Friday, December 28, 2012

“Bold COLOR Thrift Tips”

Our Four Fav Fall THRIFTED Trends to Add a Splash of COLOR to Your Wardrobe

Don’t neglect to incorporate a pop of COLOR in your fall wardrobe. Instead of shopping retail and following cookie cutter trends, try THRIFTING! Dare to be outside the box by doing something
BOLD that reflects your personality without breaking the bank.

 Here are a few of our favorite ways of incorporating color into our fall wardrobe:

 1.) Vibrant Vintage Scarves.

 2.) Bold Blazers




















3.) Get Accessorized (ties for the guys and earrings and belts for the girls) 




















4.) Sassy Skirts













Blessings,

-TeamTT

"Fear: The Struggle is REAL!!"

Marriage is hard enough as it is but without God, it’s impossible. In fact, we are often negligent of the fact that God grants us grace for our daily life. We are told in Matthew 6:34 not to worry about tomorrow because it will take care of itself. In fact, it has trouble of it’s own!
Well, whether you are married, single, divorced or separated, God will answer your prayers. We all have fears that are related to those we love. If it’s that cousin that you fell out with or trying to mend a friendship, our God is a God of restoration.
First of all, fear is an emotion that is healthy to feel on occasion. But, if it is crippling your ability to function daily, make decisions or mend relationships, it has now become a manifestation in your spirit. 2 Timothy 1:7 states: “God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love and of a sound mind.” Well, some may say, “Who gave us the spirit of fear?” I will be honest with you. Satan uses every single fear that we have against us. He uses it to cripple us and to render us defenseless against his attacks. If you are afraid to step out of your comfort zone, you aren’t a threat! You can’t walk in your purpose confidently if you are crippled by fear. You can’t mend that relationship that has been torturing you for years! You walk around with guilt on your shoulders and resentment in your heart!
The struggle is real, ya’ll! I know because it was mine. I had fears of reconciling a relationship that is most important to me. Satan attacked me in ways that you couldn’t believe. Temptation, denial, self-pity, guilt and resentment!

· I resented the way that person treated me and soon it turned to resenting them. THIS IS THE WRONG THING TO DO!
· I rejected their advice and the advice of all of my friends regarding this relationship. WRONG!

· I denied that there was any anger or unforgiveness in my heart towards them. WRONG AGAIN!


· Self-pity allowed me to justify my actions and rationalize my unwillingness to deal with the situation head on. SUPER WRONG!

· Satan sent a replacement along to distract me. Don’t be fooled, he knows what you like and that very thing can be presented to you to keep you useless to the kingdom! WRONG! WRONG! WRONG!

· Lastly, I struggled with guilt. After how I’d acted towards them for so long, I felt that they could never love me or forgive me. SMH WRONG AGAIN!

As a grateful believer, I’ve seen God do the impossible. He’s restored many situations all around me. He’s delivered loved ones from addiction. Turn cold-hearted individuals into allies. Healed permanent medical conditions. He has even delivered me from the hands of my enemies! But, I made this one situation BIGGER than my God! Fear crippled my belief that MY God was that GREAT! Fear had me blind to the fact that MY GOD CAN and WILL do ANYTHING! ONLY by the grace of God is my marriage restored! My husband and I love one another like never before! With the love of God! Believe me, it isn’t done in our own strength but by the power of the Holy Spirit, which resides in BOTH of us. It resides in you too!




If you are struggling to with fear or reconciliation, I urge you to give it to God! Whether it is financial responsibility, temptation, addiction, jealousy or even body image, God is able to restore and deliver you from your stuggles. Proverbs 3:5-6 says: “Lean on, trust in and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths.”


-Bre, Team TT


"Tis the Season to be Thankful!"

“Oh Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever; Oh give thanks to God of gods! For His mercy endures forever. Oh, give thanks to the Lord of lords for his mercy endures forever; To Him who alone does great wonders, For His mercy endures forever; To Him who by wisdom made the heavens, For His mercy endures forever;” Psalm 136: 1-5

This year has been a tumultuous year for me. I’ve endured quite a bit, from broken relationships, to depleted finances, to death of a loved one, to defamation of character, etc. The list goes on and on, yet in spite of all the attacks of the enemy I am grateful. I am grateful for the opportunity to grow. Due to the trials and tribulations I have encountered this year, my faith has increased. I know God more intimately now than I ever did before because I know him as a provider, as a healer, as way maker and so much more. It is one thing to read God’s word but it is another to have actually experienced it. I have heard people get up in church and tell their testimony with such passion. I have seen people run around the church and even fall flat on their face in worship. I’m guilty as been one of those spectators in church who has looked & thought to myself, “does it really take all that?” I have even felt uneasy when during worship service the woman next to me began crying uncontrollably. –Hey I am being honest – There have also been times in church where I fought back tears because I did not want people to see me crying. I have even did a cute little two step instead of running around church (which is what I really wanted to do) because I did not want people looking at me. However, there is something about knowing God as a provider because He provided for you when you had no income and bills continued to increase. There is something about knowing God as a healer when you were sick and didn’t have the insurance or the money to go to the doctor. There is something about knowing God as a way maker when every door was closed. It is when you know God in an intimate way that you give praise when praise it due, and it does not matter who is looking.

“Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belongs to Christ Jesus” 1 Thessalonians 5:18

I have been blessed to know God in such a way that I am so grateful for every trial. Without trials and tribulations I would not know Him like I do. I am convinced that God is faithful, that He is powerful beyond measure, He loves me, He will protect me, He will keep me, He will provide for me, and that His mercy and grace endures forever. I have purposed in my heart to follow Him, to love Him, to seek Him, to please Him, to think about Him, to want Him, to need Him, to PRAISE Him. Truthfully, without those hardships I had experienced I would not have been so convinced nor my heart would not be as purposed as it is now. Due to my hardships I am able to say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?” Hebrews 13:6



Now because I know God like I do, I praise Him whenever and where ever and I do not care who is looking. There is something about PRAISE that when I release it into the environment, my atmosphere begins to change. When my inner most being releases that energy and it the anointing oozes out like fresh oil being crushed from its origin, an indescribable sense of peace falls on me and an overwhelming sense of joy engulfs me.

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.” 1 Chronicles 16:34







As a Christian who struggles with her daily walk in Christ, I am grateful to know that in spite of whatever comes my way God is due all the glory, honor and praise just for who He is. I strongly encourage every being to praise Him! He is WORTHY!!!! Glory be to the KING of kings and the Lord of lords.
The american holidays are set aside to celebrate what you are thankful for. So, it is only appropriate for me to express to the world how truly THANKFUL I am for God’s unfailing love. After all, “God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life” John 3:16

-Demo, Team TT



“Thrifty Threads Rips the RUNWAY”

TeamTT styles a scene for the Alabama A&M University’s Homecoming "Rip the Runway" Fashion Show on Oct 10, 2012.

Our team had the wonderful opportunity to style a fashion show scene for the “AAMU Rip the Runway Fashion Show” during homecoming week. It was a great learning experience for all of us! We wanted to share our experience with you. Check out these great photos captured by Regina Smith of A&G Photography and Letoria Mayberry of Models 4 Jesus Christ (M4JC) Inc.

Enjoy!

Behind the Scene Shots:







Group Shots:











Runway Shots:














A special huge great BIG thanks to the awesome models chosen from WARD Modeling Troop of AAMU and M4JC Inc., for doing an amazing job of allowing us to use you all to bring forth our thrifted fashion ideas on the runway!!! You all were such a blessing and we love and appreciate your hard work! Shout out to our volunteer MUAs Faith Mosley, Yoneka Pride, and Shannon Lott thank you for the BEAT faces!! We appreciate any and everyone who had a hand in the process and success of the TT fashion show scene!

Gratefully,
-TeamTT

Monday, December 10, 2012

"A Father. A Musician. A Producer. A THRIFTER"


Introducing Brandon Pair (B. Pair)...
 
TT: Where are you originally from?
B. Pair: Mobile, AL.

TT: What school/university do/did you attend?
B. Pair: Alabama A&M University

TT: How did you begin thrifting?
B. Pair: I don’t know how I started, just kinda like the older style of clothing and plus it’s little more classy.

TT: What is your thrifting/style tip for male thrifters?
B. Pair: Do you and make it nice!

TT: It’s that simple, thanks Bran!

-Team TT







Monday, October 1, 2012

"WALK"


Psalm 23: 4 ," Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me."

A gut wrenching knot in my stomach had me wanting to cry out. Using every muscle I had to hold back because I was at work or in some public area. I was frozen in my thoughts not knowing what to do. So my spirit stepped in, and from the depths of my heart my soul cried out JEHOVAH, JESUS, and ABBA! I heard the Holy Ghost tell me walk. Jehovah, JESUS, and ABBA my soul continued to cry out and the Holy Ghost said again, “obedience”. Pressing forward day after day, my mind filled with questions. Searching for a friend to talk to, I knew deep inside they could not answer the questions I had. They couldn't relieve the pain in my gut. Once again I was in a stagnant place. What to do? And again my spirit spoke and said, “walk”. At work, meditating on God's precepts, thinking about my fate, and that gut wrenching knot came again. So looking at my phone to see who I can call I realized no one could help me. They could not help because they were not available but because only God could take away this pain. So I began to write and pray, and the spirit poured out. Hallelujah! Yes, surrendering to God's will is the only way. In the midst of my pain, God heard my soul cry and answered my prayers, giving me understanding. Hallelujah! Yes, Lord I will go. I can't explain it but I will try.


My spirit kept saying walk. I did not understand exactly what that meant. #Honestly But as I prayed and wrote, it was revealed. When you are going through, know that you will come out on the other end but in order to get through you must keep walking. If you are not following God’s will then you are following the will of your flesh. Think of yourself on a journey and in this journey you are facing obstacles and coming up against adversities. There are three things you can do. One: You can Be Stagnant. Stand there in defeat and give up. Two: You can Be disobedient. Follow your flesh and being disobedient. Three: Be obedient. Step out on faith and follow God's will. Standing still in defeat won't get you through. Following your flesh may get you through to the wrong end, but being obedient to God’s will not only get you through but you will overcome. To be obedient you must WALK. Walk means to keep moving forward, keep pressing on, keep praying, keep fasting, keep meditating on the Lord's precepts, keep touching and agreeing, keep speaking life, keep worshiping, and keep on moving through...
In the midst of my pain, I was overcome with such emotions I had literally stopped walking, frozen in my spiritual walk that it was hard for me to utter a prayer. My mind was so bogged down with "what ifs" defeat seemed more of a reality than victory. That gut wrenching knot, was my spirit starving for the word of God, because I had stopped spending time with my Heavenly Father. But God, He heard my soul cry and answered my prayers, giving me understanding. I just want to encourage all of you who are going through to keep on keeping on. Press forward. Don't stop. Continue to be obedient in your walk with Christ.

 Demo, Team TT

EXTRA, EXTRA. READ ALL ABOUT IT



“Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.” (2Timothy 3:12)
So there I was sitting in a holding cell with a copy of the warrant for my arrest in my hand. Not knowing what to think, say, or do I curled up on the metal bench and tried to go to sleep. I could not sleep, my mind was racing and my spirit was low. I have just been charged with a felony for a crime I did not commit. Not any ordinary felony but a felony that discredit me before I can even approach the bench. I did not want my mother to see me cry, so I held back my tears but on the inside I felt as if I was raped. I felt the justice system just had its way with me, stripping me of my creditability, dignity and self-worth. Most of all I felt there was no one on earth who could help me. Earlier that day I called my mentor and asked her to pray for me. I desperately needed prayer because at that time, I could not find the words. Shame and guilt filled my conscious and all I can think about is all the things I've done wrong within the past year. For example, how I did not guard my eye gates like I should have or did not guard my ear gates like I should have. Or about how I went out with my friend for drinks days before. I began to think about how irresponsible I have been with my temple and how unworthy I was to even whisper the word help. It is ironic how in my time of need I ran from the very thing I was supposed to run to, my heavenly father. Feelings of guilt and shame will do that to you.

To add fuel to the fire, my picture was taken and plastered on the internet alongside my felony charge. Talk about humiliation! It was like the Satan had showed up to steal my joy. And at that time, I felt robbed of peace, joy and a sound mind. BUT God, he heard the prayers of the saints who prayed for me (& continue to pray for me), and he heard my cry. Although, I felt unworthy God used my mother to remind me of who I was. My mother told me no matter how the situation looks, God is still good. The way my mother said God is still good literally sent a shock wave of life throughout my body. It was like I was on a flat line and those words shocked my heart back to life. I thought to myself of how strong my mother is and then I began to think of how strong my grandmother is. Then I began to think about my father and my heritage. Those words triggered thoughts of my earthly bloodline which in turn made me think about my royal bloodline. I am the daughter of the King of kings, Lord of lords. I am of a royal priesthood. "But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light" 1 Peter 2:9 I am a child of God according to his word: 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” 16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together." Romans 8:14-17 "No matter how the situation looks, God is still good." No matter what they say God is still my Father and ALL things will work together for my good. "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28

My mom does not know but those words she spoke so confidently planted a seed. A seed that was watered by the most unlikely people - my cellmates! YES, my cellmates did not cease encouraging me. I may have spoken 4 words to those girls in the cell with me that day but that did not stop them from telling me it was going to be okay or just giving me a tissue. Even in jail God is still GOOD!

Have you ever been in such a desperate place? Have you ever needed to pray but could not find the words? Shame, fear and guilt hovering over you like a rain cloud. I encourage all those who are literally in the battle field whether it’s at home, work, and school or in the court room. Don't forget who you are. You are the child of the Highest God, what can man do to you? David said in Psalm 56:11 In God I have put my trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? I know it’s difficult to imagine believe me sitting in jail all I can think about was not being able to practice in my profession. BUT GOD! When you serve a God who made all the earth, and who has sole dominion and power over both angels and demons, really what can mere man do to you when your Father is God Almighty?

Read about the story of David and Goliath (1 Samuel 17) when you find yourself up against a giant. David didn't tell God how big Goliath was instead he told Goliath how big his God is. Don't forget! Don't forget who God is. I was a shoe string away from losing my mind! But God! This message is for everyone but more specifically for those who are going up against major devils and demons. The battle is not yours, it is the Lords! According to 2 Chronicles 20:15 "And he said, Listen, all you of Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem, and you, King Jehoshaphat! Thus says the LORD to you: ‘Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s." Don't lose your identity. Hold fast to your promise. Don't cease praying and if you can't find the words link up with someone who can pray for you. If you do not know anyone, EMAIL Thrifty Threads, and I'll (we'll) pray for you! I got through the recent events because I had people praying for me and most of all God reminded me of who I was and whose I was.

My battle is not over; Satan is not playing any games. He wants to steal, kill and destroy me and he is using every one he can. So I am staying prayed up and linked up! Sometimes the most anointed children of God are prosecuted the worse. After all, think about what happen to Jesus. Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. (2 Timothy 3:12)

Below are just a few scriptures of whom God is and who the children of God are.

Who is God? 

God is all knowing and all seeing - And God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” (Exodus 3:13)

God is a vindicator - Vindicate me, O LORD my God, according to Your righteousness; And let them not rejoice over me (Psalm 35:24)

God is a healer - He heals the brokenhearted And binds up their wounds (Psalm 147:3)

God is Merciful - But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, (Ephesians 2:4)

God is faithful - “Therefore know that the LORD your God, He is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments; (Deuteronomy 7:9)

God is Love - And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God and God in him. (1 John 4:16)

Who are the children of God? 

Light of the World- “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. (Matthew 5: 14)

Wonderfully Made - "I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well." (Psalm 139: 14)

Redeemed – "Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, Whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy" (Psalm 107:2)

Forgiven - "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1John1:9)

-- Demo, Team TT

“Lifted..THRIFTED..Gifted”


“… Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” 1 Cor 10:21


I’ve come to realize that God has given me several gifts and talents. Since I sincerely made the decision to give my life to Christ and developed a committed relationship to Him, I decided that I would use my gifts and talents for the up building of His Kingdom. This passion/desire to want to do everything for the glory of HIM and to bring others to Christ didn’t just happen overnight but it started to take place in 2010. At the time I was a fashion model and I enjoyed it to the fullest, but there was something missing. I felt God couldn’t get glory from the type of modeling I was doing—some of the pieces I would model were too short, revealing and nowhere near modest! The music I would walk to was even worst—with degrading explicit lyrics and cursing. I knew I couldn’t continue to model in that manner, the conviction was so heavy on me. So I decided to stop until I found purpose in modeling, and whether or not modeling could bring others to know Christ.

I went to God in prayer, fasted, and did some research in the Word… then one day God told me you can still model, but you can’t continue to do it the way the world does it. You’re now a model for ME, and you must follow my example! So I took what He told me and ran with it! I was so excited; I started writing down ideas and concepts for Christian modeling and fashion shows. I met up with a business coach at the Chamber of Commerce to discuss how to go about starting a Christian Model Agency. All the planning and brainstorming started to be overwhelming. I began to get discouraged, I felt this is too big a DREAM for little ole me Lord! I cried out to God in prayer and told Him I couldn’t do it alone and I needed help. Well he surely answered my prayers, in 2011 after discussing my vision for Christian modeling with my mentee at the time; she told me about a young lady by the name of Letoria Mayberry with the same vision. I was elated, I got her contact info and called her; we then met up at Ruby Tuesday on June 27th to be exact---through our love for God and belief that we could do all things through Christ, Models 4 Jesus Christ also known as M4JC was birthed! We envisioned having a Godly male figure to help us lead the guys and I knew the perfect man for the position---Michael Upshur. We have had the joy of living out our purpose and using our gifts and talents for the glory of God through the ministry of M4JC. (Check out the site for more info www.M4JC.org)

Now let me tell you in the midst of planning and developing M4JC, I discovered a passion for thrifted fashions. I’ve always loved playing around with my Granny’s old clothes and vintage jewelry. I really enjoyed saving money on nice clothes purchased from the thrift store too. Instead of keeping this to myself, I wanted to tell others how I was saving money on unique vintage pieces. I knew a church member that had recently launched an on-line mag thecorereader.com/. I told her I wanted to do an article about thrifting as well as, a special photo shoot session to show the readers the nice outfits I put together with thrifted pieces. The article was a success and it sparked the idea/vision for the Thrifty Theads blog ;-) Like I said, my desire is that God be glorified in what I do, so although I’m thrifting that doesn’t mean I can’t include my love for Christ! As to why our subtitle is “Christians. Modestly. Thrifted. I’m telling you He can use anybody, if their willing to be used by HIM--- it doesn’t matter what your gift is whether it be singing, dancing, fashion, acting, modeling, rapping, makeup artistry, writing, do it all for the glory of God.

James 1:17 “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above…”

I know I usually keep my write ups short and straight to the point, but I had to share my testimonies! I know someone out there needs to read this, someone needs encouragement, someone needs to know that they too can make it and fulfill the vision God has for their ministry no matter how rare or different it may be. Embrace the journey and learn from your mistakes and short comings during the planning and preparation process. You’re not going to get it right the first time, and that is ok! Stop being hard on yourself, but don’t allow yourself to get comfortable with mediocrity… you’re destined for greatness, but remember it’s all for HIS glory and not yours!

                          
Outfit details: top, pants, belt--THRIFTED; shoes--Toms from Altar’d State; scarf-- an online store (can’t recall the name at the moment)

To God be ALL the Glory,

-Dom, TeamTT








“Slowly, but Surely”


 
“So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.” Gal 6:9 NLT

At times I get impatient with myself in my walk with Christ. I don’t think I’m changing or transforming fast enough. It seems I just can’t get it right or more like get it together! I’ll do well for a while (a few months), then my old ways of doing things come lurking and I fall short again usually with the same old things (my attitude and lack of self-control to name a few). The struggle has been real these past few months, the struggle within that is. (Seriously) The inward battle amongst my spiritual man and flesh (self) has gotten REAL and it’s affecting me in every area of my life. My feelings and emotions have been all over the place -- I’m emotionally and mentally drained! Thoughts of suicide, wanting to give up on the things God told me to do, and just wanting to stay locked up at home in the bed all day. (Don’t judge me… I’m keeping it 100!) The lifestyle of a Christian is not easy, especially when you continue to walk away from what God has shown you about yourself and make excuses. Like it says in James 1:22-24, “But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like.” The time is out for me (and you if it applies) making excuses for myself and walking away from what HE’s shown me. I’m taking a good look at myself, removing the mask, the phony smile, no more excuses, or feeling sorry for myself. It’s time to woman up and stop talking about it and be about it, no matter how long it will take for me to get it right… I do believe slowly but, surely with the LORD as my help I’ll get it together!

Outfit details: Dress, Shoes, and Earrings - Gifted. This sweet spirited woman by the name of Veron blessed me with the dress and shoes while I was deployed in Kuwait. She was such a beautiful woman of God, inwardly and outwardly! Love and miss her soooo much!
 
Blessings,

Dom, TeamTT

Ms. Veron and me, she is one baaaaaad lady!!!


 




“A Serious Message”

Ezekiel 33: 1-16 (NKJV)

33 The word of the Lord came to me: 2 ‘Son of man, speak to your people and say to them: “When I bring the sword against a land, and the people of the land choose one of their men and make him their watchman, 3 and he sees the sword coming against the land and blows the trumpet to warn the people, 4 then if anyone hears the trumpet but does not heed the warning and the sword comes and takes their life, their blood will be on their own head. 5 Since they heard the sound of the trumpet but did not heed the warning, their blood will be on their own head. If they had heeded the warning, they would have saved themselves. 6 But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet to warn the people and the sword comes and takes someone’s life, that person’s life will be taken because of their sin, but I will hold the watchman accountable for their blood.”

7 ‘Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the people of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me. 8 When I say to the wicked, “You wicked person, you will surely die,” and you do not speak out to dissuade them from their ways, that wicked person will die for their sin, and I will hold you accountable for their blood. 9 But if you do warn the wicked person to turn from their ways and they do not do so, they will die for their sin, though you yourself will be saved.

10 ‘Son of man, say to the Israelites, “This is what you are saying: ‘Our offences and sins weigh us down, and we are wasting away because of them. How then can we live?’” 11 Say to them, “As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign Lord, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live. Turn! Turn from your evil ways! Why will you die, people of Israel?”…

Ok guys! This may not be for everyone, because this is very meaty. In this new season I am in, the Holy Spirit has been revealing some things in ways that has just blown my mind; it has got REAL IN THESE STREETS! It is absolutely nothing but by the grace and mercy of GodMIND BLOWING. God is grooming me to even more bold in my faith and in His word (Ephesians 6:19, Hebrews 10:9-25). This is something new He is guiding me too. I have always been laid back, when approached by people with different situations. A lot of times what I speak is in a gentle and comforting manner; however, God told me "enough of the patty cake". Sometimes we neglect to tell people that they are going to hell for the mess they are in to try to save face. Moreover, we simply tell them that they need to try God and that He will forgive sins. Yes, God will forgive sins but, repetitive sin leaves no room for salvation (Hebrew 10:25).

I am going to break this bad boy down just a little bit, but I challenge you to study this word (Ezekiel 33: 1-16) for yourself. First, in verse 2, realize that God has called us to be messengers. You may be the only saved person in your family or group of friends, so therefore you may be the messenger for them (pray about that if you have been called to that). Second, in verse 3, when God sends a warning, you better deliver it. It is your responsibility to tell others around you the truth out of love ( Ephesians 4:15-25). Now if they do not adhere to the warning and the sword (The Word of God) comes to take their life, they are responsible for their disobedience leading to their place in hell and you are in the clear (verse 9). Ok, check this, it blew my mind. This “sword” is the very words of God (Epheisans 6:17). So, at any moment with just one word, God could have sent my ratchet tail down to hell. Grace and Mercy! Third, in verse 8, the word of God says, if we are giving a warning to deliver, and we do not send that message, that person’s blood is on our hands (we are held accountable for them) and they will die of that sin. Now, if you deliver the warning and that person repents from their ways, then they will be saved. God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but only when the wicked repents.
I saw this word; I meditated on this word; and have deposited this down in my heart. I cannot be responsible for the sins of others. I cannot afford (grad student budget lol) to have your blood on my hands. If God drops it in my spirit to deliver a message to you, please believe that thing is going to be spoken. This should apply to you as well. You never know how that word can change someone’s life, perception, or situation. Don’t worry about how they may receive it, be bold and deliver it!

Things thrifted in my attire include my earrings, sports coat, skirt, neck tie, and blouse. The sweater is from the Gap and the boots are Nine West.

Be bold and deliver,

Sheika, Team TT




“These Streets are Watching"

“Walk in the wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.”
Colossians 4:5-6 (KJV)
So I have been getting my tail torn into pieces for my good. I sing praises to God that I am able to see clearly, now that my spirit is not grieved (Ephesians 4:30). I appreciate the conviction because I have a sincere desire to rid whatever is not of God.  If we are who we say we are in God, than it is expected that we adhere to the instruction of God and realize that we are always under close observance by others. 
 1 Timothy 4: 12-16 says Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee."

Sometimes believers can get a little full of themselves, I’ll be the first to admit. Let me remind you that God has not called any of us to be on a high horse. In fact, in Philippians 2:3, it says to consider others more highly than you. Don’t get caught being a fool, wise in your own eyes leading others on a path of destruction (1 Cor. 3:16-18). When we get to be so “holier than thou”, we start to lose a grip on reality and justify our sins because of our “righteousness”. Let me tell you, God isn’t pleased with that mess. Repent love and get it together. Being wise in your own eyes is like someone who claim to know God but, their heart is far from Him (Mark 7:6-13). Jesus said why call Him Lord if we still continue to disobey (Luke 6:46)? Keep up and you will find yourself at judgment hearing Jesus say like in Mathew 7: 21-23, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’  Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’

Remember, the streets are watching so practice what you preach, don’t justify sin, and walk in humility.

My thrifted attire includes, a dress thrifted from a local thrift store in downtown Mobile, AL (I got 3 purses and 2 dress for $4.50 BAM), leggings, socks, and scarf from Target; earrings from the Neighborhood Store, Huntsville, AL; I borrowed Bre’s boots (she need to just give them to me); and my cardigan was a gift from my friend Ryan Abernathy of Fort Hood, TX.

Sheika, Team TT