Podcast: When Will You Stand?

It's been too long! 

Today is podcast day! 

We're talking about being courageous enough to stand in order to change destinies. 

Join us!

http://69.195.124.219/~vonaedey/podcast/when-will-you-stand

Podcast: The Fruit in your life

It's podcast time!

If there's one thing that I know for sure is that we're all waiting on something. Waiting to see the results of our hard work, our patience in that relationship pay off with a shiny rock, to receive the mommy of the year award because we have that perfectly mannered child. But what happens when we aren't seeing the fruit we've hoped for or the very thing that previously yielded great results, no longer brings us satisfaction? Join us today on the podcast!

Love you,

Vonae

Are you using your gifts?

What is it that you're gifted to do?

You know that one thing that you just seem to be good at?

That one or two things that people praise you for. That thing that you shrug off as if it were nothing because it simply comes naturally to you.

It's easy to hoard our gifts. To know that we're good at this, that, or the other and simply allow it to remain that way. 

Known to us.

Stuck in our mind.

Hanging out on a shelf for whenever we happen to get to it. 

If there's one thing I know for sure is that we weren't given gifts in this life for ourselves. God gifted them to us for the benefit of others.

To influence others, 
                     Inspire others, 
                                 Call up others, 
                                              Shift a mindset, 
                                                          Shake up a generation. A culture.  
                                                                            To radically shift the trajectory of someone's life.

So if we know our gifts were given to us to help others live a better life, why are we so reluctant to use them?

I stood in the hallways of my job today, greeting, talking and laughing with some great people spending their Sunday morning in the house of God. As we discussed things of many varieties, I was asked about my writing and if I had another book coming out. Well the short answer is yes. 

Yes, I have another book in the works. 

It has been in the works since last August. 

Last August when I published my first book . . .

Wait, that's been almost a year. 

Yes I said it, a full year. 

It certainly doesn't take me a year to write a book.

It's completely outlined with chapters, stories, examples, quotes. 

You know, everything  a good skeleton of a book needs.

Yep it's there. Waiting. Waiting. Waiting.

Come to think of it, the book is actually called "Waiting, When Will it be my turn?"

And if you think I just did that on purpose, I did not. (Totally creepy)

Anywhoo, as I answered the question on if I had another book coming, I imagined just how many people's lives could be waiting for me to stop hoarding my gifts. For me to get over being too busy, too tired, too overly consumed with what I have going on to even entertain the thought of finishing said book. And as I contemplated those very thoughts, I realized the visible fruit that we see in our lives is directly linked to our obedience to His call. 

So what are your gifts? How are you using them? What have you been waiting to see flourish that has seemingly been laying dormant? When we move into the things that He has for us and intentionally decide to use our gifts to advance His Kingdom, wonderful things begin to happen!

Start using your gift today!

You'll be so blessed that you did.

Love you,

Vonae

Beautiful vs. Average

It's that time again! 

This week on the podcast we dive into what it means to be beautiful. 

Is beauty made up of height, 

weight, 

social status, 

or perfection? 

We believe that every woman should feel and know that she is beautiful!

 Join us over on the podcast!

Vonae Deyshawn

Join our Podcast!

We're so excited for our new adventure launching this Friday!! Join us for a podcast chalked full of inspiration, motivation and hope. As always, our desire is to help you grow and realize your calling. We hope you will join us over on our new site, www.vonaedeyshawn.com!

How do you see yourself?

Source

For we are God’s masterpiece, 

created to do good works which God prepared in advance for us to do. 

Ephesians 2:10 –

I'm not one for compliments. 

Whenever one is directed my way, things tend to get rather awkward pretty fast. There's something about them that gets under my skin and makes me uncomfortable. 

For me, compliments are the equivalent of standing on a large stage with a bright spotlight aimed directly at my greatest flaw.

Horrifying.

I haven't quite grasped my extreme aversion to them.

Is it because they magnify certain traits?

Maybe.

Is it because I find it hard to internalize and/or accept them?

Quite possibly.

Ultimately, I think it comes down to the fact that others think we're a lot cooler than we actually are. Or put another way, they can see for us, what we cannot see for ourselves. 

As I had this very conversation with a dear friend, Liza, she decided to give me a little perspective. (More like a slap) Smiling, she proceeded to ask me what I thought was the most beautiful animal in the world. 

An otter I answered confidently.

That was until I saw the look on her face which was in total disagreement. Trying again, I offered up the beautiful and majestic horse, which pleased her a lot more than my original blunder. 

I'll never forget what she said next.

"And do you think for a second, that a horse in all it's beauty and grace is ashamed of how God made it? Why are you?"

Wow. There it was. That was enough to kick me in the butt for the next couple of months. No Liza. You are right. The horse is a beautiful animal that walks confidently in all its intricate glory and grace; never doubting its ability or stature.

Isn't it time we take a cue from the horse?

I believe the time has come when God is calling His women to start walking fully and confidently in all that He says we are and are called to be. More importantly, shouldn't we be able to see ourselves in the light that others esteem us in, rather than relegating ourselves to depths that make us more comfortable?

In Ephesians 2:10, we are reminded that we are God's masterpiece. His very own work of art. One that He is crafting, shaping and modeling into His own image. Placing a stamp that says "mine." He calls you, me, daughter, friend, chosen, loved, beautiful, redeemed, set free, called up, called out, wanted and so much more. He sees us for who we will be, not for who we are now. 

God made each of us special for this very time; this very moment. He made us to shine bright in our sphere of influence. So it's time for us to stop dimming our own light in order to keep the attention off of ourselves. If God has entrusted you with a platform, sphere of influence, or a word of encouragement, it is our responsibility to use it.

It is finally time for us to start seeing ourselves the way others see us.

The way God sees us.

1 Peter 2:9  – But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

A Time for Everything . . .

"There’s an opportune time to do things, 

a right time for everything on the earth." -The MSG

Hello my beautiful friend! It is no secret that I took a break from writing. I've come to realize that there are seasons where I have a lot to say and seasons where I shouldn't say much at all. So much so, that I've come up with a personal statement that has sort of become a "mouth check," for me.

Are you wondering what it is? 

No?

Well, I'll tell you anyway.

"Speak life, or don't speak at all."

There it is.

Hence my extended time of silence. In my recent season of pregnancy with my sweet little baby Sophia, (Yes that is her giggling up above) I found it hard to navigate my word vomit and negative feelings. I spewed here, there, and unfortunately everywhere, until I decided that maybe I should just shut up for a while . . .

And shut up I did.

Doing business with God, I finally saw and embraced that my freedom isn't about me or my personal comfort. It's about the women I have been placed on this Earth to inspire, uplift and hopefully encourage on their journey. 

It's funny how God chooses to move us from one season to the next. How He takes us from a season in the wilderness (A much needed banishment sometimes) and then thrusts us back into our promised land. 

I had considered writing again, had even started a new project back in September, but for some reason, it just wasn't time.

Was it because I was crazy, angry, pregnant lady?

Maybe.

Was it because God knew I would spew words of wrath I could no longer take back once they were printed and bound?

Maybe.

Whatever the reason, I must admit in retrospect, I'm appreciative for the silence.

When the inkling came to write, (I'll call it an inkling, because it certainly wasn't a desire) God confirmed it three times in one day through three separate people. So here I sit, while my two year old and eleven week old sleep,

writing.

Trying the best I know how, to be obedient in the moments when God says, 

"It is time."

After all, delayed obedience is still disobedience. 

The best part is, I know that He wants to do the same for you. He wants to move you from a place of waiting and wondering, to a place of action. 

So I ask, what is He speaking to your heart?

Whispering, it's time.

Even more importantly, will you obey?

I hope so.

Every week, you will find an article here that I pray will be encouragement for you on your journey. Some will be excerpts from my most recent project, "More Than: Abandon Your Labels, Embrace Your Calling," while others will just be things I've learned or am currently learning. If you haven't jumped into the pages of that book, I pray that you will consider starting down the path of uncovering your purpose and stepping into your calling. 

Until next time, I love you.

Vonae Deyshawn

Time for some Inventory

Source

Happy Friday!!

Can you believe we're already in September? It baffles me how fast time pasts.

The other day as I was scrolling through the hundreds of notes on my iPhone, I came across my "Forward List," for this year. On January 1st, instead of making New Year's resolutions, I decided that the word in 2014 for me would be forward. 

As I reflected on that list, I was shocked to see just how much of it I had checked off. How one simple change in attitude and perspective, has allowed me to come so far in these nine months. Staring at that list, I couldn't help but think, "Now what?"

What do I do about the unchecked boxes on my list?

Where do I go from here?

How can I take the momentum of January 1st 2014 all the way through to December 31st 2014?

If you're like me, writing down goals and then going back to evaluate them can be daunting. To take an inventory of where we wanted to go and have actually gone takes courage, honesty and a willingness to start over. 

I don't know what your year has looked like up until now, but 2014 isn't done yet! God still has a plan for this year for you if you're willing to pick yourself back up, look over your list and then decide that the only place to go, is FORWARD.

If there's one thing that I've learned on this journey is that while reminiscing on the past is great, I cannot bring those moments and times back. Sometimes I absolutely don't want to. But what I do know is that whatever is ahead of me will always be so much better than what has been behind me. 

I hope you will do a little re-evaluating with me in this month of September and then take the momentum of January 1st and apply it to make the next four months the best months of 2014!!

Have a great weekend!

Happy Saturday!!

I always joke that there are three things I love in life, Starbucks, Target and Pei Wei.

Not necessarily in that order.

When thinking about a fun way to engage with you, my awesomely lovely reader, I couldn't think of a better way than to share a few things I'm currently loving.

These posts will range from sparkly, pretty things and brands, to organizations doing amazing work to change this world. I hope you will stop by every now and then to see just what things I'm happening to love at the moment. 

So where shall we start?

As the book release of "More Than: Abandon Your Labels, Embrace Your Calling," inches closer, I can't help but think about how much I enjoy giving to those I love. There's something about sharing things I know will benefit them or that will simply bring a smile to their face. (EOS lip balm anyone? I'll save that for another post)

With that said, the first Thing I Love is giving to a friend. 

So much so, that I've decided to give to you. 

Yes you, because I want you to be able to give to a friend as well. 

And to make that happen, on August 22nd (Book release day!) when you purchase your copy of "More Than," Virtue Media will give you a free copy to gift to a friend. 

What will you need to do?

It's simple. 

1. Leave a comment on this post, letting us know who you want to gift the extra book to and how you think it will change her life. 

2. Purchase your copy of More Than here.

3. We will send both copies directly to you, so you have the joy of giving to that special friend in your life!

Thanks for helping us change the lives of women around the world!

Vonae Deyshawn

Where Have I been . . .

Hi awesome Virtue readers!

It feels so great to connect with you again. It's amazing how life changes so much within the span of six months!!

So where have I been?

Working.

Celebrating engagements and my little Jacob's 2nd birthday!

Launching a new site. (You can visit my new project here)

Becoming preggo! (I'm expecting in December)

Writing. 

Writing. 

And writing some more. 

I've had the awesome privilege in the past year to continue writing for Women Who Rise and have added some new partners, Rise Magazine and Thryve Magazine!

If you haven't heard of Thryve, I strongly suggest you go check them out. Such a beautiful new publication with heart and inspiration. 

But where I've been most of the time is finishing my first inspirational book for women! The book is called "More Than: Abandon Your Labels, Embrace Your Calling." It has been a transforming year for me and I hope this book will transform the lives of every woman who reads it. You can find out more about it here. Thank you all for staying on this journey with me. Your support and encouragement means everything! 

Vonae Deyshawn

Beyond Fear

Hey hey!

Thanks for stopping by today! I don't usually have a favorite article, but I must say the latest piece I have had the privilege to write for Women Who Rise has truly become my favorite. 

In order to live the life I've been called to, it has quickly become my mantra for the year. 

Living Beyond Fear . . .

It's the action of taking that one step beyond our fear zones which leads to another. Each step, suprisingly getting us closer to the dreams we've been praying for but have allowed fear to keep at bay.

As we continue to journey through this year, I hope you will take steps beyond your fear. Check out the article here and hang out with me daily on Twitter at @VonaeDeshawn. 

Talk to you soon!

Archive Thursday: I'm not who I was.

Source

Welcome to Archive Thursday. I love going back over old posts and seeing how they still ring true in the present. Just today I had the priviledge of speaking with a group of people who are overcoming the journey of their past. Although this article was written in 2012, I hope it will encourage you to keep living a life of virtue and integrity despite what the critics say.

Archive Thursday: Don't be discouraged.

Source

Discouragement.

A word whose definition reads:

The feeling of despair in the face of obstacles.

It's that feeling in the pit of your stomach that says, "maybe you should just give up."

You are worth so much more . . .

Courtesy

 I'm so excited you stopped by today! 

It truly is a blessing to have you come and share in my thoughts. Not for one minute do I take you for granted. You are a daughter of the most High! You were chosen and created for a marvelous purpose. If this site gets you just a little step closer to your calling then I am overly blessed.

Recently, I've had the privilege of working with an inspiring woman named 

Joanna Bailey 

who heads up an organization called Women Who Rise. 

She is a world shaker whose heart is to challenge women to live above and beyond their current circumstances. If you've never heard about her awesome network of women, I hope you will stop by and say hello. There aren't enough words that can explain what she's doing and the impact she will have on so many women and their destinies. 

You can follow her on Twitter here: @joannabailey

A few weeks ago I felt the weight that so many women are struggling with their value. That they don't know the impact and necessity of what they have to offer. I don't know what or who has made you feel disqualified, but I do know that you are more than enough! I hope this article will fill you with hope and value today.

http://womenwhorise.org/you-my-friend-are-enough/

Love,

Vonae Deyshawn

Quote of the Week

Happy 

Martin Luther King 

day!

Courtesy

I can't think of a person who exemplifies what a life of virtue means more than Dr. King. He was a man who lived a life of forward. 

2014, The Year of Forward

I am so excited to see what this year will bring for you as you trust God and step into the promises He has for your life. 

As He does a new thing in you, my hope is that you wouldn't look back to what was, but that you would be confident in what is to be. 

The other day, someone asked me what's the plan for these videos and honestly there isn't one. I just want to be obedient to do what I was called to do. 

Take that first step. 

That first inch forward. 

And while it may not be exactly where I want it to be, the magic is in the first step. The believing and trusting God to carry His message beyond any other natural distractions. 

The only plan I have for these videos would be for you to find life, hope and promise. 

Hope you'll join me next week as we discuss, 

"Now is not your final destination."

Love,

Vonae Deyshawn

Quote of the Week

Welcome welcome!

I'm so grateful that you would stop by 

and let me share my latest 

rantings and ravings pondering with you.

This past weekend, 
I had the privilege to sit under John Maxwell's teaching; 

a great leader in well . . . leading.

Things I'm Pondering . . .

This scripture has been playing in my mind recently and I thought I'd share,

"Instead, take the lowest place at the foot of the table. 

Then when your host sees you, he will come and say, 

'Friend, we have a better place for you!' 

Then you will be honored in front of all the other guests." 

-Luke 14:10

So many times in life we look around us and think, 

"I can do this or that better than so and so. Why do they get all the credit and recognition?" 

It can be hard to take the lowly place, but when we wait on God to exalt us instead of exalting ourselves, the reward is beyond our imagination.

Let's be okay waiting.

Just be quiet already!

I realize I haven't written about marriage and relationships in a while so I think it's about time.

It was fun writing the marriage series, but boy has things changed since I first wrote those articles. We have a little one now who for all intents and purposes is anything but little. He's a spitting image of both my husband and my worst qualities, bless his little heart. It's funny how God will show us ourselves through such a little person. If only he knew how much he's making mommy and daddy become the better versions of ourselves. 

The funniest thing happened to me on Sunday as I was preparing to go to church. Well, maybe funny isn't the best word . . . Interesting? 

Already Equipped

Have you ever felt called to do something, start something, or step out into a new direction? 

All of us have been challenged beyond our ability more than once in our lives, and If you haven’t, I challenge you to step out of your comfort zone.