Some things they won't tell you about being a "CHRISTIAN"

I was led to make this post for the one person that "thought" everyday being a Christian would be all good. Now, before people get all deep, critical, and judgmental, I do understand that deciding to follow Christ is the absolute BEST decision one could ever make because its in him that we have the victory & new life, but if we can be honest about this thing (Christian walk), everyday isn't peachy! I can only speak for myself on this though and this post is not meant to discourage anyone for being a Christian but the truth is, God never said it would be easy but he did promise It would be WORTH IT! Let me tell you a little about myself first.....

 

There have been mannnnny days I've wanted to give up and call it quits. Yep, I know Jesus died a gruesome, painful, sinner's death on the cross though he was innocent. Yep, I know that Jesus is my help, my strength, and my redeemer, and yep, I know that aside from him I can do and am nothing. I totally understand that, but as a Christian there are going to be days you don't feel like praising God, you don't feel like reading your Bible, fasting, praying, helping others, and serving in ministry. There are going to be times when you just want to revert back to your old self and have an "I don't care attitude" when it comes to things and people. You're going to be hurt, you're going to feel pain, and you're going to get weary sometimes. There are also going to be times where you may question God and even doubt that he is in fact real and hearing all that "encouraging God talk" may even make you angry because you don't want to hear it. You may say, "Lady/Sir, you don't understand what I'm really going through so please give me 50ft"....or you may give folks who try to motivate you to continue going forward the "blank stare". Its easy to say BE ENCOURAGED, ALL IS WELL, PERK UP, etc. when everything is going good, but what about those times when all hell has broken loose? Its not so easy to cheer up & smile when everything seems to be crumbling.  I know ALL about it because I've BEEN there.

 

If you follow me on Facebook, you may deem me as an encourager, a motivator, a supporter, and a woman that is truly after God's own heart....at which I AM all of those things and more, but sometimes even the encourager needs encouraging. I can recall on numerous occasions where I would give an encouraging word to others to help them out of their situations but in turn could not take in those same words for my own life. I can even remember encouraging others while crying behind the computer screen because I was struggling and hurting so bad. And guess what? I'M A CHRISTIAN!!!!!

 

But the beauty behind it all is that God is STILL good! When you decide to live righteously just as Christ did, you have to shoulder your cross and keep it moving. You won't feel like smiling everyday and there will be days where you don't even want to get out of your bed, BUT you must move forward! Living for Jesus is one of the absolute best decisions you could ever make but it comes with a price. Knowing that fighting on this battlefield & enduring the struggles will bring eternal life in the end is SO SO SO worth it! God loves us so much and he understands that we get weary, tired, and discouraged, but he is always there to lift us up. You couldn't have made a better decision to follow God but just know that it won't be easy. Its not complicated, but its not exactly easy either. Again, this post isn't to scare off or discourage anyone from becoming a Christian because the rewards for doing so are absolutely amazing, but please understand that on this journey you will encounter tests & trials, tears & discouragement, anger & so many other emotions.....ALL for the Glory of God!!!!!

 

If you are that ONE person this post is for, then please do not give up. I know its rough, I know it gets hard, and I know you may feel being a Christian isn't worth it (trust me, I've been there), but you must hang in there and stay focused on the "bigger picture". Jesus died so that you may have LIFE and have it more abundantly. Yep, it may not have worked out according to how you would have liked but that doesn't mean God is ignoring you or purposely wants to send you through hell. He allows things to happen in our lives to prepare us for the next level and to build and strengthen our integrity, our faith, and our character. So before you decide to permanently turn back to your old self, just count the cost. When we are outside of the will of God, destruction awaits us and we can't afford to be destroyed. Living for Jesus is such a rewarding decision but one that we must understand as well.

 

God is soooo good and I thank him daily. Lord knows it gets rough sometimes but I'm reminded of his never ending love for me and that helps get me through my darkest days. I won't give up and I won't give in because its all a part of the journey and I now understand that suffering for Christ's sake now means that I'll reign with him later!!!! Hallelujah! All I want to hear in the end is WELL DONE!!!!!! BE ENCOURAGED guys!

 

~Nina

 



GRATITUDE JOURNAL: The "Turn Around"

Today, I'm grateful for the "TURN AROUND". I made a status earlier on FB stating this and I asked others what they were grateful for today. Some of the responses included Grace & Mercy, The Breath of Life & Forgiveness, Traveling Grace, etc. and I couldn't agree more with those that responded. Being grateful for the "TURN AROUND" simply means that I'm grateful for NEWNESS! God makes ALL things new. When something is turned around, then it means it heads in the opposite direction than which it originally was going. If you were low, now you've been raised! If you were broken, now you're put back together! Bills are paid! Debt erased! Families put back together! New job opportunities & promotions! Businesses opened! Acceptance into school! Addictions broken! Peace! Freedom!, etc. THAT'S what the turn around is all about and I'm soooo grateful for it!

 

 

What are you grateful for today?

 

~Nina

 

GUEST BLOGGER: Jewel Moore (Queen B')

 

 

QUEEN B'
" “Princesses grow up JUST to be me; I’m the woman with a plan…I AM the QUEEN B!” ~BeJeweled

Let’s start with something that I like to call the “cross-ed words” puzzle; somewhere, we may have gotten some words “crossed up” ...so let’s connect the words to their true meanings. I know, I know! If you are the “head b*tch,” you’ve already studied this…AND have taught it to those you’re training to be just like you. Let’s take a look anyway:

Words to know:

B*tch- the female of the dog; a lustful or wicked woman.

B*tch is also a word used by some women as a term of endearment to other women.

Endearment- means to flatter, compliment or show love to.

Woman- an adult female person.

Lady- an adult female person who is superior, gracious and well spoken.

Man-an adult male human.

Grown man- an adult male who has reached a level of development in his maturity.

Growing man- an adult male who has not YET reached a level of development in his maturity. (combining the words “growing” and “man”)

Dog- a domesticated canid, bred in MANY varieties.

I’ve been studying the whole “b*tch” factor (no pun intended) for a few weeks now, trying to figure out why and how so many women started describing themselves as “b*tches.” I’ve prayed about it as well. I know you expect me to tell you that you shouldn’t call yourself a “b*tch” because it’s not a “nice” word. I won’t be stating that today. I’m not here to judge your decision to do it as much as I’m here to expose some reasons why you do it. Now, I normally avoid the word “you” in my conversations, blogs and posts, if any of YOU have ever noticed; it’s a “social work” thing, I guess and that’s who I am, but today, I will have to use the word “you” a lot so please don’t be offended. I can’t relate to the word “b*tch” so I can’t say “we” however, I do understand some things that WE all go through that COULD lead us to changing our “names and identity.” I’ve had things to happen to me that COULD have taken my identity too; however, I can’t use the word “we” because I made a choice to remain “Jewel” even when everything in me wanted to be a b*tch WITH an attitude. Also, for those who refer to your friends or self as “b*tch,” let me also say that I come in love; my objective is to bring understanding. If you call yourself ANYTHING, you want to know why you’re giving yourself that name. My first thoughts, when I started working on this, were, “No woman, in their right mind, would ever want to be a “female dog.” I graduated from that thought and my second thought was, “Well, maybe these are women who have been hurt so many times by “men” that they labeled “men” to be dogs and in return have decided THEY’LL be the “man” and be a dog TOO! THEN, I said, “IF they want to be “the man,” WHY in the WORLD would they choose to be LIKE the one who hurt them?? Why not be the “good” man that they feel they deserved?” My final conclusion/revelation was all of the above and MORE. Everything about the word “b*tch” just screams “ANGRY.” That’s not the issue; we all get angry. The issue is we “swap” out the word “angry” with “bitter and too proud to admit that I’m hurt.” This is where the “b*tch” is birthed (no pun intended.) Here are a few reasons why a woman calls herself a b*tch:

• She is angry and refuses to let her anger get the “best of her” so she lets it get…” the REST of her.”
• She doesn’t feel loved or flattered: Women like to feel loved and they love to be flattered with compliments. However, if a woman is lacking in love for herself, because she doesn’t know how to love herself the right way, “b*tch” is a strong word that makes her feel powerful. B*tch is term with a negative meaning but woman use it as a term of “endearment.” She doesn’t know what is to be “endeared.” If a woman calls herself a b*tch, it makes her feel different, it flatters her and makes her feel as though she stands out from the rest. When a woman gets to the point where she feels unloved or disrespected by the opposite OR same sex, she might give herself the “title” of “b*tch;” if THIS is not enough and when she discovers that she’s not the only “b*tch,” she will add a title to that name; she might call herself the “HEAD B*tch.” The definition says that (female) dogs (b*tches) are produced in MANY varieties so once this is discovered by the woman who’s ACTING like a dog, she will attach the word “head” to “b*tch” to feel superior.
• Calling herself a “b*tch” makes a woman feel superior…NOT to other women but to MEN who they feel have hurt them. It’s a subliminal message for the MEN but she will often say it to other women as an intimidation tactic…ALL while hoping a man hears it and knows that she can do “it” better than him. She may announce that SHE is the “head B” in the presence of other woman to “mark” territory that she feels she can’t conquer unless she marks it. She’s tried marking it with “love” before and that didn’t work.
1. Some women simply call themselves b*tches to fit in; everyone else is doing it so she wants to do it too. This woman is weak and…she STILL doesn’t fit in because she’s not even a real “b*tch.” She doesn’t have her own identity.

Myths:
• The first myth is: “I am the HEAD B*tch!” This is false; no you are not. LOL! There are at least 1,000 others who’ve given themselves that name and crown of “thorns.” NOW that we know the definitions, saying, “I’m the head b*tch” is equivalent to saying, “I am the FIRST last!” That makes about as much sense as it looks.

• Myth: Being a “bitch” gets you respect! You don’t need love!” This is false…both parts of it. It won’t get you respect. It only gives you a “name” that you didn’t even work for. Nobody “crowned” you “Queen b*tch;” you just gave yourself that name. You do need love and only God can fill your void. You are in need of love and you DO want it. You’re just trying to love “yourself” and that’s hard to do without a GODLY revelation of who you are. The bible talks about a virtuous woman and says that her children will rise up and CALL her “blessed.” When you have any title, you either work for it or someone gives it to you…after noticing your works. If you are named a “b*tch” by your peers, it won’t be because they want to “endear” you.
• Myth: “If I call myself a “b*tch,” HE will know that I mean business and I don’t play!” This is false; if you call yourself a “b*tch,” he will k now that you are just what the definition says: a loud, wicked woman. You don’t mean business and you DO play. “Serious” people don’t live in “fantasy” world. Calling yourself the “Queen B” is a fantasy; if you choose to be a b*tch, adding the word “queen” to it is just an illusion to make you feel superior to other women who also call themselves b*tches. Some men will go for the b*tch type (I am not calling you a b*tch…just using YOUR words). If he goes for that type of “thing,” you all may get along just fine until he decides he wants the “REAL QUEEN B.” We’ll discover who “she” is later. He might also stay around if he senses that you are not really a b*tch but you’ve just been hurt and he thinks he can heal you.

• Myth: B*tch gives you the UPPER hand on men who don’t treat women right. This is false. B*tch is not the “female version” of a “growing man.” Now, a “growing man” is what you may refer to as a “dog.” MEN are NOT dogs; there are “growing men” and there are “grown men,” (something about the words “grown” and “man” together just make me SMILE! I digress…)” If you CHOOSE a man before he’s fully grown, he’s a growing man...NOT a dog and NOT a boy. In order to have the “upper hand” on him or get back at him for hurting you, you would have to be a “lady…” this is hard for a b*tch to do (no pun intended.) It’s impossible to be a “lady” and a “b*tch at the same time. #ladyandthetramp. Being a “b*tich” is YOUR label and it only says to the world, “I am a “growing woman” who couldn’t handle being hurt so I changed my whole identity.

• Myth: Attaching the word “queen” to b*tch means I’m the head. This is false. This is a “fairy tale” that you’ve created. A Queen is all BUT a “b*tch.” The word “B*tch” itself SUBMITS and bows down to the word “Queen.” You can’t be both. If you want to be a “b*tch” it’s an illusion to attach the word “queen” to it.

• Last but not least…the biggest myth is: “I am a b*tch.” This is false; you are not a b*tch. It’s easier to give yourself a name versus spending time with God to discover who you really are and FORGIVNG the one (s) who has hurt you. Every time you call yourself a b*tch, you are being a liar and a coward. When you call yourself a b*tch, the REAL “QUEEN B’s” KNOW that you are really a scared “growing woman” who’s afraid to be a lady.

So, what do we do with all of this? This is not a “stop the b*tching” blog; this blog is about an identity crisis that has gone on for so long, society doesn’t know where to start. Let’s go back to the beginning but we’ll end there because that’s all we need to know: who are we, women? Any female is a “women” but not every female is a “lady.” The bible takes it a step further. It says in Proverbs 31 that the “Queen B” is a virtuous woman. Who is the REAL Queen B? The real Queen B is called “QUEEN BEAUTIFUL.” The bible says that a virtuous woman is costly and her husband can trust her with his heart. It says that she knows that her “merchandise” is good (my favorite part of that text) and when she opens her mouth, wisdom comes out and her tongue is the LAW of kindness. This is important because its saying not only is she wise but she is the WAY of wisdom. THEN, it says, MANY women have been virtuous but her virtuosity exceeds them ALL; this speaks about her confidence in herself. LADIES don’t have to give themselves titles. Those who meet them already know who they are; she confirms it when she speaks.
So, now we know who the REAL “QUEEN B’S” are but we’re not “b*tches!” The ONLY “Queen B’s are those who KNOW that they are beautiful. From one “Queen Beautiful” to the NEXT, know who you are. If you STILL choose to call yourself a “b*tch,” at least you know, now what you’re calling yourself. Knowledge is power so please know that you may still call yourself a b*tch but you will think twice about it. At least that’s a start.

Until we eat again… " -Jewel Moore

 

CHECK OUT JEWEL'S PAGE ON FACEBOOK HERE

 

Please share this with every woman you know! This is TOO good to keep silent. Thanks again, Jewel!!!! ~Nina

FOR MORE GOOD READS, CHECK OUT THE REST OF THE GUEST BLOGGERS HERE!!!

WANT TO BE A GUEST BLOGGER? NO PROBLEM, JUST LET ME KNOW!

Just JESUS

Sometimes no words are needed because calling on the name of

 

is enough. His name holds absolutely EVERYTHING we need. Whenever you don't know what to do, what to say, which direction to turn in, or where you should go, just call on the mighty name of Jesus and wait on him to come through. Sometimes its a simple as that.

THERE IS POWER IN THAT NAME!!!!

 



JUST GET STARTED! (Are YOU down?)

EARLIER TODAY:
So, on my quest towards becoming financially free and healthy, I am controlling my spending, paying OFF my credit cards (read my blog post from earlier about it HERE), AND getting SOME form of exercise in. Honestly speaking guys, there is no excuse why "we" shouldn't be FREE all around- financially, mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I just walked around my office complex and talked to God for the $FREE.99....lol! No gym, no trainer, no exercise DVD, nada. God even gave me something while i was walking that may help those who struggle with "just getting started" like I did at which I will share soon. LETS GET IT FAM!!!! #prayforme #striving #healthierlifestyle #freedom #enjoyingme




THIS JUST IN:
Well, here you have it! This is what I have named the 1,2,3,4 Exercise Plan, better known as JUST GET STARTED! Its kind of funny to me that "I" would post something like this, lol, but our plans are certainly not God's, huh? Lol! Anywho, doing something is better than doing nothing! This is for those, like me, that may struggle a bit with just getting started. Sure, there are thousands of plans like this & some people may even laugh at the "simplicity" of the plan, nevertheless, this could possibly help at least ONE person get the boost they need towards a healthier lifestyle!

If you will be joining me, comment here, send me a FB message (Shenina Brown), or email me at sheninabrown@yahoo.com for support! As always, make sure you choose healthier food options (instead of a large fry, be content with a small, etc.) and drink at least 1-4 more bottles/cups of water & eat 1-4 more pieces of fruit/veggies daily than you normally would. Getting started is the hard part but when we realize just how valuable our life is and how worthy we really ARE, we will be motivated to strive towards excellence in EVERY area!

*DISCLAIMER: I am not a licensed Physician, Doctor, or Therapist, therefore, exercise and consume food at your own risk! This was something that the Lord gave "ME" and I wanted to share it with hopes of helping someone else. Please be sure to give your body a day or two to rest each week. This is simply one, of many ways to JUST GET STARTED!* :-) ~Nina #exercise #simple #healthy #life #God #prayerchangesthings #speaklife #exerciseplan #moveyourbody #justgetstarted #youcandoit #encouragement

Step awayyyyyy from the credit cards!

Okay, okay....the title of this post has me tickled, but its the truth. So, without going into major details, I have a bit of credit card debt, YES, credit card debt! Though I only have 2 major cards & 1 department store card, they are still not paid off in full and because of that, I am currently paying on them monthly. Anytime you owe someone, regardless of what it is, then you are technically in debt because you have not totally paid off your balance with them (and lets not even talk about student loans....ugh, lol, but even those WILL be paid OFF in due season :-) ) but okay, back to the post.....

 

 

Sometimes I want to just bop myself upside the head for even getting a credit card in the first place. Even after they told us NOT to get swindled in after high school, I still took it upon myself to apply and of course, I was approved, lol. Now, I've had a line of credit open for years now and though I was very cautious of my spending in the beginning, I got carried away at some point during my time of being a credit card holder which is causing me to pay more back now. As the saying goes, you can't cry over spilled milk and that is true so......I'm doing the RIGHT thing by not ignoring my creditors and paying these darned bills (takes a deeeep, heavy sigh).

 

 

Word from the wise.....do not go out and make bills for yourself that you can't responsibly handle or ones you know you can't pay back in full within a month's time. While having a credit card isn't a bad thing, if you're not careful, it can cause more harm than good down the road. Because I desire to be debt free and not carry any additional financial struggles into my future marriage, it is imperative that as a single person I do everything in my power to resolve my financial issues NOW. Its not fair to my future husband to help me pay bills that "I" irresponsibly accumulated. So ladies & gents, pay those bills off! Don't ignore the creditors when they call. Even if its not alot, just let them know you may be experiencing difficulty paying and make sure that you pay something even if its just $20. We can't believe God to work a miracle and work out our debt if we aren't willing to at least try and do the same.

 

Instead of trying to keep up with the latest fashions, buy the newest pair of heels, and indulge in a lifestyle you can't afford, BUY WITHIN YOUR MEANS. Everything that you CAN buy shouldn't be bought, especially if you're trying to become financially free. Its so not cute to be fabulous on the outside but straight up struggling on the inside- struggling to pay your rent, car note, baby's day care, you don't have food in your house, etc.....but you' cute though???? Um, no maam, Pam! NOT!

 

 Start saving more, sacrifice going out, sacrifice eating out, and try to find a side job (hustle, lol) where you can legally earn additional income to help you. Every little bit counts. I'm still getting better and though I despise the thought of some of the situations I've allowed myself to get in financially, I still feel awesome and am extremely grateful that I'm in a position where I'm ABLE to pay off my debts and build my credit score. Even before I get the husband, "I" want to be able to get a nice house, a nice car, and nice things (at which I will get) ON MY OWN!!!!

 

So I'm on a mission to become DEBT FREE and plan to pay off at least one, if not more, of my credit cards this year. I truly count it all as lessons learned and I know that one of the greatest feelings ever is to experience financial PEACE. If you get the urge to apply for credit cards & you know you won't be able to pay them 100%, then I would advise you to step awayyyyyyyy and go exercise that urge off..................or something, lol!!!!!!

 

~Nina

VIDEO POST: Indescribable!

I believe its safe to say that this video explains exactly how I feel right now. Kierra Sheard is a BEAST & her worship is so pure......I love it! Words can't describe just how amazing God is as he is indescribable!!!! Take a look at this video and allow it to bless you today wherever you are in your walk. Praise him!

 



Are you/they an IDOL?

Ladies & Gents, if the man or woman you're dating loves you more than God, then they've made YOU their idol. No man or woman should EVER take the place of God, no matter how good they are to you, no matter what they do for you, and no matter how great of a person they are, including you! Because we get so caught up in the beauty of relationships and for the sake of someone finally treating us like we feel we deserve to be treated, we tend to settle juuuust a little. If he/she would rather lay up & cuddle with you instead of giving God some time, then there is a problem. If they would rather keep you away from rather than bring you TO God, then there is a problem. If they make decisions concerning you without seeking God first, then there may potentially be a problem. I'm not saying this to discredit or discourage anyone, but I simply want you to re-evaluate the relationships you're in and do a heart check.

 

 

No man or woman could EVER do for you what God has done, is doing, and will do, therefore, God should be #1 in your life! If you find yourself drifting away from God and moreso to the person you're in a relationship with, then that means God is no longer your first priority. If making them happy and keeping them satisfied causes you to neglect the things of God, then God is no longer your first priority. If you're spending more time with them than with God and you're finding yourself drifting away from ministry and responsibilities concerning your church, Pastor, etc., then again, God is no longer your first priority! The same goes with t.v., your computer, iPad, phone, etc. If we spend more time on those things rather than in the face of God, then they have become our idols and God is not pleased with that.......and that's real talk! No matter how we may try to dress it up or justify our actions, if God is not at the HEAD of our lives or relationships/marriages, it will not work. I am so guilty of putting things and people before God, but even so he still keeps me in the midst of my sin. Its not an excuse, but we must do better concerning the one person that will never leave nor forsake us. Thank you Jesus!

 

Be reminded of the 1st of the 10 Commandments:

 

YOU SHALL HAVE NO OTHER (g)ODS BEFORE ME! (Exodus 20:3)

 

"gods" are anything you give more attention to than God. While that man/woman may be in church, love God, want the best for you, etc., if he/she isn't pushing you TOWARDS God, then they're pushing you away from him. If he/she loves YOU more than God, then it won't work. God is the solid and firm foundation. Anything, including relationships, that are not built on a firm foundation will eventually collapse and fall. So brothers and sisters, make sure that you are in covenant relationships with the people that GOD has sent to be in your life. The right man/woman will tell you NO concerning them but YES concerning anything that will continue to uplift the name of Jesus! Amen.

 

~Nina

 



Can you handle it?

 

When life gets hard, when you're facing trials and tribulations of all sorts, and when it just seems as if there are no brighter days ahead, what do you do? Do you run away from the issues, do you stay and face them, or do you TRUST God to see you through it all? I must be honest, I've been through some things within the last year that I thought I'd never get out of. At one point and time, I almost stopped trusting God and started to lean more on my own understanding instead of his. Through it all, he kept me and never left my side and I thank him for it.

 

God never promised us that life would be easy, but he did tell us he'd be with us EVERY step of the way. "The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged" (Deuteronomy 31:8)

 

If life was absolutely "peachy" all of the time, then there wouldn't be a need for God. Trials come to make us stronger. If we never went through the storm, we wouldn't be able to appreciate the rainbow. So the answer to the blog post's title is.....YES, I CAN HANDLE IT! You CAN handle it because GOD IS FOR YOU! You CAN handle it because GOD IS WITH YOU! You CAN handle it because you ARE A CHILD OF GOD! He will always see to it that you are taken care of!!!

 

We must start putting our complete and total trust in God, believing that he has us in palm of his hand. Sis/bro, whatever you're facing, whatever you're struggling with, and whatever you're about to give up on, please know that YOU CAN HANDLE IT! You are strong enough. Yep, it hurts, its frustrating, and it you feel as if you can't go another step, but I dare you to seek God's help because he is waiting to do just that and intervene as he desires to. You must go through the process to get to the promise! You are not exempt from experiencing difficulties, but the great & peaceful part about it all is that God has your back 100% and he will be sure you don't fall. You may get weary along the way, become discouraged, weak, and even fearful, but God says FEAR NOT for he is with us ALWAYS!

 

Below are two scriptures that have helped me lately and I pray that they will bless you now wherever you are in your life right now. God loves you and so do I. TRUST HIM and DEPEND ON HIM!!!! He is able and he has already worked it out. YOU CAN HANDLE IT!

 

RECITE THESE SCRIPTURES OUT LOUD AND/OR WRITE THEM DOWN AND POST THEM SOMEWHERE YOU CAN SEE THEM EVERYDAY:

 

"(insert your name), cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you! He will never let the righteous fall." (Psalm 55:22)

 

"(insert your name), wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, (insert your name), wait patiently for the Lord." (Psalm 27:14)

 

If God allowed it, then there is PURPOSE behind it. Accept what he allows and understand that his ways are perfect. BE ENCOURAGED!

 

~Nina

 



GIRL, where have you been?????

Wow, I have not blogged since OCTOBER 2012, lol! So much has gone on between then and now that it will take multiple posts to get all of my readers/followers caught up. Anywho, HELLOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO everyone!!!!! How have you guys been? I've been great, I'm still here and still standing. God has been awesome to me of course and I've grown so much since the last time I've posted anything. At one point and time, I honestly lost the motivation to keep blogging. Nothing drastic happened, I think I just focused my attention more on school, myself, God, and the SHE |in| ME (Encouragement for Women) page on FB at which I still have and am active on. I've received so much confirmation this week alone to get back in the blogging business, so I'm here to stay for now. Well, I'm baaaaaaack and I'm not exactly sure how much I'll be posting whether its everyday, a few times a week, or just once a week, however, your support is STILL welcomed and appreciated. I pray to get caught up on all of your blog posts as well!!! Drop me a line or two and let me know how you've been doing, okay? Can' wait to hear from you!

 

STAY TUNED FOR MORE!!!!!!

 

~Nina

 

So ~FUNKY FAB~!

Heyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy guys!!!! I so miss blogging, but I'm slowly getting back into the swing of things. I've been extremely busy with work, school, ministry, and...............(well, I'll save it for another post...hehehe!). I've also been sick as well, so I'm all over the place right now. Nevertheless, I haven't been just THAT busy to where I can't pick any amazing nail colors out like the ones pictured, lol. Aren't they just so funky fab???? I walked into the store and my eyes were immediately drawn to the bold, bright colors and I had to have them! I can't wait to rock these colors. I'm thinking one color on each nail with black as the 5th color. Hmmmmm, what do you think? Stay tuned for more posts!!!!! ~Nina

CHECK OUT MY OTHER NAIL POSTS --HERE--

HAPPY "belated" BIRTHDAY TO ME! (My birthday wish)

Well, though my 28th birthday was October 3rd, I am still in CELEBRATION mode, lol!!!! I praise & thank God for 28 wonderful years of life & I pray & speak LIFE over & into me that I will be blessed to see many, many, many more! There are soooo many that did not live to see 28, and if they did they spent it in a hospital, receiving devestating news, in bad conditions, etc., BUT God allowed me to spend mine with my loved ones and receive blessings of love, support, appreciation and more......so I am EXTREMELY thankful for it all! Some of my birthday goodies include a pair of clear nerd glasses (yes, lol..I know but they are too darn cute. I've been wanting them for the longest!), a nice blazer coat from my oldest sis (sooo cute), a sterling silver bracelet & earring set from my mom & dad (they are sho' ssshhhrrrreeeeet, lol), a family pizza party at Pizza Hut (Lol!), a scrumptious ice cream birthday cake, and a host of emails, calls, texts, inbox messages, and more! The absolute BEST gift I received was an iPad guys! Yaaaassssss, and iPad, lol! I know I may be a tad bit late on em', but better late than never, lol! I can't put it down because I love it so much...hahaha! I'm soo appreciative of everything with the most important thing being LIFE!

My birthday wish this year is to continue walking in my purpose on purpose to help others find their purpose on purpose!!!! Walking in my purpose will not only benefit me, but it will please God and benefit others as well. So I am very excited about what God has in store for not only me, but for YOU (yes YOU) as well, lol!!!!! Life is so worth living! We must take the good with the bad & turn it around to work out in our favor for God's glory!!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!

LOL!!! I'm a sassy 28 huh???? LOL!!! ;-)

I've been FEATURED! :-)

Many of you have heard me talk about one of my favorite blogs, Chronicles of a Future Wife, before and I absolutely love it! I've been blessed with the opportunity in 2010 to be featured as a "Future Wife" and now my page on Facebook, The SHE |in| ME (Encouragement for Women), has been featured as well :-) I am so grateful for this opportunity & pray that God blesses me with increase as HE sees fit! If you haven't joined my page yet, go ahead! Also, check out Chronicles of a Future Wife as well. Audrey is amazing & I thank God for allowing me the opportunity to know such a wonderful person as her.

CHECK OUT THE FEATURE HERE!!!!!!

In ALL things, BE GRATEFUL!

~Nina

"GROW"ing pains.....

Have you ever wished you could crawl back into your mother's stomach? Lol! Well I know I do because sometimes it feels as if this life we are living is strictly for the birds! I haven't blogged much lately because I've been super busy, and that busyness comes strictly from "growth". What do you mean by "growth", Nina? Well I'm glad you asked......

Recently, I found myself being very complacent. I enjoyed where I was and became very comfortable doing what I was doing, thinking how I was thinking, and more....UNTIL.....God told me it was time to "GROW" some more! OUCH....is the only thing I could think of because I felt as if I wasn't ready or at least I needed a little more time to stay where I was. But the thing about God is that when he says its time to move, then its REALLY time to MOVE, so I was obedient.

Because I was obedient, I became very uncomfortable because I had to step outside of my "box". I had to do alot of things that I only dreamed of doing, be around people who I thought I'd never be around, and go places I never thought I'd go to (all in good taste though, lol). Within the blinking of an eye, things changed for me and I didn't have time to do the things I "used" to do.

In life, change is a GOOD thing, especially if you're doing so to better yourself & your surroundings. In order to be more productive, serve others, give more, learn more, etc., you have to GROW to that point. While you're growing, you may lose friends, you may risk being uncomfortable, you may be tired, weary, worn out, and more....BUT.....it is so worth it!

Sometimes I do so much to the point I become overwhelmed. Its like the last month or so of my life has completely changed for the better, but at the same time I found myself in a storm at which I've never experienced before. That storm truly humbled me and I know that God allowed me to be in it for a reason.God wants to take us all higher, and in order to do that we must experience some GROWING PAINS. While it may not necessarily feel good, at the end of the day, the pain we will endure is actually FOR OUR GOOD!

One thing I'm always reminded of is that GOD NEVER WASTES PAIN! In order to get to the promise, you must go through the process......and that's exactly what I'm doing. I know that it is/was nobody but God who has kept me through it all! Some days I almost want to pinch myself because it feels so surreal, lol. I have to go through what I'm going through in order to advance to the next level. In this season of my life, I want to learn what God is teaching me so that I may be productive and live according to how he wants me to live!

GOD IS WORKING IT OUT FOR MY GOOD! THROUGH IT ALL, I.......SMILE!

So the next time God tells you to GO....then GO! Sometimes you have to GO to GROW and while you're growing, it may be a bit painful.....BUT....never give up because there is purpose in that pain! I thank God for what he's done, what he's doing, and what he's about to do!!!!! ALL IS WELL guys, I'm still here & doing fabulous! More updates, pictures, etc. to come! I love you all & thanks for keeping it locked right here :-)

What a SUCCESSFUL Finale!!! (Testimonies/Reviews)

Here's the FINALE to the "DO YOU" Encouragement Power Call series with The She |in| Me Encouragement for Women page on Facebook!!!! Thank you to those that have tuned in for the last past 3 weeks to hear about what it means to DO YOU fabulously.....without the fluff! This was a HUGE deal for me because I was fearful of stepping out on faith. Yes, even "I" was fearful. I didn't know if people would be interested in what I had to say. I didn't know if I would receive any support. I didn't know if I was actually helping someone, among so many other things. Well, stepping out on God's promises could not have been a better choice for me! He delivered, as promised, and more than one person was helped. Alllll Glory belongs to HIM and HIM only! I am in tears right now because I'm GRATEFUL!!!! The love & support that was shown is absolutely amazing and I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world! So I am honored to have been given the opportunity and only pray that more doors will be opened not only for me, but for YOU as well in Jesus' name :-) More is to come so stay tuned!!!! Here is the last power call along with some testimonies/reviews. Be sure to check out the first two as well!

1ST POWER CALL

2ND POWER CALL

TESTIMONIES/REVIEWS

Ok so I just finished listening to the conference call and I was soooo encouraged!! God is truly using ms brown!! I have never listened to a call like this, where u have codes and passwords and stuff lol--- all official and professional and stuff roflol but I thoroughly enjoyed myself! I have my 2 homework questions and I'm getting started now!! May God open doors for this ministry that no man can shut, and bolt closed EVERY door the enemy is trying to open!!! He has no authority here, in Jesus' name!! This ministry WILL flourish and lives WILL be changed!! Thank you my sister for your obedience to Christ, as you endeavor to change and empower lives through the strength of the Almighty God!! Love u Nina-Bina!!! 

 

Wow! I must say that this POWER CALL has really got me thinking!! I will definitely be doings soulwork in finding who I am, and what I'm purposes to do. I'm do eager to here the next POWER CALL! You rock Nina BOO! You're destined for greatness(literally)... You're soooo amazing. I wish I had your mindset, but in my own way...LOL! I'm so delighted to have you in my personal corner! Don't DIM DOWN for NO ONE! I love you! 

 

Loved tonight's session!! I will be tuning in next week if it's God's will!!

 

Just finished listen to the power call and I am so glad I did. I guess the devil did not want me to listen to this call b/c I had a time getting through but I was determined so he didn't succeed. can't wait still the next one thanks Shenina for all your encouraging and motivating words. let God continue to use you 

 

Baby baby baby!!! That's all I can say!! And for those who missed the 3rd power call for this topic-- they really missed a treat!!!! CHECK IT OUT LADIES!!!! Lol #anointedword

 

Awesome! You never cease to amaze me! I have a new outlook on what it is that I need to do for myself.

 

 woo hooo :-) I'm actually pondering the homework questions. This will be good for me to do over the weekend. But, thank you Shenina for allowing the Lord to use you.

 

 I really enjoyed the call and because of the call I am really digging deeper as to who I am and why I am not doing me...and when I start doing me, those that don't like it can " KICK ROCKS WITH OPEN TOE SHOES ON" Lmbo...Nina you really had me rolling tonight...keep up the good work hun because you are really inspiring me and helping me to open my mind to new heights

 

 Just listened to a very powerful online call with hostess Shenina Brown, the young lady behind The SHE |in| ME (Encouragement for Women). The subject was "Doing You: The Interrogative to Your Prerogative." She gave some very helpful tips on why we aren't doing us (i.e. doing what God has called us to do, fulfilling our dreams, etc...). She also spoke about why we should do us. What I like the most is that she gives assignments that allows you to apply the topic. Ladies, if you need encouragement and something to uplift you, 'like' her page. If you want to hear tonight's call, go to her page for the info. God bless you, Shenina. Let the Lord continue to use you.

 

 Girl, where did you come from??!! Your 2nd power call is going HARD! Amazing. Authentic. Brilliant. 

 

 Wonderful, Wonderful job tonight. We will definitely be dialing in again when the next conference call comes around. We respect your movement and will continue to support you on this journey. We are proud of ya. YO!!!

 

 

 

 

 

....ANOTHER success! (THANK YOU JESUS!)

My second POWER CALL with The SHE |in| ME (Encouragement for Women) was yet another SUCCESS and nobody did this, BUT GOD!! Again, thank you to each & every person that called in, left feedback through reviews, testimonials, etc., and shared the call details and/or the Facebook page with other women. I am so thankful for it all and pray that God continues to have HIS HAND on the doors he's opening not only for me, but for you as well! Yep, I was fearful of even starting the calls, but now I realize that its one of the BEST decisions I could have ever made for myself. I had to understand that my future lies in my OBEDIENCE and through my obedience lies freedom! Hallelujah! GO GET YOURS & let no one or nothing stop you!!!! More to come on this later.....

Check out PART TWO of the "DO YOU: Unleashing the Interrogatives about Your Prerogative"

  Power Call Encouragement Series

Click HERE for details on the 1st Call!

Let me know what you think!!!!

Ice, Ice, PURPLE! (Lol!)

Gosh, these title names give me life sometimes, lol!!! Anywho, here are my latest nail creations. I didn't get to take a pic of my nails prior to these (bummer) but they were neon orange with my ring finger nail on both hands painted with specks of blue, red, & gold glitter....very simple & cute! These pics are simple as well. I just needed something quick but cute for church Sunday, so here is the final verdict. Just a simple ice purple (don't really know how to explain the color, lol!) with a simple black striped design.

Check out my other nail designs HERE

PEACE!!!!!

DR. SHENINA BROWN is still in FULL effect! (My granny spoke that into my life!)

This has been one of the most trying quarters for me to date in my doctorate program, but by the Grace of God, I can proudly say that I've received an "A" out of my class!!! Hallelujahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!! It has been something serious guys, and while I don't talk about my education much, please know that ya' girl has been "gettin' it in". From managing my businesses, to school, to ministry, to my personal life.....I've been pooped lately. But I wouldn't trade it for nothing in the world! I've even been a bit down these last past 12 weeks because I was told I have almost exhausted all of my funding for school.....BUT GOD has the last & final say! So I've had to encourage myself to keep going even when the odds look stacked against me. I am so grateful to God for the opportunity and I don't take it lightly. I want to leave a legacy for my future children and their children, and their children's children to have. Sometimes I feel as if I'm not doing enough or pushing myself hard enough until I sit down and think about how many things I've accomplished in my 27 years of life. I get teary eyed just looking back over the last 3 or 4 years. I knew I was always destined for greatness, but to think that I am now entering my second year in my doctoral program blows my mind and nobody did this, BUT GOD! To HIM be allll the Glory!!!

My paternal grandmother, Katie "Bell Star" Brown passed away when I was a little girl, so I vaguely remember her and the things we used to do. I do remember sitting out on the porch with my grandmother in the mornings, sipping on her coffee (lol!)....and I remember her allowing me to eat the freshly rained on dirt outside (at which I STILL have a craving for to this day, lol!) though....but most of all, I remember what she told my mother. She told her that I would be a fast developer physically (CHECK mate, lol!) and that I was going to REALLY BE SOMEBODY ONE DAY! Ever since my mom told me that it has stuck with me during my accomplishments as well as my failures. I thank her for what she spoke into my life at an early age because I am making it happen all in the name of Jesus right now, even as I type this!

So please be ENCOURAGED to keep going out for your dreams ladies & gents. I know some of the situations that you're in right now may not necessarily make it easy for you to accomplish your goals, but PLEASE do not give up on them nor yourself!!!! God desires that we be great, shoot we are children of a KING therefore we are his royal heirs. Just because you have children, have to work 2 or 3 jobs, are a single mother/father, on government assistance, have lack of funds, lack of support, etc. doesn't mean you have to settle! Do what you can, while you can and make no excuses!!!! You may have to work a bit harder, but the rewards will be worth it!!!

I speak the same words of life into you that my grandmother spoke into me..... YOU ARE REALLY GOING TO BE SOMEBODY GREAT ONE DAY! You're awesome now, but the more you trust God & depend on him, the more of who you are destined to be will unfold! I love you all. Pray for me as I pray for you. Until the next quarter.......*Whew, wipes forehead*, lol!!!! ~Nina

God has no respect of persons! If he did it for ME, he'll do it for YOU (and vice versa)! I am NOTHING without HIM! Thank you Jesus!!!!

Saturday night dinner.......ALONE

.........but that's okay because it won't always be this way! I was just up cooking a late dinner while listening to Pandora and doing my nails/toes just thinking about my singleness and thanking God the whole time. I've had mannnnnny nights like this, but I was just reminded tonight in particular that spending my Saturday nights alone won't always be this way. In due time, God will send the man that is worthy enough to occupy my time into my life. While I could sit around and be depressed about being single, instead I just thank God that he's taking his time to mold me, first and foremost, and MY man into who he needs us to be for each other!

If you're reading this and you've found yourself complaining about being single, I encourage you to think twice. Being single is actually a BLESSING because you still have time to get yourself together, and if you're "already together", then be patient because he/she is on the way! Don't go out searching (ladies) and men, continue seeking God to send you in the direction of your future wife.

Until then, I'll continue to eat my dinner alone and ENJOY it! Heck, at least I only have to cook for ONE person right now (me) because I just have a feeling my future hubby is going to have a hearty appetite.....lmbo!!! Be blessed ladies & gents! God is working it out :-) ~Nina

TO MY SISTERS IN CHRIST:

Dear Sister,

I don't know any other way to tell you this, so I'll do my best to convey the message. Sister, I am not your enemy. Though society may try to play us against each other and have us believing that the other is jealous and/or in competition among so many other things, please disregard. I want whats best for you. I want to see you joyful, happy, prosperous, and in good health! I w

ant to see you open businesses, climb the ladder of success, and excel marvelously in all that you do. I want you to accomplish all of your goals and be the most amazing person you were destined to be & the most fabulous person I know that you are. I don't hate or dislike you regardless of what you may think or what people may tell you.

Contrary to popular belief, I don't want to see you fall. Though I may not say it, I actually think you're beautiful, intelligent, smart, funny, and very charismatic. The way you carry yourself exudes confidence, at which I admire greatly. I love your sense of style and the way you strut in those heels is fascinating to me girl, lol. Can you teach me how to walk in 'em? I am so proud of who you're becoming! I appreciate what you do, how you do it, and how you hold yourself together in times of difficulty. Folding under pressure is not you, and I thank you for showing me how to endure life's storms as God sees fit.

Sister, I love you. I'm not sure how, where, or when you began feeling as if I was your enemy, but I want you to know that I am far from it. When you are lifted higher, then I am too and because I want you to continue blossoming into the beautiful flower that you are, all you have to do is let me know how I can help you. They want to see us beef. They want to hear us argue, gossip, and roll our eyes at one another. They want to hear us call each other out of our names and sleep with each others mate. They want us to see who's "da' baddest" instead of speaking life into one another. Instead of us working together, they want us to crawl on top of each other and that my sister is not going to happen.

Before I go I want you to know that God loves you and so do I. When you hurt, I hurt so I don't take pleasure in kicking you when you're down. Can't you see that I truly care, or have "they" clouded your mind with assumptions of me before you even got the chance to really know & understand who I was? Why can't we be amazing together? Why can't you be happy for me just as I am for you and vice versa? I just had to tell you that you're such a joy & that God has much more in store for you. I can't wait to see you progress further in life because I know you will be a blessing to many. I didn't know how to tell you this in person because they were around you and in your ear, once again filling your mind with junk. I don't want to fight you, I just want to congratulate you. If you didn't hear/read anything I said, please just know that I am not your enemy. I am simply your sister.

Sincerely,
(insert YOUR name here)

By: Shenina Brown, inspired by the Holy Spirit