Wednesday Worship: When the words are just for you!

Hi there! This is just a little something I stumbled upon the other day on Youtube (You can view some of the music on my most recent playlist Here). His promises never seem to fail me. I love when I find something so special it seems like it's been written just for me. I'd like to think I'm that special :-)

*I LOVE new music! If you have a playlist on youtube, soundcloud or some other music streaming site feel free to share in the comments sections :-)*

Stay Hopeful luvs
xoxo
~Nell

Wednesday Worship: Deeper Calling

Gosh, I can listen to this on repeat all day long.

So I have to share with you all that God had to shake up some things in my life. Some things were not being built on a firm foundation and so God saw fit to shake things up a bit and I'd be lying if I didn't say it was uncomfortable. I mean, teary eye, why God why? Uncomfortable! But in the midst of that shaking and reshaping I'm learning to trust him more because he's taking me deeper in him and I have to be sure and know that nothing will make me waiver in my walk with him.

Distractions come in many forms all the time, but the closer we've come to Christ the easier it usually is to see what's a distraction and what's a blessing. And some blessings are blessings that we ourselves have turned to distractions. So be mindful.

See, Christ told me months ago in prayer that I would have to learn to trust him in a new way..and oftentimes I don't quite understand it all but each day the words he spoke are becoming clearer to me and the trust I have in him is becoming stronger. Sure, the bible says, Matthew 17:20 "...if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you", but I cannot say that is always easy. Call me a less than Christian if you choose, I know who I am in Christ, but sometimes it's easier to try and figure out the ending while you're still in the beginning. Or sometimes it's easier to take control of a situation in hopes that it'll turn out your way. But those things are not built on a firm foundation..that foundation is as fragile as sand, all it takes is a good current to come along and wash away everything that was once there as if it never even existed before. So God had to shake up some things in order for me to trust him. Trust what he told me, trust what he showed me, and trust that my future will be far greater than my past if I just have faith. When you imagine the grain of a mustard seed you think it's nothing..but with each setback in life it often times seems harder and harder to have even half of that amount of faith. In those moments ask God to drown out the negativity and hear and follow his voice louder than anything elses. I know hope is not always easy, but it's sometimes the only thing that helps me to remain faithful and know that Gods word never lies. And those gifts will be birth. And those visions will come to past. I like what Paula White said once, our natural man is living the life our spirit man has already seen...so we're just going through the motions sorta speak..but enjoy the journey along the way.

Stay hopeful luvs...it's not always easy but it's required :)

xoxo
~Nell

He's Listening

God Listened, all we have to do is trust him. It really is that simple.

As I encourage you, trust I'm encouraging myself. It'll be so much easier if we had the end result of trusting God. But stand with me and hold on and know that God's word never lies. So trust him.

So hopeful luvs. I pray this clip blesses you as it blessed me.

xoxo
~Nell

Wednesday Worship: In Over My Head

Today is one of those days where nothing really makes sense.

The meanness from people don't make sense.
The hate in the hearts of men and women don't make sense.
The things I truly want to do yet haven't gotten clear understanding like I desire don't make sense...it all just. doesn't. make. sense. But I'm calmly reminded God's ways are not our own so it won't always make sense.

I hope you enjoy this song. It's perfectly fitting for today.

Be blessed luvs

xoxo
~Nell

Conversations with Christ

A while back as I was reflecting on my past relationships with my little boyfriends, I started to feel sad that they were no longer around; not because I missed them or the relationship, because Lord knows I'm far beyond that, but because I thought I did something wrong. I wondered, gosh was I that bad of a person? I thought, I was a genuine person; there for them when they needed me; giving of my time, heart, money, whatever it was I'd give it just to make them happy even if it meant I was unhappy. After all, my inconvenience would be minor in comparison to the joy felt seeing a smile on their face knowing I was able to help. 

It was during that conversation with God that He showed me that no matter what I did, when it comes to relationships there is nothing under the sun you can do to make the wrong man stay, and nothing you can do to make the right man walk away. Whatever God brings together for a greater purpose WILL come to pass. 

Oftentimes we struggle with believing the man in front of us is the man God has for us. I mean after all, did you pray and earnestly ask God if he is even suppose to be in your life? Is he part of the greater purpose God has for you? While you're switching your hips and poppin your lips in front of some man that you know deep down ain't for you, YOU are slowing driving a wedge deeper and deeper between you and Christ out of disobedience and hindering the manifestation of your purpose that God created you for.

Sure, you might be doing some work in the church or whatever area Christ has called you in, but remember this...God don't bless mess. He does ALL Things in decency and in order. So while you're still doing your "work" and carrying on with "him" you're allowing the enemy to rob you of your joy, eventually your peace and your purpose.

I'll never forget the first time I heard this quote from Paula White in one of her sermons about Breaking UnGodly Soul Ties, "When God goes to bless you, he sends a person in your life! When the enemy goes to mess you up, he sends a person in your life". So be mindful of your relationships, both friendship and romantic. Ask God to remove any hinderances, distractions, or people that would come to hinder your walk with Him and the manifestation of your purpose. Then sit back and watch God move. You might be surprised just how much you allowed yourself to be attached to that was a hindrance. Not everyone that's "for you" is actually "For You!". 

I remember being with my ex boyfriend and as much as I knew deep down something just wasn't right I constantly tried to fit a round peg into a square hole. After years of effort being done in vain I eventually noticed all the peace, confidence and zest for life I had was slowing depleting. Then one day I woke up and he was gone and along with him walking away I realized the peace I once felt and the nearness to Christ I once had was diminished to nothing. The tears of joy and times of worship I had with Him were replaced with anguish and tears of pain asking God, Why? Why did he allow me to continue on for so long? Why did I WILLINGLY and freely hand over my peace and confidence?!

It was then that he reminded me of the times he warned me to let him go. Let him Go! But see, I was too concerned about hurting his feelings and losing the identity that I had with having a boyfriend and the idea of someone claiming they "loved me" more than I cared about being disobedient to the word of God and hindering my walk with him. Along with me fully understanding that without a shadow of doubt God loved me. My father in heaven loved EVERYTHING about me. He loved me for who I was, flaws and all. I wasn't told to dress more like this girl, or wear my hair like those girls, or talk more like this. See he designed me to be different unique in his eye, so how could I be "different" or "unique" if I parading around looking, dressing and sounding like "them"? To be honest, over time it tore down my self confidence, my anxiety level was through the roof, and my self esteem, was, well almost non existent. I'm sure to people that I surrounded myself with didn't know and couldn't see the scares on my heart and the tears that I shed night after night, morning after morning in the shower, while driving or after talking to family over the phone but it was there. I had to put on a brave face and smile in the midst of it all and its in that time that I learned that when God allowed me to reach my bottom (where he wanted me, where he needed me) he was able to build me up to be the strong woman that I am today. I can once again walk with my head high and a smile on my face that's genuine and radiates from within, because in spite of what my outside may look like or the little problems I might have I am truly happy and I've never really been able to say that. 

My prayer for the longest time was for him to bless me with the right relationships with both men and women and a Godly relationship that will be my one day marriage. While I can't report that I'll be getting married today or tomorrow, I can rest in knowing that one day God will bless me with a spouse. And, at the end of the day if it's not his will for me to be married then so be it. At the end of the day it's Him and I, and I know he will fill ALL of my days up with joy, peace, and blessings that I can't even imagine possible. 

So sure while I could blame him and say he robbed me of so many things, in the grand scheme of things I willingly handed them over to him. Why? Because I thought the more I gave to him the more he would choose to stay. I gave him more than I gave Him! Christ, my father in heaven...the one that created me for a purpose other than pleasing a man on this earth that didn't do anything to deserve me. 

So love, it might hurt a bit to see some folks go, but whatever he removes he replaces with something even better. Sweeter than the last.

So please don't waste anymore time entertaining folks. Entertain Christ with a conversation, because he will truly blow your mind if you let him.

Stay hopeful loves

Xoxo
~Nell

Modern Modesty: Off the Shoulder Style Inspiration

Celeb Style Inspiration: Off the Shoulder by shawnell-yates featuring a floral print dress

Spring has FINALLY sprung and so has allergy season, warmer temps, and lovely spring colors!

Steal some of these great summer trends with these amazing off the shoulder dresses.

What's your favorite spring style?

xoxo
~Nell

Wednesday Worship: Be Still

Hello April!!!

Make it a fresh start this month to do something different. Be it enjoying the outdoors more, changing those negative thoughts into positives no matter what, or challenging yourself spiritually to grow in Christ.



I hope this song blesses you. Consider being still for just a moment and ask God, what does He desire of you to do differently. You might be surprised.

Stay hopeful luvs!

xoxo
~Nell

Modern Modesty: Praise Day Edition

Your heels may be high but make sure your standards are higher!

Taking over in Heels by shawnell-yates featuring a roll up sleeve shirt

Join me in crushing on my fav styles. and steals!

Stay hopeful

xoxo
~Nell

**This section of my blog is my own opinion and interest. Fashions I enjoy putting together and wearing while still make sure I'm pleasing God and reflecting him on the outside. None of these articles of clothing are courtesy of any brand nor am I being paid to advertise them.**

Wednesday Worship: Housefires II

My favorite day to share with you :) I just can't get enough of this!

 

Modern Modesty: Objects of My Affection

I LOVE a loose flowy blouse. They're super comfy; yet still; very style, chic, girly and versatile.

Modern Modesty by shawnell-yates featuring a shiny blouse

Some of my current favs . I also love Everlane's silk blouses. Sure a bit more than the average top, but worth EVERY penny.

Stay hopeful loves

xoxo
~Nell

*What are some of your fav pieces?
 

Just a moment with Him

Just a little something to set the tone for the rest of your week, and day. Jesus IS enough!

Stay hopeful loves

xoxo
~Nell

Daily Devotional

Modern Modesty: Winter White Edition

Because who said you can't wear white, and peep toe in the winter and still be warm and chic!

Be Great Feel Great by shawnell-yates featuring boho jewelry

Stay hopeful

xoxo
~Nell

Wednesday Worship: Came early this week :)

Gosh, his word is so sweet. I pray this truly blesses your Monday! When all we do is praise him, how can hate, envy, strive, and anxiety grow in our hearts...it has no room to creep in. So let his praise forever be on your lips.



Stay hopeful loves!

xoxo
~Nell

Wednesday Worship: Cling To You

Oh how I love this day! I get to share with you all a song that has been on my heart and blessed me so much. Something about great worship that can shift the atmosphere and allow you to hear Gods voice in the most resounding way!!

Stay hopeful loves

xoxo
~Nell

What's one of your favorite songs at the moment?

So much has changed

My blog has changed. The city I live in has changed. My job has changed. And most of all my heart and mindset has changed.

At the beginning of 2014 as I sat in my living room sick as a dog but determined to praise God anyhow, even if it meant streaming online; I will never forget hearing the softest of words; as I sat on my knee's broken hearted, lost beyond belief and having not a clue what challenges lied just ahead of me, "If you trust me and hold onto me harder than anything in this world this will be a year you will NEVER forget". My gosh how I still get chills replaying that moment over in my head.

Since then, I have been blessed with another job that was literally handed to me to the point where I was told, you visit the location, meet the staff and tell me if you want it. When God moves he MOVES!!

I've been blessed with the opportunity to move back closer to my family and loved ones which I missed so much, every day for the entire 2 years and 3 months I lived in Miami.

I've been healed beyond recognition from past hurt, hate, and anxiety, most brought on by my own disobedience to God, but non the less issues that lived so deep I couldn't have made it to where I am today had they not been dealt with. I mean lost to the point where I had to ask God daily to, give me the thoughts to think, the words to say, the friendships to have. I didn't know then but as I look back now I realize, this little messed up girl didn't know if she was coming or going.

As I look back and examine my 2014 already a month into 2015, I realize that God kept his word. Sure to some people they might think, well there's nothing amazing about that..but for me MY Father in Heaven knew just what I needed. I will NEVER forget 2014 let alone my time spent living in FL. I can say without any doubt in my mind that I am NOT the same, so deeply lost young girl, that moved to FL in 2012. Now, I can say I'm stronger in my faith, stronger in my walk, and stronger in knowing who I am and whose I am. Sure I have my days where I fall short, but knowing what my God has done and knowing what he's still got left for me to accomplish, I'll do just what was put in my spirit in October, "Take flight and be ready to soar".

If you just hold on like myself, and know that NOTHING in this world will ever mean more to you than God and your very personal, deep, unwavering relationship with Him, he will wow you in such a way you'll ask yourself....what took me so long to fully surrender?

Some of the greatest blessings you will ever receive won't be tangible, but intangible, and those are things that no one can ever take away...those are blessings given directly to you from your Father in Heaven. The one that created you. The one that knows what you need before you need it. The one that knows the number of hairs on your head. The one that designed you to be just who you are, so that you can accomplish that which he has set out for you to accomplish. So trust him, surrender to him and let him WoW you! You too will soon say, "Gosh, so much has changed".

Stay hopeful loves :)

xoxo
~Nell

**Stay tuned for new content and material from Flourishing Hope. I pray it will bless you, as much as this journey has been that has gotten me to this point, has blessed me**

Blogtober14: Best Halloween Memory

Given that my family never really celebrated Halloween much, my fondest memories are probably a bit different than yours, I don't have too many memories trick or treating and costume wise. But what I do have are memories of my family just being together and enjoying each others company.



See I'm the youngest of 5 to parents that worked and still do work very hard. They are both retired military and coming from a rather large family we didn't have a lot of money to eat out in my younger years just because. But each Halloween; before Churches came up with there own traditions like praise night, and trunk or treat, where people dressed like their favorite people in the bible; we would always pack up in the Minivan (Good ol' Aerostar) and head to the nearest resturaunt.

Back then (as if I'm super old lol), but back then we didn't have a huge choice of options so we would hitup Shoney's...good ol' Shoney's! I still to this day love that place. It just holds so many memories. From the costumed bear that would walk around passing out candy, to the lollipop treats given at check out, to the arcade games, they would have that were always rigged for you to lose; but back then at .25 cents a game why not!

Unfornatley, like most things that Shoney's in the area I grew up in has changed from one resturaunt to another; most currently IHOP; and the only time I run across one is when I'm south of 95 and people talk a little slower, drive a little more careful, and take their time and communicate with their neighbors. Gosh how I miss the days where people were just nicer.

But anyway back to the matter at hand. Halloween for me now isn't much more than just October 31st. Sometimes I'll get the occasional knock on my door and have to hush my dog, but at least in between the occasional knock and the semi scary movies on tv to watch, I can reminisce on the days where my family would just sit back and enjoy one another. Times were simpler, days were slower, we actually looked up to see one another instead of having our eyes glued to phones or tablets, and we didn't take for granted the time we had enjoying a meal out with one another. Not that we don't do that now but as times change you're able to enjoy nicer things, and sometimes enjoying dinner together is nothing more than just another dinner together.

What's your Best or Worst Halloween Memory? Do you remember Shoney's?

Something to look forward to: My favorite things

Now that the swealtering hot days of summer are coming to an end and back yard BBQ's will be a thing of the past for a few months at least, and bright colors will get replaced with warm earth tones, and seasonal salads will be replaced with yummy comfort foods like chowder and other delicious soups that just means my FAVORITE season is upon us. Fall! Aww how much I love the :).

Although I live in the great sunshine state; Miami specifically; I won't have a chance to enjoy all things fall per say that just means I can live vicariously through my friends that live further North via social media. And the days I visit friends and family back in VA will mean that much more to me.

When I think of Fall, in my mind all I see are tree's of beautiful burnt orange and reddish hues, crisp evening air, and super cute boots! You can't forget about the boots! And for whatever reason; maybe it's because I've always loved New England ANYTHING; I always envision Rhode Island cottages and all things New Englandy (yes I made that up :))

Here are some of my favorite things I look forward to enjoying these upcoming months.



This is one lovely cottage overlooking the ocean! It's not your average small one room and kitchenette Rhode Island style abode that usually comes to mind. I wouldn't mind staying here and getting snowed in! 

 

How beautiful are Gods creations? I'm not one for the outdoors, but this gives me so much inspiration to enjoy the outdoors and test my non existent camping skills!

 

And who misses a crab fest when you can have THIS amazing creation?!

Well I hope you're enjoying these last dog days of summer and looking forward to Fall as much as I am.

Share some of your favorite things you experienced this summer and things you're looking forward to this Fall.

Be blessed my loves!

xoxo ~Nell



 



Just as you are. My personal struggle.

Gosh, how do I start? First let me start by saying hey there! It's been a while. It's been a LONG month. I've traveled, worked hard, dealt with some personal things, etc. I'll be honest. Part of me was hoping that by now I'd be able to blog about me relocating back home to VA but God didn't see fit to move me just yet so I just continue to have peace and trust the process but it's hard at times I won't lie.

Anyway, enough babble. I felt the need to blog today about something I've struggled with for a while and I will be honest and say that at times it's something I'm still working on. I've learned that getting through this struggle is more of a discipline than anything else.

What I'm talking about is, dealing with the struggle of being hurt by what people say about me. I'm sure you may not have a struggle in this area, that's fine but there is someone out there that does struggle in this area like myself. Now some may call me weak for admitting it but what good is it to go through an internal struggle and work on overcoming it but not share with those that need to know for their own encouragement...so with all do respect if this doesn't pertain to you nor serve of any use to you you're more than welcome to leave my page :)...I don't write for "followers" I write out of my own desire to share with those that care to know the desires and likes I have.

I had to learn the hard way that those that smile in your face don't always mean you any good. And sometimes those that smile in your face speak the worst about you and their words cut deeper than a freshly sharpened ax. But I also had to learn that it's not what THEY say about me but what God says about me. Yes, it's something that is said over and over and over again, but I'm usually one that learns best by experience than just hearing (some may call it hard headed LOL). It seems as if almost every year my circle of friends seem to get smaller and smaller each year. Sometimes they had to exit stage left because they spoke ill of me, other times they did me wrong. And sometimes; and this is sometimes the ones that hurt the most; are those that had to be removed from my life that smiled in my face, laughed it up with me, heard me cry when I've been at my lowest only to find that they did not actually have my best interest at heart. Sure they didn't actually have the courage to physically do me wrong but these were the ones that God gave me a nudge about in my heart and I had to take a step back and look at their "actions" and realize, ah ha, I see they laugh at me and are not actually for me. And these people, the people that speak so bodly behind text messages, or social media posts yet smile in your face, the people that listen to you as you share your deepest regrets and hurts in life, yet turn your remarks into the focus of their groups brunch meets or social hour discussions. THOSE are the ones that hurt the most. But as I sat back with a sad heart I prayed for them, and although I heard this over and over in my life from my elders it didn't actually resonate with me until God spoke it to me in my heart, "it's not who they say you are it's who I say you ARE".

Now I won't play tit for tat and speak ill of those that speak ill of me. I'll just say to you what I say to myself, my dear find it joy that they find you important enough to have a discussion about you when you can care less about them LOL :)...Stop. Think about it. Remember this, what they say about you almost 110% of the time reveals more about them than you any day.


Now, I can't give you a run down on how to overcome it per say because aside from what my friends say I'm not Dr. Phil lol. But what I will say is this: write down to God how you feel, and when you notice things run to him not man because they 9 times out of 10 people won't always give you wisdom on how to get over what someone said about you, it'll usually just turn into a bashing session and that only a short term fix. So speak to God how you feel, tell him the hurts and frustration it gives you. Pray that he shows you their heart and intentions ahead of time so that you can see more clearly the people that aren't for you that try to come into your life. He WILL show you, and you may end up with just a handful of friends, but trust me, a handful of true friends are worth more than 10k follower/friends ANYDAY. Another thing, and this is something that has helped me immensely, get a bible study regarding over coming bondage from what people say about you. I have one I picked up recently (Being Yourself: How do I take off this mask?); after a friend told me; his words not mine lol; OH so you're one that wants everyone to like you huh?! I could have been upset at that and thought he was making fun of me but as we went on to talk it made sense. No matter what I did or how I said things it didn't matter because people will love me or hate me and while I'm sitting back trying to sugar coat things, or phrase this conversation that way people have already made up in their mind whatever it is they choose to believe. So I had to learn to take off the "mask" per say that I wear/wore. Not saying that I'm a fake person because I personally don't think I am, but it's more so meant for me to understand that if I'm going to go the path God is leading me and do what he says to do then that means being rooted and standing/speaking very bodly on certain issues and if I'm too concerned about losing a so called friend, then the course he's leading me on is already defeated or at the very best going to be an uphill battle...not by anything anyone else did but by what I didn't do and that's be who God says I am.

So friends carry on as you are, who you are, and those that choose to bash your name let them. Pray for them, because they're clearly going through more than you know. And find the silver lining in the fact that they clearly have nothing else to talk about and you're just that important to be the topic of discussion.

I hope reading this post helped you as much as writing it has helped me.

**In the future I'm working on having more consistent content to really encompass all components of what my blog stands for, Entertainment, Inspiration, Encouragement. So stay tuned and be patient**

Love you lots!

xoxo ~Nell

Reflections

*So what if it's summer :)*

xoxo

~Nell