was glowing and looked happy … not all my birthdays were like that truth be told. The most important thing is at this point in the journey – I was content. It took me a long time to get to this place, but ultimately I believe this is the lesson God was teaching me.

Don’t get me wrong! I love my husband and thank God each day He saw it fit for us to be together. The lesson(s) I needed to learn had to be during my singleness and wilderness period. God had to refine me to be able learn & understand … “in every circumstance give thanks” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). I had to give thanks when I wanted to be married and wasn’t, had to give thanks when I was frustrated with my job, had to give thanks when it seemed that the world was crashing around me. The thing is … in every season … life is beautiful. The moment you focus on your problems and what you don’t have, the BIGGER it becomes. Why not focus your energy elsewhere and keep your eyes fixed on Jesus? I look back on those moments I was worrying and just feel terrible. It was such a waste of time and emotions. Thankfully I always bounced back quick, but if you are not that type PLEASE surround yourself with people that will help you.

If you are single I want you to do the following – Take out a sheet of paper and follow these instructions:
First side of the paper
- Write down why being single worries you
- Rank each numerically from highest to lowest (#1 being the item that worries you the most)
- Next to each write down how that point adds to your life
- At the bottom of the page write down Matthew 6:27, Matthew 6:34 and Proverbs 3:5-6

Second side of paper
- Write down your top 5 goals
- Rank each numerically from highest to lowest (#1 being the item you want to achieve most)
- Next to each write how achieving the goal will make you feel
- Skip a couple lines – write down what you will do for FUN (at least one)

*Keep this sheet of paper near and refer to it on the days you are down*

In total transparency – I had to do a similar exercise and it helped me to learn to have a heart of gratitude.

I wanted to encourage my single followers as we embark on this journey of having an “Attitude of Gratitude” this month! Celebrate where you have been, where you are and where you are about to go! God has amazing things in store for you, and you DO NOT need a man for God to fulfill it! *finger snaps* Now… there will be other things God will want you to accomplish and He will place the RIGHT person by your side to achieve it. Relax! God got this!! Love yall!

For His Glory Only,
XOXO
Danielle J.

Wifey Wednesday: Marriage is a Mirror

As we continue on this journey of “Self-Examination”, I wanted my final #WifeyWednesday posts for this month to be personal.  Last week we discussed that marriage is instituted to glorify God. Today we will go over the fact that marriage is like a mirror.

An interesting thing that I have found in my 10 months of being married is that marriage is like a mirror. You ever look into a mirror and see your imperfections? Wrinkles, blemishes or age spots etc … the things we wish we could change, but for the most part have little control over. Mirrors can be real lifesavers, they reflect the present state and give us an opportunity to fix the imperfections.

Marriage at times amplifies our imperfections and our unresolved issues. Whether is issues of abandonment, trust or patience – this becomes amplified in marriage. Just as we look in the mirrors at times and see things we do not like, there are some characteristic traits that need an adjustment. By living so closely with another person, you begin to get a picture of what you really look like. You start to see where you need to adjust and change. Unfortunately, many expect marriage to be something that makes them look better, not something that reveals where they don't look so good. Rather than see where we need to change, we opt to project our own negative images on our spouses and point out where they need to change. Are you willing to accept criticism and make changes? In the Bible, Adam played the blame game like this: "That woman you put here with me-she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it” (Genesis 3:12). Stop blaming others and take responsibility for your actions.

Scripture speaks to us time and time again about reflecting Christ because we are made in His image. Colossians 3:10 states “And have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator”. When we accept Christ we know we are to reflect Him. There were moments in my marriage due to feeling overwhelmed that I would give very short responses or spend more time on work or getting things done for my organization. Being overwhelmed and frustrated did not give me a pass to not speak to my husband in love. I took time to reflect and sincerely apologize. There is a saying that my dad would always drill in my head as a child “Do unto others as you would have them do onto you”.  At the end of the day, we are not only a reflection of Christ but we are to reflect our spouse.

To my followers who are single: What areas in your life do you need to work on reflecting Christ? Make a list of 2-3 things that you will be committed to work on before the end of the year. Place it on an index card or in your prayer journal and diligently work on reflecting Christ.

To my followers who are married: If we believe our spouse is present in the marriage to make us look better, instead of being a mirror to help us see who we really are, we will think our marriage is inadequate whenever one of our faults is revealed. Be open to receive criticism. Open the lines of communication to allow your spouse to feel comfortable to speak to you about imperfections.

My prayer is that God will help us in our imperfections. In the area(s) that we are not reflecting Him, may He refine us and mold us into who He wants us to be. No one is perfect, but we can strive to reflect Christ in every aspect of our life.

For His Glory Only,
XOXO
Danielle J.