Faith, Fitness, Health

Weight Loss Tips & Hacks For Busy Women

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weight loss, busy women,

Intro: Weight Loss

I look awful.

I’m so fat.

My thighs are huge.

My stomach is so flabby.

I will never lose all this weight.

Hey girlfriend! I see you. You’re exhausted and overwhelmed. You don’t even recognize the woman in the mirror. The extra weight, fluffy cheeks, flabby arms… Who is this woman? And, how did I get here?

It’s tough. Eat this, not that. Sugar is the devil. Carbs are the enemy. Go hard, or go home. If you don’t sweat, it doesn’t count… It’s just too dang complicated! Why even try?

You must continue to try because you have power living on the inside of you. For too long you’ve allowed this remarkable power to lay dormant, not anymore!

Biblical Application for Weight Loss

I grew up in church. I volunteered my time. I paid my tithes. I could quote scripture left, and right.

While I could quote scripture left, and right; I didn’t know how to apply it. That’s true for many women. You and I erroneously believe God is talking to “them”. Not us. That scripture applied then. Not now.

God’s word is alive today. It was available to them, and it’s available to you. It was valid then, and it’s valid now.

Turn your attention to Romans chapter 8 versus 11 thru 13:

The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you. Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. For if you live by its dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live.

What it Means to You

You do not have the power to lose weight. The power to lose weight comes from the Spirit of God.

When your flesh craves fried chicken and macaroni and cheese…

When your flesh craves cookies and cake…

When your flesh craves laziness…

You have the power to choose life! Not high blood pressure. Not diabetes. Not obesity…. LIFE!

Pass the collection plate, hunnntteeee. While you’re doing that, I’ll answer your top three weight loss questions.

1.    How can I lose weight with a busy schedule?

You prioritize the things that are important to you. If weight loss is as important as you say, you will make the necessary adjustments. #toughlove

If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail. – Benjamin Franklin

Weight Loss Tip#1: Create a Plan

You may find $5. You may find a great bargain. You may even find love. You will never just find time to exercise. You gotta make time.

Along those same lines, healthy food won’t just appear on the table. You gotta go get it.

You can wish to lose weight all day, BUT unless you put forth the effort, it will never come true.

Weight Loss Tip#2: Prepare Ahead of Time

What do you need to execute your plan?

Do you need to pack sneakers to walk during your lunch break?

Do you need to pack a gym bag for an evening workout class?

Do you need to cook some healthy meals for the busy week ahead?

Whatever you need to execute your plan, make sure it’s in place a day(s) before. The last thing you needs is to be running through the house looking for a clean sports bra when you’re already running late. Get yo whole life!

Weight Loss Tip#3: Optimize Your Time

Chopping onions and peppers for an omelet, or egg scramble (deconstructed omelet)? Chop enough for a few days. Better yet, use them in this quick and easy sheet pan fajitas recipe for lunch, or dinner.

Optimizing my time in the kitchen has reduced my cooking and clean-up time tremendously. Ain’t nobody got time to be washing the same cutting board, or food processor, over and over again.

Think about the time you already spend in the kitchen. How can you optimize that time to prepare additional meals for the day, or week ahead?

weight loss, weight loss tips, weight loss hacks, weight loss scripture application

2.    How can I add more exercise to my day?

Society focuses so much on exercise – but MOVEMENT as a way of life is even more important. Your body is meant to move. Your body must move to function. Movement is essential, with just enough exercise, in order to achieve the health benefits everyone wants and the aesthetics (toned arms) most women desire.

Aim to get as much movement as possible. Listed below are a few traditional, and non-traditional ways to add more movement to your day..

Exercise Tip#1: Park Further Away

Grocery shopping, window shopping, doctor’s appointments… it all adds up. By parking further away, I’ve been able to increase my weekly step count by thousands.

On a breezy, fall day, park in the last parking space at Walmart. Take a couple of deep breaths, and just enjoy being outside.

On a hot, humid day. Chiilllleeee!!  Park on top of a car if you must! Get in and get out as quick as possible!

Exercise Tip#2: Walk While Talking on the Phone

Instead of propping your heels up, and aimlessly scrolling social media while pretending to listen; lace up your shoes and head outside for some vitamin D. For total convenience, skip the shoes and stay inside. Just get moving!

Exercise Tip#3: Take the Stairs Instead of the Elevator

In the mall. In the airport. At the doctor’s office. There are stairs all around you. Find ‘em. Take ‘em!

Exercise Tip#4: Exercise During Commercial Breaks

Research shows that commercial breaks can add up to 15 minutes per hour. Instead of scrolling social media, get down and give me 10 – push-ups that is!

Get your heart pumping and muscles burning with this circuit during your next commercial break.

body weight circuit workout

Exercise Tip#5: Exercise While Kid(s) Practice

Cheer practice.

Basketball practice.

Football practice.

Soccer practice.

Karate lessons.

Swimming lessons.

Put that phone down and get moving! Moving your body will boost your energy and improve your mood.

Exercise Tip#6: Incorporate Family Walks After Dinner

Going for a walk after eating will help with digestion, as well as aid in weight loss.

Grab your husband. Grab your kids. Grab your baby. Grab everybody and hit the pavement for a relaxing evening stroll.

Exercise Tip#7: Use the Bathroom on a Different Floor

I know. This sounds silly, but it adds more movement throughout your day.

At a previous job, I sat on the third floor. I took the stairs down to the first floor to use the bathroom. All those trips back and forth added up. Some days it wasn’t my favorite thing to do, but I always felt better afterwards.

eating tips for weight loss, weight loss

3.    How can I eat healthy with a busy schedule?

As we discussed earlier, it takes planning. Planning your own meals at home or planning your go-to healthy options at restaurants. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s something you enjoy. Satisfaction is crucial for sustainable weight loss.

Keep reading for practical, time-saving tips.

Eat Healthy – Tip#1: Prepare Healthy Food in Advance

Meal prep will help to mitigate eating oh-so-convenient junk food. None of which ever keeps you full.  Which in turn leads to consuming more calories than you really need. Hello weight gain!

Here’s a weekly menu of dishes that can be prepared in less than an hour.

easy meal prep, quick meal prep, meal prep, weekly menu

Meal Prep Steps:

  1. Clean, season, and grill the chicken breast.
  2. Chop the vegetables for the fiesta and taco salad (romaine lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, carrots, etc.)
  3. Rinse and drain black beans, for fiesta salad.
  4. Throw steam-able bag of frozen corn, for fiesta salad, in the microwave.

Double, or triple the recipes to have enough for lunch.

Eat Healthy – Tip#2: Keep Emergency Snacks on Hand (e.g. purse, pantry, etc.)

In the wee-hours of the morning, during what seems like the 100th breastfeeding session, snacking is inevitable. Please tell me it’s not just me. In those early days, Reese’s PB cups and Peanut M&M’s were my jam! Chocolate comforts the soul!

Hear me. There’s nothing wrong with eating candy; however, if your goal is weight loss, eating too much won’t move the needle towards your goal.

Instead of candy, try energy balls (I omit the coconut and add a scoop of protein), my favorite kind bar, nuts, and an M&M or two… or three, sometimes.

Eat Healthy – Tip#3: Strategically Dine-out

Hack #1: Order from the Kids Menu

I’m the queen of the kid’s menu, and my husband’s the king. Eating from the kid’s menu will save your wallet and your waist.

In most cases, the kid’s portion is enough to leave you satisfied, not stuffed. My favorite kid’s menu items are the BBQ chicken drummies from Jim-N-Nicks, chicken nuggets from Chick-fil-A, child feast from Taziki’s with roasted red potatoes (delish!) and a Greek salad, and the Moo Moo Mr. Cow (steak) from Moe’s (with or without the wrap).

Hack #2: Share an entrée

Dining out with a friend? Share an entrée.

My husband and I share all the time. Our most recent shared meal was at J. Alexander’s. To our surprise, when dinner arrived, the entrée was already plated separately (we usually must ask for an extra plate). There was more than enough food on each plate!

Hack #3: Customize Your Order

Carbohydrates are not the enemy, but don’t overdo it. If you order a cheeseburger and fries, have the bun or the fries. Depending on what your body needs, you may: A) Choose a bun-less burger with fries, B) Keep the bun and order a side salad, C) Choose the bun and the fries, or D) Choose the bun and share the fries.

Trust your body to communicate what it needs.

4.    How do I work out with a busy schedule?

1.      Determine the number of days you will commit to exercise.

2.      Determine the amount of time you will commit to exercise.

Be realistic. Don’t commit to something knowing you don’t have the time just because you think it’ll speed up your weight loss. More than likely, you’ll give up before you reach your goal because it won’t fit your lifestyle. You can’t fit a square peg in a round hole.

Armed with the number of days and amount of time, choose the best workout plan for you.

Circuit workouts are both effective and efficient for busy women who are short on time. By performing each exercise in succession, without rest, your heart rate remains elevated and you burn more calories. It’s strength training and cardio rolled into one.

An example of a body-part workout routine based on the number of days you can exercise:

Generic Body Part Workout Routine

body part split, body part routine, sample workout split

Which hack(s) and/or tip(s) can you easily implement into your current lifestyle? Do you have additional tips and tricks? Help a sista and drop ’em in the comments below.

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Faith, Fitness, Health

Top Weight Loss Struggles & Solutions

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weight loss, weight loss struggles, weight loss solutions

Personal Weight Loss Struggle

Unbeknownst to me, my weight loss journey began with Billy Blanks, specifically Taebo, back in 2005. I had absolutely no clue what I was doing. I purchased the DVD on a whim, and so it began.

I had no expectations. Moreover, I didn’t realize I was losing weight until compliments came pouring in. Lemme just say, I looooveddddd the attention! What girl doesn’t wanna hear she looks good? I popped my collar and kicked it up a notch. More compliments, please.

It was all good, until it wasn’t. Your body can only go so far on 1200 calories. I was hungry as H-E-DOUBLE L hunteeeee! I was “good” during the day. At sunset, I transformed into the Tasmanian devil. I tore through my kitchen eating everything not nailed down. Have you ever been there?

Why can’t I just get my eating under control like so-and-so? Everybody else seemed to have this weight loss thing nailed down. I felt as if I was the only woman struggling. Lettuce by day. Cookies by night. You are not alone. I prefer cake over broccoli. Doritos over brown rice. A cheeseburger and fries over a grilled chicken salad. The weight loss struggle is real. We both know, too much of this food would lead to poor health, limited mobility, and an expanding waistline.

The Weight Loss Battle (Struggle): Scripture Application

Your weight loss battle is bigger than you. Your God-given purpose is at stake. Your life. Your mind. Your freedom. It’s all on the line.

Ephesians chapter 6 versus 10 thru 12:

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

The enemy doesn’t fight fair. Nothing is off-limits to him. Not even the size of your thighs. For years, I was obsessed with the size of my thighs. So obsessed, I woke in the middle of the night to try on a pair of jeans (size ZERO!) to make sure my thighs would still fit. For years, those jeans were the bars to my prison. What’s your prison? Sweets? Junk food?

You will never win this fight in your own strength. Keep those earrangs on, huntee!

As you read through the top weight loss struggles, make a decision to put down your weapons – food scale, body weight scale, food trackers, or whatever you’ve tried in the past – and tap into the Lord’s mighty power to overcome them.

Weight Loss Struggle #1: Not Eating Enough

You don’t have an issue with sugar.

You don’t have an issue with food.

You don’t lack self-control.

You don’t lack willpower.

The problem? You aren’t eating enough.

Your body will always get what it needs. Once you accept this, your sanity is within reach. You finally realize there’s nothing wrong with you. Your body has an innate need for fuel – food. Your body is merely doing what it was created to do. You can’t fight biology.

Solution #1: Stop Dieting

Have you heard the secret? A secret the diet industry is hiding from you? Well, I’m about to spill all the tea!

The secret? ALL diets “work”.

All diets result in weight loss. Why? Diets are based on restriction. Restriction leads to weight loss; however, it’s not sustainable.

Weight loss based on restriction will never last.

So why do you keep dieting? Fear. It’s rooted in the belief that if you don’t control your calories, you’ll blow up. This fear is so paralyzing, you keep doing the same thing over and over again even when it’s literally driving you cray cray.

Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, but expecting a different result.

Solution #2: Drop Food Labels

Food has no moral value. You’re not good when you eat an apple, and bad when you eat a slice of cake. Labeling food as good or bad keeps you in a constant cycle of shame, guilt, and trying to undo a “bad” food choice.

diet cyle, diet, diet shame, diet guilt

Solution #3: Eat mostly whole, unprocessed food

Including whole, unprocessed food, as the base of your diet will provide the best nutritional support and health benefits. In fact, it has been shown that when a person switches from a processed food diet (Standard American Diet) to a whole foods diet – almost no matter what the whole foods are – health benefits are evident.

Weight Struggle #2: Eating Too Much

Don’t believe the hype. Just because a food is labeled gluten free, vegan, sugar-free… isn’t a free pass to eat as much as you want. Food is comprised of energy. If you consume more energy than your body needs, you will gain weight.

Solution 1: Eat without distractions

Have you ever been eating while multitasking – talking on the phone, watching TV, scrolling social media, … you look down and your food is gone? When that happens, seconds are inevitable.

Eating without distractions is waist-changing. You eat less, and in turn my waist gets smaller.

Solution 2: Pre-portion snacks

If a food is healthy, you can eat as much as you want – says nobody ever! Just because a food is healthy doesn’t mean eating too much won’t lead to weight gain.

Solution 3: Drink enough water

It’s recommended that sedentary women drink 9 cups of water a day. Women who desire fat loss should drink an additional 8 ounces of water for every 25 pounds carried above their ideal weight. Moreover, water intake should be increased for active women, and those who live in hot, humid climates.

Hear me. I’m not suggesting you drink water when you’re hungry. When you’re hungry, pluuueeessseee eat.

Weight Struggle #3: All or nothing mentality

I already missed one workout, what’s the point?

I already ate one cookie, I may as well eat the whole sleeve.

I already ate bad for lunch, I may as well eat whatever I want for dinner.

Since I’m dining out, I may as well go all out.

Don’t allow perfect to be the enemy of good.

Every time you eat is an opportunity to move closer to your goal, or further away. You get to choose. If you fall off the wagon at lunch, get back on at dinner. No matter how many times you fall off, keep getting back up.

In the middle of the all and nothing, is your sweet spot. Find your sweet spot.

all or nothing diet mentality, diet sweet spot

Fitness Struggle #4: Lack of Consistency

It’s not about how you start that’s important, but how you finish.

Solution #1: Recruit a friend

When you know someone is counting on you, you’re more likely to keep showing up. Choose your friend wisely. You don’t want a flaky friend. You want a friend who is gonna show up.

Solution #3: Do what you enjoy

Eat the foods you enjoy. Choose exercise you enjoy. Period.

If you hate it, you won’t stick with it. The end.  

Fitness Struggle #5: Lack of Time

You don’t lack time. You have a time management issue.

Scrolling Instagram won’t move the needle towards your weight loss goal.

Solution #1: Take time-inventory

Where are you spending your time? YouTube? Watching TV? Social media? Resolve to be a better steward of your time.

Solution #2: Wake-up earlier

Bed holding you hostage? Break free, girlfriend!

Studies have shown that early risers are more productive and feel more accomplished by the end of the day.

Did this blog post resonate with you? If so, consider leaving a comment below. I delight in hearing from you and responding to your comments. Hope to see you in the comments!

weight loss, weight loss struggles, weight loss solutions

Countdown to Summer Fitness Challenge | www.teawithtiffanyp.com

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Ecouragement, Faith

Dear Kate (Preemie Mom)

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Dear Kate: (Preemie Mom) | www.teawithtiffanyp.com

Last week’s episode of This Is Us, left me in tears. I was reminded of the 44, long and painful, days we spent in the NICU at our daughters side. In that moment, the Lord gave me the idea to write a letter to “Kate”, Kate being all preemie moms, present and future, encouraging her through my experience. I pray you’re encouraged and expectant. Expectant of the Lord to work a miracle. Just like He did for us.

Dear “This is Us” Kate Pearson-Damon,

I know you’re asking, Why? Why me? Why my baby? Is he going to live?

Your mind is bombarded with unanswered questions.  

Looking at your baby, who looks more like an alien (Chillllleeeee!!!), through the small, clear box. Tears streaming down your face. You’d do anything to trade places. He’s too little. Too fragile.

Brace yourself. Buckle your seat belt, hunteeee! You’re in for a rough ride! There will be many ups, but also stomach sinking lows. You know. The type of low where you’ve been dieting, practically starving yourself, for weeks only to step on the scale and be up a pound. Yeah, that stomach sinking low. There will be twists. There will be turns. There will be many, many tears and downright two year old temper tantrums. Yes, adults can have temper tantrums too!

Your faith will be tested. Some days it’ll be steadfast. Other days, you’ll be hanging on by a thread, grasping for faith. Look up. Keep your eyes fixed on heaven.

Your current situation does NOT change who God is.

Caution. Grieving ahead…

You’ll roll your eyes grieve,  as you enter the hospital, headed for the NICU, greeted by yet another mom smiling ear to ear. Baby in tow. Why does her baby get to go home?

You’ll grieve the labor you envisioned your whole life. Never getting a chance to push.

Maternity pictures you didn’t take.

A hospital bag you never packed.

The baby, your baby, you didn’t hold.

My love, you’ll grieve so much more in the days and weeks to come.

In that cold, dark room you’ll get lost in the endless beeps of the medical equipment. I could kidnap my baby and run away. What can they do? He’s mine. Your baby will stir, bringing you back to reality. He’s in the best place on earth, for now.

You’ll be downright exhausted. You’ll be consumed with guilt every second you’re away. You’ll be pissed at the nurses. What do you mean I can’t hold MY baby today? Luckily, most days, you’ll recognize them for who they are. Angels on earth.

Find joy in the journey. Like a long road trip, soak up the beauty all around you. Step outside of yourself. Your heartache. Your feelings. Your disappointments. In this very moment. Right there. In the NICU. There’s beauty all around. I challenge you to find it.

Your NICU sister,

Tiffany

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Ecouragement, Faith

When Things Don’t Go The Way You Planned

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When Things Don't Go The Way You Planned | www.teawithtiffanyp.com

You have a choice. You can choose to be frustrated, or you can choose to see the big picture.

It’s hard. This whole “big picture” thing. By nature, you’re inclined to throw in the towel. To doubt yourself. To convince yourself of all the reasons why you’re not qualified.

Stop right there. Don’t allow your thoughts to go any further. Doubt is an old trick of the enemy. It started way back in the Garden of Eden.

Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’? Genesis 3:1

Just as with Eve, the enemy wants you to question God’s goodness. Did God really say you are called to ministry? Did God really say that was your job? Did God really say he was your husband?

More than anything, the enemy wants you to question God’s call on your life. He knows he’s powerless. The enemy fights from defeat, while you fight from victory. He can never win; however, he’s always recruiting players for his team.

Your God Size Dream

Do you have a dream bigger than yourself? A dream you know only God can make come true? I do.

During a workout at Revelation Wellness Instructor Training, I experienced the Holy Spirit like never before. There were about 200 men and women moving their bodies for the glory of God. From that moment, I dreamed about creating that same experience for women around the world. I envisioned I’d start the tour leading workouts with Women Thou Art Loosed (WTAL) – call me, Bishop Jakes! Hey, if you’re gonna dream, you may as well dream big!

Needless to say, I haven’t been invited to WTAL, yet, but a few months ago, I was asked to lead a workout for a women’s conference. It soon morphed into a workout plus a presentation on the importance of physical fitness.

God answered my prayer. While it wasn’t quite what I expected, it was close enough. Baby steps, right?

Off I went. Creating choreography, developing a playlist, practicing, creating PowerPoint slides…. I was ecstatic God chose to partner with me. I wanted to make my daddy proud. Then it hit me like a ton of bricks.

What am I thinking? There are so many women more qualified than me. How can I get out of this?

So do not fear, for I am with you; Isaiah 41:10

Once again, I made it about me, not Him. Instead of focusing on me, I turned my gaze heavenward. I relied heavily on God’s power and pressed on.

The Big Picture

Most often, we see the highs of someone’s accomplishments. Very rarely do we see the lows, or disappointments, along the way.

Well, I’m totally going against the grain today. I’m giving you a peak inside one of my recent disappointments. Here goes…

The conference was cancelled. Yep, you read that correctly. The conference I’d been preparing for and praying about since February was cancelled.

The enemy didn’t waste no time slinging accusations at me. You don’t have what it takes anyway. I told you to say no. So much for that answered prayer now. Just give up on the dream, it’ll never work anyway. If it was meant to be, it would be by now.

And that’s when I was presented with a choice. I could join the enemy’s team, believing his lies, or I could partner with the winning team, and receive His promises.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

Nothing is wasted with God. At the moment, I have no idea how God is going to use what we’ve created. The message He’s put on my heart to share with other women BUT I’m confident He’s going to use it.

Perhaps it was a test. Do you really mean it when you say, “Lord, send me.” Do you?

Final Thoughts

Things won’t always go according to plan but always, always, always remember GOD IS FOR YOU! You can find comfort in the midst of any disappointment by reminding yourself, “God is for me!”

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1

Waiting expectantly…

~Ta-Ta For Now, Teacups

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

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Christian Dating, Faith

Sex Before Marriage: What’s The Big Deal?

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

You grew up in church. You gave your life to Christ at a very early age. I was seven.

At the basic level, you knew being a Christian meant being “good.” You were taught to respect your elders. To obey your parents. To do what your teachers told you to do.

Just as you’d learned being disrespectful was wrong, you also learned sex before marriage was wrong. Not necessarily because someone explained it to you, but because “momma said so.” You knew that being disrespectful resulted in a whooping, but what about the consequence of sex? Pregnancy?

Sex was always the big elephant in the room – nobody talked about it. It was a subject your parents avoided like Walmart on Black Friday. Moreover, you never even heard a sermon about sex.

Diets and Sex

When you start a diet, you’re given rules to follow. Eat more vegetables. Eat more protein. Exercise at least 30 minutes a day. Eliminate junk food. Avoid eating past 8pm.

You’re absolutely miserable when dieting. You crave the crunchy chips, the chocolatey candy bars, creamy ice cream, and good ole fried chicken. Although giving up your indulgences ain’t fun, you buckle down and press in. You know you’ll reap a reward if you hang in there.

The idea of wearing your favorite pair of jeans again, or the thought of the number on the scale decreasing, fuels you. You’re determined. You’ll do whatever it takes for the sweet reward of being snatched dot com!

Just as you reap the rewards of dieting, you also reap rewards of being obedient to God by waiting until marriage to have sex. Keep reading, I’ll explain more.

Everybody Else Is Doing It

All of your friends are having sex. They seem to be enjoying it. None of them fell dead or went up in flames. So, what’s the big deal?

Sin is fun. Dr.Tony Evans said, “If sin ain’t fun, you committing the wrong sin!” #oookkkkaaayyy

You’ve read the scriptures: sexual immortality is an act of the flesh, sexual immortality has no place among God’s people, and sexual immortality is against your own body …

I’ve read it all before, bobbing your head, and singing to the tune of Sunshine Anderson’s, Heard It All Before. Don’t worry, I won’t preach to you. Instead , I’ll spill the tea on my own, very personal experiences. #beentheredonethat

My Story

I had sex before marriage. Like you, at the time I didn’t see the harm in it. But, sin has consequences. While you might not reap the consequences immediately, you will eventually reap ‘em.

My husband and I made a commitment to God, and each other, to wait until we were married to have sex. I know God was pleased with our obedience but I still carried around the guilt from my past, B.C. (Before Chris).

We were showered with gifts from all of our loved ones. I reached the pinnacle of what most girls dream, become a wife. To most, Chris and I had it all BUT in the back of mind, there was one gift I couldn’t give him – the gift of an unopened box. Because I made a decision to have sex before him, before marriage, I would never be able to give that to him. Oh how I longed to give that to him. Tears were streaming down my face. What should’ve been one of the happiest moments in my life, guilt and shame washed over me.

God Forgives

Scripture says you’re made in the image of God. But so often, you create God in your own image. You’re still holding a grudge against a friend who betrayed you in high school so how in the world could God, in all is majesty, forget your sins? **Newsflash** God ain’t like you! Can we just praise Him for not being like you? … I’ll wait!

I don’t understand it either, but you don’t have to understand it to receive it. Your job is to just receive it by faith.

I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more. Isaiah 43:25 NIV

God chooses not to remember your sin. I made a choice not to wallow in the shame. I chose to accept God’s forgiveness. It’s available to you too.

Call To Action

Don’t allow guilt and shame from the enemy to keep you from experiencing God’s best!

Just because you’ve committed the sin of sex before marriage doesn’t mean you must continue. You can stop right now. Today. God desires your heart. He desires for you to choose Him. Over your flesh. Over your man. Over everything. Will you honor God with your body?

~Ta-Ta For Now, Teacups

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

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Christian Dating, Faith

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

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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.

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Ecouragement, Faith

Why You Should Be A Quitter

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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.

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Ecouragement, Faith

When God Says Wait

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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

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Faith, Fitness, Health

Are You Like Esau?

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Are you like Esau | www.teawithtiffanyp.com

More than likely, you’re in one of two camps. The first camp is wondering, Who the heck is Esau? The second camp, while familiar with Esau, hesitantly answers, I don’t think so. Regardless of camp, keep reading. I promise there’s a lesson to be learned.

While I’ve read the story of Esau and Jacob many times, the story resonated with me in a fresh, new way while reading the Made To Crave devotional on the Holy Bible App (If you don’t have this app, download it now!). In Genesis 25, Esau arrives home after a long day of hunting, hungry and exhausted. In Esau’s distress, he trades his firstborn birthright for a measly bowl of soup.

Can I be vulnerable with you? A while back, I erroneously thought food was the problem. When I found myself head first in a family-size bag of nacho cheese Doritos (good, right?) or knee deep in a jar of peanut butter, I took it out on the food. No, I didn’t beat the food up silly. But, in that moment, I swore to never buy chips or peanut butter again. Talk about unrealistic! Clearly it was the food’s fault and had to be exiled from the pantry! Sounds familiar?

In my heart, I knew it wasn’t the food I craved. In Lysa Terkeurst’s book, Made To Crave, she helps women understand how cravings for lasting spiritual satisfaction are often mistaken for cravings for food. When I found a FREE 21 day devotional for Made To Crave on the Holy Bible App, I immediately started the plan. The devotional included the story of Esau and Jacob. I was tempted to skim over this particular day’s teaching. In my limited understanding, I couldn’t see how their story had anything to do with why I was constantly running to the pantry. I mean, Esau ate when he was hungry. Isn’t that the #1 diet rule, “Eat when you’re hungry”? Tried that. Didn’t work for me. Moving on… While my flesh was beckoning me to move on, my Spirit was gently prompting me to be still. To receive what God was waiting to show me.

It clicked. I was just like Esau. While Esau traded his birthright, I traded my desire to be healthy and whole. I turned to Doritos and peanut butter instead of the God of all comfort. I’m willing to bet you’re guilty too. You turn to temporary comfort instead of THE comforter. In verse 32, Esau goes on to say, “Look, I’m dying of starvation! What good is my birthright to me now?”  Like you, Esau wasn’t concerned about the future. He was simply focused on the now. What would make him feel good in the moment.

//So, are you like Esau? When it comes to being healthy, are you turning to temporary comfort? What about other areas in your life. Believe it or not, it’s all connected. Leave me a comment below, or email me at teawithtiffanyp@gmail.com, it would be an honor to help you.

Helpful Resources: (Contains Amazon affiliate links)

Made To Crave: Satisfying Your Deepest Desire with God, Not Food

Wellness Revelation

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

Are you like Esau? | www.teawithtiffanyp.com

 

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Ecouragement, Faith

How To Be Content When Everyone Seems To Be Doing Better Than You

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How To Be Content | www.teawithtiffanyp.com

Are you a water walker?

“Yes, come,” Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted. Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?” Matthew 14:29-31

Comparison is truly the thief of joy

Some days I walk on water; other days, like Peter, I sink. I take my eyes off God. I look around at what “she’s” doing, which inevitably sparks the flame of comparison. I secretly click through “her” pictures on social media – careful not to like one by mistake, oops! you too? – comparing her highlight reel to my reality. Knowing this doesn’t make me feel the least bit better. My mind becomes bombarded with thoughts – She has perfect skin while I’m experiencing my 100th breakout this month. She has the perfect body while I can’t seem to lose 5 pounds. She receives 100 likes on a photo while I receive a mere 10. Her business is growing while I’m not sure what my purpose in life is. In short, she’s #winning while I’m #losing.

I question God. Where’s my platform? Where’s my successful business? Where’s my book deal? Why haven’t you revealed my purpose to me? Why don’t I have hundreds of followers singing my praises? Where’s my husband? Where’s my promotion? Where’s my new car? Where’s my vacation? Can you relate?

As I was reading Esther 8, the footnote referencing verses 15-17 got me ALL the way together. It states, “Everyone wants to be a hero and receive praise, honor, and wealth. But few are willing to pay the price. Mordecai served the government faithfully for years, bore Haman’s hatred and oppression, and risked his life for his people. He was faithful in obscurity. The price to be paid by God’s heroes is long-term commitment, whether or not they receive recognition. Are you ready and willing to pay the price?”

I stopped and questioned myself: Am I willing to pay the price? Are you? If the husband you’ve prayed for never shows up? If you never receive the promotion? If you’re never patted on the back for a job well done? If the book deal never comes? If the business you’ve dreamed about never comes to fruition? If the family member you’ve been praying never shakes the drug addiction. Will you continue to pray? Will you continue to trust God? Will you continue to be faithful in the present? To whatever God is calling you to today?

4-part heart check

As I pondered, “Am I willing to pay the price?“, the Holy Spirit impressed upon my heart 4 things:

  1. Check your motives. Is it really about God or is it more about what God can do for you? Are you really concerned about the needs of others or is it all a front? James 4:3, “And even when you ask, you don’t get it because your motives are all wrong–you want only what will give you pleasure.”
  2. You have what it takes too. You’re lacking nothing! Stop thinking you don’t have what it takes. You have the mind of Christ. You have the Holy Spirit living on the inside of you. You’re powerful! Are you tapping into your power? Acts 1:8, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you…”
  3. God has a plan for you too. It may seem as if everyone around you has it going on while you’re stuck in “no-purpose” land but that’s a lie from the pit of hell. Jeremiah 29:11, For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”
  4. God has assigned people to you too. Someone’s deliverance is tied to you. They need you to get over yourself. Stop thinking, “she’s already doing it.” While that may be true, you are still needed!. John 3:26-27, “So John’s disciples came to him and said, “Rabbi (John The Baptist), the man you met on the other side of the Jordan River, the one you identified as the Messiah, is also baptizing people. And everybody is going to him instead of coming to us.” John replied, “No one can receive anything unless God gives it from heaven.” Both John the Baptist and Jesus served a purpose in God’s great plan of salvation. Don’t deny God the gift of you.

My dear sisters, stop looking to the left or the right. Keep your eyes lifted towards heaven. Fixed on the Jesus. Let Jesus, and Jesus alone be your reason.

//Can you relate to this post? If so, how do you overcome the comparison game? Please share your thoughts in the comments below, or via email at teawithtiffanyp@gmail.com, I would love to hear them.

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

How To Be Content | www.teawithtiffanyp.com

 

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