life

The Unusual Suspect 

by Danielle N. Hall

8/18/2016

Last night, I had one of those “box of chocolates” experiences: I had no idea what I was gonna get. I was sooooooo excited about the scheduled dinner meeting I had and the new activities that would result from it. I EVEN arrived 30 minutes early…I’d take credit for that, but honestly traffic was on my side. I relaxed in my vehicle as I awaited my guest. My guest arrived and we proceeded to have our planned dinner and discussion…what a fruitful fellowship!!! It soon became apparent that closing time was upon us. As we were leaving, we became aware of the heavy rain storm outside and we got ourselves together and got in our respective vehicles and left.

Just a few moments after departure, I realize that my vehicle was moving pretty slow, but I thought it was because of excessive water on the street from the storm. I continued to drive slowly until I reached a nearby gas station. When I got there I saw that my rear, passenger side tire was flat. A few calls, some time, and $65 later I was back on the road.
By now, I’m exhausted and want to lay my head down. However, because I hadn’t eaten much at dinner, I was still wanting food. I grabbed something quick and headed home with hopes of enjoying it and relaxing. What happened next was faaaaaar from relaxing. I parked, grabbed my things, and headed to my door. While attempting to turn my key in the door, I kept getting resistance and the door handle was like it was being held down from the inside. Also, I heard one of the wooden trays that’s right by the door fall. After several futile attempts, I must admit that I began to panic and think the worst…I thought someone uninvited was in my home! I hastened back to my car and went to a nearby parking lot where police are typically present. Unfortunately, no one was there. Additionally, I repeatedly tried to reach my children on the house phone and their cell phones…all to no avail. I called the Mr. and then the police. The Mr. and the authorities arrived and got the keys to enter the house. They checked the perimeter first and after banging on the door they entered with the key. With guns drawn they walked through only to find that my teenagers were apparently fast asleep and the suspect holding the door handle down was THIS GUY:

Though I was relieved to know my babies were ok, my adrenaline was on extended release mode. 

As if the above wasn’t enough excitement, when I finally got settled down, there was this sudden noise at my bedroom window. The time at this point was around 2am and I really did not have the energy to be dealing with any more suspense type situations. It didn’t take long to decipher what was going on. Evidently, we didn’t get the memo about the scheduled power wash for our bedroom window 😒 The pop-up sprinkler thought that our window was a great target. 

Somehow, after all of these interruptions and disturbances, I managed to close my eyes and get a little bit of rest. I’m grateful that my babies are fine, my tire is now repaired, and my bedroom window is clean…

#icantmakethisstuffup

Wait Watchers

by Danielle N. Hall

8/14/2016

“For every manifestation or success there was a waiting time.” -Ikechukwu Joseph, Unlocking Closed Doors

One of the most challenging experiences we can have is the season called “WAIT”. If we are honest with ourselves, our longsuffering is probably one of those fruits that needs a little more time to ripen. You see, longsuffering is not the ability to wait: it’s how we act while we wait. We often like to look for an identifiable example of what to do. I’ll encourage you to consider an example of what not to do. The children of Israel had an extended staycation in the wilderness because they murmured often. When we observe their experience we see evidence of discouragement, disdain, and disbelief. Surely that’s not a model we want to follow while we are transitioning from our place of bondage to our promised land. We want to watch how we wait. Here are a few things to consider while transitioning:

KEEP THE FAITH

We learn from Hebrews 11:1 that “faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” The Message translation reads this way: “The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living. It’s our handle on what we can’t see.” Even and especially when we are in the season of WAIT, we ought to hold fast to our faith in God because it is the firm foundation of what shall manifest.

KEEP THE FIRE

If you look into the eyes of one with hope, you see passion and if you’re that close to them, you feel the energy of their heart. Think of your heart as a fireplace and each promise of God as a log to add to the flame in your heart. We know that God is not a man that He should lie and His Word will not return unto Him void. It is tried and true and is the perfect fuel to keep the fire burning!

KEEP THE FOCUS

I just heard the following stated by Dr. Derek Grier: “Anything in your life you can experience, God remains larger.” While we are watching our WAIT, we should keep our minds fixed on the Sovereign God. As a matter of fact, a song by one of my favorite recording artists has that very title. Its chorus is as follows: “You are the Sovereign God: bigger than ALL my problems and every situation. There is nothing too hard for the Sovereign God.” These words are simple, yet profoundly true. I encourage you to listen to the full song by clicking on the following link: http://youtu.be/-3o_IZGtLHA


Dr. Grier also said: “You can’t let the path blind you from your future.” What a tasty nugget! The truth is that the process doesn’t look like the promise, but if we keep the faith and keep our fire burning and keep the proper focus, we will surely experience the milk and honey that awaits…WATCH YOUR WAIT!

Are You Ready For THAT?!

by Danielle N. Hall

8/3/2016

Many of you have probably heard “Write the vision and make it plain”. There is more to it than that, though…in the King James Version of the Holy Bible, it reads as follows: Habakkuk 2:2-3 “And the Lord answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.” 

Here we see that there is a specific set of instructions: write the vision, make it plain, and wait for it. Let’s consider these instructions, but first let’s consider this: in order to write the vision you first have to receive the vision. God speaks to us in many ways, but being in proper position to hear from Him clearly is important. When we receive a vision from God, to keep it before us we ought to write it. In modern times the way we’ve seen visions “written” is on a vision board. Typically, you’ll find that the vision is both written and made plain when depicted on display boards. 

**Side Note: a few months ago someone mentioned making a vision binder and separating the sections with dividers. That idea is a more compact and portable option and I think I’ll try it soon.  

Pictured below is a photo of my vision board from last year, but I just recently decided to put it back up in my office in my direct view. This is because I want it to serve as a constant reminder of what God showed me and what I believe will manifest.


Four years ago today, I made the following post on Facebook.


Here’s the thing, once you’ve written the vision and made it plain, you ought to ask yourself this: “Am I ready for THAT?” The THAT being referenced here is THE HEAVENLY APPOINTED TIME. The Bible says though it tarry, or takes a while to manifest, wait for it because it will SURELY come. I must admit, that when I created the above pictured board in the beginning of 2015 I thought I was ready for THAT, but some of what was shown to me didn’t happen last year. However, as I review the plainly written vision on my board and I consider the events of this year, it is evident that THAT is happening now and I wasn’t as ready as I thought. Doors have been opening, divine connections have been made, and prayers have been getting answered but it’s all happening so fast. It is a blessing. The one thing that I did differently this year is I made a conscious decision to invest in becoming a greater me so I could better serve others. I believe that is what accelerated the manifestation. The vision that God gives you is for His glory and we are just the vessels to carry out His divine plan. Every song that will be sung, every book that will be written, every relationship that will develop, and EVEN the blogposts of Danielle’s Place were predestined to happen at an appointed time and are ALL designed to bring Him glory. As YOU prepare for THAT, I encourage you to approach the wait with faith and with a servant’s heart…it will surely come!

Hello From The Other Side

by Danielle N. Hall

7/26/2016

If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably window shopped at least once or twice in your life. I’ve seen some display items that were appealing, and others not so much. I must say that I may have even unfairly estimated how good a store was based on what I could see from the outside. 

The truth is, this type of bias is also applicable to our perspectives when it comes to people. When we are outsiders looking in, what we can view is limited.


You can observe a person’s behavior, but you can not fully perceive who they are based on that limited view. It’s when you are granted access to what’s inside that you can better estimate or deduce…even then, the perception may be skewed based on your personal experiences. Here’s a light example: if you were to look through my living room window and see that there are multiple video game consoles, you might deduce that playing video games is a regular activity of choice for our household. However, it is rare that we all engage in that activity. 

How about this for a better example: today after dropping my sons off at cadet camp on my way to work, I observed what appeared to be a conflict between mother and son. I only briefly heard part of the exchange, but I would soon find out that she was requesting him to remove his earring and give it to her. I was getting ready to pull off, but from my rear view mirror I saw her pretty much chasing him. I parked and got out of the car to try to peacefully intervene. When I approached them, I began speaking to the young man and his mom. He said “No one will ever listen to me.” I told him that I was willing to hear what he had to say, but I also helped him understand the importance of being respectful. She then mentioned that she was going to go sign him in. While his mom was inside I continued to communicate with him. He expressed that she had previously permitted him to wear the earring so it was upsetting that she changed her position on today. She returned to where we were and perhaps the corporal asked about the young man and he then came outside. We all talked and then the corporal stepped away with the young man. It was at this time that the mom disclosed to me that he was adopted. She said she had him since he was 9 days old. She mentioned that he lacks for nothing and that the family had just returned from a nice vacation. She said that he just likes to have his way and he just doesn’t like when she tells him what to do. I mentioned to her that it may be possible that he has resentment towards his birth mother that manifests in defiance towards her. I’m an outsider looking in, so I really can’t say…but I took that moment to enlighten her that there may be something deep rooted within that she can’t see from the outside. I asked if it was ok for me to pray with him, she agreed and I did. Before I left, he walked over to her and hugged her. Those doggone allergies started getting the best of me 😊. I told her I would be praying for them both and I did just that when I got back in my car.

I shared this experience to encourage you to not make concrete assumptions from the outsider’s position. That isn’t always a great vantage point. If you’re in a home and you look OUT of a window, chances are you would see more than if you were on the outside peering IN. Be open minded.

I leave you with this final thought:

“The eye sees only what the mind is prepared to comprehend.” – Robertson Davies

The Halves & The Half Nots

by Danielle N. Hall

7/6/2016


All this week I’ve had on my mind a famous line by Chuck Brown: “Whatever you do big or small, do it well or don’t do it at all.” This is one of those simple, yet profound statements.  My late grandmother had another way of saying it that may not be suitable for all audiences, but even from her creative way of expressing the same message, I understood the importance of striving for excellence.

What we input has a direct effect on the output we yield. The “Halves” are those who engage in half-hearted efforts and will later find that their output leaves something to be desired. The job gets done, but there are some elements missing that could’ve enhanced the outcome. The “Half Nots” are those who put their entire hearts into what they are doing whether they are on a mission to buy a greeting card, completing a major work project, or any other endeavor.

Sometimes, when we don’t understand the value of certain opportunities, we tend to fall in the category of the “Halves”. For instance, I can recall while being in high school being afforded the opportunity to take college courses as a part of the HI-SCIP (High School College Internship Program). The first semester, I enrolled in a psychology class and I enjoyed it. I paid attention, learned much, and applied myself. I earned a B in that class. The 2nd semester, I was enrolled in a World History class which wasn’t of interest to me so I took a half-hearted approach and squandered the opportunity. I earned a D: an outcome that certainly left more to be desired by me. 

That experience was both a learning and a teaching point for me. I just recently shared with my children the contrasts in the outputs based on my inputs. I’ve learned to not waste valuable opportunities by having the mindset of the “Halves”. If I am going to do it, whether it’s big or small, I’m going to do it well or not do it at all. Consider me a “Half Not”.

In which of the two groups are you?

Decisions, Decisions

by Danielle N. Hall

6/27/2016

“It’s not hard to make decisions when you know what your values are.”–Roy Disney

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This is a small, practical example of selflessness. However, I’ve found that making decisions of the like have yielded great blessings!  Don’t hesitate to be a blessing…the results are priceless!

Philippians 2:4 (NKJV) Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. 

The 5 Words That Blessed My Life

by Danielle N. Hall

6/14/2016

I’m sure many of you have had some interesting, memorable interactions in the workplace. I tend to have them in my everyday life…in various settings. I guess the real reason I’m not drawn to amusement parks is because each day of my life is an adventure. I’ve got a host of stories to share! I’ll admit that I wasn’t as welcoming of some experiences, but maturity has caused me to embrace a Romans 8:28 mindset: I truly accept and believe all things are working for my good and for His glory. 

One story I’d like to share is from a workplace experience I had in 2005. If I could describe it in a picture, I’d say it was a….this:

I was in a season of transition, yet a state of contemplation. My mind perceived that change was necessary, but my heart hadn’t quite accepted that it was time. This is because I’m usually not a quitter. A wise person once told me that a season is an appropriate period, but a moment is an appointed time. While I was preparing for the inevitable as best as I could during that season, a request came my way that initially shocked me, but it was just what I needed to make it clear to me that it was time. This was the request made to me in 5 words: “I want you to quit.”

Let me be VERY real: I was offended…ESPECIALLY since I went above and beyond my call of duty and there was no explanation behind the request. However, I was also relieved because I had already been searching for another option and I had an interview scheduled on the next morning. In hindsight, I view those 5 words as God’s way of telling me it was time because He knew that even though I was frustrated, I probably still would have had trouble leaving because I’d consider all of the great experiences I had at that establishment. 

Now that I’m older and wiser, I recognize that what we need may not be presented in the most appealing packaging. If I hadn’t heard those 5 words, I may still be painfully sitting on the fence. The moment had arrived and I would’ve missed it. It takes maturity and the right perspective to understand and embrace the following about life:

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 (NIV) There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace. 

Some of the greatest blessings that I’ve received came wrapped in peculiar packaging, but I’m grateful. I’ll leave you with this final note:

#SHIFThappens

Unnecessary Roughness 

by Danielle N. Hall

6/2/16

MOMENT OF THOUGHT:

Just before reaching the office this morning, the phrase “unnecessary roughness” crossed my mind. It led me to begin to think of how we are sometimes too hard on ourselves. This unfortunate fact can be attributed to (but isn’t limited to) past rejection or hurt from others, embracing the standards of others, or having a propensity to please people. In these situations we tend to lose ourselves and the inclination to love ourselves.


MOMENT OF TRUTH:

For years, I focused the majority of my energy on comforting and loving others and sacrificing for them. It took some time and courage for me to decide that I was going to start making sure I invested in my own happiness and well-being, too. The above picture represents one of such investments. It was taken at the Red Door Spa on my birthday last year. I’ve made an executive decision that this would be a consistent treat for me. Sadly, though, when I initially made the decision I actually felt a little bit guilty and I started to beat up on myself. This is because I’d grown accustomed to neglecting me. I began thinking about how finances are limited and how that money could be better utilized for a household need. Then when I began to reflect on how relaxing and rejuvenating the Red Door experience was, the guilt started to fade away. There are other ways that I’ve been less than kind to myself in the past, but I’m learning to be more loving and caring to me.

MOMENT OF THANKS:

There is a multitude of ways to be kind and gentle to ourselves. Consider the following activity that I thought of this morning:

Write a “Thank You” note to yourself. This may be a little unusual because often when we reflect we focus on struggles, headaches, heartaches, and bad choices. Today, however, I encourage you to do something strange for a change. While you write, sing to yourself the following lyrics: “Loving you is easy ’cause you’re beautiful.”