Put God First- Denzel Washington Speech

And in that day thou shalt say, O LORD, I will praise thee: though thou wast angry with me, thine anger is turned away, and thou comfortedst me.

Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation.

 Isaiah 12:1-2

The world tries to make the Bible seem obsolete.  God has also become obsolete in a culture that has become self absorbed and humanistic. However, we did not create ourselves! I want to be clear that it is God that has made all things.  If it was not for the mercy and grace of God we would not be here.  He has allowed us to wake up this morning and we should praise him for that gift.

He gives us gifts everyday.  Brand new mercies day after day.  Hence, he is very relevant in my life.  He is very real.  His word is very real and just as important today as it was 2,000 years ago.

 

It is important to understand that he has giving us a saving grace, a gift of salvation, a chance to live life after this life.

The prophetic words that his servants spoke thousands of years ago have come full circle.  God's words never pass away.  It would be wise to acknowledge God for who he is, what he has done, and what he continues to do.

I love the message that Denzel Washington spoke at a commencement address: "Put God First!"

I concur and promote this philosophy.  Put God first in all that you do.  He is real, he is relevant, and he will lead you to where you need to go.  Just Trust in him for all things.

Until Next Time

-Tamorra

Who are we really?

Who are we really?  What a great mystery that the Lord has set before us to ponder.  Just think on that today and ask the Lord . . .  Who am I?

This life is a journey to get closer to God and to help others Get closer to God.  The closer we follow him the more he reveals to us.  What a mighty and powerful God that we serve!  How awesome is he that he considers us to be important enough to invest his thoughts. 

Oh God, you are mighty and most powerful.  Thank you for making me.  Thank you for my life.  I will not let it go to waste. . .

When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;

What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?

For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.

Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet:

Psalms 8:3-6

Get to know who you are in Christ . . .

God Bless you

-until next time

Throwback Tuesday: Listen to the Holy Spirit

Hello all, as you well know I am a writer who writes, creates, and promotes information about finding your purpose.  The overall will of God is to help us find our way to the Kingdom so that he can show us all that he has in store for us.  The quickest way to get to the Kingdom is by being obedient!

I just wanted to share this old post with you as I am continuing my journey to grow in faith.  I am realizing that situations come into our lives that make it easy to give up on our dreams.  Things happen that make us want to throw in the towel.  I am understanding that this is a device of the enemy because when God tells you to do something you have to keep pressing on.  You must be obedient to the will of God.  The more we grow in our relationship with the Lord, and the more we read the scriptures; the more we will recognize the voice of God.

My friends we are talking about hearing from the Holy Spirit.  Letting that spirit minister to our hearts, our minds, our souls, and our spirits.

 

And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
 

Ephesians 4:30 

The following is a post from May 2017

Sunday's Message:

What did the Preacher Preach About?

 

Another week has started.  Now it is time for me to tell you what the preacher preached about. . .

If Christians who attended different churches were to talk to each other,  I'm sure they would find out that their Pastors spoke very similar messages.  Why is this?  It is because that is how the spirit works.  The Holy Spirit pours into teachers so that they could speak the message that God wants his people to hear. . .

My Pastor spoke on grieving the Holy Spirit.  In other words: rejecting the direction of the Holy Spirit and just not listening.  This is something that we shouldn't do.  He posed this question:

"What happens to the Christian when he becomes complacent and will not listen to the Holy Spirit?"

We are all called to do a work for God.  But many of us just take a seat back once we know that we are saved by the blood of Jesus.  But is that fair to God?  Is that fair to Jesus when we know we were called with a holy calling?  We shouldn't be taking a seat back nor should we be taking the back seat!  We are responsible for the decisions we make in this life and we are the reason why we are where we are. 

You are responsible for you.  God gave us free will so that we can choose to give our life to the instruction of the power of the word.  Often times we chose not to listen to the Holy Spirit.  This is why we have trouble in our lives  We should allow the direction of the Holy Spirit to drive us to our purpose.  HOWEVER, we still have to hold on to the wheel!  We have a responsibility to steer, always listening to the voice of God.

Why weren't we taught this in the past?

We are taught this. There are a lot of things that we are taught over and over.  Somethings we chose to forget subconsciously because we only want to do what we want to do.  In this sense, we have a selective learning experience!  But the right thing is to know that we have to acknowledge God for everything that he gives us.  We learn step by step and precept upon precept.

We take God for granted and we don't praise him for the many blessings that we do have.  We must not think that we can do it by ourselves.  We must listen and be obedient to the Holy Spirit.  Be obedient to the word of God and take action to the direction given.


This is how good God is . . . he wants his people to understand this message and that is why I know that more than one pastor was preaching this very message this morning!

The preacher made some very good points coming from Ephesians 4:17-32

#1  We should not walk in the vanity of our own minds.

We are not all that by ourselves.  We don't have the wisdom of God nor the understanding.  We cannot even fulfill our destiny until we totally surrender our "self" to God.  Hence, we should not fool ourselves into thinking that we know more than what we do know.  The whole condition of our salvation was to understand and admit that we cannot save ourselves.  We need a savior.  So, why do we keep forgetting this important fact? 

We are not following Jesus like we said we would.  Jesus even asks us: Why do you call me Lord if you do not what I say?

#2  We should have a new life in Christ.

When we accept Jesus in our lives.  We are accepting a new life and a new way of life.  We have to remember this and then examine ourselves:  "Am I living my life to the will of the father, or am I doing what I want to do?"

#3  Romans 8:5-17  If you are in the flesh you cannot please God.

A new life in Christ means a life not lived to the lust of men.  Instead we ought to be living to the will of God.  When we live to the will of God, then God can use us to complete his plan.  When God's plan is completed we will find what our spirit craves: Security, Safety,Wisdom, Understanding, Fulfillment, Love, Joy, Peace, etc. . .  But without God and with out knowing the way to these rewards; we would fail because we miss the target.  Any way you travel without God (him, his word, and spirit) will miss the target goal.

I want to encourage you to surrender to the voice of the Holy Spirit.  Walk in the Spirit!  It will always direct you correctly.  Then your life will start to exude a life of blessings.  Remember to be thankful and praise the Lord our God.  For his mercy allows us to try again each and everyday.  Thank you God!

Until Next Time

-Tamorra

I encourage you to read and study for yourself.

Additional Scriptures: 

Galatians 5:16

Matthew 23:37

Motivation for Monday: The Giving Plate

Praise ye the Lord. Praise, O ye servants of the Lord, praise the name of the Lord.

Blessed be the name of the Lord from this time forth and for evermore.  From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the Lord's name is to be praised. 

Psalms 113:1-3

So, Thanksgiving is over and some of us are back to our normal routines.  Let us not forget that everyday is a day to give thanks.  Everything that we see was created to help us or assist us in living this life.  I want to encourage you to start seeing this life as an opportunity to practice gratitude.  This life is an opportunity to experience the world around you in all of its grandeur.  God is awesome and he wants us to live an awesome life.

Our life is awesome because we serve an awesome God.  Our life is worth living because God saw it fit to give us a life to live.

 

 

I want to encourage you to live this life everyday and to be thankful for it every day.  If you want a good devotional read, read through the book of Psalms.  I mean it is so honest.  King David wrote most of it, and it has other writers just telling it like it is.  This world is full of haters!  But we just have to let them be haters.  This world is full of liars, backbiters, and lustful hearts that only mean to do themselves good.  Once you realize that some people are just going to be that way, then you can stop taken it personal.  Just know that God is on your side and he will take care of those who are evil.

God will take care of those who mean to do you harm!

It is almost like David is constantly saying: Lord, kill them all, kill them dead, cut off their head and throw them back where they came from!  Destroy all of those who mean to do me harm . . . they surround me Lord and they are set out to kill me! GET THEM!!!

That was definitely just a paraphrase and my summation of feelings about how this world is working out.  Sometimes I feel like everyone is against me . . . I have news for everyone reading this blog . . . the world is against you.  The world does not mean to do you good.  Instead, it was designed to trap you, put you in bondage, kill you, and destroy your destiny.

I know that that is not very motivating, but when you change your mindset about this life; when you change the way you look at your purpose, you will see that this life is worth living.  Why?  Because . . .

If God be for you, who can be against you?

He Got you Boo!

Now, that is the best news ever!!  He will take care of you.  When you change your mind to trust him with your whole heart he will not lead you astray.  You just have to learn the ways of the Lord.  You have to learn his voice and listen to his voice.  He will show you each step.  The more you learn how to be obedient, the more he will show you your future.  The more you learn how to listen to his voice, the stronger your vision becomes!!

This Life is worth living!! 

 

I am so excited about what the Lord has for me!!

 

With that said . . . I need to reiterate something . . . through out all of David's vengeful request to the Lord, he always acknowledged God for you he is.  He was constantly praising and thanking him for what he had done and about his nature of his goodness and faithfulness.  Now since God is good, and since God is faithful; we should know that we can stand on his word forever.  Hence, vengeance is the Lord's. . . the wicked will get their reward of judgement without mercy.  The true servants of the Lord ought to examine their selves everyday, repenting everyday, and walking towards the mind of Christ.

Look at it this way: God is offering people a way to not die in their wrong thinking:

To me belongeth vengeance, and recompence; their foot shall slide in due time: for the day of their calamity is at hand, and the things that shall come upon them make haste. . .

. . .See now that I, even I, am he, and there is no god with me: I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal: neither is there any that can deliver out of my hand.

For I lift up my hand to heaven, and say, I live for ever.

Deut. 32:35

(read Deuteronomy 32 for full context of passage)

 

Don't you want to Live forever?!!

I do, Therefore I want to learn the ways of the Lord and live by those ways.  This is why I read my bible everyday.  I just finished Psalms and I want to encourage you to read through it also.  It didn't take long at all . .  15-20mins a day of reading and I'm finished all 150 chapters this month!!

You can do it too!!

The ways of the Lord are to always be grateful and appreciative of the gifts he provides us.   Life is a gift. He is the one who gives life and he can take it away.  It is understandable that we get upset sometimes. God understands this, but he wants us to understand that vengeance is his.  It will do us more harm then good if we get mad and sin against God.  Look at Moses, he got mad and smote the rock and it caused him not to go into the promise land. It wasn't Moses' anger that kept him from entering, but it was the action that he made because he didn't know how to deal with that feeling.  He acted instinctively, according to flesh, instead of acting instinctively according to the spirit.  Let us learn the language of the spirit so that we sin no more.  This is what David did, when he was angry, sorrow filled, or had feelings of worry and anguish, he wrote it down.  He worked through his feelings by talking with God. He worked out his feelings by consulting with the one who he knew had the answers. Talk things through with God, he will be there for you.

Lastly, I leave you with the giving plate.  I consider you who read this blog as brothers and sister in Christ.  Hence everything that I share is from God.  He fills my plate up so that I may share it with others.  We are on this journey together.  There is something inside of you that you are supposed to share with the world.  There is something that is so precious in you that God has giving you to help people learn the truth about who he is.  You do not own your gifts, your talents, or the wisdom of God.  Instead, he lets you live this life to help each other live eternal life.  He provides you with resources so that we can help each other.  This is the way of the Lord.  This is the way of the Kingdom.

Fill your plate with love, and pass it along so others may eat . . .

The Giving Plate

This Plate shall have no owner for its journey will never end.

It Travels in a never ending circle among our family and close friends.

 

It brings love from home to home for everyone to share.  The food that's placed upon it has been prepared with love and devotion.

 

So please enjoy what is on this plate, then fill it up again and pass along the love it holds to you family and close friends 

Share your gift.

Until next Time

-Tamorra

Vision Matters to everyone . . .

There is no such thing as a non-spiritual aspect of your life . . . you are a Spirit . . . your whole life is spiritual.

I told you a few weeks ago that I am reading a book called "Visioneering."  so far it is very good and I am going to do a review on it soon.  I think this one point is very important for the whole world to know . . . Your vision matters to God because God wrote it for you.  He has given us free will to navigate ourselves to it.  Unfortunately, this world is made up with a bunch of false rules and promises that mislead us.  It is easy for us to lose sight of what is really important.  Your vision matters and I think is is so important for you to pick up this book . . .

This is a God thing . . . This life is a life that God has blessed us with . . . This is vital information for every living soul on this earth . . . This is not just for Christians, but when you understand who you are, then you will also be a follower of the son of God . . .  God is not the author of confusion, it is very simple really.  God made you for a purpose and a reason.  Every aspect of your life belongs to God.

Andy Stanly wants you to think about your vision.  He writes the following:

 

For example, somebody might say, “I’m not hoping to start a church or ministry or anything like that. I’m trying to get a business off the ground. What does that have to do with ‘God’s overarching vision for the world’?”

If you have a similar question in mind, think about this for a moment: God does not compartmentalize our lives.

From God’s perspective, there are no spiritual versus or nonspiritual components of your life. He makes no distinction. There is no secular division of your life. You are a spiritual being. Therefore, everything you are involved in has spiritual overtones. He sees you holistically.

The Christians in the city of Corinth believed there was a division between the soul and the body. They thought they could sin with their bodies and it would have no impact on their souls. Paul pointed out that no such division existed. He told them that they were to glorify God with their bodies.

When Christ purchased you at Calvary, he purchased all of you: body, soul, and spirit. There is no division. You are to glorify God through your actions, regardless of where they take place and what role you are in at the time. You are to glorify God as a spouse, parent, friend, employee, boss, and citizen. What you do at the office, then, is no more or less spiritual than what you do at church or at home.

Consequently, there is a spiritual element to your vision regardless of which category of life it emanates from. There are no secular pursuits. Your vision does not exist apart from your responsibility to glorify God. The challenge is to discover the link.

Spend some time pondering this question: How can my heavenly Father be glorified through my vision?

 

This is what I think about . . . what can I do that will be evidence that my heavenly Father is the head spirit running the show!

Glory be to God !!

 

It is us who messes it up, it is God who sets everything back to working order.

-Until next time

Our Harvest Day Celebration.

I just thought I should share with you a little bit about Harvest . . .

I love the Harvest season, and more importantly I love the concept and the promise of it all . . .  You see it is a promise of God that you will reap what you sow.  Hence, you plant in a season, and a season will eventually come when you will receive a harvest from what you planted.  For this, I am Thankful

I am a youth leader at my church.  I really enjoy it, it is a lot of fun.  It is also a lot of hard work.  I would like to share some pictures from this year but let me first tell you what harvest day is all about for us.

For many years my sister in-law and I worked together to have a celebration for the harvest season.  You know, instead of celebrating Halloween, we would wait a week after and talk about the harvest.  We would talk about how farmers planted their seed, watered it, and took care of it.  Then we would explain how there was a season where they expected a harvest from their hard work.  Now, depending on what type of seed they had sown, determined the time they would gather their harvest.

This year we had a treasure hunt where I wanted the kids to work together in teams to solve a riddle.  The main objective was for them to distinguish between good choices and bad choices.  Now the kids that we have in this youth ministry are not all from a church background.  They may or may not have been raised with the same Christian values and foundations from the bible . . . and this is ok.  It s our jobs as youth leaders in this ministry to begin sowing the right seeds into these kids so that one day the Kingdom will benefit from the harvest.  This is what we aspire to do: sow the good seed!

We are raising Kingdom Kids!!

 

 

I realize that this is a big responsibility.  Therefore it is important for me to sow the right information into these kids.  I feel I have a responsibility to do so.  It is important that they know that they are important. It is necessary for them to know that they have a purpose.

This is also about you!

This is a message that I am trying to get across to everyone.  It is my job to change mindsets so that you can start the next step in your journey.  You see,  once you realize that you have a purpose that has already been written by God, then you can grow your relationship with him and learn exactly what his vision is for you .  When you get a glimpse of the vision, then you will know how to prioritize your purpose. 

The following are 7 important concepts that I shared with the kids during Harvest Day.  I hope they are helpful to you as well. . .

 

 

 

(Me talking with the kids)

#1 It is our job, as youth leaders, to teach everyone what they need to know about living life the right way. We are responsible for you. You might not understand everything now, but this is our job. To keep telling you the right thing over and over again so that you start to understand. In a spiritual sense, we have to sow a seed in you, a good seed; the word of God.

#2 You have different influences all around you. You are hearing different things. At church we are trying to teach you that this is a spiritual battle. You might not believe it, but it is. You have to hear the right things so that you know how to make the right decisions.


#3 I want you to know who you are:

You are smart, you are talented,
You are blessed and highly favored.
You have a purpose on this earth

Repeat this verse:

“I can do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13

 

Repeat this phrase:

I will walk in wisdom, truth, love, and faith.  I know who I am because I walk in my purpose.

#4  Focus on the good in your life.  Be thankful for the blessings God has giving you and don't take things for granted.  When you focus on the good and the positive, then you are strong.  If you surround yourself with the negative, you will be distracted.

The enemy’s job is to distract you


#5  I want you to know that when you start remembering things from the word of God, you are better prepared to handle the world. You won’t be as distracted and you will see things differently. God is on your side.

Remember this Verse:


First book of the new testament: Matthew

Always the lucky number to pick: 7

ASK

Ask and it shall be given unto you

Seek and ye shall find

Knock and it shall be opened unto you

Matthew 7:7





Get a notebook and write it down. There are a lot of lessons that God wants to teach us. There are many things that we need to learn. But a lot of times we forget. I want to encourage you to write things down. Ideas, plans, goals . . . these are things that the Lord is giving you to succeed at life.  If you ask God, he will give you the answer.  If you seek after truth, you will find it.  If you are grateful for what God has given you, more will be given to you.


#6  Be obedient to God, and  he will guide you.  Be obedient to your parents and your days will be long.  Be obedient to the adults around you, it just might save your life. Being obedient will open your mind up to a world of blessings because your elders  know more then what you know.


#7  Learn the right things.  Study the right advice.  Write down what God tells you.  Remember the lessons that you learn in church.  Sow these good seeds in your heart, and you will reap a good life.

We should all remember this lesson because God want us to  be around the right things, so that we can make the right decisions.  He wants us to be in the word so that our decisions are of his word . . .

More Pictures . . .

This is our tree house fort that we had for the little ones.  We made it so inviting that the big kids went it also.  We had Joseph King of dreams playing inside.  They soon grew weary and I had my son change it to Ice Age . . .

https://artteacher4purpose.blogspot.com/2017/11/our-harvest-day-celebration.html

A Big Thank you to the young ladies that helped me decorate: Jasmine, Kaliyah, and Alyssa.
A Big Thank you to those who came to help out and to support: Nae, Michelle, Cathy, and Sis. Denise!

Of course, me being an art teacher, always have some type of craft for the kids.  They painted, they made Turkeys, and they used up all of my Hot Glue!!!  BTW- that is Jasmine trying to hide and keep her head down in all of the pictures.

 Hope everyone had fun.  Maybe you can join us next year! Until next time . . .

-Tamorra

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving


I Love Thanksgiving, I love it so much in fact that I cooked today at home for Thanksgiving and I will go to my in laws tomorrow for a whole other Thanksgiving feast.

It is the end of the day and my eyes are heavy.  All I really want to do is go to sleep.  There are somethings that are weighing on my heart, but I'm not sure I am ready to discuss my heart to the world.  Not my most delicate spaces.  Not the sensitive parts that shiver to the touch of being unveiled.  I keep those things to myself, hidden for no one to see.  No one sees those things but me and my Lord.

So I think to myself if I hide things, then other people are hiding things everyday.  Sometimes you can see the pain in someone's eyes, but what if someone gets really good at hiding it.  How can you tell what someone is really thinking?  So many people have been hurt on the inside and I wonder what they do when they don't have Jesus in their lives?  How do they cope with the troubles in this world.

It is very hard to live without Jesus.

I try to be nice to everyone, because you never know what is on the inside of them.  Maybe you meet someone who has never been greeted with kindness.  Be that person who is kind.  Be that person who can make someone's day.  Point is, you never really know what someone is going through on the inside.

I'm telling you, something is going on with me on the inside, yet I am calm.  There is something different about the way I deal with sadness.  It just doesn't feel the same as it did before.  Before I would worry and be cast into loneliness.  But now, I give the burden to my Lord, and I feel better.  Although I am tired, I know that I will make it through.

I have been doing a devotional through Psalms, that has been very calming to my soul.  It has taught me to give thanks and praise to the Lord through the hard times,  through the happy times, and through all the times.  For he is great and worthy to be praised.  Our God is faithful and he will not let us down.  We should have peace in that.  We should be thankful for that.

"Offer unto God thanksgiving, and pay thy vows unto the most high . . . and call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee , and thou shalt glorify me." Psalms 50:14-15

 

"So will I sing praise unto thy name forever, that I may daily perform my vows." Psalm 61:8

In thee oh Lord do I put my trust . . ." 

Psalms 71:1

Oh, Lord how great are thy works! And thy thoughts are very deep. 

Psalms 92:2

It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and sing praises unto thy name, O most High.  

Psalms 92:1

So we thy people and sheep of thy pasture will give thee thanks for ever: we will show forth thy praise to all generations. 

Psalms 79:13

You Lord are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you.  

Psalm 86:5

The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made. 

Psalms 145:9

For his thoughts, for his love, for his compassion, for his kindness, for his character, for his covering, for his saving grace, and for his comfort I am thankful.

 

 

Throwback Tuesday: I will follow my Purpose no matter what

I haven't been as consistent as I would like on this blog.  I have been slacking a little, for good reason.  The enemy has been trying to attack my family, my faith, and my strength.  I had thought that this type of attack and the emotions that come from it were over.  I thought that I had had my hard times for this season.  However, I am learning that the enemy never stops attacking, he just comes from different angles trying to find out the weak point in our armor.  So, I have a message for the enemy who is trying to keep me from my destiny.

There is nothing that you can do to stop me from serving my Lord!!!

I will serve my Lord all the days of my life. I will follow my purpose, no matter what.  Although the attacks come full force, I will stand my ground.  Although things don't look good, I will stand and I will fight with all the strength that the Lord has given me.

I ask my God right now to give me the words to speak, give me the thoughts to think, give me the actions to do, in order to fight the enemy in the spiritual realm.  There is something in heaven that needs to be loosed and I loose it to manifest itself in this world.  I bind the enemy and his tactics and I am claiming, declaring, announcing, and believing that healing is happening right now.  Holy Spirit work according to the will of God.  Your servant is not yet finished.  Forgive us for the things that we do in ignorance that destroy us.  Heavenly Father, our desire is to walk with you and to do the right thing.

With that said, just know that I am praying for someone very near to me and I am believing God to have him up, talking, walking, and operating in full capacity very soon.  Never the less, let God's will be done.  I believe God has a plan.  No matter what, I will serve the Lord.

Throwback Tuesday

I know a lot of people don't get a chance to read my blog all of the time, so I am going to refer you to a blog post that I wrote back in October.  I really forgot that I wrote it, but someone had liked it and it popped up on my notifications.  I read it and I thought it was worth sharing . . .

About Stress and Uncertainty

. . .I had been doing a lot of thinking lately.  I have been a student of life.  I have been asking God a whole lot of questions and he has been giving me answers.  The answers have not been exactly what I expected but I know that they are truth and I know that they are life. . .


. . . I have come to the realization that I pour so much of myself out that I have failed to receive what I need to keep going.  When I'm all spent, I lay on the couch or in my bed, weak and unmotivated to get up.  This has been a cycle for me, especially since I had stopped working.  . .


. . .The continuous source of affirmations and accolades has left.   I no longer have people around me telling me "good job." I don't have that source anymore and so I am constantly checking how many followers I have or how many likes I received just so that I can get that serge of dopamine that would so encourage me to keep going . . . However God is teaching me that this is not how you get what you need, not really. . .

. . .That instant gratification of a "like" will only keep you a float for so long, instead the reasons why you do something, the real reason why you do something, has to come from another place.  The real reason why you do something has to fill you up from a supernatural source that knows your purpose.  Your purpose will never run dry.  Your purpose bucket is always waiting to be refilled from the one who has made it in the first place. . . 

. . .Hence there is no comment, no dislike, non follow, nor any negative criticism that will ever destroy my passion to complete my purpose.  This is in me.  My purpose is a part of me.  My purpose is what keeps me alive. . .


. . . And so I will learn how to navigate my life with the navigation of my purpose.  I am tired right now and I may not feel like taking another step,  but eventually my purpose will kick in and it will take me to higher heights, deeper oceans, and longer roads.  I will press through, over, and out of any bondage that has been set against me. . . 

. . .I am not afraid of the process.  I am not afraid of the commitment.  I am not afraid of the terror of night nor by the arrows that fly by day.  My God has not given me spirit of fear, but of love, of power, and sound mind. . .

I thank God for his motivation.  I thank God for my Purpose.

until next time

 

Motivation for Monday: Playing Big

It makes me so happy when people get it . . . you know, like really get it . . .

I wrote a poem a while back about encouraging and recognizing our leaders who have dedicated their lives to doing the right thing.  They have the right moral compass, they lead by example, and they listen to the voice of God to do the right thing.  We should be constantly praying for these leaders.  The enemy doesn't like it when people "Get It."  When people really start responding to that inner voice, then they will really start to "Play Big."

This is my motivation for this Monday . . .

Start "Playing Big"

Let me explain what I mean real quick.  I get up at 5:30 every morning to talk to the Lord.  This is how I start my day.  Pretty soon I will start training myself to wake up at 5am then 4:30am so that I will have enough time to talk to God, read my word, and pray for a productive day.  You see, I now know that I will not leave things up to chance.  I will no longer start my day without first confirming the plan with the Lord.  The reason why I have to start doing this is because God gave me a vision, and one of my responsibilities is to write this blog.  In order to have enough time I have to get up earlier,  which is a small sacrifice to pay when I know that I will receive the protection of God throughout my day.  Taking the time to talk to God is a start to "Playing Big."

Now friends, this is not a phrase that I have coined myself, no, not at all.  If you read my blog then your know the Lord sends me books.  I don't know why he does this, I wasn't even a reader!  I didn't like to read.  I always thought  reading was a waste of time.  But now, I read all of the time.  I am reading this book called "Playing Big."  In the book, the author and leadership specialist, Tara Mohr explains what it means to stop going with the flow of how things are, and start believing in your uniqueness to achieve greatness.

You have it in you to achieve Greatness!!!

I have said it before and I will say it again.  God has planted everything that you need to be great inside of you.  Now he is just waiting for you to get it.  He wants you to understand it.  He wants you to start listening to him as the teacher.  He wants you to do the things that he says.  You see, that urge to get up earlier in the morning, isn't just a thought, it is a direction.  Getting up early is a law of God.  Jesus did it.  And I wasn't surprised that Tara Mohr wrote it in her book that she had an idea to make a change in the world, so she started blogging, she went to work during the day, and she was starting her own business that she worked on in the evening.  Guess when her day started: 5am.

If you really want to find your purpose and work towards your vision: Get up earlier!!

 

I have been reading through Psalms as a devotion this month.  I have been learning a lot from it.  It would be a disservice to you not to mention that being grateful and thankful to the Lord is a must.  It is very beneficial to your growth as a Christian and as a follower of the word.  Do not be fooled by false teachers who say that the law is not important.  There is definitely a misinterpretation of the purpose of the law, but that is for another discussion.  I said that to say this:  The word of the Lord is the Law, and it is wise for you to listen to the Holy Spirit when he is showing you something.  The Holy Spirit will write the right things in your heart.  Be obedient to the directions and he will protect you from the enemy . . .

Be thankful to the Lord at all times

Praise him for his goodness

Finally: Get up early and talk with him- he will direct you to where you need to go.

 God will teach us and correct us through his word because he loves us!

"Blessed is the man whom thou chastenest, O Lord, and teachest him out of thy law; That thou mayest give him rest from the days of adversity . . ." 

PSALM 94:12-13 

 

So, I have been reading lots of books from people who "Get it."  Much of the time, I read that they respond to a "small still voice," or "following their heart."  Sometimes, people who "Get it," don't really understand that they are talking to God, and that God is talking to them.  You see there are levels to this spiritual thing.  Pretty soon everyone will know that this whole journey is a spiritual thing.  Usually people who "Get it," in part want to write a book because the thoughts are so profound that they think that it is new.  There is nothing new under the sun, everything that is has been done before.  So the message to you is not to feel inadequate because something has been done before.  You must understand that there is something special in you,  there is something so unique in you that God wants you to share it with the world! Your perspective is what gives an old idea clarity in the current world that we are living in.  Start listening to that voice.  Go find your purpose in this world.  It is time for you to start "Playing Big!"

"When you have a dilemma, the wise part of you knows what next step is right . . . the wise part of you has a simple, elegant answer.  I call this core your inner mentor, because it's like having an advisor and supporter inside your own mind . . . Learning how to listen to your inner mentor instead of your inner critic is the first major movement toward playing bigger.  Playing big doesn't come from working more, pushing harder, or finding confidence.  It comes from listening to the most powerful and secure part of you, not the voice of self doubt."

-Tara Mohr  "Playing Big"

 

Your success will not come from toiling and working harder, this is a curse that we no longer have to live under.  We all need to stop playing this life game small!  Think bigger, live bigger, play bigger!!!  Jesus came so that we may have freedom.  He came so that we can live an abundant life.  Jesus came to teach us.  He comes to us in the form of the Holy Spirit to be our mentor, and our comforter.  Listen to him and he will direct you each and every step of the way.  Use your resources and know that this is true and divine.  We will no longer operate in fear.  God gave us a spirit of love, power, and strong mind.  We will stop doubting our abilities and we will become stronger by believing in faith.  Let us listen to and see the examples of people who are starting to "get it."  We have many examples of people who are following their purpose to fulfill God's purpose.  You can do it too.  You can Play Bigger!

Check out this book, by Tara Mohr.  You can get back to me about what you think about it in the comments if you had read it already.  I will do a review when I am finished.  This is what I'm reading, and I am also finishing up Visioneering by Andy Stanley. Stay tuned for the review.

Example of Playing Big

Also, check out this link to an article that was forwarded to me.  It is from my local newspaper, The Winslow Sun.  I live in Winslow Township and my kids are in the Marching Band for the high school.  They were very successful this season and I am so very proud.  I am not only proud of their dedication and commitment to the band, but I am moved by the contents of the show itself and the message that is presents.  The director of the band is a Christian who was not afraid to convey a message proclaiming God's words of unity, justice, and peace.  The poem that I wrote about leaders, listening and following the directions of the Lord was inspired by their director Mr. David Parkhurst.  I am very impressed and encouraged by his courage to Play Big.  Hence, I would love to share this article with you so that you will be encouraged as well.

https://sicklervillesun.com/winslow-township-high-school-marching-band-sweeps-eight-competitions-4858680e60f5

Also: the poem

http://artteacher4purpose.blogspot.com/2017/10/a-prayer-poem-for-righteous-men.html

-until next time

Tamorra

Our Deepest Fear

 

 

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people will not feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It is not just in some of us; it is in everyone and as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give others permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."

 

-Marianne Williamson 

 

http://artteacher4purpose.blogspot.com/2017/03/live-life-day-61-you-are-powerful.html  

 

Came across an old post and still love this quote today. So true, So true.

You are a child of God, what are you afraid of? 

Follow your purpose

-until next time

Tamorra

Entrepreneurs: A spiritual take on achieving success

I will do a  book review later, but this is definitely on my to read list . . .

 

If you are an entrepreneur, you must know how to build your vision from the ground up!

"Soar"

by Bishop T.D. Jakes

Check out this video it is a must see

 

Until Next Time

-Tamorra

20 people on youtube for motivation

IDK if I had ever shared this with you . . . check it out and see who you relate to the most. 

20 People to look up on You tube that will help you with motivation, mindset, and personal development.

Live a better Life:

Jim Rohn

Les Brown

Zig Ziglar

Bishop TD Jakes

Pastor Paula White

Lisa Nichols

Tony Robbins

Terri Savelle Foy

Marie Folio

Evan Carmichael

Cindy Trimm

Dr. Tony Evans

Oprah

Joel Osteen

Earl Nightingale

Napoleon Hill

Eric  Thomas

Steve Harvey

Chase Jarvis

Lewis Howes

Is this type of information helpful for you?  If so, let me know below.  Do you feel inspired?

 

Motivation for Monday: In case you missed it!

You have to "Do It,"  not just say it . . .

this is only a 5 min. video . . . check it out 

 

 

A fool's mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul.

The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.

He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.

Proverbs 18:7-9

 

Don't Procrastinate.  Do not hesitate.  Just do it

Until next time

-Tamorra 

Get full article here:

Your Process is necessary for your Purpose

http://artteacher4purpose.blogspot.com/2017/10/motivation-for-monday-your-process-is.html

A prayer poem for: Texas Church Shooting

Condolences for those who are in mourning. . .
May God send comfort to the families of those who have lost loved ones in the church shooting in Texas.

The enemy is furious to see God's people prevail over his lies.  He has been lying to us for so long and now that we are gaining understanding on how to fight against his lies, his attacks are coming closer together and more violent.  For those of you who are not aware, we are in a spiritual war.  Let us develop our relationship with the Lord so that we can fight against the powers of darkness with the light and truth of the word of God.

Although we loose souls we are winning

Although we cry out with our most wrenching groans

Although we drag ourselves treacherously through the trials of life

We will yet gain victory on our thrones

Teach us Lord how to fight

How to pray and how to speak

How to comfort each other's wounds

as we approach the mountain's peak

We do not fight against flesh and blood

so our spiritual power we find

We ask for our spiritual weapons in faith

our tears collected, so we can bind

We bind your lies, your power, your plans

You maleficent devils, sit down where you stand

with all of your destruction and your impish ways

You continue to be no match for our most magnificent praise

You are defeated!

All your tricks and schemes

to take our royal right

Will not prevail against the mighty

Our King, the Word, Our light

Strong in battle

Give praise to the Lord of Lords

Mighty is he

Give thanks to the King of Kings

Lord we pray for peace in our souls 

While the world lives chaotic around us

For we know when you call us home

We will give thanks to the one who has found us

All ye fools who say with in themselves,

that there is no creator on high

Even you in time of trouble

give reverence to God when you cry

All ye mighty men who say in their heart

I have achieved this all alone

Even you who believes in only yourself

It is the Lord who will carry you home

Praying for peace and comfort to the friends and families who have lost loved ones in the church shooting in Texas.  May God send speakers of peace and comfort.

until next time

-Tamorra

Motivation for Monday: Keep going because you are awesome

Keep going . . .

If God placed an idea in your mind and in your heart, keep going.  This is the time that God wants you to go after your dreams with all your strength and all your might.  Then when you get tired and fall on your face, he will teach you how to depend on him.  This thing is for real, I can see it.  I know people are getting all kinds of ideas for business.  I know that it is happening because I talk to people with the passion and the drive to follow their dream everyday.  They can't explain it, but they just know.

Let me explain it as plain as I can.  God is waking you up.  You are becoming the queens and the kings you were meant to be.  With this pouring out of his spirit, you no longer have the desire to work for anyone.  It is just not part of your nature anymore.

The enemy has tried to suppress your awesomeness for this long and he knows that God is waking us up.  The enemy is angry.  He is and he will take it out on God's people.  The enemy'e kingdom also has "sleeper agents"  and when they wake up they are headed out to do the enemy's will.  Don't get confused, we do not fight against flesh and blood, we are fighting against demonic spirits that are apart of Lucifer's kingdom.

How many people know that Lucifer is in bondage right now?

For this we shall rejoice unto our Lord who is the King of Kings.

There is no one above him, nor anyone beside him.

We shall rejoice that we fight on the right side in a battle that is already won.

We shall rejoice that if God is for us, nothing can prevail against us!

It is our duty, our right, and our destiny to complete our purpose!

With that said, know your enemy.  Know that he is already defeated.  Know that our God has our back.  So, if you happen to fail at something, good, you will learn from that failure.  If you happen to succeed at something, give glory to God for your success.  Keep trying, keep pushing, keep pressing towards the mark of a higher calling.  You can do this.  You have God on your side!

Know if your idea doesn't work the first time, then you have to keep on trying.  Keep going.  Find out why it didn't work and apply that knowledge to your next step.  This is how you gain experience, this is how you get stronger, and this is how you learn from failure.

Failure is not a bad thing, we have just been conditioned by the enemy to think that it is . . .

Don't be afraid of it, attack it head on!!

Stay encouraged to find your purpose, fight for your purpose, and complete your purpose.

Until Next Time

-Tamorra

Do you know why the enemy sends his kingdom to attack you?