What I'm Most Thankful For

 
With Thanksgiving less than 10 days away I thought I should take the time to reflect on what I'm most thankful for. And while there are a million little things (my sight, my ability to hear and walk, my home, etc.) there a few bigger things and/or people who stand out more to me.
 

So, in honor of our upcoming Turkey Day here's quick list of the 5 things I'm most thankful for >>>>>
 

5. Life

I've learned that every day is truly a gift and what you do with that gift is up to you. So many people never take the time to appreciate that their alive - that they woke up another day. There are countless people in the world who will spend this holiday season missing loved ones who've gone on. So don't take life for granted and don't waste it by wanting what everyone else has - because in the end all that really matters is this: the people you knew and how you touched their lives.

 

4. My Church

 
I don't just mean the building - I mean the people in it. The church is so much more than bricks and pews - it's the body of Christ - and I'm thankful for my church family. They pray for me and encourage me. And no matter what I know I can go to them for help and prayer. If you don't have a church family I would highly recommend finding one. It's really nice to know you have people praying for you.
 

3. My Family

 
Can I just say that I have the best mom in the world (and I might be a little bit biased) but I truly feel like she's the best mom I could ever ask for. She loves me unconditionally and even when I get on her nerves she still puts up with me. No matter what I know she'll always have my back. As for my dad, I'm thankful he's in my life too. He has one of the biggest hearts in the world and he's taught me a lot about the importance of helping others and making a difference in little ways. They're both amazing people and I'm grateful to have them as parents.

Mom & Me

 
 

Dear old Dad

 
I also am blessed with wonderful grandparents who love me no matter what. Even though my grandma is gone now I thank God for every minute I got to spend with her and I'll never forget all the things she taught me. Her and grandpa are like my second parents and I'm thankful God blessed me with them.

Grandma & Grandpa

 

I also have an uncle who I love dearly. Life wouldn't be the same without Uncle Terry. He's taught me how to accept life as it is and to roll with the punches - a lesson I am truly grateful for.

 

Uncle Terry

 And now that I've gotten married my family just keeps extending.

2. My Husband 

Denis & Me

 
I thank God every day for blessing me with Denis. He's a really good man with a really good heart and that's one of the many reasons I love him. We're not just husband and wife, we're best friends, and my life is better because he's in it. I'm honored to be his wife and I'm thankful for every moment we share.
 
 
 
And while my husband is very important to me there's one man that I'm even more grateful to have in my life >>>>

 

1. Jesus

 
I don't even want to think about where I'd be without Jesus. He's the source of my strength, peace, and love. He has taught me and still teaches me so much about how life is supposed to be lived - abundantly. He has stood by my side even in the darkest of times, even when I felt like I had no one, He was still there. And His faithfulness just makes me love Him more.
 
Well, that's my list. Short and sweet.

Now it's your turn. What are you most thankful for this year?

XOXO,

Nellie

Top 5 Preacher Podcasts I Listen To

There are 5 preachers who've changed my life and have encouraged me to keep going in the hard times. And while I've never met them I feel like I know them because I listen to their church podcasts every week.

These pastors come from different backgrounds, different denominations, and even different parts of the country but one thing remains - they all believe and preach that Jesus Christ is Lord and that the only way to true peace is through Him.

Their sermons have uplifted me, chastised me, and reminded that I have a Heavenly Father who knows me and loves me. Their words have brought me hope in my darkest moments.

So here's a quick list of my Top 5 Preacher Podcasts I Listen to >>>>>>

1. Andy Stanley, NorthPoint Community Church, Atlanta, GA

Pastor Stanley's podcast was the first one I ever listened to. I was approaching a slight change in my life and looking for something to give me hope. While scrolling through the iTunes Podcasts lists I came across his sermon series called "Starting Over" series. I gave it a listen and haven't stopped listening yet.

Andy has a way of breaking the Bible down so that's it's easy to understand without losing the true meaning of the Scripture. His series are fast-paced, to-the-point, and educational. I've learned from his teachings and always look forward to hearing what's next.

Here's a video of first sermon in the "Starting Over" sermon series called "Own It."

 

 

2. Steven Furtick, Elevation Church, Charlotte, NC

 

Pastor Steven is by far the most awesome preacher I've ever heard. After I got used to listening to Andy Stanley's sermons I branched out and gave this guy's podcast a chance and let me tell you - I haven't been disappointed yet.

Pastor Steven is down-to-earth, his sermons are relatable yet Biblically accurate. He has a way of taking the Bible and bringing it to life and relating it to every day circumstances. He's funny and even more impressive he tells it like it is.

My absolute favorite sermon from him is "How to Love the Mud." The video for it is below.

 

 

3. Levi Lusko, Fresh Life Church, Montana & Utah

 



Pastor Levi is one-of-a-kind with his preaching style. He has an uncanny way of weaving things like Marvel comic references with the Bible - and the funny thing is - it works. But his sermons are not all pop culture references - they're genuine and full of Scriptural depth. Just like Pastor Steven he's relatable and funny at times but he knows the Bible and he's not afraid to preach it. See for yourself.

 

 

4. Joyce Meyer, Joyce Meyer Ministries, St. Louis, MO

 



Joyce Meyer is known for her amazing Bible teaching and television ministry, but to me she's known for this phrase that has stuck with me through the years, "It's not about what you feel but what you know." This means that you shouldn't let your emotions lead you - you can lead them with the Word of God. Her sermons are easy to understand and her own story is very inspiring. Also, her books have been very helpful to me, especially "Battlefield of the Mind."

My favorite sermon series from her so far has been "Are You Resisting or Assisting the Devil."

 





 

5. John Gray, Lakewood Church, Houston, TX

 

 

The first time I heard Pastor John Gray preach was actually on an Elevation Church podcast. He was speaking at their church during the Code Orange Revival and his sermons touched me. He's funny and easy to listen to. His sermons will have you laughing and even better they'll have you thinking. He knows the Bible and he's not afraid to sing, dance, or laugh in his sermons.

 

This was the first sermon I ever heard him preach.

 



 

I'm always looking for a good preacher podcast to listen to so feel free to leave some suggestions in the comments.

 

XOXO,

 

Nellie



Fall, Holidays, and Giving Thanks . . .

In honor of it being November and all I'd like to take the time to gush over one of my favorite times of the year: FALL.

Can we all agree that fall is awesome? I mean you can wear layers and boots. The leaves change colors. Cafes everywhere start selling pumpkin and cinnamon inspired drinks. You get 3 holidays for the price of one: Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Black Friday. And yes, Black Friday is a considered a holiday to some people. But the absolutely best thing about fall for me is this: MY BIRTHDAY!

Yep, my birthday is November 30th - the official end of hurricane season. And I can hardly wait. Twenty-three moons ago I came into the world and nothing's been the same since. But aside from my birthday, fall is still really cool because it means you're this much closer to Christmas, which is the most wonderful time of the year according to Andy Williams (and if you don't know who that is look him up). And if we're that much closer to Christmas then we're that much closer to another year.

Another year means changes and changes can mean fears. But keep this in mind: even though the seasons change God never does. He'll get you through anything if you let Him. Just take the time to give thanks for what you have instead of worrying about what you don't and you'll be just fine. And you can take that to the bank.

Peace & Love,

Nellie