Going to the Chapel!

May 18th, 2012 by Shakirah Holley

It’s that time of year again–wedding season!

While brides across the country are frantically and almost obsessively pulling together looks for their big day (peplum, tulle and diamonds–oh my!), we attendees have quite a challenge ahead of us. It is our duty, dear patrons, to be polished and well dressed, yet careful not to overshadow the bride-to-be. This means no white unless requested by the bride and groom.

Being a twenty-something has it’s challenges. Dressing appropriately is one of them. One of the biggest fashion gaffs made by Generation-Y wedding guests is that they often don’t dress appropriate to the time of day and venue for the nuptials. A wedding after 5 p.m. often calls for anything from cocktail attire to semi-formal, while a midday wedding in an outdoor venue requires a light day dress. There once was a time when I saw a wedding guest donning jeans; as in denim, to a wedding.

Two weekends ago, while shopping, I saw a gentleman my age  shopping for a wedding. He didn’t have a clue where to start. The sales associate, who was slightly younger, was steering him in the wrong direction. She didn’t ask the right questions: what time is the wedding, indoor or outdoor, venue and so forth. As such, I offered my opinion and was able to help him find an appropriate outfit for the fete. It goes without saying that weddings are about so much more than what the guest wear. It is about the union of a man and woman joining together under the eyes of God. But, I think one way to honor the special occasion is to be appropriately dressed. Here are styling ideas for wedding season:

Midday outdoor wedding: Destination beach wedding:

After 5 p.m. cocktail wedding:

About Shakirah Holley

Public Relations Account Executive, professional storyteller and lover of exclamation points! For more blogs on styling tips and where to shop, please visit www.styleatelierblog.com.

Website/Blog: www.styleatelierblog.com

Twitter:  @StyleAtelier

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Bieber Fever: What I Learned from “Never Say Never”

May 17th, 2012 by Danielle Ellis

So I took my girls Sarah and Jessica to see the documentary “Never Say Never” about the life and quick rise to fame of Justin Bieber.  The audience was filled with other parents of girls ranging in age from 5 up to about 16.  All of them screaming, crying, and yelling at one point or another during the film.  While taking them to the movie was the obligatory thing for a hip mom to do, I have to say it was quite entertaining as well since he is unarguably a very gifted artist.

Most importantly, I gleaned some wonderful nuggets from this young man’s life:

1.  A parent must support their child’s dreams.  Justin’s mom was a teenager when she conceived him and though she had supportive parents the father did not seem to be a big part of his childhood.  She did not let those circumstances stop her from providing a stable home life for her son or from encouraging the budding musical talent that he exhibited even though she did not really know far he could go.  She purchased instruments for him and exposed him to musicians.  She believed in her son.  Now she has a sixteen year-old who can play at least three instruments, who sells out every venue he is booked in, has a #1 movie in theaters, and playing the in celebrity game at the NBA All-Star week-end.

2.  Stay true to who you are and you will always win.  Justin received many “nos” before he eventually was signed to a record deal because the executives did not believe that there was an audience for his style.  Additionally, they didn’t think he could make it without going through some Disney or Nick vehicle.  All I can say is Usher and L.A. Reid are laughing all the way to bank because of the opportunity that they have been given to guide this young man onto the world stage.

 3.  Set your goals higher than high and speak them into existence.  Justin went to see Taylor Swift in a sold out show at Madison Square Garden and told his manager that he would sell a show out there in one year.  He toured all over America building up the moment in Madison Square Garden almost exactly one year from the day he spoke it (the tickets were sold out within 22 minutes of going on sale).  He is the first person to sell out that arena within 18 months of being discovered.

4.  While you are believing and speaking you must be working.  The bible clearly states that faith without works is dead.  This young man has literally become an overnight household name and he works HARD everyday.  He made in-person appearances in almost every Pop radio station in America to promote his album (singing live every time even in the the early morning hours).  He works with a vocal coach to assist him in understanding how to preserve his voice for long run.

5.  Practicing humility opens the door to your destiny and keeps you there.  In James 4:10 says humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord and He will lift you up. Throughout the movie we witness Justin praying and expressing gratitude for the unique success that he is experiencing.  He and his staff also reserve tickets to give away to those who may not be able to afford to see the show.  The people that he has around him really appear to function as a family and the love and support shined through in the film.

I pray continued success for this young man and that God will always be the guide that he follows.  I also hope that amidst the screams and tears that little girls everywhere will be inspired to follow their own dreams and in face of any adversity they would remember to Never.Say.Never!

Danielle is married to Rob Ellis and they are the proud parents of Sarah (10) and Jessica (6).  She lives in Gainesville, VA and is the Director of HR Operations within the Department of Defense.  She is an Army Veteran and she enjoys reading, writing, and running in her free time.

 

Website/Blog: www.refreshingwords.com

Twitter:  @QueenofShima

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The Butterfly Release

May 16th, 2012 by Christy Little Jones

As I celebrated with my daughter and her 2nd grade class the releasing of butterflies, I was fascinated with the process. Over the past month, they learned about each of the four life cycle stages and metamorphosis of a butterfly. What started out as a small egg hatched into a caterpillar. The caterpillar ate continuously and once it reached it’s full weight and length, it formed itself into what they learned as green goop or a chrysalis. It is during this stage that the old body parts of the caterpillar undergo a remarkable transformation, called ‘metamorphosis,’ to become the beautiful parts that make up the butterfly that will emerge.

The kids were often impatient during this stage because they couldn’t see much action on the outside, because all of the major transformation was taking place on the inside.  Finally, when the caterpillar was done forming, it was time for the butterfly to emerge.  It was during the explanation of this stage that really caught my attention.  As a butterfly begins to emerge during this final stage, it’s a hard, trying process. As the kids watched, they wanted to help the emerging butterfly, but were taught that if they interfered with God’s natural process for the butterfly, they would hinder God’s divine plan and purpose for the butterfly.  It was by God’s design for the butterfly to go through the struggle of breaking through the chrysalis to build the muscles needed to fly. Their teacher explained how hard and uncomfortable it was for the kids to see the butterfly struggle so much during this process. Then finally, after much labor and trial, the butterfly emerges and flaps its wings which pumps blood into them in order for them to fly.

Wow! That’s what we all go through, even as humans. God has a process of hardship and trial designed for each of us to become stronger and more equipped and during this process, we must learn how to pump our wings, become courageous, face our fears and emerge, so that we can become all God has planned and purposed for us.  It is often during our trial and struggle that builds the character and spiritual muscle to sustain us for what God has next in our life. But when people closest to us jump in and  pull us out of our God-designed trial, the transformation process that is intended to make us stronger is in fact hindered.

In every season and every stage of life, we evolve and emerge into who we are supposed to become, if we stop fighting the process. I don’t know anyone who likes trials and hardship, but if we could just learn to trust God’s plan, trust the process of life and learn to flap our wings even if we don’t know how, I am confident that when it’s time we will emerge as beautiful butterflies.

What practical things can you do to change your perspective about the trials and hardship you face in your life? How can you learn to accept God’s process of transformation at each stage and learn to push through when things get tough, knowing that on the other side is something beautiful? What steps will you take today to help you emerge?

Christy Little Jones – Creator, Speaker and Head Coach of the RELATIONSHIP REVOLUTION has a passion for inspiring, encouraging and equipping women to discover who God has created them to be, embrace the power and influence they possess and develop the integrity to live what they believe with confidence, authenticity & intention!  www.myrelationshiprevolution.com

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Get Going! Workout Wear: Spring/Summer Edition

May 15th, 2012 by Jerrell Green

I’m one week into my Summer break and I have a laundry list of things to do/not do/catch up on. I’m sure most people would expect me to say relaxing and traveling are at the top of my list, but running and working out are actually in the top 5. Every semester, finals week leaves me physically drained and wishing that I had done a better job of staying active throughout the semester.

Now that finals week is winding down, I’m free to get back into my routine and back into my formerly in-shape body. And naturally, I need some new workout gear to do it!

Here’s my current fitness gear wish list:

Lululemon Run: Travel to Track Jacket *Print

I have really tried to put my love affair with Lululemon on hold for a while, but this jacket has changed all of that. I love that I could throw this on with a Stylemint tee, jeans and flats for day and look completely chic for Spring. I’m all about workout clothes that can do double duty. And can you even imagine the looks I would get running in this jacket downtown? I would literally be the coolest runner on the block. This is a must buy. (Sadly, this jacket is no longer online, but I’m really hoping that I can still find it in one of the stores near me.)

Lululemon Run: A Marathon Crop

Despite the fact that I consider myself a real runner (and am not shy about working out at the gym or anywhere else) I still haven’t been able to wear a pair of running/fitness shorts outside of my house. I just haven’t found a pair that didn’t do that awful thunder thighs thing where they ride up constantly. So I’m stuck in my running crops, even in the sweltering heat. Because of this, I’m always looking for lightweight, short crops and I’m really loving these Lululemon ones. They hit at a comfortable angle on the knee, are lightweight and breathable and still have a sturdy waistband. I will definitely be adding these to my collection of Lulu running bottoms this summer.

Nike Free Run+ 3

Apparently I’m totally obsessed with mint this season. I’m also obsessed with these shoes. I’m really loving my Nike Free Run+ 2 Shield that I got in the Winter for treadmill runs and shorter outdoor runs and hope to continue my “barefoot” running training throughout the summer. Not only are these shoes great for running, but they’re also great for other gym activities, especially Zumba. In my experience, any type of aerobic class is better when you’re wearing a lightweight, flexible shoe. Now my only problem is picking my favorite color combination!

What’s on your workout wishlist this summer?

 

Jerrell is a twenty-five year old law student from Ashburn, Virginia. She has a passion for fashion and personal style and knows the importance of health and fitness when it comes to looking and feeling your best. Jerrell began running in 2010 and plans to run her first marathon later this year.

Website/Blog:  http://jerrellrenee.com

Twitter:  @jerrellrenee

Posted in Health & Fitness, Passion and Purpose, Tuesdays | No Comments

The Message of the Man Boobs!

May 14th, 2012 by Sara Munyan

I learned a really valuable lesson recently from a very unusual source… a pair of man boobs. 

I was sitting in my office, minding my own business (or so it would seem) when I glanced out the window and saw a guy walking down the street.

I can’t remember what I noticed first: his thick legs, slightly chunky hiney or… his man boobs. He wasn’t large and in charge but he was definitely … thick! I see men of all shapes and sizes on a daily basis. Very few cause me to take a double look… but this guy… had my attention because even with the butt and the boobs… he had swag!

I sat and watched him walk down the street with complete confidence and found myself drawn to him because of it! His confidence overrode all of the perceived flaws that I had a noticed at first. The truth is that I only saw them for a second because the confidence was so attractive… alluring even. Truth be told, I even thought about giving his little man boob a squeeze (thankfully as has been stated, I was in my office and he was on the street eliminating my need for impulse control!)

For years I have read articles, talked to girlfriends and even had guy friends tell me that confidence is one of the most attractive qualities an individual can possess. It wasn’t until I saw the man boobs with swag that I understood it! It really is all about loving and accepting yourself while being confident with every part of who you are!

Confidence is the magic ingredient that makes the ordinary… extraordinary! (Even a pair of man boobs!)

 

About Sara J. Munyan

I am single… and searching… not for a husband (although I will NOT shew him away when he arrives!) but for meaning outside of myself, for the purpose for which I was born.  Life is a journey and I’m not looking for any detours!

Website: www.itsallpartofmycharm.blogspot.com

Twitter:  @SaraLovesCoffee

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Lord, Don’t Let THAT Be My Testimony

May 12th, 2012 by Ashley Moss

Maybe…It’s Love appears each week on and is a sounding board from a single woman to ALL women: single, married and everything in between. Keep up with us on Twitter @christyinspires.

This week’s guest post is from our Queen-In-Training, Latoya Archibald. Follow her journey on Twitter @l_Siobhan and http://queenintraining.tumblr.com/. 

 

We’ve all said it or thought it before. You hear someone’s testimony of how God delivered them from something and while you’re grateful that God brought them out, you’re not interested in partaking in their process to ultimately get what God had for them. As a single woman I know I’ve said it on countless occasions especially when it comes to hearing stories of women who get married in their late 30s, 40s and 50s.

I’m like “Wow! She was patient and God gave her the man of her dreams. He exceeded her expectations. That’s awesome but Lord, don’t let that be my testimony.I’m good with waiting until I’m 32.” Have you said something along these lines before?

I heard myself saying this statement a few days ago and I got so convicted. I felt like God pulled me in the principal’s office to discuss my behavior. No one wants to go to the principal’s office.

That statement, “Lord, don’t let that be my testimony” was and is offensive to God. In saying it I unknowingly belittle the great work that God did in someone’s life. How dare I put parameters on what He’s going to do in mine? I heard the Lord saying “You can judge progress based on man’s watch as long as you want but I’m always moving and right now LaToya, you’re being stagnate. Do you want that to be your testimony? ‘I spent my late 20’s wishing that the testimonies of women who waited well were not my own?’ Do you really want that to be your testimony?”

Ouch!  God successfully tapped my pride nerve and I repented for being a picky believer. We don’t get to pick and choose our testimonies especially when the purpose of them is to make God’s works known to others.  1 Chronicles  16:8-9 says,” Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; make known among the  nations what he has done. Sing praise to the LORD; tell the wonderful things he has done.”  It doesn’t say make known the things that you want him to do or that he did on your time table.  Just tell of His wonderful ways. Testimonies are meant to encourage us and remind us that God is not a respecter of persons. What He’ll do for one, He’ll do for another.  When a woman shares her testimony with me I am made a witness of what God has done, not a critic.

#MyLesson learned: Rejoice in all that God is doing. There’s no room for redlining or track-changes when it comes to testimonies. God does what He wants in the timing that He chooses. It’s my responsibility to say ‘yes’ and ‘amen’.

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Ashley Moss – Sassy Single Expert

May 11th, 2012 by Christy Little Jones

Troops…I am so excited, I can barely contain myself. This week at the Relationship Revolution, I have the privilege of introducing my fabulous team of experts in all things that women love! As part of the launch for the, “Live What You Believe” Campaign, our heart is to help women become all that God has intended them to be. I want you to know that you are not alone in this journey. You have an amazing team of women who are ready to give you all of the encouragement, direction and information you need to live the life you desire. Are you ready?

Introducing… Ashley Moss –  My Relationship Revolution’s  SASSY SINGLE EXPERT

Ashley Michelle Moss

Passion: People

About Ashley:

I am learning more about myself everyday and embracing all my flaws! I love spending time with friends and family and I form strong bonds over coffee. 

Website/Blog:  http://about.me/ashleymmoss

Twitter:   @ashleym_moss

What do you love most about being a woman?

I’d be lying if I didn’t say I love hair, shoes, makeup and great clothes! But I also love that women can express themselves in so many different ways and then (one day) being able to have a family of my own.

What is your greatest unique quality? Why?

I think my greatest quality is an ability to connect and relate to a variety of people.

What is the one area that you desire to mature in? Why?

Remaining transparent in my relationships (not being afraid to show the good, and and downright ugly).

What keeps you motivated? 

Knowing that I have a greater purpose beyond what I’m already living keeps me motivated.

What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned as a woman?

That being gentle and quiet are great assets and don’t diminish the fact that I have a unique voice that matters.

What do you love most about your relationships? 

Just having them! I don’t live close to most of my natural family, but I love that I’m able to relate to the people around me just like family.

What have you learned most from trials in your life?

That they don’t last forever, they are really divine interventions that are for a purpose and they will help shape who you are.

How has self-confidence made a difference in your life as a woman?

I really struggled with self- image and personal confidence growing up; Self confidence has given me a voice, helped me share my thoughts and feelings and allowed me to dream and believe for so much greater than what I can already think and imagine.

If you could share one thing that you feel would impact a woman’s life, what would you share?

Don’t be afraid to embrace the impossible. Who and what you’ve been in the past won’t dictate who you’re going to be, but will help you share a message that’s vital for someone else to hear.

Wholeness means…?

To me wholeness means being healed from your past and having an undivided life: mind, body and spirit.

What has been your most challenging obstacle in life?

Losing my dad suddenly two years ago and adapting to a new ‘normal’.

What do you do for fun?

I enjoy reading, working out, listening to music, movies, and spending time with friends and family.

What is the most important thing you have learned about relationships?

They take work and they require frequent and honest communication to be healthy.

What are you most grateful for?

Life and family.

What legacy do you want to leave in the world?

I want to be known as having been a woman with great faith with the undeniable presence of God.

 

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Jerrell Green – Health and Fitness Expert

May 10th, 2012 by Christy Little Jones

Troops…I am so excited, I can barely contain myself. This week at the Relationship Revolution, I have the privilege of introducing my fabulous team of experts in all things that women love! As part of the launch for the, “Live What You Believe” Campaign, our heart is to help women become all that God has intended them to be. I want you to know that you are not alone in this journey. You have an amazing team of women who are ready to give you all of the encouragement, direction and information you need to live the life you desire. Are you ready?

Introducing… Jerrell Green –  My Relationship Revolution’s  HEALTH & FITNESS EXPERT

Jerrell Green

Passion: 

Personal style. Creating (and re-creating!) my own and helping others to do the same. And when I say style, it’s not just the clothes you wear. It’s the image you project in everything you do. 

About Jerrell:

Jerrell is a twenty-five year old law student from Ashburn, Virginia. She has a passion for fashion and personal style and knows the importance of health and fitness when it comes to looking and feeling your best. Jerrell began running in 2010 and plans to run her first marathon later this year. 

Website/Blog:  http://jerrellrenee.com

Twitter:  @jerrellrenee

What do you love most about being a woman?

I love that God gave women the spirit and desire to nurture and care for others, especially children. I’ve found that when I’m doing things for others – babysitting, cooking, hosting – I feel the strongest as a woman.

What is your greatest unique quality? Why?

I think one of my greatest qualities is that I’m very empathetic. I can always find a way to understand and share the feelings of others, even if I don’t know the person. Unfortunately that means that I cry through almost every episode of The Biggest Loser!

What is the one area that you desire to mature in? Why?

Financial stability! I’m ashamed to say that I’m terrible with my finances. As I get closer to the end of my time as a student and prepare to enter into true adulthood, this area is one that I’ve been focusing on more.

What keeps you motivated? 

My family

What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned as a woman?

To be patient. As a teenager, I was convinced I would be married with children by 25. Almost a year past that deadline, I’m realizing that prayer and patience will bring me something even better than I’ve been imagining all of these years.

What do you love most about your relationships? 

All of my close relationships go back years and I absolutely love that. We all share a rich history and feel comfortable with each other.

What have you learned most from trials in your life?

That I can’t let the failures of my past prevent me from going after things in my future.

How has self-confidence made a difference in your life as a woman?

My mother’s self-confidence had a huge impact on me. I’ve had moments of insecurity like any other woman, but with her example, I’ve been able to accept my imperfections and love the person I am.

If you could share one thing that you feel would impact a woman’s life, what would you share?

That God loves us no matter what mistakes we’ve made or bad decisions we regret. His grace and mercy are expansive enough to reach all of our mistakes, plus the ones that haven’t even happened yet.

Wholeness means…?

Waking up in the morning and feeling completely blessed and fulfilled by who you are and where you are in life.

What has been your most challenging obstacle in life?

Overcoming my mind. When I’m afraid to try something new, I will talk myself out of it because I’m scared. It’s a challenge for me to push through doubt over and over again, when I feel like I might fail.

What do you do for fun?

I love to shop, cook/eat and travel. Those are the top three things that pop into my mind when I hear the word “fun.”

What is the most important thing you have learned about relationships?

The most important relationship lesson I’ve learned is that they require commitment. Relationships cannot be founded upon feelings alone. They require a conscious commitment to stick together through anything.

What are you most grateful for?

That Jesus died for my sins. Even though he knew that throughout my life I would run away from Him so many times, he’s been patient with me from the very beginning.

What legacy do you want to leave in the world?

I want to be known as a woman and one day…a wife of noble character.

 

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Posted in Fashion & Style, Friendships, Godsisters International, Health & Fitness, Singlehood | 2 Comments

Sara J. Munyan – Spectacularly Single Expert

May 9th, 2012 by Christy Little Jones

Troops…I am so excited, I can barely contain myself. This week at the Relationship Revolution, I have the privilege of introducing my fabulous team of experts in all things that women love! As part of the launch for the, “Live What You Believe” Campaign, our heart is to help women become all that God has intended them to be. I want you to know that you are not alone in this journey. You have an amazing team of women who are ready to give you all of the encouragement, direction and information you need to live the life you desire. Are you ready?

Introducing…Sara J. Munyan -  My Relationship Revolution’s SPECTACULARLY SINGLE EXPERT

Sara J. Munyan

Passion:  People

I am single… and searching… not for a husband (although I will NOT shew him away when he arrives!) but for meaning outside of myself, for the purpose for which I was born.  Life is a journey and I’m not looking for any detours!

Website/Blog:  www.itsallpartofmycharm.blogspot.com

Twitter:  @SaraLovesCoffee

What do you love most about being a woman?

Everything – Starting with all things ruffley and ending with the uniquely beautiful strength that women possess. As a little girl, one of my favorite shows was WonderWoman!  I loved (although could not identify) the combination of strength and femininity that she projected.  Although I don’t run around in bathing suit, fly in an invisible jet or ward of bullets with my titanium bracelets, I love everything about being a woman.

What is your greatest unique quality? Why?

My sense of humor.  My life as a whole is a situational comedy.  I see humor everywhere, all the time, in almost everything.  Most of the time, I’m not trying to be funny but based on the reactions of people around me, I am.

What is the one area that you desire to mature in? Why?

A better question would be what area do I not want (or NEED) to mature in.  If I had to capture it into one area, I would say having trust and confidence in God because everything else in my life falls under that.  I *may* also need to mature a bit in some of my clothing selections… I mean how wrong is it to shop in the Juniors department at my age J?

What keeps you motivated? 

The people who have gone before me and the ones who are coming behind me. When I think about being single at the age of 37, it’s challenging and *sometimes* I just want to give up (although I have never defined what that would look like because I do plan to keep my V-card and don’t plan to settle in whom I marry)! I have a few favorite speakers and a close friend who both held on in their singleness. Knowing that they waited until they were 36 or 42, lets me know that I can too!  Likewise seeing the women coming behind me inspires me to press forward and not to give up for their sake.  The same is true in other areas.

What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned as a woman?

To cry my way out of speeding tickets!  Just kidding! I haven’t done that since college!  Honestly the biggest lesson I have learned is one I am still learning… not to compare. It is so easy as women to look around at other women and compare myself to them in every area – physically, spiritually, etc… If I am not careful I can find myself wondering, “Well why is she…” (fill in the blank with anything for which you long – a size 6, getting engaged, having a baby, etc…)  I am learning the value of embracing my life, where I am while truly loving, supporting and encouraging those around me.

What do you love most about your relationships? 

I love relationships. Period. The good, the bad & the ugly.  I love the process of knowing (REALLY knowing) someone and being known by them. My best friends can take one look at my face and know what I am thinking and I can do the same with them.   I love that each relationship is a little different, has its own flavor.  As for the bad & ugly, it is in the process of dealing with conflict or addressing when someone has hurt me or I have hurt them, that not only do I change and grow but the relationship has the opportunity to go even deeper.

What have you learned most from trials in your life?

This too shall pass. NOTHING lasts forever.  It may SEEM forever but it’s not.  At the end of the day, the choice is mine. I can allow whatever I am facing to draw me closer to or push me further from God. The first results in strength and the second in weakness.

How has self-confidence made a difference in your life as a woman?

Self-confidence has given me the ability to BE ME – WITHOUT APOLOGY!  I went through a season where I tried to change myself to be what other people wanted me to be. I tried to be quieter, more serious and just less… ME!  In the process “ME” is exactly who I lost!

If you could share one thing that you feel would impact a woman’s life, what would you share?

You are unique, beautiful and amazing.  You have been created in God’s image inside and out.  When you diminish who YOU are to fit in someone else’s mold, you are diminishing who HE is.

Wholeness means…?

You are living in the TRUTH of who God is and who you are!

What has been your most challenging obstacle in life?

Honestly, my weight.  Along with being single, it is a constant surrender to God to love myself as I am where I am.

What do you do for fun?

Anything that will make me laugh.  A good movie, book, sitcom. I love to have fun with my besties and even though we aren’t Jewish, I can’t wait to be an old cheesecake eating Yenta with them (cue Golden Girls theme song!)

What is the most important thing you have learned about relationships?

They aren’t easy. They aren’t cut and dry. There is no cookie cutter answer, but they are worth the work, the mess, the blood, sweat & tears… especially when it is all peppered with laughter!

What are you most grateful for?

Without a doubt, thanksgiving leftovers!  Just kidding!  (But seriously who doesn’t love a good leftover turkey & stuffing sandwich!) My friends – the ones I have known forever and the more recent acquisitions.

What legacy do you want to leave in the world?

Ummmm… I hate to steal this from My Relationship Revolution, but Live What You Believe!

 

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Posted in Godsisters International, Passion and Purpose, Singlehood | 1 Comment

Danielle Ellis – Parenting Expert

May 8th, 2012 by Christy Little Jones

Troops…I am so excited, I can barely contain myself. This week at the Relationship Revolution, I have the privilege of introducing my fabulous team of experts in all things that women love! As part of the launch for the, “Live What You Believe” Campaign, our heart is to help women become all that God has intended them to be. I want you to know that you are not alone in this journey. You have an amazing team of women who are ready to give you all of the encouragement, direction and information you need to live the life you desire. Are you ready?

Introducing…Danielle Ellis -  My Relationship Revolution’s PARENTING EXPERT

Danielle Ellis

Passion:  Helping people discover the treasure inside of them!

I am wife, mother of two beautiful daughters, and woman of God.  I enjoy helping people and get many opportunities to do so as a Director of Human Resources.  I am graduate of Saint Augustine’s College in Raleigh, NC earning a BA in Communications.

Website/Blog:  www.refreshingwords.com

Twitter:   @QueenofShima

What do you love most about being a woman?

I love the versatility of being a woman in appearance (clothing, hair, etc); roles (sister, wife, mother, friend).

What is your greatest unique quality? Why?

I have the ability to change the atmosphere of any situation I encounter.  I also remain calm in the midst of crisis; I am quite decisive as well.

What is the one area that you desire to mature in? Why?

Increasing my faith to the point of believing God for truly unimaginable things.

What keeps you motivated? 

My children are the number one reason for the drive and determination I have in life.  I want to model positive behavior for them.

What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned as a woman?

I have learned to trust what many call “woman’s intuition,” but what I know is its God’s gift of discernment.  When your heart is right and you are operating with proper motives, you must not question the small voice inside leading and directing you; press in, and listen.

What do you love most about your relationships? 

When our relationships are authentic, as each one grows we learn more about ourselves and we have opportunities to grow and become better.

What have you learned most from trials in your life?

THE most important thing I’ve learned is that His strength is made perfect in my weakness.  I have learned that God truly uses everything for our good, even when they don’t feel good at the time.  My trials have taught me that I am made Teflon-tough and God is always with me.  My trials have also increased my faith, improved my prayer life, and given me the motivation to pass warfare 201!

How has self-confidence made a difference in your life as a woman?

Self-confidence has made a huge impact on me because I have such a desire to speak into and motivate others.  In order to be that mid-wife, I have to have the confidence in my ability to help them birth their babies.  The balance is in knowing that my self-confidence is grounded in a self that is submitted to the authority of God.

If you could share one thing that you feel would impact a woman’s life, what would you share?

I would tell her to embrace everything about herself because that is where inner strength comes from.  We are all originals and there is nothing about us that is a waste or a mistake.  You should not waste any energy trying to cover or smother your whole fabulous self.

Wholeness means…?

Wholeness means being healed and free from anything trying to keep bound in your mind or soul.

What has been your most challenging obstacle in life?

Coming terms with being the product of teen parents, particularly my father not being a part of my life at all.  It took many years for me to accept God as Daddy and not just my Lord and Savior.

What do you do for fun?

Running and reading are my primary outlets.  I want to travel in the future.

What is the most important thing you have learned about relationships?

They are necessary: no good comes out isolation.  They must be maintained in order to be worthwhile.  They need to be contained in their proper place: know what roles various people play in your life.

What are you most grateful for?

I am most grateful for living in this day and age; being able to think, dream, and believe.  I am grateful for those things.

What legacy do you want to leave in the world?

I want to leave a legacy of making difference whenever and wherever I can.

 

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