Telling My Story

Have you ever told anyone your story?  About who you are? Where you came from. What you are enduring or trying to overcome? 

Who you were before you met Him?

I haven't. I am ashamed to admit that.  There aren't many people who know my past, the ugliness that lived within and around me.  And being a pastor's wife I am sure many assume that I have been walking with the Lord most of my life.

Would you believe it will only be 10 years this month? 

Yes, it's true. 

For the next week or so I will be telling my story.  I have to warn you.  You will find yourself surprised at the things I have done, have been through and accomplished.  Ultimately, I hope you will meet in the beginning a broken little girl who eventually found herself in the arms of a wonderful Savior.  My prayer is that you would see past the warts and see the grace of Christ bestowed on myself...and know and believe that you can have that too.

If you will just let Him in.

If you already know Jesus, I pray you will take this journey with me and continue to praise God for how good He is.  That even the most depraved and hurting human can find redemption at the cross.

Stay tuned.

Tiff~

It Has Been Awhile

But I have much to share.  Hopefully soon.  I hope each of you have a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend.  Remember to be Thankful.

Xoxo,

Tiff~

For Such a Time as This

One of my favorite books in the Bible is the book of Esther.  I partially think the reason I love it so much is because in the beginning there is a beauty pageant. 

Yes, I said beauty pageant. 

Think about it.  There was an order for women from every kingdom (a casting if you will) to come to the palace and display themselves before the king (the judge or judges). Then the new queen, Esther was crowned (like the crowning of a new Miss Universe etc).  Esther was awarded the title as the new queen of Persia, with her predecessor banished from the kingdom due to not "fulfilling" her duties. 

See the comparison? 

But that isn't the only reason why I love this book.  I love it because of this verse in Esther after Mordecai informed the Queen of evil Haman's intentions to completely destroy the jews:

"For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the jews from another place and you and your father's house will perish. And who knows whether you have not attained royalty for such a time as this." Esther 4:14

Esther didn't want to be queen. She didn't ask to be queen. But her currently reality was.....she was queen.  And what was she going to do with the information she had at hand. King Ahasuerus (Xerxes for other versions) law at the time was that anyone who approached the King in the inner court without being summoned would be put to death.  Would she risk her life for her people?

It was no coincidence that she was queen during this tumultous time.  The fate of her people was at stake and she was really the only one who could speak to the King and save them.  It is so amazing to see God's hand as he orchestrated every detail of this story.  From her becoming Queen to when the jews were able to defend themselves against those who sought to destroy them.  God was in control. And he used a young girl to show His glory and save His people.

This story often has me wondering....just what am I doing here right now? Again, it is no coincidence that I am here. On this earth. At this very moment.  God has a purpose, a plan, a will for my life.  What is He orchestrating at this very moment?  People are hurting and searching for something. They are grasping at air, celebrities, drugs, alcohol, porn and money in order to fill a void that only God can fill.  How do I know that I have not been placed here on this earth "for such a time as this". In order to share the grace that is from God. The gift of salvation that is only from the blood of Christ.  The loneliness that takes a hold of our hearts....the ache that can only be filled by Him. 

We can't stand by and just profess that we know Christ. We must live it. We must share it with others. We must be light to the darkness that encompasses this earth. 

Do you have a favorite book in the Bible? One that stirs up emotions and motivates you?  Please share!

Tiff~

Forgotten God

I just finished Forgotten God by Francis Chan.  I have to tell you....my eyes were thrust open by his honesty and by his challenge to us as believers.

The church has forgotten about the Holy Spirit. 

We often don't hear people talk much about Him. I mean, He is God. Part of the Trinity. He cannot be separated from God.  He is who Jesus talked about before He was killed. The one who will come to those who choose to walk alongside Jesus. Our Helper and Companion.  Yet....we often forget about Him.

Francis asks this questions: When was the last time you experienced the hand of God? Really? When were you touched by God in such a way that no one could convince you it was a coincidence?

You want me to be honest? For me it has been awhile.  I have purposely grieved the Spirit. When He chooses to direct me, whisper to me, show me and teach me...I choose not to listen.  I try to do it all in my own strength.  It is no wonder that I fail so often.  I find myself on my knees pleading for forgiveness, mercy and strength.  When all I had to do in the first place was surrender to the Holy Spirit...to God's leading.....and I wouldn't be in such a mess.

But I guess that is the beauty of our messy lives isn't it?  Because we are so frail. Because we are so weak...we are dependent on Him. When we choose to depend on our own strength to live out our lives we become wasted and exhausted individuals.  Unable to keep moving and unsure of the next path to take.  The passion we started out with diminished.  God's voice is no longer audible to us due to disappointments and frustrations of life.

How do you know if the Holy Spirit dwells in you? Francis offers this:

*The Spirit helps us speak in certain situations (Mark 13:11; Luke 12:12)
*He is our comforter, advisor, encourager and strength
*From the Spirit we receive God's power to be witnesses to the world. 
*The spirit sets us free from sins and we put to death any misdeeds within the flesh
*We receive adoption as children of God through the Spirit
*Conviction of sin
*Brings life and freedom
*We have HOPE!
*Through the Holy Spirit we are each given a spiritual gift to be used for the Kingdom
*Evidence of the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

I was truly blown away by this book.  I think my goal is to study more on the Holy Spirit.  Will you join me?

Have you read Forgotten God? If so, what did you think? If not, any other books on the Holy Spirit that you love and would recommend?

Tiff~

Hey Moms and Mom's To Be!

I have the opportunity to giveaway an awesome prize from CSN Baby.

I am giving away this diaper bag:

For your chance to win, just go to CSN Baby and check out the Nursury furniture, diaper bags, gifts and gear and let me know what you would love to have! 

You will have until Tonight at midnight to post your comments.

Good luck!

Samoa Tsunami

Hello friends!  Please be in prayer for those affected by the massive Tsunami in Samoa.  I have provided the link for you so you can read about it you are unsure as to what happened. 

Lord  please be with those who are hurting and have lost their homes and possibly loved ones.  Please provide the help and the resources necessary to help those in need.  We thank you Father for your mercy and Your sovereignty.  Provide your comfort and healing wherever it is needed and desired. In your Son's precious name AMEN!

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/as_pacific_earthquake

I <3 Night

Last night at Illuminate was incredible.  We are in the middle of our Graceland series and we are just amazed at how God is moving in the hearts of those we see each and every week.

He is transforming lives in front of our very eyes. For that I am so humbled to even be a part of this ministry.  I watch weekly as student raise their hands and fall to their knees in worship of our Father in heaven.  As they cry out their deepest longings and stirrings, offering praise to Him and surrendering their lives to His will. 

Last night, Dan offered a challenge to Illuminate.  On October 11th, 2009 we are having a night where they are challenged to invite someone (or more) to Illuminate....so they can hear the grace that is offered through Christ alone.  We are calling it I <3 Night.  Who do you love in your life that does not yet know Christ?  Do you love them enough to tell them?

Dan and I were in tears as we watched so many of them laying their committments before God and committing to pray for those they don't know. For the person they were going to invite. That all excuses and fear would be removed and that they would invite that individual....regardless of what the answer may possibly be!  That they would TRUST that God will do the rest of the work....but they have to ask. 

Just imagine how the world would change if just one person told one other person about Jesus.  To further His Kingdom and bring Glory to God. 

Praying for you Illuminate!

Tiffany~