Time Well Spent…With Christ!

I had a recent conversation with a friend of mine just the other day.  She talks a lot more than me, but we hadn’t talked in such a long time that we were playing catch up because so much time had passed.  We talked about work and school and family, and some of this and that, but the conversation went well into the night.  I was happy to be able to catch up with her and wished that our lives weren’t so complex that we didn’t have to wait weeks and months before connecting with one another.  As usual (because that’s the type of relationship we have), we talked about Christ. I absolutely love it when I’m able to have a conversation and Jesus pops His way in there.  Thank you JesusJ!  We ended our night after a few hours of catch up, and I managed to spend a few moments praying before I passed out because it was late.  The next day, my heart was heavy.  I was mad at myself for only giving God a few moments of my time. 

Hence where this topic comes from.  We have to make God a priority and not something that comes in when time allows or presents itself.  I want to be known as a person who diligently seeks to know Him. 

What causes us to want to spend time with Christ?   ♥ What exactly does spending time with the Lord mean? ♥ As someone new (or old) to the Christian faith, how do we encourage others to set time aside for Him? ♥ How do we encourage ourselves that in the midst of everything that spending time with Christ is a priority? ♥ How much time should you give daily? ♥ What are we supposed to do during that time?

As Christians we have to spend time with our Father.  You can’t expect to know Him if you don’t spend time getting to know Him. We live in a world that is full of relationships.  We have relationships with our parents, friends, brothers, sisters, colleagues, aunts, uncles, cousins, husbands, wives, boyfriends, girlfriends, church members, school peers, professors, acquaintances, teachers, grandparents, etc.  Our world is full of relationships!  With that being said, how do we develop those relationships as well as the one with Christ without putting Christ on the back burner?  In fact, where does our relationship with Christ fit in with the ever growing list of things to do, work, and family?

Without having quality time with Jesus our relationship is nothing more than an acquaintance. Do you really want to simply be an acquaintance of Jesus?  I just wanna dig into this a little deeper because I think it’s important for our understanding. Acquaintance is defined as 1) One's slight knowledge of or friendship with someone 2) Knowledge of a person acquired by a relationship less intimate than friendship. 3) Someone you know a little, who is not a close friend.  Does this sound like your relationship and knowledge of Jesus?  People, we have to do better.  WAKE UP!

Philippians 3:8-11

Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ and become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith.  I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death, so that one way or another I will experience the resurrection from the dead! (New Living Translation)

Know that if your relationship with Christ is lacking and you haven’t been as good a friend as you should have to the Lord; take heart.  God has provided a way.  Isn’t it amazing to know that God has provided a way for you to turn your life and your relationship around?  You can simply say, “Lord, I don’t want to be just your acquaintance.  I’m sorry for not treating you like the almighty God that you are. I want to know you as more than a mere acquaintance.  From this day forward Lord God, I will know you and you will know me like never before. Amen”

2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. (King James)

In developing a relationship with Christ, there has to be a sense of need.  We have to recognize that we are absolutely nothing in ourselves.  Our motivation to spend time with the Lord is “an ever deepening realization” of our need of Him.  Knowing our sense of need in Christ allows us to seek Him and spend time with Him.  If we don’t know or think that we need Christ we’re not going to make time for Him.  Why would we?  We need Christ in all facets of our lives; therefore we have to make an effort to spend time with Him daily.  I need him to guide me, keep me, clothe me, teach me, feed me, and comfort me.  I need Him for EVERYTHING.  There is nothing that Tracy is capable of doing on her own.  Because of this need and desire for Christ I want to spend time with Him. This sense of need becomes the reason why we seek Christ.  

By daily spending time with the Lord, we are putting ourselves in a position for transformation to take place.  If we truly want God to transform our lives we will be strongly motivated to sit in His presence and endure the process of transformation.  The process of transformation.  I like the way that sounds.  As Christians we want to be transformed and God is committed to transforming our lives through this relationship with Him.  How is that done?  By earnestly seeking Him and spending time with Him.  This requires that we set aside time regularly.  Not when time presents itself and not when you have a free moment after you’ve taken care of everything else.  When making time for Christ remember who He is and all that He has done for you.  You’re not just making time for some random person; you are making time for The Father.  Because of who He is, we should always have time set aside for Him.  He has to fit into our schedules.  That’s a requirement! I like to create habit in my life.  When spending time with Jesus, I do it every day at the same time.  Some people like the morning, others mid-day, and many (like me) prefer night.  Whatever time you choose, be consistent.  Make sure the time you choose you are dedicated to spending time with Him and studying His Word.  Some say it takes 21 days to form a new habit.  Well make spending time with Jesus your new habit.  Take the 21 day challenge.  Set time aside everyday at the same time and spend it anyway you choose with Christ.  See where you are in 21 days. 

So I challenge you.  Can you spend quality uninterrupted time with God through prayer, worship, studying, and/or hearing His voice for 21 days? 

2 Corinthians 3:18

“And we all with unveiled face, beholding and reflecting as a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, even as from the Lord Spirit.”\

Without spending time with the Lord, there is no possibility for us to experience a solid transformation.  This scripture shows us the process that is to be taken place by those that desire to be transformed.  As we behold the glory of the Lord in His Word we are then changed into His image.  We are infused with the elements of what He is.   What we behold we become.  Think about that for a moment.  What we behold we become.  What types of things do you behold??

I used to be a fan of reality TV.  I still am.  I only use the word in past tense because my schedule doesn’t allow me to watch it and keep up with the latest episodes as I would like, but believe me if I had the time I would certainly be in front of the TV daily watching the ever unfolding drama of The Housewives of Atlanta, Basketball Wives, Keeping up with the Kardashians, Jerseylicious, The Bachelor, and so on.    What’s funny is that I enjoy these shows, but the reality is are these things the things I am beholding.  I think of it in this way.  A person that spends hours watching reality TV or just television in general will eventually begin to reflect, mirror, or imitate those things they have been beholding.  We become influenced by these things.  In contrast when we spend time with Christ beholding Him we reflect Him.  That should be the ultimate desire.  The result of beholding Him is to be changed into the likeness of Christ.  “When the people of God look into the Word of God and see the glory of God, the spirit of God transforms them to be like the son of God”. 

There is true value in spending time with Christ that I want us all to experience.  So I encourage you all to get out your bibles, journals, note cards, and start spending time with The Father. 

Time well spent is Time spent with Christ.

Love you all,

-Tracy

(Me, in Memphis this past weekend)

So you’ve decided to go Natural, huh?

Kinda sorta, Maybe, We’ll see how it goes, taking it one day at a time, no true commitment, thinking about it, I don’t know…

Whoever said going natural was a walk in the park had to be out of their everlasting God-giving mind.  This “natural” hair thing is nothing but a process.  Maybe I would call it an emotional rollercoaster, which in many ways is just like my life so then I guess this is all a part of my process J.
So I’ve been on this pseudo mission to go natural for some time and although I had this small desire to go natural it was something I never really thought that I could ever do.  I’m such a pretty girl and I really do mean that in the literal sense.  I’ve always been told how cute I am and unfortunately our society and culture has caused people (me) to believe that hair makes you beautiful.  Honestly, I have at times began to think if I would somehow be less cute or less attractive because of the idea of being natural.  This may sound like ISSUES, but I speak the truth.  MY thoughts are my true feelings and in many ways things that others would think, but dare not say. 

I’ve toiled with the idea of, ‘What the Heck am I going to look like with no hair?  What does my natural hair even look like?  Is it kinky, does it have a twist or a curl, God forbid it’s a nappy black girl mess. LOL! I mean this in all seriousness.  These are all the questions that flood my mind as it relates to ME going natural.  But then I re member, there is no greater beauty than the real you.  The you that God created you to be.  Remember, God looks at your heart.  I desire to honor God whole heartedly therefore if being natural is something I want “to try” then just do it Tracy. 

But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." 1 Samuel 16:7

Ok so moving forward, I made a decision.  It wasn’t a firm decision because I didn’t think that I was ready to make the commitment, but I was going to see if I could actually do this.  The past year I had contemplated the idea of going through this process, but with many reservations and reluctance.  I wondered at the time why was I afraid to make this commitment to this journey of natural hair?? What was/is the big deal?  I told my mom and my sisters.  They just assumed this was just another day of Tracy saying she was going natural again for like the millionth time.  Mind you, I had told them repeatedly, time and time again about how I was going to be natural now.  It usually occurred when I had just gotten a perm. “Ok this is the last perm, I’m going natural” and needless to say eight weeks later when my “new growth” was beginning to take shape there I was again getting a perm and telling my mom and sisters  “Ok I promise, this is the last one”.  I cried wolf.  Over and over again.   Then finally I made a true commitment.  Maybe I should say promise to myself.  It still was: kinda sorta, we’ll see how it goes, taking it one day at a time BUT I took out the maybe and thinking about it.  I promised that I was going to attempt and make an effort to go back to my natural hair. 

When I made this new commitment I told a few people, but knowing me they didn’t think that I could do it.  Now if you challenge me I WILL do it.  So it’s been six months now of this process.  And it’s a day-to-day fight with my hair.  My hair doesn’t cooperate at all.  But it is interesting to see my hair make small transformations.  I’m liking it!  It still scares me and I still can’t believe that I’m embarking on this journey to natural hair. 

In addition to fighting with my hair, I’ve found people to feel quite negatively about black women choosing to go natural.  What the heck??  Don’t we have enough obstacles as black women!  Already, I’ve been confronted with “Why?” or “What you doing that for?”  or “You’re too cute to be natural” or “I wouldn’t do that if I were you?”  I pray that women learn to accept themselves for who they are because we sadly live in a world that is full of prejudices and narrow-mindedness.  They say being natural is liberating.  Well I guess time will tell.  In the end, going natural is a process.  The transition involves a lot of time, patience, and effort on your part. 

Last thing, I think I’m going to do the Big Chop soon.  Pray for me.  It freaks me out, but its time (maybe).  I mean, IT’S JUST HAIR!! 

♥ Tracy

Be Blessed!

My sister, Kelly who’s been natural before recently cut her hair off AGAIN. She looks so cute J!

Luke 10:27

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind and love your neighbor as yourself" --Luke 10:27

No doubt it sounds strange, but in order to love God with all your strength, you have to admit you are weak. "I am weak Lord."  By doing this, you acknowledge God is the true source of your strength, and that in your weakness, he is strong. You become strong as you become totally dependent upon him, allowing his strength to work through you.

As you allow God to be your strength – to show his strength through you – you’ll find yourself doing things you never thought possible. God promises you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you. (Philippians 4:13)

God is strong, and he wants you strong. He will change you in places where you cannot change yourself, and he will transform the broken places of your life in order to use them for his glory.

God doesn’t ask you to take steps of faith alone; God is with you in every step, filling you with a grace-charged strength. 

Simply put, this is what life is all about: knowing God and living for His glory. As Rick Warren said, “You were made by God and for God and until you understand that, life will never make sense.”

-Tracy :)

What are you THANKFUL for?

Although I know just how important it is to be thankful, I learned some years ago the true significance of it. I was presented with a challenge of writing out 100 things that I’m thankful for.  Initially I didn’t want to do it.  I mean, “I’m Thankful for EVERYHTING” that’s all there was to it right?!?!…or so I thought until I began to list item by item, piece by piece, thing by thing of everything that I’m thankful for. 

SO here’s my list (in no specific order)

1. Jesus Christ, My Lord & Savior: THANK YOU JESUS!!! I simply can’t say it enough.  Where would I be with your unwavering love for me. 
2. My Mom
3. My Dad
4. My Sisters: Wouldn’t trade these two for the world.  I love them!
5. My Friends: I know if I named them all individually from amazing acquaintances to true friends, I would be done with my list.  I  don't have a large number of really close friends, but I do know there are a lot of people, who I can count on, who care about me, and who want only the best for me.  I value them all and appreciate their presence in my life. 
6. Good Health: At the age of 31, I’m happy to say that I’ve never had any major health issues and above all that’s an incredible blessing. 
7. God’s Holy Word: The Bible
8. Being an American:  I think too often we take for granted the many luxuries we have as American citizens.  I love this country!  It may not be perfect, but what place is?  When you think and learn about other countries and cultures you realize just what how many freedoms we have every day.  
9. The Struggles: Oh MY! I’m thankful for all the things I’ve gone through.  Through all the tears all the things I thought I would never get out of, BUT God saw fit to bring me out and teach me some everlasting lessons.    
10. Gift of Sight: What an amazing gift. 
11. Hearing: The thousands of fibers that are found in our ears that allow us to have the sense of sound. 
12. The ability to Speak: What a tremendous blessing to be able to verbally communicate
13. Strangers: Maybe it’s just me, but I often times meet strangers that out of the blue offer a word of encouragement, unexpected help, or a smile.  I’m grateful for the kindness of strangers. 
14. People that just Listen: People that take the time to just listen.  They sit still and listen to me with all their heart as I pour out things that are heavy on my heart. Thank you!
15. Church Families:  I have been known to bounce around the last few years, but I’m thankful to God for the people that I have met that have inspired me and blessed me greatly. 
16. My Students (past, present, & future): It’s what I do and what I love.  Even in the midst of all the craziness (teachers understand), I love them to death. 
17. Laughter: In a nutshell, I love laughter.  Love to laugh. 
18. Home: Thanks for keeping a roof over my head daily.  I’ve never had to wonder where I would sleep.  What a wonderful blessing!
19. Water
20. Books:  For all the books from where I’ve gained knowledge and wisdom.  From textbooks, to fiction, to nonfiction, to magazines, to journals, ect…
21. Being able to Pray & Worship: Many other countries don’t have the same privileges as we do.  Thank God!
22. Technology:  Technology has helped us connect and have made our lives easier and convenient.
23. The Seasons: Summer, Fall, Winter, & Spring.  Something special about each of them.
24. Air in the summer
25. Heat in the winter
26. My Dog: China He’s getting so old and I love that little dog. 
27. God sending His Son, Jesus Christ to die on the cross for my sins
28. The fact that we can conduct bible studies in our homes and in public places without being arrested or oppressed
29. Forgiveness: THANK YOU JESUS
30. God’s Grace
31. The Holy Spirit
32. My Nieces: Amaya, Amber, & Hannah.  Love those three to pieces!
33. My Job: A blessing to bless others every day.
34. Support
35. Accomplishing Goals:  I’m such a goal setter.  I’m thankful for God for putting direction in my life and allowing me to achieve many of the things I desire most. 
36. Holidays: Especially Christmas, Thanksgiving, & Easter
37. Blogs: Being able to connect with like minded people. 
38. Internet: Valuable resource
39. Oxygen: Every breath that I take
40. My Immune System: fights infection and sickness from my body keeping me strong & healthy
41. Generosity of people I’m blessed with
42. The sound of Rain:  I love the sound of rain!  It’s so relaxing and calming.  Perfect for sleeping.  Have you ever just walked in the rain?  You should try it J
43. Hot Showers: Who wants a cold shower??...not me J
44. The Ocean: I love the smell of it. 
45. Gospel Music:  And some gospel rap
46. Facebook: Who would have thought that this would have made my list?!?! LOL!
47. Moments of Silence:  Those quiet moments when its just you and God. 
48. Fresh Snow: I don’t like the cold weather, but I can appreciate it.  With that said, as ironic as it may sound I LOVE fresh snow.  Clean, white, & fresh.  Looks good, feels good and is actually quite beautiful. 
49. Helping Others
50. Being a nice person: I’m not perfect, but I’ve got a good heart.  Thanks to God.  I genuinely care and recognize the value in others.
51. Sushi: Okay so I threw this one in, but I do Love it!  So I’m thankful for it too!
52. Sunshine:
53. Rivers and Lakes
54. Teachers:  Some of the great people that have taught me things over the years.
55. Cameras: What a way to capture all those special moments.
56. The men and women who serve our country every day!
57. The ability to laugh at myself: it makes "awkward" moments so much more enjoyable
58. Reliable Car: Some would say it’s more than reliable, but it get me where I need to go all the time
59. A relatively orderly government: By no means is it perfect, but I think in comparison we have nothing to complain about.
60. Spring Break: WHOOO HOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
61. The power of prayer
62. Alone time with God
63. Sunrise & Sunset:  Beautiful to see.
64. Memories:  So many...good and bad
65. Girl’s Nights
66. Twitter
67. Club Fitness: The opportunity to be healthy and fit
68. A College Education
69. This Blog: A place where I can share my thoughts...
70. Moments when I just Cry:  I’m emotional at times... ok a lot of times.  LOL.
71. R&B Music
72. Premier Designs Jewelry:  My part time business.
73. Doctors, Hospitals, & Medicines.  Need I say more.
74. Health Care: Sometimes I wish I lived in Canada where all citizens have access to healthcare, because so many people need it and don’t have it. 
75. Clothes/Shoes:  My indulgence, my splurges...
76. Food:  Need I say more.
77. Cell phone: 
78. Cheering and Uplifting Others
79. Rainbows
80. Today
81. The fact that thinking of 100 things for isn’t hard: Blessing.
82. Systems of the Body:  Digestive, reproductive, nervous...can’t think of any other ones but they are all in working order...THANKS!
83. Private time with God
84. Peace
85. Close, personal relationship with Jesus
86. Daily Strength
87. Freedom
88. Friends I’ve yet to meet
89. Songs that I hear at the exact moment when I needed them
90. Old Friends: Wishing some of them I can reconnect with (miss them so...)
91. Bad Habits that I’ve overcome: Thankful that I can put some things behind me...I’m a work in progress. 
92. Financially ok during these tough economic times:
93. Homework time with my Niece:  Nothing like spending quality time with my niece Amaya helping with her homework.  We have a good time. 
94. Patience:  Word of my life J
95. Fasting Times
96. My Grandma:  She does so much and I appreciate it so much
97. Obedience
98. Setting Goals and reaching them
99. Being Me
100. I am just plain old Thankful for EVERYTHING!!!!!

I realized when I reached 100 that I could keep going easily.  I learned that making this list really put some things in my life into perspective. SO…I challenge you to start writing out 100 things you are thankful for and look at them every day for a while.  It will change your life.  Thanks for reading.  Be blessed!