Freedom in His Embrace!

When He calls, I must listen

Where He leads, I must follow

Who He is, I strive to be

He has rescued me

God is so good!  I am crying with joy right now, just, because...I can feel His presence.  

It is such an amazing feeling to know that He is with you!

To know that He is here...right now...at this very moment!

There are times when I feel like I could just burst with joy. 

You know the feeling where you want to just start singing "for no reason".  Ahh, but we do have a reason.  We always have a reason to feel joyful!  We have His love, His peace, His hope...and His joy inside of us!

I feel like I could just go dancing around, but I'm sure the people below us {I live in an apartment} would prefer I did not...

There is nothing that compares to the overwhelming sense of joy and peace as when you've just come out of a trying time spiritually.

I realized a couple days ago, that my life had been sorely lacking in prayer...  I started feeling moody, and dare I say...purposeless.  Ahh, but He is so faithful.  Even through that, I knew He didn't leave me.  No, He carried me!  He ministered to me in ways that only He can.

It is so wonderful to know that we have freedom in Him!  Freedom that lifts us above the chains of this world and lets us soar above.

Freedom that give us the ability to run to His arms whenever we feel weary. 

That was my problem.  I was feeling weary and instead of running to Him, I tried to be a "big girl" and take care of myself.  I know better...you'd think I'd learn my lesson...  Maybe one of these days I will.

But that is the past.  And the present is me running full speed ahead, toward {not away from} my Abba Father's outstretched arms.

There I will stay, surrendered, tucked under His wing, in the palm of His hand.  Resting, trusting, listening, praying...in His embrace.

Au Revoir...Until next time.

Many Blessings!  =)

Tiffani

Everything in this post is Copyright Tiffani-Joi.  Please email me at TiffaniJoi143@gmail.com to ask permission before using any part of this post or any pictures.  Merci!  =)

Wrapped in Your Embrace...

This is one of my new favorite songs!

"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with  me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me."

~ Psalm 23:4

Wrapped in Your Embrace

My heart cries out to be heard

My heart cries out for mercy

My heart cries out, in need of a Savior

You wrap me in Your embrace

Let my lips not speak idle words

But give You all praise and glory

My heart cries out, in need of a Savior

And You wrap me in Your embrace

I am undeserving

Yet You are so willing

Your love for me is amazing

You wrap me in Your embrace

You are faithful

You are Light

You hold me in the palm of Your hand

And You wrap me in Your embrace

My days have been numbered my You

You are the Holy God, my Father

You are my Provider

You wrap me in Your embrace

I am fallible

You are unchangeable

You still my heart and quiet my soul

And You wrap me in Your embrace

You are my comfort

I am Your daughter

You are my Rock and my Foundation and my Fortress

My Abba Father

You wrap me in Your embrace

Au Revoir...Until next time.

Many Blessings!  =)

Tiffani

Everything in this post is Copyright Tiffani-Joi.  Please email me at TiffaniJoi143@gmail.com to ask permission before using any part of this post or any pictures.  Merci!  =)

My Valentine...

Love this song, and I thought it was perfect for today =)

"And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love."

~ 1 Corinthians 13:13

 

 

I've never felt like I've missed out on anything on Valentines Day, because I didn't have a date.  Valentines Day has never been a reminder that I'm "alone"  =P

 

 

In fact, its quite the opposite.  My Valentine is always with me, and loves me unconditionally, despite my many, many...many faults.  He is patient with me, He gives me joy and peace that cannot be contained.  He always listens and is always on time...it's my watch that is unreliable.   =)

He doesn't wait until a certain holiday to give me gifts...He blesses me every day.  He has written His name on 'my paper heart'.  {And yes, I have just burst into song...  =P }

 

 

Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior.

 

 

Since I was really young, my mom has always talked about how unconditional love, keeps no record of wrongs. (1 Corinthians 13:5) Our Abba Father and our Savior Jesus showed us the greatest example of unconditional love that the world has ever seen...and ever will see!

 

 

We are promised that if we, but ask with a truly repentant heart for forgiveness, He will grant it to us unconditionally.  He loves us that much!

I will never understand why He loves me.  Sure I could rattle off a couple "good points" about myself, but...

 

 

"...For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."

~ 1 Samuel 16:7b

 

 

And the honestly the only good thing in my heart is Jesus.  Period.

Although that does make me wonder again about why Jesus would even consider coming into my heart...

 

 

The only answer that comes close to satisfying me is:

"⁸ For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. ⁹ Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? ¹⁰ Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent?"

~Matthew 7:8-10

We are His children, and He tells us that He will never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5)

 

 

It all comes back to His unconditional love for us.  The love that we don't deserve.  The love that He freely gives, when we ask.

I pray that you all had a blessed Valentines Day.

Au Revoir...Until next time.

Many Blessings!  =)

Tiffani

What you've read in this post is Copyright Tiffani-Joi.  Please email me at TiffaniJoi143@gmail.com to ask permission before using any part of this post or any pictures.  Merci!  =)

Ask...Listen...Follow...

Where You go, I'll go

Where You stay, I'll stay

When You move, I'll move

I will follow You

Who You love, I'll love

How You serve I'll serve

If this life I lose, I will follow You

I will follow You

I Will Follow ~ Chris Tomlin

Tee hee...I'm laughing at how silly my thoughts are at the moment.  I'm nervous about writing my first post for 2012...  =P   That's why I've been putting it off. 

My Abba Father has been showing me so much in these past few months, weeks, days, hours even. 

I'm beginning to fully realize...realize even more that our God is always ready and willing to show us new things about Him.  He's always ready to wrap us in His warm and comforting embrace.  He's always ready to listen and interrupt us if necessary.  He's always there to wipe away the tears that we let escape.

I'm the one holding everything back.  I'm a girl, standing in front of a bridge--a narrow bridge.  There's no way to 'go around it.'  Jesus one step ahead of me, reaching out His hand, encouraging me, beckoning, calling out to me to join Him, follow Him step by step.  I've followed Him this far on our journey and this is just another bridge I need to cross.  But it's not "just another bridge."  This bridge, just like all those in the past, will be a new experience for me.  I will grow in and through Him.  I will learn more about Him and myself.  And I'm standing there...waiting for Him to do something...  To "give me a sign" to move in a certain direction...

He is always ready to speak to me.

All I have to do is ask.

Why don't I ask more often???  Why don't I listen more often??? 

Maybe you ask the same questions...  All I can say is that I can't change what I haven't done in the past, but I can change what I will do in the future.  It's a New Year's Resolution, so to speak...  =) 

So no matter how many "forks" in the road there are, no matter how I look at it, there is only one direction to take...  The one that my Savior is standing in front of.  And it's my fault for being the one who's closed her eyes, expecting to 'stumble' onto the right path or eventually find it on my own.

So to be honest...I don't exactly know where that path is going to lead me...and when those "forks" come along, I most likely won't know which one leads where.  But whichever path He is in front of, is where I want to go.
I just got a flash on the animated Disney Peter Pan movie.  When all the "Lost Boy's" are following John (with his top hat and umbrella) singing "We're following the leader, the leader, the leader.  We're following the leader wherever he may go."  Along the way they go through tall grass (the tops of heads and that umbrella bobbing up and down), over a hippopotamus (I think)...  *giggle*      *sigh*
That's how I want to be, following Jesus (not oblivious to my surroundings  =P).  Joyful, worshipping, willing, determined, without any doubts or reservations.

I long to see my Shepard face to face...  To feel His touch...   To hear His encouragement...  To sing His praises...  To dance in the warmth of His light...  To be still in Him...

My dad just said something the other day...  He didn't make it up...and I'm not who the first person to say it was...

If there were no problems, there could be no miracles.

Feel free to read that a couple times...I did  =)

I pray for there to be an abundance of blessings in your life!  I also pray that through those trials that you're facing, that our Abba Father would perform miracles for you.  That you will grow in and strengthen your relationship with Him. 

"Praise the LORD! Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever." ~ Psalm 106:1

Au Revoir...Until next time!
Many Blessings  =)
Tiffani


Everything in this post is Copyright Tiffani-Joi.  Pleas email me at TiffaniJoi143@gmail.com to ask permission before using any part of post or any pictures.

Almost a New Year!

On the risk of sounding super cliched...I can't believe the year is hours from being over...  I know I say that every year, and every year its just as true.

Last year seemed to be all about seasons...this year...  I'll just have to wait and see.  =)

Tonight we each picked a game that we love and played them 'til 10PM {the funniest thing is that we each won the game we chose  =) }, then we all separated to write our goals for 2012.  We will talk about them tomorrow morning during our devotional time as a family.

This has been an amazing year!  I don't know about you, but there's always a part of me that wants to hold on to the old year.  It seems more safe and comfortable {don't ask me why}.  But the Lord didn't call us to be comfortable.  He's called us to be bold and courageous.  To die to ourselves so we can live in Him. 

And a year is just a year...it's what we've done during the year that's important.  And I can only hope that what I've done during the past year has made the Lord smile and say, "Well done, my daughter."

So while part of me wants to hold on, the other part of me {which will win} is totally ready to "let go and let God," as my Mom always says.  Is ready to grow in Him, face the challenges, live boldly, seek our the adventures and run the race.

My Biggest Goal for 2012:  Daily pick up my cross and follow Him.  And be ready to drop everything to do just that.  I need to be ready for the adventures that will take place and run to His embrace when I feel weary. 

My Life Verse for 2012:  ²⁴ Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. ²⁵ For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. ~ Matthew 16:24-25

In closing, I want to pray for you all.

Dear Heavenly Father,

I come before your throne right now in praise for the wonders that You've worked in all of our lives this year!  For the things You've revealed to us. 

Please Father as we go into the new year, make us even clearer images of You.  Let there be no mistaking us for Your followers.  Let it be that when people look at us, they see only You.  Let us decrease daily so that You can increase abundantly!

Help us to be the tools in Your hand and work through us!

Father I pray for those reading this right now, that You would bless them immensely and cover them and wrap them in Your embrace.

Father I ask this all in Your Son Jesus' name.
Amen!

I will talk to you in the new year!

Au Revoir...Until next time.
Many Blessings!  =)
Tiffani

P.S.
My Daddy sent this picture to me a couple months ago and I absolutely loved it!!! I think it goes perfectly with this next year!! =)

Everything in this post is Copyright Tiffani-Joi.  Please email me at TiffaniJoi143@gmail.com to ask permission before using any part of this post or any pictures.

Courageous

While I was getting ready this morning, these lyrics kept playing through my mind.  What's really funny is that I don't have all the words memorized {I don't have this song on my iPod...} I really just know the tune.  I couldn't tell you any other lyrics...but these words will not leave my head.
I don't think they need much of a commentary...I just wanted to share with you what the Lord has shown me this morning.  =)

The only way we'll ever stand
Is on our knees with lifted hands
Make us courageous
Lord, make us courageous

 

 

Courageous ~ Casting Crowns

Album: Come to the Well

Au Revoir...Until next time!

Many Blessings!  =)

Tiffani

Everything in this post is Copyright Tiffani-Joi.  Please email me at TiffaniJoi143@gmail.com to ask permission before you use any part of this post or any pictures.

He Orchestrates...

{This is one of my favorite songs!  It always makes me cry as I remember the extreme sacrifice Jesus made for me.  I made this video especially for this version of the song.}

Touch of the Master's Hand ~ Danny Gans
Album: Brand New Dream

One of my favorite things to say about God is that He orchestrates things.  {As a side note, I am NOT trying to start a debate over pre-destination and free will}

When I hear orchestrate, I think of a compose and conductor of an orchestra.  He's written the symphony out and He knows exactly how the notes should be played, what the tempo is, and what key signature the piece should be played in.  He's up front, and as long as the musicians look to Him, He is guiding them as they play.  The musicians are His 'tools', and He is able to use them to create something beautiful.

During rehearsals, those musicians might make terrible mistakes, over and over and over...and over again.  Then throw in those cumbersome and tedious arpeggios or the big dramatic crescendos.  BUT He is patient, because He knows what the end result will be, and He is willing to wait for us...I mean the musicians of course.  ;)
Some of the musicians are able to help each other get better, but ultimately they look to the composer.  He's the One who keeps them on the rhythm, motivated and encouraged.  He's listens to the the complaints and the whining, about sore fingers, aching backs and parched lips.  He understands, because He's gone through the exact same thing.

They also learn to work together as one.  They learn that the piano alone is beautiful, but when played with the harp it sounds so much better.  Then add in the violins and the flutes.  Only with all the instruments playing together can the make an orchestra.  And have you ever heard of an orchestra without a conductor, let alone a composer?
Then on that glorious performance day, we will all be perfect and everybody will applaud and praise the conductor for His great work. 
They Lord has been showing me daily that He is in control, and I definitely am not.  I can rely on Him alone, and He never fails! 

He forgives my mistakes, complaints, and my eagerness to hog the spotlight.  He promises to finish the good work that He has started in me.  And that can't be easy.  But I guess...I know that since He created me, and knows me better than I even know myself, He will be faithful like He always is.

Dear Precious Heavenly Father,

Please search my heart and root out any sin and fleshly behavior that is still trying to hang on to me.  Please Father, show me when I'm feeling discontent or too comfortable, because there is always something I should be working on in my spiritual life. 

God, I pray for those who are reading this post right now.  That they would be blessed and You would use Your Words to give them peace and comfort for whatever struggles they are facing at this very moment.

Your Word tells us that those who believe in You and have received Your Son's gift of salvation are like a body.  We must all work together and that none of us are more worthy or important than any other.  Please Father, remind me of that whenever I start to become prideful or try to judge anyone else.

I pray that You would use me in Your symphony and that I will daily become more and more like You and my Savior.

And I ask all this in Your Son Jesus' name.

Amen!

Au Revoir...Until next time!

Many Blessings!  =)

Tiffani

Everything in this post is Copyright Tiffani-Joi.  Please email TiffaniJoi143@gmail.com to ask permission before you use any part of this post or any pictures.

Will You Join Me?

Am I going to do it?  Yes, I am!  When I am I going to start?  On Sunday!  Will you join me? 

I am going to to start reading the Bible in a year.  When I was about 10 yrs old my mom and I went through the whole Bible chronologically.  But I'm very sad to say I haven't done it since... 

I always seem to get stuck in the Gospels, the Psalms, Proverbs, Romans, Galatians, Revelation...  BUT, I know how important the whole Bible is...so am going to change that!

So, why am I starting on Sunday & not today?  Because, I wanted to invite all of you to join me...and I thought I'd give you a day to decide.  I will be posting this weeks reading tomorrow, so be looking!  =)

This is how its going to work...  Every Saturday I'll be posting next weeks reading.  That way we can all stay accountable to each other & focus on just the next week, instead of thinking, oh my!  A year is sooooo long.  =P  We will be reading the Bible in a unique way.  We'll be reading 2 books at a time.  Either a New Testament book with an Old.  Or an Old Testament book with Psalms. 

I was going to read it chronologically again, but I thought this would spice things up a bit.  And give us good breaks between some of the "slower" books.

It's my prayer that along the way you will be posting (if you have a blog) or commenting on mine (or even better, both) about the amazing things God reveals to you!

I am super excited (if you couldn't already tell).  I know that the Lord's hand is upon us all.

Dear Precious Heavenly Father,

We come before Your throne of grace & ask that you give us the perseverance to read through the whole of Your Word!  I ask that you bless each of us who are going to be embarking on this incredible journey.  I pray Lord, that You would reveal to us, those things that You know we most need to hear right now Lord. 

Abba Father, I am so excited & I pray that You would ignite us all even more as we get into Your Word.  That You would allow us that time of quietness with You, so that we can listen more closely to what You are saying.

I ask this all in Your Son, Jesus' name. 

Amen!

Au Revoir...Until next time.
Many Blessings!  =)
Tiffani


Everything in this post is Copyright Tiffani-Joi.  Please email TiffaniJoi143@gmail.com to ask permission before you use any part of this post or any pictures.

Our Provider!

Jehovah Jireh, my Provider

His grace is sufficient for me, for me

Jehovah Jireh, my Provider

His grace is sufficient for me, for me

My God shall supply all my needs

According to His riches in glory

He will give His angels, charge over me

Jehovah Jireh cares for me, for me, for me

Jehovah Jireh cares for me

Jehovah Jireh

(Jehovah Jireh is Hebrew.  Translated it literally means The Lord Who Sees or The Lord Who Sees To It.  It means He is our Provider.)



My parents & I just recently watched the movie Evan Almighty. 
(Please note: I am not trying to make a recommendation.  It is always best to review a movie before watching it, especially when younger siblings are around.  I will say that it is one of the very few movies that is not labeled as "Christian" & that has come out into the theaters; scripture is quoted & not misused, God is portrayed as Someone who can call us to certain actions, we can speak with & have a personal relationship with, is there for us, & sees the 'bigger picture'.)

And one of the dialogues that really hit me was the following:

God: Let me ask you something.  If someone prays for patience, do you think God gives them patience?  Or does He give them the opportunity to be patient? 
If he prayed for courage, does God give him courage?  Or does He give him opportunities to be courageous? 
If someone prayed for the family to be closer, do you think God zaps them with warm fuzzy feelings?  Or does He give them opportunities to love each other?

That really got me thinking...  God knows exactly what we need & what is best for us.  It makes sense that when we pray for patience, it just seems like more situations pop up when we need patience. 

"And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." ~ Philippians 4:19

Sure it would be a lot easier if God just 'zapped' us with whatever qualities we asked Him to grow us in...  But we wouldn't learn anything.  We wouldn't learn patience or perseverance, self-control, faith, trust etc...

"Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

3 For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls." ~ Hebrews 12:1-3

I pray that we are all abundantly blessed this week, with opportunities of all kinds.  Those to practice our Fruit of the Spirit.  And also time to spend at His feet.  Talking with & worshiping Him who loves us enough to be our Jehovah Jireh; our Provider.

Au Revoir...Until next time.
Many Blessings!  =)
Tiffani



35 Posts!

Hi Everyone!

I just wanted you all to share my joy!  I have officially made it to 35 posts on my blog!  (Not including this one.)

Now I know you might be thinking, 35?  She's getting excited over...35 posts??
Yes, I am!  Sometimes its the little things in life that give us some of the most joy!  =)  I have never been able to keep a blog going this long...my last blog is stalled at 31...

So I just wanted to say thank you to all of you who read my blog!  You are a blessing to me & I'm praying for you!

Au Revoir...Until next time!
Many Blessings!  =)
Tiffani

You Are My All In All ~ Part 1

You are my strength when I am weak

You Are My All In All ~ Nichole Nordeman

I'm not sure if you remember my post about my wanting to do a 'series' of sorts based on Nichole Nordeman's song You Are My All In All.  It was a while ago...so here's the link in case you forgot or never saw it.

I haven't even thinking about the series lately, but a couple days ago my something happened to me (well, quite a few events happened) and when I started praying this song popped into my head again, and I began to understand the first verse even more.

So...last week was really busy for me. 

Trust me! 

It was busy, stressful, & most of the activities kept me from studying what I needed to for my next CollegePlus! coaching call.

I won't bore you with my entire schedule.  I will get to the point.  =)

 My point is that the only time I felt tired was the end of the last day, when I knew that was finished with certain commitments.  And knew that the next day I would be able to devote entirely to my studies.

I literally drove home from work on Friday (I had stopped at In N'

 Out on the way home, because I felt like I deserved it after my hard week  =P), took one step inside the house and felt like I could've collapsed if I had been next to something soft.  It was the first time I had felt the slightest bit fatigued since those commitments came up. 

I kicked off my shoes, grabbed a plate and went up to my room after saying hello to my parents.  They were on a date (yes, at home =) ) so they had no problem with me shutting myself in my room.

I ended up asleep by 9PM that night...which is early for me, because by the time I get in bed, pray, then finally fall asleep, its usually around 11, 11:30PM.

During that prayer time, (which I'm ashamed to say was probably cut short because I fell asleep,) was when Nichole Nordeman's song popped into my head.

I realized that my merciful Abba Father had given me the strength, energy, endurance & motivation to get me through the week.  And now He was graciously allowing me to be so tired that I would be sure to catch up on the rest that I'm sure I jipped myself of.

What really hit me was the thought that He had given me enough energy to drive home safely (even though it would've made sense for me to feel relaxed knowing that my hard week was over) & walk up the rather large step to the door into the house before the feeling of fatigue overtook me.

There was no way I could've made it through that week on my own.  There were times when I wanted to cry (and come to think of it, actually did), scream with frustration, just walk away, but He kept reminding me that He was with me.  That there were other people right at that very second who would much rather be in my shoes, than in their own trials.

That the sacrifices I was forced to make regarding my studies was still nothing compared to the greatest sacrifice that my Savior made for me. 

I got a very real experience of His strength last week.  Because I realized that He not only has the power to give me strength, He also has the power to allow weakness & fatigue to come over me, when it is necessary for me to rest.

I will probably dig deeper with a word study on "Strength."  I just really felt the need to share this (in my mind) amazing example of His hand in my life. 

It always amazes me when He reveals Himself to me like this.  It always feels like the first time...He is unchangeable, but never predictable!

I pray that He reveals Himself to you greatly in some way this week!  In a way that makes you stop & marvel at His amazing power.

Au Revoir...Until next time.

Many Blessings!  =)

Tiffani

Everything in this post is Copyright Tiffani-Joi.  You must ask permission before you use any part of this post or any pictures.

Little Joys!

I know, I know!  I'm supposed to be putting the finishing touches on my guest post for Purity Week at HisHandmaiden.com...and I am.  But it's also Halloween...

I just want to share about the cutest little kids that have come, shyly knocking on our door.

I'm talking about the little girls under 5, dresses like butterflies & princesses.  The little boys dressed like Superman & Star Wars rangers. 

So innocent!  Their eyes a little afraid as you first open the door, but their fears melting as you put a handful of tootsie rolls & skittles into their little pumpkin shaped bag.  Although I like to think I'm spreading as much joy & smiles as I am candy.  =)

The cutest little, "thank you", and wide smile as they run away to show their mom their new goodies with squeals of delight. 

I can't help but smiling as I close the door.  Wondering if I'll see them again next year, if I'll remember them next year.  Will I be here next year?  Or will I be in a new neighborhood with new little kids?  Oh well, it doesn't matter.

I just wanted to let you into my mind for a little while & give you a glimpse of the joy that I'm receiving tonight.  =)

Au Revoir...Until next time.
Many Blessings!  =)
Tiffani

PS:  Whether or not you like Halloween, please know that I'm not trying to promote or bash the day.  I'm simply speaking of the precious little kidlets!  =)


Everything in this post is Copyright Tiffani-Joi. You must ask permission before you use any part of this post or any pictures.

Girly Christianity?

Chorus: Bless the Lord, O my soul

O my soul

Worship His holy name

Sing like never before

O my soul

I'll worship Your holy name

10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord) ~ Matt Redman

This is one of the songs we sang on the workshop night.

A couple nights ago I went to a girls workshop at the church my family & I just started attending.  It was called GI Jane: Getting Aggressive About God.

It was a great night; the High School pastor's wife was the one speaking.  This is one of the points she made, that I elaborated on in my mind.

We are girls...we love the happy endings, the emotions, the feelings, we're hopeless romantics, we are feminine, we are girly etc...  And that's how we're made.  But sometimes that transfers into our Christianity.  We only see the blessings, we sometimes forget that Jesus isn't just the baby in the manger or our Friend & Savior.  He is also the Conquering King who will be coming back to battle in the end days.  Christianity:  Is it the best thing that's ever happened to us?  Yes!  Is is the easiest way to live?  No!  Which is why we need to be dependent on the Lord for strength.

Galatians 3:26-28 says, "26 For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus."
Now obviously I'm still a female, and I'm still girly, God is saying that is His eyes when it comes to our faith, we are supposed to be the same.  The traits that separate men & women life shouldn't apply to our Christianity. 

For example, men are usually tougher, more aggressive, they're usually stronger than women.  They are the protectors of their wives.  That's how God made them.  But when it comes to Christianity, men & women are equal. 
Girls shouldn't be weaker in their faith; we need to be just as strong, because there is spiritual warfare going on all around us.  We need to be right there in it.  And we can, because of Jesus.  He erased those boundaries in our faith, because it isn't physical strength that's necessary, but spiritual strength.  "8 For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come." ~ 1 Timothy 3:8

The message I heard has inspired me to get more aggressive about my studying in the Word, & continue to grow stronger in my relationship with my Savior Jesus.  1 Timothy 4:10, "For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe."

Au Revoir...Until next time.
Many Blessings!  =)
Tiffani

Everything in this post is Copyright Tiffani-Joi.  You must ask permission before you use any part of this post or any pictures.

I Am a Salmon Who Was Born For This

I LOVE this song!!!

It reminds me of something my dad always says.  "We are salmons."

Salmons swim upstream.  They don't go with the current.  Even though the waters they swim against are strong, they are stronger.

We as believers are exactly like that!  The way of the world in all around us, trying to push us its direction.  But because of the strength the Lord gives us, we can prevail & swim upstream, against the grain.  We might get tired...we probably will, but we need to remember that we were "born for this"!  We were meant to stand "apart from the crowd", stand firm, stand with God!

Au Revoir...Until next time.
Many Blessings!  =)
Tiffani

PS:  The CD that this song is on just came out last month.  It's called Music Inspired By the Story.  Well known Christian artists sing songs about well known people in the Bible.  There are some other amazing songs on the CD as well.  I would highly recommend it!  Just look on iTunes or Amazon.com


Everything in this post is Copyright Tiffani-Joi.  You must ask permission before you use any part of this post or any pictures.

Our Everlasting God...

You are the everlasting God, the everlasting God

You will not faint, you won't grow weary

You're the defender of the weak, You comfort those in need

You lift us up on wings like eagles

Everlasting God ~ Christ Tomlin

Everlasting: enduring through all time; perpetual; lasting til the end of time.

Above is the Webster's dictionary definition of Everlasting.  Those are all true of God.  And yet, He is even more than, just everlasting.  Because He was here before time even began!  And He will still BE, after time has ended. 

Everlasting: Alpha & Omega; ever was; ever is; ever is to come; infinity; no ending

The above is the definition I thought of while think about our everlasting God. 

Have you ever tried to think about God's existence?  How He created time?  And that there will be a time where there is no time?  I guess that last one doesn't really make sense....  There a will be a "no time" when there is no time anymore.

We will not be bound to seconds, hours, days, years.  We will be with God forever.

That is so beyond my comprehension...  My mind keeps trying to compare "forever" with something that I do comprehend.  I've been alive for 16 years....  So 16 years times...times what?  Times...infinity!  Which is yet another word I cannot even begin to comprehend. 

At first its a bit frustrating...  But then these thoughts comfort me... 

It gives me joy that my God understands the things that I don't!

It gives me joy that I'm not the one "in charge"! 

It gives me joy that I don't have to understand everything! 

It gives me joy that my God is merciful enough to allow me to live in 'time' that I do "understand"!

It gives me joy that my God is so complex!

It gives me joy that even though He is so complex, He loves me!

It gives me joy that even though He is so complex, He invites me into His embrace!

Our God is so good.  I know that even though I pray for wisdom, He won't reveal knowledge to me that I can't handle.  He understands, because He created.  And that...gives me joy!

Au Revoir...Until next time.

Many Blessings!  =)

Tiffani

Everything in this post is Copyright Tiffani-Joi. You must ask permission before you use any part of this post or any pictures.

What Are My Talents?

Not because of who I am, but because of what You've done

Not because of what I've done, but because of who You are

Who Am I ~ Casting Crowns

I have been thinking (I do that a lot)...  And I asked myself..."What are my talents?  What am I good at doing?"

Talent: A natural aptitude or skill.

My prideful self of course took off with all the different things that someone during the course of my life has complemented me on... 

Then the Holy Spirit reeled me back in & told me to ask the question again...and really think about it this time.  So I did...  I wasn't really proud of myself after I got my second answer. 

I am great at being prideful...
I'm get those waves of ungratefulness...
I'm just great at being cowardly...
I'm pretty good at being stubborn as well...
I'm also very good at procrastinating...putting things off...
I'm not always the kindest person...
I'm not always meekest person...
To be perfectly honest I'm always working on all the Fruit of the Sprit...


I could go on, and on...and on...  But then suddenly my thoughts like that stopped.  And the Lord reminded me that He doesn't want me to dwell on my faults...  That's not going to make me improve.  Every now and then, we need to be reminded of what we were without Christ.  We need to be reminded that we're not perfect.  We need to be reminded that without Him who created us...we are nothing...but with Him we are sons and daughters of the King.  Children of the most high God.  Who loves us despite our many, many...many imperfections.

I can now say that I am talented, because God made me (special, and He loves me very much...Bye! (Sorry!  Had to throw VeggieTales in there...I couldn't resist!  =P )) 
I'm good at being His child.  And not because of anything I did, but because of the love, grace & mercy of our Abba Father.

Au Revoir...Until next time.
Many Blessings!  =)
Tiffani

Praying For Compassion...

What boundless love,

What fathomless grace

You have shown us, O God of compassion!

Each day we live

An offering of praise

As we show to the world Your compassion

 

Keith & Kristyn Getty ~ Compassion Hymn

Album: Awaken the Dawn

 
I was logging out of my email a couple days ago...and on the homepage, they were displaying an article about a 20-million ape skull that had just been discovered.  Of course, I was curious what possible "evidence", they could be providing for such a ludicrous claim, so I clicked on the link.  Surprise, surprise...there was no evidence...no scientific formula as to how in the world they arrived at such a claim....NOTHING.  Which they can't of course, but they didn't even try to explain.  They take it for granted that our society will believe anything the media tells them.  The only intelligent--rather the only anything--an official scientist was quoted to have said was something about this being a great discovery....  I was absolutely disgusted!! 

I know I shouldn't read the comments...people say the most ignorant things sometimes...which makes me get riled up...  And these comments were no different.  One (the one that really got me) said, "I guess this proves that the world really isn't 6,000 years old, like some religious people like to believe." 

WELL!  I was this close to writing my own comment, something about those scientists showing me their actual proof of the age, and then I'd be able to have a conversation...or something 'smart' like that....  And besides the Holy Spirit, the only other thing that stopped me from writing just that in the heat of the moment, was reading another comment (a couple comments down below), that said almost that exact same thing.   Reading even farther down, I noticed at least 10 more comments from that same girl.  She was right on in everything she was saying, but no matter how logical her statements were....other people just kept challenging her.  Not just about science, but religion too.  I noticed about three different "conversations" going on. 

I was so close to anger about things that some people were saying about my Abba Father & my Savior.    (Psalm 14:1, "The fool has said in his heart, ''there is no God'...")  My heart was pounding, my eyes most likely in little slits, my brows furrowed...

She ended up stopping writing anything more after a different man wrote that he agreed with everything this lady was saying, but said that this is what these people are believing at this moment, & nothing we personally can do, will change their minds. 

That was so wise...because no matter what "right" words we speak, we are not the ones who will change a persons heart.  The Lord allows people to have a veil over their eyes at times.  And He alone can remove that veil. 
2 Corinthians 3:16-18, "16Nevertheless when one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord."


That is not to say that, we shouldn't tell people the truth, & be a witness for Him...we must remember that no matter what we say, in the end it is only Him who created that can reveal the truth.  The Lord reminded me that I'm not the judge of those people.  (Matthew 7: 1-5) They still have a chance to repent.  That I'm not supposed to agree with them, but I'm also not supposed to ridicule them for their ignorance.  That He will still forgive them for what they said, when they repent. 

At that moment, I no longer felt anger, but sorrow for those people.  Because I know whenever they do repent they too will feel the guilt of what they spoke/wrote against Him.  I cannot even imagine the guilt I personally would feel...I don't want to!

Father, I pray for those who do not know You yet.  Who haven't experienced Your love.  I'm so sorry that I judged them....because I'm certainly not perfect and I have no right!  I praise You for the day when You do remove the veil from their eyes...  I rejoice in the day that will come when they will turn their hearts to You and You alone.  Please Holy Spirit, remind me the next time I start to judge someone else for not knowing the truth.  Pray through me for their salvation & let me have only love and compassion for them.  Jesus, teach me to mirror You, so that I can grow in You each an every day.  Father I ask this all in Your Son Jesus' name, Amen!

I hope you all are feeling His love & comfort as this week is coming to an end.  May the Lord bless you and keep you.

Au Revoir...Until next time.
Many Blessings!  =)
Tiffani

Children of God...

Chorus: Children of God, sing your song and rejoice

For the love that He has given us all

Children of God, by the blood of His Son

We have been redeemed and we can be called

Children of God

Children of God

Bridge: We are the saints

We are the children

We've been redeemed

We've been forgiven

We are the sons and daughters of our God

Third Day ~ Children of God

Album: Move

Why is it that we as humans are so focused on ourselves all the time.  Maybe not all the time...but most of the time...  I find myself thinking about me, so often.  My problems, my dreams, my life.... 
NO!!!  It's NOT about me....  I live solely, because of my God, my Savior Christ Jesus, & my Helper who lives within me.  I called Him, mine, just now.... But that's is not how it is....  I live for Him, I am His alone, He is all that matters.  No matter how "big" my "problems" are, they are NOTHING compared to what the biggest problem is...my sin.  No matter how "big" I think my "sacrifices"are, they are NOTHING compared to the greatest sacrifice of all.  No matter how "important" I think my opportunities are...NOTHING is more important than living for my Savior. 

But why is it that we as humans are so forgetful of those facts?  Sin.  Our flesh. 

It makes me sad to realize that sometimes I need such a large wake-up call to realize when I'm starting to think about me too much.  I know I'm never going to be perfect, but I want to be.  I want to live like Jesus lived.  I strive to be like Him.  And when I fall short...I'm disappointed in myself.  Until I realize why I fell short....  I thought I could do things on my own.  Not consciously, but the result is still the same... 

Yet, the Lord is merciful.  He has given us the Helper.   He gives us subtle & not  so subtle reminders about Who is really important.  He gives us second chances again & again & again.  Sometimes I wonder, Why in the world does my Abba Father love me so much? 

But then I receive an answer.  Amazing & miraculous as it is!  Because I am His child first...& then He is my Abba Father...my Daddy.  The BEST Daddy! (John 1:12) With unconditional love that cannot even be described.   Mercy that abounds & follows me all the days of my life.  Love...God loves me!  He loves you!  He encourages us, He's our biggest cheerleader! 

Psalm 95:6-7, "Oh come, let us worship and bow down; Let us kneel before the Lord our Maker. 7 For He is our God, And we are the people of His pasture, And the sheep of His hand." 

I am His sheep, & He is my Shepard.  I am to follow Him, for He knows the Way.  (John 14:6)

Daddy, I wish there was a better word than 'thank you'!!  Thank you doesn't come close to being enough.  Even if I praised You constantly, 24/7 for the rest of my life, You would still be worthy of infinity times more!! 
Please, Father, help me to daily surrender to You!  To let You lead me, without any "help" from me.  Please make it exceedingly clear when I'm speaking too much or not listening enough! 
Help me to always trust You, especially when the road gets rocky & I can't see the 'big picture'. 
Father I pray for those who are reading this right now.  That You will bless them abundantly!! That You will fill them with Your overwhelming peace, joy, & love. 
Father, You know our hearts...You know how much we long to serve You faithfully. 
Continue, please to teach us Your ways & how to better serve You & Your children. 
I ask this all in Your Son, Jesus' name. Amen!

You've just had a peek inside my mind.  My thoughts are all over the place.  And they move so fast...  I'm a girl...so that explains it.  =) 

I really do hope you are blessed by this.  The Lord has had this "topic" pressing on my heart for a while, & I think tonight...or rather this morning....He has let it all pour right out. 

One last thing before I go.  I love 1 John 3:1-3, "Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!  Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. 2Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. 3And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure."

Au Revoir...Until next time.
Many Blessings!  =)
Tiffani

Rings That Remind Me

Chorus:

Well I will walk by faith

Even when I cannot see

Well because this broken road

Prepares Your will for me

 

Jeremy Camp ~ Walk By Faith

Album: Stay

I got a new ring three days ago.  I love rings that won't turn my finger green!  (And not just, because they don't turn my finger green.  =)  )  I also love them, because I hardly ever have to take them off.  I'm not very good at remembering to take rings off....I've had to throw quite a few away, because of it.  BUT the point is I got a new one. 

Ta Da (in a sing-song-y voice):



Walk By Faith

 

I love unusual rings...  Rings with writing on it (especially when it's a Bible verse!!)  Like my new one.

2 Corinthians 5:7

The funny thing is, that I've been wanting another ring.  My mom & I went to our local Christian Book Store three days ago.  I always look at the jewelry...especially the rings, but I never see anything I like.  (Usually because they have very few to choose from.)  But this time, they had a lot to choose from.  And this one caught my eye, even though it was "trapped" inside one of those locked cases.  



Anyhoo, a lady unlocked the case, so my mom & I went on the search for a ring that we liked.  We found a couple, but they were the wrong size...  'Oh bug!'  BUT I still had my eye on the above ring.  And at the very end of this one row, we found one that fit!  I was quite pleased!!  =)  This particular style of ring happened to be the only one in my size.  Amazing!

I love rings that are unusual, because they can be great conversation starters.  I've had people comment on my "twisty ring" before.  And I'm able to explain that its a Bible verse.

 

They're also good reminders for myself.  My "twisty ring" says:  "May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord my Rock and my Redeemer."  Psalms 19:14



"For we walk by faith, not by sight."

 

Something I am continually working on.  =)

If you have any interesting rings, jewelry etc...  I'd LOVE to hear about them!!

Au Revoir...Until next time.

Many Blessings!  =)

Tiffani

Moments

We laughed out loud til we cried

And the tears were sweet

Midnight melted to morning

A moment faded to memory

All these days just slip away through our fingers

Chorus:

So... Don't let go

Hold onto every moment

Always know

Hold on to every moment that you can

Joy Williams ~ Every Moment

Album: By Surprise

I told you I'd be back soon!  =)

I thought I'd just share some things that have been going on in "my little corner of the world".

Congratulations to my grandparents (in case you were wondering...it's my mom's parents).  They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary last month.  But we just had the party for them last Saturday.  I'll post some pictures later. 

It was so much fun!  Hearing my grandparents reminisce about the "good old days".  Things like riding their bicycles for miles, (no cell phones, no predetermined destinations) & their parents-never for a minute-worried about where they were.  Seeing all their friends that they've had since junior high & high school.  It was fun to see my grandparents so happy.  =)  I don't know when I've ever seen them smile...or cry so much in one evening.

I'm getting excited for our Community Bible Study (CBS) to start again!  So far we have 13 (including me), 7-12 graders.  My mom is the teacher.  =)  It's going to be so fun to be in a group with people my own age again.
Last year I was a helper in the K-6th grade class.  I had a TON of fun...but it could never take the place of the fellowship, that I missed terribly from my old CBS...  With my all-girl group of sweet sisters.  (You know who you are =)  )
We are studying Revelation this year.  I've studied it before, but I'm excited to be studying it again, with a new place, new people, & new spiritual growth!!!  I'm just a little bit excited....in case you didn't already notice...  =P

I would LOVE to hear what you're studying right now....or if you go to a CBS, what you'll be studying this year!!!

Unfortunately I must go.... BUT I will return!!

Au Revoir...Until next time.
Many Blessings!  =)
Tiffani