Month: September 2019

Farewell, Single Shantel

Farewell, Single Shantel

Shantel

Hey there. Guess what? In just one more day I will be a married woman! 🎉 I can’t believe I’m at this point but it’s really happening.

In case you’ve wondered how I’m doing let’s just say my emotions have been a big roller coaster. (Watch out Sixflags Superman!)

I’ve experienced joy, excitement, fear, anticipation, gratitude, love and sadness to name a few. Sadness because I realize that a lot of things are coming to an end for me.

I’ll no longer live with my family, I’ll be mainly attending a new church, and even my job will change. It’s taken me some time to process but I’m grateful for friends and family that have encouraged me along the way. It’s definitely been a learning and planning season.

I recall the nights I used to pray and cry to God for the One to be revealed. Little did I know God would meet and surpass my expectations.

When it was time for Lawrence and I to align it just started happening. People around us were picking up on us becoming an item and I can’t count how many confirmations we received. It’s like God was playing matchmaker, setting us up, and then revealed us to eachother. (We see what You did there, Lord 😏)

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for your good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 NLT

Because I’m a planner, a visionary, and a strategist I just knew that I’d know when the One came around. But Lawrence was not on my radar. He took me by surprise. It was the perfect gift in exchange for my surrender to the Savior.

I’ve learned that the importance on my end was not finding the One but becoming the One. This walk has required faith, patience, and all that good Godly stuff! Lawrence and I have gotten to know eachother more and develop a great friendship. I see how God was preparing me in my singleness.

Ladies and gentlemen, if I may give you advice, I’d say do not waste your singleness. It’s beautiful, it’s freedom, and it’s a gift. We take it for granted sometimes but it’s a very special season in your life. You get to learn/explore who you are and the things you like to do. I’m thankful for my singleness and would like to write a note to single Shantel.

Dear Single Shantel,

Farewell. You’ve been a pleasure to meet and discover. We’ve had some trying, difficult times together. I didn’t always value your worth. But it was in you that God showed me my strength. In you that I realized my identity. In you that I realized I was already enough. I thank God for blessing me with very fruitful single years. I’ve learned so much in the span of 28 years. Married Shantel, I look forward to meeting you tomorrow. You’re apart of my destiny. With Babe and the Lord’s help, we will figure this out.

Sincerely,

Shantel Gross

Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the LORD will be greatly praised. Proverbs 31:30 NLT

Please pray for us as we embark on this new journey. Thank you all for your love and support. Our hashtag is #chosengraces and our cashapp is $chosengraces. The best is yet to come. ❤

Life Lessons – Plan & Prepare

Life Lessons – Plan & Prepare

Shantel

Hey there. Have you ever felt like you’ve been doing so much but on the outside it appears like you’re living under a rock? That was me not too long ago.

You might have wondered, “Where has Shantel been?” or “Why haven’t I seen her post frequently?” Well if you didn’t know already, I’M GETTING MARRIED!! 🙂

Last September, my fiancé proposed to me during a conference I’ve hosted called the Promise Ceremony. Towards the end of it, he spoke about living a pure lifestyle, rapped an ode to me, and surprised me with a proposal. It was awesome. Now we’re getting married this September!

In addition to future bride, there are several other hats that I’ve been blessed to wear. I sing in a group called Holy Host Ministries. We perform in the DMV area using dance, rap, song, and spoken word. I’ve been a worship leader, speaker, teacher, children’s church teacher, and family gal. I love connecting with people and being a part of a spirit-filled community. But things have started shifting in response to this new chapter of my destiny.

des·ti·ny | \ ˈde-stə-nē \

Definition of destiny

1: something to which a person or thing is destined
2: a predetermined course of events often held to be an irresistible power or agency felt that destiny would determine their future

I felt like God had hid me for a while in preparation for where I am now. I kept hearing “Keep Writing” or “Prepare Now”. Like a surfer getting ready for a wave. I was honestly frustrated but I see why He prepared me.

We all have God-given assignments and purposes we are meant to fulfill. And there are times when God hides us or things slow down strategically to prepare us for something greater.

Everytime this has happened in my life I was being prepared for something bigger than the last season in my life. That is how the Promise Ceremony was born. That is also how Life to Your Soul was born. Can you relate in some way?

We sometimes get discouraged when we don’t see “it” happening. But then “it” arrives and we’re overtaken by the wave. Let’s work at preparing now and being in position. We must shift our perspectives and tune in to God’s because it’s a great change on the horizon!

Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving… Colossians 4:2 NKJV

Hold fast to dreams,
For if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird,
That cannot fly.

Langston Hughes

Here are some tips that have helped me:

  • Invest in yourself. Read books on the direction you believe you’re going. Check out podcasts or related videos as well.
  • Don’t be afraid to mess up, as my fiancé has told me. You’ve got this because God’s got you.
  • Plan ahead. Invest in a weekly or monthly planner. It’s worked wonders in my life.
  • Network. Hang out with others who are successful and proactive. It can give a boost that you won’t regret, especially when you need encouragement.
  • Pray, fast, and worship. Have intimate time with the Father and His word. It will replenish your soul and help you tune into the Spirit. Read more here.
  • Give thanks always! Regardless of what it looks like, you are still blessed. Appreciate the little things which lead to greater.

Prayer for Direction

Dear Father,

I thank You for this opportunity to seek you. Thank you for this new season you have me in. I pray that You will show me how to proceed forward. I surrender my will to yours. If there are any hindrances/distractions, I release them to you. Help me to overcome. Even though I’ll have trials, I receive the truth that You are with me. Help me not to be discouraged. Please send others who can help edify and encourage me on this journey. Thank you for hearing my prayer.

Amen.

Donate to our marriage here! Thank you for your continued support!