Chan'tel Grayson's Blog

I don’t know how days have been looking for you lately, but for me, recent months have been a little on the “rough” side. This is my first year teaching (yes, in a pandemic), and ya girl has been busier than I want to be, yet smack dab in the middle of God’s will. How sway?!

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think on these things.

Philippians 4:8

Lately I have been fighting to keep virtuous thoughts, biting my tongue to not grumble and complain about my blessings that seem to be overtaking me. Sometimes the very answers to your prayers can cry you to sleep! Fighting to cast my cares and drop off the weights of this burden so that I can walk lightly and easily. I have been grieved by my work load, the political climate, racial injustice, lack of sleep, and well…people. So much strife and spiritual warfare taking place. I’m so glad the fight is fixed and victory has already been won!

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

1 Peter 5:7 (NIV)

When we look at biblical prophecies and revelations, we see that things get worse before the day of better. Let’s just face it. It is then that I realize that these days right here are full of rare and precious moments. These days are the ones that I will look back on and be fond of, maybe even long for a bit. I am choosing to adopt the perspective that there are diamonds in this rough year, and that I have a pre-polished view that will glimmer later. This may be a hard pill for folks to swallow, but even including 2020…these are the good ‘ol days!

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

John 16:33 (NIV)

The longer I am on this earth, the greater distaste I have for it. Like King Solomon shared in Ecclesiastes, so much is meaningless here. Earth is like a temporal cave of darkness. Thank God for His light helping us find our way while in it, but not of it. My spirit groans to return home and feels this passage so strongly. My citizenship is in heaven.

“Meaningless! Meaningless!”
    says the Teacher.
“Utterly meaningless!
    Everything is meaningless.”

Ecclesiastes 1:2 (NIV)

Until the return, I pray…

My Savior, Yahshua, My precious Bridegroom, prepare your people for your return. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done. On earth as it is in heaven! Help us to enjoy these good ‘ol days on earth, as we approach your judgment and the best days in heaven. Thank you for being with us in both places. Never leaving us, never forsaking us. Granting us the Helper of Your Holy Spirit, and the infilling of your joy and peace. When days, moments, years are rough, help us to remember that you are here…in us, and we can easily cast our cares. Deliver us from all fear so that we can be all that you called us to be and carry out your plans as you have purposed us to. We exalt thee Adonai! Elohim, we adore you and all of Your radiance! Come and do not delay! We await that glorious day! Amen.

©2020 • Chan’tel Nikole Grayson

“Now What?!” is probably a big question many of us are wondering right about now. We want to know what to do with what exactly we have all been dealt. We want to know how much longer, already?! Well, I can’t make sense of all that’s going on exactly either, but, I’d like to share something the Holy Spirit ministered to me a couple of months ago that I found very exciting. We could all use some good news, right? Here it is.

Figuratively speaking, the new thing that the Lord is doing is expelling fresh oil. Everything that we are experiencing individually and collectively that is impressing growth is going to have us coming out of this season drip-piiiing, people! Keep following Christ. Stay the course.

The new wine that the Lord is producing and pressing out of us through these seasonal trials is an oh, so precious delicacy. In fact, it is too fine to store and mix in the same ‘ol heart we’ve been storing stuff in all these years. He is pouring out His spirit upon us! (See Acts 2:17)

As you may or may not know, back in the bible days, wine was stored in wineskins. Overtime, the wineskins would stretch and grow weary as the wine fermented and aged within. Well, when a new batch of wine was produced (like a new batch is being produced in the earth now), it was tomfoolery to place it in an old wineskin!

“And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. For the new wine would burst the wineskins, spilling the wine and ruining the skins. New wine must be stored in new wineskins. But no one who drinks the old wine seems to want the new wine. ‘The old is just fine,’ they say.”

– Luke 5:37-39 (NLT)

What is it that you say?
How often it is that we desire changes and answers to our long-awaited prayers, but are not positioned to receive them? Or…
How many of us are so darn set in our ways and resistant to change, that we rather drink familiar bitterness for fear of a new unknown taste that God has to offer?

This is a new cup. If we want to be a part of the new thing that God is doing and birthing out of this season of our lives, then we need to truly submit our hearts unto Him. We need to trade in those old wineskins (thoughts, traditions, habits, ideologies, addictions, etc.) for new ones! Otherwise, we won’t be fit for the kingdom and all that lies ahead of us. That’s it, that’s all.

Grace, Grace. Cheers to new wine, and many prayers for new wineskins, beautiful people!

©2020 • Chan’tel Nikole Grayson

Last August. Yes, last year…in August, I had the honor of serving my siblings by dog-sitting in their home during their family vacation in California. The dogs and myself were acquainted, so it was fairly easy in that sense. But, I underestimated the responsibility. On top of the 21 new kids that I served all week, suddenly adding 2 big dogs to the mix was really changing things up.

I saw that God’s grace was indeed sufficient and covering me. Dog-sitting certainly wasn’t the hardest thing to do, but it wasn’t the lightest either (I’ll spare you the details). Let’s just say, even though I was over the whole gig by day 2, I continued for another 5. I picked up more big poop, and cleaned up more vomit, and swept up more fur, and endured more rain, and bought more Kleenex, and sneezed many more times, then took more Benadryl. And I pressed on!

I probably should have stopped saying “I’m over it” aloud, but in all honesty, I didn’t until it was nearly over. Gratefully, my spirit ignored the complaints of my flesh and got me together. I was able to go above and beyond and not just do for them out of obligation, but serve them with compassion. They were gracious enough to provide groceries for the week, but groceries really couldn’t change my heart posture, guys.

How often do we start with good intentions and then have a change of heart? How often is it that we say without saying, “God use me…but not that way!”? Service is a heart posture. While there, my heart was stirred for my siblings as I thought of how the life I was living for just a week, was being endured by them daily…with a kid! A pretty darn cute kid, might I add!

No, but really. That week I saw their need for a vacation, and I was so happy to be able to be a blessing to them. I didn’t have to, I got to! I got to be used by God. I got to ask God to bless their home and their hopefully worry-free vacation.

“Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, “I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessings great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test! – Malachi 3:10 (NLT)

God’s word is true. I truly believe we should never have to go outside of the body (of Christ), to meet the need of the body (of Christ). If we’re all doing our part and bringing our tithes and offering to the storehouse (the kingdom of God), all of our needs (not just financial) will be met.

So whatever you are “over”, big or small – be it your job, your marriage, your living arrangements, your financial status, yourself (hello somebody)! God-willing, please keep at it and ponder what God wants you to grasp! I promise, God’s grace can thrust you forward in ways that you can’t, and you will be glad with what is produced within you in the end.

©2020 • Chan’tel Nikole Grayson

All these years I’ve been missing you
Oblivious to your absence
or…codependence, I should say
I’m sorry that I neglected you
Somewhere
Along the way

I was busy
And bullied
Didn’t feel
To process fully

To heal
The crucial parts
Yet and still

Here
You
Art!

Shining in His glory
Even cute with your mistakes
Lost in His presence
And found
Now that I’m awake

Forgiving
And accepting
Loving
And not rejecting

Now, we’re more acquainted than ever
I fancy you
There’s no parting now
I’m here through and through

Been working in the field
Been waiting for the rain
I had no idea
All along
That it was you
That I would gain

They say if the love comes back
Then it was surely meant to be
So glad your love came back, Nu
Because all these years I’ve been missing me.

©2020 • Chan’tel Nikole Grayson

I know you’ve been through hell
…on your way to heaven
Tired of the same ‘ol manna
and the consistent lack of leaven

Hey,
You’re sweeter than you think
You’re sweeter than they know
Your smile is the best contrast
In this dark world, fa sho

Home-grown like cocoa
Fresh-brewed like coffee
So smooth like onyx and caramel
And a lil’ tough like toffee

Well don’t you sound good?
Yea, it’s ’cause you are
No need to check snopes
to find out you a star

Many sons had Father Abraham
It’s easy to forget
That you are one
of the mighty men of valor
who was surely sent

To the earth with a purpose
to lead an army to the King
to shine His light so bright
and demand freedom ring

Keep your head up
And your hand on the plow
We can’t afford for you to forfeit now

Hey,
You’re sweeter than you think
You’re sweeter than they know
Your smile is the best contrast
In this dark world, fa sho

I want a love like the beach.

That safe place, number 1 on my list that I am always yearning to re-visit. A love that reminds me that though I am small, I am welcome to rest here. A love that invites me to its refreshing views and oh so wide, everlasting expressions of care.

I want a love like the beach.

That terrestrial, non-territorial environment whose winds whisper “just breathe”, “you’re fine”, and “it’ll be okay”. A love that exfoliates and smoothes. Whose seasonal chills grant appreciation for classic, summertime warmth.

I want a love like the beach.

A love outside of time, built on a rock and unphased by the storm. A love whose waves draw me closer and dissolve my tears. A love unapologetically like thanksgiving; serving the best of the best…in time. A love so abundant it should be annual, but it shows up daily.

I want a love like the beach.

Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.

1 Corinthians 13:7 (NLT)

©2020 • Chan’tel Nikole Grayson

There is a lot of sensitivity and controversy regarding the terminology “new normal”, and I get it. Many (nations!) are experiencing grief collectively and some more intimately. A lot of our comforts are gone, and to be frank, some. things. just. suck! Feel that, breathe, and release that, friend.

God is doing something interesting in this season that we can’t ignore. Honestly, aspects of this experience have been a bit like déjà vu for me. I’ve been here before, and I’m telling you: this is a temporary, great and loving time of preparation that can be so refining if we let it! *sings* “Let every hearrrt, prepare Him roooom!”

I don’t know about you, but my soul yearns for something new! I no longer want to settle for the old, warped, way anymore. Maybe you have to wrestle with the fact that you really liked the old way, even if it was a little toxic. Own and grieve your truth, but I really do hope that you can eventually get on board with the great things that God has in store for us. Don’t you want Jesus to return?! Well, there are some things that must take place inside, out.

We can all come out of this at a new level in Christ, closer to who we’re destined to be. Whatever test(s) that you’ve been administered in this season, I know that with The Helper (the Holy Spirit), you can pass it! Whatever personal storm you might be caught in, I know that you can walk through it peacefully with the Holy Spirit as your guide.

Once all of this COVID-19 social distancing mayhem is over, we will never be the same again. For our souls’ sake, there will be a new normal and it’s a good thing! Allow my heart to elaborate, the best way I know how…

The new normal was birthed in quarantine.
It stripped us of our rags
Destroying every seam
It looked like a nightmare
Until we discovered it’s disguise
Some questioned, some drew near
Started to prioritize and compromise

True colors readily revealed
While we all sat with God
Exposed and finally still
Comforted by His staff and His rod

Laid off, furloughed,
Working from home
Wearing a mask, keeping our distance
Spending time with family
And alone

Snacks and more snacks
Another email and zoom meeting
Online schooling in pajamas
Tiktok, Instagram, Facebook,
Yet the time is still fleeting

Can’t sit at a restaurant?
Face your fears
Have a seat at this table
‘Wash your hands all ye sinners’
Trust God…He’s able

Everything’s been factored in…
to The Master’s plan of perfection
Please believe we’re still winning
The news you hear is full of deception

6 feet apart, or else 6 feet under
Is what they say, and so it seems
Whatever
Just save our souls first, Jesus
Is all my heart screams

So serious about The Sabbath
He lent us time for keeps
A sigh of relief and contrite heart of worship
Peace…as the nation weeps

This isn’t a game of poker
#StayHome
No bids on covid, all in on GOD
Straighter posture for the weak
20/20 vision for the road we trod.

©2020 • Chan’tel Nikole Grayson

Over the years, as God has been shaping and refining me, I have noticed that my character defends me time and time again. I’ve seen the enemy silenced, narratives debunked, and foes scattered. God knows how to get things done, my friends, and what an honor it is to be used to get…things…done for the kingdom! It’s worth it to just show up sometimes.

The Lord  will cause your enemies who rise against you to be defeated before your face; they shall come out against you one way and flee before you seven ways.

Deuteronomy 28:7 (NKJV)

I know society tells us not to dwell on the past. I’ve said it too, but today I’m talking about it. I’m talking about them. Those we know have had negative conversations about us behind our backs. Those frenemies who have fired shots with backhanded compliments and somehow caused public humiliation…without public notice. Those who have allowed their jealousy to rise up and morph them into bullies, making us their target. Those who have rallied troops against you…and me. Those who have masked their nosiness with concern, only to vomit all you’ve shared, with, guess who? more of them!

This is what I have to say to you about them.

Call me naïve, but I wholeheartedly believe that there are so many who know not what they do when they do those evil things. We don’t know all that is in our deceitful hearts (Jeremiah 17:9)! I think few people are hurting us intentionally, and many are living and loving the best way they can…even if that way is trash. Forgiveness doesn’t mean a rocked relationship will be restored to what it was. It may be better, it may be very different, it may or may not be both.

Forgiveness does not mean excusing.

– C.S. Lewis

Forgiveness can be super tough, but is always worth it. It keeps our most prized relationship (with God) intact and functioning healthily. The sin of unforgiveness is way too costly for us to allow it to gestate. It can manifest through bitterness, physical pain, strife, sickness, disease, etc., as it slowly… separates…us…from…God. Christ gave us a prescription for many things on the cross. Pardon them, He pardons you (Matt. 6:14).

I know the room is dark, but keep showing up and letting that light of yours shine. oh, and please don’t dim it when you get there. I know you feel alone, but God is on your side, fighting for you! Dwell on the good that God has done and keep a grateful heart. Don’t let them make you shrink back or give in. I know you don’t want them around, but God has prepared a pretty awesome table for you in their presence. The spread is for you, friend!

I’ve been comparing myself to Paul instead of you

And it’s amazing what Acts will help you do

Walking forward with my head held high

Drinking courage as I scroll pass

Bye…post.

Sorry, not sorry

You’re no longer welcome to my eyes

I can’t let them get lazy or God-forbid

Hypnotized

To gouge or not to gouge?

I’ll set a boundary for you instead

It’s worth it. I’m worth it.

The sin will only leave me dead

Paul had a thorn like me

And it kept him on the low

He was posted up everywhere

But never had a formal show

His fruit told his story

My fruit tell mine too

So if you’re ever scrolling and don’t see me…

No worries.

I’m good luv.

I’m serving.

I’m new.

Double tap, no more likes

Finally, are we free?

Remove the scale

Stop weighing him!

and her!

and them!

and me!

I’ll see you when I see you

Won’t miss you when I don’t

But every now and then

I’ll stalk your stories

Hmm…or maybe I won’t

This affair has ended

Those compliments you can keep

‘Cause then I’ll have to accept your criticism

And I ain’t lettin’ you sow that deep…

Social Media

©2020 • Chan’tel Nikole Grayson

Let me clear my throat, folks! It’s 2020 and I made it!!!

Whew! Cheers…to…THAT! I know I’m not alone here.

In case you didn’t know, I have been living for 32 years (I just turned 33), and I have been blogging here for the past 8-ish. My embarrassing archives will go ahead and remain. Since it’s been a while, it’s a new year, and I see a few new faces here, I figured that is a good reason to re-introduce myself…kind of! So AHEM!!!! I present to you…

20 Fun Facts About Me

1. Give me a dance floor or karaoke and I come alive! No, seriously. I have a list of categorized songs that I can pull up right now. No alcohol necessary. Let’s go!

2. My personal bios are so difficult for me to write. A wise artist once told me that “we’re never just one thing”, and this statement couldn’t be further from my truth. I have done, can do, and will do so many wonderfully creative, tough, and humbling things. I also don’t necessarily believe that my identity comes from the things that I do (it changes in seasons!). One of my favorite roles, however, is being an aunt. I love my nieces and nephew so much, and another one is on the way! Yeee!!

3. I live an unconventional lifestyle serving God, and I love how His plan keeps unfolding for me. He knows me so well! The spontaneity and adventure life with Him brings is priceless!

4. Pre-2005 I went by the nickname, “Nikki” instead of my birth name, “Chan’tel”, and though most know me as Chan’tel in this stage of my life, “Nikki” occasionally burns my ears. In my younger years, my birth name felt more like a jacket too large to fit into. I often wonder how biblical characters like Abraham or Paul adapted to their name changes. 

5. My legs are probably hairier than yours during the winter