Category Archives: Faith

08.20.26
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Throwback Thursday Poetry Time: Two F’s (Temporarily Without Funds)

Ever faced hard times financially? I had then and am even now. Today’s throwback is an older poem of mine called “Two F’s.”

As I read it now, I realize how much hard seasons can teach us.

Life happens. Unexpected expenses happen. We make financial mistakes. Sometimes we find ourselves trying to stretch what we have farther than it can go.

But I’m learning that financial struggles aren’t just an opportunity to learn how to manage money better. They can also teach us about trust, stewardship, contentment, discipline, and our dependence on God.

I’m learning to have a healthier relationship with money while also learning to trust God to provide.

And one thing I’m reminding myself of is this: being in a financially difficult season doesn’t mean God has forgotten you.

Sometimes the lesson isn’t simply about getting more money. Sometimes it’s about learning how to handle what we have, making wiser choices, and trusting God through the process.

So today, I’m taking a look back at something I wrote years ago and realizing that some lessons are still being learned.

I know this year has been rough for many of us. Hold on and please don’t give up.

Have you, or are you currently going through, a difficult financial season? What has it taught you?

Here’s “Two F’s.” 📖✍🏾

I received my report card and I got two F’s

But I didn’t fail a class

I failed financially and being without money Is kicking me in my rear end bad

I have a pot to piss in

But have no clue

As to how to pay all these bills when due

Why do I have to make life decisions when it comes to money?

Get gas or buy medicine

Eat a meal or pay a bill

Man should I take the hard work of another

Or put on a mask and go skipping through the bank’s steel

Make fast money fast or just give up

Why must my soul put up a fight, when I know what’s right?

I stretch my check till it can’t stretch no more

I can’t count on my bank account

And if my pockets were muscles, they’d feel soar

The love of money is the root of all evil

This I know I don’t love money, but I need it

I need it to survive

Shoot I can’t even pay my tithes

I budget well or so I think

I was tithing faithfully and I gave to others even when it was my last

So where did I go wrong

To experience tough times this bad

My mortgage due, my light bill too,

Water bill, credit card bill, student loans,

Shall I go on

My babies need food

My car needs gas

I got one dollar and no emergency stash

Disappointed and stressed

Trying not to worry

But it’s frustrating when the frequent response is decline

And the word of the day is less

I pray and I pray

And I even have a job

but don’t have much to pay Uncle Sam or pay back Uncle Bob

I have dreams

I have goals

But if I don’t have money or notoriety

To the world

they are just ideas and no’s

I am so consistently broke

That my tears need raincoats

I den cried till I can’t anymore

Once ignored calls to bill collectors are promises unsecured

Not knowing if I can back a payment for sure

Being broke isn’t fun

But I guaranteed it is someone whose finances are registered on E

And going thru worse than me

Dying because they have nothing at all to eat

Nor options or resources

So why should I complain?

I thank the Lord for getting me through

And for realizing the truth

The truth is I don’t trust Him

like I should

The truth is He made a way before, so why not now

The truth is I fed all my worthless idols with luxury and my time

They got all my plenty and took every last dime

The truth is I gave without seeking God’s wisdom

And instead I let Jealousy, Buy-A-Friend, Keep-up-with-the Jones and Slothful deplete my resources

And take the spoon out of my child’s mouth

The truth is I put all my faith in my job and other worldly sources

My job gives me allowance to keep me coming back

But my Lord gives me more than money and His Word does a better job of keeping me on track

The truth is I don’t tithe because I am afraid that if I trust the Lord

With what He gave me, He won’t give it back

The truth is I forget He knows what I need before I even ask

And though tests will come I will survive

Because my Lord is alive

And His bank account is greater than all the banks and gold in the world

So I am learning not to utter I am broke

Because words are powerful

My Lord has plenty

And I don’t have to live on Decline

Because the Lord didn’t bring me this far

To leave me behind

I will reach Prosperity Lane

Instead of always living check to check and pockets drained

I will continue to pray my Two F’s away

And ask for clarity

On how to get a B For budget,

C for cash And A for Accepted and Never Denied

I will pay all my debts and owe no man nothing except love

I will learn to obey God and trust Him to provide

I will depend on Him and do more than just get by…

08.11.26
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Message From My Future Self

If your future self could send you one sentence, what do you hope it would say?

“You’ll get here, just hold on.”

To a place of surrender, peace, less stress, and more joy. Better direction. More writing. More books. Much more bravery and adventure.

A life of simplicity, fruitfulness, and purpose.

A life that is full.

09.05.25
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🏃🏾‍♀️Persevere Series: Through Trials

Welcome to my Persevere Series. God has been teaching me that perseverance is less about how strong I am and more about how faithful He is. Through these posts, I want to encourage you to keep going, trust His timing, and remember that even small steps count. Perseverance isn’t about perfection — it’s about leaning on God’s strength in every season, whether you’re walking, crawling, or rising again.”

Reflection

Trials are never easy to endure. The pressure, fear, frustration, discomfort, grief, and worry can make anyone feel like giving up. But let us be encouraged: the testing of our faith produces perseverance. When we choose to walk by faith and not by sight, we are strengthened to press forward. As we hold fast to His Word and promises, we build both resilience and deeper trust in God.

One thing we must always remember is this: whether we are facing a trial or navigating a storm, we can not persevere without God Himself. It is His strength and His Spirit that lift us up and enable us to keep going.

Scripture

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” —James 1:2–4 (NIV)

Prayer

Father God,
Grant us the grace to navigate the storms and trials of our lives. Cover us with the blood of Jesus, and remind us that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. Help us to persevere with joy, for the joy of the Lord is our strength. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Accompanying Video of Encouragement:

08.30.25
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🏃🏾‍♀️Persevere Series: One Step At A Time

Welcome to my Persevere Series. God has been teaching me that perseverance is less about how strong I am and more about how faithful He is. Through these posts, I want to encourage you to keep going, trust His timing, and remember that even small steps count. Perseverance isn’t about perfection — it’s about leaning on God’s strength in every season, whether you’re walking, crawling, or rising again.

Reflection

Sometimes, perseverance doesn’t look like running with strength or getting to the finish line first.  Sometimes, it looks like crawling with faith. It’s one day at a time and one step at a time. You take that grain of mustard seed faith and put one foot in front of the other, trusting God with each step. Even in your lowest moments, God sees the effort. As your heart clings to Him, He honors the press, no matter how small. Don’t despise the little steps; they are still steps forward.

Scripture

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. — Galatians 6:9

Prayer

Lord, when I feel weak, remind me that even the smallest steps are seen by You. Strengthen me to keep moving forward, trusting You with every step. And Lord, let me not grow weary in my walk with You or in the strengthening of my faith. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Video:

Here is an accompanying video more encouragement.

07.13.25
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Spending Time With God|A Work In Progress

These past few weeks, I have been reading the Word of God, praying, reading my devotional my colleague got me, writing down what the Holy Spirit has been uploading to my spirit. And doing my reflection, journaling, and planning in my CPR2 planner all consistently. These times have been so sweet and fulfilling. Thank You, God, for drawing me closer and being present. Thank You for also working with me. I am a work in progress and healing continually.

06.29.25
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Don’t Let Anyone Talk You Out of Your Position

Yesterday, I had an awesome outing with my family. And, although the zoo closed early on us, we still made the most of our time—walking the Nature Walk, going out to eat, and grabbing ice cream afterward.

But on the walk back, my mom and sister started laughing because now, suddenly, my toddler nephew was sitting in the wagon like a king—on his own, no fuss, no drama. Very smart move, honestly. (We wish we could take a load off and ride in it).  When they jokingly teased him about it, he just said, “Fine,” in the funniest little grown-man voice… then promptly tried to get up and climb out like he was second-guessing himself.

Without thinking, I said, “Stay in the cart. Don’t let nobody talk you out of your position.”

My sister turned to me and said, “Tan, that is a WORD.”

And it really is.

Where you know God has positioned you—stay there.
Where He’s planted you—grow there.
Where He’s pruning you—be still and surrender.
Where He’s leading you—follow.

Don’t let fear, teasing, pressure, poor counsel, intimidation, jealousy, or even your own doubts talk you out of a place God has called you to occupy.

If God has you called you to it and has approved of you being in that position (job, ministry, assignment, time of service, alone for a season, whatever it may be…be still and know that He is God).

Don’t let anyone talk you out of your position. Period.

12.21.24
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Fight & Persevere Together (Scene From TWD)

I’m rewatching one of my favorite shows, The Walking Dead, and indeed this particular scene from season 6, episode 9 is one of my favorite scenes. (Link to clip is at the end of this post.)

This scene is so epic! And if it was in words it would be words of empowerment, encouraging us to not give up. That we are more than conquerors! That we must fight and persevere through the storms of life.

Well, Rick’s team is fighting zombies in Alexandria but is also taking back their home, their morale, and fighting for their group, their family.

I encourage you to press on. Press on to heal. To grow. To do more than survive, thrive. To forgive. To set boundaries. To accomplish your goals. To live life to the fullest. To fight anxiety. To become a better steward over your time and finances. To develop healthy relationships. To move forward from toxicity and seasons that God is moving you on from. To build your future through prayer, hard work, God’s guidance and His wisdom. Fight. Don’t give up. Be encouraged. Allow your tribe to find you and fight together. Allow God to lead you and guide you through each day.

Happy Holidays!

The group fight for Alexandria [6×09] [TWD]

https://youtube.com/clip/UgkxWxMBpOHEEvyeIHwJXIsvANqRu8bIMVf7?feature=shared

01.04.23
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The Blazing Furnace

Originally Posted September 17, 2015 via FruitfulandFabulous.wordpress.com

There are ten lessons I learned from the account of Daniel’s friends thrown into the large, blazing furnace.

Here are they:

  1. The three young men didn’t do what the masses did. Daniel 3:8-12 says: At this time some astrologers[b] came forward and denounced the Jews. They said to King Nebuchadnezzar, “May the king live forever! Your Majesty has issued a decree that everyone who hears the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe and all kinds of music must fall down and worship the image of gold, and that whoever does not fall down and worship will be thrown into a blazing furnace. But there are some Jews whom you have set over the affairs of the province of Babylon—Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego—who pay no attention to you, Your Majesty. They neither serve your gods nor worship the image of gold you have set up.” They remained loyal to God even under pressure. Pleasing Him was far more important than what others thought, getting in trouble, or losing their lives. They were truly set apart.
  2. The three young men knew they didn’t have to defend themselves. Daniel 3:16-18 says: Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us[c] from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” They believed that if they obeyed God, He would take care of them and the end results. 
  3. They knew God would deliver them. Period. Daniel 3:17 says: If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us[c] from Your Majesty’s hand.

4. They were willing to obey God no matter the cost. Daniel 3:18 says: But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”

5. The world’s attitude of you will change when you disagree or oppose something they think is logical or that feeds their selfish desire. Their love is conditional. Daniel 3:19-20 says: Then Nebuchadnezzar was furious with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, and his attitude toward them changed. He ordered the furnace heated seventimes hotter than usual and commanded some of the strongest soldiers in his army to tie up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and throw them into the blazing furnace.

6. There is deliverance in the midst of the fire. Daniel 3:21-25 says: So these men, wearing their robes, trousers, turbans and other clothes, were bound and thrown into the blazing furnace. The king’s command was so urgent and the furnace so hot that the flames of the fire killed the soldiers who took up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, and these three men, firmly tied, fell into the blazing furnace. Then King Nebuchadnezzar leaped to his feet in amazement and asked his advisers, “Weren’t there three men that we tied up and threw into the fire? They replied, “Certainly, Your Majesty.” He said, “Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.”

7. Jesus is right there with you while you’re going through. Daniel 3:25-26 says: He said, “Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.” Nebuchadnezzar then approached the opening of the blazing furnace and shouted, “Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, servants of the Most High God,come out! Come here!” They didn’t have to fear because the fourth was our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Don’t fear, just trust and believe God’s Word. Know that He will never leave you, nor forsake you.

8. God can bring you out of something and the only evidence you went through will be His glory and your deliverance. Daniel 3:26b-27 says: So Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego came out of the fire, and the satraps, prefects, governors and royal advisers crowded around them. They saw that the fire had not harmed their bodies, nor was a hair of their heads singed; their robes were not scorched, and there was no smell of fire on them.

9. There’s only one God! Well, I knew that already; however, it must be reiterated! Daniel 3:28-29 says: Then Nebuchadnezzar said, “Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who has sent his angel and rescued his servants! They trusted in him and defied the king’s command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God. Therefore I decree that the people of any nation or language who say anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego be cut into pieces and their houses be turned into piles of rubble, for no other god can save in this way.” There is none like Him that can save in the ways He can and the Way He has!

10. God was with them and delivered them before they stepped into the blazing furnace. Thank You, God, for that revelation. Daniel 3:22-23 says: The king’s command was so urgent and the furnace so hot that the flames of the fire killed the soldiers who took up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, and these three men, firmly tied, fell into the blazing furnace. It amazed me that the furnace was so hot that it immediately consumed the soldiers but not the Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Surely God gave them the grace to speak up, carry out their obedience despite persecution, and even withstand the heat and flames of an extremely hot furnace. Jesus was right there with those young men and He will be right there with you. 

The M.I.A (Most Important Accessory) that a Christian should have in their possession is Their Trust In God. It is something we don’t hang up or sport from time to time, but something we must wear daily, second by second, minute by minute. Trust God enough to step out on the water of seas, go into the lion’s den, or even in the blazing furnace. And if that is too big for your faith, trust God for the small things, first steps, and the faith to walk out on waters of ponds. And keep saturating in His Word and obeying it till your faith becomes bigger and stronger.

–Tannika 

Have you had some “blazing furnace” experiences?

10.23.22
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October

Those nights or early mornings when you can’t sleep, pray. Have a conversation with God, our Father in the name of Christ Jesus. Seek God, you will find Him. Right there, waiting.

The month of October has been one heck of a month. It started with me gearing up for FAFSA season. I was looking forward to helping as many of our high school students and their parents complete their FAFSAs (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) for college during this month, the start of FAFSA season. Then one day of the first week, I was struck by a car and was for about two weeks at home resting from my injuries. I was also granted a work from home and managed through the resting and healing to do a little paper work and correspondence. Although, I was in pain and in shock, I thank Jesus that the accident was not fatal and that I didn’t get any head injuries or fractures. I also thank God for the people who helped me that day at the scene of the accident, the paramedics, and the med team of the ER.

Update: Just recently, my church also lost an integral part of our church, one of the mothers, Sis Thompkins. She had the sweetest smile, hugs, and personality. My heart is heavy because I wasn’t able to make it to her birthday party just last month, and hug her one last time. I pray she knew just how much she was loved and appreciated. She leaves behind a great legacy. The honor from her family while she was here is evidence of just how sweet she was as well as how much she prayed for them and poured into them. I send my sincerest condolences to her family.

While home resting, some nights, I would awaken early in the morning. Now my sleep isn’t always the best but I was awaking now between 1 and 3 or 3-6 am. I remembered from a last instance where I was taught when moments like this occur you must pray. And then a video from a YouTuber and fellow sister in Christ Jesus popped up on my YouTube feed one evening reminding the same thing. Why You’re Waking Up From 3 am-6 am! From Shannon Wells was the video. It was confirmation for the next time I woke up, get to praying, talking with God, spending time in His Word, etc. And surely that next morning I awoke to a sound. I thought it was a mice scurrying but saw the shadow of trees outside blowing in the wind and hoped the sound I heard was from leaves brushing against the side of my roof, reminding me they need to be removed. I rather the leaves than a mice, lbs. And I saw my dog laid out on part of her bed to part of the floor sleeping peacefully. Surely, I thought she would have been up trying to see what the sound was also, unless it was her moving. After looking around in the dark from my bed with my phone’s light, I laid there and immediately began to pray. I didn’t scroll through Instagram or TikTok or any other one of my social mediums, which I end up doing a lot of times even sometimes in the midst of reading my Bible. I will see a verse or message, have to share, share it and then keep scrolling for awhile after on social media. I get distracted.

But I began to pray. This was the opportunity to seek God, listen to Him, and allow Him to minister to me. Or me minister to Him through worship, drawing closer to Him, and abiding in His presence.

I prayed for a little, then read a Bible plan day’s message or two, and proceeded to journal. And then I went back to reading the Word and praying. And I was praying not just for my self but for others. Interceding and crying out to God with His full armor on. I wish I could tell you one of my prayers were answered immediately or something spectacular happened but it didn’t, at least not in the natural or physical. (Update: whew, prayer time and the time in the Word was powerful, I felt it, and I give thanks to the Holy Spirit leading me in prayer.) But if I pleased God by sitting with Him, worshipping Him in Spirit and in truth, then something happened to my spirit and in the spirit realm, and I must believe so. I must have faith. Let His will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

I had already learned when moments of rest or pause are brought forth that you do just that. And you focus on what it is God wants you to learn. You draw closer to God even if it’s a tiny step at a time. You pray like never before. You empty out and allow God to pour in and fill every crevice of your heart and mind as well as renew your spirit.

Isaiah 40:31

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Jesus is our hope. When we hope and have faith in Him, He renews our strength.

Allow God to breathe in you and refresh you. Allow God to help you to redeem the time. Allow God to grant you the wisdom to eradicate distractions, to take every thought captive and to mind your walk and time to focus and live with purpose and according to God’s will.

Got questions talks more about redeeming the time here:  https://www.gotquestions.org/redeeming-the-time.html .

I still have some discomfort and pain from the accident, and am not yet at full recovery. However, I am slowly on the mend. One day at a time.

A Word: Lean not unto your own understanding and trust God with all thine heart. Also Matthew 7: 24 “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.

Prayer:

Help us to trust You God and to lean not unto our own understanding and to build the foundation of our lives, dreams, and goals, and so much more on the Truth, Life, and Way which is Your Son, Christ Jesus. Build on Your wisdom and Word as well as Your love and in Your presence. Help us to be not just hearers but doers of Your Word, and then we will also be able to stand. Help us to trust You with the rest of this month and November. I pray we remember You are the Comforter and we can rest in You. I pray we remember You are a healer and that by Jesus’stripes we are healed. I pray that no weapon formed against us shall prosper. And I pray we love others as we love ourselves. Thank You we can take one day at a time and You love us beyond measure. In Jesus’ name, amen.

I’m Tannika Nikeya,

And I’m out, but still here (Thank You, Jesus!)…