Transformation: There IS Purpose in the Process

The Condition of Your Heart

2018-01-15T21:03:00.001-05:00

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right and steadfast spirit within me. ~Psalm 51:10 (AMP)

Life happens to us. Life happens in us. Life happens for us. And because life happens, we sometimes find ourselves all over the place. We may be happy one minute, sad the next, then frustrated, then worried, and the list goes on. Things around and in us cause us to feel this myriad of emotions that doesn't necessarily have to do with anyone else. It has everything to do with us and the condition of our hearts.

David found himself in a quandary in the above passage. So much transpired in and through him, and he needed to be still. He knew he had sinned against God and wanted forgiveness. He didn't blame anyone else for his actions. He took responsibility for his vile actions, humbled himself, repented, and asked God for forgiveness.

I've not felt my loving self for a few days. I've been attitudinal, recluse, short, and simply bothered. It could be cabin fever. It could be I'm over being sick and just want to get well. It could be that I've allowed some stuff to creep in that's not like God. Either way, I know that I don't like it and desire to do something about it. This had led me to our prayer focus and study this week...our hearts. Each day this week, I will meditate on one of these Scriptures to help get me back to where I need to be and in His presence.

Psalm 51:10 (today's Scripture)
Romans 10:10
Ezekiel 36:26
Proverbs 4:23
James 4:8
Jeremiah 17:10

Every day will not be happy. Every moment will not be one filled with laughter and fun. Every experience will not be a golden one. However, we can invite Him in and allow Him to work fully and completely on our hearts to change them, so we can experience all that He has in store for us.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, create in me a clean heart. Remove any and every thing that hinders me from who You have called me to be. Replace worry with peace, doubt with clarity, and sadness with joy. Restore love in my heart. The unconditional and agape love that You have for me, let me have that and show that towards others. I pray that You will ease any tension that may try to come upon me this week. I know that You have a divine plan for my life. Let me and my flesh get out of the way of that. Help me to discern when what I'm feeling is not You. Help me to grow. Forgive me for a stony heart, a pierced heart, a contrite heart. Restore joy and love and peace and meekness and loving kindness in the Name of Jesus. I desire more of You and less of me in my heart now. I love You. I trust You. And I thank You in advance for the turnaround. In Jesus' Name...amen.

Be blessed,
Tee

It Starts in the Mind

2018-01-08T07:57:00.003-05:00

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. - Romans 12:2 (KJV)

We've all heard the phrase, "A mind is a terrible thing to waste" (Arthur Fletcher). We've heard it and maybe even internalized it. But many of us are still wasting away our minds. We can't make necessary changes in our lives because of the state of our minds. There are things that we want to do, but we simply do not put forth the effort to do them because of what's in our minds. And more often than not, what's in and on our minds is not us; it's someone else. We are concerned about what they will think, what they will say, how they will respond, if they will support or turn away, and the list goes on.

Most of our time and energies are spent on making the actual plans instead of executing them. Our plans are well thought, and we even know that God is IN them. We have the faith to execute them. But a plan without action is simply just a plan. Faith without works is dead (James 2:14-26).

Our thoughts can sometimes push us out of a blessing and a breakthrough. We spend time thinking about frivolous things that end up causing up frustration, worry, mischief, and the list goes on. Paul tells us in Philippians 4:8 to think on things that are honest, just, pure, praiseworthy, of good report, and true. That should drive our hearts and will to move in the direction of God and the things of God.

This week, let's put our prayer focus on our minds. Read, meditate, pray, and even journal on one scripture a day. In your journal, write out the actual scripture, write what you understand of it, and write how you want to God to give that Scripture life in your life. Let's see how God moves when we make up our minds that it's time for a transformation in our lives. It's a process, but we have to know that the change starts in our minds.

Romans 12:2 (above)

Prayer:
Dear God, we thank You for minds to seek You. As we go through this week focusing on cleansing our minds, we ask that You remove anything that is not like You. Draw us closer to Your Word and grant us understanding. Let Your Word give us life and breathe new life into our minds. We desire a change in our thinking. We desire to let go of thoughts that hold us bound...stuck. To go forward in this thing called life, we know that we need an infilling of You. Speak to us. We're ready. We're hungry. We're desperate. Have Your way in this journey. Open our minds to receive from You. In Jesus' Name...amen.

Be blessed,

Tee

I Got You!

2017-09-06T18:25:00.000-04:00

I'm training for a marathon to be run later this year. I have a good friend, my #RunBoo, that I get a few runs in with a few times per week. We have a great time on and off the pavement. One day last week torwards the end of a run, she frantically says, "Sis, give me your hand! Give me your hand! I want to quit!" Yes... we were rolling at a pretty fast pace. I have her my hand and began to encourage her.

When we got to the stopping point, she was weak. Doubled over, spitting up, and all that comes with having the wind knocked out of you when you push it during a run, she ended up on the ground. I let her sit for a few until she said she was dizzy. I was able to get her to her feet and instructed one of the other ladies to squeeze some of my electrolytes in her mouth. She said, "Sis I'm going down." As she began to go down, I held her tighter and said, "Nope. I gotchu." She was dead weight up against me. But I was girded against her, with my feet firmly planted and my arms around her waist.

How many times have we given so much of ourselves until we are just ready to quit? We need someone's hand because we know we can't go another step without that "grip", that "assurance", "them". The Bible encourages us to cast our cares upon God because He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7), and to come to Him for rest... those of us who are weary and heavy laden (Matthew 11:28-30). We can't be afraid to ask for help no matter what!

In your getting weary, reach out for Him. He will hold your hand, carry you through and over, and allow you to finish. He will hold you in the midst of it all, ensuring that you keep standing, despite the fact that you feel weak. His strength IS made perfect in our weakness. When we're weak, He's strong (2 Corinthians 12:8-10)!

Be blessed,

Tee

Change Your Method...Change Your Results

2017-08-16T23:05:00.000-04:00

A couple weeks ago, one of my son's friends came to me with a delimma. She needed to pass a PT test for school, but was struggling with the sit-ups. She asked if I'd spend some time with her getting her core stronger. Sure!

We're at the gym, and I ask her to demonstrate the form they're to use for the sit-ups. She also explained the rules - feet can't come up and arms have to touch thighs when you come up. She struggled doing 3 and needs to complete 38 in 1 minute. After a few tries and some additional core exercises, I thought I'd give it a try.

I asked her to sit on my feet and set the timer. I confirmed the rules with her as well. Instead of grabbing my shoulders with my arms crossed like she did, I crossed my arms and rested my hands on my upper arm. I was able to complete 43. We switched spots. She tried the same method. This time, she was able to complete 5 without pulling herself up by grabbing her legs!

Someone may be thinking...well you're probably in better shape than she is. That may be true. But sometimes the issue is our form or the method we're using! You may know how to say a prayer, but what's the positioning of your heart when you seek God in prayer? You may have had the same experience that your friend is venting to you about, but is now the right time to tell her about what you did? Or should you just listen, quietly praying for Godly wisdom in responding?

I'm sure so many things can apply here. My encouragement to you, my sisters, is if you have the tools but can't seem to fix it, try using the tools a different way. It may simply be how you're "holding the screwdriver that's causing the screw to go in sideways". Take a breath. Assess the situation and what you're working with. And don't be afraid to switch it up!

Be blessed,

Tee ❤

Favor in Your Fight

2017-07-18T12:00:00.000-04:00

Early into my 5-mile run this morning, I heard very clearly:

There is favor in your fight.

I was like...hunh? Then I found myself having a conversation with myself in my head. My response to that was - but isn't the battle the Lord's? I thought he was fighting my battles, and I was just to be still?

I shook it off and kept running. While sitting at my desk, I read someone's post in a group about (I'm paraphrasing) not wanting to get up. Not wanting to do their workout. Not wanting to deal with humidity. But...in the end they were glad that they did.

We will never know what the finish will be if we don't "fight". A fight isn't always violent. A fight can simply be a struggle - with someone, with something, or even with YOURSELF! We have to not be so quick to "get out of the ring" before the bell sounds. Pray for endurance. Pray for Him to sustain us and give us wisdom, knowing that at some point and some way, He's going to give us the tools necessary for the victory. The favor is already IN it. We just have to have faith and see the favor in our FIGHT!

Be blessed,

Tee

Daily Push 5.4.17

2017-05-04T07:57:00.001-04:00

Things may not always be as we want them to be. But trust...God has them working according to His plan and His timing. Trust, commit to, and embrace the process.

Lay Aside Every Weight…Not So Fast!

2015-11-19T10:29:00.000-05:00

As a runner, I have long runs and short runs as part of my training. I had a long run planned for this past Saturday, and I awakened to a temperature in the low 30s. I got dressed and put on my warm pants, and I also had a 16.9 oz bottle of water, my “protection”, cell phone, and fuel goodies in the pockets. The course was unfamiliar to us. We noticed there were several inclines…and even rolling hills. While running the route, I felt weighted down with all the “stuff” I was carrying. I felt like it was slowing me down at one point. I said to myself that I wished I would have left things in the car because they were heavy and causing me to slow down.

I continued to move. I had a 10-mile run on deck. During the run, I heard the scripture so clearly, “Lay aside every weight and run the race…” (Hebrews 12:1-2). But just as I heard that, the Lord spoke to me and made my “weight” clear to me:

Your “protection” is for your safety.
Your water is to keep you hydrated.
Your phone is in case of emergency.
Your goodies are your sustenance.

When I shifted my focus from my “stuff” to my “purpose”, I began to pick up the pace. I knew that everything I had ON me was good FOR me! Some weight is necessary – to build you up, to protect you, to sustain you, to make you stronger, to KEEP you!

I encourage you to pray for discernment about the weight you’re carrying during this “race” called life. Lay aside frustration, negativity, worry, depression, idle chatter – those things will keep you from moving forward and crossing the finish line. Carry that right weight knowing that He’s with you every step of the way. It may be a struggle at first, but in the end, you will be bigger, better, faster, and stronger…on, with, and for purpose!

Be blessed!
Tee

A Little Push...

2013-11-04T11:08:00.001-05:00

I started running earlier this year and taking it seriously. I started with a 5K in March and have run about 10 races since then, including my first half marathon on yesterday. Along the way, I've learned that runners are a different breed of people. While you will run across a rude, ignit one at some point, runners (for the most part) have big hearts and a strong desire to help their fellow runner.

While running the half marathon on yesterday, my legs started shaking badly around 12.76 miles (half marathon is 13.1 miles). I stopped to walk. Before I could walk a third step, a lady grabbed my arm and said, "Come on. We've come too far to stop now. We are almost there." Armband falling off and all, I started back running. She put my armband back on (tight like a blood pressure cuff), and we were moving...side by side. The moment I got a glimpse of the finish line, it was my turn to push her. I grabbed her hand and said, "Now you've got to go with me!" We sprinted to the finish line. Between her "oh Gods" and cheers of "that's it...teamwork" from others, we finished strong! We embraced at the finish, and thanked each other.

In your "race", you may go so far and feel like you can't go anymore. You may get feeble and feel like you just have to slow down or even stop. But it is at this moment that He will send someone to lift you up and help you make it to the finish line! And that someone may very well be someone you don't know or will never see again!

Be encouraged,
Tee

Believe...

2013-01-29T14:46:00.002-05:00

A couple weeks ago, I was on my way to a store for a friend who was home ill. I was going to pick them up some meds and food. As I got in my car, it wouldn't start. I was able to give myself a jump twice, but then decided to take my niece's car to run the errands. Later in the day, I thought I'd try to jump my car again. This time, it wouldn't turn over. I ended up purchasing a new battery to no avail, and ended up having my car towed to the dealership the next day.

Due to the weather, the dealership was unable to take a look at my car until later in the week. They were unable to diagnose the problem and sent my car to another dealership. After their assessment, they determined that a loose battery cable blew my computer out. Due to the cause of this issue (loose battery cable), I was told by the extended warranty company AND the dealership that I was responsible for the repairs totaling $1,375.00.

I got on the phone and spoke with the service manager at Nissan. After explaining my issue to him, he decided to give me a 15% discount, BUT...I was still paying for the repairs. This is almost 2 weeks later. As I was sitting in bed looking over the notes from my phone calls, the Lord spoke to me and said (very clearly):

"Do not be afraid of this great multitude. Rest assured I'm working on your behalf. I'm paving your way to victory. Trust me. Do not be weary in well doing. You will receive as long as you don't faint! Hold on...your help is not on the way...it's already in position."

I sent this via text to my cousin, my spiritual brother, and 3 of my close girlfriends. I also posted on my Facebook wall because I felt someone else needed the same encouragement. It was like after the Lord spoke to me, I no longer thought about the money. I didn't care about the money that I had spent on a battery ($132) or the tow ($55), or the first rental car ($250), or the amount they were telling me I had to pay. I took my focus completely off that stuff because it wasn't important. Okay...that's another post!

Two days later, I was at it again...on the phone. I called my extended warranty company back and requested to speak with a Supervisor. He explained that my claim had been escalated to management for claim review. I repeated to him - "I was able to jump my car twice successfully. I should not have to pay for this claim because it's not something that I did." I hung up from him and put in a call to Nissan Consumer Affairs. I gave her the same information.

Well today....the Word of the Lord came to pass. The Supervisor from my extended warranty company called and said, "We're going to take care of all of your repairs." Before I knew it, I said, "Praise the Lord!" I then called the techs at both dealerships to let them know it's being taken care of. Hallelujah!!!!

I'm sharing this post today to encourage someone else. When you hear the voice of the Lord, listen! Stand on His Word! It is true and will not return to Him void. I noticed that the Lord was only speaking His Word to me!!! And I...received it, believed it, and stood firm on it. And so can you. No matter what was going on, I knew that this was all part of the process. I just needed to stand.

Love and blessings,
Minister Te'Retta

Embracing the Past to Press Forward in the Future

2013-01-09T14:53:00.001-05:00

Hello my friends! Happy Holidays and Happy New Year! I know it has been quite some time since I posted. It is my prayer that you are embracing 2013 already. I know that all of the 'new' hooplah can be rather cliche', so I won't harp on that :)

I want to take a moment today in this post to encourage you to look at where you've come from, and encourage yourself to press forward; not just in 2013, but in all the days ahead! For me, the past few years have been laced with depression, hard times, let downs, mishaps, and seemingly something happening at every turn. However, I'm a firm believer that ALL of this stuff has worked together for my good! And yours, too!!!

I'm determined in the days ahead to focus on the good and positive. I refuse to let the enemy win! I'm a survivor! I'm a winner! And this, too, shall pass! With God on my side, I know that everything will work out. It may not happen when or how I want it to, but I know that He knows what's best. Hang in there. Don't give. The race is given to the one who endures. I decree and declare that our latter is going to be greater. Watch and see!

Be blessed and prosper!
Te'Retta

Not Always the Way We Want It

2012-11-10T10:42:00.000-05:00

I started this post weeks ago...and just now finishing today. I'm going to leave it as is and post it. I pray it blesses you.
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I was sitting in a meeting at work one day last week, and it donned on me that there are just so many things that are out of my control. There are things that I can do absolutely nothing about. It's in these times where we grow frustrated because we want things to change NOW!!!

How many times have you been upset about a decision someone else made? You've been upset about it because of how it affected you. Right? I've had this happen a lot in the past couple of years. I took time to resort to the "why me?", "this is just not right", "this is just a trick of the enemy", and the list goes on and on. But the reality that I always seem to come to is that things are not going to always be the way I want them to be.

I'm reminded of Jehosophat's defeat of Moab and Ammon in 2 Chronicles 20. Jehosophat received a message that a great multitude was going to come up against him. Instead of him asking the Lord why this was going happen, he prayed for guidance and declared a fast. In surrendering ALL to God and seeking Him, FIRST, Jehosophat received a Word from the Lord! Beginning in verse 15, he was told that the battle was not his; it belonged to God. He just didn't need to be afraid. The Lord was going to fight the battle for him! My oh my!!!!

The same God that fought the battle for Jehosophat is the same God that's fighting our battles today. He just wants us to properly acknowledge Him, worship Him in spirit and in truth, and keep His commandments. Life is just that...life. He never promised that it would be easy, and that things would go the way we want them go to. However, we have a savior, a protector, a father, and a forever friend who is faithful and with us through it all.

Just remember that though things are not like we want them to be, He knows what's best. Keep in mind that all things work together for good to those that love the Lord and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). He will never put anymore on us than we can handle. And if He brings us to it, He will definitely bring us through it.

Be blessed and receive...right there in that place,
Tee

Seasons Change

2012-10-03T22:17:00.000-04:00

Season comes from the Greek word KAIROS meaning - unique moment in time, a predestined era. According to Webster, a season is a time characterized by a particular circumstance or feature. We are presently upon a season that everyone’s familiar with – fall. We know when it’s upon us because we start to see the leaves change color.

When the leaves change color, it’s because certain factors both inside and outside the plant cause the chlorophylls to be replaced at a slower rate than they’re being used up. There is a sugar-breakdown, and the chemicals and nutrients needed to keep the green color in the leaves moves out of the leaf and into the stem.

While I know this isn't a "science" blog or class, it's important to make an analogy for you between what’s happening in the natural realm and what’s happening in the spiritual realm. Just like the trees, some of us may be dreading “fall” because we are ill prepared for the transformation/changing of seasons that God’s is instructing to take place in our lives!

Transform: to change in composition or structure; to change the outward form or appearance; to change in character or condition

I’m reminded of Saul/Paul – we’re all familiar with something about this apostle in the Bible. Acts 9 speaks of his conversion/transformation. Paul was a blasphemer of Christ; a persecutor of Christians. His plan to seek out and prosecute Christians in Damascus was a plan of destruction. Christians fled Jerusalem and Judea to Damascus for safety and refuge. Saul had a plan that was tweaked by the almighty God himself!

Paul was sniffed out and snatched up by God to turn around the evil for good. In the same manner, God has to snatch some of us up to get our attention! In order for us to be receptive and fully understand our change, we must understand that the timing is solely in God’s hands!

God oftentimes tests us to see where we are. The tests only come to make us stronger. We are tried in the fire to come out as pure GOLD! In spite of what may come our way, we must do as Paul instructed in 1 Timothy 6:12 – fight the good fight of faith!

In order for God to fully work in and through us, we must align ourselves with His word! God tells us in Isaiah 55:8 that our thoughts are not His thoughts; neither are our ways His ways. Further down in verse 11, it says, ‘my Word will not return to me void, but it shall accomplish that which it was set out to do’.

With that said, I'm ready to embrace fall and all the change that He says is necessary in my life. What about you? I have made a choice already to make some adjustments in my life by the nudging of the Holy Spirit. And while some of those changes weren't easy or didn't feel good to my flesh, I believe they were ALL in His timing and necessary for my divine purpose.

In Him,

~Tee

Don't Just Lay There...Get Back Up!

2012-09-30T08:57:00.000-04:00

A few weeks ago, I was running down a main street in town. It was 6:00am, and I had my worship music going enjoying myself and the weather. On my way back to the house, I hit a particular spot on the sidewalk and fell. I rolled over into the grass over to the side, rolled over some kinda way, and got up immediately. Now mind you, I had just run this same way at the beginning of the run. This time, though, I tripped and fell! LOL!

There are going to be times in life when we encounter certain situations again. We're going to get in that same spot again, go through the same thing again, or even deal with those same people again. Whereas we were able to successfully bypass them or get through it before, this second time...we may actually hit an obstacle that may cause us to trip. However, the lesson to be learned is to not just lay there...get back up and get moving!

Each time, there is a different lesson to be learned. Will you embrace lesson or be discouraged for the mere fact that you fell? Proverbs 24:16-18 says that a just man falls seven times and gets back up again. For those that may even try to trip you up, guess what? As a child of God, you won't stay there long! You're going to dust yourself off, get up, (probably laugh at them and/or yourself), and keep moving forward.

I got back up. I will keep getting back up. And so can you.

Blessings!
~Tee

Struggle - A Matter of Perspective

2012-09-04T14:02:00.000-04:00

We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. ~ 2 Corinthians 4:8-9

As I read this passage, it says to me that our victory/breakthrough/healing is all predicated by how we use what we're going through. I find myself speaking oftentimes in this place of "going through". I guess the reality of it is that someone is always dealing with something all the time.

What amazes me about Paul in this passage is that no matter how much he went through or endured, he didn't focus on the pressures or even lose hope in them. He persevered and looked at the 'bright side'! He wants us to be encouraged even in our struggles, realize that they are temporary, and know that it's not as bad as it appears.

Further down in this chapter in verses 16-18, we see:

That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.

Oh my...I'm blessed! I believe that once we change our perspective...once we begin to use our "stuff" as mere opportunities to watch God work in our lives, we will be in a much better place! So I want to encourage you and me, too - don't lose hope! Don't give up! You may be dying spiritually, emotionally, or even mentally. But the more you feast on the Word of God, your spirit man will be renewed and strengthened. This IS a light thing . Let it be used to glorify God. Let the power of Holy Spirit resonating on the inside of you stir up and propel you to go higher in Him! Whewwwww!

There's sooo much more I can say about this passage, but I want you to dig deeper in your spare time. Click here to read commentary on the above verses.

In Him,
~Tee

The Plan For Your Life

2012-08-16T13:24:00.001-04:00

"For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT)

I allowed a song to minister to me over the weekend that talked about this very thing...the plan for my life. God has a plan for me...for my life, and for you, too! He said in His Word that His plans are for good and not for disaster. Many times, things happen in our life that appear to be disastrous. However, they are actually for our good!

We read the Word, but do we really receive it and allow it to manifest in our lives? Psalm 139:13-16 shares how God fashioned our days even before we were born! And because of this very thing, He knows what's going to happen in our lives...every step of the way. It's difficult to receive this when we're going through drama or calamity. It's even more difficult when a loss is involved (e.g., loved one, job). But even in all of that, we must remember some of the promises He made...

- I will never leave you nor forsake you. Hebrews 13:5

- Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

- I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you. Psalm 32:8

- Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you. I do not give as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27

- And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7

I hope someone is encouraged by this post. We must receive that no matter what happens in our lives, He's going to give us joy for our sorrow, hope for tomorrow, and STRENGTH for everything that we go through. He has a wonderful plan for our lives. Let's just trust Him for the divine instruction. Seek Him for guidance and ask Him for godly wisdom. He knows the plan...and it IS part of the process.

In Him,
Tee

What's To Be Said About You?

2012-08-06T19:03:00.002-04:00

I got a chance to visit a local church with some dear friends on yesterday. A young man (27-years old) brought forth the Word, as they were completing their Character Series at this particular church. His message was on the "Selflessness of Tabitha". When I looked at the leaflet for the service, I had no idea what I was in store for!

As he talked about Tabitha and her life, he gave her "two sentences": "In Joppa there was a certain disciple named Tabitha; she was always doing good and helping the poor." (Acts 9:36)

When you look at the latter part of this description of Tabitha, it says that she was always doing good and helping the poor. Tabitha was a servant of the Lord who loved Him. She also graciously served poor people, especially the widows. In the midst of all of her "doing", she still prioritized RELATIONSHIPS! The preacher said: "Don't be so caught up completing tasks that you neglect relationships." I must say this was a serious point to ponder for me.

How often do we get so busy with work and outreach and just doing that we forget about or don't put as much effort and thought into relationships? Even in the midst of working, do we think about the lives we're impacting? I love my job, and I love my employer, for example. There are times where I consciously tap into the personal side of me in a meeting just to let the person(s) I'm meeting with know, that it's all good. We're talking about work, but I'm not neglecting the fact that we're all human. You know?

This message sparked something in me that had just subsided for a moment - focus on relationships...the RIGHT relationships at that :) I know I've gotten to a place where I've just stopped talking to some people. Then there are just some people that I don't talk to as much. Then there are those that I don't put as much effort into the relationships as I should. But all along, I've kept my hands to the plow working like it's nobody's business. Not only that, I HAVE been consumed with tasks. So...it's time for me to regroup!

At the end of the message, he asked us to think about our "two sentences" in the story that God is writing. I'm still thinking about mine, but I want to encourage you to think about yours, too!

In Him,
~Tee

No Need to Panic

2012-08-01T17:35:00.001-04:00

I recall growing up in the heart of South Memphis. We went to camp at the community center EVERY summer. It was hot as ever, but it was so fun (playing watermelon seed, sliding on the aluminum slide, and lunches in the Styrofoam containers)! We would oftentimes take trips to the pool that was just a few steps from the community center. Before I knew how to swim, I made it a point to not go near the 12ft end, which is where the diving board was. Even if I were in the 5ft, I had to be so careful to not "slip over" into the deep end because I didn't know whether or not I'd panic or be able to hold myself up.

Spiritually, we find ourselves in this very situations sometimes...not wanting to launch into the deep things of God. He already tells us that our ways are not His ways, and our thoughts are not His thoughts (Isaiah 55:8). But that doesn't mean that we can't dig deeper and want more of Him! We run into problems and panic when we lose our focus.

I'm reminded of the story in the Bible where Jesus bid Peter to come to him as He was walking on the water. The moment Peter saw the wind, he started panicking and began to sink. As long as Peter kept His eyes on Jesus, he, too, was walking on the water. Likewise, the more we keep our eyes on Him, the author and finisher of our faith, we will move forward and not sink! Glory to God!

Ephesians 3:20 (NLT): Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.

Psalm 121 (AMP): I will lift up my eyes to the hills [around Jerusalem, to sacred Mount Zion and Mount Moriah]—From whence shall my help come?My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to slip or to be moved; He Who keeps you will not slumber.Behold, He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade on your right hand [the side not carrying a shield].The sun shall not smite you by day, nor the moon by night.The Lord will keep you from all evil; He will keep your life.The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore.

While we may think sometimes we can't hold ourselves 'up' when we're going through or running this 'race', know that we have a comforter who's there...bidding us to come! Look to Him...He won't leave you nor forsake you...no matter how bad the storm is raging!

Be blessed,
Tee

Learning to be Content

2012-07-26T10:05:00.003-04:00

I was in a work meeting earlier this week with a brother in the Lord. Close to the end of our meeting, I said to him that I just want my analysts to be "content" (pronounced kənˈtent) with a particular process. I honestly don't know where the word "content" came from other than the Holy Spirit, as I've never used that word in one of these meetings before.

When we hear the term "contentment" or "content", we think of it as a negative. Being content means being in a state of peaceful happiness. In Philippians 4:11, Paul said that he had learned to be content with "whatever state he was in". Here's the passage in context:

Philippians 4:10-13 (NLT)
¹⁰How I praise the Lord that you are concerned about me again. I know you have always been concerned for me, but you didn’t have the chance to help me. ¹¹Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. ¹²I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. ¹³For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.

Think about that for just a moment. If we take the time to be content with where we are and/or with what we have, we'll be much better off. We may not have as much money as we want. We may not have the exact job we want. We may not even be in the type of relationship we want to be in. But when we embrace the fact that all things work together for our good (Romans 8:28), we know that it's really okay.

I think sometimes about where I am...the place I'm in. The moment I begin to allow the place to get me down, something stirs on the inside and reminds me that there's someone in a worse position than I'm in. So, my mindset and mood change almost instantly!

You may be asking yourself...'How do I learn to be content?' I know it's a lot easier said than done. But here are a few suggestions:

- Wake up every morning giving God praise and thanks for allowing you to see that day
- Focus on where you're going
- Literally look at what the Lord has done in, through you, and around you
- Look for the positive in every situation; think about what you can learn/gain from it
- When in what seems like a hardship or difficult situation, praise God right there and ask Him to sustain you

In summation, I'm learning (still) to be content with whatever state I'm in. You ought to try it. It's not as bad as you think. It's just a part of the process :)

Be blessed!
~Tee

Remember Whose You Are

2012-07-03T19:54:00.001-04:00

As I stood in line today at a local Walmart, a lady dropped her keys in front of me. She began to stoop down and stopped. Seeing she was an older lady, I stooped down and motioned to get her keys. Looking me straight in my eyes and with the most evil tone, she said, "I don't need no strange person doing nothing for me. I can bend over." She then stomped her foot over her keys. I had the most shocked look on my face. She proceeded with her transaction, which was cashing a check. She then began staring at me...looking me over...and then threw a broken rubber band my way. The entire time, I had this shocked look on my face. I was thinking to myself, "It's so good to know Jesus cuz if this would have been a long time ago...". I'm sure some of you can finish that sentence! LOL!

When it was my turn, the young lady at the counter let out a loud "Whew" and began talking about how mean the lady was. My response - "She was evil." Both me and the young lady didn't allow the spirit in this woman to affect us. The young lady working in Walmart delivered good service to this customer regardless to her haughtiness towards her. I kept my composure and didn't "let this lady have it".

We are all going to be in situations where the spirit of God in us is tested. It is at these times where we have to remember whose we are. It's so easy to let loose and "let someone have it". What is this really going to accomplish? The reality of it is, while we may feel better emotionally, it's probably a missed opportunity to win someone to the Kingdom of God. I know...it's a lot easier said than done :) But we are encouraged to not repay evil with evil, but with kindness (1 Peter 3:9).

While it took me a minute to calm down after this, I was rejoicing spiritually. This was a sign of growth. For those that know me personally, they know that I have no problem telling someone how I feel or how they have affected me. This time was a bit different, though. I'm so glad the Holy Ghost in me STOOD UP at this very moment. The longer I stood in line, the following Scripture came to mind -

Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters. Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it. (Hebrews 13:1-2)

This encounter today has encouraged me to do just what the Word of God says...show hospitality to strangers. For all she knows, she encountered an "angel" today and didn't even know it! The principle of sowing and reaping is real (Galatians 6:7-9). I hope this posts plants a good seed in someone. Keep on doing good no matter what, remembering whose you are - a child of the Most High!

Abundant blessings,

~Tee

The Second Half...

2012-07-01T17:53:00.001-04:00

For some reason, I'm elated the first half of the year is over. I had so much going on last month, for instance, until I didn't know whether I was coming or going most days. But yet and still, I persevered! And so did you! I feel so good about July and the days to come. I set some personal goals while on vacation a couple weeks ago, and I know that it's time to just get 'er done!

When I woke this morning, I literally heard, "SECOND HALF". I began thinking about a game and what usually happens in the second half. I'm inclined to share with you what dropped in my spirit as I tried to make sense of this 'second half':

You've come to a point where you have to step it up. You have to work harder than before, focus like never before, and undergird yourself with the Word and a different level of determination. There has been a point in this process where I spoke to you and gave you clear instructions. I gave you the plan to move forward and WIN! It's now up to you. You thought you were losing. But in actuality, you've been winning. Don't worry about them, they're just about wore out. They exercised all their energy trying to "get you". Now...here's what you do. Stick to the plan. Seek Me and yield completely to My will. You may very well get a little behind, but no worries...you'll come out with the victory. Listen to Me and trust Me.

Whew...now with that said, I feel a shift in my spirit today. And it's all for a good reason. I refuse to look back, turn back, or even run. I'm excited about the 2nd half, and I know that greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world! I know that my latter is going to be greater than my past. And my past will NOT speak to my future (thanks, Mom!).

Let's get ready for the challenge, (wo)man up, and give this second half all we've got. After all, it's all a part of the process.

I'm ready. Are you? Let's get it!
~Tee

Adversity...We All Have Our Share

2012-06-20T04:16:00.001-04:00

Let's take a look at a few adversity quotes:

God brings men into deep waters not to drown them, but to cleanse them. ~James H. Aughey

Without a struggle, there can be no progress. ~Frederick Douglass

Adversity borrows its sharpest sting from our impatience. ~Thomas Hartwell Horne

No man can smile in the face of adversity and mean it. ~Edgar Watson Howe

Adversity makes men, and prosperity makes monsters. ~Victor Hugo

Every one of us is experiencing some type of adversity. Adversity is defined as a state, condition,or instance of serious or continued difficulty; hard time, difficulty, trouble,problem, frustration.

When we think about it, none of us want to deal with adversity. None of us want to go through a hard time. None of us want to be faced with the inevitable when we just feel like we’re stuck between a rock and a hard place. But know today that there IS hope. Know today that you can actually GET THROUGH.

There are many examples of those who dealt with adversity in the Bible -

One example of adversity is exemplified in the life of Job. Job was a rich, blessed man who feared God and lived righteously. In Job 7, Job said ’my suffering is comfortless’. Verse 1 says - "Is there not a time of hard service for a man on earth? Are not his days also like the days of a hired man?" Job clearly felt like a slave under tyranny of his master, longing for relief and reward.

Then over in Job 17, Job prayed for relief. He said…my spirit is broken, my days are extinguished, the grave is ready for me. Job was going through and dealing with some serious adversity. But he continued to remain steadfast. He continued to be obedient to God. In the end, God answered Job. The Lord blessed the latter days of Job more than his beginning and he lived 140 years (Job 42:10,17).

Another example of adversity exemplified in the life of Jeremiah. When Jeremiah questioned God because of the adversity he faced, the Lord said in Jeremiah 12:5 - “If racing against mere men makes you tired, how will you race against horses? If you stumble and fall on open ground, what will you do in the thickets near the

Jordan

?" God said to Jeremiah - How do you ever expect to face big challenges if the little ones weary you???

Life was extremely difficult for Jeremiah despite his love for and obedience to God. When he called to God for relief, God's reply in effect was, "If you think this is bad, how are you going to manage when it gets really tough?" Think about that for just a moment, if you think this little test is something, what are you going to do with the BIG one comes? I think about Sanford & Son. When Lamont would do something really crazy or Grady would just spur something on Fred, he’d say, "Oh Elizabeth honey, I’m coming to join ya. This is a big one!" LOL!

You may be going through what seems like ’the big one’, but God is telling us like he told Jeremiah - this is nothing! You’ve got to learn to cope with the little things so you’re able to cope and deal with the big things.

You may still question God sometimes as to why you suffer. Well, this is probably the only way God gets some of our attention sometimes! In suffering, we give our all to God because we want it to be over. It hurts so bad, and we just want it to stop. But…we suffer, and we are going to continue to suffer.

A lot of times we think we suffer because of what someone else did. In churches a lot of time, we hear about generational curses. But…we may bring suffering upon ourselves. Dissipation and lack of discipline bring unhappy consequences. Long-term abuse of our bodies may bring on sickness. Wrong choices come back to haunt us.

Sometimes God is taking corrective action because of sin and disobedience. God will correct and discipline His own. Through chastening, He proves that He loves us and that we are truly His own (Hebrews 12:5-11).

God may permit suffering so we learn to respond to problems in a Biblical way. Scripture tells us that Jesus “learned obedience from the things he suffered” (Hebrews 5:8).

Sometimes God permits us to suffer to teach us that pain is a part of life. Nowhere does the Bible say that the Christian will not suffer adversity! Paul points out in Philippians 1:29, KJV, that it is “given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake.” Adversity can be a gift from God.

God may permit suffering for our well-being. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28, NIV).

Sometimes God permits suffering to speak through our life and testimony to comfort others. God might work in your life through suffering to inspire others by your example in adversity. Those who endure adversity can sympathize and identify more effectively with others in the irsufferings. We comfort others in the way we are comforted.
Let us learn to not frown upon our adversity, but relish in knowing that it will only add integrity to our testimony. Hang in there...we're gonna make it! God will not bring you to it and just leave you there; He's going to bring you through it!

Blessings,
~Tee

Some Encouragement for Today

2012-06-07T10:25:00.002-04:00

For the past week, I've started my day with Mary Mary's "Go Get It" by Mary Mary. Yes...I BUMP it bright and early in the morning, and I'll keep doing so every single day! It honestly makes a difference in how
my day goes!

We hear a lot about it's our time or it's our season. Sometimes, we hear that over and over and over again until we just believe that it's cliche'; it sounds good! It's your time or your season only if you believe it! Ecclesiastes 3 tells us that there's a time for everything. So that means that everything that we encounter - weeping, joy, mourning, reaping, harvesting, etc. - is a part of God's divine plan for our lives.

We never know why we struggle or why we go through. I want to admonish you today that in your time of suffering, stop and think about something - there's someone that in worse shape than you! You can make up your mind to do something different and make a change FOR YOURSELF! If you want your financial position to change, establish a budget and stick to it. Use coupons, plans meals, eat out less (and/or use coupons!), save your change! Those are just a few tips I thought I'd throw out :) If you want to be more healthy, start exercising and changing your eating habits. You'll be surprised at how much a difference the smallest changes make!

So, get up. Dust yourself off. Pull out your vision board or your journal, and begin to speak what thus saith the Lord over your situation, over your life!Pray and ask God for direction and wisdom. Ask Him to order your steps and grant you favor, grace, and mercy along the way. Pray for discernment like never before. Pray for strength to endure! Go ahead my friend...go 'head and get your blessing. IT IS YOUR TIME! Are you ready? I am!

Abundant blessings,
~Tee

You're Not Alone

2012-05-30T14:09:00.001-04:00

This morning, I received a timely phone call. I know it was truly the Lord's doing, as this is not someone I speak with frequently. After asking how I was doing and how my kids were doing, the caller said, "The Lord is right there with you in the same boat...in the same storm."

Those words began to resonate in my spirit. My spirits didn't lift immediately. But, my 'funk' that I've been in seemed to not be so funky! I really just needed the Lord to speak to me (though thru a human) and let me know that I wasn't alone.

Many times, we can go through trials, tribulations...LIFE! It seems that no one cares or is concerned about what's really going on with us. It seems as though we're alone and just going through day after day after day. But that's not necessarily the case! God strategically places those in our lives to minister to us at the appointed time! My friend reminded me this morning of the story of the disciples being out in the middle of a storm. While they were fretting, Jesus rested right there on that same boat...out there in the same storm!

I'm encouraged by this call and want to encourage you today. No matter how bad that storm is or how tumultuous the 'stuff' is, He's right there with us every step of the way. Don't look to the left or the right, and definitely don't look behind you! Continue look to Him, the one who's right there by your side! Remember that He didn't bring us this far to leave us :)

Blessings,
~Tee

Are You Willing to Change?

2012-05-19T22:42:00.002-04:00

When we hear the word "change", more often than not, we shirk. Change means that we have to do something. And most times, our doing something is not something that we really want to do! We pray for others to change and fail to realize that it's us that really need to make a change.

I've been taking a close look at myself over the past 3 years or so. I've noticed, especially here lately, that there are some adjustments that I need to make - FOR ME! In order for me to change, though, I've had to change my mindset. I'm one of those kinda people who likes things done a certain way. I believe in doing everything as unto the Lord and not unto man because I know where my reward will come from :) A previous manager even pointed out to me that I tend to hold people to a high level of accountability. And she's right! I guess that's because I try very hard to be accountable!

I'm learning that change requires maturation. It requires transition. And it requires humility. I may have said that before, but for some reason, I need to say this again :) I've had to humble my SELF because I know that I want and NEED something different. You know the saying that goes "In order to get something different, you've got to do something different". That's the place that I'm in.

I'm grateful for the push in my spirit this week to do something different, put my 'self' aside, and press my way to Bible Study! And I'm so glad I did. I want to leave you with some declarations (in bold below) we made throughout the evening.

I must embrace the process - including the responsibility that comes along with it. Now this one needs to be posted on the refrigerator, the bathroom mirror, and the windshield! LOL! I've talked quite a bit in this blog about the process and the purpose that's in it. The Pastor brought to my attention this week that there is also another piece - RESPONSIBILITY! Different things happen at each phase of the process that requires us to 'man up'. Be responsible and remember that to whom much is given, much is required! (Luke 12:48)

I need to change with my change. When things begin to change for you, that means that you've got to make some changes, too. You may be positioned properly for your breakthrough or your blessing, but your mindset is still in Egypt! Get out and change with your change!

In order for me to change, I must transition. According to Merriam-Webster, transition means "a movement, development, or evolution from one form, stage, or style to another". So in order for me to "make something different" (change), I must MOVE through some stages! WOW!!!

I'm changing. But Lord, You're staying the same. (Hebrews 13:8, Malachi 3:6)No matter what state we're in...what phase we're at in our process, the Lord, our God is still the same. He's not changing. He's still the same loving, caring, correcting Father who loves us past our hurts, our pains, our downfalls, our setbacks!

Be blessed and begin to embrace this place!

~Tee

Weeping Endured

2012-05-14T07:28:00.004-04:00

As we all know, yesterday was Mother's Day. I awakened yesterday to a lot of text messages from friends and loved ones. I even got dressed in my cream suit and 6" pink heels (yes, I was cute!) and headed to church service. I thought everything was going just fine until the Pastor began talking about Mothers and their children right before he prayed for all of the mothers.

It seems like everything the Pastor said was so on point. He talked about children not being disrespectful, not talking back, honoring your mother and father so their days may be long, and even the sacrifices mothers make for their children. He also said, "Your mother loves you even when you're not lovable". I think I lost it there, and the tears began to flow...uncontrollably seemingly.

You see, the truth of the matter is, I didn't feel like I look. I didn't have on a mask, per se. I felt great on the outside but was a mess inside. No matter what happened on yesterday, I didn't feel like a mother, and it didn't feel like Mother's Day to me.

I felt like I cried and cried and cried, and couldn't stop crying. A little later in the day, I saw that I was still crying. I was hurting not just for me, but for my sister (who's a mother) and my own mother. None of us appeared to be happy, and it was Mother's Day! Through my tears, my sister hugged me tight and said, "I don't care what anyone says, you are and have always been a great mother." Ohhh...how I sobbed more and more!

I ended up enjoying a fun dinner with my sister, my niece, nephew, and the Grizzlies/Clippers game! We laughed, cheered the Grizzlies on, and even had ice cream to wrap up the evening. I slept for 5 hours after that only to come home and go to sleep again after speaking with my spiritual mother.

My spiritual mother said something to me last night that I have often shared when ministering to others - "You've got to speak those things that be not as though they were. You've got to encourage yourself. You're going to get through this." It's amazing how He will bring things back to us :)

I guess I needed the rest! I'm up this morning and glad that yesterday is over. At one point, I thought I wanted a Mother's Day 'do-over', but nahhhhh! I'm determined to honor my mother every day and not just one one day. I'm glad that my focus from how I feel to where I'm going. I'm convinced that my latter is going to be greater than my past. Weeping endured yesterday and on last night, but joy has come this morning. I will continue to encourage myself in the Lord, and encourage you to do the same! I know that my help truly comes from the Lord. I must continue to lift up my eyes to Him and trust Him to keep me.

He loves us...He really does.

Be blessed,

~Tee