Some of us are in a place where we need some help! In preparation for a class last evening, I was in Exodus 18 and meditating on the instruction Jethro gave to Moses. There were a few things that stuck out to me during the class as the students read the Scripture aloud that I'm compelled to share here...just briefly -
Exodus 18:18 - Both you and these people who are with you will surely wear yourselves out. for this thing is too much for you; you are not able to perform it by yourself.
Exodus 18:22 - (latter part of the verse) So it will be easier for you, for they will bear the burden with you.
You don't have to do it all by yourself. Tap into the leader in you and delegate some responsibility. Ditch the "no one else can do it right"/"they don't do it the way I do it"/"I just need to do it by myself to make sure it gets done" attitudes, seek Godly and wise counsel, listen, and get yourself out of the way! What's happening is you're bringing a lot of unnecessary stress and worry on YOU because you don't receive HELP!
It may not be the 'norm' or what you're 'used to'; however, it's all a part of the process.
~Tee
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Friday, February 24, 2012
Locked up...You Won't Let You Out!
Sitting in a friend's office the other day, I read this:
People are anxious to improve their circumstances, but are unwilling to improve themselves...therefore, they remain bound.
It's one thing to talk about changing, but our actions sometimes say otherwise. We work to change our jobs, the way we look, how we live, how much money we spend, the company we keep. We are quick to say that "God is closing our circle" OR "God is removing those people from my life that need to be removed." But how much time do we work on improving SELF?
Several times a week, I find myself quoting portions of Psalm 51 - Create in me a clean heart. Renew a right spirit in me. Purge me with hyssop. Wash me, so that I may be whiter than snow. It all starts here...with me. I know that in my transformation, change is necessary. But it doesn't do any good to change on the outside if the inside is the same. Whew....
You want to really get free? Then stop talking about it and BE ABOUT IT! When you start improving and working on yourself, then you will notice your circumstances changing. They have to :) Take responsibility and stop blaming everyone else. Look at the man/woman in the mirror and make some adjustments. Then you'll notice that there will be literally something on the inside working on the outside...that won't allow you to hold your peace!!!
Have a blessed and prosperous week!
~Tee
People are anxious to improve their circumstances, but are unwilling to improve themselves...therefore, they remain bound.
It's one thing to talk about changing, but our actions sometimes say otherwise. We work to change our jobs, the way we look, how we live, how much money we spend, the company we keep. We are quick to say that "God is closing our circle" OR "God is removing those people from my life that need to be removed." But how much time do we work on improving SELF?
Several times a week, I find myself quoting portions of Psalm 51 - Create in me a clean heart. Renew a right spirit in me. Purge me with hyssop. Wash me, so that I may be whiter than snow. It all starts here...with me. I know that in my transformation, change is necessary. But it doesn't do any good to change on the outside if the inside is the same. Whew....
You want to really get free? Then stop talking about it and BE ABOUT IT! When you start improving and working on yourself, then you will notice your circumstances changing. They have to :) Take responsibility and stop blaming everyone else. Look at the man/woman in the mirror and make some adjustments. Then you'll notice that there will be literally something on the inside working on the outside...that won't allow you to hold your peace!!!
Have a blessed and prosperous week!
~Tee
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Fear of the Unknown
What brings about the "UNKNOWN"? Change. Why do we fear the unknown? Because we don't know the end result. Life happens, and when it does sometimes, we get scared! Let's just be real about it.
You may say to yourself that you're not afraid, but your actions say something totally different. We fear being alone after being in a relationship/marriage for so long. We fear what's going to happen next when divorce causes a shift in our finances, our interaction with friends or people we know, our relationship with our children. We fear how we will move forward in our lives after a 'falling out' with a family member. We fear how our lives will be after a job change or loss. These are just some examples.
Think about a time where something changed in your life. We don't even have to think about something as drastic as a death. What did you do? How did you respond? I've been afraid before. But I am no longer afraid! When I sat down to start my day yesterday, I continued to hear in my spirit "Greater is He who is within me". Before I knew it, I began speaking it out of my mouth.
I want to encourage you, my friends, to not be afraid. When you find yourself in a place where you're scared about what's going to happen next, pray. Pray to the Father for direction and comfort. Pray aloud scriptures, such as Psalm 23 and Psalm 27, and speak peace to your situation. The unknown is just that...unknown. Though we may not know what it brings, we have to trust that He does. :)
FEAR...false evidence appearing real. Don't let it cause you to miss what's in store for you. Step out. Move forward. Don't look back. Trust that He who started that great work in you is faithful and just to complete it (Philippians 1:6).
Be blessed!
~Tee
You may say to yourself that you're not afraid, but your actions say something totally different. We fear being alone after being in a relationship/marriage for so long. We fear what's going to happen next when divorce causes a shift in our finances, our interaction with friends or people we know, our relationship with our children. We fear how we will move forward in our lives after a 'falling out' with a family member. We fear how our lives will be after a job change or loss. These are just some examples.
Think about a time where something changed in your life. We don't even have to think about something as drastic as a death. What did you do? How did you respond? I've been afraid before. But I am no longer afraid! When I sat down to start my day yesterday, I continued to hear in my spirit "Greater is He who is within me". Before I knew it, I began speaking it out of my mouth.
I want to encourage you, my friends, to not be afraid. When you find yourself in a place where you're scared about what's going to happen next, pray. Pray to the Father for direction and comfort. Pray aloud scriptures, such as Psalm 23 and Psalm 27, and speak peace to your situation. The unknown is just that...unknown. Though we may not know what it brings, we have to trust that He does. :)
FEAR...false evidence appearing real. Don't let it cause you to miss what's in store for you. Step out. Move forward. Don't look back. Trust that He who started that great work in you is faithful and just to complete it (Philippians 1:6).
Be blessed!
~Tee
Monday, February 20, 2012
Make the Most of Every Opportunity
Hello Friends!
How often do we think about what we can learn from any situation, even a bad situation? I was in a gathering this past weekend, and the following question was posed: What did you learn when you were in what you were in? I sat and allowed this question to ponder. It continued to stay on my mind, as I felt it was such a thought-provoking question.
When I heard this question, I immediately thought about my marriage. But then, other situations and things I've been "in" came to mind as well. Did I learn anything in the marriage that's now over? The friendship? The job situation? The 'cave'? The place of wanting to give up and throw in the towel? The rough place with family?
More often than not, we don't think about learning when we're going through. We think about what we can do to get out of it quickly because it hurts or it is just uncomfortable. Hindsight is always 20/20! But I'm transparent enough in this place to know that I must make the most of every opportunity, and so should you! You may ask, "Really?" Yes...REALLY!
Regardless to the situation I've been in, I've learned some key lessons:
1. Patience really is a virtue. Everyone is not going to operate the same way you do. Everyone is not going to think the way that you do. However, it's important for you to remain calm, respect them and their opinion, and just relax.
2. It's not always about me. Please notice I said "always". There are times when it needs to be about you. I had to learn this one, and it took a very long time. Take some time to think about someone else and how they're being affected.
3. Take care of "ME". A dear friend introduced me to a song a few years ago entitled "Me Time" by Heather Headley. I listened and then put it on repeat to listen to the lyrics. Don't become so engulfed in your family, your job, church, whatever, that you forget about yourself. If you are not healthy and well, how can you be healthy and well for someone else? Think about it.
4. Don't want something so bad until you go about getting it the wrong way. Yikes! This is a recent lesson learned. I wanted to get out of Egypt so bad until I was running to Canaan and seemingly back to Egypt every now and then! LOL!
As we transform and shift, there are going to be challenges and obstacles. But we must see them as opportunities. From this day forward, take a moment to embrace every situation and think about what you can learn from it. Take some time this week to look at the life of Joseph (Genesis 37-Genesis 50). No matter how bad it is, remember that what the devil meant for bad, God intended for your GOOD (Genesis 50:20)!!!
Blessings and abundant favor,
Te'Retta
How often do we think about what we can learn from any situation, even a bad situation? I was in a gathering this past weekend, and the following question was posed: What did you learn when you were in what you were in? I sat and allowed this question to ponder. It continued to stay on my mind, as I felt it was such a thought-provoking question.
When I heard this question, I immediately thought about my marriage. But then, other situations and things I've been "in" came to mind as well. Did I learn anything in the marriage that's now over? The friendship? The job situation? The 'cave'? The place of wanting to give up and throw in the towel? The rough place with family?
More often than not, we don't think about learning when we're going through. We think about what we can do to get out of it quickly because it hurts or it is just uncomfortable. Hindsight is always 20/20! But I'm transparent enough in this place to know that I must make the most of every opportunity, and so should you! You may ask, "Really?" Yes...REALLY!
Regardless to the situation I've been in, I've learned some key lessons:
1. Patience really is a virtue. Everyone is not going to operate the same way you do. Everyone is not going to think the way that you do. However, it's important for you to remain calm, respect them and their opinion, and just relax.
2. It's not always about me. Please notice I said "always". There are times when it needs to be about you. I had to learn this one, and it took a very long time. Take some time to think about someone else and how they're being affected.
3. Take care of "ME". A dear friend introduced me to a song a few years ago entitled "Me Time" by Heather Headley. I listened and then put it on repeat to listen to the lyrics. Don't become so engulfed in your family, your job, church, whatever, that you forget about yourself. If you are not healthy and well, how can you be healthy and well for someone else? Think about it.
4. Don't want something so bad until you go about getting it the wrong way. Yikes! This is a recent lesson learned. I wanted to get out of Egypt so bad until I was running to Canaan and seemingly back to Egypt every now and then! LOL!
As we transform and shift, there are going to be challenges and obstacles. But we must see them as opportunities. From this day forward, take a moment to embrace every situation and think about what you can learn from it. Take some time this week to look at the life of Joseph (Genesis 37-Genesis 50). No matter how bad it is, remember that what the devil meant for bad, God intended for your GOOD (Genesis 50:20)!!!
Blessings and abundant favor,
Te'Retta
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Accountability...get some!
More often than not, when we hear the word 'accountability', we shirk. Some of us are in the state we're in because of the lack of accountability - we're not accountable to anyone; we don't hold ourselves accountable.
What is accountability? According to Webster, it is "an obligation or willingness to accept responsibility". Are you willing to accept responsibility for your thoughts and actions? Or do you make excuses, blame others, put stuff off, only do the minimum, act confused or helpless? OUCH!
This is a place of growth for me, as Holy Spirit has pushed me to get here over a period of time. I also think it's a place of maturity. When we go through life changes like divorce, separation, loss of a loved one, etc., we tend to look at the other person or someone other than self. We don't want to listen, and definitely don't want to take criticism. But it's time to take action, stand up, and be accountable!
Here are some tools to help us grow in our level of accountability:
1. Listen - James 1:19 encourages us to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Stop talking so much and take time to listen. Listen with your mind, your heart, and your spirit so that you receive. In your prayer time, take a moment to listen to what God has to say to you. When in communication and conversation with others, don't drown the conversation by talking so much.
2. Ask - Matthew 7:7 says, "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you." Sometimes we don't know unless we ask. Instead of assuming you know the outcome already or how someone else feels, don't be afraid to ask questions.
3. Be assertive - Matthew 5:23-24 encourages us to handle issues. If you have an ought against your brother (or sister), go to them. Handle the offense properly without being offended.
Today, take a moment to think about your level of accountability. I'm sure you're accountable in the workplace. But what about in your home? In your relationships? Do you have an accountability partner? That's another topic within itself. But strongly and prayerfully consider getting one (or two!).
It's a process, but I know it's worth it! Don't you?
Be blessed,
~Tee
What is accountability? According to Webster, it is "an obligation or willingness to accept responsibility". Are you willing to accept responsibility for your thoughts and actions? Or do you make excuses, blame others, put stuff off, only do the minimum, act confused or helpless? OUCH!
This is a place of growth for me, as Holy Spirit has pushed me to get here over a period of time. I also think it's a place of maturity. When we go through life changes like divorce, separation, loss of a loved one, etc., we tend to look at the other person or someone other than self. We don't want to listen, and definitely don't want to take criticism. But it's time to take action, stand up, and be accountable!
Here are some tools to help us grow in our level of accountability:
1. Listen - James 1:19 encourages us to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Stop talking so much and take time to listen. Listen with your mind, your heart, and your spirit so that you receive. In your prayer time, take a moment to listen to what God has to say to you. When in communication and conversation with others, don't drown the conversation by talking so much.
2. Ask - Matthew 7:7 says, "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you." Sometimes we don't know unless we ask. Instead of assuming you know the outcome already or how someone else feels, don't be afraid to ask questions.
3. Be assertive - Matthew 5:23-24 encourages us to handle issues. If you have an ought against your brother (or sister), go to them. Handle the offense properly without being offended.
Today, take a moment to think about your level of accountability. I'm sure you're accountable in the workplace. But what about in your home? In your relationships? Do you have an accountability partner? That's another topic within itself. But strongly and prayerfully consider getting one (or two!).
It's a process, but I know it's worth it! Don't you?
Be blessed,
~Tee
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Waiting to Exhale...
Literally, many of us are still waiting to exhale. When we exhale, we breathe. We let go. We allow the Holy Spirit to take complete control of whatever it is that it holding us bound. We find ourselves in situations where we don't know which way to turn. Relationships have us in an uproar. Jobs just can't seem to make sense. The church members/saints appear to be our greatest enemies. So we wait...to exhale.
The news of Whitney Houston shocked me. Yes...she had a tumultuous life - drugs, sex, a failed marriage, fame, and the list goes on. On the outside looking in, one would think that Whitney had some knowledge of God. She spoke here and there about her relationship with God and even had a debut single on her last album, "I Look to You." Here are just some of the lyrics:
I look to you,
I look to you
After all my strength is gone
In you I can be strong
I look to you,
I look to you
And when melodies are gone In you I hear a song
I look to you
'bout to lose my breath
There's no more fighting left
Sinking to rise no more
Searching for that open door
And every road that I've taken
Led to my regret
And I don't know if I'm go'n make it
Nothing to do but lift my head
I look to you
After all my strength is gone
In you I can be strong
I look to you,
I look to you
And when melodies are gone In you I hear a song
I look to you
'bout to lose my breath
There's no more fighting left
Sinking to rise no more
Searching for that open door
And every road that I've taken
Led to my regret
And I don't know if I'm go'n make it
Nothing to do but lift my head
Today's post is to encourage you that it's time for you to exhale. Why keep waiting? Look to Him, the one who is the author and finisher of your faith. Lay aside every weight that so easily besets you and run. Move forward into the place He wants you to be. It's not easy, but it's necessary. When you decide to let go and let God (LITERALLY), you will realize that the transformation has just begun.
There is....PURPOSE in the process.
~Tee
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Welcome!
Thank you for coming over to read my blog! I'm just getting started with this one. I must say that I've been in a process for what seems like a very long time. In this blog, I will encourage, share, pray, vent, ask you questions, and just have a good time! We all go through things at some point or another. Life in itself is a PROCESS. So...let's journey together and transform!
~Tee
~Tee
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