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!!!!
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♡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!!!!
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♡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♡

Hidden treasures… I can’t believe it!!

Posted in Blessings, Purpose Driven life by
One of The amazing Thrift Queens, Pippa of Too Cheap Blondes!!!

One of The Queens of Thrift, “Too cheap Blondes” Pippa

Anyone who really knows me, knows how much I pride myself on thrift store shopping! I enjoy the thrill of finding hidden treasures. We all have our personal opinions and outlooks on thrift stores. I personally think it is a blessing from God. Clothes, shoes, purses etc. that I know that I could not afford at the original prices are basically thrown in my lap for next to nothing basically. The keys to finding these hidden treasures are… PATIENCE, HAVE AN OPEN MIND & BRING EXCITEMENT! Those are my personal tips that I use and they have not failed me yet.

Last week I was blessed with the opportunity to win a contest that afforded me a $40 shopping spree at one of my favorite thrift stores. The reason I love Family thrift is because they have THE best prices and nice quality clothing for the whole family.

Ok so here’s how it all happened. About a month ago I was talking to one of my best friends Ramona about revamping and maturing my look. I stated that I need to start dressing like an almost 30 year old Academic Director. She told me that I have a unique style and that I should still embrace it but enhance it with matured pieces. So I said you’re right and I pray that I could get help from someone to find those pieces to complete my matured look. On my phone when you go to google search it will post random post from sites that you have visited before. So last Monday I saw a post from Too cheap Blondes about a contest that they were having and to submit a small paragraph stating why you should win. I stated that I need help maturing my look and how much I respect and love what they do etc.. I wrote it down on my Tuesday to-do list and sent it off with a prayer Tuesday morning. A couple of hours later, I received a text from Pippa asking if I could meet her to shop with her. So after I stopped screaming with excitement I texted her back saying yes ma’am! I thought it was a joke at first LOL! So on Wednesday morning, still clueless that I won the contest, I woke up energized and excited to receive help shopping. God always supplies your needs and desires that He sees fit to bless you with when you are doing your part. He will bless you in abundance!

I am beyond grateful and thankful to Pippa, Michelle and Jennifer that gave their time to help me out and for others as well. You ladies really touched my heart ♡! It wasn’t until the very end that I realized that I won the contest, I thought that she was just going to give me some shopping pointers and help select outfits for me to purchase. Pippa selected dresses and other items that I would of never took the time to look at because it wasn’t my “normal” style. I thought about how God does the same thing with us when He designed and created us for our purpose. Many times we “look past” things that we think don’t fit our feelings and way of life and end up missing out on those hidden treasures that God created just for us. Pippa found a nice pair of Coach shoes that were my size and I would of never found them if it hadn’t been for her. The funny part about those shoes was I passed right by them and they were right in front of my face the whole time.

If you feel like you are passed by and over looked by many people, understand that you will be found and sought-after by those persons that need you and will appreciate you. They will see your true value and not where you ended up!

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

Get rid of those weeds!

Posted in Devotionals, Fruitful living, God's word, Guidance, Purpose Driven life by

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Jesus is speaking in John 15:16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit- fruit that will last-and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.

In order to be fruitful like God call us to be, we must get rid of those strongholds of sin so that God can use us. God and sin will never dwell in the same place. The only way for those strongholds to loosen its grip from you is to draw closer to GOD. Apply His word and stay in prayer. Switch your focus from self to God and I guarantee that you will start to experience God on a whole new level. Getting rid of those weeds means getting rid of those sins that are choking you and preventing you from producing healthy produce.

Watch GOD happen throughout this day!!! TIL NEXT TIME MY LOVES…

PART II God uses plain ordinary people to do extraordinary things!

Posted in Faith Walk, God's word, Purpose Driven life by

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*SNAPS FINGERS* AHHH HAAA ☝:idea:light bulb moment… suddenly everything that you have been going through in your prep phase greets you head on. Still not understanding why you ended up in the present state that you are currently in. Still puzzled by the events that took place that prepared you for your purpose. Still scratching your head about how your paths crossed with the special God sent people. Then it suddenly  all comes together and you look up and smile 🙂 and say ” WOOOW, I KNOW THAT WAS NOBODY BUT YOU”. All of the long nights, tears, prayers, bible studies, doubts, uncertainties  and disappointments that I endured blended together to create such a beautiful canvas that allowed God to show His best work of art.

Looking back on all of the events that have taken place in my life within the past year, has really changed the way that I view God. My trust level in Him has changed tremendously. It has not been easy at all but I know that He is with me even when I stumble. I’m sure you’re wondering what the Pathway to hope family camp is all about. Here’s how I got involved with this AMAZING program.

Back on Tuesday June 23rd I attended a ladies bible study group. I typically go on Fridays or Saturdays, but the spirit was leading me to go on Tuesday instead. So I got up completed my daily devotional and quiet time with God and ended it by writing in my prayer journal. That morning I prayed for something to do with my time since I have my summers off (somewhat). I didn’t know what He would need me to do but I trusted in Him to make it happen. After the teacher finished her lesson we broke into smaller groups to discuss the lesson in details. Not knowing anyone in my group made it a little hard to open up and share my story and thoughts. I depended on God to give me the right words to say and he sure did! I remember listening to one of the ladies in the group and thought wow her ministry is amazing and I love how God can use anyone! At the end of the bible study, I still can hear Debbie Simmons say “Hey Candyce, what part of town do you live on?” And from that question led me to walking in my purpose by helping families that have adopted children that come from troubled backgrounds, other cultures and countries and special behavioral or emotional needs. All of the test in my prep phase led me to this very moment. The most important part of my journey this far has been to rely on God to provide everything that you need. He uses ordinary people all the time which turn into extraordinary work for the Kingdom.

Pathway to Hope family camp was by far one of the most challenging experiences that I have faced in a while. But I felt God’s hand every step of the way. He provided the perfect amount of training and used my years of teaching background as well. When I wanted to give up and become frustrated because things were happening that I couldn’t control, it seemed as if God began to hug me tighter and tighter. Meeting all of the families that came to the camp opened my heart up even more to how God has adopted us all as His children. We come from dark, broken backgrounds but He still loves us all. He is very patient, corrects us in love and gentle with us and that’s the whole approach of the camp. The camp also showed me how I look when I’m walking and communing with Christ. I am not a naturally gentle and patient person whatsoever. Those traits shine through when I’m in fellowship with God. I cannot describe the healing that I received last week along with the families at the camp. I thank God for using me as a vessel to show Him to this world. I gained some new special people that I will always cherish and L♡VE!!!

Please read more information about Pathway to hope-Anchor Point Church.

Ephesians 1:5 God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure.

TIL NEXT TIME MY LOVES!!!

♡Posted by Sweet Inspirations by Candyce♡

God uses plain ordinary people to do extraordinary things!!!

Posted in Devotionals, Spiritual growth by

wpid-1438642937078.jpgQuick question… Do you feel like you aren’t worthy or important enough to be used by God? Whatever your answer is please know that God can and will use anyone. He handpicked us all before the world was created to carry out His plan. Please be advised that God does not work on our time, He will make sure that you are fully equipped with whatever you need to be able to walk in your purpose. 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. I know personally that when I am going through my prep phase, I am a complete hott mess. By a hott mess I mean… I don’t look like “Candyce”, I am soft-spoken, calm, slow to speak, patient and full of worry. Those are what I call my self-destruction traits because I look perfectly relaxed and prepared on the outside but inside my heart I am ready to explode.

One of my prep phases was one of my lowest points in my life. Disappointment after disappointment seemed as if it should have been my middle name because of how often it was happening and how I held onto that as my new identity. Later realizing that those disappointments were a setup for my purpose and His plan for my life, allowed me to experience actually walking in God’s purpose for my life. If you are doubting God, let me be the one to tell you DON’T GIVE UP ON HIM!!! He will never give up on you.

I will say that walking in your purpose, things will start happening and you will not understand why or how they occurred. Just know that God has paved the way for you and will open doors that no man can shut. He will make sure that you are fully prepared for your purpose and He will make sure that you are doing your part by getting prepared as well. If you need some preparation tips here are some:
•Pray daily
•Study and read the Bible
•Apply all of the scriptures that you are reading
•Read devotionals
•Attend church & Bible Study groups regularly
•Take your mask off (true self)
•Open your full ♡ to God
•Get an accountability partner that can help you stay on track
•Enjoy God’s creations
•No worrying

Throughout my transition period aka prep phase, God was working on me to prepare me for this point of my life. He allowed me to be able to work with twice as many kids as I was before which now makes sense to why I left one position to work in another position. It will sound and look completely crazy to others because God did not give them the eyes (brain power)to fathom your purpose so beware of criticism, laughter, lack of support and ridicule. It will come especially when you are doing work for God’s kingdom! Keep your head up my loves, God has your back! TO BE CONTINUED….TIL NEXT TIME MY LOVES!!!

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♡Posted by Sweet Inspirations by Candyce♡

Let the past be the past… Easier said than done I know!

Posted in Devotionals, God's word, Spiritual growth, Uncategorized by

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Hebrews 3:7-8  7 So as the Holy Spirit says: “today, if you hear his voice, 8 do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion, during the time of testing in the wilderness.

The key to those verses is to harden not your heart like they did previously. A lot of times we allow past hurts, disappointments and pain to creep back up in our hearts. Please be advised that when such acts occur, your heart which by the way is the center of all thoughts, emotions and actions will lead you astray from God. We start to block out what God is trying to tell us because we think we know it all or how to protect ourselves better than God can. God wants your heart to be pure and seek after him constantly. Seeking Him will eliminate those thoughts and feelings that caused you pain. The more you consult God and seek Him, the easier it will become when your emotions try to get you all out of whack. Come to Him and be open to all that He is directing/telling you to do. That includes daily in taking of the Word of God and building your prayer life which will build a stronger relationship all together!!

So like the title says let the past be the past… easier said than done, simply means to turn to God when you feel your past is trying to creep back up. He is the only one that can help you with your struggles. It is easier said than done trust me but I know that God is holding my hand every step of the way along my journey. Please grab a hold of Gods hand! TIL NEXT TIME MY LOVES!!! GOD BLESS YOU

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Who is this Candyce person?

Posted in Devotionals, Loving yourself, Spiritual growth by
Sweet Inspirations by Candyce

This is Me!!!!

Hey y’all heeeyyyyyyy! I know that I’m not the only person that knew that they were DEFINITELY different than others throughout their lives. Not a necessarily weirdo different but a special different that you really couldn’t explain or describe. The stories or moments I can recall, have definitely affirmed my uniqueness at a very young age. I can remember back from learning how to spell my first and middle name that I was not a “normal” child LOL! It wasn’t until I would say 2013 that I began to really come into my TRUE identity which explained my “different” title. Throughout my childhood, I was very well known and liked by many. I was this funny, caring, opinionated ball of spunk and energy. I didn’t really know too many other people with my personality which caused me to start to hide it and become embarrassed. In high school I was the JV and Varsity cheer captain, VP of Senior Women club, Homecoming and Prom Queen and extremely involved in school activities. I would say that those were the years that God really started showing me how different I was. On the back of my letterman I had my first name Candyce and underneath I had “Yes! I’m different”. And the going response was YES YOU ARE! Now, to some I was very weird and annoying or perceived as being fake because “no one has this much energy and smiles all the time“. Comments like that didn’t use to bother me in HS as much as they did once I got to college.

I wanted to “create” this new Candyce that doesn’t seem so “perfect and Ms. goodie goodie” which caused me to lose sight of who I was in God’s eyes! I would pick and choose when I wanted to bring the original “C.D” aka my first and middle initial out and with who I thought could handle me. I met a lot of people and began to find myself revisiting my original “C.D” ways then pulling back once I realized what was happening. So I became very active on campus but this time it was different. Yes I was still a fun, happy, smiley person but  I became an extremely guarded person as a result of the recreation process. For years I just kept her hidden which I’m sure you know what happens when you start hiding things… Things become buried deeper and deeper and you forget where they are or it takes forever and a day to “clean” it up etc. My walk with God became very surface like at times, which really shocked me because I grew up having a relationship with God which I thought was very strong. But that shows the more you hide, the more blinded you become. I could go on and on and on about the different things that I have gone through that brought me to this very moment. I wanted to give you a quick glance of who I am. So the purpose of this blog is to share God’s word with you mixed with Candyce 4.0 (new and improved). You will get to know that loving, funny, outgoing and opinionated Candyce very well, but most importantly… You will know GOD better! Whoop whoop *INSERT YOUR FAVORITE DANCE MOVE* I’m SOOOOOOOOOOO EXCITED TO SHARE MY DEVOTIONALS AND WORDS FROM GOD. One part of my purpose is helping anyone that I can, that brings so much joy and contentment to me that only God can bring. Hope you share this with your peeps… TIL NEXT TIME MY LOVES!!!