Baby Steps Become Giant Steps

               

*The following health and medical claims come from years of experience and if you will, experimenting to find what works for me. I am not a doctor and I do not play one on TV. 

Health and wellness is not a one size fits all. This is a lesson I have learned very intimately on my health journey of almost 2 decades. (Oof! That made me feel old! Lol) Just as every body is different, every health journey is also different. For instance, there are some people who have Lyme disease that the carnivore diet has worked wonders for! On the other hand, there are people like me who struggle to eat red meat due to alpha gal and mcas. If I were to eat pork or red meat, I would need an EpiPen ready at the go! My face and neck would blow up like a balloon. As fun as balloons are, I would prefer not to be one myself. 

Even the diets that have been perfected by the medical experts, they need to be tweaked to your own personal needs. That’s where the baby steps come in. With mcas, you can eat, let’s say avocados fine one day, and the next day it sends you into anaphylaxis. Even healthy foods you may have to consider with a grain of salt. Pun intended. 

We have to become our own advocates for our health. This is why self love and self care are detrimental to our health. We have to learn to listen to our body. Since our body is a temple, it will tell us what it needs if we’re listening. For some people like me, it takes baby steps because a lot of my nervous system, autonomic nervous system especially, is completely jacked. I don’t always know when I’m hungry or thirsty or when I need to use the restroom. Those signals are off for me. I could eat one bite of a baby carrot and just feel miserably full. This is why most of my diet has become liquid. Smoothies around 11 or noon, and soup around 5 or 6pm. 

I like to take diet or health plans and work them into one giant puzzle. This works for me from the Mediterranean diet, so I’ll add “that” to my lifestyle. This works for me from intermittent fasting, so I’ll add that to my lifestyle. This works from the antihistamine diet, and this works from the high polyphenol diet, and so on. It makes me think of how Jesus told us that “He works all things together for our good.”

It also works in the activity aspect of lifestyle. For instance, it took me a week to clean off my dresser top. I paid attention to how much activity my body could handle. I noticed the side of my face was getting puffy and starting to droop, so I stopped for the day. I have found a few exercise programs that I’m very excited to gradually increase my activity, until I’m doing the whole routine. Right now, I do two 30 sec. segments of the workout. However, if the next day I feel like I’m going to pass out from activity, I give my body a rest that day or couple of days. Having grace and realizing that you eat an elephant, one bite at a time, brings so much peace and ease into this journey. Don’t get me wrong, it’s hard as hell! Yet it is all worth it. 

So maybe you have found yourself on your own health journey that really just blindsided you. Know this. It will all be okay in the end, and if it’s not good then it’s not the end. Take it one day at a time. Remember, Jesus told us not to worry about tomorrow because tomorrow will worry about itself. Preach it Jesus! All that worry and shame do, is make things harder on you and your loved ones. It really doesn’t fix anything. So relax. Take a deep breath in and out. In and out, In and out. Don’t look at it all as a daunting task. Pick one piece of the puzzle. Example: I need to work on my digestive system, so I’m going to work on getting better rest. (Digestion also takes part while we’re sleeping, so if we’re not sleeping well that plays a role in how we’re digesting.) Try taking magnesium one hour before your desired bedtime.

Once you feel ready, pick another puzzle piece to solve. Baby step your way to victory! 

There are many sections to this puzzle. I believe it is key to talk to Jesus or to check in with yourself, then place your focus what needs your focus on a daily basis. He wants to free us from illusions and the lies that are at the foundation. No matter how loud not good enough/ too much tries to scream at you. Don’t worry, it’s got a big mouth but no bite. Unless we buy into it. A new song that has become a personal favorite of mine is: The Truth by Megan Woods. Knowing the truth, intimately is what will carry you to victory.

Sometimes Jesus will heal instantly and other times, it takes a journey. Whatever the outcome, it’s important that we know this. GOD DID NOT MAKE YOU SICK. THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH YOU. HE IS NOT MAD AT YOU. I promise I’m not yelling at you. Just felt like I was supposed to all caps it! Haha 

Life can be really beautiful, if we want it to be. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and the beholder is the one who is willing to fight and take hold of the life of their wildest dreams! 

So let’s go put in work! We’re worth it!

Love Always,

Nanny Nicole

Grace Is A Powerful Weapon

 Have you noticed that everyone has an opinion on parenting on the socials now, and everyone thinks their parenting tip is the right way to parent? I’m hoping that what you read will be like a breath of fresh air, and will bring peace, where there has been stress, pressure and shame.

There is no cookie cutter way to parenting. Every family, every child, every parent is different and wonderful in their own unique way. The Bible absolutely has it right when it says to, “Raise a child in the way THEY should go.” (Prov. 22:6) This verse reminds me of an episode on Bluey, where Mum encourages Bluey to run her own race. There is no perfect timing for a child to reach a certain milestone. They will reach whatever milestone, they’re “supposed to” reach in their own timing. 

I believe that it is time for us to forgive and release ourselves from the pressure and the shame that we have felt to stay within the norms of society. Let’s mind and steward our own parenthood. I believe so many norms have been deeply rooted in shame and it has become detrimental to our families and to our physical, mental and emotional health. 

Whether your parenting lines up with gentle parenting or the more assertive type of parenting. All that matters is that you are parenting the best way for your family. This is why I say that grace is a powerful weapon. It destroys the works of shame. I’m not sure when it happened, but there has been a mission or an assignment that has been placed on this new generation of parents. Your assignment: You must undo every generational parenting mistake ever done. EVER! Whew! I’m exhausted just typing it! 

I have one question. Who said so? Shame. Shame said so. Shame loves nothing more than to belittle and devalue you and everyone around you. 

I know that this can be a touchy subject because some backgrounds are truly traumatizing and are full of experiences that no child should have to go through or experience. I am truly sorry if this is the truth for you. It was not your fault and you did not deserve it. I pray you find healing or continue to heal as you parent with the intention of love and kindness. 

*This next statement does not include traumatic experiences.*

Shame looks upon everything with destruction in mind. It leaves you in a mess of toil and pain, but the truth will set you free. What is the truth? Your parents and their parents before them, and their parents before them. They were only ever, doing the best they knew how. If their intention was love and to help you grow into who you are, Today? Then that’s all that matters. This does not disvalue the pain the mistakes caused, but it does make a path for forgiveness, grace and connection.

When we surrender our graven images of parenting to God, then we can release others and ourselves from the bondage of our disappointment. We are then able to have the perspective we need to celebrate others and our own victories! We are able to free the people in our world of the expectations that we have placed on them and on ourselves. We are able to let go of the lie that we’re powerful enough to break a child because of our mistakes, and embrace the truth that God is more than able to hold our families in his strong hands! We can trust God with our families. We can trust God with ourselves. We can trust in God’s relationship with others. We can trust in others and our relationship with God. He’s really big and really good! 

For my family personally, we are praying and fighting for perspective on the daily. Our parenting doesn’t look like anything we thought it would. Corey is the full time everything right now. We are the absolute best parents for Ty because he was given to us. He adores his dad. He wants to do everything DaDa does. My time with Ty looks like cuddling in bed and watching shows or parts of a movie on the “iTop”. That means if we applied the social norms to our current situation, “we’re failing” our son because of too much screen time. If I applied that standard to our lives, then I wouldn’t have any time with my son. Instead I trust myself, Corey and Ty to know that we are loving on Ty the best we can right now. I talk to Jesus and check in with myself and Corey. Corey is really killing it at parenting! Their bond is beautiful, and Ty is constantly growing and learning every day! We are very proud of the smart, kind, funny and sweet boy that he keeps growing and growing into! Our big boy is learning how to use the potty. He loves to say, well really sing his ABCs and 123s! He often calls me “Baby”, “Honey” and even “CoCo”. Sometimes he even calls me “Nicole” Lol, we’ve learned that’s why couples call each other “DaDa and Mama!”

So I invite you to step into the love, hope, joy and freedom that grace and forgiveness provides! I also invite you to remember that every sin, every curse, every work of darkness, death, hell and the grave was completely defeated by Christ! From the foundations of the world! (Rev. 13:8)

That means ABSOLUTE and TOTAL FREEDOM! Once and for ALL! Now go parent and love on your babies! The best way THEY should go.

Love Always,

Nanny Nicole

"That was me shutting the mouths of lions"

I have a fun challenge for you this week, but before I jump ahead of myself, let me lay the ground work that led up to this challenge. 

It was three weeks ago, and I kept having flashes of different memories come to mind. I kept asking, God, what are you trying to show me? Why are we taking a trip down memory lane? There were two memories in particular that would not stop flashing in my mind, and that is what I am writing about today. So I hope you enjoy this journey through memory lane with me.

My first memory was when I was in the fourth grade. I was going to Second Baptist Christian School. Everyone was super excited because we had just had a brand new swing-set built for us! Swinging was my favorite pastime as a child...heck, I still love swinging today! It was one of those big swings, the kind that you could fit at least three kids on. Well, let's just say there were more than three kids on the swing. I was on there, and I think we piled on four other girls. This big kid, I think he was in the 6th grade, offered to push us. Just then, I had a very sick feeling in my stomach that something bad was about to happen and I wanted to get off. Before I knew it we were in the air. I was right! Mid-air, the swing broke, and we all went flying! I passed out, and I don't remember anything except waking up INCHES away from hitting the gym building! Everyone panicked and called my mom right away. They said I was out for a while, but do you know all that happened out of it was a black eye! No other injuries whatsoever! No broken bones! No injuries for the other girls either! Everyone was amazed and said that it was a miracle! I remember when I came to, I had total peace, I wasn't freaked out at all! 

The second memory that kept coming to mind was, when I was probably seven years old. We were swimming at Crystal Springs in Hot Springs. I had just run out of the water and was standing in the sand. The next thing I know, bees were swarming all around me. I was standing on a bee hive! Mom told me to 'close my eyes, and stand perfectly still'. So I did. I wasn't afraid. I know that doesn't make sense but I wasn't afraid. Not once was I stung! The bees swarmed all around me and then flew off. People were amazed, and asked me if I was okay. I just kind of stood there, wondering what had just happened?

I knew there was something God was trying to point out to me, but I wasn't getting it. After a few days of memory flashbacks, I see the word trauma in my mind. Then God says this to me, "The enemy wanted your life to be stamped with the title Trauma, but every experience that should have been traumatic became a testimony for my presence instead. Every instance drew you closer and closer to me. Your life is one of Triumph and Testimony! When you didn't get stung by the bees, that was me shutting the mouths of lions! That was the kind of miracle that happened that day!" 

After He said this, I went into an encounter with Him, where I was seven again. Standing there with my eyes closed, I could hear the bees buzzing all around me, but I was totally immersed in His presence. I was undone. I was completely overwhelmed by His love and miraculous protection. Then He said this to me, " I will close the mouths of lions every time! I will never leave you and I will never let you down!"

So here is the challenge I have for you. Ask God to lead you down memory lane, and to show you how He was there with you in your life. Ask Him what has He stamped on your life? What "title" has He given your life? Your story? Then share your testimony with someone. I would love to hear or read just a glimpse of your history with God, feel free to share in the comments below. (Oh! Make sure to write it down, you never know when you might need a reminder of His goodness in your life! 😇 )

Merry Christmas Everyone! I will be at the One Thing Conference next week, so a Happy New Year to you as well! TaTa 'till 2017!!! 🎄⛄🎁🍬

Time To Get Out Of The Snake Pit

I Have Set My Heart On You

Have you ever had this feeling that something has got to give or nothing will ever change? Have you ever felt anger and a conviction that what is happening is just wrong? Well that is where I am. 

About a month ago, I started feeling this anger stir inside of me. This feeling of when will this end? A feeling that what is happening is not okay! In fact according to what God says, it's illegal! I wasn't the only one feeling this anger. My husband, my parents, even my Pastor, were all feeling this anger towards this sickness, and this season that has gone on. 

Now please understand that none of the anger was directed at God. He is GOOD, PERIOD. He is love. He is kind. He is my DADDY. The only thing that has been directed at Him is worship in the hardest of times. You know that He considers it a beautiful fragrance when we lift up worship to Him? It's a sacrifice of praise, a sacrifice of self and body. It's our spirit saying to our body, to our soul, you will worship Him. There's nothing like knowing that in those times, we are giving God something we can only give to Him on earth. There is no sickness or suffering, or depression or anything of that sort in Heaven. So next time that you're worshiping Him and in the natural it seems like it doesn't make sense, just know how pleased He is with you. How He loves the aroma of your love for Him.

What really blew me away was when God asked me to ask Him how He felt about everything. So I did, and do you know what I saw? I saw Jesus in the Temple when He was flipping over tables and making a whip. He was, well pissed. I even heard Him scream it! I am His Temple. I am His dwelling place. So it's illegal for anything but Him to be in me. From the foundations of the earth Jesus Christ was crucified and resurrected. That means that the record of His DNA is what stands, is what OVERCOMES. His blood flows through our veins. His life was a prophetic declaration that ALL has been redeemed. Every situation, an answer was given, freedom was given! Just look at His life. Even the power of death through the killing of babies was defeated by His birth! Where did they escape to when the angel warned Joseph about Herod's plan? Egypt. The place that represented bondage, fear and pain. The Savior escaped to Egypt. Everything was undone or made new through Him! Hallelujah!

This week, God has been speaking with such clarity, probably because that's what I've been asking for LOL. I have been taking communion with the revelation that it's not just in remembrance of Him. It's partaking of His DNA, His life that He has given to me. Me (read this for you, He's personal). He died for me. He rose for me. So that I can live in HIS fullness. Oh what amazing love. All that He has asked of us, is to believe He is who He says He is. To trust Him and follow His lead. 

His lead for me is, it's time to get out of the snake pit! This seasons time is done. You can't think about the bites, just run! Remember, I shut the mouths of the lions! (future blog right there!) No more doctors or disability. Nothing fruitful will come from those things for you. It's time to LIVE. So friends, I'm swinging BIG. I am taking on the courage of Heaven and the faith of a child. I am holding tightly to the promises and the prophetic words that have been spoken from so many of you, my dear friends and family. And I am calling upon the perseverance of the great cloud of witnesses to launch me into this next great season and ADVENTURE! 

Whatever season you find yourself in, just remember that you never go it alone. You have your Daddy and family surrounding you. If you don't know who your family is, I encourage you to ask your Daddy, who is my family that you have for me in this season? Remember to keep His promises close to you. To write them on your bathroom mirror or whatever you feel He is saying will help you keep your eyes locked on Him. 

I pray this blesses you, and gives you courage to never give up, no matter what. 

For verily I say to you, that whoever shall say to this mountain, Be removed, and be cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that the things spoken shall come to pass; he shall have whatever is spoken. ~Mark 11:23

Dreaming

Have you ever thought about some pretty BIG things that you would like to do in your life? Dreams that maybe you've never really shared with anyone because you thought it's just not possible? What if we dared to dream? To dream big! It's time we start dreaming and taking action with our dreams. Maybe your accomplished dream is exactly the breakthrough the music industry needed. A sound that has never been heard before that brings thousands to their knees. Or maybe you have been given the cure to a terminal disease. What if you are the next big inventor? What if... what if... what if?

The only way we will know, is if we try. The first step is simple, come up with your dreams. The next step is kind of like the first, write them down. You ask what's next? I don't know. That's where Holy Spirit comes in. He knows.
You ask, but what if I fail? Michael Jordan missed over 9,000 shots in his carreer. He lost 300 games. He had 26 missed game winning shots. And states, "I failed over and over and over again, and that's why I succeed." Failure is not a bad thing. It's not. It simply shows you the way to not do something. It lets you know you're human, but it doesn't mean you're no good. You'll never accomplish your goal. Those are lies that we fall prey to, but dust yourself off and get back up again.
God has not given us these amazing desires or dreams to laugh in our face and tell us we can't do them. No. In the words of Allen Vincent, "perish the thought!" He loves us and He knows that with us asking Him what to do, we are going to nail them! We are going to do great things! It's our destiny as sons and daughters of THE KING.
But it is our choice... what we do with it.

So here are some of my dreams:

* Play the violin

* Be a part of a dance program

* Adopt a little girl from China

* Make a huge impact in my city

* Act, sing maybe even model

* Be a successful nurse, mother and wife

* Help the poor, and the orphaned

* See an angel

* Have a big heavenly encounter

* Do the things that Jesus did that there wasn't enough room in the Bible for

* Have a huge legacy of generations in my family madly in love with the King 

* Change my world

Perfect

Have you ever thought to yourself, I wonder if I matter to anyone? I wonder if I have made a difference in someone's life? I'm sure all of us have asked this at one time or another. This question stems from a desire that is deep inside of us to make a difference in our "world" today. This desire was placed inside each of us by God so that He can through us change peoples lives forever! Because of what Jesus did on the cross, (and when we make the most important decision ever, to make him Lord not us) we can be fully confident that the power of the cross resides in us! The same power that Jesus had to conquer death, the same spirit that dwelled in Jesus, lives in me. You know what that means? WE are Jesus today! WE are exactly what our friends and family need. We are the answer! The Bible tells us that God was pleased to have us as His inheritance! God is pleased with us! So much so, that He sent His son to provide a way for his spirit to live in us! What an amazing God! This also means that if God is living inside of us, we are PERFECT! No mistakes here, the more and more we DEPEND on Holy Spirit, the more and more we mirror Jesus. God perfectly executed his plan.... and his plan was relationship... relationship with his sons and daughters! You and me! Be blessed today, and know that you are perfect for the world around you.... YOU are the answer!!!