Out of The Blue

Today's piece is a lovely tribute shared on behalf of Uloma, a dear friend to 

Esse and Solomon 

on the celebration of their Wedding. 

Their story is one that speaks of the faithfulness of God. 

They are living proof that if you seek first the Kingdom of GOD, 

all other things will be added unto you!

Always Give 100%

Image from ImgAce.com

You've all heard the saying "It will turn around and bite you in the butt".

Well I've got bites all over!

In fact, I have come to realize that there are certain empirical truths that are in the Word of God that just cannot be disputed. The #1 WORD I have found to be true?:

You will reap what you sow (Galatians 6:7)

You know that shotty work you did for your boss last week? And do you remember that day you got to work an hour late and did not account for it? Or what about the time you left work early to address some personal matter?

How about the time you returned that dress that you had already worn 3 times or returned an item that you had bought on sale without the receipt so that you would have a credit for a higher amount?

The list is endless and I know several quite well.

I am realizing that at the end of the day, it will matter. Down the line, somehow it will catch up with you. And even if you don't get caught, or have a fine or get found out, most of the time it is your character that ends up being tainted.

These things do come back and bite you in the butt and sometimes you just end up feeling a lot of regret for some choice you've made.

I've got some of those regrets too.

I wish I had always been an excellent employee in the past, surpassing expectations, showing passion in my work and being someone who is always highly recommended.

I wish I had always served in the church willingly, with the utmost humility and servant's-heart.

I wish I had always shown my family and friends how much I loved them by being open-handed with gifts and genuine tokens of appreciation.

I wish a lot of things that impact character where different in my life. But thank God for now! Thank God for the opportunity to switch gears and be who "I wished" I was!

So lets put some antiseptics on those bites and allow them to heal while we make better choices that will make an excellent impact on others. Down the line you'll find that more people revere and respect you; you will be the type of person whose reputation has already paved the way for you, like Ruth. So is my prayer for you and I!

Wishing you the best!
-tia

Ruth 2:10-12 NLT

Ruth fell at his feet and thanked him warmly. "What have I done to deserve such kindness?" she asked. "I am only a foreigner." "Yes, I know," Boaz replied. "But I also know about everything you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband. I have heard how you left your father and mother and your own land to live here among complete strangers. May the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge, reward you fully for what you have done."

INSPIRATIONS!: Divinely Unwind with BONA

Image by Warren Timothy Photography

(Inspired to bow)

Friday night pretty much means the same thing in many circles.

Happy Hour.           The Club.               Drinks at the Bar. 

Everybody is trying to take the edge off of the prior week. 

Well, this past Friday night, some friends and I decided that we would Divinely Unwinded with BONA and her Acoustic Guitar at her Blood and Grace Album Release, Ebeneezer Coffee House.

You see, BONA has been gradually and steadily developing her music and style, and I for one can tell you that she is ultimately about worship. The first time I heard her live was at DARA’s album release. Her opening piece was her simple rendition of Keith Green’s Oh Lord You’re Beautiful (currently playing as I write). As the lyrics rang clearly through the sanctuary, they traveled directly into my spirit, moving me immediately to tears. I had been struggling with some things and at that very moment, I was reminded of the preeminence of God and what my focus should be. An instant groupie with my first taste, it was insane how much I anticipated this event! And I was not disappointed.

So as I sat on yesterday and the program began to start, all I could see were Song Writers with Instruments! As a lyricist I was in awe of the high level of spiritual insight and sensitivity to the Living Word of God! BONA’s opening act, Trenton Cokley, was fantastic; his single Someone Else is available on iTunes.

There I was, placed squarely before my God and Maker in the midst of friends. I was where I wanted to be. Another highly anticipated project, Blood and Grace is beautiful and hearing the title track LIVE was serious, ya’ll! The concert rolled on like a love affair...yeah, like the progression of an eternal romance. Each song soulful; each song sweet—oh , my goodness; it felt like college again!...Back when my musically-inclined friends would chill and relax by creating worship together and enjoying the Presence of God. When them fine Christian men would stop and stare at the ceiling in the cafeteria for several moments to advert their attention from the scantily-clad girl walking by! Yes, those were the days of I Kissed Dating Goodbye; learning from seasoned female student leadership at Women's Cell Group; and midnight/early risers' prayer as young people cried out to God for over an hour at a time! When it was just me and HIM and that was enough...I had forgotten what it used to be like until then as I was surrounded by so many young people passionately in love with Christ. Completely taken, I was moved to tears once again, reminiscing on those times when I once laid in HIS bosom fervently. It was truly a time and place for me to heal, to unwind, to breath, and fall in love with Jesus all over again.

The lyrics of each song described an experience I could identify with, leaving me to wonder how such feelings could be put to words. I was inspired to seek God so that I too can write and speak my soul; to somehow translate my struggles into expressions of worship. I was inspired to fall on my knees, for I who desires to ‘unlock the hidden treasures of the heart’ must first know the only ONE who knows the heart and has that key. I was challenged to return to my First Love. Inspired to come to Christ again, I was made to wonder where I went and where I have been all this while...

Wish you were there? Well, guess what! You can obtain a free download!!!

And, above that, there is an ENCORE Event THIS Friday, July 19th!!!!!

BONA, congratulations on a successful event and thank you for the opportunity to be a part. Continue to share the Power of God through High Worship! Lyrics by tia will definitely continue following!

Lyrics by tia
071313

First Kiss

I dedicate this to all the lovers out there, especially those out there who are waiting.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
FIRST KISS

When will you be mine?
Feel your tender lips against mine?
Smile so much to a blush that my skin hides
Feel your throbbing heart close to mine
So divine.
God’s Spirit moves me
And I can almost weep
The feelings I have for you are so deep
And they’re reciprocated!!! Oh what a relief!
Drink from the river of love flowing from God above
Waiting for His sanction for us to proceed

I’ve waited for years to experience our first kiss
Mesmerized in the thick mist of love floating about me
We stand face to face, hand in hand even
Studying one another
Our glances keep-our eyes lock
You draw me closer
And closer to you I come my eyes still on yours
You embrace me at the waist
I don’t know what to do with my hands
I’m excited and afraid at once
You seem assured and calm
You bring your face close to mine
I watch your every move
Taking in every moment of this sweet time
As our lips meet my eyes close
Relishing the intense bliss that I’ve always hoped for
Your lips move gently across mine
I’ve had no practice, yet I move mine
Your hands touch my cheek and neck gently caressing them
I place my hands on your chest, firm and relaxed
I’m thrilled to feel your throbbing heart
I return your kiss the best I can
You lift your gaze
And we burst into laughter to the gleeful applause
Our kiss went uninterrupted to the flashing lights
With the crowd’s gesture my thoughts pause
So this is what the minister meant by “You may now kiss your bride”
You say “Girl, I know you and I will live happily ever after”
And maybe you’ll say something to the effect
That you knew I was the one since the time we first met
You lift me up and twirl me around
Twisting your legs in my long white gown
Finally together as we desire to be
We waited and preserved it all for Holy Matrimony

-tia July 7, 2004

Securing a man: Two Perspectives

(The World Speaking)

Step 1
Look real cute girl.
Grab ‘em with your style.
In a while
He’ll bow, and try with all his power
To at least find out your name.

Step2
Lure him with your charm.
An alarm loud enough to get his attention.
Don’t mention the interest you’ll get back
When he looks at that fat back.

Step 3
Tell him all your fears.
Be aware that he looks at all your tears
And there—he can’t get you off his mind
Cause in time you’ll attach to him like glue
As if you knew that a spiritual tie was formed and adorned
With mixed thoughts and confusion.
No illusion.
You’ve got him spirit, soul, and…

Step 4
Body.
Rock that body.
As if no one were watching.
Twist that waist
Contort your face.
Give a little kiss.
Act as if this weren’t real.
This is what you wanted right?
His advances and pseudo-romances
You thought you had the real thing.
But DING!
You woke up and you were there…
Against all you’ve ever valued…
Against all you’ve ever known…
Against every way that you have been constantly forewarned.

April 2, 2003 5:00-5:37pm
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

(God speaking)

Step 1
Live in My face.
Embrace the grace that’s poured out at My place.
Release.
Tell Me all your dreams.
Redeem, all the time not spent with Me.
Come get your healing.
Be real with Me.
I can supply all your needs
If you’d just look to me.

Step 2
Be content with where you are.
Don’t look too far.
Know now that singleness is a gift.
Use it wisely, not miserly.
Be blessed by it;
Live in My Spirit.
Find joy while it’s here—for beware
What you want may not be what you think it is…

Step 3
Wait on Me.
I guarantee a lifetime filled with glee
If you trust in Me.
I’ll give you a hunk, not a punk.
The man I’ll give you will be my heart,
Not far apart from what I’ve taught you.
He’ll be bone of your bone, flesh of your flesh.
The two of your hearts will mesh and get all entwined in love sincere—
More than you’ve ever known.
What you’ll have would be far better than you’ve ever thought,
But it all comes in time

Step 4
Read My Word.
It has all the advice you’ve ever heard.
‘A woman of virtue= a woman of praise
Who brings honor to her husband all his days.’
A woman in modesty and beauty of truth.
The diamond and pearl---the dove in the cleft of the rock.
More precious than rubies or emeralds divine.

Epilogue
That’s you, My dear, if you stay in Me.
Of truth I am actually all that you need
To secure a man and all your dreams.
Listen, My child, and abide in Me.

April 2, 2003 6-6:17pm

From the Other Ear

I am so certain that this had a part one. I'll have to looking through my journals to find it. But you know, you can imagine how the world and the media has all of your attention telling you how you should go about getting a man. Those influences are loud and clamorous and it takes all of your attention. But then...

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ *~*~*~*~*~*~*~
In the between, from the other ear
The Spirit of the Living God was there
“You can look nice but not to your glory
Don’t give the man a chance to tell a tall story
Let go of pride—live your life right
At the end you’ll get a man for just the right price
He has to come to honor you and respect your very name
In a good while you’ll learn to do the same
He has to grow to love you and long to be with you
Don’t bear your soul to him until he wants you to
He has to be prepared to receive you as his girl
So just wait on God before you enter his world
Man of God for a woman of virtue
For you to be together is what I want for you”
--April 2, 2003 ~5pm