Love Stories

Why am I here? It's one of life's most pressing questions. I set out to answer this question by examining the relationships that made me. Both of my Grandparents were divorced, so were my parents. But my Uncle George (my Granny's baby brother) sparked something in me when he told me how much my parents loved each other. He told me, before he passed, that although they act like they hate each other now, there was a deep love and connection when I was conceived. That always stuck with me. It helped me in times where I felt like I was a mistake, or that I should have never been born. The pain of divorce will make you feel like that. But anyone who has experienced a period of infertility will tell you- being conceived is a blessing, and being born an even bigger blessing. We are not here by chance or mistake or happen stance. We are all made up of love and the relationships that made us are our love stories...I'm researching to uncover my love stories! 

I am. Who are you?

I am... How you introduce yourself speaks volumes about how you feel about yourself. Don't let anyone else or your circumstances tell you who you are. You are not what has happened to you. Speak those things that are not as though they are. Say: I am healed, I am secure, I am light, I am love, I am able, Ibam a provider, I am an overcomer. Put your past in the proper perspective: behind you. Stretch towards those things that are in front of you. Put excuses in the trash can where they belong. You are able, but more importantly: God is able. And He will send you the vision, insight, fortitude and ability to carry out the mission He placed in your life. 

Yesterday I attended church, received a much needed Word; went to see my Granny and take hercchicken like I do every Sunday; threw my daughter's baby shower; cleaned up; then sat down and wrote a 5-7 page paper for my on-line doctorate. I was tired but I had a joy in my heart and a feeling of purpose for each task completed. That is fufillment. I woke up this morning refreshed and focused. I am a writer. I will release my gifts. My gifts will make room for me. I will get back up and do it again! 

Practice introducing yourself in the mirror to build confidence in speaking about yourself. Whatever it is that you want in life you are going to have to show up, speak up and step up. You are already doing that in some part of your life. If you can do it in one area you can go accomplish your dreams. Pastor Humprey taught us yesterday that in order to get what God has for you, you must let go of past failures, embrace the unforeseen future and activate your faith. Start today. Let the past go and run boldly towards the future and believe in the great I AM! Who are you? I am Tanikka Price and I approve this message!

Passing the Test

I was sitting in church June 5, 2016 and the following came to me. I picked up my journal and began writing:

* When an issue comes up determine what the test is- find the tools and resources you need to help pass the test.

* Evaluate what you would have done and what the outcome would have been had you gone with your first impulse.

* Implementing the tools:What will you do and what will the possible results be? Now keep in mind the fruit of the Spirit and the personality of love. Is this action showing the fruits of the spirit? Is it coming from a place of love? Galatians 5:22-23 lists the fruit of the spirit as love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. And Love is patient, kind, does not envy, does not boast, it is not proud, it does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, keeps no record of wrongs, does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails! (I Corinthians 13:4-8).

* Keep in mind the enemy comes to steal, kill and destroy and sin brings death. Is the decision rooted in love and life-bearing or will it bring destruction? This is the path and where we are right now. These are simple tests that I am failing. The small tests that we failed lead to failure in the bigger issues in our lives. Small foxes spoil the vine. Each vine is essential to the vineyard. The vineyard produces the fruit that brings the harvest that is our provision. Not protecting the vine leads to destruction of the vineyard once the vineyard is destroyed, provision cannot be made.

Without a vision, the people perish. Are you perishing? Is your seed perishing? We are the eyes, hands, feet, mouth and arms of God. What we see matters, what we touch matters, where we step matters, what we speak matters and who we embrace matters. Are you working on your God-given job full-time? Part-time? Are you currently unemployed? Laid-off? How you leave your current assignment can determine your next assignment. Do not leave your assignment until you are released. What is the most important thing we can do right now to get through these times we are living? Pray without ceasing.