A Time To Laugh

"There is a time to weep and a time to laugh," this scripture in Ecclesiastes 3, ๐Ÿ“— highlights the flow of our emotions, teaching us that life encompasses both moments of sorrow and moments of joy. Embracing this balance is crucial, as it helps us appreciate that each experience, whether marked by tears or laughter, is significant in shaping our lives. Striving for balance allows us to navigate the highs and lows with grace and understanding.

There was a time when my life was engulfed in the sorrows of this world. ๐Ÿ’” I withdrew, not wanting to talk to anyone or engage in anything. I wallowed in self-pity, hosting daily pity parties ๐Ÿ˜ญ๐ŸŽ‰ for myself. Those were what some of my darkest days looked like. I felt trapped, convinced that I would never smile or laugh again. Have you experienced this before? But then, one day, I realized that living in a constant state of darkness wasn't normal. I knew I needed help. I reached out to my mom and told her, "I don't want to be sad anymore. I want to laugh, but nothing's funny." Her response surprised me: "Nothing has to be funny. Just start laughing." So, I gave it a try. 

At first, it was a half-hearted "hehe,"๐Ÿ˜ฌ the kind where your teeth don’t even part. It felt forced and empty, but my mom persisted. She laughed along with me, her laughter growing louder and more infectious. As we continued, my "hehe" transformed into a "haha," ๐Ÿ˜† and soon, I found myself holding my stomach, tears streaming down my face on the floor from laughter. ๐Ÿ˜‚ Even though it started as nothing, the act of laughing became contagious. The more I pressed into it, the more everything seemed funny. At that moment, I discovered the power of laughter. It was a breakthrough, a reminder that even in the darkest times, there can be light. ๐Ÿ’ก And sometimes, all it takes is a simple start to begin finding our way out. 

In life when it feels like nothing is happening and our reality falls short of our plans, it's crucial to keep pushing forward. Stay committed to the goals you believe God has set before you. Dust off that vision you once wrote down but never acted upon. It's time to put those plans into motion—they've been sitting idle for far too long. Get those emotions out of the dark room and step into the light. ๐Ÿ’กRemember that iconic remake movie scene where the character says, "Step into the light, Carol Anne, step into the light"? ๐Ÿ˜‚Well, it's your turn to step in the light now. Illuminate your path, embrace the light, and move forward with purpose. Your future awaits, but you have to take that first step out of the shadows.  

What if I had never chosen to laugh? ๐Ÿ˜• What if I had allowed the idea of happiness and freedom to remain just a fleeting thought? ๐Ÿ’ญ Where would I be now? What if my mom had never encouraged me to find joy in life? I'm grateful she pushed me to embrace laughter, even when I resisted. The people we surround ourselves with have a profound impact on our lives. ⭕ Take a moment to reflect on your own life and the individuals in it. Are these people like human lightbulbs, offering clarity and encouragement?  Or are they like dark closets, keeping you enclosed to everything you should be walking away from? ๐Ÿ’ฃChoose to surround yourself with those who brighten your path and help you grow. ๐Ÿ’–

Jesus helped me more than I'll ever be able to thank him.✝ He's so wonderful and funny. Imagine the things Jesus must have laughed at. Picture Him thinking, "I’m about to turn water into wine,๐Ÿท and their shocked faces will be priceless." ๐Ÿ˜Š Or consider the moment when He multiplied the food. I imagine Jesus watching from afar, thinking, "Brother Tim doesn’t think he’s going to eat because we only have two fish and five ๐ŸŸ loaves of bread, ๐Ÿฅ– but watch this." Boom! He probably kept a serious face on the outside while laughing inside, knowing they never saw it coming. ๐Ÿ˜† The food never stopped. Brother Tim probably even took a to-go box home! ๐Ÿ˜‹ Do you see where I’m going with this? Life doesn’t have to be super serious all the time. If God has such a sense of humor, so can you.

I remember attending a Bible study at church ⛪ where the entire congregation burst into laughter. Coming from an uptight, formal church background, I found laughing in church intolerable. ๐Ÿ˜ก As I sat there, watching everyone laugh to tears, I initially kept a stern face. I had never seen anything like it and didn’t know it was acceptable. But as more of the congregation joined in, I couldn’t help but laugh too. After a good 45 minutes of laughter, I realized I felt lighter and rejuvenated, ๐Ÿ˜Š without doing anything but laugh. Laughter is truly like medicine, and we were refreshed just by laughing in His presence. When the scriptures say He will turn your mourning into dancing and your sorrow into joy, it’s literal. He will give you a garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. Accept it. ๐Ÿค

If life’s circumstances are weighing you down and you find it hard to do anything, I challenge you to get into the atmosphere of Jesus and laugh ๐Ÿ˜„ every weight off. Dance ๐Ÿ’ƒ like the weight has been lifted, sing ๐ŸŽค like it’s only you and Him, worship as if it’s your last breath, ๐Ÿ™Œ lose track of time, and rest in Him. 

If you haven't laughed today, consider this your invitation. ๐Ÿ“จ It might feel awkward at first, but remember, I'm laughing with you and always praying for you. I pray the spirit of laughter overtakes you today, filling you with uncontrollable giggles that you can't help but let out. Don’t dwell on the darkness too long, aim to be a glass-half-full kind of person. I pray that even in the toughest moments, you find the light and joy. What will you find to laugh about today? ๐Ÿ‘€๐Ÿ˜‚

See you on the next blog Wednesday! 

You are a bloomer. Bloom baby bloom, with me Tee! ๐Ÿ˜Œ

The Missing Piece

Amber Alerts, BOLO (Be On The Lookout), ๐Ÿšจmissing posters, and search teams ๐Ÿ” scouring neighborhoods for a missing person—I’ve seen and heard it all. While employed as a 9-1-1 dispatcher, I encountered various opportunities that deepened my understanding of my role. One such opportunity was a police ride-along, ๐Ÿš“ which lasted a few days. I enjoyed it so much that I considered becoming an officer for a while. It was nothing like what I saw on the Cops TV show; ๐Ÿ˜† that’s when I realized the police force was not for me. This was serious. I vividly remember my training officer receiving a call about a missing child, and we immediately headed to the address. As we drove through the neighborhood, all the colors ๐ŸŸก๐ŸŸฉ and descriptions of the child raced through my mind. Hearing the frantic cries of parents and family members, I couldn’t help but think about where the child could have gone so quickly and how this could have been prevented. The parent’s heart-wrenching words echoed in my ears: "I looked away for just a second." ๐Ÿ˜ญ

One second is all it takes for something preventable to become a nightmare. That’s why I’m here now: to share practices that can help prevent people from going missing and aid in locating those who are lost. Honestly, I’m tired of seeing missing person flyers—not because I don’t want these individuals found, but because it breaks my heart ๐Ÿ’” to know that something could have been done to prevent it. Often, these tragedies occur due to a lack of knowledge, and that’s what I hope to change. By sharing what I’ve witnessed and learned, I aim to empower you with the information needed to keep your loved ones safe. 

In my previous line of work and personal life, I’ve found a few practices that truly make a difference in ensuring safety and preparedness. Taking safety or self-defense classes ๐Ÿ‘Š๐Ÿ’ช to protect yourself in dangerous situations is invaluable. Understanding the best techniques for your body type and how to use your weapons ๐Ÿ”ซ can be life-saving. Self-defense isn’t just physical; it’s also spiritual. Prayer can be another powerful tool in your arsenal. ๐Ÿ™ By tearing down spiritual barriers, you can fight more effectively. Another practice I highly recommend is establishing a family code word. This is one of my favorites! A family code is a unique word known only to your family, and it is to be used only if someone needs help but may not be able to express it. With this cue, you'll know when to act without having to play the guessing game on if the person needs help. 

Additionally, using location-sharing apps or devices ๐Ÿ“ฑis a simple yet effective way to keep track of family members. Ensuring that at least one trusted person knows your whereabouts at all times can provide peace of mind. I am particularly grateful for these devices. When my husband was involved in a severe car accident and couldn’t speak, our location-sharing app allowed me to find him at the scene much faster than I would have otherwise. Without this technology, reaching him in time would have been much more difficult. Incorporating these practices into your daily routine can enhance your family’s safety. ๐Ÿ‘ช

If we stay ready, we won't have to get ready! ๐Ÿ’ฏ Being vigilant about our surroundings is crucial for reducing the risk of becoming lost or encountering danger. One of my pet peeves is seeing adults letting their children walk behind them in public.๐Ÿ˜ก How can we see what’s happening behind us? How can we be sure they’re still there? It’s so important to be more vigilant. Keep your child or children walking beside you or in front, always within arm’s reach. We need to do better to protect our little ones. Awareness helps us to identify potential risks and take preventive measures. In today's technology-driven world, we know it's easy to get distracted by our phones and miss important cues. But by staying alert, we can effectively maneuver unexpected situations.

The ultimate solution to all our challenges is found in Jesus ✝—every answer we seek, He provides. Even if the response isn’t immediate or in the way we expect, persistence in prayer will bring clarity and understanding. So many years I would hear people say to never question God, well how will we ever get an answer? Ask him. After exhausting our own efforts, we must recognize that Jesus is the missing piece in our lives. He belongs at the center of our existence, guiding and fulfilling us. By placing Him back in His rightful place, we open ourselves to His love and wisdom to help navigate through tough situations like this.

I encourage you to continue to share those missing flyers and posts ๐Ÿ”‚ so we can get the word out about those missing. If you have the smallest detail of information call the law enforcement agency or the tip line whichever you're most comfortable with. I also challenge us to not scroll past those Amber alerts ๐Ÿšฉbut really read and be on the lookout, especially if it's in your city.  Know that you are not alone and prayers from across the globe are being offered for you. ๐Ÿ™Œ

Lord, we thank you for your goodness and we know there is nowhere we can go that you don't see us. You know all about us, you know our next thought before we think it. You made us in your image and you love us so much. I pray that you will cover every missing person in your blood. I pray that you will make a safe way of escape for them. I pray that the angels of the Lord will reveal to your people the locations, addresses, and pictures of those who are being held captive. May we be sensitive to your Holy Spirit so that will we retain all the information you download before us. Give us deeper capacity. May the peace of our Father rest upon the weary hearts, and continue to give us wisdom and guidance concerning our loved ones. Lord we place them in your hands and we trust in you, in Jesus' name, Amen. ๐Ÿค

See you on the next blog Wednesday! 

You are a bloomer. Bloom baby bloom, with me Tee! ๐Ÿ˜Œ

Steward It Well

CONGRATULATIONS!! ๐ŸŽ‰

Yes, you! Congratulations on your remarkable achievements! ๐ŸŽŠ You've waited so long, and now you finally have that new car, ๐Ÿš— a beautiful house, ๐Ÿก and a well-deserved raise at work.๐Ÿค‘ But I have one question, what condition are your old belongings in? ๐Ÿ‘€ While you're off on that amazing all-girls trip now, think about how your last friendship ended. ๐Ÿ’” 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? ๐Ÿ˜ต 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 ๐Ÿšฎ 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. ๐Ÿ” 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. ๐Ÿ“Š 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. ๐Ÿ’ฏ

Consider the example of a 5-star business owner ๐ŸŒŸ 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. ๐Ÿ“ 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? ๐Ÿ™Œ He knows you, knows your plans even before you write them down, ๐Ÿ–Š and knows every word outlined in your heart before you express it. ๐Ÿ’ What has the Lord entrusted you with? Could it be your children, ๐Ÿ‘ถ your wealth, ๐Ÿ’ฐ or perhaps a business idea ๐Ÿ’ญ 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. ๐Ÿ”„ If we could truly see how often God has shielded us from error, it would be mind-blowing. ๐Ÿ˜ณ 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 bus๐Ÿšdays are over, and I'm done asking for rides." Little did I know, God was probably laughing at my ambition, ๐Ÿ˜‚ 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. ๐Ÿ™… 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. ๐Ÿ‘

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! ๐Ÿ˜†So, 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." ๐Ÿ‘‘

I was finally able to get a car—paid off, no payments, and the title in my name with no hassle. ๐Ÿฅณ 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 ๐Ÿถ to be found inside. I made sure the new car smell never faded. ๐Ÿ˜ŠHowever, 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. ๐Ÿ‘Ž 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. ๐Ÿค

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? ๐Ÿšซ

See you on the next blog Wednesday! 

You are a bloomer. Bloom baby bloom, with me Tee! ๐Ÿ˜Œ

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? ๐Ÿ‘€ You are destined, called, and a royal priesthood, ๐Ÿ‘‘ 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? ๐Ÿ˜‚ 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 ๐Ÿ‘ฎoperator 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. ๐Ÿ‘Ž 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. ๐Ÿ˜Ÿ

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? ๐Ÿ”’ Until one day, the faulty foundation split before me. ๐Ÿ’ฃ 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; ๐Ÿ’ต 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? ๐Ÿ˜ญ

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.๐Ÿชž Are you willing to be naked before God? Without the things we think bring us worth and fame? ๐Ÿ’Ž Leave the cars, ๐Ÿš˜ remove the follower count, ๐Ÿ“Š and take off the name brands ๐Ÿ‘”๐Ÿ‘ —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. ๐Ÿ“„On 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." ๐Ÿ“– These pages can be as long as you need them to be. Afterward, speak out loud what God says about you and believe it. ๐Ÿ™Œ 

Placing your worth or identity in anything or anyone other than God can lead to ruin. ๐Ÿ˜ต‍๐Ÿ’ซ People and things are temporary, but God is eternal. ♾️ Establish your worth on His foundation, and you won't fail. ๐Ÿค

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. ๐Ÿ’กThis can also be beneficial to men. Instead of believing the lies of the enemy,๐Ÿ‘บ 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 ๐ŸŒŸof 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! ๐Ÿ˜Œ

The Power of Self-Care

Do you often find yourself giving to others before addressing your own needs? It's easy to get caught up in the demands of life, especially those with significant responsibilities. We often ensure everyone and everything else is taken care of, leaving ourselves with the leftovers—the scraps of the day. Whether your responsibility is a career ๐Ÿ“ฐ or a child, ๐Ÿ‘ถ we must prioritize ourselves too. But how can we truly be effective and supportive if we are running on empty? Finding a balance is crucial for maintaining our well-being and being genuinely helpful to those who rely on us. Self-care simply means to be deliberate or to take action to maintain or enhance your overall well-being. This can be emotional, spiritual, physical, or mental health, all contributing to your self-improvement. Which area is your strongest, and which is your weakest? For me, spiritual self-care is my strongest, while physical self-care is my weakest, and I notice both positive ๐Ÿ‘ and negative ๐Ÿ‘Ž results in these areas. 

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. ๐Ÿ˜Š And if no one has told you today, You deserve that extra mile, and then some, you are a priority! ๐ŸŽ‰ 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? ๐Ÿ˜ณ 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. ๐Ÿšง And then they had the nerve to turn off the air conditioning ๐Ÿฅต to conserve what little gas was left. I'm not sure if that even works or if it's just a myth. ๐Ÿ˜‚ 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. ๐Ÿ‘€๐Ÿ˜‚  Why do we often avoid taking the necessary steps to meet our needs, rather than pushing ourselves to the limit? ๐Ÿ˜ซ 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 ๐Ÿ™… let a day go by without physically preparing yourself for it. Wash your face, put on fresh clothes, ๐Ÿ‘–๐Ÿ‘š stretch, exercise, change your scenery, ๐ŸŒ‡ have a healthy meal, ๐Ÿฑ 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. ๐Ÿชด 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,๐Ÿ“– praying, journaling, ๐Ÿ–Šworshipping in songs of praise, or meditating on His promises. ๐ŸŒˆ 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. ๐Ÿ‘

Self-care is essential to building confidence and embracing your true self. Begin by asking yourself: What activities do you enjoy? What places do you love visiting? How can you adjust your routine to enhance your well-being even further? 

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. ๐Ÿ’™

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. ๐Ÿ‘ 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! ๐Ÿ˜Œ

My Ultimate Lover

Transitioning from being single to engaged to finally married,๐Ÿ’ where do you find yourself relationally? If you could have the stage you want this very second, could you honestly say you’re ready, or is it the concept of a relationship or marriage that convinces you of readiness? 

This month, on the 22nd of May, my husband and I will mark three years of marriage. ๐ŸŽ‰ While this might seem brief, in the context of marriage, we have time under our belts, we’re certified! ๐Ÿ’ฏ๐Ÿ˜† Lol. Three years marriage time is like ten years so we got a well of wisdom beyond our years. ๐Ÿ˜‰ 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. ๐Ÿ™… 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. ๐Ÿ’Œ

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.๐Ÿšฎ 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? ๐Ÿ™Œ We must first unite with Christ before our spouses and watch how seamlessly everything flows. ๐Ÿ˜Š

When my husband and I got engaged it was a joyous day, ๐Ÿ˜ฎ๐Ÿ’– 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. ๐Ÿ˜ 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? ๐Ÿ‘ซ 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. ๐Ÿ“ƒ 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. ๐Ÿ†˜ In sickness and health, I do, for richer or poorer, I do. It was extremely hard, sleepless nights, the baby crying for more milk, ๐Ÿผand doctors creating a revolving entrance to our room,๐Ÿšช I thought we’d never get out of that hospital. ๐Ÿฅ 

In the times when everything was stressful and I wanted to quit, ๐Ÿ˜ญ I had to remember the words, “I do”. In sickness and health, I do, for richer or poorer, I do. What I thought would tear our marriage apart, actually made our family stronger. ๐Ÿ’ช I was able to care for my husband and son with strength I didn’t know I had, all while upholding my sacred vows to the Lord, my husband, and our family. It was not my own strength but directly from the Lord. ๐Ÿ™Œ

Regardless of your relational status, what covenant have you made with the Lord? Does your heart align with His love,๐Ÿค or do you search for fulfillment in misguided avenues?๐Ÿ‘Ž 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. ๐Ÿ™Œ This love demands your willingness to embrace it. Are you ready to vow your commitment to His? 

Are you ready to say "I DO" to His eternal ways? Prepare now as the Lord is ready for you. 

See you on the next blog Wednesday! 

You are a bloomer. Bloom baby bloom, with me Tee! ๐Ÿ˜Œ


A Time To Laugh

"There is a time to weep and a time to laugh," this scripture in Ecclesiastes 3, ๐Ÿ“— highlights the flow of our emotions, teaching ...