Do Whatever God Says...

So that the righteous and just requirement of the Law might be fully met in us who live and move not in the ways of the flesh but in the ways of the Spirit [our lives governed not by the standards and according to the dictates of the flesh, but controlled by the Holy Spirit].
Romans 8:4

"In Him we live and move and have our being" (Acts 17:28. God is everything. Talk to Him all day long, every time you need to make a decision or overcome anything negative. Whatever He says to do, do it. If He says don't do it, don't do it. You don't belong to yourself; you belong to God.
Religious teaching tries to predetermine what God wants from you. But He will write on your heart what is good and what is bad for you to do. He will speak to your inner conscience and keep you safe, as long as you pay attention to His voice and do what He tells you. Throughout the day today, occasionally stop what you are doing and ask Him if there is anything He wants to say to you.

DRAKE

My Future Husband...

My storm is passing!

I know I'm not updating my blog as much lately but I haven't forgotten about you guys! I've just been incredibly busy...and I like it. When I'm busy and I have things to do, it allows me to concentrate on things other than what's bothering me or controlling my thoughts. Which is why, I think, these past couple of days have been some of my better days this summer! I'm just going to update y'all on some of the happenings in my life recently:

These past couple of weeks have been KA-RAZY! But I'm starting to love it! I've had my ups and downs (if you're following me on Twitter you've probably seen that. lol), but things are starting to look up in a major way now. I thank God for seeing me through my not so bright days. No need to explain why they weren't so bright...we'll just say they were just "one of the days that a girl goes through." ;) lol. Anyways, I deactivated my Facebook account on Monday (June 22). Why, I can't really explain, the best way I can put it is that I need a break. I'm probably going to reactivate it after summer. I was informed yesterday that I'll be receiving another scholarship, which is really exciting! I mean, who doesn't like free money?! I have one more week of my first summer session of classes and then the second one starts. I'll be glad when this is all over and I can graduate! lol. But with the economy the way it is, I'm thinking this is the best place for me to be right now! My mom's birthday was this Saturday and all her friends came over and I had a blast. Father's Day on Sunday, was great! I love spending time with my family! Other than that, I'm just trying to make the best of my summer! Gonna make sure the rest of it stays on the up side!

Oh, and I promise I'm not going to leave y'all hanging on the vlogs I'm supposed to be doing. I'm going to get a new charger for my camera's battery this weekend! I'll try to have them up by next Monday...no later than the end of this weekend! I pinky swears! lol

Hope everyone's doing well! And I'll try to write again manana. Love you guys ;)

Needs vs. Wants

And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Jesus Christ.
Philippians 4:19

So many people focus on what they want all the time, without first considered what it is that they need. Everyone knows the basic needs of all people are air, water and food, and shelter. This isn't what I'm talking about though. Take for example the typical wants of a male in companionship. Typically when men talk about what they want in a women it usually sounds something like this: "I want a fine girl, with a nice body, that can put it down." But is this really what you need? Many woman, want something along the same lines. Maybe the reason so many of us are having relationship problems and the divorce rate is now more than 50% is because people are concentrating on finding what they want instead of finding what they need.

And this doesn't just apply to relationships. The concept of needs vs. wants can be related to almost every important decision made in life including education, career choices, friendships, and many other things. You may want to graduate from high school and go straight to work, but is this what you want or what you need? You may want to be a singer/rapper or a actor/model, but is this what you want or what you need? You may want to be friends with the most popular person you know, but is this what you want or what you need? If you have trouble deciphering your needs from your wants, ask God to lead you. He'll give you peace when you make decisions based on needs. It may not be something you enjoy doing, but you will be at peace and it will flow right into your life, whereas decisions based on wants will give you feelings of worry or discomfort. From now on, take the time to determine your wants for you needs and see the great changes your life will take.

Sticks and Stones...

For I will restore health to you, and I will heal you of your wounds, said the LORD; because they called you an Outcast, saying, This is Zion, whom no man seeks after.
Jeremiah 30:17

I'm the kind of person that loves with everything in me. I have a big heart and I'm very caring. And when I get hurt, I still tend to be able to easily forgive, and I often end up putting the blame back on myself. I would end up accepting all the pain, while the other person went on like nothing happened. I guess this makes people think I'm weak or I'm not normal, because a lot of people talk down on me or say things that I have no idea where they could come up with about me. But I just want you to know that even though you may call me what you want, but my God is always going to be there to pick me and take away my pain, even when you're long gone. So talk about me all you want. I take it as a compliment...people even talked about Jesus. So whatever it is you have to say, is only making me stronger. Because with every negative and foul word that passes through your lips, is another opportunity for God to work in me and bless me even more. So to you, I say, watch what you say about who, because you never know what God has in store for them. You may need them one day...

Josiah Royal Ward

For I will restore health unto you, and I will heal you of your wounds, saith the Lord.
Jeremiah 30:17

This is my 5 year old little brother Josiah Royal Ward. He had surgery this morning, and I'm just thankful everything went well! He is in recovery and I'm sure he can't wait to be able to get up and move around again! Nothing stops this boy! He is an amazing gift from God, and I'm glad God kept Him in His healing hands during the surgery. I hope he has a quick and easy recovery!

I love you Sy

Footprints in the Sand...

One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord.
Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky.
In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand.
Sometimes there were two sets of footprints,
other times there were one set of footprints.

This bothered me because I noticed
that during the low periods of my life,
when I was suffering from
anguish, sorrow or defeat,
I could see only one set of footprints.

So I said to the Lord,
"You promised me Lord,
that if I followed you,
you would walk with me always.
But I have noticed that during
the most trying periods of my life
there have only been one
set of footprints in the sand.
Why, when I needed you most,
you have not been there for me?"

The Lord replied,
"The times when you have
seen only one set of footprints in the sand,
is when I carried you."

Mary Stevenson

Joy Unspeakable Joy

Whatever may be your task, work at it heartily (from the soul), as [something done] for the Lord and not for men, knowing [with all certainty] that it is from the lord [and not from men] that you will recieve the inheritence which is your [real] reward.
Colossians 3:23-24

God wants us to enjoy our lives. He doesn't want us to merely go through life just getting by. He didn't give you life and have His son die for our sins, so that we can go through life feeling sad and depressed. Instead of mere happiness, you will have joy when you put all of your trust in and live for God. Jesus died so that you can enjoy abundant life, not just the days you are off work/school or on vacation or when you get to go shopping--but everyday of your life.

Psalm 5:11 says this: "But let all those who take refuge and put their trust in You rejoice; let them ever sing and shout for joy, because You make a covering over them and defend them; let those also who love Your name be joyful in You and be in high spirits."

When we have faith and put our trust in God, instead of worldly things or people, God promises to cover us, and give us joy. Live your days on earth for God, that is why He put you here anyways. When you live for God, your life will be much more fulfilled, and you will see a change in your spirit, thoughts, and attitude. When you wake up each morning, take time to thank God for your blessing, both large and small. Listen to an inspirational gospel song before you walk out the door. Read your bible for a few minutes. You'll be surprised how this can impact your whole day. It'll allow you to start your day on the right foot and give you the joy you need to have good days, even when bad things may happen. You can enjoy life if you determine to do so. Say, "I am going to enjoy every aspect of my life, because Jesus died so that I could have joy unspeakable and full of glory."

Thank You Lord for your mercy and grace!

Prayer Requests

I am accepting prayer requests now. You can email them to me at tward8@pvamu.edu or tiffanycward@gmail.com. All requests will be completely confidential and you can remain anonymous if you would like. Feel free to write me about anything [problems, conflicts, troubles] you feel necessary. Even if you feel you just need someone to vent and talk to, and don't want any response or advice back, I am here to listen! I look forward to hearing from and praying with/for you all! =)

May God bless you!!

Don't Chase Blessings

Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) is the man whom You choose and cause to come near, that he may dwell in Your courts! We shall be satisfied with the goodness of Your house, Your holy temple.
Psalm 65:4

Instead of chasing after blessings, we need to chase after God. If we chase God, He will chase us with blessings. That is why the kingdom of God is sometimes called "the upside-down kingdom."
God's economy doesn't work the way we think it would. First is last, and last is first. If we want more, we are to give away some of what we have. To be great in God's kingdom, we must serve the needs of others. And if we want blessings, we must get our mind off of them. God knows what we want and what we need. He wants to give us blessings that we haven't even verbally asked for. So please God, so He can continue to please you.

Be Ready...

Forsake not, and she will keep, defend and protect you; love her, and she will guard you.
Proverbs 4:6

Phillippians 4:13 promises that Christ will empower you for anything you must face. This means that He will make you ready for anything and equal to all challenges by infusing you with inner strength.
God will never put you in a position to do something without giving you the strength and the ability to do it. You can relax and enjoy you life, for God will "strengthen and make you what you ought to be and equip you with everything good that you may carry out in His will; [while He Himself] works in you and accomplishes that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ" (Hebrews 13:21).

Go in peace, for God is with you...

The Battle is Not Yours...

This blog is going to be about something that I've been thinking about a lot since my pastor, Ralph Douglas West, touched on it Sunday at church and I saw Kirk Franklin tweet about it today on twitter (add me by the way: http://twitter.com/TiffyCBabae. lol).

What they were talking about is how a lot of people think God is not listening to them or helping them when they are in the midst of troubles, yet they are praying more than ever and following Christ more than ever before. They seem to ask themselves and God "If I'm doing right by Christ, why are my prayers not being answered?" and often times, they end up giving up. They look at the situation they are in now, and think "I was doing better before I changed and gave my life to Christ" and end up letting go.

And what my pastor and Kirk Franklin were saying is, the devil is not threatened by those who are not walking with Christ. The devil is after the people he sees have a strong connection with God and are doing right by the bible and God's Word. He doesn't want a person who is already working for him. He wants to break down the active Christians. The way Pastor West put it is that when you send your prayers,the enemy is trying to block them from getting to God, but that's why you have angels. Your angels are there fighting your enemy so your prayer can reach God. And sometimes it may take longer than you may want, but your prayers always get to God on time. And usually when you feel like you are at the end of the road, and there is no where left to go but down, and you just can't take anymore, that's just when God moves in.

So when you're praying, and you feel like no one hears you, trust me, God is listening. He hears every single one of your prayers. He even knows what you want and need even if you have not prayed for it. He's just trying to move the enemy of the way so He can open up the flood gates of heaven and poor out a blessing you won't have room enough to recieve. When you feel like letting go, hold on to God's UNCHANGING hand. He's there. He's working. He won't betray you. Just keep your faith, keep praying, and keep doing what you know is right. Show the devil you will not be his footstool, don't let him win.

I'll leave you with this prayer: "Lord, I know you hear me, and I know you are working in me, because I am asking so in prayer. Your ways are not my ways, and Your timing is not my timing, but Your time is right. So Lord, I will wait on you with patience. As I wait, I pray you give me strength and peace to continue on. Thank you Lord, for all of your many blessing you have bestowed upon me, and even those you are working on right now. This I pray in Your son, Jesus' name. Amen."

God bless you! Be encouraged!

I'll be "The Last Jesus"

This is a song by Kirk Franklin. It really touches me. It speaks of how people claim they love Jesus, but it doesn't reflect in their actions. And how there may be someone out there that you can save, just by changing your ways and leading a spritually filled life in your thoughts and actions. There may be someone struggling, and YOU can be the last Jesus they see, their only hope. Today, I'm vowing that I want to be the last Jesus for people throughout my life..

I see you, I need you, but I don't know your name
I touch you, say I love you, but that's all you get for today
It's easy, so easy, to tell you it's gon be okay
When I don't walk in His shoes,
haven't been through what you been through

Instead I push you away
Sunday everyone looks like You
But if our lives are cold inside tell me what's the use

If I say I love Jesus, but you can't see my Jesus
My words are empty, if they can't see Jesus in me
No more excuses, I give myself away
Because I may be the only Jesus they see

Too busy, forgive me, I've got problems of my own
It's easier to say your help is on the way
But I was your help all along
We're shouting, we're dancing, but can the world see a change

Am I just too selfish to see, the love they need You put inside of me?

If we say we love Jesus, but they can't see our Jesus
Tell me what's the use if they can't see Jesus in you and me
No more excuses, we give it all away
Because we may be the only Jesus they see

If I am Your hands and Your feet, and if Your church is built inside of me
Where did we go wrong, we been here too long, we can't see Your face anymore
It's not the same anymore

Have mercy on us Jesus, please forgive us Jesus
I lost my purpose, if they can't see You in me
See I lied too long, and I change it all today
Because I may be, because I may be

The only Jesus they see, the only Jesus they see, the only Jesus they see...

Vote in my poll!!

So there are only a couple of days left to vote in my poll for what you guys want me to do my first video blog (vlog) on. So far singing is winning, but talking about random stuff is a close second. So don't forget to vote in the little box over there to the right! And if singing wins, what would you like me to sing. And if talking on a random subject, what would you like that random subject to be?