Afternoon Ti: Got 22 Minutes?

Hey, do you have 22 minutes? Well, if you do, check out this TED talk from Rick Warren. It's an old clip, but the insight he shares is timeless! I love to talk purpose, and this man has tapped into a whole 'nother level in the genre.

Enjoy!

Afternoon Ti: Changing Seasons

So, the weather is finally changing here in Chicagoland, and I'm thankful for a warmer breeze than what we've been getting. Yet, there are a few people around me that are not enjoying the changing tides: the allergy sufferers. Right now, their eyes are itching, noses are sneezing, and sinuses are acting up because of all the change going on. Their bodies are sensitive to the pollen in the air, and they have to suffer through the blooming of spring.

It got me thinking to our own spiritual changing of seasons. They are those times when God is taking us to a higher level, requiring more out of our behavior, and asking us to submit fully to His will. Although we may bask in the joy of getting closer to the Lord and walking out our salvation, our flesh has issues.

Our bodies itch to get back to those sins we're trying to leave. Our eyes look back and remember how we used to do things. The burgeoning of righteousness makes our flesh suffer, and in order for us to move ahead - that fleshly will has got to die.

Is God changing any seasons in your spiritual life? Is your flesh having a hard time dealing with the change? Don't give in to your fleshly desires! Quench those symptoms with the word of God, and bring yourself into full submission of His will. As you follow after the change the Lord is offering, you will experience the benefits of being fully committed to Christ.

Verse of the Day: I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 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 12:1, 2

Afternoon Ti: Thought For Today

Today I want to encourage you to enjoy today. You are alive! Today is a gift. You should enjoy it. You won't get another today.

Do something to make yourself smile. Enjoy something that you haven't in a while. Read a good book... buy yourself some flowers... watch a good movie... spend some time with your kids... watch the sunset... laugh with a friend... You get the picture.

Enjoy your day!

Afternoon Ti: Inconvenience Yourself Today

Today, I'm going true devotional style and opening with our verses to meditate on:

...Hanani, one of my brethren, came, he and certain men of Judah; and I asked them concerning the Jews that had escaped, which were left of the captivity, and concerning Jerusalem. And they said unto me, The remnant that are left of the captivity there in the province are in great affliction and reproach: the wall of Jerusalem also is broken down, and the gates thereof are burned with fire. And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven... Nehemiah 1:2-4

And I said unto the king, If it please the king, and if thy servant have found favour in thy sight, that thou wouldest send me unto Judah, unto the city of my fathers' sepulchres, that I may build it. Nehemiah 2:5  
This passage of scripture relays Nehemiah's response to hearing of the physical and emotional brokenness of the city of Jerusalem. This man was so moved that he asked to leave his place of palatial comfort and peace to go back to Jerusalem, a place of conflict and sacrifice, in order to restore it to as safe haven for his people.

How many times do we hear of different churches, Christians or cities that have fallen? It may be a scandal, sin, tragedy, or some other affliction that rocks them to pieces. Yet, how often do we hear the news, shake our heads, mourn the downfall of society, and then just go about our day?

To bring it even closer to home, how often do we hear of our own friends, co-workers, family members, and other people we are close to who fall prey to difficulties? And what do we do in response? More often than not, we probably shake our heads and go on with our own agendas.

Yet, as believers, hearing of another person's struggle should move us into action. Our hearts should be sensitive to the needs and hurts of those around. We are to be the shining lights of Jesus' love, hope, help, and peace in the midst of a storm.

Whenever Jesus encountered people in need, He reached out and did what He could to help. Even when He was tired and hungry, Jesus allowed Himself to be inconvenienced to minister to those who were hurting, in the midst of scandal, and facing tragedy.

Don't be so wrapped up in your own story, that you miss out on influencing the lives of those around you. Don't allow your heart to become callous to the cries of a world that is in pain. You may not have the money, knowledge, or means to fix every problem you hear of, but you do have the ability to pray. You have the ability to give your time. You have the Holy Spirit inside Who can help you to bring comfort and peace to any situation.

Today, allow yourself to be inconvenienced in order to bless someone who is in need of God's love.

Afternoon Ti: #GivingTuesday

I've already been posting about the importance of us giving back during this holiday season on last week. This morning I ran across a really cool idea: Giving Tuesday. The creators felt that after the Black Friday and Cyber Monday activities, it's only right that people take time to give back to someone else who is in need.

Giving Tuesday is set for tomorrow, and there are lots of ways to get involved. You can give of your time or money, and there are plenty of places nationwide that have programs set up. You can find out more about the official business here. Or, you can just plan to go out and give back to someone on tomorrow on you own.

Either way, I think it's an awesome idea. Let's be a blessing this year!

Afternoon Ti: Taking a Break

Today and the next few days are days of rest for me. I am long overdue to relax. Clearly - I missed letting you all know I was taking a break! So, I won't be posting on the blog until I get back. But I will leave you with these words from one of my favorite writers.

Trust in the LORD and do good.

Then you will live safely in the land and prosper.

Take delight in the LORD,

and he will give you your heart’s desires.

Commit everything you do to the LORD.

Trust him, and he will help you.

He will make your innocence radiate like the dawn,

and the justice of your cause will shine like the noonday sun.

Be still in the presence of the LORD,

and wait patiently for him to act.

Don’t worry about evil people who prosper

or fret about their wicked schemes.

Psalm 37:3-7

Afternoon Ti: Inspiration

I came across this article this morning in my readings. It really made me pause and think. I can identify with what Marina wrote. It is tragic that she has passed. I hope she knew the Lord.

What sticks out is her notion that "we can still do anything." Of course, she believed this because she was only twenty-two, but I believe this because I have Jesus on my side. It doesn't matter if you're twenty-two, thirty-two, or sixty-two. God's mercies are new every morning, and nothing is impossible with Him.

This piece is a reminder that we all should be striving to live our lives to the fullest. Tomorrow is not promised. But God has given you a promise that must come to pass.

Take a moment to read Marina's article here and get inspired.

Evening Ti: Memorial Day

Today America stopped to celebrate Memorial Day. We remembered those who gave their lives in service to this country in order for us to celebrate the freedoms that we hold so dear. It is because of their sacrifices that we can experience the rich lives that we have in this country.

This evening, I was thinking also of those who sacrificed so much so that we can have our spiritual freedoms as well. America's founding fathers fought so that our country would be a religiously free country. No one is forcing us into a religion, we have the freedom to choose what we believe. This freedom gives us the opportunities to worship God how we please and evangelize as we desire. We don't have to worship in secrecy or fear, and we don't have to worry about authorities coming in to shut our churches down.

We are so blessed.

As you remember those who gave their lives for our country's freedom, don't forget to give thanks for those who blazed the trail for us to have religious freedoms as well. It is their foresight that has given us the liberty we have in our own lives of worship.

Afternoon Ti: Your Reward

I apologize for the late and missing posts. It's graduation season, and I am in the midst of a flurry of activity!  This morning was our Senior Awards ceremony, and I had a lot of things to pin down and get in order to make the ceremony run smoothly.

Watching the faces of the kids light up when their name was called reminded me of how everyone loves to be pointed out and recognized for something. It could be a job well done, a prestigious achievement, or a simple acknowledgement, but we all want to be noticed, we all want to be thanked, we all want to feel approved.

Sometimes our desire for approval makes us do things and behave in certain ways merely for the reward we believe is coming at the end of it all. We do things looking to get. We give out betting on receiving back.

That's not the way Kingdom minded people should live. We should not live in a manner that looks to get something. We shouldn't be looking for rewards or accolades. We shouldn't be looking for the approval of the people around us.

The only driving force in our lives should be pleasing God.

Don't always look for a person to point you out. Yes, it is nice when someone notices the great things that we do, but that should be icing on the cake, not the cake itself. If we never receive a thank you, a gift, a smile, an acknowledgment, a medal or certificate... the only thing that should matter is that God saw what we did. His approval is what sticks. His accolades are what lasts. His acknowledgment is what really gets you into greatness.

What's wonderful is that God sees and knows it all. He's got treasures, crowns, and gifts waiting on you that far exceed anything anyone down here can give you. And, His gifts last forever!

Verse of the Day: ...I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant. Galatians 1:10

Afternoon Ti: Thinking About This Homosexuality Thing...

So, I didn't want to give politics for our morning meditation. However, I could not help but be impacted by an announcement made by my President that's making headlines here in the United States.

As a Christian, I believe that homosexuality is wrong in the eyes of God. It's sin. I don't hate homosexuals - in fact, I have friends who are gay. I believe that all human beings deserve love and respect and the right to live their lives in peace.

However, I know that it is my responsibility as a Christian to point to Jesus, live my life in a way that is pleasing to God, and share the gospel with everyone. In sharing the gospel, I share my beliefs. In sharing my beliefs, I will undoubtedly offend someone else who does not share my beliefs.

As a minister of the gospel, I preach God's Word. In preaching God's Word I have to speak out against sin. All sin. But, it's one thing to preach against sin and another to set up laws that affect how a person lives their lives. In preaching against sin, I'm giving the person the decision to either serve God or do their own thing. It's up to them. In setting up laws, I'm either opening or closing a door that either frees up or hinders a person from doing something with their lives.

I know that God has placed His people in all areas of vocations within this nation. We sit on the highest courts and serve in the lowliest positions. We are teachers, lawyers, babysitters, maids, IT personnel, actors, pilots, you name it - a Christian's there.

But in our roles, is it our duty to allow our Christianity to influence our actions in our vocation? I mean, as long as something does not cause us to commit sin, should we care if it goes against our beliefs?

I'll give some examples:

• If I was a realtor, should I not take on clients who were looking for a house together that weren't married?
• Some pharmacists have already chosen to not sell contraception to women because they view it as going against Christian beliefs. Are they incorrect? Are they going overboard?
• Is it okay, as a teacher for me to teach the principles of Darwinism even though I know that the Creation story is the right one?
• As a politician, should I automatically vote according to my Christian values, or do I need to view the laws separately from my personal beliefs and vote according to the "best interests" of my constituents?

I don't claim to know all the answers. Just wanted to share my thoughts on the subject. I am definitely praying about this Obama thing. As much as I know homosexuality is wrong, is it unfair to bar them from the right to have a union in the same way a heterosexual couple is married?

I'd love to hear your thoughts and views on the subject.

Afternoon Ti: Meditate on This

The morning got away from me, and the afternoon is full. Take a moment and meditate on this word from the Bible. It just blessed me!

Psalm 32
Oh, what joy for those

whose disobedience is forgiven,
whose sin is put out of sight!
Yes, what joy for those
whose record the LORD has cleared of guilt,
whose lives are lived in complete honesty!
When I refused to confess my sin,
my body wasted away,
and I groaned all day long.
Day and night your hand of discipline was heavy on me.
My strength evaporated like water in the summer heat. Interlude

Finally, I confessed all my sins to you
and stopped trying to hide my guilt.
I said to myself, “I will confess my rebellion to the LORD.”
And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone. Interlude

Therefore, let all the godly pray to you while there is still time,
that they may not drown in the floodwaters of judgment.
For you are my hiding place;
you protect me from trouble.
You surround me with songs of victory. Interlude

The LORD says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life.
I will advise you and watch over you.
Do not be like a senseless horse or mule
that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control.”


Many sorrows come to the wicked,
but unfailing love surrounds those who trust the LORD.
So rejoice in the LORD and be glad, all you who obey him!
Shout for joy, all you whose hearts are pure!

Afternoon Ti: JoyFULL!

Our boys' basketball team is going to STATE! So excited over here. And it's been a flurry of activity, so I apologize for posting late today. But, life is good!

Since I'm feeling good today, let's keep on talking about joy.

Jesus told us that He came so that our joy may be full. Joy is different than happiness. Happiness is an emotion that comes and goes. Happiness can fade at the drop of a dime. Happiness is contingent on outside factors.

But joy transcends happiness. Joy is something that emanates from within. Joy is a state of the mind and heart. Joy is not influenced by outside factors.

Joy is the reason why Paul and Silas were able to sing at midnight in the jail cell. Joy caused the apostles to keep on preaching the gospel in the face of adversity. Joy gave David the strength to dance for hours with the return of the ark of the covenant. Joy caused the Samaritan woman to go and tell her whole village about the goodness of Christ.

Have you tapped into your joy in the Lord lately? Have you allowed the greatness of God to transform your heart to the place where nothing shakes you? Do you have joy no matter what circumstance you're facing?

If you're not experiencing joy, take some time to go before God and ask Him to rekindle your joy. Remind yourself of His greatness, love and magnificence. Think of how much He's done for you, and remember your great prize in obtaining salvation. You have a reason to be full of joy! Don't miss out on it!

Verse of the Day: These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. John 15:11

Afternoon Ti: Why I Hate Religion, But Love Jesus

So, earlier this week I posted a video that was clever, but I wasn't too fond of the premise.

This is a video where I love everything! The message and the delivery are on point. Good stuff!

Check it out and let me know what you think.

Afternoon Ti: Super Grace

So, I came across the video for "Super Grace" in my Christian internet travels. Some college students got together and came up with a Christian version to Nicki Minaj's "Super Bass". I've placed it here for your viewing pleasure:

I must commend the young lady for her creativity in coming up with some interesting lyrics, but her premise... I'll pass.

We are in the world, but not of it. The fact that this girl's inspiration came from a secular song - Nicki Minaj nonetheless - does not sit well with me. Plus, this girl had to pretty much memorize the secular version in order to parody it in her Christian version, so she's got those original lyrics well embedded in her spirit.

There are other ways to be creative, funny, engaging, and inspirational other than take what's hot right now in the world and put a "Jesus-spin" on it to make it okay. Our God created music! I'm sure if we tap into Him we can come up with something that works in the same manner and is twice as effective.

This is just my opinion. You may think differently. Let me know.

What do you think of the video?

Afternoon Ti: Hidden for a Purpose

I am by no means a huge Tyler Perry fan... but you cannot deny that the man is successful at what he does. I came across this video in my daily reading today and was blessed by what was shared.

We don't always know the big picture, and God may have us hidden for a reason. The Israelites were blatantly underestimated by their enemies and were able to destroy Jericho as a result. Don't think delay is denial! God has you on course for something great!

Thanks, Tyler, for the inspiration...

Afternoon Ti: How Do You Stay Hungry?

I should be out there
getting what's mine!

For the class that I'm currently taking, I've had to do some leadership audits on my current ministry. I've found out that I'm very strong in a lot of areas, but I'm clearly weak in the areas of follow-through.

I cannot tell you how many ideas that I've had of different, innovative, and creative methods for various things where ministry is involved. I have even more items filed away for my own personal life. However, the majority of my bright ideas wind up confined to a journal, file on my laptop, or stay stuck in my brain.

I don't know what it is, but I have spurts of inspiration for a moment in time only to let the dreams fall to the wayside. I don't want to be one of those people that looks back and sees a life filled with plans unfulfilled. Still, that looks like how things are shaping up. And I want to put a stop to it.



So, I wanted to ask: How do you stay hungry? How do you stay motivated to follow through on your plans, dreams, and goals? What keeps you from letting procrastination dead your dreams?

I appreciate your advice!

Afternoon Ti...

This is why I don't ask you to do anything!

Just a note to apologize for the omitted post today. Truly my error. I'm so sorry.

I guess I'll use my own mistake as the topic of the post today. Don't you hate it when you're depending on someone for something, and they don't come through for you?

Far too many times I have been let down. Which is probably why I choose to do things on my own a lot. I'd rather be swamped and rushing around than to have to hope that someone does their portion.

Yet, there is some One in our life who we can depend on always. He's always there and never shirks on His responsibility. God is an ever present help for us.

Still, how many times do you find yourself turning to the Lord after you've exhausted every other option you have? How often do you find yourself praying in desperation for direction after every plan you've enacted has failed?

It's a great thing that God's mercies are new every morning. (Lamentations 3:22, 23) And it also helps that He loves us so much. Only a merciful, loving God could deal with our behavior.

When issues arise and you need direction, assurance, or even just a listening ear... don't neglect to speak with your Heavenly Father. He loves you more than anyone else, and He has the power, knowledge, and ability to help you more than anyone else as well. He is definitely worthy to be the first in line, so why not let Him enjoy that privilege?

Verse of the Day: God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1

Afternoon Ti: 10 Reasons Why I'm Glad I'm Saved

Okay, so we all know the top 2 reasons why it's great to be a Christian: serving the One True God and being blessed with eternal life. Now, I'd like to list my Top 10 Reasons Why I'm Glad I'm Saved (in no particular order):

1. The Creator of the Universe considers me His friend... and not just an acquaintance-type friend, but a true friend. He'll let me as close as I want to get to Him.

2. I have a guidebook (the Bible) to help me through any situation I face.

3. I can get in contact with my God 24/7 every day of the week at any time, and He's actually hearing me.

4. I am blessed beyond measure!

5. I no longer have to be condemned in my sins. I've been redeemed!

6. Following His word gets you back way more than you put in.

7. Christians (the real ones) are some pretty awesome individuals. I'm glad to be a part of that number.

8. The One who knows and controls whats going on right now and in the future is guiding my footsteps... I can't go wrong!

9. It makes me feel so special considering the great sacrifice that Jesus went through just for little ol' me.

10. I am living a life now that's pre-set for me to win over the enemy. No matter what, I know I'm a winner!

Why are you glad to be saved? Let a sista know!

Afternoon Ti: Is It All A Dream?

Can I cut back in for a moment?


So, this morning I was doing my normal blog trolling – reading up on the latest news of the day, and getting my laughs in from my favorite blogs. I came across a new blog that had listed a quote from Terrance J, an on-air personality from BET:

…when following your dreams you will be temporarily inconvenienced…

Now, I know Terrance J may not be the most insightful person on the planet, but today that little line rang like a gong in my head. I found myself asking myself whether I was inconvenienced lately for my dreams. The answer was no.

It’s funny. I can put my life on a rigid schedule where I am up late after putting in 8 hours at the job, doing homework on my lunch, and going to the library for hours on Saturdays in order to get this Master’s degree.

But I can’t set aside a few moments consistently to accomplish the dreams that I hold dear. I can’t turn off the tv for a few moments. I find myself to be too exhausted to work. I get caught up in the little things and lose all my free time.

Clearly, I like dreaming. Living would just take too much more effort, I suppose.

So sad.

And so telling.

Evidently my dreams are not as important to me as I thought. I seriously need to get motivated.

Are you being ‘inconvenienced’ for a dream? I hope so! The payoff will be sweet.

Back to your regularly scheduled program…