Healing Waters

We’ve had a very rough few weeks. We lost my precious daddy-in-law, Daniel’s Father on June 5. This was so unexpected for us, and my heart still hurts.

We took a day trip to our most special, favorite beach to catch some sand and sun today. A few hours into our time there, I told my husband: “I’ve tried to be happy today, and it’s just not working.”

I miss the man he was–his character, his valor, his place in our family and our church home.

Today at the beach was the beginning of true healing. That was my prayer several days after we got the news–Lord, heal our wounds, and our aching hearts.

So, today was the start of that. The first time where even in the midst of the pain that I was feeling and experiencing even right there on that beach–I got in the ocean, sat in the sand, and let the waves rush over me. It was freeing, it was cleansing… and, it was the beginning of healing. Healing Waters.

I was as “happy” as happy could be in this moment. Some days are harder than others. One day at a time.

Ocean waves
Salty noses
Sandy toes 
A breeze sweeping my neck
Wind wafting through my mane
The Breath of my Almighty GOD
…Healing waters 

Wash my cares right away, O Lord. Into the beachy sea.

I got chills when I sat with this moment. Asking the Lord to take away my anxiety, and to be with me through this overwhelming grief. He was there. My God was there with me. I hadn’t felt His comfort and great care in weeks–it was only because I had not invited Him in. Bless you, Jesus and keep me near the cross, Lord.

I was then comforted even more by the precious Holy Spirit. He whispered unto me:
“when you go through deep waters, I WILL BE WITH YOU”

Whitney

I AM His

This is my first time wearing this Inherit Co. denim-washed long skirt. It is so soft, and flattering!!
Modesty at it’s best, I love it!!

I love this Valentine’s Scarf so very much–lots, and LOTS of pink with hearts!!

It’s been a LONNNGGG TIME since I’ve blogged here, but LET’S JUMP RIGHT BACK IN :)! The Lord has spoken to me, and led me back to blogging here, as a means of protecting my heart and not giving it away so freely to people that I know in real life–he knows how this can affect someone, especially those who are super empathetic–isn’t He a good God?!! Amen!

Merciful God has been with me, and continued to see me through, hallelujah and for that I am grateful. Continue to see me through, my Jesus.

How have you been, friends?

I wanted to take a moment to share a part of my story with you–this is long, but it is good. On this day, January 11–17 years ago, 2006, I truly began living for Christ and got saved, asking Him to come into my heart, right from my dorm room. I had just transferred to a new college for a fresh start, and I was in an unfamiliar town that somehow still felt like home.

I was 20 years old. Of course I was baptized and accepted Jesus in my pre-teen years, but this time it felt different. It felt more real, and I knew the commitment that I was making—a life of sacrifice unto God and saying no to the things and actions that displease Him.

I purposed in my heart, no more teetering, no more being untethered—I wanted Jesus as my secure ground, my solid rock.

Since then, He filled me with His Holy Spirit three years later in 2009, and sent me my forever husband in 2011. All of this happened within a 5-year time span of giving Jesus my heart and trusting Him with my will.

I live for Christ because He called me to this life. He chose me. I am His. 

Every day I choose Jesus. Every day I repent of any wrong, and ask the Lord to cleanse me of any unrighteousness and set my feet back on His high, holy hill.

You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to be willing. Come one, come all—come as you are to Jesus, the fountain that never runs dry. The One who knows your soul right well.

Let me pray for you today, that you will find God if you haven’t felt the fullness of who He is yet. He’s waiting for you.

Hopefully with this post you can feel like you know Whitney a little better—where the passion comes from, the fire, and the steadfastness. He’s worthy!



After I shared this piece of my story with one of my social accounts, a young lady in Christ whom I am friends with on social commented:

“This is the kind of love we can get when we open our hearts to him! Thank you for sharing this testimony ”

I sat with it and instantly:

• Him sending me Daniel was an example of His love for me.
• I AM IN UTTER AWE.

I never looked at it this way. WOW. I must sit with this. But, in the meantime all I can do is say: INCREDIBLE GOD, I THANK YOU.

Before I met Daniel, I DO REMEMBER PRAYING A VERY SPECIAL PRAYER. I SAID: “Lord, surprise me.” I met him later that year.

Just as the Holy Spirit is a gift to every believer who chooses to believe, so is Daniel. He was my gift. Why would you give a gift back?

I AM IN UTTER AWE.

Your Daughter,
Whitney

Thanksgiving Traditions

Traditions in my favorite spot . 94th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on @nbcnews @macys.

Feeling super blessed and thankful. Growing up, my dad took us to all of the holiday parades in our hometown. I think of being on top his shoulders and wearing his hat so that I could see all of the floats and marching bands with my two sisters.

Enjoy your joy today- these are the moments we wait all year for! God is sovereign- give thanks unto the Lord for He is good.

Psalm 136:1-9 
1 O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.2 O give thanks unto the God of gods: for his mercy endureth for ever.3 O give thanks to the Lord of lords: for his mercy endureth for ever.4 To him who alone doeth great wonders: for his mercy endureth for ever.5 To him that by wisdom made the heavens: for his mercy endureth for ever.6 To him that stretched out the earth above the waters: for his mercy endureth for ever.7 To him that made great lights: for his mercy endureth for ever:8 The sun to rule by day: for his mercy endureth for ever:9 The moon and stars to rule by night: for his mercy endureth for ever. 

XOXO, Whitney

Making the Absolute Most of It!

During this new social distancing era, our family has definitely been “making the most of it!” Our days are filled with family time, sunshine, and lots of good laughter- whether that includes going for a family walk outdoors and pushing Esriel in his stroller, popcorn and movie night with my boys with blankets on our living room floor, catching up on a game of playful basketball with my boys, and cooking homemade meals as well as savoring a family dinner together at the table. We are surely “making the most of it.”

I’ve prayed so much during this time, and I have also reflected. I opened up one of my favorite books again after putting it on a long pause (mainly because I read several books in tandem). It was Emily Ley’s book “Grace, Not Perfection.” This book is so good when you need it the most. And the past few weeks, I have definitely needed it the most, more than ever. The challenge of school being out indefinitely, and the kids most likely missing the entire end of the year, along with the pressure of having to basically “homeschool” and turn into supermom and teacher virtually overnight. I picked up this book and it reminded me to take things SLOWLY, and to also- be present. …To be super-present with my children.

Don’t just be there, but be there- be an active participant. Savor those sweet and endearing moments, get down on your child’s level and look them in the eyes, smile deeply when they are joyful, and give tons of hugs!! It’s been a whirlwind, but since reading a few more pages of this book, coupled with my bible, I am ok; and I know that God has us in the palm of His glorious and comforting hands. There have been so many God-moments where my husband and I have seen the goodness of the Lord surrounding us during this time. He also has you and your family in the palm of His hands. God says in His word- if you are His child, there is no good thing that He will withhold from you. Keep that expectant faith that we can all overcome this together.

And how cute are me and hubby in this photograph? It kind of feels like we are dating again- and that gives me the greatest joy!!

Keep the faith & Pray fervently, friends!

-Whitney

Waymaker

I adore listening to the radio in the mornings on our car-rides to work and school. The Lord is so gracious, beautiful and precious to me!! When I hear a Christian song that I love, I cling to it like it’s a new treasure find. Today the song, “Waymaker” by Michael W. Smith began playing. I tuned into the beat, I listened to the flow of the melody, and the glorious lyrics and I got chills. I knew that God was in that song- that it was a special song.

It goes… “You are here moving in my midst. I worship You. I worship You. You are here, working in this place- I worship You. I worship You.”

“Waymaker, Miracle Worker, Promise-Keeper, Light in the Darkness- MY GOD, that is Who You Are.”

The Lord comforted me with His presence a few weeks ago. He came to me in my spirit and said, “You didn’t derail- you just took a detour. Stay the Course.”

GOD sees the beginning from the end and I found SO MUCH COMFORT in His connection with me that day- HE IS SO GLORIOUS. Stay the course and continue to bless our God.

Whitney

Testimonies

Unsolicited Testimonies and Encouragement!

You all have been a great blessing to me! You never know the effect that your words can have on someone, until you experience it for yourself. Sometimes these words of encouragement from sweet friends and strangers, mixed with God’s word and a beautiful scripture- keep me going so good! God is so good and so merciful; and I am  happy to be a blessing to others! Never underestimate the power of an encouraging note!!

Apr. 22, 2019 – “Handsome family! I love the bow ties! Yes, and the coral bottoms are awesome, too! They are da bomb, those boys! And the little one looks so happy to be with them! You are truly blessed!” -Lisa Permo

Apr. 21, 2019 – “Happy Easter to you too! Happy christens to the baby! You are smashing in your new dress! Your boys and hubbie look great, too!” -Kim Marcantonio

Apr. 21, 2019 – “This is precious!!! They belong in a magazine!” -Amy Ferguson

Apr. 21, 2019 – “You have an adorable family! 💕” -Jule Linihan

Apr. 21, 2019 – “Your dress coordinates with their outfits perfectly! Wonderful photos!” -Sara Graham

Apr. 16, 2019 – “Wow wow wowww!!!! HUGE CONGRATULATIONS to you!!!! God is soooo faithful! Excited for you! 🎉🎉🎉🎉” -Abigail Folds

Apr. 16, 2019 – “Woohoo!!! This is so exciting! Congrats to you! 😍💐💐💐💐💐💐😘” -Carisa Tyler

Apr. 16, 2019 – “Outstanding!!! Love watching you flourish! You shine on ⭐️” -Kelly Divito

Mar. 7, 2019 – “Amen. Love yall family. Be encouraged. God knows all and his timing is right.” -J. Ikard Jr.

Mar. 7, 2019 – “Great word!” -Jason R.

Mar. 6, 2019 – “Hey man, someone shared this song with me and after I read Whitney’s post online I thought of you all. Sending this your way and hoping it blesses you like it did me.” -M. Coleman

Mar. 5, 2019 – “I thought about a key word you said during your prayer. “Rebuking self-sabotage”. It really stuck out to me… in other words, don’t blow the chance at an opportunity and talk myself out of things. God is working things out and I thank Him and you all as well. There is power in touching and agreeing and praying In God’s word. Can’t wait to hear you all’s testimony.” -C. Wilson

Feb. 19, 2019 – “You have the prettiest smile!!!” -Heather Breen @heatherbreentraveler // “She does!! It’s so full of joy! 💖” -Carisa Tyler @cheeky_flamingo8

Feb. 8, 2019 – “You look absolutely beautiful! Jesus’ light shines through you! ☀️” -Aleah Jane @aleah_jane_in_lilly

—

Colossians 3:23, And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

Merry Christmas! 2018

Hi everyone!,

I hope that you had the best Christmas Holiday that one could ever hope for and imagine. I spent Christmas this year with my husband’s family. We enjoyed eachother so good- the Lord is so amazing. Our “Uncle Mayne” (my children’s Uncle) took a beautiful video for our family’s time together during Christmas. My heart is so full!!

 

We also spent the Saturday before Christmas at my little sister’s home!! We did our annual “Christmas Eve Breakfast.” Oh, it was so so good. Blessed beyond measure sums it up so beautifully!!

God bless you all so abundantly,

Whitney

Upcoming Labor and Delivery – GOD With Us

Praise the Lord.

Daniel and I are so close to the birth of our third son. God has been so gracious to us throughout this pregnancy. I have told everyone that it has been the most easy, stress-free pregnancy out of the three that I’ve ever had. Is it because of the summertime? Or, is it because the Lord is with us? I believe that Jehohovah Shammah (“The Lord is There”) is with us.

Yesterday before bed, hubby felt a leading to pray over me, and anoint me and my belly where my dear son is. It warmed my heart to know that he wanted to pray over us, and ask the Lord to give us a touch and a safe delivery. He anointed me and my belly; he prayed and I prayed with him. We prayed together unto the Lord.

Afterward, he went downstairs to grab our Prayer “Bread Box” that his father gave to us when we first got married. The bread box contains a row of scriptures, or manna (bread) for one to pluck and read both front and back sides. He picked one – I picked one.

Mine said:

“In the day of my trouble, I will call upon thee:  for thou wilt answer me.” -Psalm 86:7

“When thou passeth through the waters, I will be with thee.” -Isaiah 43:2a.

God is so amazing. He is alive, living and active in the lives of His children. These scriptures that the Lord allowed me to pluck, were just for me. Just for me and Esriel. It is referring to my upcoming childbirth. I never ponder labor and delivery until the actual moment, as to not become anxious– but the Holy Spirit says here, IN THE DAY OF MY (YOUR) TROUBLE, WHITNEY– I WILL ANSWER. Hallelujah – He has me in the palm of His holy hands. He will protect me.

The second scripture is REASSURANCE that HE will be protecting my baby Esriel throughout our labor and delivery. When I saw this scripture, I nearly cried. I felt chills and knew that the Lord was Jehovah Shammah, GOD WITH ME – for HE IS RIGHT THERE! “WHEN THOU (ESRIEL) PASSETH THROUGH THE WATERS (CHILDBIRTH), I WILL BE WITH THEE.”

My Lord, He is so good. He has blessed us- He calms my nerves, HE SPEAKS TO ME. HE KNOWS MY EVERY NEED, MY EVERY ANGST, MY EVERY CONCERN! Glory, Jesus!!!!!

You call me worthy, worthy of your blessings, worthy of your prayers, Jesus, worthy of your comfort. Thank you for being the God that I so desperately need every day of my human life. There are no words, no gratitude that can measure up to the ADORING LOVE that you have FOR ME and my family!!! You are insurmountable, holy, gracious and righteous Jesus!!

THE LORD IS THERE, Jehovah Shammah!! HALLELUJAH!

Songs: “In Christ Alone” by Keith and Kristyn Getty

God’s Beloved,

Whitney Wilson

First Day of Summer 2018

Today is the first day of summer, also known as National wear Your Lilly Day. This is when all of the JOY begins, all of the ADVENTURES and all of the evening activities (like carnivals, ice cream nights, and swim days). This is the start of warm weather happiness in North Carolina!!

Today I am joyful for so many reasons: #1, My GOD is GOOD; #2, My family is amazing and I love them dearly (see a few paragraphs down what I wrote about my Dad); #3, I was able to go to sleep at 9:30 p.m. yesterday evening, and OH MY WORD, early nighttime sleep makes all of the difference; #4, This morning I am enjoying liquid sunshine in a cup (a McCafe Latte) that keeps me smiling.

I am a naturally joyful person, but I am also 33.5 weeks pregnant so sometimes the “feeling” of true joy and happiness escapes me – I swear it must be a hormonal thing, I had a conversation with my husband about it. So, any time that I feel like myself AGAIN, with my regular bursts of JOY – I’ll take them!!

Yesterday my Dad and I shared a sweet moment. I was telling him through text how much of a great father he has been to me, recounting childhood memories, and just relishing in celebrating him this past Father’s Day. I sent him this and asked him to read it:  “Happy Father’s Day to the Strong Father in my life – my Dad! He has been a very present father in our lives, and for that I am grateful. He perserveres through his trials, and he is so strong through it all. I loved growing up eating your special French Toast that you would whip up for us and slice each piece carefully! When we were smaller, I enjoyed the scent of roasted peanuts from the oven that you would always enjoy!! You also took me to all of my band practices growing up, and ohhh you taught me how to play chess, which a lot of people can’t say for themselves. Basically, I love you and I am so glad to call you my Dad. 💖”

I think he enjoyed reading that, because he texted me right back: “That was nice, Whitney. Enjoyed our time at the Farmer’s Market. Hope I can get to Winterville more often. Love my second girl.” I was so weepy after this text. I love my dad, this just melted me.

Hope you all have the best summer! We are in countdown mode for Baby “E” to arrive. He is all that his daddy and me are gushing about!!

Whitney

Spring

Well, the Lord does it again. Winter brings me a little lower each year. I am cold-natured and it is very difficult for me to bear colder months. Sometimes I get weary, thinking about the long trudge that I have to make in the mornings to my campus building for work—and how frozen my face and legs get—(every) (single) (morning).

And, it may seem like nothing—but, cloudy days and rainy days affect moods, and sometimes I allow it to affect mine– but, praise God, Spring is coming. Spring is on the way. Today, the Lord showed me up and told me that I can handle anything, because He can. And, I’m His child.

The scripture on my Bible app was this: Isaiah 40:28, “Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding.”

This touched my core because God was telling me through this scripture—sometimes things get hard, and sometimes we have to endure—but, don’t faint, don’t complain… you can do it, even through your weariness. “I AM with you.” You may get cold in your body, your mood may change with the seasons, but I the Lord CHANGETH NOT. Hold onto my unchanging hand and remain happy and joyful.

(The photo here is from my husband and I’s anniversary this year. Flowers remind me of God’s creation, Spring, the beauty of nature and warmer weather to come. The Lord is so gracious).

Whitney