A Time To Bloom
Where hearts can Reflect, Grow, & Bloom
A Time To Laugh
The Missing Piece
You are a bloomer. Bloom baby bloom, with me Tee! ๐
Steward It Well
CONGRATULATIONS!! ๐
Yes, you! Congratulations on your remarkable achievements! ๐ You've waited so long, and now you finally have that new car, ๐ a beautiful house, ๐ก and a well-deserved raise at work.๐ค But I have one question, what condition are your old belongings in? ๐ While you're off on that amazing all-girls trip now, think about how your last friendship ended. ๐ Yes, we can hear the powerful engine of your new car revving from miles away, but what does the inside of your previous car look like now? ๐ต Often, in our excitement for the new, we lose sight of the value of what we currently have, resulting in us neglecting the goods. The saying another man's trash is another one's treasure, is not just talking about a relationship, I'd like to look at it from another perspective. For example, if we were to look at our old belongings do they have the potential to be someone's keepsake? Or was it already trash ๐ฎ at the thought of your new thing?
Merriam-Webster defines stewardship as "the careful and responsible management of something entrusted to one's care." There are many facets within that definition we could explore, but one that stands out to me is the notion of being entrusted to care for something. ๐ When things or people are entrusted to us, our role becomes one of significant responsibility. Stewardship can be used in various areas of our lives. Financially, it involves how we budget and what we invest in. ๐ Personally, it encompasses maintaining our health and using resources wisely. ✅ Ethically, it requires us to be accountable for our actions, such as being punctual and not misusing company time. Stewardship is indeed a broad concept. ๐ฏ
Consider the example of a 5-star business owner ๐ who hires you, a complete stranger, with managing an entire shift and team. Initially, you might just want to perform your duties and go home. However, you end up successfully managing the shift, upholding the owner’s vision. ๐ It's remarkable how a stranger can place such trust in another stranger to steward their business well. Funny, right? Yet, it exemplifies the essence of stewardship: the responsibility and trust involved in managing something with care and diligence.
Just imagine if a stranger can have that much faith and trust in someone they don’t know, how much more trust do you think the Lord has in His sons and daughters? ๐ He knows you, knows your plans even before you write them down, ๐ and knows every word outlined in your heart before you express it. ๐ What has the Lord entrusted you with? Could it be your children, ๐ถ your wealth, ๐ฐ or perhaps a business idea ๐ญ that only you can bring to life? The Lord has placed great trust in you, entrusting you with precious responsibilities and unique opportunities. It's a call to stewardship that asks us to manage and nurture these gifts with care, wisdom, and integrity. Are you living up to that trust and faithfully carrying out His vision?
Why would He give you something you're not capable of handling? He is too good of a Father to stand by and watch you fall apart. ✝ Honestly, some of the things we think we want, we're simply not ready for, and He saves us from those pitfalls time and time again. ๐ If we could truly see how often God has shielded us from error, it would be mind-blowing. ๐ณ His wisdom and protection are always at work, guiding us and ensuring we are prepared for the blessings and responsibilities He entrusts to us.
After high school, I was determined to get a car. I told myself countless times, "My bus๐days are over, and I'm done asking for rides." Little did I know, God was probably laughing at my ambition, ๐ knowing I wasn't as ready as I thought. I dreamed of an expensive, fully loaded push-start car, even though I didn't have a dime to put towards any payments. I went to the dealership, test-drove the car, and took pictures, convinced it was mine. But I was wrong. ๐ Looking back now, I realize that if I had gotten that car, I would have been financially overwhelmed and unable to be a good steward of my resources. God, in His wisdom, saved me from a mistake that could have set me back significantly. His timing and understanding were perfect, even when I couldn't see it. ๐
I continued to catch the bus and rely on rides from others. Instead of being late to the bus stop and barely making it, I began arriving on time. ⏰ I started genuinely thanking those who gave me rides, realizing the importance of showing appreciation. But we all know that a simple "thank you" won't fuel the car! ๐So, I began contributing gas money without complaint. In this process, I learned to be punctual and manage my finances better, not knowing how long this situation would last. I rejoiced over the small blessings, and in doing so, God increased my provisions. Nurturing what we have leads to greater rewards. As the Word tells us, "Be faithful over a little and he will make you a ruler over many things." ๐
I was finally able to get a car—paid off, no payments, and the title in my name with no hassle. ๐ฅณ Though it wasn’t the latest and greatest model, it was mine, and I loved it. I kept the car in pristine condition, not even a chip bag or bottle of water ๐ถ to be found inside. I made sure the new car smell never faded. ๐However, years later, I grew comfortable and began to neglect the car in pursuit of something better. Even though nothing was wrong with my current car, I felt unsatisfied, and the whole process started over again. ๐ Eventually, I learned my lesson about stewardship and the importance of maintaining finances, relationships, and material items. I realized that if we see things from God's perspective, it changes our own. Everything you own, rent, or borrow, and every person you encounter, is a testament to how valuable and trustworthy God believes you are. He has entrusted you with one of His prized possessions, and it is your honor to care for it as such. ๐ค
Take a moment to inspect the things you currently have and the people in your life. Do your efforts reflect God's vision? Or should He place His trust elsewhere? ๐ซ
See you on the next blog Wednesday!
You are a bloomer. Bloom baby bloom, with me Tee! ๐
My Worth In Him
Don’t you know you’re worth it? The immense value in your life is evident to us—how could you not see it? ๐ You are destined, called, and a royal priesthood, ๐ just as God declared.
There was a season when I was still discovering myself and living a carefree lifestyle. You know, before the bills, the responsibilities, the gas prices, and before the 2-for-$1 chips became extinct? ๐ Lol yeah, the good ole days. I didn't have a care in the world—just a young college student with no bills, working a full-time job to have funds to call my own. I had more than enough because I had no obligations to anything or anyone. At this time, I was employed as a 9-1-1 ๐ฎoperator making excellent money. Since I was not indebted to anything or anyone, all my funds went to savings or things I wanted. Though I would work 12-hour shifts back to back, 3 to 4 days or more in a row, missing family events, I enjoyed my time there. I found my worth in this career, which led to great falls. ๐ There would be days when I would be out living life, and individuals would ask about my hobbies. I was so wrapped up in this job I had no idea what I truly enjoyed. I would mention something I liked related to my career without noticing it. It was bad. I didn't know who I was without the job. ๐
I had no interest in knowing my worth or value because it was all tied to my career. Boy, was I wrong? I was in this career for over four years, so I was certain of job security, right? ๐ Until one day, the faulty foundation split before me. ๐ฃ I didn't have that job anymore. Who am I? What do I like? Everything I knew was now stripped away. I believe God allowed me to part ways with that job because I had made it my idol. I didn't need to ask Him for money because my job paid well; ๐ต I didn't need to learn about myself because I found it within the job; and I didn't allow Him to meet my needs because my job took care of them. But the job is gone, so what now? ๐ญ
I went on a deep journey of discovering my worth in God. Not within my career, relationships, or people. God allowed me to see myself, for myself.๐ช Are you willing to be naked before God? Without the things we think bring us worth and fame? ๐ Leave the cars, ๐ remove the follower count, ๐ and take off the name brands ๐๐ —who are you? With a bare heart standing before Him, how will you answer?
If you are unsure of how to answer because your worth is tied up in external things, I want to pose a challenge to you. No need to be embarrassed—I was in your position before, and this activity helped me a lot. Divide a piece of paper. ๐On one side, write "Who I Think I Am" and list where your worth lies and any idols you may have. On the other side, write "Who God Says I Am" and locate scriptures where God speaks highly of you. For example, you might write, "I am most beautiful and seen in toxic relationships," but God says, "I am fearfully and wonderfully made." ๐ These pages can be as long as you need them to be. Afterward, speak out loud what God says about you and believe it. ๐
Placing your worth or identity in anything or anyone other than God can lead to ruin. ๐ต๐ซ People and things are temporary, but God is eternal. ♾️ Establish your worth on His foundation, and you won't fail. ๐ค
I recently spoke with a group of women about the lies we often believe, and one woman suggested an activity to the entire group that I think will be amazing for us in defining our worth. ๐กThis can also be beneficial to men. Instead of believing the lies of the enemy,๐บ we challenge every lie with the word of God. For example, if you hear a lie that you will be full of anxiety and never have peace, you would write that lie down and then find a verse or verses to counteract it. In this case, I would write Philippians 4:7, "Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand." For every lie, dig deeply into the Word and let the light ๐of the Lord reveal the truth. May today be the last day we believe those false narratives and instead place the word in its rightful place! ✝ Our worth and value are found in Christ, but will we dismantle the lies and pick up the truth?
See you on the next blog Wednesday!
You are a bloomer. Bloom baby bloom, with me Tee! ๐
The Power of Self-Care
Prioritizing your wants and needs does not make you selfish. It means you are self-aware and willing to go the extra mile for yourself. ๐ And if no one has told you today, You deserve that extra mile, and then some, you are a priority! ๐ Taking time to refill your cup is both refreshing and beneficial, so let’s start today! ✅
Have you ever ridden with someone who needed gas, ⛽️ and they confidently said, "We'll make it, I know my car," even though the gas light was on and the needle was below empty? ๐ณ Despite passing several gas stations, they insisted on pushing the accelerator to the floor, risking a breakdown and the need to wave down help on the side of the road. ๐ง And then they had the nerve to turn off the air conditioning ๐ฅต to conserve what little gas was left. I'm not sure if that even works or if it's just a myth. ๐ I don't see how the air conditioning correlates with the amount of gas, but hey, correct me if I'm wrong. Tell me something I don’t know lol. ๐๐ Why do we often avoid taking the necessary steps to meet our needs, rather than pushing ourselves to the limit? ๐ซ Why are we like this, and what can we do to improve?
“When you look better, you feel better.” Physical self-care can and will look different for everyone, even though some of our routines may be similar. Never ๐ let a day go by without physically preparing yourself for it. Wash your face, put on fresh clothes, ๐๐ stretch, exercise, change your scenery, ๐ have a healthy meal, ๐ฑ or even simply smile. You might not feel an immediate boost of confidence first thing in the morning, but once you complete these routines that make you happy, that boost will follow. So what is it that makes you happy? Taking these steps can set a positive tone for your entire day. Is there one physical activity you would like to add that would benefit you?
The saying "you will reap what you sow" may seem broad, but its meaning is straightforward. Whatever you decide to sow will depend upon what you will harvest. ๐ชด Since we are spiritual beings, it's essential to nourish our spiritual selves daily, even multiple times a day, I would suggest. What does that entail, you ask? It could involve reading and studying God's word,๐ praying, journaling, ๐worshipping in songs of praise, or meditating on His promises. ๐ It's crucial to ensure our spiritual selves are equipped so that when we face spiritual battles, we are already positioned with boldness and authority to overcome the challenges that come our way. By investing in our spiritual well-being, we set ourselves up for victory and growth. ๐
If you're unsure of these answers, here's a challenge I want you to do that can lead to clarity. Take a sheet of paper (or use a digital alternative - phone ) and divide it into two columns. On one side, list 3 to 5 things you like. On the other side, write down ✍ 3 to 5 things you dislike. This exercise will help you better understand who you are and who you are not. It will also highlight your passions and interests. ๐
We all have a unique calling and people we are meant to serve. However, we can't effectively fulfill our purpose if we are unsure of ourselves. By prioritizing self-care and understanding your own needs and desires, you'll be better equipped to care for others and fulfill your calling. ๐ Let's focus on taking care of you so you can confidently answer your call and serve others.
See you on the next blog Wednesday!
You are a bloomer. Bloom baby bloom, with me Tee! ๐
My Ultimate Lover
This month, on the 22nd of May, my husband and I will mark three years of marriage. ๐ While this might seem brief, in the context of marriage, we have time under our belts, we’re certified! ๐ฏ๐ Lol. Three years marriage time is like ten years so we got a well of wisdom beyond our years. ๐ Growing up, our backgrounds on relationships and marriage differed, so becoming one for the two of us was a profound learning curve. For instance, my upbringing lacked spousal affection at home so anything as simple as holding hands or a kiss in public was deemed weird or wrong to me. ๐ Whereas in my husband's household that was a normal and healthy expression of love. Our upbringing significantly influences how we treat our partners, for better or worse. My husband and I patiently navigated through each other's learned behaviors and dismantled false patterns of understanding love. ๐
Years before our marriage, I struggled with depression and the notion of marriage consumed my mind. I was fixated on minor things like ring designs and wedding arrangements, overlooking the essence of marriage. It took the Lord to redirect my focus surrounding relationships and show me the correct way. ✞
During my singlehood, I had much self-examination that quickly proved who I was and who I was not. That’s a perk this phase offers. You have all the free time specifically catered to you to heal from past traumas, shed selfishness, and remove toxic patterns.๐ฎ Recognize that in the single stage, you're not alone, nor should you settle for less than the love you deserve. But that love must first start from within you through Christ. How can we love our partners if we don't love ourselves? And how can we love ourselves without acknowledging the endless love from our Creator? ๐ We must first unite with Christ before our spouses and watch how seamlessly everything flows. ๐
When my husband and I got engaged it was a joyous day, ๐ฎ๐ that swiftly transitioned into marriage. We got engaged that afternoon, and we were married by night. All a surprise to me and I would not change anything within that day as it was perfect. ๐ The overwhelming peace I felt in saying yes affirmed how pleased the Lord was with our decision. Had he asked me years ago with the doubt and uncertainty within myself, I would have surely said no. But the Lord‘s timing is perfect. To those engaged, if you're blessed with peace regarding your choice, embrace it! To those having doubts, seek wisdom that the Lord will reveal which choice is right for you.
To the "I do" crew, how's married life treating you? ๐ซ Whether it's been mere days, months, or years, the foundation of a marriage can determine how solid the rest of the relationship will be. Our vows bind us to uphold our commitment with unwavering strength. ๐ I can recall a period of recovery after giving birth, where my husband was in a horrible car accident and every vow I spoke began a literal reality of testing. ๐ In sickness and health, I do, for richer or poorer, I do. It was extremely hard, sleepless nights, the baby crying for more milk, ๐ผand doctors creating a revolving entrance to our room,๐ช I thought we’d never get out of that hospital. ๐ฅ
Regardless of your relational status, what covenant have you made with the Lord? Does your heart align with His love,๐ค or do you search for fulfillment in misguided avenues?๐ Let God be your ultimate love, yield your hearts to Him. While our earthly connections may reflect Christ's love, none can rival the entirety of love He offers. ๐ This love demands your willingness to embrace it. Are you ready to vow your commitment to His?
A Time To Laugh
"There is a time to weep and a time to laugh," this scripture in Ecclesiastes 3, ๐ highlights the flow of our emotions, teaching ...