God's Plan

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There isn't one day in your life (past, present, or future) that God didn't know you would come to, that He didn't already have a plan to bring you through! Yes! You heard that correctly, but I'll repeat it for you... There isn't one day in your life (past, present, or future) that God didn't know you would come to, that He didn't already have a plan to bring you through! He knew your path before you came out the womb. He already made provisions for every step and every moment of your life. Even the situations and days that seemed to catch you off guard, and rock your world, He already knew about those too! Nothing catches God by surprise. That's why it's critical to trust God, even in the moments that don't make sense. He's crafted every single detail and moment in your life. He knew (and knows) what you need/don't need, who would be there and who wouldn't, who would do "xyz", who would be seasonal, monumental, transitional, etc. He knew (knows) the obstacles you would face, and already has victory mapped out for you. You've just got to BELIEVE!

“Trust in and rely confidently on the LORD with all your heart And do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know and acknowledge and recognize Him, And He will make your paths straight and smooth [removing obstacles that block your way].”
— Proverbs 3:5-6 AMP

Trust Him when it hurts. Trust Him when things look cloudy or bleak. It's easy to trust Him when things are going well, but what about those times when things aren't so well? Continue to "show up" with hopeful anticipation of seeing Him do a great work in your life. I promise you that all of what you're going through WILL work out for your good. The pieces alone won't make sense, but everything will come together like a great work of art. I know for a fact, that if you show up, you'll see how He was already there! You'll see how immense His love truly is for you.

Be Encouraged & Be Blessed!

-Danielle W.

Deep Breath

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Ok, stop whatever you're doing for a quick moment...  Think about everything that has been holding you back from not only being your best self, but being everything God wants to you be. Take a deep breath and let it ALLLLLLLLL go!  Every worry, care, concern, fear, stress, unforgiveness, struggle, bad habit, lack of self esteem, every set back, failure, disappointment, piece of brokeness, wound/scar, every negative word spoken to you or over you, negative thoughts, and every excuse you can possibly think of.  Let it all go!  As long as you carry these things around, they will weigh you down and cause you to remain stuck. You will not have the capacity to receive what you need to move forward or even live for today.  TODAY,  I declare you receive the healing you need for you to be everything you are suppose to be, go everywhere you are suppose to go, and live the life God called you to live.

Now don't get me wrong. This won't be an overnight, "everything is fixed now" type of situation.  It will take prayer, faith, and believing that He will make good of every single thing that happened to you. Believing that He loves you enough to get you through past and current situations. Believing that all those things that tried to break you only made you stronger.  Believing that no weapon formed against you will succeed at taking you out. Believeing that He has a purpose and plan for you that is greater than you could ever imagine. You may have to shed a few tears along the way, but the good news is that He sees and hears those too!

Once you let go of everything holding you back, you'll have room for HIS love, grace, mercy, and peace. It will change your views of yourself, and help you see yourself as God sees you. It will give you the confidence to know you are capable of walking the path He set before you. There will be no mountain too high, nor valley too low that you can't conquer with Him on your side. You've got this!

Now if you haven't done it yet, take that deep breath and let it all go.  Let's move forward together.  Somebody needs you...


Be Blessed!

- Danielle W.

I've Got It!

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I am a wife and mother of 4.  I have an almost 14 year old, a 12 year old, and almost 10 year old twins. There's not too much that goes on, that I don't know about.  Recently, one of my twins had an issue with an older silbling.  She did not like the way she had been treated, so she ran to me to let me know the situation, which I was already aware of (I'm mom!).  I told her good job for letting me know, and that I would handle it. She left with a big smile on her face, knowing mom was going to take care of the situation.  A little bit of time has passed and she sees her sibling again, in what seems to be a happy state, while she is still upset with them.  At this point she is frustrated!  In her mind, mom is too busy to take care of the situation, so I'll take care of it myself.  Now we've got commotion and arguing going on!  The situation has officially escalated, because my daughter decided to take matters into her own hands.  I told her I would take care of the situation!

Now, how many times have we taken situations to God, only to go back to Him, pick up the situation, and tell Him no worries, you'll handle this one?  You feel like maybe He's too busy to handle your situation in a timely manner that satisfies your soul.  Or maybe you feel like you can take care of it better than He can? Well, I believe we all have been there at one point in time (or several) and God looks at us like..."Didn't I say I got it?"  It's all too easy to lack the trust that God has everything under control.  It takes working your faith to trust and believe that He's got it and will handle it.  Here's a few things I've realized as I relate my relationship with my children, to my relationship with God (being His child):

-God is not oblivious to what's going on in your life.  He wants you to recognize that He has the power to turn things around and make them good, right, justified, vindicated or what ever the answer maybe. HE'S GOT IT and He's more than capable of handling it.

-His timing is everything.  He may not take care of the situation right at the very second you would like for Him to, but He always takes care of it on time.

-His ways are much more effective, and carry a lot more weight than anything we could ever do or say. Our ways could lead to situations getting worse or putting us back at square 1 of a lesson being learned. You just never know!

Take time to put it ALL in his hands and actually leave it there.  He has it under control, whether it seems like it or not.  Your best interest is always kept at heart.  He knows what's best for you and what your future holds. You don't have to know how or when He's going to move, but know that He will.

My prayer for you is that you will have a bold confidence, a strong belief and trust in God when He tells you "I've got it!".  Smile and rest in knowing just that!

 

Be Blessed!

-Danielle W.

I PRAY...

What better way to move forward on the National Day of Prayer, than by sharing a piece of my heart and prayer!

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Prayer is a vital part of communication when it comes to my faith life.  It is another form of my faith being put in action. Whether praying for people, situations or whatever is on my heart at the time, it's critical for me to pray.  Daily, I choose to be in tune with God in every part of my life.  It's impossible for me to know His heart and will for me without prayer.

Prayer is conversation.  It's a 2 way street.  There's something about the moment God responds to prayer. It's one thing to just talk to Him about what's going on, your worries, your cares, your concerns, etc., but it's truly an art to then be still, listen, and wait for His response.  Sometimes that wait can feel like it's taking FOREVER, but the moment He responds ALWAYS happens to be right on time.

I'm grateful for prayer!  I really don't know where I would be if it had not been for the prayers of others that went before me.  The prayers that were prayed on my behalf, when I felt like I couldn't pray or just didn't want to anymore.  I've learned the importance of prayer, and realized I can't live without it!  I PRAY daily (multiple times throughout the day to stay right), but TODAY I will take time to pray for a wider variety of matters. These concerns will always remain constant with me.  I've seen God move in some amazing ways, and according to my faith, I believe I'll see His goodness in every one of the areas below. Take a moment today to pray with me.  His word says that when 2 or more come together to pray in His name, there He will be.

TODAY, I PRAY... for our government and those in leadership positions.

I PRAY... for an overflow of love and kindness.

I PRAY... for peace, unity, and justice.

I PRAY... for those dealing with depression and thoughts of suicide.

I PRAY... for those dealing with low self-esteem and feelings of worthlessness.

I PRAY... for those who don't know God to come into relationship with Him.

I PRAY... for those who have gone astray to know it's never too late to come back home.

I PRAY... for knowledge, wisdom, and power for people to be who they are called to be.

I PRAY... for people to know that His grace never changes, but changes everything. 

I PRAY... for those going through for His names sake.

I PRAY... for comfort, peace, and understanding for those grieving.

I PRAY... for protection and covering over His children.

I PRAY... for health and healing physically, spiritually, and mentally for those dealing with issues.

I PRAY... for supernatural favor, opportunities, appointments, divine connections, and opened/closed doors that are in His will for you.

I PRAY... for strength for those who feel weak and broken.

I PRAY... for the ones with more worries, fears, and concerns than they have faith.

I PRAY... for people to realize that there's nothing too hard for God to handle.

I PRAY... for His power to show up in a mighty way in the lives of those who believe.

I PRAY... for people to accept relationship over religion.

I PRAY... for hearts around the world to truly see JESUS as the solution.

This list could go on and on, but I'll stop here.  Lastly (and definitely not least) I pray for YOU, and that your prayer life and faith life will be strengthened as He works out the matters of your heart!

Be encouraged and be Blessed!

-Danielle W.

DREAMS, VISIONS, GOALS...OH MY!

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Have you ever wondered why you've always had a particular dream or vision about something you saw yourself doing, or knew you needed to do?  No matter what you did, you just couldn't shake the feeling.  Everything you do always brings you right back to that same dream, vision or goal.  It is not by chance or by accident that it came to you!

God created you.  He's knows your abilities and what you are capable of doing.  He knows your strengths.  He knows your weaknesses. He knows your drive.  He knows your ambition. He knows your level of commitment. He knows YOU better than you know yourself. 

Regardless of how BIG the dreams, visions, or goals may seem, He knows you are capable of bringing them to pass.  Maybe you were thinking "It was just a dream and I'll keep it moving. There was nothing to it. I'm gonna have to stop eating crazy stuff late at night."  STOP IT RIGHT THERE...

Stop sleeping on your goals and dreams, and do something about them.  If He didn't think you were capable of accomplishing them, then He wouldn't have given them to you.  Have faith and trust Him to make up the difference.  Maybe you think you lack the experience, the skills, the knowledge, the finances, the boldness, or the courage to do it.  So what?  What are you going to do to change that.  Do your part and take the necessary steps to achieving those dreams and goals.  Don't let any excuse stop you from being great!  Take the first step (or next steps if you've stopped) and watch Him fill in the missing pieces.  Watch Him make up the difference.  In Him you have everything you need to get it done.  Trust where He leads you.  Tap in to His guidance and wisdom.  Unsure of what you think He's leading you to do? Lean in closer to Him, so you can hear him a bit better. (The closer your are, the better your chances are of you hearing Him clearly.) Strengthen your relationship with Him (prayer life, worship life, read and understand the good book life) and prepare yourself for those next levels.  He will never lead you wrong! 

“Stop sleeping on your goals and dreams, and do something about them.”
— Danielle Watson

I pray wisdom, understanding, vision and clarity for your next steps. There's nothing too big for you to accomplish when you have God on your side.  He's cheering you on because He knows you can do it.  See yourself as He sees you. I'm cheering you on because I'm partnering my prayers and faith with your belief that YOU CAN DO IT!  You think He won't show you how to bring those BIG dreams/visions/goals to pass? Just ask Him, and be ready for the task.  You can do it, and most importantly God knows you can! That's why He gave it to you and no one else in the first place. 

If not NOW, then when?  If not YOU, then who?  Make someday today and just do it! That dream, vision, or goal isn't going to work itself.  No more fear and no more excuses. You are the best candidate to make something amazing happen.  Don't put it off any longer. Now is the time.

“If not NOW, then when? If not YOU, then who? Make someday today and just do it! That dream, vision, or goal isn’t going to work itself.”
— Danielle Watson

Be Blessed!!

-Danielle Watson

Reflect, Be Grateful, and Smile!

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You are still here and your year could have been much worse, but God!  Did you learn from your mistakes or what you considered failures?  Did you let go of dead weight and dead things that were keeping you from being your best you?  No...not yet?  You still have time! 2016 isn't over yet! Focus on moving forward, full steam ahead.  There is so much greatness ahead of you, even in your next moments!  Do not stop where you are.  Do not give up.  Do not leave all of your hopes, dreams, and vision in 2016.  Things didn't happen the way you wanted them to happen or in the time frame you wanted?  No prob!  It wasn't time yet.  Let "appointed" timing work in and out of you everything it needs to for you to reach full potential and have a maximized God-size affect on everything you touch, everywhere you go, and in everything you do.  When you let go of your own will and time frame for it, you will see just how much more amazing His is for You.  You'll see just how much He already had everything laid out for you, doors opened specifically for you, doors closed for you leading you to better, and so much more, once you fully trust Him.  You'll see how much He loves you and know that everything you went through actually worked out for your good, and catapulted you exactly where you are suppose to be. Your 2016 in deed was not a mess, but part of the process to the greatest you ever!

I pray nothing short of God's best for you! Be Blessed!!

-Danielle W.

“When you let go of your own will and time frame for it, you will see just how much more amazing His is for You.”
— Danielle Watson

It's All Good!

Sometimes it feels like life just loves to knock you down, distract you, keep you in your feelings and ultimately stop you all together. Sometimes a few steps forward can feel like a major leap backwards. You know what... Don't let ANYTHING stop you from progressing and moving forward. There are times you deal with situations solely based off of some decisions that were made or thoughts you acted on. Other times what seems like opposition or major obstacles are actually strengthening tools to make you better and equipped for what's ahead. The wonderful thing to know is that ALL THINGS work together for the good of them who love the Lord. (Roman's 8:28) "Danielle, do you really mean ALL THINGS?"  YES, I mean ALL THINGS (WILL) WORK TOGETHER! Do you love God? Do you trust Him with your life? Then your situations will work exactly the way they need to, which turns out to be for your good! 

It doesn't always feel like everything will be all right while you are in the thick of what you're dealing with, but trust me when I say every single thing (the good and the bad) all works together.  It all works together to make you exactly who you are suppose to be. It all works together to put you right in the places at the right times.  It all works together to cause you to meet the right people for the season you are in.  It all works together to cause your life to bless someone else's life.  The biggest reason why it all works together is because God said it will... and He doesn't lie!  Don't get stuck in what's behind you, but keep going! Whether through a crawl, walk, or run, keep pressing forward towards God.  He has you in the palm of His hands and that's the best place to be.

Questions you may have asked...Why did that failed relationship/friendship, lost job opportunity, lost home, sickness, closed door, unexplainable deep hurt have to happen? Because it was all apart of your story!  The impact of how God brought (or will bring) you out, through, under or over will do what it's suppose to do and reach who it needs to reach. Guess what? Your story isn't finished yet! You're still here. Every intricate detail of your life is all apart of the big picture.  Maybe you feel somethings could have been avoided while others out of your control, BUT GOD! He's the piece that brings it all together and will get the glory out of your life!

I pray today that anything stopping you from pressing forward be used as a stepping stone to get you over. Keep your focus on God and He will lead you on your journey. What ever you are dealing with, remind yourself that ALL of it WILL work out for your good, because God said it.  Be confident in knowing you will see His goodness in every area of your life!

Be Blessed!

Danielle W.

He Never Let Go

It’s such an amazing and overwhelming feeling to know that someone never gave up on you and never let you go! They continued to have high hopes and faith in who they knew you were to be. They saw the strength you thought you didn’t have. At your weakest points they were the strongest for you. They let you know through subtle moments that you will make it, you will be great, and they’ve got you…if you completely trust them.

Those are the sentiments I have after reflecting over my life up to this very moment. Even in the moments when I chose to give up, felt like life or the “temporary” uncomfortable moments just weren’t worth it anymore… He never let me go. It amazes me how God can see past the flaws of a broken, not perfect, slightly timid, still messes up to this day kind of person, and STILL want to use me for His glory. He still wants me to be everything and do everything He’s called me to do. Through every experience, whether happy/sad/good/bad, it was preparation and training for the life, purpose, and plan He had ahead of me. He had a purpose and plan for me even before I was in my mother’s womb. I’m glad He never let me go! I’m grateful for the experiences (even though I couldn’t see it while being in some of them).  I wouldn’t have been here had it not been for His unconditional love, grace and mercy. Looking back over my life, I can truly say God knows best! He refused to let go of me.

What seemed to be one big confusing puzzle, turns out to be a beautiful work of art in the making.  And by the most ultimate designer Himself, might I add! He holds the key pieces, elements, and brushes to bring it all together.

The final masterpiece will be wonderful! It will be grand! It is unique and masterfully crafted by every piece, every stroke, and every color added by God. All because He never let go of me.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
— Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

Take a moment to reflect over your life. You’re still breathing and your heart is still beating. You have purpose. He has the plan. Trust Him with everything and know it all works out to be beautiful in the end.

Be Blessed!

Danielle W.