Choosing Happily Ever After

During my conversation with Daniela and Ahkeel we covered the topic of relationships. They shared tips for creating and maintaining a healthy relationship by working through rejection, baggage, and self-worth. In this episode, Ahkeel & Daniela dive deep into how they pursued love and how their individual journeys with Christ paved the road for the adventure of marriage. Everyone has their own boundaries and individual processes that they bring into a relationship. Daniela & Ahkeel share how they have learned to navigate that and maintain confidence in their love for one another.   Connect with Ahkeel & Daniela: Ahkeel Parkinson on instagram: @avsparkinson Daniela Parkinson on instagram: @danielaparkinson  Stay Connected: Website: https://www.nicolevangelder.com Nicole VanGelder Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nicole.vangelder.5  Nicole VanGelder Instagram: @nicole_vangelder_thehouse  The House Church Website: https://ithehouse.org  The House Church Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ithehouse/ Nicole's Newsletter: https://ithehouse.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=84cef8ebde05a380db0643fc3&id=53f9c95bd0    Music by Voices by LiQWYD Last Summer by Ikson

This month's Conversations With Friends features the amazing Evi & Alicia Ugarte-Delrio, two of the worship leaders at The House Church. We discuss how to cultivate worship in your own heart and life; the idea of “secular vs. sacred”; and more. The conversation was truly a delight, so please join us!    Connect with Evi & Alicia: Evi Ugarte-Delrio on Instagram: @eviugartedelrio Alicia Ugarte-Delrio on Instagram: @aliciaugartedelrio   Stay Connected: Website: https://www.nicolevangelder.com Nicole VanGelder Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NicoleVanGel... Nicole VanGelder Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicole_vang...  The House Church Website: https://ithehouse.org  The House Church Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ithehouse/ Nicole's Newsletter: https://ithehouse.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=84cef8ebde05a380db0643fc3&id=53f9c95bd0   

I am so excited to share this month's episode of Conversations with Friends with you! I interviewed my longtime friend, Joanna Neitzell, who is the Assistant Director of the Communications Department at The House. This month's topic is centered around consistency of character and faithfully walking with the Lord. We talk about being open and vulnerable to the Lord's process of refinement, how to create authentic community, and the importance of mental health. I hope you will join the conversation!   Connect with Joanna: Joanna Neitzell on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joanna.neitzell/  Joanna Neitzell on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joanna.neitzell    Stay Connected: Website: https://www.nicolevangelder.com Nicole VanGelder Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NicoleVanGel... Nicole VanGelder Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicole_vang...  The House Church Website: https://ithehouse.org  The House Church Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ithehouse/ Nicole's Newsletter: https://ithehouse.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=84cef8ebde05a380db0643fc3&id=53f9c95bd0

During this month's second episode of Conversations with Friends, I am interviewing Jill Demisse! Jill is making an impact in women's lives around the world by partnering with them through Trades of Hope. Jill shares how Trades of Hope has allowed her to help women rise out of poverty, escape human trafficking, and provide women with an opportunity to provide for their families. If you feel the Lord has placed a specific need on your heart to make an impact, do what you can with what you have! Do not underestimate the little that you are able to give, because God is able to move in even the small things! Connect with Jill: Jill Demisse on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jill_demisse/ Jill Demisse on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jill.demisse Jill Demisse Trades of Hope: https://tradesofhope.com/order/P19362/?u=JILLDEMISSE&event=P19362 #choosinghappilyeverafter #CWF #makeadifference #tradesofhope #nicolevangelder Ways to get involved: Trades of Hope: https://tradesofhope.com/our-story Global Vision: https://www.globalvisionsinc.com The Apparent Project: https://apparentproject.org Harvest107: https://harvest107.org A21: https://www.a21.org Polaris Project: https://polarisproject.org Charity Water: https://www.charitywater.org Teen Challenge: https://teenchallengeusa.org 

This month I am starting a series called “Conversations with Friends”!  I am using this series to bring encouragement to you through the stories and lives of people that have greatly encouraged me! The first guest in my summer series is Victoria Norris, who is the worship director at The House Church. In this episode, Victoria will share how she has been able to live from a place of joy despite the hardships and surprises of life. She also shares how to encounter the Lord on a deeper level! I am so excited to share this conversation with you and I know that it will inspire and encourage you no matter what your current season holds! Show Links: Victoria Norris on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mactori Victoria Norris on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/victorydawn/ The House Church: https://ithehouse.churchcenter.com/people/forms/180914  Read Victoria's Blog "Constant Joy": https://ithehouse.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Constant-Joy-Victoria-Norris.pdf 

Rest is an important part of life that we often conveniently forget to schedule time for. However rest allows us to be present & see the bigger picture. Rest can be difficult because it requires us to trust the Lord. So this month's podcast we are talking all about trust and rest. This week, Pastor Nicole connects the two and encourages us all to take a step of trust by resting in the Lord.  Follow this link to access the podcast notes: https://ithehouse.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/CHEA-Rest-Trust-Notes.pdf  Click the link to subscribe to Pastor Nicole's bi-monthly newsletter: https://ithehouse.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=84cef8ebde05a380db0643fc3&id=53f9c95bd0 

How do you enter into rest?  Living from a place of rest is necessary if you truly trust the Lord. Learning to trust the Lord with the details of life will add up for big results. In this podcast, Pastor Nicole shares her study on the correlation between rest and trust so that together we can take care of our hearts, respond to His voice, and learn to live from rest! Follow this link to access the podcast notes: https://ithehouse.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/CHEA-Rest-Trust-Notes.pdf Click the link to subscribe to Pastor Nicole's bi-monthly newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hShjAD Let's connect! https://linktr.ee/nicole.vangelder    

This month we are talking about increasing faith in Pastor Nicole's Faith Series. In this week's episode, Pastor Nicole will cover four of the ingredients that make up faith and how you can use them to actively practice everyday. Listen and be empowered on how to be an example of faith in your life as well as in your family!   Subscribe to Pastor Nicole's bi-monthly newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/hShjAD View this month's show notes here: https://ithehouse.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/CHEA-Authenticity-Notes.pdf

This month's topic is faith! What exactly is faith and how can you sustain your faith in such a way that it goes far beyond just the big moments? Pastor Nicole will answer these questions and invite you to go all in on your personal journey of making the most of the big and small moments of life. For more on this topic subscribe to Pastor Nicole's bi-monthly newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/hShjAD View the show notes here: https://ithehouse.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/CHEA-March-Notes_-Faith.pdf 

In this week's episode, Pastor Nicole shares practical tips that are useful for everyone to overcome insecurity in their daily life. Insecurity keeps us in a prison that the Lord has set us free from. True empowerment and freedom comes from choosing honesty over insecurity. There is so much good awaiting when you choose to be vulnerable and authentic with the Lord! For more on this topic subscribe to Pastor Nicole's bi-monthly newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/hShjAD   View the show notes here: https://ithehouse.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/CHEA-Authenticity-Notes.pdf

It is so easy for insecurity to pop up in us even when we're least expecting it! Insecurity steals our authenticity and ability to be fully transparent with the people around us. In this month's podcast, Pastor Nicole challenges listeners to be fully open in their relationship with the Lord. She shares that the key to knowing the Lord is to be fully known by Him. For more on this topic subscribe to Pastor Nicole's bi-monthly newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/hShjAD View the show notes here: https://ithehouse.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/CHEA-Authenticity-Notes.pdf

In this podcast, Nicole shares how intentionality is required in our connection with the Lord. Our relationship with Jesus resembles a reckless pursuit and in the process, He will be faithful to bring revitalization and empowerment to you. Listen and be encouraged in your pursuit, for it is one of great value!

2022 is here and with it comes the opportunity to embrace all the possibilities it holds. In this episode, Pastor Nicole encourages you to commit to the journey before you, trust the Lord fully, and join with others along the way. Together, let's expect the best and grab hold of the potential of this new year! January Podcast Notes: https://ithehouse.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/CHEA-January-Notes.pdf

Christmas is a magical time of the year, with many gifts to offer—especially if we follow in the steps of Mary. In this week's podcast, Nicole speaks about Mary's gift to treasure and ponder and how learning to do the same will impact our Christmas Season and our lives. May you be filled with peace and joy this Christmas season and always!

It is hard to live a life well by accident, it takes intentionality and it doesn't happen overnight. In it, you must embrace the process, rather than strive for perfection. This allows for the good works of Jesus to be established in your life through good fruit. Listen as Nicole speaks on building a strong and unshakable foundation in the process of creating a “life well lived”.

Declarations create both a lasting and impacting reality for our lives to follow. Therefore, our words have real power! Making these proclamations daily stirs up faith and expectancy in our lives. In this podcast, Nicole shares examples of people who have lived by this and encourages listeners to speak powerfully over their families futures.

Forgiveness can be a difficult topic, because it is costly. But, it is even more costly to live with unforgiveness in your heart. In this episode, Nicole talks about how forgiveness leads to reconciliation, heart maturation, and connection protection. Anger and bitterness shrink us as people, but forgiveness allows us to grow far beyond what we were! Listen and be inspired to choose forgiveness.

Being an adult doesn't mean you have to have all the answers! Thankfully, you get to learn as you go. What can limit our future is the baggage of our past, and we often don't even realize it is doing so. In this podcast, Nicole shares how she learned that she was carrying baggage that was robbing her life & relationships of joy & wholeness.

Control is a funny thing that we like to pretend we possess. However, life is good at reminding us that the only thing we can ultimately control is the condition of our hearts. In this week's episode, Nicole shares the unexpected beauty she found while journeying through grief and life's trials with Jesus by her side.

Changing your environment unfortunately doesn't change the inward condition of your life. If only it was that easy! However, taking a step back does allow us to see the big picture and see where we can implement changes. In this podcast, Nicole shares 3 things she brought back from her family road trip that are giving her fresh perspective.

Our lives are supposed to be shaped by the “important” things. Because our circumstances, personalities & capacity are unique, our priorities should be, too.  In this podcast, Nicole shares the necessity of knowing where one's time is going and having clear priorities in order to create the life that is best for you.

Life is full of opportunities. There are so many good options, it can be difficult to narrow them down. We also find ourselves pressured into time commitments out of obligation. In this podcast, Nicole shares how it takes more vision to say “no” than it does to say “yes”, but learning to say no with ease is essential to maximizing your life.

Maximizing your life starts with your mind! Often the things that we feed on can be seen in our lives by the way we interact with others. In this podcast, Nicole shares how to detox your mind through subtracting the negative and increasing positivity. She teaches how feeding on heaven can have a lasting impact on our lives and those around us.

Boundaries have been around since the beginning, in the garden with Adam & Eve. They continue to be an essential part of a healthy life. In this podcast, Nicole shares three separate types of boundaries, what it means to set them, and how to actively protect them.

Last podcast, Nicole shared the importance of accepting oneself. This week, she continues with her Wake Up series by speaking on the importance of accepting current circumstances and people & seeing the beauty they contain. Nicole shares from experience her “dream” vacation that didn't go as planned and the lessons she learned along the way. Appreciate the beauty of every moment starting today! 

Insecurities not only rob us of everyday moments, but they also steal from those around us. Don't allow insecurity to be the voice that dictates your life! In this podcast, Nicole shares her first hand experience of learning that true & lasting growth happens after you've embraced who you are now. 

Too often, we sit back and wait for circumstances to change, as though they are the problem that is preventing us from having the life we want. The truth is that our biggest obstacle is usually ourselves. Instead of waiting, we need to get moving! Listen & be encouraged as Nicole draws from her personal experience to motivate you to dream again with God! It's time to wake up & engage!

2020 was a year of self reflection for many. Although some self focus is good, it can cause weariness and dilute clarity. In “Wake Up & Live '' Nicole shares her story from this past year and how she came to the realization that she needed to wake up and maximize her life! Listen and be encouraged as you move forward in mercy, strength, and empowerment!

Much of life is lived in the “in between”—that is, in between where you came from & where you are trying to end up. You don't need to wait until you've “arrived” to enjoy life! Listen as Nicole shares keys to help you fully engage in the present while planning for the future. Join her & begin to embrace your “now”!

Do you ever wish certain seasons of life could just be over? Even if it was quick and painful? In continuation with her last episode, Nicole shares the importance of faith when going from broken to complete. She gives a fresh perspective to why we should embrace where we are now, celebrate where we've been, and dream towards where we want to be. Listen as we celebrate together the in-betweens in all seasons!

It is important to learn how to embrace the chaos & messiness of life with grace or you will find your daily life robbed of the joy & peace they should contain. After all, we were created to live in wholeness! This means that the messes we learn to live with should be temporary. In this podcast, Nicole shares how broken furniture inspired her to say yes to the process of wholeness. Listen & join her on this journey! 

In our Communication Series, Nicole has shared the tips she's found most helpful as a working/homeschooling mom of eight. In this final episode on communication, she covers emotions, body language, and problems with making assumptions. Believe the best in the person you are communicating with and this will bring out the best version of you!

In this episode, Nicole shares how communication has more to deal with learned skills than natural ability. This is encouraging because it means that we all can improve in our communication, and improve our connection with others as a result. You will be amazed at the result as you implement three simple keys Nicole has learned that have helped her to grow in this area.

Communication is an essential part of our daily lives and follows us into all of our connections with others. The good news is that good communication has more to do with learned skills than natural talent & growing in this area is easier than you might think. In this podcast, Nicole starts a series on communication by giving five tips that will equip you & help you—and your relationships—flourish.

Motherhood can be intimidating at first for any new mom or any woman planning for the future. In this podcast, Nicole shares her top ten tips that have helped her excel as a mother of eight. Learning the importance of taking thoughts captive, growing muscles of confidence, and overcoming insecurities with courage are just a few of the topics covered. If you are a mother, a new mom, or someone preparing to be a parent, this podcast is for you! 

How do you manage your expectations so they don't lead to heartache? Sometimes it can be possible for one to be blinded by their expectations and miss out on the promise standing in front of them. It's natural for us as humans, to feel heartache when things don't turn out the way we thought, but there is usually good right there in the midst of it all. In this podcast, Nicole shares tips on how to not let disappointment cloud your hope!

The unrealistic image of "happily ever after" is carved in our minds from the time we are little and eases its way into our adult lives. So how do we avoid these unrealistic expectations, while still staying hopeful and full of joy? Nicole will share her personal journey of hardship, hope, loss, and finding the strength to trust again. Life surely has an ebb and flow, but the Lord remains faithful through all seasons.

How do you own your days without them taking ownership of you? In this podcast, Nicole shares her most helpful tips in 3's so you can incorporate them into your everyday life! It's time to take back your time, remind yourself of what's important to you, and ultimately feel good about the way you are spending your days.

Life is busy. It is easy to be overwhelmed by the demands of our days. The good news is that it is possible to thrive in the midst of all circumstances! Listen as Nicole shares tips on how to access & implement the grace needed to thrive in your moments of need. There is enough grace for you!

“And they lived happily ever after.” This is how all fairy tales end. The truth is, no fairy godmother is going to come. But, the good news is you don't need her to! On this podcast, I will share the lessons & practical helps that I've learned in my life as a wife and mom of eight, that have helped me to cultivate both a joyful home and inner world of peace, confidence & hope. Join me in choosing happily ever after.