Hey, I hope you’re having a beautiful blessed day. One year ago today, I had harmony and essence analysis done by @elyssa_aesthetic. Since then, I have paid more attention to how I carry myself because now I know the importance of representing the God who Made me well in this body.
I used to think getting dressed was such a chore, but now I know that for me, it comes down to keeping things such as jewelry within reach.
I like this new version of me.
In. In other news, I lost a bet with my dad last night, and he said I couldn’t have coffee for a week, but he somehow forgot and made me coffee.
Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. 1 Peter 3:15 NLT
Be ready to tell people about your faith and what Jesus has done in your life.
Don’t be afraid to take up space and go at your own pace in life.
It’s ok to stand out. Being different does not mean you’re broken
Being bold might mean finding similar people to you.
BIG IDEA: In The Christian Life, we Are Expected to Grow
How Do We Grow?
1. By Interacting with God’s Word
Have a Set Time and place
Have a plan
Read an understandable version
If Necessary, Change your routine.
For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. Hebrews 4:12-13 NIV
Never stop reading this Book of the Law. Day and night you must think about what it says. Make sure you do everything written in it. Then things will go well with you. And you will have great success. Joshua 1:8 NIRV
2. By communicating with God through prayer
pray continually, 1 Thessalonians 5:17 NIV
3. By practicing stewardship
The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; Psalms 24:1 NIV
Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 NIV
Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. 1 Timothy 6:17-19 NIV
Memory Verse
So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. Colossians 2:6-7 NIV
He came into the very world he created, but the world didn’t recognize him. He came to his own people, and even they rejected him. But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God. John 1:10-13
1. The Requirements for a grounded Faith
Receiving God’s gift of salvation
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16
Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him will not die but have everlasting life.
John 3:16
What am I expecting God to do in my life in this next year?
2. The Roots of a grounded Faith
Building a life on Jesus Christ
“Live in me. Make your home in me just as I do in you. In the same way that a branch can’t bear grapes by itself but only by being joined to the vine, you can’t bear fruit unless you are joined with me. “I am the Vine, you are the branches. When you’re joined with me and I with you, the relation intimate and organic, the harvest is sure to be abundant. Separated, you can’t produce a thing. Anyone who separates from me is deadwood, gathered up and thrown on the bonfire. But if you make yourselves at home with me and my words are at home in you, you can be sure that whatever you ask will be listened to and acted upon. This is how my Father shows who he is—when you produce grapes, when you mature as my disciples. John 15:4-8
3. The result of a grounded faith
Growing strong and overflowing with thankfulness.
You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. Colossians 2:13-14
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17
For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 2 Corinthians 4:17
So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. Colossians 2:6-7 NIV
This is it! The last episode of Encouragement Notes for 2021. In this episode, I share the answers to two questions asked by my social media friend, mentor, and fellow podcast creator, Amy Landino. The questions are 1. What are you proud of? And 2. What is your theme for 2022? I hope you enjoy the episode. Please feel free to leave a review. Also, check out Amy Landino on social media. See you in a few days for the start of our new sermon series called Faith for the future
This time of reflection is based on a podcast episode of #Detailtherapy by my friend and mentor, Amy Landino
1. What Am I most proud of?
I’m proud of myself for realizing that it’s ok to be a wheelchair user. It has opened up so many. opportunities for me. Because I decided to become a wheelchair user again, that led me want to use Access service and go out on my own. Even though my outings are simple, I have felt so much freedom, and I feel like a brand new woman. I’m also proud that I chose to attend Rollettes Experience 2021 in July virtually and that I’ve continued to take dance classes.
2. When did I have the most fun?
I’ve had fun with everything that I’ve been able to do this year. I love hanging out with my life group at church. I love my solo coffee dates with myself because they help me brainstorm new podcast ideas and get clear-headed in general. I also have had fun going to see my favorite singers perform, and I am grateful to call them my friends.
3. Where did you fail?
I have not used my handcycle at all, and I said I would get strong arms to push myself. The second place I feel like I failed was that I didn’t spend that much time with my cousin while she was sick. I also am still kicking myself for second-guessing her pain and her faith. She had more faith in Christ Jesus than I had ever imagined.
4. Did my theme ring true for 2021?
If I had to name my theme, it would be a new attitude, and yes, I think it rang true even more than I expected.
5. What lessons did I learn in 2021?
My relationship with Jesus defines who I am; I don’t have to search for my identity.
Spend time with family and friends and tell them how you feel about them.
It’s important to know what you think about life and how to explain it respectfully if asked to.
It’s fantastic to find a community of people like you who share similar experiences to yours.
The things that I use in my daily life do not define me as a person.
6. Where do I wish I had spent more time?
With my cousins
What will I start?
I will start spending.time with my cousins.
7. What Will I start?
I’ll start using my handcycle, and I’l start creating dance videos.
8. What will I stop?
I’ve done pretty well with this already, but I want to stop judging myself for having a hard day.
9. What do I want to continue?
I want to continue being part of the Rollettes community. I’ve had so much fun getting to know the ladies. I also want to continue being independent and growing friendships with women like me. I also will continue this website and podcast. I can’t wait for the new year.
10. What is my theme for 2022
Marie Nicole Is A Boundless Babe!
This is not only because I’m going to be a member of the Boundless Babe Society but also because I want to experience more in life.
Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas, Jacquelyn Schreber ( John’s pianist for the evening)
Quartet 405 performed What Child is this, and we wish you a Merry Christmas
White Christmas
Blue Christmas
It came upon a midnight clear
Oh Holy Night
Baby, it’s cold outside
The Christmas Song
Silent Night
The show, as usual, was wonderful and for the first time in the seven years that I’ve known John, I was able to sit in a.front row seat.
John always does beautiful work, but this particular performance was something very special.
I sang along to every song, and I even knew the words to it came upon a midnight clear, which is a challenging song!
John and I, in December 2017John and I in December of 2015
Our friendship Story
I met John on October 13th, 2014, at Sterling’s Upstairs at The Federal in North Hollywood. During the show, he strolled the audience while singing Hey There Lonely Girl, and when he got to where I was, he reached out to hold my hand, and I didn’t go for it.
After the show, I was the first person in line for the meet and greet. We took a picture, and I asked for a hug, to which he said
How can I say no!
He hugged me, and we said goodbye. I honestly thought that meeting John would be a one-time event in my life.
There was a one and a half year period that we did not see each other due to a lack of accessibility at a new venue, but I’m grateful to once again be in his audience again.
To date, I’ve seen John over 40 times in Los Angeles alone. Each time I see him, not only am I elated fan, but I feel like I’m a student ready to learn something new.
I would love for the tables to turn someday and have him see me perform.
Encouragement Notes Podcast 