My Apologies

I have been missing.

I am sorry.

Originally, I was just going to be taking a break to complete my master's degree. I got it. (Hallelujah!) Then, I was taking a break to recover.

One week turned into two. Two weeks flipped into a month. Before I knew it, several months had passed, and I had not returned to writing.

It wasn't for a lack of desire. I love writing these posts. I enjoy praying and asking God what to share. I consider it a blessing to be able to use my gift to inspire, equip, and uplift the body of Christ.

Yet, I allowed complacency, laziness, and procrastination to steal these last few weeks from us. I apologize to you, and I have apologized to my Heavenly Father. I am so thankful for your words of encouragement and inquiries about the status of this blog. It meant so much to me to hear that you all missed your "Morning Ti". I pray you can forgive me. I ask you to keep me in your prayers moving forward.

Morning Ti, anyone?

See you in the morning!

Tiara

The Wind of the Spirit

I love feeling a warm breeze on my face. The wind buffeting me and whistling through my ears is pleasant for me. I especially love the wind blowing when the seasons are in transition. The air is full of the scents of the coming changes. The wind fascinates me because you can't see it. You can see what it carries, you can see it's effects, but you can't literally see the wind.

When the Holy Spirit first appeared on earth after Jesus' resurrection, He filled the air with the sound of a mighty, rushing wind. (Acts 2:2) The Lord was signalling the changes that were afoot. He was sending His people a Comforter and Guide. After the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples, they went out and turned the world upside down!

The Holy Spirit serves in opening men up to the truth of Jesus Christ. He helps to lead believers in the right direction. He gives them gifts to live lives that honor the distinction of being the children of God.

In the same way you can't see the wind, you can't see the Holy Spirit. However, you can see the effects of the Holy Spirit. You can hear His voice, you can follow His directions, you can find comfort in His presence.

Have you received the Holy Spirit? Has He filled your being with His presence? God sent the Holy Spirit to help you in your Christian walk after Jesus finished His work. Are you enjoying the benefits of this gift?

You can find direction, comfort, and much more with the help of the Holy Spirit. Today, allow Him to fulfill His purpose in your life. Listen for His voice, follow His directions, turn to Him for comfort, utilize His gifts... You may not be able to see Him, but His work produces miracles!

Verse of the Day: And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. Acts 2:2-4

All You Need

This morning I got frustrated. I mean really frustrated. I could feel the tension building up in my shoulders and I felt my mood turning darker.

I caught myself and said a prayer. I laid everything on the altar, gave my frustrations over to the Lord, asked Him to fight my battle - and left it all there with Him.

I could feel the weight lift and my emotions calm down. The Lord gave me peace, and I was able to move on with my day. I'm so glad we have the blessing of prayer!

Something so simple as having an honest, open conversation with the Lord can change so much! Trusting Him to be Who He has said He is can make all the difference. He has told us in His Word that He is our source of peace, joy, comfort, strength, and love. When we find ourselves in need of those things, we should have the faith to come to the Lord and receive those gifts from Him.

Far too often we turn to other people, food, shopping, other vices, the internet, or anything else we can find for the comfort we seek. God has already told us the foolproof way to get what we need! All we have to do is turn to Him with open hearts in complete surrender.

God will not berate us. He won't ignore us. He won't leave us hanging. He will fill us up with all that we need. He will embrace us with His love.

Today, when you find yourself in need, turn to the One Who can completely satisfy all your needs. Allow the Lord to be your Everything.

Verse of the Day: And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not. Isaiah 58:11

Seeking the Spotlight

We live in a time where everyone wants their piece of fame. If they're not lining up by the millions to go on reality shows, they're posting videos on YouTube. If they aren't on YouTube, they're begging for followers on Twitter.  If not on Twitter, they're agonizing over how many "friends" they have on Facebook. Parents are pushing their children to be the next great star and thrusting them onto world stages.

This world is crying out for their fifteen minutes of fame whether we want to see them or not.

Jesus warned about seeking notoriety. In Luke 14:11 He said, For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted. I believe this is why so many people in the spotlight fall away so often. They've blown themselves up, and, in the end, they don't pass under pressure and scrutiny.

Jesus says that those who are humble will be exalted. Those who do things in secret. Those who act out of the kindness of their heart, not looking for acknowledgement. Those who choose to give of themselves whether they are thanked or not. These are the types of people God looks for to exalt.

God has given us all dreams and visions for our lives. Those dreams may involve you "blowing up" or becoming really well-known. There is nothing bad in making a name for yourself. It's the spirit that you go into that realm that determines things. Are you going after your dream to get yourself fame and fortune? Or, are you working to help enrich the lives of others? Are you working on your craft because you're so big and bad? Or, are you giving the talent or gift God has given you out as an offering back to Him?

God doesn't care about your status, fame, or fortune. He could care less how many people know your name or what great things you've been able to accomplish... even if it's in His name. What He does care about is your heart. He's looking at your motivation. He's looking at the state of your spirit.

Are you humbly going after your dream giving credit where credit is due? Or, are you going forth in a spirit of pride and selfishness only looking for personal gain?

Be careful how you go forth in your purpose and destiny! You don't want your arrival at the top to be short lived.

Verse of the Day: Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had...he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names... Philippians 2:3-5a, 8, 9 (NLT)

God's Benefits

Today is a day for thanksgiving. Blessed be the name of the Lord! God is so good, and I just want to share the joy in my heart with all of you today.

This morning a Psalm was ringing in my spirit. It says, bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits... (Psalm 103:2) Have you really thought about the benefits that you receive from serving the Lord? Have you pondered on all of the things you are privy to as His beloved child?

I was thinking about them this morning.

Just being able to have joy in my heart and a smile on my lips is a benefit. There are so many people who have no joy. There are numerous folks who can't figure out a reason to smile or be happy. And not all of them are in trouble or facing problems. They simply don't have joy.

Or, how about the fact that we get the benefit of the Comforter, the Holy Spirit? When we have questions, are troubled, or need direction, He is there to help guide and direct us. He is there to help us understand the ways of God helping us to grow in our faith. All we have to do is make ourselves available to Him and the Holy Spirit is right there to gird us up.

We also get the benefit of prayer. We get to approach God's throne and talk about anything we want to. Large or small, pressing or seemingly 'unimportant', God is interested in it all. He hears us every time we speak to Him. Isn't that amazing?

What are some of the benefits that you enjoy about being a child of God? What things that He has given us do you hold most dear? Take some time today to give thanks to the Lord for His many blessings and benefits that He has granted to us His children.

Verse of the Day: Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits... Psalm 103:1, 2

Acts of Kindness

Because of the way society was ordered during the times the Bible was written, women didn't get to much shine on the pages. It took a woman of caliber to get mentioned in the Good Book. We do have Esther and Deborah, Mary and Elizabeth. Yet, there is one lady who came to my mind this morning.

Dorcas - or Tabitha - was a woman who was not known for her preaching or teaching. She wasn't a queen on a throne or mother to a prophet. Dorcas was an ordinary woman who just lived her life doing good deeds for those around her. She looked out for the poor and widowed. She used her gift of sewing to make clothes for those who had none.

Simple, right?

This woman's simple acts of kindness and generosity gave her friends and loved ones who cherished her greatly. They cared for her so much that when she got sick and died, they sent for Peter. When he came, they shared about her life and all the good that she had done for them. After seeking God, Peter performed a miracle and called Dorcas back from death.

Dorcas' generosity in life granted her more time to live.

Who knows what your simple acts of kindness do for those around you? Who knows how deeply someone will cherish something that you may think little of. A kind word, a hug, sharing your talent or gift can mean so much to someone who needs what you have to give!

Make sure you're using all your gifts for the glory of God! No matter how large or small, every action causes an effect. And, who knows? Your decision to go out of your way for someone else could inspire God to do something great for you!

Verse of the Day: Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them. But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up. And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive. And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord.

 Acts 9:39-42

Work What You've Got

It's the beginning of another week, and I just want to give thanks to God for blessing my weekend. It was filled with games, studying, church services, and bus rides, and I'm glad to say that it was all blessed. I got to minister to the youth with my crew on yesterday, and we had a wonderful time! I'm proud to see my friends go forth in their anointing.

Just wanted to give God some praise for a fabulous weekend before moving forward with this week.

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I'm still focused on purpose. This morning I was thinking about how the Bible encourages to live our lives utilizing all of the gifts God has given us.

Jesus illustrated this thought in His parable of the talents. (Matthew 25:14-30) A master leaves his servants with varying amounts of money (talents) while he goes on a trip. Most of the servants take that money, invest it, and are able to increase their amounts of money. However, one servant simply buries his in the ground and does nothing with it.

When the master returns and sees how the servants have multiplied his money, they are given more money to be responsible for.

It's the last servant who angers his master. This servant has his money taken from him, and he is fired.

In the same way, God has given us all talents. We all have various valuable gifts on the inside of us that God placed there for us to purposefully use for His glory. It is our responsibility to 'invest' in our gifts, work them to make them better, and use them in the world to bring in returns for God's Kingdom. When God sees how faithful we are with what He has given us, He will be all the more inclined to entrust us with more.

However, many of us don't utilize our gifts for God's glory. We hoard them to ourselves, use them selfishly, or devalue them altogether. God didn't just give you that talent for you to keep it all to yourself! You better open up your gifts and let the world be blessed!

When you get to heaven, what account will you have to give to the Lord? Will you be able to inform Him of how you used the gifts He gave you to bring others to Christ? Or, will you be trying to explain why you never used your gifts at all?

You've got some valuable assets. Don't let them just sit and collect dust. Don't let them get buried deep inside. Pull them out and use them for the glory of God!

Verse of the Day: To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away. Matthew 25:29

Let's DO It!

I'm still meditating on becoming God's MVP. Becoming God's best requires a hefty load of sacrifice.

Think about the MVP's of sports teams. They're usually the ones practicing longer. They always push themselves harder. They see their weaknesses and turn them into strengths. They study their craft. They eat, drink, and breathe their sport. They don't settle for second best.

How much more should we push ourselves to please God with our lives? We should be giving our all to turn into the beings He created us to be. We should be working to turn our weak areas into strong ones through His Holy Spirit. We should take the quality time to study His Word. We should eat, drink, and breathe the things of God. We shouldn't settle for second best.

Don't trick yourself into thinking that mediocre is okay. Just living is not your purpose. God has implanted you in this world for greatness! Press a little harder and be great! Don't just imagine what God can do with you... Go out and be those things that you see in your mind.

Yes, it will take some work. I'm sure it will take some time. But don't give up! Don't get tired of pressing toward the goal! There's greatness out there that you can reach. You cannot fail with God on your side!

No matter what He has called you to do, don't do it in an average way. Do it in an excellent fashion. Take it to an extraordinary level. Showcase the big God who gave you that goal, dream, and vision. Our God is awesome! Let your life reflect His awesome power in every way.

Verse of the Day: Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. Ephesians 3:20, 21

Get Your SHINE On!

God has blessed all of us with valuable talents, gifts, abilities, and qualities. However, we often play down our assets fearful of being seen as vain or prideful.

"You did a fabulous job on that presentation!" Well, you know I barely pulled that thing off. It was nearly a disaster!
"You have the prettiest smile." Girl, after seven years of braces, I better!
"You really threw down in the kitchen today!" I just put a lil' something together, that's all...

Stop diminishing your shine! When people notice your God-given traits, don't brush it off as something minimal. Embrace your beauty! Embrace your gifts! Own your talents and skills!

God didn't bless you with what you have just for you to play it off as something regular. You are extraordinary and unique! That's exactly what He created you to be! You can embrace your specialness without being prideful. There is a way to say "thank you" without being haughty.

The humble aren't invisible or silent. It's just that when the humble speak, they give honor to whom honor is due. They remember that it's the God who created them who gave them all that they have. They know that any praise or thanks they get really belongs to Him.

So, when you get your compliments and folks recognize your shine, don't dim the lights! Just shine your light on the One who lit the fire in the first place.

I see you shining! Keep up the great work!

Verse of the Day: Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee. Isaiah 60:1

Everyone Loves Gifts!

Hey, Guys! I’m so glad to be back. I feel refreshed and rejuvenated from my vacation. I praise God that I was able to sit back for a second and take a breath. Now, it’s back to the grindstone.

As the holidays spring upon us, a lot of us will be taking trips to the mall and scouring the internet in order to purchase gifts for our family and friends. We will endure packed stores and long lines just for the joy of showing someone love.

Our Heavenly Father also has given us gifts. We like to talk about the Best Gift He offered in His Son, but God has also blessed everyone with individual gifts as well. We all have talents that are unique to ourselves. Each one of us has something to offer the world that only we can do. It’s so amazing to me that as we continue to grow and mature, we still discover hidden gifts and talents that we didn’t even know we had!

If you’re someone who thinks they have no special gifts – you’re wrong! Ask the Holy Spirit to show you what gifts you got. You weren’t left out.

Take a moment to think about those special gifts and talents that God has given you. Give Him praise for making you unique! I would encourage you to figure out a way to offer those gifts back to God.

If you can sing, sing a song of praise and worship to Him. If you write, write a poem or story highlighting His goodness. If you are a giver, find a way to give to His Kingdom. If you are an encourager, find someone to encourage in the Lord. The best way to thank God for His gifts is to use them for His glory.

Verse of the Day: I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. Psalm 139:14