Monthly Archives: August 2015

growing, Growing, GROWING!!!

Posted in Fruitful living, Loving yourself, Purpose Driven life, Spiritual growth by
Grow in God before growing a relationship!

Grow in God before growing a relationship!

I remember back when I would bounce back and forth between the idea of marriage and if I wanted to be or not. My indecisiveness caused more confusion and my heart to become hardened to the idea. Dating different guys only reassured my heart that I should not. Instead of using those times to prepare my heart for it, I ran from it and took it for granted. Thinking back on alot of those heartbreaking situations that I experience were due to my heart not being pure and focused on God like I should. Throughout my journey I can say that God is still working on me for the day that if it be His will, I will be married.

I know for a fact that everything that I am going and growing through is preparing me for my purpose whether it be married life or single life. Since I am in my season of singleness, it has been full of service and ministry. I thank God for using me and my gifts to serve. If marriage is in the will of God for my life, I will truly understand and appreciate the preparation and lessons that I need. I was very immature in my thinking before on the thoughts of dating and marriage and I thank God for the maturity that I have gained. Marriage is not about selfish gains and to have the perfect wedding and ring. It’s about having a ministry together and working together to help build God’s kingdom. I know for a fact that whomever I marry MUST be a strong man of God full of purpose because he will have to lead our household. My relationship with God is stronger than ever and he will need to have one stronger than mine. Encouraging each other to keep God first and work together will be the core and foundation of our lives.

Now you are probably wondering what that picture is all about. LOL Funny story, a few years ago the family joke was Candyce are you ever going to get a man? So a couple years ago on vacation we stopped in Pensacola beach and went inside a souvenir shop to get some things. So at the counter there were these little grow a boyfriend  toys. I looked at it and laughed and thought well I guess this is about right LoL! Then I was told this will be as close as you will get to having a boyfriend LoL! That picture

Thinking back on my earlier single life that is the thoughts that I really held onto, I am now grateful for my singleness because I would have been a toxic person in any relationship. I had not grown or received the proper healing from my past hurts which would have destroyed them all. I thank God for placing those men in my life to help grow me up because I did meet great men. So if you are struggling with being single or if you’re in a relationship but you don’t feel like it has a ministry that can be carried out, pray to God for His will to be revealed. As Christians single or married, you are called to help build God’s Kingdom. Make sure you’re doing your part. If you notice in the title of this post I show the word growing in 3 different sizes. I showed that as my growth in thinking about God, courting and marriage! That represents how your way of thinking and actions in God should be. No matter how hard or long that you take, it will be worth it in the end. Keep GROWING, keep PRAYING, keep L♡VING and keep SEEKING GOD’S WILL FOR YOUR LIFE! I will leave you with this scripture Proverbs 16:3

Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.
Proverbs 16:3 NIV

TIL NEXT TIME MY LOVES!!!!!!!!
💓💓💓💓💓💓💓💓💓💓💓💓💓💓💓

○●I will add another post about relationships later●○ ☺

♡Posted by Sweet Inspirations by Candyce♡

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Stay in the will of God

Posted in Christians, Devotionals, Disciples of Christ, Guidance, Purpose Driven life, Spiritual growth, Spreading the Gospel by

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Romans 8:26-28 are the perfect explanations on what being filled with the Holy Spirit looks like. Even when we don’t know what to say, the Spirit intercedes on our behalf. Meaning all of the feelings and hurts that we experience are interpreted to God and in return God grants us His comfort and unfailing love. Have you ever been so hurt and let down that it hurt you to your core? Personal experiences like that were hard to go through all on my own. I remember one particular situation that I faced, I was so full of emotions and didn’t know how to express my feelings, I said a quick prayer “Jesus I need you” and it was like a sense of so much comfort and love that calmed my tears and hurt in the very moment. That was the Holy Spirit working on my behalf to stay close to God during my darkest and lowest times.

When you are in sync with the Spirit, you have to be in fellowship (confessed sins) I John 1:9. Honestly if you ask me having the Trinity (God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit) apart of your life is the best feeling ever!! They all work as one and the purpose is to carry out the will of God. What do you think the will of God is? Think about that for a few minutes and are you living it out?

Being in the will of God: this is just a very short list of what being in the will of God looks like

  • Produces peace even when the world/man says you should be doing more or something else with your time.
  • Shows the world that anything is possible through Christ.
  • Provides a comfort that no man could ever provide
  • Fills voids that no man can fill.
  • Creates a way out of no way.
  • Blesses your life and protects you from the enemy.
  • Allows you to experience the joy only God can give.
  • Guides you while walking in your purpose on Earth
  • ETERNAL LIFE WITH HIM

Be encouraged and stay in His will for your life so that you can experience God on a whole other level! Trust me when I tell you that NOTHING and I repeat NOTHING is worth jeopardizing walking in your purpose. So whatever sin(s) is/are holding you back, get healing from God. God did not send His son to be used for our continual sins that we don’t want to give up. He sent him to help us get right and He does not grant us grace so that we can continue to enjoy our sins. At some point there has to be a feeling of remorse for walking wayward. I know that it will take some time but start by crying out to God to help break those stronghold chains that are holding you up from growing spiritually and walking in your purpose.

I am very passionate about God and helping others grow in Him! I am nowhere near perfect by any means and I am still growing. I have experienced deliverance from strongholds so I know that it is possible and I encourage you to reach out to our Father for help. LOVE YOOOOOUUUUUUUUUUUU
😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘

TIL NEXT TIME MY LOVES!!!!!!!!!

♡Posted by Sweet Inspirations by Candyce♡

Do you know the importance of your life seasons?

Posted in Christians, Devotionals, Faith Walk, Guidance, Purpose Driven life, Spiritual growth, Spreading the Gospel by

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Ecclesiastes 3:1 NIV

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:

Ecclesiastes 3:1 KJV

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

I love how the KJV states a time for every purpose. I’ve learned within the past year and some months, that my purpose is far more greater than I could ever imagine in a million years. Which means my seasons of life that I have gone through and are currently going through are preparing me for my purpose. I know that it has been a mystery full of confusion and aggravation to most that have been affected by my purpose journey. But I’m here to tell you that no matter what it looks like to others because trust me when I tell you that they will have their opinions on what you “should” do. Make sure that you listen to the voice of God! Learning to accept the season that you’re in is a key to peace of mind and growth. At times you may be tempted to compare your season to someone else. All that will do is cause you to delay your growth, cause envy, confusion, self-pity etc. Use the season wisely. The season that I’m in currently is being used for more outreach for Gods Kingdom like mentoring kids, helping families with adopted children with troubled backgrounds, teaching children at church, leading a divorce care 4 kids ministry, blogging, Academic Director for our company Eduvention mentoring and consulting, LLC and being available to help as many people as I can while being back in Houston (just to name a few).

If I had tried to “fix” my previous season to my liking and comfort zone, NONE of this would be taking place right now. It all takes place when you open your heart to God and ask for Him to reveal His plan/purpose for your life. You MUST grab to His hand TIGHTLY because it will be full of the uncertainties and weakest points of your life. Cling tightly for the ride!!! God will remove you from situations that aren’t bearing fruit in your life. He loves us sooooooooooooooooo much, I don’t think there are enough o’s that I could type that will begin to describe our Father’s love for us.

Looking at the picture above, I did it like that because when you take a picture you are capturing the very moment that is taking place. When you look back on pictures, those memories and feelings come back from that exact moment that you were there. The different seasons in the picture represents your life story and when it all comes together to the picture that you take today! Embrace your different seasons and look how they have changed and formed you into who you are today. Oh  and don’t forget… Every great and most memorable masterpiece (meal) required multiple seasonings and different amounts. Some are beautiful to look at, some are very plain, some are sweet, some are rocky and salty, some are spicy just to name a few and those can represent our different seasons in our lives. So don’t forget that they will make a purposeful masterpiece that God will be very pleased with.

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
TIL NEXT TIME MY LOVES!!!!!!!!!!!

♡Posted by Sweet Inspirations by Candyce♡

Are you listening to your Shepherd?

Posted in Are you listening, Christians, Devotionals, Faith, Jesus Christ, Listening to Jesus' voice, Spreading the Gospel, The call by

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Psalm 23 The Good Shepherd

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley,  I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord  forever.
Psalm 23:1-6 NIV

In what way did you insert yourself into that passage of scriptures? Did it comfort you and reassure you on some things?

I thought about all of those times that I wanted to go my own way and guide myself or allow others to, into what I thought was the right path. Whether it was myself or others that led me down that path, the Good Shepherd was still there using his call to guide me back to him. Sometimes I heard his voice and sometimes I didn’t. I was so deaf at one point in my life to his voice that thinking back on it now scares me. If you aren’t hearing Jesus’ voice right now, pray that God reveals to you what is deafening you to his voice. I had a long list of deafening sins. Open your heart ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ to him and listen to his call. That will direct your life and will eliminate all of the stress, drama, confusion and many other issues.

Don’t remain a lost sheep any longer!! Get back in the herd of other sheep so that you can be led by the one and only GOOD SHEPHERD 🐑🐑🐑🐑🐑🐑🐑🐑🐑🐑🐑🐑🐑🐑 HE KNOWS THE BEST PATHWAYS FOR OUR LIVES!!!

TIL NEXT TIME MY LOVES!!!!!

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♡Posted by Sweet Inspirations by Candyce♡

Take a look up at the sky!!!

Posted in Christians, Devotionals, Purpose Driven life, Spiritual growth by

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I must say that at this time last year on August 20, 2014, what I thought and knew about God has grown miraculously! The relationship that I had last year has grown tremendously. I was in complete awe of who God was at the time but hadn’t really experienced Him like I have. I remember as a little girl looking up and seeing images like these and thinking, WOW JESUS IS ON HIS WAY BACK LIKE THE RAPTURE SCENE LOL!! The true beauty and significance that it possessed was limited in my eyes.

Looking at this image now reminds me of God’s miraculous plan and the beauty that is within me to shine for the world to see! ⛅⛅⛅🌅🌅🌅🌞🌞🌞⛅⛅⛅

What do you see when you focus on the picture?

One of my favorite scriptures comes to mind Jeremiah 29:11

For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Alot has occurred since last August to this year and that scripture holds so much truth. My L♡VE for God has grown which is one reason why I started this blog!!! I encourage each of you to grow your relationship with our Creator of the Universe. He has each of us in the palm of His hand, which means that He holds us close. So why not hold Him closer?!?

TIL NEXT TIME MY LOVES!!!!
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♡Posted by Sweet Inspirations by Candyce♡

Move that Thang!!!

Posted in Christians, Devotionals, Faith, Faith Walk, Jesus Christ, Spiritual growth, Spreading the Gospel by

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These pictures bring back some wonderful memories. I remember looking at this mountain thinking how in the world will I ever get to the top of it. In my mind I had a million and one reasons not to do it. Fear was definitely the main reason and not fear as in heights, but fear that my asthma would start to act up. That was enough for me to really become afraid. Oh and also a fear of bugs LoL!!! The more I thought about it the more I began to second guess my ability to climb it and face my fears.
In the scripture: Matthew 17:20 NIV

He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”

God never said that you would not have obstacles and mountains to climb, He has equipped us to be able to climb/move those mountains that come in our lives. I just recently heard one of the best interpretation of this scripture. She said that when it says in the scripture that the mountain will be moved, that doesn’t necessarily mean that it will just disappear. It’s going to require that you either climb it or move around it yourself. Either way it will not be in your way any longer. Having that type of faith requires God to be the ruler of your life. What does that look like in your life? Could it be you witnessing on your job to others, you spending quiet time with Him in the mornings, or bible study groups with application? In order for those mountains to be moved,  detachment from those “giants” must take place. You can climb that mountain and obtain victory through Jesus Christ!

Remember while you’re at the top, look down at the obstacles, disappointments, heartaches, more faith, trust, love and joy that you have obtained throughout your faith walk! So make sure that you Climb that thang with Faith and Trust that God will bring you through it!! (Thang is what we say in Texas LoL)

Sometimes you may feel defeated, but always remember Philippians 4:13

 I can do all things through Christ Jesus who gives me strength.

Defeat requires alot of energy. Ask yourself are you feeling defeated by your mountain? If so, tap back into the Light/Jesus in order to obtain the energy that you need to climb/move that thang! Oh and as you can tell from my picture I overcame my fears and climbed to the top AND encouraged and helped others to come with me. I was victorious over the bugs LoL  🐌🐛🐜🐝🐞🐜🐜🐝🐝🐛

TIL NEXT TIME MY LOVES!!!

♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡

♡Posted by Sweet Inspirations by Candyce♡

Which face do you wear the most?

Posted in Devotionals, Faith, Faith Walk, Guidance, Spiritual growth, Spreading the Gospel by

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Which face represents worry?

Luke 12:22-25
Do Not Worry
22 Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. 23 For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. 24 Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! 25 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life[a]?

If you find yourself worrying about different things, that means you are lacking trust in God. I still struggle from time to time with worrying. When I find myself worrying or as soon as an ounce of worry starts to creep in, I go to God and ask for forgiveness and that my trust will be renewed. I use to be the Queen of  Worrisomeville (a made-up  place that I use to reside in). I’ve had to learn that God has everything under control for my life. That learning process was not an easy one at all, it took me from my comfort zone and security into nothing land. God showed me that I must trust Him to deliver the plans that He has for me and that no man could EVER do what He did and is continously doing in my life.  So stay in His will and get in the passengers seat and listen to the pilot. Trust that He will never leave you nor forsake you.

All 4 of those faces in my picture represents my life journey and how God has transformed me into the Candyce that I am today. I still have more growing to do and I encourage you to grow as well!

Watch God happen & LOVE U!
(Watch God happens means to stand back and watch Him work while doing your part by growing in Him to be able to see His hand in everything).

TIL NEXT TIME MY LOVES!!!!
♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡

♡Posted by Sweet Inspirations by Candyce♡

Holy Spirit Self-Check!!!

Posted in Devotionals, Disciples of Christ, Fruitful living, Spiritual growth, Spreading the Gospel by
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The Holy Spirit Self-Check List!!!

Have you ever wondered if and when the Holy Spirit dwells in you? Well I have and I just had an Ahh HAAA moment. Just recently I shared with you guys about my experience with the Pathway to hope family camp and how God had been preparing me for that journey. Well it never occurred to me that along with my studying and obedience, He had my better half aka The Holy Spirit working as well. I don’t know why I didn’t put 2 and 2 together then, but He revealed the secret Self-Check List. The easiest way to know if the Holy Spirit is dwelling inside of you is to simply check your heart. Is it full of Love, Joy, Patience, Kindness, Gentleness, Goodness, Self-control, Faithfulness and Peace? If you are full of those 9, then you are filled with the Holy Spirit. Notice that it is NOT called the FRUITS of the Spirit. It is singular FRUIT meaning they are all one and can be shown at one time. Jesus was a walking fruit basket in this sense, we should be one too!!!
🍌🍎🍊🍋🍇🍍🍓🍐🍉= Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit will not be present where sin is present. Make sure you confess those sins using 1 John 1:9 that states But if we confess our sins, He will be both faithful and just to forgive us of our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Galatians 5:22-24 MSG But what happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely. Legalism is helpless in bringing this about; it only gets in the way. Among those who belong to Christ, everything connected with getting our own way and mindlessly responding to what everyone else calls necessities is killed off for good—crucified.

The Message bible explains the fruit of the spirit very well within the context. Make sure that you have the holy spirit dwelling inside of you. There are certain areas in our lives that we could have show a little more of a particular fruit. I know the type of person that I am, which is not very patient and kind at times. I thank God for granting me with the right spirit that allows me to keep shining the Light/Jesus that is within me. I am so grateful for God’s continual guidance, grace and mercy!!

TIL NEXT TIME MY LOVES!!!!
♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡

♡Posted by Sweet Inspirations by Candyce♡

Is the Jesus in you shining brightly?

Posted in Devotionals, Disciples of Christ, Faith Walk, Purpose Driven life, Spiritual growth, Spreading the Gospel by
Choose the Light!!!!

                          Choose the Light!!!!

For the longest time I use to wonder why some people would be drawn to me when they meet me. Thinking that it was JUST my fun and loving personality, caused me to depend on myself and how others interacted with me determined my self-worth. There are several scriptures that talk about being the light of the world and what that means.

The one that really spoke to my heart was John 8:12 ESV Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. Jesus is the light to this dark sin infested world. When we accept Christ into our lives, we take on the role as some form of light to illuminate the world. Sometimes it is just a small glow stick illumination that we give off. The significance of the glow stick is that it must be broken first in order to present light. Its true color/beauty and potential are then presented and appreciated once placed in a dark location. Please don’t get discouraged if you aren’t where you think you should be. God calls you to learn and grow and if that means being broken right now, embrace it and trust that God will bring you into a place of being a lighthouse on a hill. We all start somewhere and don’t have it all figured out. Make the choice to shine more daily and that means to show Jesus where ever you go.

So back to my earlier statement about wondering why some people are drawn to me, they are drawn to the light aka Jesus that is in me. The more I grow in him, the more I show him and His presence is felt when I come around. You will notice that it becomes contagious sometimes for example more people will be drawn to you on your job, school and church etc. All because you are choosing to let the Jesus shine in your life! This process did not happen over night and I’m still growing to make sure I show Him more and more. So please make sure you choose to shine!!!!

Matthew 5:16 ESV

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

Please understand that Satan=darkness and anytime that there is light/Jesus on sin strongholds, he is not happy! Turmoil may arise and it will cause confusion and depression but remain focused on the light/Jesus to make it all better.

TIL NEXT TIME MY LOVES!!!
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Are you secure in God?

Posted in Devotionals, Faith, Spiritual growth, Spreading the Gospel by

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When you feel down and upset, always remember to count your blessings and not your problems. Your good days should outweigh your bad days when you’re secure in God. He calls us to be thankful for all things whether it be a good situation or a bad situation. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 NLT Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. He has everything you need so trust God in ALL THINGS!!! It will all work out in the end, just wait and hold on to God’s word/promises!

If you aren’t aware of some of your blessings, the simple fact that God woke you up and that you are reading this is a blessing that a lot  of people were not afforded this opportunity.  Please share my blog to friends and family members. I’m all about sharing God’s word with others!!!

TIL NEXT TIME MY LOVES!!!!
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♡Posted by Sweet Inspirations by Candyce♡