This Thing Called LIFE

I've learned a lot while journeying through this thing called life.  I find myself discovering something new, learning a new lesson, or unlearning something unhealthy for me.  Whether it be spiritually, emotionally, or physically, it's a never ending process.  I've gotten to the point to where as long as it causes me to grow, keeps me going (in the right direction) and pushes me forward, I deem it a necessary part of life.  Now I didn't say it was all easy or a simple walk in the park lol.  Some days hurt... A LOT.  Some days there were tears... A LOT of them.  Some days I had to unlearn what I thought I knew, because I found out that I really had no idea, and that's ok too!

What are some key takeaways to share from my experiences?  I think knowing the following will catapult you ahead in life, and put you in one of the best positions possible.

A Few Key Takeaways:

"My ______ is NOT the responsibility of others."

• Happiness

• Peace

• Joy

• Growth

• Love

• Security

• Future

• *Whatever applies to you specifically

When you take the responsibility of achieving those things away from others, that you unknowingly put them in charge of, it:

• Takes away the expectation of them meeting, and (inadvertently) failing to meet your goal/need.

• It puts you in a place to not be disappointed and upset with anyone or anything that did not happen.

Giving others the power to make those things happen for you:

• Sets you up for failure.

• Creates a displaced dependency.

• Puts a chip on your shoulder because they didn't "come through and produce" like you thought they should.

Most importantly... The BIGGEST key takeaway would be to TRUST GOD with all the details of your life.  He always has your best interest at heart.  He knows exactly what you need, when you need it, and how to get it to you. He had these things mapped out long before you were even out of the womb!

I could go on and on about any point above, but I'll stop with a prayer for you and your journey. I pray that you are in a position to let your guard down and fully trust God to meet every need in your life, the way He chooses to bless you. I pray He'll come through exceedingly, abundantly, and above anything you could ever ask or think. (Eph. 3:20).  I know and believe He will, because that's just who He is!

Love & Blessings!

-Danielle

Time To Build…

Hello fam! It’s so easy to get distracted, thrown off, and consumed by everything that’s going on right now. Even in the midst of alllllllllllllll of the chaos, whether thousands of miles away, or right here in your own backyard, I encourage you to keep your head up, and trust God. I know that’s a lot easier said than done right now. I have had my days of confusion, frustration, brokeness, and tears, but I’m still holding on to my faith that God’s got this. I do apologize that I didn’t have any other magical solution, but I do offer HOPE and my belief that even now, God will cause things to come together for our good.

If there’s one thing I know, it’s definitely time to build! So many people are broken and torn down in this season. When emotions are raging, it can get the best of you, and cause you to say or do somethings that can break a fellow sister or brother down mentally, physically, emotionally, or even spiritually. Take time today to evaluate yourself, and see how you can build others up. It’s not too late! If “others” is too many people to start off with, then start with one…YOU of course! God is the only one qualified in my book, to get you to a place of peace that surpasses all understanding. Trust Him with all your hurt, confusion, frustration, anger, broken pieces, or whatever you need Him to handle. BELIEVE that He has you, and will show you how to maneuver through, and come out on top. When you get to the top, bring and build others up with you. YOU CAN DO IT!

I pray that God will be the present help you need Him to be in every area of your life. He didn't bring you this far to leave you now. Be encouraged, keep your head up, keep moving forward, and know that I love you to life.

Be Blessed!

-Danielle W.

“...I do offer HOPE and my belief that even now, God will cause things to come together for our good.”

— Danielle W.

God's Plan

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.

Better Days Ahead...

Hey fam! It's been a minute, but I'm here and grateful! Life has a way of reminding you of how much control you don't have over things. It also puts into perspective how much you truly trust God with all the moving pieces in your life. Regardless of whatever you may be going through, "growing" through, transitioning in, or whatever  the case may be, KEEP GOING!  God's best for you is still on the other side of what you're dealing with right now. Don't allow uncertainty, fear, or others to keep you from going after everything that God has promised and stamped your name on. He's still in control and has your best interest at heart. He sees the big picture! Your best days are still yet ahead of you, and the best is still yet ahead! Don't allow yourself to get stuck or your vision to become cloudy. The forecast shows better days ahead. Now whether it is sunny, raining or storming in your life, trust God to hold the umbrella and lovingly lead you on your journey.

“Eyes haven’t seen, ears haven’t heard, all that God has prepared for those who love Him.”

— 1 Cor. 2:9

Keep moving forward and trust Him to guide every step of your journey. He won't lead you astray. Believe it!

Love & Blessings!
~Danielle W.

KEEP CALM AND BE STILL

Sometimes being still is one of the absolute hardest things to do! Human nature alone keeps you trying to keep up with any and everyone else around you. When you need to rest, you always manage to find "something" that pulls you in, and causes you to act or react. Even life's problems can lead you on a wild goose chase to find a solution for something that's completely out of your control.

Sometimes, the answer is simply to just not move or do anything at all, and just BE STILL. 

BENEFITS OF BEING STILL:

-You'll find rest.

-You'll have peace knowing that God is in control.

-You'll have the assurance of your safety in His care.

-You'll be able to trust His response after you place all of your cares, concerns, and worries in His hands. (He has an impeccable track record!)

-You'll have the confidence of knowing He has your best interest at heart.

-You'll be able to watch God work everything (good and bad) out for your good. 

“Be still and know that I am God.”

— Psalm 46:10

Regardless of what you're going through or having a tough time facing, TRUST GOD. He cares too much for you to let you handle things on your own. If it feels like you just have to do something to "fix" a problem or find a solution, then look for your most comfortable spot, BE STILL, and let God handle it.

I pray that you'll go forward and be still long enough for God to do what He does best. He doesn't need your help. He needs you to trust Him.

Much love and blessings to you!

-Danielle W.

Back In Action!

Hello and good day to you!  I know I've been out of the loop for a while, but I'm back in action!  Taking time off has proved to be crucial, yet very beneficial for me.  Sometimes it's just necessary to unplug, in order to connect (You'll get that later. 😊).  In any case, I'm excited and grateful for what's to come!  I'd love for you to stay connected to see what's in store.  I know you will be blessed!

During my time off, I realized some things. One of those things being that even in the midst of LIFE, God remains amazing, and His faithfulness can't be matched!  There is nothing that anyone can say or do that beats God.  I don't know about you, but I choose to continue to put my trust in the Eph. 3:20 God.  I trust Him with my life, my family, and everything else that has anything to do with me.  It doesn't matter how large or small whatever it is may be...He's the ONLY one capable of making everything alright and working things out for your good. People will fail you and let you down.  The good news is that God is not like people (Numbers 23:19).  He will never fail you, and His faithfulness is never dependent upon anyone else (Romans 3:3).

Make the decision today, if you haven't already, to trust Him with your [whole] life.  I believe it will make this year one of the best years ever!  I promise you won't be disappointed with that choice.  It's one of the best things I've ever done!

Until next time...I pray nothing but the best of God's blessings for you and your family!  I pray that you put your trust in Him to show Himself strong through His unwavering love and unmatched faithfulness!

Be Blessed!

-Danielle W.

I've Got It!

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.

God's Masterpiece...YOU

You are a masterpiece.  You are unique.  You are original.  You can be copied, but no one can be you.  You are you.  Your life has meaning.  Your life calls you to be.  Be light.  Be love.  Be kind.  Be compassionate.  Be original.  Be an example.  Be motivation.  Be inspiration.  Be purposed.  Be intentional.  BE YOU.  God made only 1 you for a reason.  Live that reason.  No one is equipped to do your life better than you.  Your story is unique to your DNA.  Your story has impact.  Your story changes lives.  Your story saves lives.  Your story is grace.  Your story is hope.  Your story is a life line.  Your story is mercy.  Your story is today.  Your story is tomorrow.  Your story is life.  Your story isn't perfect, but it's perfectly you!  Your story is God's love personified and His grace brought to life. 

“Your story isn’t perfect, but it’s perfectly you.”

— Danielle Watson

Regardless of how "jacked up" or screwed up you think you or your life is, in HIM you are perfect!  He made you, blemished and all, and said "I approve!".  He is proud of His creation.  He loves what He made!  Life proves to add some good, some bad, some scratches, some scrapes, some gashes, etc!  Sometimes it can leave you can feeling rejuvenated and refreshed or so worn, used, and tired that you feel there's no more worth or value. You have so much worth and value, that it would amaze you if you really took the time to think about it! God would never junk what He made and He doesn't make junk!  He would never throw away one of His original pieces.  Your life/story is that original piece.  No matter how damaged or messed up you think you or your life is, go back to the creator for a touch up or restore. You are not too far broken or gone to be made whole again!  Being fine with your "blemished" story (I mean canvas) will make others realize how much of a masterpiece they are too.

“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”

— Ephesians 2:10 NLT

Praying you have the strength, courage and boldness to tell your story. God never called you to do life alone.  There's strength in community and knowing someone can relate.  I know you can do it!  You can save or change a life.  You can inspire and motivate.  You can show people that there's still HOPE.  That hope is found in God.  The enemy wants you to keep it to yourself and feel shamed or negative about the effects it could have, or worry about what someone would think of you.  What God sees in you trumps anything the world could ever say about you! God's grace takes that shame away, and makes it all good! Now hold your head up and keep moving forward, being the wonderful masterpiece that you are!

Be Blessed!
~Danielle W.

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.