Whitney Nic James

Navigation
  • Home
  • About
  • Style
    • WNJ Style
    • Thrifted Style
    • Personal Style Linkup
    • Thrifty Friends
  • Inspiration
    • #WNJInspired
    • #WNJSocial & Blogging
    • Healthy Living
  • Lifestyle
    • Gift Guides
    • Events
      • Columbia & Baltimore
      • DC & Northern VA
      • Non-Local
    • WNJ Eats
    • WNJ Travels
  • Thrift With Nic!
    • Meetups
    • #TWNTour
  • Contact

13 Bible Verses to Celebrate Your Birthday

August 7, 2020 by Whitney Leave a Comment

August is one of my favorite months because I get to celebrate another year of life. During the month I take time to both rest and reflect on the year I’ve had. More often than not, I prefer to transition into the next year of life with ease, making sure that gratitude and stillness are at the forefront.

This year, I felt a tug on my spirit to search the Bible for scriptures that can be used to celebrate birthdays, as well as scriptures that can serve as a blueprint for how to live a long and purposeful life. Here are the 13 Bible verses that resonated:

birthday bible verses

1. Psalms 20:4 (NIV)

“May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.”

2. Psalms 134:14 (NKJV)

“I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well.”

3. Job 12:12 (NIV)

“Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long life bring understanding?”

4. 3 John 1:2 (NIV)

“Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.”

5. Numbers 5:24-26 (CEV)

“I pray that the Lord will bless and protect you and that he will show you mercy and kindness. May the Lord be good to you and give you peace.”

6. Proverbs 9:11 (NKJV)

“For by me your days will be multiplied, and years of life will be added to you.”

7. Philippians 1:6 (NLT)

“And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.”

8. Psalms 91:11 (NLT)

“For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go.”

9. Isaiah 46:4 (NIV)

“Even in your old age and gray hairs, I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.”

10. Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

“For I know the plans I have fo you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.”

11. 2 Corinthians 9:15 (CEV)

“Thank God for his gift that is too wonderful for words!”

12. Psalms 118:24 (ESV)

“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

13. Lamentations 3:22-23 (NIV) 

“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

13 Uplifting and Inspirational Birthday Bible Verses

Click To Tweet

I plan to record these scriptures in my journal and meditate on them for the entire month. And although I won’t be celebrating my birthday until August 11th, I know it my heart that God has already gone before me to ensure that day is blessed and special. 

 

Filed Under: Style Tagged With: Bible Verses, birthday, celebration, faith, scripture

Fearless Faith Friday: My Favorite Devotionals for Women

July 31, 2020 by Whitney 2 Comments

A few years ago, my relationship with God shifted. My desire to study the Bible and share His word also grew. Instead of reading a devotional and listening to gospel music here and there, and letting Sunday service be the only time I worshiped, I made a conscious decision to set aside (at least) an hour each morning for Bible study, devotion, and prayer. To this day it has been one of the best decisions I’ve made.

My mornings with God are precious, and it makes all the difference in how I go about each day. I have a plethora of devotionals, but there are four that I find myself referencing or re-reading often. If you’re a woman of faith looking for a new devotional, here are my favorite devotionals for women:

She Speaks

According to the author, Michelle Clark Jenkins, She Speaks provides wisdom from the women of the Bible to the modern Black woman. While not described as a devotional, the book can certainly be used as one. The author highlights 50 women from the Bible and describes each of their roles, their backgrounds, as well as their significance. There are also scripture references and life applications to accompany each story. This read is ideal for women interested in studying the history of the Bible.

The Power of a Praying Wife

This 30 chapter devotional changed the way I prayed for my husband. Each chapter highlights an area to pray for in your husband’s life. Some of the areas include his spiritual walk, his emotions, his future, his role as a father, leader, and decision-maker, and more. The author shares a brief story on how she connects with each chapter, along with a few “power tools”. These tools include related scriptures and sample prayers for wives to pray over their husbands. No matter how long you’ve been married, I highly suggest this book for all Christan wives.

Thirty-One Prayers for My Husband

This book, a compilation of prayers, is designed to challenge you to make prayer a priority. It’s a great resource to accompany another devotional such as The Power of a Praying Wife. Each day there’s a topical scripture and prayer. Also included is a page for you to record your thoughts, feelings, and other prayer requests.

There’s also a Thirty-One Prayers for My Wife version, co-authored by the author and her husband. My husband and I completed the books together a few years back. I am forever grateful for how our marriage was transformed because of both books.

The 100 Most Important Bible Verses Every Woman Must Know

This easy to read devotional is packed with 100 bible verses and 300 topics ranging from joy, family, God’s promises, contentment, and complaining, just to name a few. It’s ideal for morning or evening devotion time. It’s also perfect for women who want to begin or brush up on their Bible verse memorization.

If you’ve read any of the devotionals I shared let me know. Also, if you have any devotional suggestions do share! I’m always looking to add more to my collection.

Filed Under: Lifestyle, Style Tagged With: mjconsistencychallenge, mjconsistencypays

How to Prepare for a New Month

July 30, 2020 by Whitney Leave a Comment

HOW TO PREPARE FOR A NEW MONTH

The start of a new month is like a breath of fresh air. A new month represents a brand new start. It’s a time for new blessings to pour in, a time to make new memories, and a time to set new intentions.

As we anticipate August’s arrival, here are three simple tasks to complete to help you prepare for the new month:

Clear Your Inbox

There’s nothing worse than an overflowing email inbox. It’s overwhelming, to say the least. So before heading into a new month, take some time to sift through your inbox. Delete the mess and store the rest. Create folders to help manage your inbox, and unsubscribe to any shopping sites or newsletter that you consider unwanted or “junk”.

Schedule Time to Rest 

This is something new for me, but I look forward to implementing this next month. Just like we schedule important appointments, birthdays, and date nights, we need to schedule time for rest. Even if it’s scheduling a 15-minute break in between work calls to regroup, or a 45-minute nap every Saturday, pick a day, set a time, and write it on your calendar or in your planner. Honor that just like you honor your other appointments. It’s deserved and necessary, especially in today’s climate.

Plan Family Check-in’s

Now, more than ever, it’s important to stay connected to our families in person or virtually. Schedule time to check-in with your loved ones daily or at least weekly. Agree on a day and time that works for all parties, and add it to your calendar. You can plan an in-person or virtual game night or a quick 5-minute call just to catch up. Whatever the case, be intentional about scheduling family time.

I encourage you to complete these tasks monthly. They’re simple and intentional ways for you to enter a new month with ease, great expectation, and gratitude.

Filed Under: Lifestyle, Style Tagged With: mjconsistencychallenge, mjconsistencypays

July 2020 Recap

July 29, 2020 by Whitney Leave a Comment

As July comes to a close, I thought it’d be nice to share somethings I’ve learned this month as well as what I loved, and what I’m looking forward to in August. I used to share this type of content in my newsletter as a different way to recap each month. Monthly recaps are great for sharing highlights, so here are some of mine:

3 Things I Learned in July

  1. Rest is a form of resistance.
  2. There is nothing wrong with slow growth, as long as your pace is consistent.
  3. Although I don’t consider myself a morning person, I prefer early morning workouts.
July 2020 Recap

Selfie after a morning workout

3 Things I Loved in July

  1. Morning walks/jogs in the park
  2. Discovering new shows on Hulu & Netflix with my husband
  3. Receiving “just because” flowers from the Mr.

3 Things I’m Looking Forward to in August

  1. Celebrating my 34th birthday
    • I always look forward to celebrating my birthday, but this year feels different. Different in a good way. I’ve grown so much and I’ve overcome more than I thought possible this year. Because of this, I’ve never felt stronger. I’ve never felt more grounded and more sure of my future. This excites me and certainly has me looking forward to celebrating another year of life.
  2. Finishing What I Started
    • I’m keeping the details about this one private for now. However, I will say this is something I shared on my Life  Goal List.
  3. Traveling to Detriot
    • My little sis is headed to college in August and although I will miss her terribly, I’m looking forward to helping her get settled in her dorm. I’m also excited to explore some of Detroit since I’ve never been there.
RELATED: 11 GRATITUDE JOURNAL PROMPTS + 11 DAILY AFFIRMATIONS
July 2020 Recap

Lil Sis, the Graduate

I pray July has been good to you so far. If you have some time, I encourage you to reflect on some of your favorite moments and lessons from this month. What brought you joy? What are you looking forward to next month? Journal your responses and try doing the same thing next month. This can be a great monthly task for you to complete!

Filed Under: Family, Lifestyle, Style Tagged With: mjconsistencychallenge, mjconsistencypays

Simple Ways to Refresh Your Home

July 28, 2020 by Whitney Leave a Comment

Before the pandemic, my husband and I discussed refreshing our home. We knew we didn’t want to do anything drastic like paint the walls, yet we were sure it was time to make some changes. Once the pandemic hit and we found ourselves spending much more time at home, we put our plans in motion. Little by little, room by room, we began checking off tasks on our “home projects” to-do list.

If you’re looking for ways to refresh your home this season, here are five simple things you can do:

Add Mirrors

Adding mirrors not only makes a room appear larger but also helps let in light if placed near a window. Mirrors can also serve as the focal point or statement piece of a room, depending on the placement. Adding more than one mirror, such as a mirror gallery wall, is a fantastic way to add interest and personality to a room.

Simple Ways to Refresh Your Home

Change Your Bedding

This is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to refresh your bedroom. Changing your bedding gives your bedroom an instant makeover. My husband and I prefer white bedding because it looks crisp, fresh, and clean. Unfortunately, white bedding isn’t very forgiving. That’s why having at least one extra set of white sheets is a must-have.

Change Your Lighting

Lighting is essential when it comes to decor. Changing the lighting in your home is also relatively easy, and economical. Floor lamps, desk lamps, and wall lights are just a few choices available to add more light to any room. Stores like Target, Walmart, and Wayfair have an array of affordable lighting options.

5 Easy Ways to Refresh Your Home

Click To Tweet

Add Seating

If there’s an empty space in your home that you just can’t seem to fill, try adding a chair or an ottoman. Seating can add a sense of warmth and coziness to a room. Seating can also add an instant mini lounge area.

Simple Ways to Refresh Your Home

Add Plants or Flowers

Another easy and affordable way to refresh any space in your home is to add plants or flowers. I only recently became a plant parent, but I can say having three small snake plants in the living room makes the space more inviting. Likewise, flowers also make rooms more inviting. Flowers also help improve your mood, while plants can help remove harmful toxins in the air.

Related: How to Keep Your Home Organized

Simple Ways to Refresh Your Home

If you have some time this season, I encourage you to refresh your home. Start with one room and with one project so you don’t overwhelm yourself. Gathering home decor inspiration from social media and other websites can be helpful, but always stay true to your personal style during the process. After all, your home should be a reflection of who you are.

Filed Under: Lifestyle, Style Tagged With: Home Decor, mjconsistencychallenge, mjconsistencypays

3 Games to Play at Your Next Family Game Night

July 27, 2020 by Whitney Leave a Comment

My parents and little sis stopped by this weekend. It’s always a joy to have them over but lately, it’s been extra special when we’re together. Next month Taylor, my little sis, will be headed to Detriot for college. My family has always been tightknit, so knowing that Taylor won’t physically be with us as often as she has been will be an adjustment. Being so close to my family is something I never take for granted and remain grateful for.

One thing I always look forward to when we’re together is playing a game. We’re a pretty competitive bunch and things can get a bit tense, but it’s always good clean competition. Here are three games we usually play during a family game night:

TableTopics Original

TableTopics Original is an exciting way to discover more about your family. Each family member takes their turn picking a card. Once the question is read, they have to share their answer. Then the other family members share their answers as well. Once everyone has answered that question, it’s someone else’s turn to pick a card. This continues until everyone has had a turn to pick a card.

The questions spark very compelling conversations. There are no strict rules, and you can continue asking and answering questions as long as you’d like. There are also several editions of this game including TableTopics Teen, TableTopics What Would You Do, TableTopics Girls Night, and more!

family game night

Shoutrageous!

I first heard about this game when I saw it played by the hosts of “The Real”. I knew my family would enjoy this fast-paced trivia game, so I downloaded it on my iPad. I like this game because you can play it anywhere. Once you download the app, the game is yours.

With this game, you need to know a little bit about everything from celebrities, to pop culture, to sports, to animals, to the hottest headlines. This game can be played with one person or with a large group. All you have to do is shout out the ten answers listed for each topic before the clock runs out. Most of the categories are free, but there is an option to purchase other fun categories.

Taboo

Coined “The Game of Unspeakable Fun”, Taboo has become our family game night go-to. The updated Amazon version of this classic game includes 450 game cards. Taboo can be for both large or small groups, for four or more players ages 13 and up. It’s best-played with two teams of at least two people per team. The more people on each team, the better! Each correct answer is worth a point. My family and I can play this game for hours but we usually play to 50.

family game night

3 Games to Play at Your Next Family Game Night

Click To Tweet

While living through this pandemic, it’s important to find ways to spend time with our families, all while being as safe as possible. The great thing about these games is they can be played in person or virtually. Technology, especially during these times, is a blessing. So even if you can’t see your family in person, hosting a virtual game night is always a great option.

I hope you add these games to your list for your next family game night. Let me know if they do, and let me know what games your family enjoys for game night.

Filed Under: Lifestyle, Style Tagged With: mjconsistencychallenge, mjconsistencypays

Fearless Faith Friday: Using the SOAP Method to Study Scripture

July 24, 2020 by Whitney Leave a Comment

There are a plethora of ways to go about studying the Bible. One of my favorite methods to study and break down scripture is the SOAP Method. The SOAP Method is an acronym to help you remember:

  1. Scripture

    • What scripture(s) have you decided to study?
  2. Observation

    • What is the overall message of this verse? What was happening? What is God saying?
  3. Application

    • How does what you read apply to your life? What are your takeaways?
  4. Prayer

    • Thank God for what He revealed to you. Ask him to help you with the application.

I first heard about this study method from Lola Akinkuowo on Instagram. Intrigued, I turned to Youtube where I found several videos explaining this method in greater detail.

Reading and studying the Bible can be intimidating. That’s why I’m a firm believer in finding ways to make this task as uncomplicated and as comprehensive as possible. Below, I’ve taken two scriptures from Jeremiah to demonstrate how to use the SOAP Method.

Using the SOAP Method to Study Scripture

Scripture(s): Jeremiah 29:11 & 13

(vs. 11) For I know the thoughts that I think towards you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. (vs. 13) And you will seek me and find me when you search for me with all your heart.

Observation

The Lord wants to give us a good life. A peaceful life, filled with great joy. His thoughts about us are not evil, only pure and loving. We can have the life He desires for us if we seek Him with our whole heart. We must seek Him through prayer, Bible study, and worship. As Christians, we are called to be on fire for God, not lukewarm. Living life on fire for Christ is the only way to ensure that His promise of a good, peaceful, and hope-filled life will prevail.

Application

Establish a consistent prayer life, study His word day and night, and share His word with others. Be a witness for Him. Be all in for God, just as He is with us. For me, this looks like:

  1. Time with God in the Morning
    • Prayer (verbal or written)
    • Devotional
    • Bible Study
    • Gratitude Journaling
    • Daily Affirmations
  2. Time with God in the Evening
    • Prayer (verbal or written)
  3. Morning + Evening Prayer with Darrius

Prayer

Dear God, thank you for wanting the best for my life. I pray for an open heart and mind to continue receiving, understanding, and living your word. I pray that you will continue leading me in the right direction; the direction towards a full, purposeful, and glorious life. A life that honors you in every way. The life that you’ve already promised me.

Lord, when people see me let the God in me meet them first. Continue feeding me the words to say to encourage and motivate your people. Allow me to share your Word without ego or selfish expectations in the way. Lord, keep me humble, grateful, and hungry. Hungry for your Word and always ready to be a witness for you. May my life be a living testimony, and may I always remember to give you the glory and the praise, forever. Amen.

How to Use the SOAP Method to Study Scripture

Click To Tweet

Have you ever heard of or used this method? If not, I hope you find this example helpful. If you try the SOAP Method next time you’re studying scripture, let me know how it goes.

Filed Under: Lifestyle, Style

11 Gratitude Journal Prompts and 11 Daily Affirmations

July 23, 2020 by Whitney Leave a Comment

For the past few years, mornings have become my favorite part of the day. I usually wake up between 5:45 and 6.45 during the week, depending on the day. I like to get my “me time” in while it’s quiet and still. One thing I look forward to the most each morning is journaling.

My gratitude journal focuses on gratitude and affirmations. Every day I jot down at least three things I’m grateful for, along with at least one affirmation. I’m no stranger to gratitude journaling, but writing daily affirmations is something new. I didn’t realize how powerful writing and speaking affirmations was until late last year. I’ve always known about the practice but, making it part of my daily routine allows me to move about my day in a more positive and confident manner.

Gratitude journaling allows me to dwell on my blessings. This practice grounds me and gives me a necessary wake-up call some days. I also believe gratitude journaling has increased my happiness. After I lost my son, it was difficult for me to find happiness within, let alone in my everyday life. Once I resumed daily gratitude journaling, my mood slowly began to shift to a much happier place.

Below are 11 gratitude journal prompts and 11 daily affirmations. I hope the journal prompts nudge you to begin your own daily gratitude practice, and I pray that you reap positive the benefits of speaking and writing daily affirmations.

11 Gratitude Journal Prompts

  • What makes you happy to be alive?
  • Write a thank you letter to someone.
  • List 5 things you love about your home.
  • What 3 songs always make you feel good?
  • What about your job or career are you most grateful for?
  • What do you love most about the neighborhood you live in?
  • Name 5 new things you’ve learned within the last 5 months.
  • List 10 things you have now that you didn’t have 5 years ago.
  • Write about a time you experienced kindness from a stranger.
  • Who are you most grateful for in your life at the moment and why?
  • List 10 major life accomplishments that you’re proud to have achieved.

11 Daily Affirmations 

  • I am confident in my abilities. 
  • My body needs and deserves rest.
  • My life will inspire and encourage others.
  • I am a Queen and a descendant of royalty.
  • God is love and His love for me is endless. 
  • I accept, appreciate, and approve of myself.
  • I will not stress over the things I cannot control.
  • I will not dim my light to make others comfortable
  • I am doing my best and my best is good enough.
  • My body is a temple and it deserves to be treated with love and respect.
  • My life is beautiful and my future is filled with endless blessings and opportunities.
11 Gratitude Journal Prompts + 11 Daily Affirmations

Click To Tweet

Filed Under: Style Tagged With: mjconsistencychallenge, mjconsistencypays

« Previous Page
Next Page »

Search Blog

Top Categories

More Categories

My Top Posts

  • 7 Bible Verses to Renew and Refresh Your Spirit
  • Life Update | I Have Androgenetic Alopecia
  • 13 Bible Verses to Celebrate Your Birthday
  • #WNJDrives | 2016 Mazda CX-5 Car Review
  • Music | 13 Worship Songs for Comfort & Healing
  • #WNJInspired | Why Your Vision Board isn't Working
  • #WNJPlaylist | The Perfect Playlist for a 30th Birthday
  • Faith | 5 YouVersion Bible Plans Every Woman Needs to Read

Copyright © 2023 · Foodie Child Theme by Shay Bocks · Built on the Genesis Framework · Powered by WordPress