Wait on HIM..

“No one hasn’t snagged you yet? Why are you still single?!? If I had the answer I would tell you but unfortunately I don’t.  I literally sat on this for months not wanting to post this.  Believe me when I say I prayed and begged God. “Please don’t make me write this.” Like I really thought I was going to win the battle.

Being a private person especially dealing with relationships, it is the last thing you will hear me talk about. I can count on one hand how many people know my relationship status (And I still have some fingers left).

Let’s see I am 36 years old, Divorced, No kids, Educated, and in love with God! Sounds pretty good to me, so what is the hold-up? Not sure, I have asked God this a million times?    

Do I get irritated, over- course? Does it work on my nerve? YES But I trust God more than I can see. Has there been “Almost” candidates’ um YES. Thank God for recalibrating those situations. Words on repeat: “REALLY Lord whoever or wherever this Man of God is appears to be is confused. Whatever map you gave him he obviously can’t read it or his sense of direction is off.”

Two of the biggest lessons I’ve learned, never settle or give in to extreme waiting, to the point where your life is compromised and there is absolutely no sign of hope. The “wait” I am referring to is borderline foolishness. Often individuals feel he/she are the last ones on earth and of course that is lie from the pit.

On the contrary, when a woman feels good about herself and gets the Rhema of how valuable she is, it’s impossible to do any of the two. I think it’s just down right selfish to expect a person to wait until they get good and ready to commit. What kind of mess is that? Taking for granted that they will ALWAYS be there. Um Sir, that is not going to happen. Smells like narcissism to me.  If that is the case then brother man or sistah girl need to stay single. BYE- BYE, and let them GO!!!

My dad gave me this wisdom... “It doesn’t take a REAL MAN of God years to recognize who you are to him. That man will know you by name. See when I met your mother I immediately knew she was the one and she did too. That is how God wanted it. We both accepted and trusted what God, said end of story. His timing not ours.”  

The reality is a woman will spend her entire life waiting, hoping, praying, and wishing, exasperating her young years on a fantasy. My friends that is no way to live.

When it comes to God, the bible states: “Wait on the Lord, and be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart, Wait, I say, on the LORD!”- Psalms 21:14 I trust God during my waiting process. The man that God has prepared for me will know me by my name.  While I wait (on God), I am diligently working on “Trica”.

My mimi told me: “baby girl wear your heels, beat your face and slay in God”!  I just love her!

Ladies, “Continue to trust Gods plan for your life. No matter what. “For I know the plans  I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future- Jeremiah 29:11

Look inside and see the beauty that God has created. And if you look don’t like what you see…ask God to help you change it and he will! This is not what I know but how I live. Yes you are beautiful, and yes there is someone made just for you! “You will belong to him and he will belong to you”-TricaB™. The lord will never leave you or forsake you all you have to do is trust him! 

Wait on God, but don’t wait on him- Min. Andrea Barnes™ (mimi)

Love What I See!!

I really don’t know how to sum up these last several months. Just when I thought have seen enough of everything here comes something else. Constant movement, life changing events and having the ability to adjust to them steadily has not been easy for me. However, it has taught me a lot about myself. The biggest thing that I have learned is CONFIDENCE in thy self. I have never in all my days seen a society that is so insecure and unsure of their ability to succeed. The only way they can be validated is through the public, social media, significant other or whomever. It seems as though the world has turned into ONE big competition. And for WHAT?!?! What do you have to prove and why are you doing it is the question?!?

Social media and TV is slowly contaminating an entire generation of strong and well able young people. I think my frustration stems from the lack of purpose for life. If you have been following me you already know that I am a “God Chaser”. I love God with every fiber of my being and that will NEVER change. Yes I was born and raised in the Great oh’ Church Of God In Christ. However, that is not my purpose for life or why I love God!

My relationship with God is the greatest and most valuable thing that I can offer to the world. Meaning, how I live and conduct myself outside of church is what attracts people. That is the reason for my existence. I was created to worship God, not to be competitive and allow pointless things to define me. It has nothing to do with carrying a bible, shouting/dancing the best or wearing the biggest Jesus pin you find. I am so not impressed with any of that! No disrespect but I have found out that none of this stuff matters. When trouble came knocking at my door carrying the bible wasn’t going to get it. Once I opened the bible and began to get God for myself my life changed.

God had to build my confidence. And over the years I have found out, don’t expect others to build you up all the time because the day you need it most you will not get it! That is why I said you must have confidence in yourself through the word of God! Yes you are enough! Yes you can make it! Yes you are strong! Yes you are beautiful! Yes you can succeed. Believe me there are many days I struggle with this. I don’t always feel like I can do it! For me quoting the word of God is the quickest depression killer... “I can do all things through Christ that strengthen me”- Philp 4:19.

Immediately, I start to replay some of the traumatic experiences that God has brought me through and how I have been given a second chance at Life, Love and Everlasting happiness. Now, I can firmly say that all of those experiences was for the making of me. Say whatever you want about me but “I love what I see when I look at me”. God is responsible for putting confidence and self - love inside of me. It was NOT my bae, boo, significant other or whatever you want to call it. It was Jesus! Once God puts that confidence inside of you no HUMAN can remove it! Humans can be very temperamental, but Gods love is eternal. And with that love you will not feel the need to be competitive. Competition becomes null and void. The only competition is yourself which is to become stronger, and more self-assured.

Everything that you need God has already put it inside of you to win. The goal is for you to tap into it and RUN toward your destiny. Life distractions can cause you to lose focus and not be able to zone into those abilities but I assure you that ANY and ALL things can be done through Christ that strengthens you. The last time I check Gods word does not lie!

The confidence that I have, I have worked hard to get and it only gets better with time and the wisdom of God! Stop allowing others, the world, social media, etc. to give you what you need to feel important. To be completely transparent all of that stuff doesn’t matter when you are hurting. Not saying that social media is a negative vice all the time but, it serves a purpose for certain things. There are a lot of good things about social media just use it wisely.

Lastly, If you are fortunate to have a great support system around you. Such as family friends, co-workers, pastor etc. that have been consistent in your life, hold on to them because good friends are VERY hard to find! (That is a WHOLE different subject I could really preach about it if I wanted too but I am not!!) Some individuals have NO concept of what a good friend is even after you have shown them. Looorrrttttt!!!  Any whooo!!…I am going to leave that alone for now. 

“I love what I see when I look at me”-TricaB

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You Don’t Run Nothing….

“You can’t control your bodily functions and they even tell you what to do so how are you going to control another human being”-mimi.

We are ALL guilty of wanting control. Of course it is natural for us to “want” our way. The problem that disturbs me is the scheming of another human life. We want to control our career, mates, relationships’, family, and others. And we can’t even control our biological functions. The reality is we have no control over what family we’re born into, privilege, and poverty or physicality. And you’re trying to control me for what reason…..

I actually had someone tell me “I know I am controlling and I like to have my way. And by the way I don’t intend on changing, so the world must deal with it”. So, I replied “Seriously, so how is that working out for you?” I thought to myself #1 this is a nut and #2 I feel sorry for whomever they live with. This really concerned me, because I began to wonder why and for what. Why do we feel the need to control? And what purpose does it serve? At the end of the day do you really win?

For some reason we as humans think we have a “say so” into how our world is formed. On some levels we do and others not so much. For the individuals that have money this equals power which means “control”. And this is how they “create” their world. In some cases money takes the place of God. The money and power is then used to get folks to “like” them or to do certain things for them. Creating an illusion that they are “upright” but fact is they are demons in disguise. Don’t mean to be so blunt but this is pure witch craft! But eventually it will run out and will be exposed!

There are many ways to look at control. There is the natural side and the spiritual side. Now on a spiritual side, God does not control us he gives us a choice.

"Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live! – Deuteronomy 30:19

God does not shove his love on you. However his love is always there and always will be so who are we to feel the need to “Run” someone else’s life. Don’t claim to know everything but I do know this. I have found out that control is a sign of insecurity and weakness. And most of this I have learned from dealing with people in religious organization. It’s sad but the truth. They use God to manipulate people into doing what they want. And if those same people would get into the bible they will then discover that God does not require any of that. When I do come across people like that “I pray and I stay away”!

I am guilty of wanting control and the control I am referring to is “my life”. Several things have taken place in the last few months: Changed careers, business opportunities, ministry, and family and the list goes on. Often I would feel that God was taking too long and I could get it done quicker, so I thought. However, life has proven me wrong and I had to get the wind knocked out of me (several times). There is these traits called “stubbornness, strong willed, & hard headedness” that show up sometimes. Every so often these traits have worked for me and have given good success. For example: weight loss, education, & loving myself completely. But when it comes to the “will” of God not so much! I’ve had to master when to use them and when not too.

My recollection had to prompt me of the prayer I prayed several years ago: “Lord Keep me in the center of your perfect will not my will but thine will be done. I might not understand or even like it but help me to adjust to it and stay strong because your will is designed just for me” – TricaB

Not only was this a prayer but it was a commitment that I made to God to always “Stay” in the center of his perfect will. Which means I had relinquished all of my control to God in order for him to do what he wants. I had enough sense to humble myself and realize that God is in control of “my life”.  This hasn’t nothing to with me. It’s not because of my appearances or how good I can sing or whatever. Because as long as I am living there will always be someone more talented than me. That is a Fact! God thought well enough of me to use me for his “Glory” and to be completely transparent I really don’t care who likes it or not! 

“For your glory I would do anything, just to see you and to behold you as my king. Just want to be where you are”- Tasha Cobbs

Yes! I have dreams and Goals but those dreams mean nothing if they are not centered in his “will”. And yes this was my choice no one forced me do this. I made a concrete decision to allow God to write the lesson plan for "my life". God always reminds me “Trica, You don’t Run nothing”…   

Peace and Blessings!  

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Spring Clean...

            "TricaB" Closet Sale  

    *Tops, Blazers, Sweaters 2 for $10*

*Skirts and Pants 2 for $10*

       
  

  

For all inquiries to any of these items: atmob79@gmail.com

I can email sizes, brand and prices. 

Each week I will be adding more items..

Thoughtless

“There are two types of people in the world: Giver’s or Takers, which one are you?” This question was always on repeat in my house. More like drilled into my head and even now my nature. Of course being a child I didn’t understand why mimi was so compulsive about it but lately I truly get it…I also thought my mother was being mean but now I know she wasn’t. There is nothing worse than giving to people and never do they consider returning.  Daily, I ask myself am I thoughtful(less) of the loyal ones that have sowed into my life?

Self assessment is always taking place for me. The real test is do I like the answers that are revealed most of the time “NO”. Life lessons are there if we choice to listen and learn.  Let’s face it we all are guilty of being thoughtless.  But the key is not allowing it to control your life... He will lead and guide you to all truth- John 16:13.

The older I get the more I am noticing the seriousness of this issue. And for the last several months it has been bothering me. The main reason is this: Most of the thoughtlessness that I have seen has been within Christian organizations. We preach, we pray, we smile but yet we have NO concept of what being thoughtful really is. Why is it always about us and “MY” ministry? Excuse me sir/madam but did you stop to think that the creator is responsible for the gifts that are within you?  In church we portray to be so kind and concerned but Monday through Saturday you don’t even know me? Let me be the first to admit that I have been guilty of this often.

The point I am trying to make is this, having recently dealing with the death of my grandfather it really brought a lot of things to surface. When a life changing experience slaps you in the face it really shows the reflections of people. The people you thought were behind you and supported, they suddenly disappear.  And YES it hurts! But what I have learned from all of this. Just because I try to be thoughtful does not mean that they are going to return thoughtfulness to me. Some people are not built that way. And I understand that life happens. But when you have known people for many years and know their character but yet and still show no concern. Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you – 1 Thessalonians 5:12.

Its true people respond differently to different situations. So why should I exchange my thoughtfulness for their thoughtlessness. I don’t think so!!

Someone wise told me, “Keep being thoughtful honey because one day that same person will turn around and bless you beyond what you could have imagined because of your thoughtfulness, don’t change!”  The reason I can continue to love is because I try to look at them like God looks at us. “What if God treated us the same way we treat him”- mimi. Thank you God for Grace and Mercy because we would be in serious trouble.

I chose to remain thoughtful because at the end of the day there is enough thoughtlessness walking around why be a part of the confusion. My walk with God is the only way that I can remain thoughtful!  Don’t get upset or disappointed when people don’t receive your positive energy. Being thoughtful is ALWAYS good energy and being thoughtless is ALWAYS negative energy.

"Never expect to receive the same amount of love from the same people you pour into because you will always be disappointed".... Lord help me not to be thoughtless and self-centered when people are hurting especially when I am aware of their hurt. - TricaB

Peace and Blessings!!

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No Words!

Have you ever had an experience that was so breathe- taking that it left you with NO WORDS? Well, this past weekend was one of those experiences. My grandfather Dr. Milton Oliver is the International Vice President of the Evangelism Department for the Church of God in Christ and this past weekend a Regional Summit took place at Refuge Temple Church of God In Christ in Marion, IL. Let me just say those folks down there know how to get it in!!! "Straight Churchin..." My family and I had the opportunity to minister with my grandfather this weekend and we enjoyed every bit of it. That scripture is so true; “A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.” – Proverbs 18:16

The many gifts that God has blessed me to carry I dare not I think I own any of them. The key word is gift. These gifts do not belong to me. God has allowed me to travel, to be a blessing to others and those same individuals have been a blessing to me. There is a huge sense of humility that comes over me every time I think about it. Out of all the awesome and talented people in the world God still wants to use me and for that I am “Grateful”…

When I think about all the drama and travesty I have had to endure throughout the course of my life, there is no room for ego/arrogance. . The only confidence I should have is in God. He is my source of everything I contain. I had to learn this because when it’s all said and done it is not about me it’s all about God. “To God Be The Glory”…

The experience this past weekend has brought me a little closer to the heart of God and yielding myself to him. I am appreciative for the family I was born into and how he has brought us closer together in ministry.

To my new family, Refuge Temple Church of God in Christ I love you all SOOO much and I can’t even find the words to express. From the warm smiles, hugs and kind words it will not be forgotten. There are “NO WORDS”.

This would not be complete without saying “Thank You” to one the baddest musicians that accompanied me this weekend Mr. Larry Lee II. Again I have “NO WORDS”… If there was a such thing as making me sing my face off…Welp that would be the best way to describe it. This young man is dope and I would definitely recommend checking him out. Thank you Again Larry to you and your family!

And a very special “Thank You” to Pastor Larry Lee and First Lady Tryphosia Lee, you have no idea how much you have impacted my life. We have had a lot of awesome trips but this one right here...WHEW just completely blew my mind.  The experience will definitely go down as one of the “greatest” trips that I have ever had. The love was just truly genuine and divine from God. This is just the beginning of awesome relationship.

This would probably be the first for me but I didn’t take any pictures. We were so busy marinating in the presence of God. And to be completely transparent I didn’t feel like being bothered. LOL!!! I know just keep me lifted in prayer…hehe..

Mustard Seed

Sometimes I look at life... “There is no way in the world this will ever work out”. But the question is “will I accept that or not”. Needless to say I have always been a woman that thinks WAAAYY out of the box. As a matter of fact I got rid of the box many years ago. If you really think about it a box has only 4 sides and most of the time there is only one way to put things in and out of it (depending on the box).

The point I am trying to make is this. Why limit your faith, why limit your ability, why limit what God can do. Some folks believe in God but they don’t believe in his power! Why believe in God and don’t believe in his power? Pretty much you are wasting your time… Just saying! For me, I want all of God not the religion! Religion will never get you where Gods wants you to be…

Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you – Matthew 9:29

This was shared on Facebook a couple of weeks ago…

Going through my wallet and I discovered something more valuable than money. A mustard seed! Not knowing that I had been carrying this ‪#‎mustardseed in my wallet for the last five years! Well DUUUUUUUUUH... Well lo and behold this week was the week where it seemed like it just jumped out of my wallet...God had to remind me all you need is just a little faith.

"You don't have enough faith," Jesus told them. "I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it would move. Nothing would be impossible." Matthew 17:20

Needless to say it BLEW MY MIND! And YES there was a short ‪#‎praisefit that took place...

Be encouraged Everyone!!! All you need it just a little faith!!! #mustardseed ‪#‎faithisnow

The main reason I think why people don’t get their prayers answered is because they don’t believe. I made a choice January 16, 2015 to believe the power of God and because of my faith I received my car. All I needed was a mustard seed. A mustard seed is small so that is all that is required.  It had nothing to do with what I could do; it had everything to do with what God could do. On paper there was no WAY possible I could have drove off the lot with that car. Believe it or not I only had $5.38 in my checking account… (Go figure) but because I knew that Gods power was so much greater than mine and He honored that.

This is my story and I am telling you from experience. All things are possible if only you believe! Believe in the Power of God not Religion…

And Jesus looking upon them saith, with men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible. – Mark 10:27