Your #1 Weight Loss Mistake

April 19, 2018 No Comments

#1 Weight Loss Mistake | www.teawithtiffanyp.com

You’ve been trying to lose the same twenty pounds FA-EVA! While you’ve been successful a time or two, or many, the pounds always seem to find you again, with interest.

Diet. After diet. After diet… You continue to believe, “this time will be different!” The plot is always the same.

After performing a burial of alllllllllll the junk food from your pantry to your stomach, “because, why not?”, you sentence yourself to life without parole plus:

NO sugar

NO carbs

NO sweets

NO bread

NO chips

NO fried food

<insert your cell bars here> until the weight is off.

The first week, or so, is great. You feel so accomplished. So successful.

Then the bottom falls out. Suddenly, the cravings are too intense. You prowl through the kitchen, seeking that which you can destroy.

The Mistake

Locking yourself down, attempting everything at once, will never lead to sustainable weight loss. Sure, you will lose weight; however, it will not be sustained. Can I get an amen?

You did not gain 20 pounds overnight. You will not lose it overnight?

The Solution

Start with just one thing. What one thing can you change today and reap huge weight loss results?

Do not despise these small beginnings... Zechariah 4:10

Could you increase your water intake? Start eating breakfast? Go for a walk? Incorporate resistance training? Eat more vegetables? Eat more protein?

Losing weight doesn’t have to be as complicated as brain surgery! In fact, I’d be honored to show you. I’ll spill all the weight loss tea, personalized to fit your likes/dislikes. Most importantly, I’ll be the friend who educates, encourages, and empowers you on your journey. Don’t struggle another day alone.

You can do all things do Christ who strengthens you. Don’t you think it’s about time you tap into that power?

~Until next time Teacups

As always, thanks so much for reading. You can find me online on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter.

Christian Dating, Faith

Living Together Before Marriage: What’s The Big Deal?

April 5, 2018 No Comments

Living Together Before Marriage: What's The Big Deal? | www.teawithtiffanyp.com

You know it’s wrong. You’re confused. You don’t know what to do. But really girlfriend, you know what to do; you just don’t have the courage to do it. Is that tea too hot?

Living together before marriage is wrong. On paper, the pros are just too good to pass up.

Save more money… Down payment on a house. Money for the wedding.

Shared household expenses… There’s no need in both of us paying rent, lights, and cable. Am I right?

Front row seat into the real him… You know that they say, you don’t know a person ‘til you live with ‘em.

Sex… Endless accessibility? Sign me up!

We’re planning to get married anyway. It’s not that big of a deal.

SISTAH, ARE THESE YOUR THOUGHTS???

Yes, you love the Lord. Yes, you trust Him. Yes, you believe He’s good. Yes, you believe He wants what’s best for you. Driving to work, listening to K-LOVE, you belt out the lyrics to Lauren Daigle’s song:

“….
Your ways are always higher
Your plans are always good
….

I will trust in You

I will trust in You”

But, There’s A Disconnect

A disconnect between what you say and what you do. You trust the Lord but you still take matters into your own hands.

What if God has something better in store for you? What if the solution for paying off your credit card debt or the solution to saving more money has absolutely nothing to do with a man? What if God wants to be the man in your life?

You’ve missed out on a lot of blessings because you insist on doing things your way. Using your logic. Using your reasoning. Using your wisdom.

God would never condone sin in order for you to reap a blessing. There’s a better way. The question is, “Will you trust Him for the better way?”

Love is greater than fear. Don’t let the fear of the future cause you run ahead of God. If the two of you are meant to be, God will bring you together – in His timing.

Put Him,Ya Man, On The Alter

You’ve heard the story of Abraham sacrificing his son Isaac before; howeva, you don’t quite understand how it applies to you. What in the world does sacrificing a son have to do with you? You don’t even have kids.

Here’s what the scripture says:

After all this, God tested Abraham. God said, “Abraham!”

“Yes?” answered Abraham. “I’m listening.”

He said, “Take your dear son Isaac whom you love and go to the land of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains that I’ll point out to you.”

They arrived at the place to which God had directed him. Abraham built an altar. He laid out the wood. Then he tied up Isaac and laid him on the wood. Abraham reached out and took the knife to kill his son.

Just then an angel of God called to him out of Heaven, “Abraham! Abraham!”

“Yes, I’m listening.”

“Don’t lay a hand on that boy! Don’t touch him! Now I know how fearlessly you fear God; you didn’t hesitate to place your son, your dear son, on the altar for me.” Genesis 22:1-2, 9-12 MSG

Just as God tested Abraham, could it be He’s testing you too? You don’t have a son of whom you love dearly but you have a man. A man whom you love so much, you’re willing to dishonor God for. You’re willing to choose him over God.

Do you really want to know if this man is God’s plan for your life? Put him on the altar. After all, what’s the big rush? Do what honors God. If it goes up in flames, it wasn’t meant to be.

Who will you choose? Your man, or God? Declare it in the comments below.

~Ta-Ta For Now, Teacups

As always, thanks so much for reading. You can find me online on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter.

Fitness, Health

5 Tips To Eliminate Late Night Snacking

March 7, 2018 No Comments

5 Tips To Eliminate Late Night Snacking | www.teawithtiffanyp.com
It never fails. Whenever I’m out with family and friends, the topic of weight loss always comes up. The conversation usually starts with, “Don’t judge me for what I’m about to eat“, as if I’m the food police. Truth be told, it’s none of my business what you eat.

As expected, while eating lunch with a friend a few weeks ago, she said, “I need to lose 15 pounds, what do you recommend?”

Among a host of other questions, I asked, “What’s your biggest challenge to losing weight?”

She said, “My biggest challenge is mindless snacking after dinner. I consume an additional 400-500 calories before bed. The funny thing is, I’m not even hungry!” Sounds familiar? I know I can relate!

Here’s the deal. Your body does not need copious amounts of energy at night. After dinner, most of us are done for the day. Once the dishes are put away and the table cleared, we make a beeline for the couch. If this is you, paired with mindless, excessive snacking, you will gain weight, not lose it.

Do you find yourself on the prowl after dinner? Searching through the pantry? Opening and closing the refrigerator?

If so, you’re in good company! If you want to end mindless, late night snacking, try one of my tried and true tips below.

Tip #1: Drink a cup of hot tea

Not only is drinking hot tea soothing, it also occupies your mind. When you’re preoccupied with not burning your tongue, you don’t have time to think about food.

Peppermint Tea Recipe: (contains an Amazon affiliate link)

6-8 ounces of hot water

1 tablespoon lemon juice

2 pieces of soft peppermint candy (or a soft peppermint stick) (Tip: Both are sold at the Dollar Tree)

Honey to taste

Tip #2: Chew gum (contains an Amazon affiliate link)

One of my favorites! It tastes just like cake! (Tip: Sold at Target, possibly Walmart)

Tip #3: Flip through a magazine

Instead of prowling through the kitchen, skim Better Homes and Gardens, Ebony, Essence, Family Circle… I know you have a basket full of magazines nobody reads. 😉

Tip #4: Floss and brush your teeth

Not only can flossing and brushing your teeth be good for your waistline, it also prevents plaque build-up, which can lead to cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease. Tell you dentist hygienist I said, “you’re welcome!”

Tip #5: Set a time boundary

I do not eat past 8 PM unless I’m physically hungry – stomach growling, unable to concentrate, cranky. Setting a time boundary, whatever time works best for you, will give your food enough time to digest before going to bed. You’ll sleep better, and feel better, when undigested food isn’t sitting in your stomach. Moreover, setting a time boundary gives you a goal to accomplish each night. Who doesn’t like to feel accomplished?

//What are your tips for eliminating late night snacking? Which of these tips would best benefit you? Make your presence known in the comments below.

As always, thanks so much for reading. You can find me online on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter.

Ecouragement, Faith

Why You Should Be A Quitter

February 7, 2018 No Comments

Why You Should Be A Quitter | www.teawithtiffanyp.com

“Don’t quit.”

“Winners don’t quit and quitters never win.”

“Cowards never start. The weak never finish. Winners never quit.”

“Only cowards quit. Stay tough.”

“Get fit. Don’t quit.”

“Life has two rules: #1 Never quit, #2 Always remember rule #1.”

In our culture, quitting is demonized. A person who quits is deemed weak. A failure. We are bombarded with messages, often as early as childhood, to never quit. But, what if… What if quitting leads to an abundance of joy and peace? What if quitting sets you free from bondage? What if the belief that you can’t quit is the source of your bondage? What if quitting leads to life?

My pride wouldn’t let me quit. I was a walking zombie – sleep deprived from fat burners. I was beyond exhausted, from many hours at the gym, and fueled by an amount of food that wouldn’t sustain an infant. I became more and more obsessed with my body. In fact, no mirror was safe. Each mirror prompting the coveted “ab check” – lifting your shirt to ensure your abs are still there.

This girl had something to prove! God kept nudging me to quit but I wouldn’t listen. I valued the opinion of man far above the opinion of God – BIG mistake!

Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but trusting the LORD means safety. Proverbs 29:25

Is it OK To Quit?

It’s absolutely OK to quit. In fact, God condones it.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1 NIV

You are allowed to quit, throw off, any and everything that hinders, or entangles you. Is it causing you to lose your peace? Quit it. Your joy? Quit it. Is your relationship with Christ suffering? Quit it. Are you consumed with thoughts of you, never thinking of others? Quit it. Have you become mean, short-tempered, impatient – no longer recognizing the woman in the mirror? Quit it.

What Does It Take To Quit?

It takes strength to quit. God’s strength.

I wish I could say it was easy to quit bodybuilding. As miserable as I was, it wasn’t. My flesh thrived on the notoriety. For a moment, it satisfied my desire to be seen. To be known. To be valued. Perhaps for you it isn’t bodybuilding. Maybe God is calling you to quit a relationship. A job. A bad habit – smoking, drinking, partying. Your flesh thrives on the way it makes you feel. It provides comfort.

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Isaiah 40:29

Will you be a quitter with me? If the Lord is nudging you to quit, quit. Quit the things that don’t make a difference, for things that do. Things so much bigger than you. I’ve found so much freedom on the other side. I’m confident you will too.

//If this blog post resonated with you in anyway, leave me a comment below, or email me at teawithtiffanyp@gmail.com. I enjoy reading and responding to your comments.

Thanks for reading! You can find me online on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter.

Christian Dating, Ecouragement

5 Things You Must Do After A Break-up

January 31, 2018 No Comments

5 Things You Must Do After A Break-up | www.teawithiffanyp

Why me?

We’ve all been there. One. Two. Or, maybe what seems to be like a hundred times before! Another break-up.

What did I do? How did I handle it? A few days ago, I was blessed with an opportunity to speak life into a friend who’s in the midst of a break-up. After hanging up the phone, I reflected over my past break-ups.

Break-ups are hard! They’re emotionally draining. You know he’s not the one but that doesn’t make it easier. You can’t sleep. You dwell and share the story over and over again with all your girlfriends. In the midst of telling my break-up story for the hundredth time, I thought, “I should just record myself. Send it to my girlfriends and tell ’em, ‘Listen to this and then call me!’” Chile, even telling the story was draining my energy! Ha!

When does the pain stop? When will the broken pieces of your heart become whole again? While I don’t know the exact time, or place, I know for certain the pain will end and your heart will be restored. You WILL love again! Until then, here are a few things you must do after a break-up:

#1 Surrender to God

The enemy has convinced you, in spite of all his lying and cheating, you made a mistake. You’ve seen pictures of he and his new boo and now all of a sudden, you think you’re missing out. According to you, “they look so happy.” Now you’re tempting to go begging and pleading. DON’T!!

No good thing will the Lord withhold from you. You must take God at His word. You’ve prayed and asked God to show you if he’s the one. How will He ever show you if you keep interfering? Have several seats boo-boo!

For the LORD God is our sun and our shield. He gives us grace and glory. The LORD will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right.
Psalm 84:11

#2 End ALL Communication

Stop accepting his phone calls! Listen, you’ve been with this man forever. He should’ve said everything he needed to say before “forever” ended. Like, what is there to talk about? The more you allow him access to your heart, the longer it’ll take for your heart to heal. #accessdenied

#3 Clean House

That picture on your nightstand. The junk, yes junk, he left at your house. The bracelet he brought you. Throw it out! On second thought, maybe you should keep the bracelet. Ha! But for realz, you need to put that stuff away. If you’re not ready to completely throw it away, I understand; HOWEVER, it should not be visible. The first thing you see when you wake up, and the last thing you see before going to bed should not be a picture of him. MmmmmKKKKK!

#4 Perform Social Media Housekeeping

Stop stalking his social media accounts. Stop stalking his new boo’s account. If you don’t want to unfriend his family, at least unfollow them. When y’all broke up. You broke up with the family too. #buhbye

#5 Change Your Environment

Attend the same church? Find a new one. Live in the same apartment complex? Move. Work at the same job? Quit. Run girlfriend! You ain’t runnin’ from him, you’re sprintin into your future.

I wanna hear whatchu gotta say, girl. Drop your tips below, a sista out there needs help!

Thanks for reading! You can find me online on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter.

Ecouragement, Faith

When God Says Wait

November 1, 2017 2 Comments

When God Whispers Wait | www.teawithtiffanyp.com

I don’t know about you but I hate waiting – HATE it! If I want something, I do whatever it takes to get it. Not excluding accumulating $10K in credit card debt. Needless to say, I spared no expense.

In this new season of life (recently married and unemployed), God continues to whisper, wait. For a girl who despises waiting, you can probably imagine, it hasn’t been all sunshine and rainbows. In fact, it’s been more like cold, snowy days. You know, when all the roads are closed, and you’re stuck inside the house for days on end. #notfun

I bet you’re a lot like me. You’ve been taught, “Nobody is going to give you anything. You gotta work for what you want.” While I believe this teaching has it’s place, we must be careful. Careful we don’t lump God into the “nobody” category. You see, the gospel is all about receiving. Receiving God’s unconditional love, without conditions – the need to perform.

For it is by God’s grace that you have been saved through faith. It is not the result of your own efforts, but God’s gift, so that no one can boast about it. Ephesians 2:8-9 GNT

My Grand Plan

When I moved in with my husband, I wanted to change everything. I had this grand plan of throwing away all his stuff, and buying all new stuff. In fact, when I visited him during our courtship, I mentally began to make plans for every room in the house. Shhhhh, that’s our little secret. If it were solely up to me, within a month, our home would closely resemble one of the renovated homes on HGTV. Aren’t those homes gorgeous? Being that we chose to become a single income household, I thought it best to file away my HGTV dream home fantasy until further notice.

Can I just be honest for a minute? Promise me you won’t judge. I’ll wait… OK, good. I’m nosey. Like for realzzzzz. My neighbor’s house recently went on the market. I just had to find out the selling price. I told ya, nosey! Anyway, while I was online being nosey, I decided to flip through the photos. As I was flipping through the pictures, I thought to myself, “Ooooooo, that’s nice. That dining room table and china cabinet would look amazing up in here!” Without any additional thoughts, I exited the page.

God’s Grand Plan

God’s answers are never packaged the way you expect. About a week after perusing the photos online, my husband called. He said, “The neighbors would like to know if you’d be interesting in their dining room table and china cabinet.” I was utterly shocked! Like what are the chances of that?

Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5

Perhaps you’re like me. You’re in a waiting season. You wonder,

When is my time coming?

Will God ever answer my prayers?

Does God even exist?

My dear sisters, we must trust. For trusting the Lord never leads to disappointment. I know it sounds cliché – trust God. Like me, you’ve probably rolled your eyes a time, or two, when someone uttered those two words. Be encouraged. Trust is not a one and done type deal. In fact, we must choose to trust minute by minute, second by second.

You are in a fight with the enemy of your soul, who so desperately wants you to believe that God ain’t good. That He’s not listening. That He doesn’t exist. In those moments of despair may you run towards God. Don’t get mad and storm out of the room. Get mad. Just don’t leave the room. Allow Him to remind you of His many promises.

And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him. Hebrews 11:6

//Are you currently in a waiting season? What are you doing to stay encouraged in the wait? Leave me a comment below. Myself, along with many other women, can use the advice.

Thank you for reading! You can find me online on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter.

When God Whispers Wait | www.teawithtiffanyp.com

Christian Dating

Dating Tip #5: Choose To Wait

October 25, 2017 2 Comments

Dating Tip #5: Choose To Wait | www.teawithtiffanyp.com

Welcome to week 5 of the Dating Tip Series. If you’re just joining us, no need to fret. You can catch up by clicking the links for Tip #1 , Tip #2 , Tip #3, and Tip #4.

The Wait – How Long?

2 Weeks? 30 days? 60 days? 90 days?

In Act Like A Lady, Think Like A Man, Steve Harvey touts a 90-day no sex rule. While I’m sure Mr. Harvey has valid reasons for this rule, don’t mistake it for truth. God’s word is TRUTH.

Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body. Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.. 1 Corinthians 6:18-20

The Bible doesn’t say wait 30 days, 60 days, or 90 days. It clear states to run from sexual sin.

So, what is sexual sin? Sexual sin is any sexual act outside marriage:

Phone Sex,

Masturbation,

Oral Sex,

Pornography,

Lust,

and countless others.

According to Bible, the only book that truly matters, you should wait until you’re married.

Why Should You Wait?

Your body is sacred. Your body is a temple. Just like any loving Father, God gives us guidelines. Those guidelines are meant to protect us. Not zap all the fun out of life. Think about it. How many of your sexual relationships ended in marriage? Heart break? Alone?

Having sex outside of marriage can make one blinded by lust.

You’re Worth It

For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son… John 3:16

God gave. He sacrificed His one, and only son for you. I’m not a mother; however, I couldn’t imagine giving up my child for a bunch of ungrateful people. Let me ask you. What has the man you’re sleeping with given up for you? A burger? A movie ticket? Some flimsy flowers?

In the spirit of Iyanla Vanzant, Beloved, you’re worth so much more than that! Your body was bought with the blood of Christ. Don’t compromise your soul for a few minutes of passion.

My Story

I had sex before marriage too. 👀 When I finally surrendered my way. The world’s way. God sent my husband. My husband and I made a promise to God, and ourselves, to abstain from sex until marriage. It was the most magical courtship I ever experienced. Was it easy? Nope! Remember, in your weakness, God becomes your strength. Was it worth it? Yauuuussss!!!

God doesn’t have favorites. He will redeem your story too. It doesn’t matter matter what you’ve done. I dare you to trust Him. To obey Him.

I invite you to read Kay King’s story here. I was hooked after reading the first sentence. She’s so raw and transparent. Our messages are so so similar. Like me, she came to know her worth. Whatever you’ve done, and I do mean whatever, Jesus died for that TOO! Shame and guilt are not from God. Be encouraged. Be blessed. Allow God to author your best-seller. <3

Reflect & Respond:

Have you sinned against God and your body? Have you asked for forgiveness? If you need prayer, I would love to pray with you. Shoot me an email, teawithtiffanyp@gmail.com.

Additional Resources:

The Wait: A Powerful Practice for Finding the Love of Your Life and the Life You Love (Amazon affiliate link)

Thank you for following the Dating Tip Series. Next Wednesday we’ll begin a new series. If there’s a topic you’re interested in, email me at teawithtiffanyp@gmail.com.

Thanks for reading! You can find me online on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter.

Dating Tip #5: Choose To Wait | www.teawithtiffanyp.com

Christian Dating

Dating Tip #4: Seek God First

October 18, 2017 6 Comments

Dating Tip #4: Seek God First | www.teawithtiffanyp.com

Welcome to week 4 of the Dating Tip Series. If you’re just joining us, no need to fret. You can catch up by clicking the links for Tip #1 , Tip #2 , and Tip #3.

When a new man comes into your life, have you ever paused to pray? Have you ever asked God, “Should I talk to this man? Go on a date with him?” Have you ever pounced only to find out later, you should’ve bounced? Both of my hands are raised!

When I entered relationships, it was never about God. Nor was it about His desires for me. It was all about me and what Tiffany wanted. I hear Mya’s song featuring Dru Hill playing my head, “It’s all about me, me, me…” If it seemed right, I was all in.

There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death. Proverbs 14:12

The path that seems right can end in death. The death of a relationship you so desperately keep trying to give CPR.

Are You Tired Yet?

Are you tired of circling the same mountain? Tired of:

Falling for married men?

Falling for men who aren’t ready for a commitment?

Falling for men who are immature?

Falling for men who don’t have any goals in life? Dreams, or ambition?

Falling for men who hit you?

Falling for men who hit the bottle more than time-clock?

Why, oh why do you keep circling this same mountain? Especially when you have an ALL-KNOWING God a breath away?

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. Psalm 32:8

God was the last place I ran for guidance. I called my mom, my sister, my friends… I talked to the lady at the hair salon, at the nail shop, at work… Never seeking God when He promises to instruct and teach me which way to go. For the second time, I found myself calling off an engagement. For the second time, I’d spent years in a relationship that didn’t end in marriage.

After my FIRST phone conversation with my HUZZZZBAND, I prayed. I’d never done this before. In previous relationships, I prayed desperation prayers. You know. The prayers you pray AFTER you’re in too deep. The prayers that go something like this: “Lord, please don’t let me be pregnant. Please make him stop cheating on me. Please make him choose me over his wife.” #sideeye #lipsmack

My Bold Prayer

I prayed, “If this man isn’t my husband, remove him, ASAP! If he is, show me.” I didn’t have any more time to waste!

I gotta be honest. It’s scary praying a prayer like that! I thought, What if God takes him away? I didn’t really know him but I enjoyed our conversation. I had a desire to know him better; however, if it wasn’t God’s will, I was prepared to throw the deuces! #peace Are willing to do the same?

Seeking God first made all the difference in the world. As I looked back over my past relationships, it was the one, MOST IMPORTANT thing I failed to do. When I stopped quoting God’s word and became obedient to God’s word, everything changed.

Prayer:

Most gracious God. Ruler of both heaven and earth. Thank you for being patient with us. We confess that we have been disobedient. We come to you now asking for forgiveness. Forgive us for taking matters into our own hands. We realize you’re good at being God. You don’t need our help. Father, give us a desire to seek you first. When we take our eyes off you and we’re tempted to forge our own paths, prick our hearts. Direct us back to You. Make us sensitive to your leading. Empower us to be obedient to you. We trust that your plan is better than anything we can create on our own. We love you Lord. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Reflect & Respond:

Have you failed to seek God before entering a relationship? What was the outcome? Would seeking God first save you some heartache down the road? What can you do to ensure you seek God first next time? Spill the tea in the comments below or email me at teawithtiffanyp@gmail.com.

Check back next Wednesday for Tip #5, and Join the Tea Party to receive an email when the next tip drops.

Thanks for reading! You can find me online on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter.

Dating Tip #4: Seek God First | www.teawithtiffanyp.com

Christian Dating

Dating Tip #3: Check Under The Hood

October 10, 2017 4 Comments

Check Under The Hood | www.teawithtiffanyp.com

Hey girlfriend! It’s week 3 of the Dating Tip series. Thank you so much for meeting me here each week. I pray you’re blessed; moreover, I pray God speaks to you individually through this series. If you’re just joining us, click the links for Tip #1 and Tip #2 to catch up.

What qualities do you want in a man?

Swag?

Tall?

Fine?

Nice body?

Teeth on point?

Nice Complexion?

Sistahs, stop checkin’ for his swag and check under the hood!

But the Lord said to Samuel, “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7

I have a hard time picking a sweet watermelon. I lean more towards the pretty watermelons. You know. The watermelons without dirt and discoloration. I place my pretty watermelon in my shopping cart and wait with anticipation to cut it open. When I bring the watermelon home, cut it open, and taste it. It’s not sweet. Don’t be the girl who brings home an bad watermelon (man), just because it (he) looks pretty. To avoid this, keep reading.

There’s nothing wrong with wanting a man who’s physically attractive; however, scripture cautions us about looking at the outward appearance. In 1 Samuel 16, the Lord sends Samuel to anoint the next king of Israel. Saul, the first king of Israel, looked the part. 1 Samuel 9:2 states, Saul was the most handsome man in Israel – head and shoulders taller than anyone else in the land. Although he looked the part, we soon learn, he wasn’t all that and a bag of Doritos (which are my fav #lickingmyfingersofthecheeseresidue.)

What if the #1 quality you seek is a man after God’s own heart?

Prior to my relationship with God, T.B.C. (Tiffany Before Christ), I fell victim to the outward appearances. Lemme just tell ya, looking for swag had me looking real crazy! What good is a man who looks good if he hits you? Looks good but disrespects you? Looks good but doesn’t support you? Looks good but cheats on you? Just because a man looks good, doesn’t mean he’s good for you!

A man after God’s own heart isn’t a perfect man. King David wasn’t perfect. Like you and I, he made mistakes. Even in making those mistakes, David was a man who admitted his sin, repented, and changed his ways. He didn’t keep committing the same sin over and over again. If your heart is truly after God, there should be receipts. A receipt for obedience to God’s word, patience, humility, kindness, self-control, slow to anger – to name a few. Where are his receipts?

Reflect & Respond:

Have you ever chosen a man because he looks good? Have you ever considered his heart? Let me hear it. Spill the tea in the comments below or email me at teawithtiffanyp@gmail.com.

Check back next Wednesday for Tip #4, and Join the Tea Party to receive an email when the next tip drops.

Thanks for reading! You can find me online on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter.

Check Under The Hood | www.teawithtiffanyp.com

Christian Dating

Dating Tip #2: Jesus Saves, Not You

October 4, 2017 2 Comments

Jesus Saves, Not You | www.teawithtiffanyp.com

Real quick, if you missed the first tip, you can read it here. Now let’s jump into the second tip.

Have you ever tried to save a man? You know like, come to his rescue when he’s struggling? For example,

Your man doesn’t have a cell phone. You add him to your plan.

Your man doesn’t have a place of his own. You move him into yours.

Your man doesn’t have a job. You find him a job AND complete the job application.

Your man doesn’t have enough money to take you to dinner. You pay for it.

Your man doesn’t have a car. You give him yours.

Your man doesn’t go to church. You drag him to yours. … God can make him stop cheating on you, right?

Superwoman! Please rip that cape off!

Jesus Saves, Not You!

“for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:11

It’s not your responsibility to save him. There’s only one Savior, Christ the Lord. Lanes are made for separation, stay in yours!

My Personal Story

After graduating college, I was offered a full-time position in Colorado. At the time, I was dating a man who was struggling to find his place in life. Together we decided it would be a great idea for him to move to Colorado as well. Thank God for grace and mercy! In my short-sighted, limited thinking, Colorado was a bigger city with better opportunities for him. I threw on my lil cape, swooped him up, and off to Colorado we flew.

This was definitely not one of my best decisions in life. Like you, I’m imperfect. I didn’t/don’t do everything right, but God is merciful. He redeemed my story. God was/is faithful through it all. Even when I was a hot mess dot com, He patiently waited for me to get my WHOLE life. With tears in my eyes, I know if He did it for me, He’ll do the same for you! His blessings aren’t simply for those who do everything right.

God has united you with Christ Jesus. For our benefit God made him to be wisdom itself. Christ made us right with God; he made us pure and holy, and he freed us from sin. Therefore, as the Scriptures say, “If you want to boast, boast only about the Lord. 1 Corinthians 1:30-31

I boast in the Lord! Why? Because His blessings have nothing to do with me, but everything to do with Him! You see, Christ makes you right with God. He makes you pure and holy. Christ saves you. Christ saves him too. With no help from you.

Reflect & Respond:

So, have you ever tried to save a man, or are you currently holding his life vest?

Don’t leave me out here by myself! Tell me your story in the comments below, or shoot me an email at teawithtiffanyp@gmail.com.

Check back next Wednesday for Tip #3, and Join the Tea Party to receive an email when the next tip drops.

Thanks for reading! You can find me online on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter.

Jesus Saves, Not You | www.teawithtiffanyp.com

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