VIDEO: Do you have any questions for me or my mom? We'll answer them!

Have you ever heard of people looking for their "Soul Mate?" And where did this idea come from?

As with most things in life, I tend to question WHY we say, do or have certain "traditions"...especially since I've discovered that a lot of our cultural norms are in direct conflict with God's Word.

So what the hopscotch am I getting at? The idea of a "soul mate." Where exactly did this little term spawn from? And is there any wrong thinking attached to such a concept of "there is only one right person in the universe for me."

The idea of a soul mate comes from Greek mythology. There was some altercation between the human race and the Greek god Zeus. And according to Greek mythology, humans originally had one head but two faces, four arms and four legs. REAL CUTE! ha ha ha!

Anyway, Zeus feared that the authority of the gods was threatened by the human race and decided to split us into two parts. This was done to keep us busy looking for our "soul mate" or other half, rather than interfering with the authority of the gods.

According to this myth, a person's soul mate or other half is the "one-and-only" that will complete them and they would never be happy with anyone else. Now you can see how this myth has permeated our society's view of "love" as people marry and re-marry thinking "oh, now I've finally found my soul mate" which lasts as long as it's easy to love that person. But when the real work begins as it does in EVERY relationship, they immediately regress to the "Soul Mate" fallacy, that they simply didn't find him or her yet.

And it's a "no fault" type of concept too, we don't have to take an responsibility in choosing poorly or our failing to do what is right, when the relationship fails. The person who believes this myth can simply chalk it up to not finding their "soul mate" and then must KEEP LOOKING. Utterly ridiculous!

But Christians often think that God has made JUST ONE PERSON in the WHOLE world for us. It's a contamination in our view of marriage and what God has promised and what He hasn't promised. There is no single verse in the Bible that supports this idea that ONE perfect person was created for another. It's just tentacles reaching from Greek mythology into the church.

What the Bible DOES outline for us is that we are to use our heads and hearts to CHOOSE the right person to enter into the covenant of marriage. We are to look for someone who is bearing good fruit in their life: (Galatians 5:22-23) "...love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control..." The Bible even tells us that we will know Christians by their fruit, not by what they SAY they are. So you can't get away with the excuse that "he said he WAS a Christian." It's your job to use your head and SEE if he is actually living this way. If not, then the relationship would be "unequal" and God warns us against this.

(This does not apply if you weren't a Christian when you got married and later became a Christian and your spouse has not. The Bible says you shouldn't end your marriage because of this, but rather live out Christ like behavior which is a witness to your spouse).

And of course God has made us with physical attraction, which I think is important in a relationship. You need to think they are cute. I've had gals ask me if attraction is necessary, and I say yes. It's part of the equation that makes you WANT to be close to them. But it's not the ONLY thing. We must incorporate our head, heart and attraction to make a good choice in our husband or wife.

God has given us a sound mind, so we need to use it, especially when it comes to marriage...and daily too! Ha ha ha!

2 Timothy 1:7 "For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline."

We can also have self-discipline when it comes to dating, because God has given us the ability to control our desires. When we WAIT and obey God, we will never be sorry. Whenever I've got into heartache, it's because I followed my lusts rather than obeying God. We need to trust God that He has the BEST plan for our life. And we have to obey His instructions so that we can have it!

I hope this has encouraged you that your future spouse isn't "up to the gods" but rather a responsibility we each have. This gives us the proper perspective as God has outlined for us and I think that we can pray for that person and pray that God will bring you together soon. But there is no "half of you" wondering around the earth that you must find...thank you very much Greek mythology.

Learning about life one step at a time,

Your friend,

Tiffany

Who Has a Second Chance?

Anyone who is still breathing. We often feel that we've messed up too much, that too much has happened for anything good to come from our life--but all that is a lie from the pit of H-E double toothpicks (hell)! Our very real enemy, satan or otherwise known as the devil, would love for everyone to feel this way and just "give up" on living life.

I'm always a little shocked, yet relieved to know that it's not PEOPLE or CIRCUMSTANCES that are my enemies--but as Ephesians 6:12 tells us, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."

That's our REAL enemy. Not just Christians, it's ALL of humanities' enemy. Satan hates us all and wishes to destroy every last one of us but the best news is that Jesus IS our REDEEMER, He has already prevailed against Satan. That is the reason we have HOPE against Satan and his schemes to derail us, deceive us and harm us.

1 John 4:10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.

Jesus IS the second chance we have, without Him, we are all left to be victims rather than victors. No thing you or I have done is too "bad" to be forgiven of when we sincerely ask God.

1 John 1:9 But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.

I love that God doesn't just hear our words, but He sees our very heart. There is no "hiding" anything from Him, as we can hid things from our family, friends, boyfriend, girlfriend or spouse. And because of this, the relationship we have with God is the MOST intimate relationship we can ever have. I think to be truly known and STILL loved, is one of humanities' most desperately desired states of being.

To be fully known, perfectly loved, and totally forgiven is the opportunity each person who is living has. At any moment, we can take the offer of salvation that we have through Jesus. The moment the offer expires, is the same time we do. We are all one heart beat away from this expiration. There is no guarantee that you'll have one last chance to "take Jesus up on His offer" before your time is up. It's best to take advantage now, before it's too late.

And the most wonderful part, is that when we become children of God, He goes to work at renewing, renovating and restoring us! Just like a beat up, old, and rundown house--God immediately goes to work on rehabilitation the property (US)! God is the original "makeover" specialist!

2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!

So there we have it, our second chance in life...and actually the only chance we have for life more abundantly than we could make it, hope that is without end and eternity where there is no more tears, suffering or injustice.

Sounds like HEAVEN! Ha ha ha!

Huge love to all the second chance-ers from this grateful second chance-er,

Tiffany

A very surprising find.

As most of you know, my biggest struggle was with an eating disorder, bulimia to be specific. It slowly took over my whole life so that I felt completely out of control, or better put, I gave up my self control to be totally OUT of control.

I remember the addiction to bulimia was so strong that it consumed my every thought, I was constantly trying to think of new ways I could lose weight and when I could next binge and purge. I had lost all ability to control myself, even when I actually tried to stop. It was a time of frustration, as I continually obsessed about losing weight, compared myself to every female I saw, and sank deeper into hopelessness as I always "lost" the battle to losing weight or being "cuter" than the next gal. This all would send me back to the vicious cycle of binging and purging again.

Sounds like fun doesn't it? ha ha ha, it was the pits for sure.

Anyway, here's the HUGE help that took me a VERY long time to realize. In Christ, we are given the ability to bear GOOD fruit because of the Holy Spirit living INSIDE of us. Jesus even says that we will know our brothers and sisters in Christ by their "fruit."

Matthew 7:18 "A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit."

So what exactly are the good fruits?

Galations 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Now for the surprising part--I NEVER knew that God had equipped me to bear ANY of these good fruits, especially SELF-CONTROL--of which I had none at the time. But here is where I have experienced the Truth of God working it's most obvious divine action in my life. The more I prayed, that God would help me bear these fruits, the more I saw them begin to grow.

I had NO LOVE for me or anyone else--but God began to show me that He loved me and I learned from Him to love others.

I had NO JOY because I thought joy was only if I weighted a certain number, but God showed me joy when I sang worship songs to Him and my heart was able to be happy even without being a stick figure.

I had NO PEACE with me or any part of my life, but God allowed me to experience His peace, which doesn't need perfect circumstances to be experienced.

I had NO PATIENCE with me or anyone else because I wanted everything YESTERDAY, rather than waiting for anyone or anything. But God knows we NEED to have patience to endure life, so He teaches us patience through waiting.

I had VERY LITTLE KINDNESS toward myself and others. But as God showed me His loving kindness toward me, I was able to receive it in my heart and then have it share with others. You can't give something away that you don't have!

I wasn't very GOOD during that time, as I was always trying to "cheat" to get skinny...I had a heart attitude of trying to cheat and come out a winner with every area. But reading God's word assured me there were no short-cuts or "cheat sheets" in life.

I wasn't very FAITHFUL in any friendship or keeping my word. I say I'd go or be somewhere and not show up. I was super flakey. Then God put that scripture in my hand, "Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No'" Matthew 5:37. Now the only flakes I like are the ones in my cereal bowl! Ha ha ha!

I had NO GENTLENESS as purging is actually a very violent way of dealing with yourself. I wasn't gentle with me and therefore couldn't be gentle with anyone else. I was hard on me, and everyone I met. But God started chiseling away at my hardened heart, and exposing the tender and gentle heart I once had.

I had ZERO SELF-CONTROL, as I mentioned before. This was so wonderful for me to realize--that God equipped me to bear this fruit and if He equipped me, then it was mine to have again. It was such relief to know that I didn't have to let those old habits control me, that I was able through Christ's strength to overcome and to control my actions. I didn't have to live as a slave to a crazy eating and throwing up cycle...I had power to overcome, and the ability to practice self-control.

Self-control is like a muscle, the more you use it, the stronger it gets. This applies to ALL the fruit of the Spirit. The more you use them, the stronger they get!

I pray that you are encouraged by this and your hope is renewed toward whatever challenge it is that you face...even an eating disorder.

BIG FRUITS,

Tiffany

VIDEO: How to have a little less Frustration

How to have a little less Frustration in Life

Tell me if this sounds familiar, "if I have to do this one more day I'm going to scream!" Total frustration is that point we can reach where everything inside of us feels like it's going to explode if something doesn't change.

The definition of frustration by Dictionary.com: a feeling of dissatisfaction, often accompanied by anxiety or depression, resulting from unfulfilled needs or unresolved problems.

And I've learned a very important lesson in all of my screaming fits of frustration-- it did NOTHING to bring about what I wanted...but just left me feeling even LESS in control and MORE hopeless than before. But why? The key here is that my focus was 100% on what I could do to bring about what I wanted. And I would get super obsessed with trying to figure out ways I could get what I wanted or thought I needed. The more I concentrated on getting whatever it was, the less I looked to God to provide it.

Even when our situation LOOKS bad to our little eyes and we WANT to throw a screaming, frustrated tantrum that would make any 4 year old jealous...that's not our ONLY choice. We can say instead, "yes, it does LOOK bad, but I don't live by what my eyes can see. Look at 2 Corinthians 5:7 "For it is by faith that we walk and not by sight."

God wants us to live beyond our near sightedness and use our faith instead to imagine what is possible. Look at Mark 9:23, "...'Everything is possible for him who believes." I LOVE that! Not just what we can SEE, but EVERYTHING is possible for us who BELIEVE! We are NOT limited to how things look today. Praise God!

SMALL WARNING: I still have some tendencies to go totally bananas frustrated, but the difference now is that I realize I have a choice, I can trust God in the situation or I can roll around on the floor screaming. I haven't vacuumed lately, so I've decided to trust God rather than roll around on a dirty floor. Ha ha ha! Just kidding, I'm trusting because I'm so mature now. Wink wink.

THE "I CAN'T DO ONE MORE DAY OF THIS" PROBLEM:
I used to also feel like I couldn't do one more day if things didn't change. But the fact is, that even when things didn't change immediately, the next day or even years from then...I survived. But that's part of the choice we have, to continue in total frustration for however long it takes, or we can choose to have FAITH in God and trust His timing not because it matches up with OUR timeline, but because He is at work bringing about what He knows is best for us. Our job is to keep our eyes on Him throughout the desperate desires we feel and to trust Him with our life and have faith in Him that no matter how out of control we FEEL, that God always remains in control. This allows for us to have peace, even when it looks like we SHOULD be freaking out and frustrated! Ha ha ha!

Through Him we can have peace despite the circumstance, we have access to His grace which gives us the power to get through the challenges and we have hope in Him-- that He has a good plan for our life (Jeremiah 29:11)!

The grace of God not only SAVES us from eternal death, but empowers us to make it through life and not be destroyed by the difficulties we face...like total frustration!

I pray that is has encouraged you, if you are there now or have been there recently. You and I don't have to crumble with frustration, but we can remain steadfast and strong in the Lord. And no, it's not easy, but nothing worthwhile ever is. I kind of think life is like an endurance test of hard knocks sometimes, but there are also the glorious times where we experience joys, hopes fulfilled, the peace of God and glimpses of what heaven will be like!

Growing on up Spiritually,

Tiffany

Is forgiveness for wimps or the wise?

I used to think it was only for wimps...and here's why: When I said "I'll NEVER forgive them for this or that!" It FELT like I had drawn a line in the sand, that I had some sort of power over that person in my REFUSAL to forgive. This was often followed by my swearing to get them back, plus interest.

I know what you're thinking, "she's horrible!" And I know, it WAS ugly! But here lies my lesson which was learned a very slow and painful way--in my very real life.

The root of it all was that I wanted people to fear my wrath so that they would treat me well.

It was just another way I was trying to protect myself from being hurt again, but it does the opposite -- it ended up hurting ME MORE.

As viewed this whole "forgiveness" thing as something only a wimpy and weak person would do. I thought that strong people get revenge. But as I began studying the Bible, and asking God for His wisdom with all of my severely damaged relationships...I finally understood what forgiveness means...

It is cutting the ties that bind you to that person who has harmed you.

When you DON'T forgive, it's like throwing a lasso out and roping that person to you.
Every time you think of them the rope is pulled tighter, but it's hold is on YOU, not them.

The other person RARELY, suffers from the harm of the rope. You are the one who can't move past the pain because you've got a rope tying you to it. This keeps you in bondage to the hurt they caused you, it exacerbates the pain rather than heals it and it holds you back from a life where your grasp is free to hold new and GOOD things that God has for you.

Think of it like this, if your hands are grasped tightly over unforgiveness, then how can God put anything better, new or bigger into your closed hands? He can't.

When we CHOOSE to forgive, we are choosing to let go of the rope that is around our own neck, choking our life and holding us in the past. When we let go, our hands open, we free our selves and this is where God's healing begins.

Psalm 147:3 He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.

God gives us the example to live by, that He first forgave us for all of our wrongs. Have you asked for God's forgiveness and for Jesus to be the Lord of your life? That's the most important decision of your life! (Just saying :-)

The Bible tells us pretty clearly:

Matthew 7:2 For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

YIKES! Just think how harshly God would be to me, if I had kept in my old ways of saying "I will never forgive and I will repay them plus MORE" That scares me even to write. I'm so grateful that God gave me wisdom where there was none and restored my hurting heart. If God can help a mess like me, He can help anyone! I'm no special case.

And the best promise is in Matthew 6:14 For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.

God promises to forgive US, when we choose to forgive OTHERS. I can honestly say that when I had a list 2 miles long of all who wronged me and who was on my "bad" list...it was exhausting. I was miserable and it felt like life was closing in on me, and it was. I had a million ropes holding me to all the old pain, I couldn't move on because I declared I never would with my "unforgivable" attitude.

But when we take even the smallest step toward obeying what God has instructed us to do--WE BENEFIT. God doesn't say for us to forgive because He is mean, He says it because He knows unforgiveness HURTS us. God even makes a radical promise for those who have become His children. Look at Romans 12:19 Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord.

Leave all of the work and worry to God, He is more equipped to bring perfect justice than we will ever be. And this frees you from all of the binding ropes, it allows your hands to be open to receive good things, for the healing salve of God to work in your heart and for the cord to be cut that had bound you to that past pain.

Forgiveness is freedom. The wise choose to forgive, not because it's letting the person go free, but rather it's letting YOU go free.

I've learned that strong, confident, happy and wise people live this way. What will you choose? A small life with a closed hand towards the goodness of God or open hands, ready to receive all that God has for you?

I hope you choose open hands, because how else are you going to hold the transient diamonds of life that God has for each of us!

Huge buckets of love, from a former wimpy, ugly, un-forgiver,

Tiffany

Jokes for the Preggy Gals!

For any pregnant gal, it's important to get some good old fashioned laughs while everything is expanding, swelling and aching! So I hope these get your belly-full-of-baby, bouncing with laughs! (instead of jelly of course-ha ha ha!)

The first two are my own...so if those aren't funny, keep reading and you'll get to more from www.peek-a-boo-pregnancy.com.

#1 Pickup line you'll NEVER hears: Dang girl, do those pants go aaaaallll the way up?

Well, if they went up any higher, they actually could be a top AND bottom! Ha ha ha!

#2 pick up line you'll NEVER hear: "Darn girl, what kind of pre-natals have you been takin'?!" Ha ha ha! That line has never been used, guaranteed. Ha ha ha!

Should I have a baby after 35?
~No, 35 children are enough.

I’m two months pregnant now. When will my baby move?
~With any luck, right after he finishes high school.

Since I became pregnant, my breasts, rear-end, and even my feet have grown. Is there anything that gets smaller during pregnancy?
~Yes, your bladder.

What is the most common pregnancy craving?
~For men to be the ones who get pregnant.

The more pregnant I get, the more often strangers smile at me. Why?
~‘Cause you’re fatter than they are.

I normally wear a size 34-C bra. Now that I’m pregnant, should I continue to wear a bra?
~Not if you don’t mind switching in the future to a size 34-Long.

Am I more likely to get pregnant if my husband wears boxers rather then briefs?
~Yes, but you’ll have an even better chance if he doesn’t wear anything at all.

My childbirth instructor says it’s not pain I’ll feel during labor, but pressure. Is she right?
~Yes, in the same way that a tornado might be called an air current.

Does labor cause hemorrhoids?
~Labor causes anything you want to blame it for.

What does it mean when the baby’s head is crowning?
~It means you feel as though not only a crown but the entire throne is trying to make its way out of you.

Where is the best place to store breast milk?
~In your breasts.

What are the terrible twos?
~Your breasts after your baby stops nursing cold turkey.

What causes baby blues?
~Tanned, hard-bodied bimbos.

When choosing a name for your baby, go to the back door and shout it out a few times.

I hope these helped relieve some stress, put a smile on your face and blessed you and that precious baby you're carrying!

And remember this verse when you get scared, "I can do all things (including birth) through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13

Praying for blessing on you and this precious baby, for a healthy pregnancy and birth for both you! And the bonus: for a quick and easy labor!

Huge love to you, even if you're not sporting a HUGE baby belly! Hee hee!

Tiffany and the Bun in the Oven

And they ALL went BLONDE!

So this isn't a normal post...but I thought it would be funny!
My sister recently had my mom go through the LOOOOONG process of changing from dark brunette to blondie!

Watch the video here:


So in honor of my mom's new look, both Cupcake (or EllieBell as I call her) have gone blonde too!

Me

And Kandee's Cupcake, Ellie Bell

I can't say blondes have more fun, because after about 2 minutes the wig was too itchy to really test it out! Ha ha ha! I can however, confirm that blonde wigs are itchy. It might only be the wig part, actually. Ha ha ha!

Blondie for a minute,

Tiffany (And niecey Ellie Bell)

When a Strange Voice Beckons

This blog post is the fruit of a conversation I was having with my mom the other day. As my mom has been a Christian longer than I've been alive, she has wonderful Godly wisdom and spiritual maturity to share...and that's just what she did as I was having a meltdown/pity party/frustration session/hormonal bonanza (yes, I still have them! ha ha ha!).

But as she listened to my tantrum, which was filled with phrases like, "it's never going to work out, it's hopeless, I should just give up, I think my prayers are bouncing off the ceiling and landing back on the floor." She interrupted me and said, "Don't listen to the strange voice, honey." I stopped immediately and said "WHAT?"

She went on to say that the words that I was saying were not of God, but of a strange voice, satan's words and sentiment that he tries to convince us ALL of.
Things like, "God doesn't love you, He doesn't care because if He did you wouldn't be struggling, He doesn't hear your cries."

My mom's spiritual discernment was right on the money, I HAD been listening to those lies of satan that were swarming around my head like flies on a pile of fresh poop! Ha ha ha! I had been soaking in the strange words of stranger, rather than the familiar and loving voice of my God and Father. No wonder I was feeling like I was in the pits! I had followed the stranger right out of my Father's House, and into the PIT!

Think of this, a dog won't respond to a stranger's voice, but rather waits to hear the familiar voice of his master before following a command.

Sometimes we aren't particularly bright, and a dog shows more intelligence! This is one of those times for me! Ha ha ha!

So when you begin to hear that strange voice, grab your Bible and start claiming the Word of God out loud, these are the FAMILIAR, FATHERLY and HOPE filled words that are good and true for our lives! God will never lie to us, but satan is actually referred to as "the father of lies." Just another reason to avoid listening to that strange voice that breeds depression, hatred of life itself, confusion and hopelessness.

John 8:44 "...He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies." (This is referring to satan).

So we know who the strange voice belongs to...now we need to focus on the guiding, loving and nurturing voice of God.

These are a few of the verses I hold dear to my heart which remind me of who my Father is:

Deuteronomy 7:13 He will love you and bless you and increase your numbers. He will bless the fruit of your womb, the crops of your land--your grain, new wine and oil--the calves of your herds and the lambs of your flocks in the land that he swore to your forefathers to give you.

Psalm 107:9 for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Psalm 147:11 the LORD delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.

(Jesus speaking here) John 10:27 "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me."

I pray that you are inspired to hid God's word in your heart, aka memorize it, so that the voice of God will be the familiar voice in your life, not the lies from a strange voice who only seeks your destruction.

We need to remember that God can make a way where there is none. Remember in Exodus, when the Hebrews where being pursued by the Egyptian army and where stopped at the edge of the Red Sea? It did LOOK bad. But God made a way...straight through the water! This is our God, He is the same then as He is now. He hasn't lost His hearing or love for us! Know this deep in your heart, make it sink in so that when you need to know this...the truth will be anchored there!

For all of my beloved friends, grace and peace to you from God our Father,

Tiffany

Moving Forward In Life 101

Moving forward in life is not always a natural response, in fact, if someone has had serious setbacks, has been hurt, or is suffering in any form, it's the last thing they FEEL like doing. A matter of fact, it's like asking them to run a marathon wearing concrete boots! Darn in impossible and doesn't sound appealing.

But what do we do when it's us or someone we love that desperately NEEDS to get moving again?
First of all, we have to be careful of the vows we make to ourselves when we are in the problem. Here's a few of my own vows that I made:

"I'm never going to let anyone hurt me again" (this is truly ridiculous, unless you are the only person living on a small island in the middle of nowhere!)

"I'm never going to drive again" (after I got in my first car accident, I was so scared that everyone was going to hit as happened in the accident.)

"I'm never going to have another baby" (When I was in labor with Sydney, it was tremendously painful--but look who's pregnant now! ha ha ha!)

I give you these personal examples because they demonstrate how ridiculous those types of vows are and also how one might actually STICK to it and then forfeit LIVING life, because they've made all these vows in attempt to keep themselves from experiencing pain, hurt and suffering.

But life has it's bumps, thumps and "are you kidding me?!" times. Even the times when we are tempted to ask God, "where are You in this?"
We are reminded by the words Jesus or Y'shua (pronounced Yeshua), “I have spoken these things to you so that you shall have peace in me. You shall have suffering in the world, but take heart, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33.

At first glance we think "oh geez, that's great news Tiffany." But it truly is, God is being honest with us, that we shouldn't be too surprised that we have trials, setbacks and difficulties--but that's not where it ends, rather He tells us that no matter what we face in this life, He can handle it as overcoming the world means that He has overcome EVERY obstacle we might ever face. God can see you through ANYTHING! This is a right and worthy place to set your delicate hope, in Jesus Himself. Even when all else looks bad, we don't have to look only with our physical eyes, but we can look to Jesus with our spiritual eyes. And remember that He has a GOOD plan for us. And that we don't have to fear all sorts of bad things from coming upon us. Rest your weary heart on this promise:

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

DO NOT LET YOUR HEART BE TROUBLED. This really speaks to me as my little heart can get so twisted, knotted and turned inside out over hardships in this life--but just letting those words roll around in my brain end up working their way into my heart and the knots start to loosen almost instantly.

So despite the hardship, pain, suffering, loss or scary situation you have been in or are facing now--KNOW that God hasn't left you. He loves you and is standing there like a good Father with His arms out and bidding you to again, walk towards Him. To take that next step that shows life is still beating in your veins. Refuse to give up, even when it looks really bad. Remember that it's always darkest right before the sun rises.

Beloved, I'm asking God to wrap you in His comfort blanket of love right now and to restore your heart from the hurt it has endured, even to heal your physical illness or suffering--In Y'shua's Name.

Tiffany

Born to Create

Just as the Bible tells us that we are all made in the image of God, who is the Master Creator, we all-- to different degrees, desire to create too. Just think of the beautiful architecture people have constructed, gorgeous garments designed to adorn, culinary extravagance that appeals to both our eyes and pallets, the written word that can carry us away on an adventure while never leaving our comfy chair and cappuccino.

These are only a few examples of the enjoyment that we all can experience from others who are doing just as their Creator has instilled in them--to create and share.
What is a beautiful painting if painter only keeps it to himself? Our work needs to be shared to be enjoyed and truly beautiful. Most people actually have an innate drive to share what they have created, composed or cooked up! But there is another set who have made just as wonderful things but instead are fearful to share, ashamed that they might even attempt to create or perhaps they have listened to the lies of the devil that say "you're not very good, no one will take you seriously, you have no real talent, who are you do to ANYTHING except breath?"

We have to be careful here because if we DON'T realize that those are the lies of the devil, we are in danger to BELIEVE them and then get into AGREEMENT with him rather than God.

So what does God say?
Romans 11:29 for the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.
God calls His children* and gifts them to do the things in which He has called them. It's not something that is like magic...POOF!!! But rather it's a refining process that God uses to work out the junky stuff in our lives while at the same time bringing out the good works he has ALREADY set for us to do.

Ephesians 2:10 For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Our job then is comprised of seeking God by prayer and asking Him to show us, guide us and help us see what our calling is. I think the dreams we have in our hearts are the seedlings of this--so start there if you aren't sure. What have you always dreamed of being or doing? Is there a little burning desire that has stayed with you? These are like little sign posts pointing you toward your calling.

So get praying and asking God for His direction, and trust Him that He will. I believe every person is created for a purpose that only she or he can fulfill, and this is true because God tells us that He has a good plan for each of us BEFORE we are even formed in our mother's womb! Now that is what I call SERIOUSLY planning in advance!

Psalm 139:16 You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.

I pray that this reminds you that you are called for a purpose, that God's gifts and talents He has given to you are needed in the world at this point in time and history, that's why he put you here right now! And that your heart is encouraged to get going for the first time, to start again, or just to keep going as you already have been.

God bless the works of your hands and may others see your good works and glorify God in Heaven!

Huge hugs,

Tiffany

*You are child of God when you have come to Him by Jesus, and asked Him to be the Lord and Savior of your life :-))

You'll never want to gossip again after reading this.

God takes the words we say VERY seriously. And no words leave our mouths without God hearing them, and not even the thoughts we have are hidden from Him.

Hebrews 4:13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

We kid ourselves when we think that "well, God didn't notice THAT." He did. Even when we try to justify our gossiping about another person, by saying things like "well, it's the truth. It doesn't matter who says it." It does.

Even before we form the word, God knows the intent in our heart--if it's good, ill will or evil. We can't kid God, He can detect even a miniscule amount of jealousy, envy, hate or feeling of self righteousness over that person when tear them down so we can feel taller. I know, because I did this regularly because I "felt" better about myself after I was able to tear others down. And sure, after you cut everyone down, you WILL be the tallest one standing. But it comes at the cost of destroying people who perhaps God has put in your life to love, to teach you forgiveness, patience, self-control or just be the sandpaper on the ruff edges of your life! I STILL have a few of those! ha ha ha!

God warns us of the judgement we will face ourselves, if we continue to destroy others with our words.

James 5:9 Don't grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!

And it's not just us, but EVERYONE. We are all on the hook! Look at these examples:

The politician who speaks lies about another rival. This counts.
The blogger who does nothing but destroy others with their words. This counts
The teenager who spreads lies about another teen. This counts.
The co-worker who lies about another to gain favor. This counts.
The friends who tear apart someone they both know. This counts.
The person who can't control themselves and must tell any "dirt" they've heard to the next person they see. This counts.
The family who tears apart the other family member who they think is NOT "doing things as they see fit". This counts.

Proverbs 10:21 The lips of the righteous nourish many, but fools die for lack of judgment.

So we need to watch the gossip, mean, evil intentioned, or just plain worthless words we speak. This is different from confronting someone in love and mercy, which is necessary from time to time--and it's never done without the person being present. This makes it different than gossip, because gossiping usually involves everyone EXCEPT the one being talked about! That's a good litmus test to see if your gossiping or actually caring in love and mercy for that person!

Take these verses as your guidelines when you are hurt, angry, feeling inferior, jealous, envious or just bored, and CHOOSE to obey God with the words of your mouth!

Ephesians 4:29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

You are designed to BE A BLESSING, not a curse. And when we keep our tongues from wagging uselessly, and instead bless those people--God says we are setting ourselves up for blessing! What a great deal! I'll take that all day! Ha ha ha!

1 Peter 3:9
Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.

PS: this is NOT easy, but it's worth it. God sees our every effort to trust and obey Him.

I'm taping my mouth shut until I can control it better (ha ha ha!),

Tiffany

MUST SEE teaching from a Christian sex expert

These videos are by pastor/comedian Mark Gungor. After all of the studying and reading I do (Bible, Christian resources, psychology, teaching cds, etc.) I've NEVER heard someone teach so directly about ALL of the details about sex and will have you cracking up the whole time. I encourage you to share these with your spouse/boyfriend/girlfriend or whoever else. I consider his teaching a MUST SEE. And he also has a teaching designed for teens. So if you have teens or are one, it will benefit your whole life to get this information NOW. I wish I had seen this when I was a teen!

You can check out His website for resources at:
http://www.laughyourway.com

I pray this blesses you as it's blessed me and God's wisdom fills your heart and mind as you seek Him (even in learning more about the sex relationship He designed! ha ha ha!)