How to Partner with God

With so many changes coming in my life I have to say I am very grateful for the opportunity to bring life into the world. What a privilege and an honor.

My husband John puts it like this "You get to partner with God in this season", Um WOW! What a perspective and maybe that's why it's hard to take it all in. I do not take it lightly by any means. I know it may sound like I am all too happy but I truly am, I feel like I have been giving a great opportunity. I have seen many around me go through hardships and in this midst of this dark season for us all this is the Glory of the Lord shining through. 2020 in a lot of ways was unexpected for many of us but you know what, Jesus always shows up with His grace, mercy, and strength even in the midst of chaos. It is our job to seek Him and we will surely Find Him and here is how I am finding Him.

Let me ask you, now that we are in 2021 - How are you partnering with God?

April is almost here so that means that we have 296 days left to the year! What will you do with that time on your hands? We are getting ready to go into Spring - what a wonderful time for a fresh perspective! Its a new season!!!!!!

Get ready! A change is coming 👏🏽

I was driving to church the other morning, and I felt the presence of the Lord sweep over me and all I could do was cry in gratitude. I was grateful for my time with the Lord, grateful I could drive to church in the morning. Grateful I could participate in his church and be with his people. Grateful that I had breath in my lungs. Grateful that all these year of my life Jesus has never failed me or left me alone. My story has been filled with so much heartache. One day soon I will share my full story but it will take some time to get there! Pray for your girl!

I know what it is to be passed over time and time again. I know what it is to be rejected and abandoned by loved ones and friends. Being chosen over those in the “in crowd“ feels awful. I know what it is to feel so alone. It can feel like God isn’t even listening - but out of all of disappointments in life I have seen His faithfulness. I believe Jesus used those circumstances so I could come closer to Him. To hear His heart for me. I have seen secret prayers hidden in my heart get answered! I have seen Jesus send people are the right time at the right places. Especially when I was going to make a horrible decision because of my emotions! His mercy is truly indescribable. He keeps me stable, he keeps me sane! He truly is my Anchor! It's my symbol of hope and steadfastness. If you didn't check out my pastors message on The Anchor please do right here: https://www.itlmweb.com/watch

Where would I be without Jesus! He calls me friend, AMAZING!!! He gives me the opportunity to fellowship with him daily and make my petitions known to Him. even in His sovereignty! He doesn't get tired of my questions or my groaning. He doesn't pretend to listen and not listen, He HEARS my cry, He SAVES each tear I cry, HOW MAGNIFICENT IS HE!

Psalm 56:8 You keep track of all my sorrows.

You have collected all my tears in your bottle.

You have recorded each one in your book.

What a matchless GOD!

Jesus came to earth to save us from ourselves. In our own nature we are evil people. Our desires has the ability to sweep us away and can give birth to death (James 1). But Jesus came so we can have LIFE and life more abundantly. What does that mean? Do you think that means Jesus came so we can all be rich----- well in a way! Let me break it down.

LIFE - well all that we can produce in our sinful nature is death, nothing good can come out of us because at our core we are selfish people. You can be the nicest person in the world but at the core you want your own way and that desire will drive you. BeliEve me!

Jesus came to change us from the inside out! So, where once we provided death in relationships, poverty only from our sinful nature, and now we can produce life from our spirit that has been reborn and redeemed. The Blood that was shed for us covered our sins. He sent his only son to save us from ourselves! This means we are able to be selfless as we are empowered by Holy Spirit. We are able to love other people and not hate them. We are able to bring hope Instead of fear! We are able to give to people our belongings and sacrifice for the needs of others. We are able to build fruitful relationships and so on and so forth.

Our lives change and we can move forward and truly LIVE the way we were always meant to live; in FREEDOM! We can only do this if we are truly are At Peace with God our Father in Heaven. We no longer have to be full of guilt and shame! We can be forgiven and set free from the things of the past! How amazinggggg!!!!!!!

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So for the rest of this year you have the option to make it amazing! I mean you could make it miserable as well. You can have all the knowledge in the world and still be unhappy because you choose not to change your ways. Remember, Doesn’t matter if your started this year, or every other year of your life.It doesn’t matter if you have made some enormous mistakes! At this time, you can be forgiven by Jesus! His blood was shed for you on calvary. You no longer have to perform in order to be forgiven. You do not have to beg him, he did it for you because of His perfect love!

1 Peter 3:18 Christ suffered for our sins once for all time. He never sinned, but he died for sinners to bring you safely home to God. He suffered physical death, but he was raised to life in the Spirit.

He isn’t surprised by your lack! He isn’t shocked by your sins! He can handle it- in fact he did. He died for it! If you want to move forward in greatness - Let Jesus Into your heart now! Don't leave this moment without acknowledging Him <3

Say this prayer with me:

Jesus I need You, I know that I am a sinner and there is nothing that I can do to save myself. I confess my complete helplessness to forgive my own sin or to work my way to heaven. At this moment I trust Jesus alone as the One who bore my sin when He died on the cross. I believe that He did all that will ever be necessary for me to stand in your holy presence. I thank you that Christ was raised from the dead as a guarantee of my own resurrection. As best as I can, I now transfer my trust to Him.

I am grateful that He has promised to receive me despite my many sins and failures. Father, I take you at your word. I recognize that Your mercy and grace is a gift You offer to me because of Your great love, not based on anything I have done. Cleanse me and make me Your child. Thank you for the assurance that you will walk with me through the deep valley. By faith I receive You into my heart as the Son of God and as Savior and Lord of my life. From now on, help me live for You, with You in control. I open myself up to the power of your Spirit, to be baptized, I receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

In Your precious name, Amen

If you said this prayer, please contact me! I would love to connect with you!

Ephesians 2:8-9

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift

of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

Titus 3:5 He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit

Romans 10:9 Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

Acts 4:12 And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.

John 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

Acts 16:30-33 Then he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” And they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds; and he was baptized at once, he and all his family.

-Shanyse Nicole

MOM ; a title above QUEEN.

Photo Taken by: Bethany Green Photography

It has been a while since I have been able to sit down and gather my thoughts to be able to write. I have had so much in my mind that it took a very long time. Well, here I am now...

Currently, I am in the most interesting season of my life. I have been getting ready to become a mother. YES, me! I feel like I am so late in life to be a mother but it is because all of my friends children are beyond elementary school lol. In other words, I feel late to the party.

Becoming a mother is a huge responsibility and I feel privileged to be able to take it on. I have been learning so much about my body and all the changes that are normal :) I have been learning what the baby needs from me like FOOD, WATER & VITAMINS. I have been seeing life differently through this new lens.It is totally different than anything I have experienced. Oh and about food,I have never consumed so much in my life lol. I see now that it is all necessary for her and I. Yes, its a girl! Overall my energy has been great and I am looking forward to all the new experiences. I am sure I will have tough days ahead but with God I know I will be able to make it through.

As a new mom I wish I was told a few things. So here is my list to all my first time momma's out there...

1) You will have all kinds of questions - it is normal. Ask people close to you, they will help you!

2) You have the option to use a Doctor or Midwife.

3) A Homebirth is an option for you. Ask many questions upfront to your midwife.

4) Birth Classes with your spouse/partner are necessary for the both of you to prepare practically, emotionally and spiritually.

5) Make sure to Avoid stressful situations so you can maintain your peace.

6) You may have to Limit your activities towards the end of your pregnancy, as you will move slow :-)

7) Only buy the clothes you need for the season you are in. I purchased 2 shirts, 2 dresses, 2 pairs of jeans and 2 pairs of leggings only. I have used them all over and over again and didn't spend too much at all.

8) A doula is not necessary but helpful in the delivery process. If you are unable to pay for one out of pockets, locally you may have a nonprofit programs than can assist you.

9) Utilize your spouse or partner as you will need their support. You may be the most vulnerable you have ever been in your relationship. But It will make you both stronger. And it will allow you both to support each other in the ebs and flows of pregnancy. If you do not have them available - utilize your friends, family and/or whatever community you have.

10) Your diet will dictate how you feel. Eat smart and frequently. Drink lots of water. ( I personally loved anything cold especially smoothies)

11) You control your experience. People will volunteer there pregnancy stories (it comes with the territory). Just know not everyone is the same and you have control over how you handle your experience. Be careful who you talk to as they can help to encourage or discourage your process. Stay in faith and do not let anyone ruin that for you.

12) Prayer works. Involve your pastors, close friends and intercessors. Tell them how they can pray for you, send them updates and praise reports. God uses them greatly to encourage you if you keep them involved! COMMUNITY IS IMPORTANT!

13) Read about everything! Learn it yourself. Gain knowledge so you feel confident with each decision that you make. Remember you have control over your experience. Regarding Postpartum, it does not have to be depressing in the sense that you let your emotions get the best of you. The reality is that a lot of changes happen in your life and in your body. With all of the adjusting happening to your life, take it one day at a time, keep your community involved and relax when you are able to. Make sure you are well. Take breaks when needed as self-care very important so your don't get overwhelmed and filled with anxiety and fear. Your family needs you well.

14) Breast Feeding is not mandatory. Learn about what you can do for your family and your work/life balance. Some may use formula mixed with breast milk and some others may just formula. It is ok. Learn what will work for you all as a family.

15) PHOTOS! Yes they are expensive, but Save for them and get them done. Don't regret not taking professional photos.

16) Prepare as much as you can, but its ok if everything is not done. Just breathe!

17) Books that helped me: My Bible, The Whole 9 Months : A Week-By-Week Pregnancy Nutrition Guide with Recipes for a Healthy Start and Supernatural Childbirth by Jackie Mize

18) Stand your ground. When you walk into doctors office they will always tell you worst case scenarios and a bunch of hypotheticals. Make sure to maintain your faith and remain educated, because you will be pressed to make decisions. Just make sure your choices are made in wisdom and not in fear. You establish your atmosphere. You are momma and you have the authority Jesus has given you. Exercise it to protect your child and yourself and your family.

19) Pray over your child. Pray and declare the Word of God over them. Pray and speak to them as they grow. Tell them how loved they are and how they are being knitted in your womb by Jehovah himself. What a blessing! Don't forget the miracle you're taking place in.

20) Thank God. Thank God for every high and every lo in pregnancy. Remember at this time in your life you are partnering with Him. He has things under control even the not so good stuff. Don't allow anxiety or fear to take over you. Stay grateful, He has you covered and every good and perfect gift comes from above. He loves you and He has brought you this far, will He not take you the rest of the way?

If you are out there wondering why I am sharing so much about this season of my life, well I wondered the same. The truth is not everyone can sit down wit you and give you the 411 on everything! But someone like me, a planner needs to know things so I need the information upfront so I can do what I need to do to get myself together. I just like to feel prepared and put forth my best effort with new things. So I thought why not blog about this experience. I hope it helps at least one person. So share this with new moms, share this with people who need encouragement in pregnancy even and may it be used to help to empower them!

Let me tell you something in this time I have had the most amazing times with God. I have felt Holy Spirit so close to me. I have felt The Word of God rush over me with such truth. I have felt his presence more deeply in this time unlike before. It has settled me in so many moments of trouble.

I have had so many times that anxiety and so much fear would sweep over me because of so many unknowns but when I would pray and say" Lord you know all things, nothing surprises you and I trust you". I would feel this assurance in His presence. I would pray out loud The Word of God! I prayed out the scriptures below....

Psalms 91

Psalms 1

Psalms 23

Hebrews 4:12 For the word of Godis living and active.Sharper than anydouble-edged sword,it pierces even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow.It judges the thoughts and intentionsof the heart.

The word of God has power. Never forget it.

It is ALIVE.

Photo Taken by: Bethany Green Photography

As I have I been rearranging the entire home! Yes the whole place and there are only so many things you can do in a 2 bedroom townhouse! :-) I remember the Lord letting me know that last year 2020 was the year of Preparation. From the beginning to the end of the year He was 100% correct and I am glad that is what I have been doing.

With that being said, I believe 2021 will be a phenomenal year! I anticipate a lot of goooood things! You and I have been through a challenging time but one thing I can say is GOD IS GOOD! No matter the hardships that try to come to cripple our faith - HIS GOODNESS DOESN'T CHANGE!

So if your a new mom like me or a current momma - please be kind to yourself. Don't put too much pressure on yourself. Don't allow the things happening around you to dictate how you walk. If you learn to trust God then everything will be ok! Learn to partner with Him. Can worry add to our days? No it cannot. So stop the stressing and choose not to worry. Embrace life and all of its uncertainties. We cannot control what happens even though sometimes we think it can make us feel secure (i'm so guilty of this) but allow yourself to rely of The Maker of Heaven and Earth!

In this new season we are walking into I will be sure to keep you all up to date! It has been a beautiful journey of writing about all kinds of things this last year! But I am sure blogs may look a little differently moving forward! Pray for us as we embrace on the path of Parenting! Thank you for following me on this journey of writing, walking by faith and just being adventurous! I appreciate you!

I am praying for you all that you would have a personal encounter with Jesus even as you read this! If it weren't for The Lord I have no idea where I would be. I wouldn't be able to survive one day without Him! So if you don't know Jesus, please get to know Him!

Until next time, I pray you have a blessed week!

Monuments & Altars

Monuments are meant to remind of us a time in history. At times, we walk by them not understanding their value until we learn The Who and Why of it all. Why did they build a monument and why is it important for us to understand this? I’ll tell you why, it’s because it was a pivotal time and because of that moment in history many things are forever changed. I think back to the Israelites where The Lord told them to build an altar to thank the Lord, or where he told them to build a monument to document a special moment.

As we get older, we forget the things we have been contending for. We tend to live life but how awesome is it to look back at a thing because we have built altars and monuments there.

I remember when I first moved into our townhouse right before getting married, I knelt to the grown and cried saying "Lord you knew all my life I wanted stability, and you gave me a home, and this place will be for people"! See, I had lived in over 13 difference places and only 27 years of age I felt so unstable and I prayed for a place I can stay in for years. Life happens to us all. I'm sure with all the things I had going on I could have cursed God. I could have felt abandoned by Him but I knew he wouldn't leave me without. At each season of my life a home, a place to sleep was provided for me, for that I am so grateful. Many people want cars and jewelry and just things. All I wanted was security and stability. Thank you Jesus he not only answered that prayer but He provided me with so much more.

dont forget the reason why your started

don’t forget the prayers prayed

don't forget the reason why you fasted in that trying season for breakthrough

don't forgot the desperation you had that made you pray that way

and when Jehovah Jireh answers you

worship Him

glorify Him

celebrate it

testify about it

document it

Lift your voice in thankfulness because Jesus did it for you! He moved on your behalf. It’s the heart of the Father! A father who wants to love on his children, a father who wants to be in relationship with His Sons and Daughters.

If you want to begin to build monuments and altars then

-begin to take records of things the Lord has done

-begin to set reminders of things are you such as verses, pictures , journal entries etc.

I tell people all the time it will be an encouraging thing to look back to what the Lord has brought you from in that time in your life. Don't forget where you came from. Don't ever stop being grateful. Plus, it will be a testimony to your children and their children. Generations after you will talk about the faithfulness of our God. HE IS FAITHFUL.

Just take a moment right now, think about a Sovereign God that allows us to petition something in prayer. The All-Knowing, Powerful and Loving God we serve wants to hear our hearts on things in life. And we get to have relationship with Him in prayer. He hears us and we get to hear Him!

What a privilege and an honor to know Jesus Christ <3.

If you don't know Him, get to Know HIM

PEACE

-SHANYSE NICOLE-

Feel free to comment below.... :-)