Category: The Yielded Believer

Today we turn 2 years old! 🎉 I am deeply grateful to Jesus for His grace, gifting, and divine enablement to keep writing, to keep showing up, and to keep sharing my thoughts with you all. So today, our Reflection Friday is exactly that, to pause and reflect on the journey of The Yielded Center Blog. Where we have come from? What have we walked through together? What have we built, learned, and overcome?And most importantly how do we move forward from here? Shall we? 🥰

Name

The Yielded Center

Tagline

Living a Spirit-led life

Guiding Verse

“If the Spirit is the source of our life, we must also allow the Spirit to direct every aspect of our lives.”Galatians 5:25 (TPT)

More information is provided at the foot of the page, where the writer shares the heart, purpose, and vision of the blog.

Launch Date: 9 January 2024
Age: 2 years

Overview

The Yielded Center blog is a faith-based, reflective platform focused on personal growth, life reflections, and Christian living. Our content blends personal essays, spiritual reflections, interviews, and series (multi-part posts). The blog is single-handedly managed, edited, and designed by Vanessa Moonkie, who also serves as the main author.


Posting frequency:

High, often multiple posts per week


Top posts:

1. When you leave
2. The Wound – Series
3. I question the love


Special Edition Thursday:

Features individuals from around the world. Notable guests include:
• Naledi Dike
• Ps Alice Halidu
• Lilo Kolisang
• Sibusisiwe Makhubu
• Prosper Iyo
• Jerry Duza
• Erica Williams

Peak engagement:

Activity trippled statistics. Women’s Month 2024 (August) reflecting the blog’s thematic resonance with readers.

Comments

A total of 669

Author / Founder

Vanessa Moonkie

Role:

Founder, sole manager, editor, designer, and main author. You can also find posts where she mentions her counselling expertise as well as book sales. You can find her social media links at the foot of the page for further enquiries.


Responsibilities:

Writing, editing, design, content management, and overall site administration.


Total reads (2024–2025):

About ~8,100

Yearly trend:

2024: Higher reads (~257 posts)
2025: Slightly lower (~177 posts), reflecting 80 fewer posts than 2024

Global engagement/readership:

Africa: South Africa (as number one), Zimbabwe, Ghana, Nigeria, Botswana, Namibia, Kenya, Uganda

Europe: Poland, Ireland, United Kingdom, Belgium, Sweden

North America / Caribbean: USA, Canada, Trinidad & Tobago, Barbados

Asia: China, India, Hong Kong, UAE, Indonesia (ID), Japan

Oceania: Australia

The blog reaches readers across multiple continents, attracting an audience interested in faith, personal growth, and inspirational content.

Hate / Spam Comments

The blog occasionally receives negative feedback or spam, which is actively moderated:
Examples:

1. Scary content complaint: A reader was “scared by a woman who speaks like a ghost” in a post linking to Kathryn Kulman’s video posted on here. Her comment was deleted.

2. Criticism about content: Spam comments stating the blog focuses on “silly things” rather than “real-life issues”

3. Profanity: A comment containing a cuss word

• Spam comments are automatically filtered and not visible to readers
• Negative or inappropriate comments are moderated
• The comment sections remain active, safe, and constructive

Blog Writing Style & Workflow

• Freestyle writing: ~75% of posts are freestyle, written and posted on the spot without prior drafting. The writer’s most used words are;

1. Yielded People
2. I love you
   
   
   • Featured posts / special content: ~25% of posts, including Special Edition Thursday interviews and themed features, are drafted and scheduled.
   
   • Real-time posts: Most other posts are written spontaneously, reflecting Vanessa’s immediate thoughts and creative flow.
   
   • Impact: This workflow creates a fresh, authentic, and personal feel, keeping content engaging and reflective of real-time reflections
   

Monetary:

The author does not financially benefit from this blog. All content is shared freely with readers, and there is no monetary charge for access or engagement. Any financial support is purely voluntary and given at the discretion of the reader as a gift or donation. Such contributions serve as encouragement and support for the writer, who tirelessly creates and shares content.

Banking details for voluntary giving:

Account Number: 10233478009

Account Name: CN Mbazo

Bank: Standard Bank

Alternatively, support can be given via the following link:

https://buymeacoffee.com/ziyambivanx

Your support, whether through reading, sharing, or giving, is deeply appreciated and helps sustain the work of the blog.

Writer’s comment

Starting off, I honestly had no idea what I’d write about. I didn’t want it to be too formal, but not too informal either. I wanted a space that was in-between, where both the young and the old could find simplicity, understanding, and something that would make them want to come back the next day to read again.

That desire pushed me to be consistent which is NOT easy, especially since I usually freelance or write on the spot. I’m always reading or studying, so I’d always have something to write about, even if someone handed me a pen and paper on the spot. But honestly? Having the drive to sit down and write consistently was a stretch.

I am so grateful that through this blog, I’ve written books, connected with incredible people, and grown not just as a writer, but as a person. I’ve discovered things about myself too, like apparently, people think I’m humorous, and that I say “I love you” a lot… like a lot lol.

I’m incredibly thankful to all of you , those I know personally and those reading from parts of the world I’ve never even been. Your presence matters.

So my ask for this year is simple: please comment a lot. Don’t let me just see the statistics of your country , let me see your comments too. And yeah, I love you❤️.

In summary:

The Yielded Center is a vibrant, two-year-old blog managed solely by Vanessa Moonkie, combining faith-based reflections, personal growth insights, global features, and interactive engagement. Its freestyle approach, featured interviews, and consistent posting make it a unique and authentic space for readers across the globe.

Now we want to hear from you,

How has this blog been a blessing to you?

Share on the comments and celebrate with us!

Happy New Year, Yielded People!

I just want to take this moment to say thank you. This platform has truly changed my life. Every time I show up here and write, you show up too, you read, you comment, and some of you even send messages to tell me how impactful this blog has been. I am so grateful to God.

This year, we added six more countries, Mexico, China, Belgium, Trinidad & Tobago, Barbados, and Japan. I have personally never met anyone from these places, but the Spirit surely gives wings to kingdom work. Our statistics went beyond 11, 000 reads which could’ve been more provided l was off this platform for sometime regardless, I am so, so grateful you. Thank you. Thank you. A BIG, BOLD THANK YOU!

This platform officially turns two years old this January. God gave it to me on January 9th, 2024, after a retreat. When I returned, I started obediently. I intend to celebrate it with you maybe on zoom? Shall we do that?

Last year, we published 257 posts, which is over 80 posts fewer than 2024 (yes, I slacked 😄), but that’s because I also had to focus on writing actual books and that matters too. Thank you for the support in every form, buying my books, booking counselling sessions, sharing, reposting. You truly are the very best. In a time when it’s so hard to get people to read anything, your support means everything.

When I started, someone told me I shouldn’t write that I should do a podcast or audio books because people don’t read anymore. She said I would be disappointed. But here we are, two years later, with people who read and genuinely love it, both young and old. I want you to know that you made my dream come true. You kept me going. You are my fuel. You are my treasure. You are part of the reason I can still write. You are the greatest encouragement I could ever ask for. Thank you 🤍

My prayer for you this year is that the Lord will send you destiny helpers men and women who will stand with you and support the work God has placed in your hands. May He raise people who will willingly share your flyers, amplify your voice, and stop at nothing to ensure that your gift reaches nations and that souls are won for Christ. May you fully occupy your space in the Kingdom and in society.I love you.

Let’s meet again from January 5th and continue growing together. I love you endlessly, my Yielded People. Remember, we are called to live a Spirit-led life, and here, we love, learn, and laugh. Did I say I love you? Would you mind a double dose? Yes or no? 😂

Well… I love you anyway. Any doubles. Any tripples. Any billions. Happy New Year, family! ❤️

With gratitude,

Vanessa.

Today I don’t have much to say because on Wednesdays we focus on praising and worshipping the Lord.

I have a scripture for us and a book I’d love for us to read. I hope you are all okay and doing your best to be the best. And I hope it’s to the best of your ability and in the best of ways.

“Now therefore, our God, We thank You And praise Your glorious name.”

‭‭I Chronicles‬ ‭29‬:‭13‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Have an amazing praise filled day!❤️

Gooooodmorning! I love you guys, I hope you know that. Happy new week! Buy my books. Join MPG. Study. Read the Word. Pray. Fast. Show up for your business. Brand and rebrand. Write the book. There are so many accredited free courses online, so study something. Think of new ideas. Meditate. Above all, this week requires that you show up fully for God and for yourself. Do your best, okay? Ok cool. Let’s go!

We live in a world where people give and take. Since the beginning, it has always been a cycle of giving and receiving. God gives, we take; we give, and God takes. That’s the rhythm of life. This same pattern flows into how we live with one another. God gave us His Son, and in return, we give Him glory , do you understand where I’m coming from? It’s a that exchange , that’ flow, that sustains everything. As people, we are called to follow that same pattern not necessarily by dying for each other, of course, but by living in alignment with this art of giving and receiving. It’s what keeps the world running.

Let me ask you a question , are you a giver or a taker? Or are you both? The answer should be, I am both. If you answered “giver,” understand this: nobody should always be the one giving while nothing is ever reciprocated. That kind of imbalance breeds bitterness, anger, and resentment. It drains the giver until there’s nothing left to pour. Even God, who gives abundantly, requires that we give something too. I’ve already mentioned giving Him glory, but there’s so much more. Offer your body as a living sacrifice. Give your offerings. Pay your tithes. Offer prayers. All these are forms of giving but remember, it’s not meant to be one-way.

Anything that operates only one way is bound to create frustration ANd it eventually destroys the giver. Think about it: if the ground is meant to give you fruit, you must first give it the seed and the rain. Without that, you could wait twelve months and still see no harvest. Fruits are never 100% the work of the soil, no matter how fertile it is. There’s always a human who sows the seed and a God who sends the rain.

You see, if only one gives, the cycle is incomplete. People often say, “I’m a giver,” but many of those same people are the most frustrated because they fail to understand that givers are also meant to receive, just as takers are meant to give. It’s as simple, and as complex, as that.

Someone may have said, “I am a taker.” Takers are often the selfish ones, the greedy ones. And the tricky part? They usually don’t see it. They convince themselves it’s okay, but it’s not. If that sounds like you, I want you to know, it’s not okay.

If you’re unsure which one you are, don’t worry. Tomorrow, I’ll share a list that can help you identify whether you’re more of a giver or a taker. Why is it important to have these kinds of conversations? Because we lose valuable people when we don’t understand the art of cultivating and nurturing relationships.

Relationships don’t just “work out” on their own they are made to work out. The people involved have to put in the effort. It’s not about wishing or fantasizing; it’s about doing the work. Whether it’s family, a couple, friends, or colleagues, relationships must be a two-way, reciprocal process if they are to become strong and healthy.

When we keep losing relationships, we must stop throwing tantrums and take a moment to reflect what exactly was the flow of that relationship? The flow is important. The flooring is important. It’s what keeps a relationship steady or makes it slippery. I want you to understand that you are responsible for how each relationship in your life turns out. Giving and taking. Taking and giving. That’s the rhythm that sustains connection.

Shall we meet tomorrow? This was just an introduction, lol.

Oh here’s a Scripture:

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of others.”

Philippians 2:3–4 (NIV)

Happy new week, my people! By God’s grace, my new book The Seer In The Hills will be out today by 16:00 hrs on my website, which I’ll embed at the foot of this page. My other book, A Thing Called Time, is also available, and you can purchase either a hard copy or a soft copy. I’m excited to share that A Ticket To Tarshish will be published by the last week of November, and that will wrap up my releases for 2025 (lol).

To those who loved my novels on Wattpad, I have news for you , all those books will be taken down and rewritten to reflect and suit the transformed believer I am today. My purpose in writing has shifted; it’s no longer just about inspiring people, though that’s a beautiful thing to do. I’ve come to understand the power of words, both written and spoken, and I now desire to use that power to minister to hearts. Through writing, I have the privilege of speaking my voice and being heard in your heart (not with your ears) You don’t have to see me to hear me you just need to read what I wrote. So yes, get ready for many, many more books. Now, let’s talk about something very important!

I’ve been thinking lately about the prayer life of a believer, about my prayer life. Why do I pray, and what has prayer truly accomplished in my life? This reflection came during a season of warfare, when I found myself facing decisions that would eventually shape my destiny in significant ways. My mind had already begun to feel crowded with noise, and I said to myself, I must pray about this.

But why was prayer necessary? Why not just make a decision and move on? Because through prayer, we discern the will of God and align ourselves with it in yieldedness. Let me just say this: I know the weight of decisions I once made without praying and they almost killed me.

Do not take a step without prayer. Do not make a decision without prayer. Don’t even start overthinking without prayer. I honestly don’t care what people say, what your friends think is best, or what any prophetic word declares , go to God first! Nobody has a plan for your life better than God does. In Jeremiah 29:11, God was not trying to excite us with comforting words. We often quote that verse, but we overlook what comes next ; the part that says we must seek Him. The plan exists, yes, but you must seek it from God through prayer.

Even if the most anointed person tells you, “I feel you should buy the green dress,” still go to God and ask, “Lord, should I really buy the green dress?” I always tell people even if I give you a word, go to God and confirm if it’s truly from Him. Why? Because we live in a world driven by emotions.

People make destiny-defining decisions simply because they fell in love. Then they end up marrying someone who does not align with the purpose of God over their lives. I’ve had to tell myself firmly: nobody will pressurize me because of age to marry. I will marry only when God says it’s time, and only the person He has chosen for me.

We live in an emotional world that says, “It’s exciting, it’s beautiful, it’s appealing , just take it!” But don’t you remember Eve? The fruit may actually have been the tastiest, and she could have said, “Ah, it’s in the garden, so it must be meant for me.” What she needed to do was run to God and ask for clarity: “Lord, I’m confused. Something in me is saying this is the fruit I need, but I came to ask You should I eat it?” Then God would have reminded her of what He had already said or given her a new word altogether.

Oh, what about those times we think God said something just because we liked it? “I heard God , He said you’re my husband.” I recently saw that comment under two celebrity posts, and I couldn’t help but think how often people say “God said” when, in reality, He didn’t. You were simply led by a crush maybe you fancied the idea of being married to Minister Ebuka so much that you convinced yourself God had spoken, when in fact, it was you speaking to yourself in a voice of deception. This is why it’s so important to pray before making any decision no matter how small it seems. Even if it’s a move to a different city, pray first. Don’t move before God speaks. Move only after He has spoken.

I give you this advice today, pray about it. Tell God about it. Before you move in any direction, ask Him first. When you pray, you don’t just receive divine alignment and leading; you also protect yourself from the vulnerable state you’d find yourself in if you moved without God. So pray about that issue today. Don’t rush. Let God lead.

Let’s continue this conversation tomorrow. Below is the link to my website for books, counselling, and any form of support you may need.

Click here