
Visit http://www.iamtamikal.com for more information!
As a child my belief in God was shaped by fear. Not a fear of reverence as mentioned in the bible. It wasn’t until I broke free from that place that I begin to understand and experience God in a different light. But as you and I both know when we don’t confront issues head on, they never disappear. I remember the day I surrendered and gave my life to Christ. I remember the outfit, walking down the church aisle and whispering in the minister’s ear, that I was ready to give my life to God and partake in water baptism. The days after that were never as I imagined. I went through life years after that day never fully understanding what it meant to have a REAL relationship with Christ. I was taught that my relationship was dependent on my actions, my clothes, and my obedience to a pastor. I believed that every consequence would lead me closer to a place in hell. So my relationship with Christ was created through spiritual abuse and bondage.
I grew to realize that our life is a constant ebb and flow of one word-faith. And the day you give God your yes, there is a price to pay. The enemy puts a bounty on your head to kill, steal and destroy everything you’re connected to. The TURN UP is super real when you give your yes. I was in my 30s when I completely walked away from an organization that had me bound in my beliefs and when I connected with leaders who taught me the true, living Word of God. I learned the real essence of my God, His true character, and I begin to learn and understand what it meant to be a child of the Most High. The bible tells us that “God SO loved the world that He GAVE his only son and that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Reading that verse over and over one day had me in tears, realizing that God loved me so much to not allow me to perish. That one verse was so powerful as it begin to strip the bondage of guilt, shame, and pain off of me. Realize this-the areas of hurt, pain, disappointments, etc. lead us closer to Christ. Yes, the pain points are necessary to help us grow stronger in Him. Recently, I said yes and all hell broke loose in my world! I felt alone, disappointed, broken, used…I can go on and on about the emotions but I recently read a book that lifted me to another level of freedom. For in Christ there is freedom, there is liberty.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son…”
John 3:16 (KJV)
Have you ever looked at a quilt and how intricately each piece of string is woven? We often say that God makes no mistakes. I know I’ve said it but did not believe it. I would ask Him why. I would question how could this happen to me. I would turn away angry with no real understanding of circumstances and situations. Do you truly believe with your whole heart that God makes no mistakes? When it comes to our lives like that quilt is so intricately woven, stitch by stitch, with no hair out of place, God knitted our lives. Let that sink in. He tells us in Jeremiah 1:5, “Before I formed you in your mother’s body I chose you. Before you were born I set you apart to serve me.”(NIRV version, Bible App). Please read that again. I know, it’s mind blowing. God knew the hurt, pain, isolation, the courage, the strength, the relationships, the moving from one place to another. He knew all of that because He is God! The bible tells us that our steps are ordered by God. So remember, you’ll have to walk through the valley to get to the mountain but God is there. He said He’ll never leave us nor forsake us.
“Before I formed you in your mother’s body I chose you.”
Jeremiah 1:5 (NIRV)
In going through this recent trial time, God reminded me that the journey will free someone else. Y’all I’ve seen a lot. I’ve experienced a lot. I never thought I would be the person to go through some things but He knew. It’s all apart of the journey God knitted for us. I read this book called Knit byAntoinette Stewart and it reminded me that I’m fearfully and wonderfully made by God and He made no mistake in creating me. Everything I shared here was confirmed in this book. While reading it, I found another level of freedom and understanding and trusting that we were created by God’s design for His glory and purpose.
If there is a book that I would say read during this season of rest, it would be Knit. Not only will you walk away with a new perception of God, you’ll appreciate the journey. You’ll understand the pain, the purpose, and position of your life. You will walk away FREE-mentally and spiritually.
The link is below and I’m happy to share that Pastor Stewart is starting a class on May 1st. You don’t want to miss it. Join in to engage in book talks about how God knitted us, how He formed us, and how He shapes our destiny through His everlasting love! Order your copy today and get ready for the class in May!
Find out more information about this class and other projects from Antoinette Stewart at https://antoinettestewartministries.org/ .
I’m so in awe of God during this fourth quarter of the year. Over the past three months, I’ve been stretched beyond my limits. Some days were great and productive. Other days were foggy where absolutely nothing was completed. In September, I decided that I was tired of being robbed of my joy, my ideas, and my confidence. I took a GIGANTIC leap of faith. So here we are in October, hitting the RESET button, basking in God’s faithfulness and favor while I work on my goals to bring the vision to fruition.
The bible reminds me that God did not give me the spirit of fear but He gave me power! I decided that I’m BETTING on ME going forward and I’m sharing 100 (yes, 100) positive actions for the busy woman like you and me. From songs to self-care to scriptures, this list is filled with actions to keep your mind, body, and soul moving in a positive direction.
I’m betting on me going forward!
Dive in with me and be sure to work on the challenge at the end! Share with your friends on social media and use the hashtag #onefaithjourney. Be sure to tag me @iamTamikaL
When the days seem long or I find myself stuck, I find solace and victory in these tunes:
There is nothing like a good opportunity to recharge. Give one of these tips a try if you find your energy a little low:
It’s the last quarter and this is the perfect time to get rid of STUFF. Here are some places to get started:
When life throws you lemons they say make lemonade. Well for me, I run to the Word of God, of course after all the tears, pouts, and screaming moments. After all, that’s what Jesus would do. He reminded us that ‘man cannot live by bread alone’. So no lemonade for me; I find safety, comfort and peace in these Scriptures:
Here is your challenge: Create your own 10 List of Something Spectacular and share in the comments.
You made it through the list. I hope the busy woman in you is inspired to share your Top Ten List with Your Audience. Tag me on social media with your list @iamTamikaL. I’d love to try some thing new all because of you!
2020 is literally right around the corner. Whether you win the game or not is dependent on how well you score during this quarter. Last year, I was asked to write a 2020 letter to myself, detailing where I wanted to see myself in the year 2020. I just read the letter and let me tell, none of it happened. NOT. ONE. SINGLE. WORD. To be honest, at first I was disappointed. I wrote about blogging full-time and having brunches and starting a nonprofit called 100 Pearls for first generation college girls. Again. NONE. OF.IT. HAPPENED. What happened instead? Life. Sometimes we layout these great plans and life throws us a little curve ball. Unexpectedly, our plans are pushed to the side to focus on something else. OR unexpectedly, our plans are pushed to the side because we become distracted. In the moment of disappointment, I asked what have you done this year Tamika that was successful.
Allow me to reintroduce myself to you.
I am Tamika L. Shuler Washington, wife, mom, blogger, podcast host, educator and owner of Converspace. I am passionate about helping women and children love their purpose, live out their kingdom assignment and learn daily through personal and professional development. I have spent this last year defining my place in the market, learning about the business-side of life, and juggling work-life-balance (which you know that does not exist). Learning the business side of life definitely has brought me lots of joy, pain, and everything in between. I’ve learned that I can only depend on God. My faith was tested many times and each time it brought me back to a place of totally surrendering myself to Christ. Being in this place simply reminds of why I named my blog, One Faith Journey.
The business side of life has connected me with some awesome people, especially women who understand the struggles and triumphs of getting a business started. Aside from business, I had to find myself and redefine myself. Can I be honest? There were times I didn’t have the confidence in my own abilities to complete a task. That lack of confidence coupled with being new in the marketplace led me to a sunken place of feeling alone. Did I mention the balance tried to take me out. Listen, try going from being a wife, a new mom, new blogger, and starting a business while still working a full-time job. I don’t know what I was thinking but I knew it was right and I still believe it was the right move. But…business gets lonely y’all and while everyone is screaming about finding your tribe, it took me many, many months to get here. Its hard to decipher who is who and who is real. Social media makes everything look great but reality is, its not. I had to disconnect, reconnect, and connect many times before I found the right jam. Along the way, I lost sight of God. I did exactly what the bible tells us not to do-lean on our own understanding. Because of my ways, I lost time, money, peace and trust. I lost sight of my why. BUT GOD! He is so mindful of His children because He loves us. Have you ever been so deep into something that you don’t hear your mom calling you? After you hear that scream-call when they call out your entire name, you snap out of it.
Tamika. Tamika Shuler Washington. TAMIKA LAVETTE SHULER WASHINGTON! Yes, Lord. I’m sorry. I hear you. I surrender. That’s what the last 3 months of my journey has looked like. Yes, Lord. I hear you. I’ll follow your lead. I’ll trust you. Thank you Jesus.
If I had to rewrite the letter over for 2020, here is what I would say:
Dear 2020,
I am excited that you are a few months away. I’m expecting great things after all the warring I’ve been through. My vision for 2020 is wrapped around three words: pray, plan, and pursue. God showed me a vision of what life would be like when I accepted His call. After several years of running, a few months ago, I decided to stop and obey. Now that the book and planner are complete, I plan to PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING, PLAN ACCORDING TO GOD’S WORD, AND PURSUE MY GREATNESS WITH BOLDNESS! 2020, I’m ready to receive all that you have in store for me no matter how difficult the road was and may seem, in 2020 I’m expecting great things in my family’s life and my life. What does that look like: speaking, connecting, traveling, and writing. The August project launch date will be set in stone and Converspace will be sustaining itself as a venue. Congratulations, you’ve stepped into another lane with technology. Girl, you are helping people pursue their purpose, love their kingdom assignment, and learn daily personally and professionally.
As I rewrite this 2020 letter, I have to highlight my accomplishments. First, I opened up a venue, which started as a coworking space and now has quickly become the affordable, accessible space to host, gather and grow your business. or organization. Second, I’ve made a great name for myself in the business community as someone who is genuine and sincerely wants to see people become successful. Third, I’ve connected with some amazing womenpreneurs and they’ve supported many of my events, many initiatives like the Business Shower, and much more. Finally, I’ve reconnected with God like never before. Through this reconnection, I’ve become a better communicator at home. I’ve learned to have more patience with myself. I’ve learned to say no (again). I’ve learned to trust in God through all circumstances.
I want to challenge you to write yourself a 2020 letter. Start out by confessing some weak areas. Share your struggles. Share your accomplisments. Where do you see yourself? How will you incorporate prayer before you plan and pursue? Prayer is our weapon against the enemy and it keeps us connected with God. So my dear friends, if you have not already, write the 2020 vision letter and make it plain.
How can I pray with you this week? Feel free to email me or leave a comment.
Remember, no matter where you are in the hustle of life, you must have faith!
Tamika S. W.
Access this episode here—–>>>> Episode 8: Faith, Life & More
It’s the season finale!!! Who is excited? We are. What a great journey of podcasting this has been and we are pleased to end the season with a BANG! In episode 8, we chat with Kendra Garcia, Life & Business Strategist of Dream Life Coaching. She shares some strategies, faith moves, and much more in this episode to help us wind up the fourth quarter.
Follow Kendra Garcia on the following social media platforms:
Instagram: @lifestrategistkg
Facebook: @kendragarciadlc
Remember ladies, prioritize what you need to do, want to do, and can do. It’s a faith journey y’all!
You can find this podcast and other episodes of All about Faith on the following platforms:
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Twitter: @1faithjourney Instagram: @1faithjourney Facebook: @1faithjourney
UNCONVENTIONAL RANDOMS
by Briana
No matter where you are in the hustle of your journey, you must have faith!
No matter where you are in the hustle of your journey, you must have faith!
honest essays about growing up, faith + loving others well.
No matter where you are in the hustle of your journey, you must have faith!
No matter where you are in the hustle of your journey, you must have faith!