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13 Scriptures for Hope & Healing During Trying Times

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I rely heavily on my faith in God to help guide me through life. However, it can be extremely difficult to “keep the faith” or even be filled with hope when the world around you is in complete disarray. In times like this, I have to encourage myself to dig deeper into the Word, pray more fervently, and essentially just spend more time in His presence.

As I’ve mentioned time and time again, having anchor scriptures to refer to during tough times can be extremely helpful. That said, here are 13 scripture references for hope and healing during trying times:

Scriptures for Hope

1. Matthew 28:20 (NLT)

“And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

2. Psalms 30:2 (NIV)

“Lord my God, I called to you for help, and you healed me.”

3. Psalms 42:5 (CEV)

“Why am I discouraged? Why am I restless? I should trust you, Lord. I will praise you again because you help me.”

4. Psalms 71:14 (CEV)

“I will never give up hope or stop praising you.”

5. Proverbs 16:24 (NIV)

“Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”

6. John 10:10 (CEV)

“A thief comes only to rob, kill, and destroy. I came so everyone would have life, and have it fully.”

7. 1 Peter 1:3 (NLT)

“All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation.”

8. Romans 5:4-5 (CEV)

“And endurance builds character, which gives us a hope that will never disappoint us. All of this happens because God has given us the Holy Spirit, who fills our hearts with his love.”

9. Jeremiah 17:14 (NIV)

“Heal me, Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise.”

10. Galatians 6:9 (NKJV)

“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.”

11. Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)

“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

12. Psalms 34:18 (NIV)

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

13. 2 Chronicles 7:14 (NIV)

“If my people who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

13 Scriptures for Hope & Healing During Trying Times
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I hope you find peace and comfort in these scriptures. I also encourage you to meditate one or more of these verses for the rest of the month. I pray that you are blessed and I pray that you stay prayerful and remain hopeful.

Fearless Faith Friday | Choosing to Spend Time with God

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In a world that glorifies busyness, it can be extremely difficult to “find the time” to spend with God. And because God has granted us free will, many of us never make spending time with Him a priority. Instead, we make time for work, errands, social media scrolling, Netflix binging, and whatever else our hearts desire. While I’m not condemning the many ways we choose to spend our time, I am suggesting a reevaluation of how we spend our precious 24-hour days.

The Benefits of Spending Time With God

Choosing to spend time with God is what Luke 10:42 calls, “choosing the better thing”. Rationalizing why we don’t spend time with God does nothing but push Him in the background. Doing this makes it harder to hear or even recognize His voice. That’s a scary place to be. 

So, why should we spend more time with God? Well, for starters, the more time we spend with Him the more:

  • our gifts develop
  • our faith increases
  • our purpose becomes more clear

I’m barley scratching the surface of all the incredible and miraculous things that come from spending time with God. It’s truly mind-blowing what God can do for your life, and for the life of your loved ones when you give Him your full and undivided attention.

READ: How to Build a Realthips with God

What does Spending Time with God look Like?

I approach spending time with God the same way I approach spending time with a dear friend. That means I’m fully present and ready to engage. I’m open to hearing the good and the not so good, and I look forward to possibly learning something new.

Here are a few simple ways to start spending time with God:

  • Listen to a sermon online
  • Listen to a worship playlist
  • Pray (verbally or prayer journaling)
  • Read a Daily Devotional or Bible Plan
  • Take a nature walk (and be fully present of your surroundings)
Devotionals for Women
READ: Top 4 Devotionals for Women

Things to Keep in Mind

When you decide to spend time with God be intentional. Find a quiet, distraction-free spot. You need to be somewhere you can focus. Also, have a pen and a journal ready, especially if you’re listening to a sermon or reading a Bible plan or devotional. You want to be ready to write down any passages that stand out, words you may need to look up, or practical applications to use in your daily life.

You also want to be ready to hear and record what God reveals to you during this time. Keeping a journal will allow you to look back and reflect on how much your relationship with God has grown.

READ: Studying Scripture Using the SOAP Method

As the saying goes, you make time for the things that are important to you. So, I challenge you, in the coming days, to make an intentional effort to find time to spend with God. Even if it’s just five minutes, God wants to hear from you.

13 Bible Verses to Celebrate Your Birthday

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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

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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. 

 

Music | 13 Worship Songs for Comfort & Healing

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Music has always been a solace for me. Without fail, I can always find a song to accompany my mood. Lately listening to music, especially worship music, has been very comforting. Certain songs have helped mend my spirit and heal my soul. Listening to music has also helped me release ceratin emotions that I often try to suppress. Whether I’ve needed a good cry, a hearty yell, or a few moments of peace, music has given me permission to truly experience an array of emotions.

I’ve put together a Spotify playlist of 13 worship songs for comfort & healing. I was very intentional about the songs I chose. Each one speaks to a different part of my journey during this season. These songs have allowed me to experience God’s presence and His voice like never before. The comfort I’ve received from that alone has been a constant reminder that God is always gracious and forever faithful.

 

“We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance.” – Romans 5:3

What kind of music do you listen to when you’re looking for comfort and healing? Are there any particular songs? If so, do share below. I’m always open to expanding my playlist. In the meantime, I hope some of these songs resonate with you. And if you’re journeying through a difficult season, lean into this season. Be open to what God is doing in your life, and trust that what you’re going through is not in vain.

13 Worship Songs for Comfort & Healing

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As of Late | Stillborn but Still Loved

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Life, as we know it, has undoubtedly changed over the past few months. From mass hysteria to self-isolation, we are all longing for life to resemble something we once knew. During this time, I find myself in a season of introspection. From experiencing a traumatic loss, to fighting a never-ending battle with anxiety, self-doubt, and depression, I have encountered nearly every emotion known to man—all over the course of a few months.

Life, as I knew it, would never be the same after December 1, 2019. In less than 48 hours, my water broke, I gave birth to my stillborn son, and I had an unexpected operation. I remember being eerily aware of everything that was happening to me.

Although he feigned calmness, I remember the look of concern in my husband’s eyes. I remember the soft touch of his hand on mine as I drifted in and out of sleep. I remember the repetitive beeping of the heart monitor—a sound that pierced through my eardrums like a shrill siren. I remember the dampness of my mother’s shirt from the tears I cried as she hugged me and rubbed my back. I remember feeling every single contraction. I remember the pain finally subsiding once I received my epidural. I remember the tears my husband cried when the nurse said, ever so gently, “It’s a boy.”

I was present.

I was aware.

I remember everything.

One thing I didn’t feel—couldn’t feel—was the actual pain of our loss. I did, however, feel extreme exhaustion: physically and mentally. Having to make so many immediate decisions in the midst of a traumatic event is anything but easy. I just wasn’t able to fully grasp the magnitude of what I went through. It didn’t seem real. That was until I got home…

When I walked into our apartment and saw the nursery, everything became real. No mother ever expects to be leaving the maternity ward without her newborn. When I stayed in bed for days with the blinds closed and I barley ate, it became real. When my breasts started to leak and there was no baby for me to feed, it became real. When the first person texted me to see how my pregnancy was going, it became real.

Through the muck and mire of it all, I clung to this Bible verse:

“I depend on God alone; I put my hope in him. He alone protects and saves me.” – Psalm 62: 5-6

Although it took some time for me to get back to regularly praying and studying the Word, that scripture carried me through my toughest moments. And while I will never get over the loss of my son, I am more than grateful that God chose me to be his mother. I am grateful that I had the chance to feel him kick and move. I am grateful that I was able to talk, sing, and bond with him. Even if it was only in my belly, our connection is something I’ll always cherish. Baby Boy West brought so much joy to my life, my marriage, and my family. For that, I can’t thank God enough.

So today, on April 18th, Baby Boy’s original due date, I have to thank God for bringing me to a place on my journey where I can pray, smile and laugh again. Life, as I once knew it, may be quite different. However, I know God has a plan for my life, and I trust Him completely.

Thank you, Baby Boy, for making me a mother. And, although I don’t deserve it, thank you God for your endless grace, mercy, and protection.

Lifestyle | What I Read in 2017 + What I Plan to Read in 2018

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I always enjoy sharing my favorite books! So much so that on Instagram, I created the #wnjreads hashtag. I also share a lot of my favorite quotes on social media, as well as through my newsletter. Most of these quotes are actually from whatever book I’m reading at the moment. That said, I want to share 5 of my favorite books from 2017, as well as 3 quotes from each book. I’m also sharing 5 of my must-read books for the New Year. This list could also be called, 10 Books to Grow Your Faith and Business in 2018. Either way, take a look and let me know what you think!

Related: How to Choose Your Word of the Year

My Top 5 Books of 2017

1. Instinct, T.D. Jakes

  • “We need to fail boldly if we want to succeed extravagantly.”
  • “When ideas hang out with influence, income will always emerge.”
  • “You can’t take everyone with you just because they were with you in the beginning.”

2. The Four Agreements, don Miguel Ruiz 

  • “God is life. God is life in action.”
  • “Doing your best is taking the action because you love it, not because you’re expecting a reward.”
  • “Respect your body, enjoy your body, love your body, feed, clean, and heal your body. Exercise and do what makes your body feel good.
“We need to fail boldly if we want to succeed extravagantly.” ~ T.D. Jakes

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3. Cultivate: A Grace-Filled Guide to Growing an Intentional Life, Lara Casey

  • “She believed she couldn’t, so God did.”
  • “We can’t do it all, and do it well. But, we can choose to cultivate what matters.”
  • “You don’t have to be perfect or have it all together. God has it, and His abundant grace is yours for the taking.”

4. You Are a Badass at Making Money: Mastering the Mindset of Wealth, Jen Sincero

  • “If you’ve made a backup plan, you haven’t made a decision.”
  • “Get yourself in the position of bringing in money and deal with the fine-tuning later.”
  • “When it comes to changing your life, if you’re not scared, you’re doing something wrong.”

5. I am Number 8: Overlooked and Undervalued, but Not Forgotten by God, John Gray

  • “Your job is not to try to knock someone else out of your position, but to maximize your position as best you can.”
  • “The anointing that has your name on it, the calling, the gift that has your name on it, is irreversible and irrevocable.”
  • “So many people want the platform, but they don’t want the process. They want the position, but don’t want the pain.”
“If you’ve made a backup plan, you haven’t made a decision. ~ Jen Sincero”

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My Top 5 Must-Reads in 2018

  1. Higher is Waiting, Tyler Perry
  2. Soar: Build Your Vision from the Ground Up, T.D. Jakes
  3. Abundance Now: Amplify Your Life & Achieve Prosperity Today, Lisa Nichols
  4. The Four: The Hidden DNA of Amazon, Apple, Facebook, and Google, Scott Galloway
  5. Rise & Grind: Out-Perform, Out-Work, and Out-Hustle Your Way to a More Successful and Rewarding Life, Daymond John
10 Books to Grow Your Faith and Business in 2018

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So tell me, what were some of your favorite books from last year, and what do you plan on reading in 2018? Let me know below!

As always, thanks for reading and commenting and until next time, be blessed and stay safe.

Love & light…xo!

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#FearlessWoman Feature | Breanne Stewart of Breanne Stewart Ministries

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Today is the start of the #FearlessWoman Summer Series! I’m pleased to introduce today’s feature, Breanne Stewart. I’ve been friends with this strong, faithful and purpose driven wife since my family and I moved to Columbia, MD about 5 or so years ago. She actually interviewed and hired me for my 1st job in the area at Bakers Shoes in Colimbia Mall. When we met, I remember thinking what an independent and hard working young lady she was. I admired her work ethic and care free spirit, but I always knew Bakers wasn’t the end for her. I knew she had more to do and I knew her story was just beginning.

Watching her grow has been a joy and I’ve learned so much from her along the way. She is now a mother of two beautiful children, a wife, and an entrepreneur. Most imporrantly, Breanne is a woman of God who is serious about God’s business. I hope that you are inspired by her mission and life as much as I’ve been. And if you’re in the DMV area, I strongly suggest you attend her upcoming play and women’s conference. Details below…enjoy and be inspired!

Breanne Stewart - #FearlessWoman

What’s a typical day for Breanne?

A typical day for me starts at 7 a.m. I thank God for another day and I pray for my family, friends, and my church. I also call or text my mom good morning and talk/text for about 10 minutes about how Good God is and we share our prayer requests. Afterwards, I make my children breakfast and sing to them every morning.

Around 5 or 6 p.m., I start cooking dinner for my husband and children. After dinner I give my kids a bath, and we have reading time. Sometimes they go right to sleep and other times they love to stay up. The nights they stay, up we usually watch a movie in bed and that works every time! After my children fall asleep, I spend bonding with my husband; we talk about our day, watch movies, and  make each other laugh.

By the time I fall sleep its about 12 or 1 a.m. and before I close my eyes, I pray again to God for thanking him for my life and the lives of all the people  love.

What inspired you to start Breanne Stewart Ministries?

What inspired me to Create Breanne Stewart Ministries, was based off a vision that God gave me overnight. He told me that He wanted me to create a women’s ministry that will empower, inspire, and motivate women of all races, and nationalities. After that encounter i had with God, i realized that this was something i had to do, or i wouldn’t have peace of mind.

What is your definition of a #FearlessWoman?

My definition is a woman who does not care about what other people think. A #FearlessWoman accepts that she may not always get it right, but she will get up and try again. In order to be a #FearlessWoman, you have love and accept yourself for who you are. Never settle for less or dim your light to make others feel comfortable to be around you. Most importantly, a #FearlessWoman must know they are fearfully and wonderfully made by God.

FearlessWoman Feature

Advice for women entrepreneurs.

Never to give up. There will be times you question yourself, as well as times others will question if you are the real deal. You will also realize that the same friends you had before when you were dreaming about your business or ministry are no where to be found.  It’s okay…it may hurt a little, but you will be okay. Now that your dream has transformed into your reality, you must know and understand not everyone will applaud or celebrate you. Sometimes your haters can be closer than your friends; it can be your own family. They want to keep you in the past, because it makes them feel more comfortable. Truth is, in order to grow and go to  the next level, you have to be willing to be uncomfortable, that is the only way you will grow and see your full potential.

Who are your top 3 women inspirations?

I actually have 4, lol…

My Mother – She has taught me how to be strong and to walk by faith, not by sight. She is not only my mother, but she’s also my teacher. I wouldn’t be the woman I am today without her. She was the first person who introduced me to God, and encourage me to have an active relationship with him.

My Godmother/Mentor – Rev. Lisa Robinson has taught me to never apologize for my gift and anointing. She’s also taught me to embrace and accept who I am in Christ. She always tells me that, “no one has a heaven or hell to put you in, so do you.” If it wasn’t for her, I wouldn’t be the #FearlessWoman I am today.

My Best Friend – Amanda Rhead has taught me to be selfless, humble, and giving. She has shown this to me, by expressing the same qualities to me. Before we became friends, I was a very selfish person, I truly believe God put her in my life for a reason. She is most giving person I know, and I thank God for her every day.

Iyanla Vanzant– Minister, author, poet, and life coach; she’s amazing! Through watching her teachings and reading her books, she has shown me how to forgive others and what it truly means to forgive them. I’ve learned from her that forgiveness sets you free, it doesn’t mean what a person did to you was okay, but you refuse to let that person have power over you. I have learned that forgiveness does not come naturally, it something that has to be taught. Learning how to forgive saved my life.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

In 5 years I see Breanne Stewart Ministries on the road, traveling from city to city, state to state  spreading the word of God. I see my husband and I owning our first home, and having another baby. I also see myself receiving many awards, including being on the award show “Black Girls Rock“. I see myself just growing closer to God, where I don’t need or want for nothing. I believe God will fulfill these promises to me and my family, in Jesus name.

#FearlessWoman - Breanna Stewart

“I praise you because I’m fearfully & wonderfully made…” Psalms 139:14

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What’s next for Breanne and how can we keep up with you? 

I have an upcoming play on June 20th and I’m really excited about that! I also have a women’s empowerment conference, “Celebrate Me or Not, Here I Come”,  on July 10th. It’s going to be an awesome experience! Be sure to follow along with me at Breanne Stewart Ministries for more information. I hope to see you all there!

#WNJInspired | 2 Years Down, Through Sickness & Health

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Yesterday hubby and I celebrated our 2 year anniversary. Thinking back on our year, I am extremely blessed and thankful. Last year we both dealt with some health issues and to be honest, I encountered some dark days. Yes, I broke down a time or two. However, it wasn’t because I was sick. When I’m sick, I can handle it. I roll with the punches and keep getting up. But when my husband was diagnosed with diabetes, I was heartbroken. I was numb.

marriage

Realizing that your best friend and partner in life is sick puts life in perspective real quick. It makes you stronger as a person, but also as a unit. You have to be strong for the other person and deal with your breakdowns in private. God knows there were times I thought I wasn’t going to make it, but by His grace I remained strong, my faith tested but not lost.

I’ve never seen him in the hospital and I’ve never witnesses him being somewhat helpless. I was scared, so of course the first thing I did was call my mother. Thank God for a praying and compassionate mother. I needed to know how to be strong for him. I’m always used to him being super man, handling everything and taking care of me. After talking through things with my mother and praying on my own, I realized that I could be there for him because I had to. There was no option. I made a vow to be with him through sickness and health and while that part came faster than I was prepared for, I was equipped to be his rock.

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Through dealing with Darrius’ diagnoses, we have learned quite a bit, about ourselves and our marriage. Here’s a look at 3 things we learned:

Darrius’ 2 Year Lessons

1. Put yourself in their shoes. 

2. Date your spouse.

3. Trust the pace of your relationship; move at your own pace, with guidance from the Lord.

Whitney’s 2 Year Lessons

1.  Love always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.”— I Corinthians 13: 7-8 

2. Pay attention to your spouse. 

3. Marriage is what you make it.

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Trust the pace of your relationship; move at your own pace, with guidance from the Lord.

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So tell me, what are some lessons you’ve learned in marriage along the way? Let me know!

As Darrius and I continue to thrive as a couple, we always remember to put God first and always have faith. My husband is getting healthier everyday – he is not allowing a diagnoses to control his life. Together, we’re fighting and we will be victorious! Marriage is fun, hard, worth it, but above all is it’s a blessing. Until next time, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

** Linkups: Monday Mash-Up **