Harvest and Seeds

 #HappyFriday You made it through the week by the grace of God! Woo hoo

Today I wanted to encourage you not to judge the harvest you receive day to day. Pay attention to the seeds you plant. At times you plant a seed but do not see the results immediately. Just like if you just started eating right and working out you don't expect to see the results the next day, its the same thing in other areas in our lives. It is important to continue to plant "good seeds" and know that one day everything will come together. As it says in Galatians 6:9 - And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. Be blessed!

For His Glory Only,

XOXO

Danielle J.

Wifey Wednesday: Pay Attention

We are focusing on “harvest”, and this week specifically we are concentrated on sowing and reaping. This is also applicable in our friendships and relationships and I wanted to dedicate this edition of “Wifey Wednesday” to this subject.

So much of our time is taken up just keeping up with the demands of everyday life. Responsibilities can be overwhelming some days. So many things demand our attention, our thoughts, and our time. We barely have the energy to get everything done each day. This can cause us to lose sight of the people that are important to us, because we get so busy with “work”. When we don’t give the people in our lives attention this may send a signal that we do not care. This also gives an opportunity to the enemy to creep in.

You must understand that although you are planting “good seeds” in your marriage, friendships and relationships – the enemy is coming to seek and destroy all you have worked hard for. He comes in like a thief in the night – no warning. Although you are planting good seeds, you have to keep your eyes open to the obstacles the enemy may be setting. The obstacles may come in form of a job promotion, change in shifts, obtaining an advanced degree etc All those things are great, but it requires your time. Do not lose sight of what is important.

James 3:17-18 states “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.”

 
As we grow and develop, let us ask God for wisdom. Let’s pray that God gives us the knowledge when it is necessary to slow down our pace. May He grant us the wisdom to manage our time, so that we have ample time for our spouse, friends and family. Let us closer together through understanding, compassion, and trust.

For my followers who are single: Work on balancing life demands now. Pay attention to your friends and family, and make time for them. Pay attention when things become more demanding and communicate to others when you are feeling overwhelmed. This is a great opportunity to relax by spending quality time with others.

For my followers who are married: Learn to unwind in each other’s presence, and to restore one another with encouraging words. Let your home be a place of refuge and strength for your spouse. Life’s demands become overwhelming. Learn to communicate this with your spouse so you can work it out together – you cannot carry the burden alone. Spend time together in prayer and fasting.

For His Glory Only,
XOXO
Danielle J.

Season Change: Sow & Reap

Hello September! For this month’s blog series we will focus on “Harvest” and believing that our season is changing! Whatever you believe for this month, it will happen. From hurt to healing, poverty to prosperity and struggles to success … GOD IS ABLE! You will reap the harvest that God promised you. It is YOUR season!

We often hear the verse found in Galatians 6:7 which says “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows”. As believers we do not believe in “karma” as this is found in other religions (Hinduism and Buddhism). We believe in God, therefore the Scripture found in Galatians 6:7 is our foundation. (Side Note: If you are using the word “karma” as a follower of Christ, this is the opportunity to start saying “You reap what you sow”)

In order to “reap”, you must first “sow”. Sowing in itself is an action step. If you think of a farmer, they have several tools to ensure the harvest is plenty. They have seeds, fertilizer, gardening tools, water and rely on sunlight. The most vital thing needed is a seed. Everything is birthed out of a seed. You cannot sow without a seed. In your life your “seed” may be the investment you make in your spiritual life or the time & effort you put in your career/school. Think of your seed as your personal investment. What investments are you making both in the natural (friends, family, school, work etc) and spiritual?

Now, automatically we go to the negative and think of “sowing and reaping” and thinks we will get “punished” for the things we do wrong. Although there is some truth to that, because everything has a consequence - we often forget about the good seeds we can plant. I cannot expect to live a peaceful life if I am always sowing strife. How do you sow strife? By gossiping, lying, getting into arguments and speaking negativity. The key thing is to sow “good seeds”. Instead of doing those things mentioned, steer away from corrupt talk, and focus on positive things. I have learned that the consequence (good or bad) may not come the next day, but it will catch up eventually.

At times we are ready to reap the harvest but did not sow any seeds! I have known individuals to be jealous/envious of the success of others, but were not aware of the investment that was made. For example, I cannot be envious of what Oprah has – she worked hard for it. Her work ethic, consistency and determination landed her where she is right now. If I want to be the next “Oprah” I need to stay in my lane, fertilize my seed (personal investment) and put in work!

Sometimes we are not prepared for the harvest because we want to skip the process. Stay the course! My mentor always tells me - “The grass isn’t always greener on the other side. Pay attention to your own grass, water it and fertilize it”. Listen, pack your own fertilizer for the days you just want to give up! Let the light (Jesus Christ) shine upon your grass (situation) and you will reap your harvest (success).

I leave you with this - Galatians 6:9 states “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up”. If you want to reap a harvest, you have to continue to put in work – in season and out of season, when you see results and when you don’t. Even if the strong winds and hail come, you have to pay attention to your crop!

I am so excited about this month and the things I have planned for you all. Please keep visiting the site throughout the month for more. Be Blessed!

For His Glory Only,
XOXO
Danielle J.

September Blog Series

Hello September! I am so excited about the this month's blog series. We are focusing on "Harvest" and believing that we are about to reap the harvest God promised. For the next four weeks I will be posting blog posts dealing with different aspects of a harvest and what it involves. Every Saturday at noon you can expect a blog post dealing with the following:
 

- Sowing and Reaping (What does it mean?)

- Wheat & Weeds (Parable & Life Application)

- Seeds & Trees (Humble Beginnings)

- Fruit of the Spirit (What God wants)

This is our season! Live in faith and get ready to reap an amazing harvest!

For His Glory Only,
XOXO

Danielle J.

Wifey Wednesday: Sense of Peace

As this month comes to a close, we have been focused on the topic “Walk in Peace”. With all the things that are thrown at us on daily basis, it is important to seek peace (especially in our marriage). The enemy comes to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10) and this includes destroying not only you marriage but killing your peace.

My prayer is as we embark in this journey,  we have a deep sense of peace. Philippians 4:4-7 states, Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

We cannot be anxious, but find time to make our petitions made before God. Your prayers are not in vain. In turn, the peace that surpasses all understanding will invade your heart and marriage. In our darkest hour, God can help us find peace and give us the strength to pursue it. Although our future may seem unknown which causes us anxiety, let us pray that God teaches us to have simple trust, and to allow each step to be steady and grounded.

Let us stand firm on the Word which tell us not to be anxious about anything. It tells us to bring our burdens to Him with thanksgiving and prayer. We often forget, and day after day we carry the weight of our sorrow until we’re brought down to our knees in prayer. My prayer is that God reminds us to listen, and to run to Him first.

To my followers who are single: Spend some time in prayer this week to ask God to give you a deeper sense of peace. In this season, make your request made known to God. He will meet you in your need. Learn to exercise your faith and the peace from God will invade your heart.

To my followers who are married: You may be in a season where you are lacking peace individually and/or with your spouse. Scripture says to make your request known before God. Spend some time in prayer and ask God to bring you a deeper sense of peace.

For His Glory Only,
XOXO
Danielle J.

Verse of the Day

#VerseoftheDay My prayer for you today is that God will enable you to walk worthy of your calling.
Whatever you are called to do, God has already made provision for the vision. You have the tools, skills and character to get it done. I pray that you accomplish all the things your heart desires. Stay focused! Be blessed!

God's Strength

#MotivationalMonday Do not be ashamed by your weakness. Your weakness is the best opportunity for you to rely on God and allow Him to show His strength. Scripture says that His power is made perfect in weakness. The moment you stop relying on your strength to get through, you lessen the burden you carry by relying on God. I encourage you to not be ashamed of the areas you identify as a weakness, in due time God will strengthen you in that area for His glory. Keep your eyes fixed on Him and He will provide grace for each season. Be blessed!

Wifey Wednesday: Live in Peace

This month we are focusing on “Walking in Peace”. For this week’s edition of Wifey Wednesday I want to focus on living in peace with others – specifically relationships.

We will not always agree or think the same way. Our goal should be that the blending of our thoughts and ideas are pleasing to Christ.

When I think about living in peace, I think of harmony and an orchestra. Harmony is a combination of voices and sound, blending together as one, our voices, our thoughts, our likes and dislikes are a mosaic display of God’s grace. Romans 12:16-18 states “Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone”. Living in harmony with everyone is a Godly characteristic. Being at peace requires humility and yielding to the needs of others. In our marriage it is important that even if we are not on the same “note” we are signing the same chord.

Cacophony is a harsh, discordant mixture of sounds. Let us work together to ensure we do not allow our disagreements, conflicting thoughts and ideas cause cacophony. We need to work together and bring our differences to bring harmony. If there is anything between you and a person (especially your spouse) - remove it. If anything threatens your marriage, destroy it. Whether it be thoughts, actions, resentment or pride …. ask God to take it away from you. Let every part of who we are and everything that we do be used to honor God and bring Him glory.

To my followers who are single: Work on living in peace & harmony with your family, friends, coworkers and those you come in contact with. It is important that you find healthy ways to deal with those who have conflicting thoughts and ideas within your circle. This will help you in the long run to seek peace in high stress situations.

To my followers who are married: Do not allow conflicts between thoughts, ideas and actions to cause discord between you and your spouse. Don’t give any room to the enemy. Allow the Holy Spirit to work through you during high stress situations and aim to live at peace with your spouse.

My prayer is that God would help us to live in harmony and peace.

For His glory only,

XOXO

Danielle J.