Search Results label/stop%20look%20and%20listen — Tea with Tiffany - Tiffany Stuart - Christian Speaker

Stop, Look -n- Listen: Stop Running

What happens when we stop, look and listen to what God might be trying to say?

God recently reminded me to “STOP RUNNING” from His call. Nothing like running shoes hanging from a red light to remind me of how ridiculous that is.

Are you running too? Mind if I encourage you from God’s word?

You were running a good race. Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth? ⁸That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you.
Galatians 5:7-8Therefore, 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.
Hebrews 12:1

Father God, You are so good. Thank You for loving me and showing me your grace each day. Thank You for visual truth to “stop running”. I’m tired of danging on a thin wire of unbelief. It’s time believe, put on my shoes and feel some solid ground again. Lord, I’m willing to run with You. If You lead, I will follow. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

**If you ever have a Stop, Look and Listen you want to share with others. Feel free to copy the widget on my sidebar and add your blog here…

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PS I’m starting a new meme this week. Maybe even tomorrow, I’d love it if you will peek back and maybe even join me. It’s called Sweet P’s!

(pic taken in Colorado Springs 2010)

Filed Under: Stop Look -n- Listen Tagged With: listen to God, stop look listen 11 Comments

What Does Trusting in God Look Like?

By Tiffany @ Tea w Tiffany

Nothing like God’s peace!

Thank you, Lord, for showing me what resting in You looks like through geese. Some drank freely from the melting pond waters. Others took a bath and dove in for a snack. Some felt so comfortable in the warmth of the sun that they took a nap.

You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Isaiah 26:3 (NIV)

(pic taken yesterday at a local park)

Don’t forget to look and listen to ways that God is speaking!

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Stop, Look -n- Listen: Smile

By Tiffany @ Tea w Tiffany

I love when God invades my ordinary world. He uses the most creative things to remind me of His Word and His presence. Like this sign from Justin’s football game last week.

Since reading this sign, God and I talked something like this:

Remember Peter?

Yes, Lord.

What did he need when he saw Me walking on water to calm his fear?

Please remind me.

Peter needed Me to invite him to the water to believe.

Oh yeah.

What did I say to him?

(Me rereading Matthew 14:22-32 for answers.)

“Come.”

A one word invitation and Peter responded with faith.

Yes he did and he walked on water. That is until he looked away from You and at his circumstances and starting sinking.

What did I do then?

You grabbed his hand and asked him why he doubted.

Then what?

The winds stopped and all who were in the boat worshiped You.

Do you think Peter’s step of faith made Me smile?

Of course.

Go and live likewise.

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God is working on my small faith lately. I feel afraid as I sense His direction for my ministry. But above my fears, I long follow His invitation. I love to feel God’s smile. God and I have a thing about smiles. Which means when His invitation comes, I pray I will gather up my “little faith”, look straight to Jesus, step out, and smile back.

Together, hand in hand, we will explore new waters! Oh the life of walking by faith. A daily way to worship the Lord.

Is Jesus inviting you to have faith for something and let go of your doubts and fears today?

If so, step out. Follow His invitation. Feel His smile. Reach for His hand when you doubt. Worship Him when He calms your emotional seas.

It’s time to walk on water. Jesus is calling you, “Come!”

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Thank you for stopping by for another Stop, Look and Listen post where I share how God speaks through the simple, the everyday, and the ordinary.

Filed Under: Stop Look -n- Listen Tagged With: faith, smile, stop look listen, walk on water 18 Comments

Stop, Look -n- Listen: Path

By Tiffany @ Tea w Tiffany

This is a picture in my living room. Normally it looks like this. However, this morning when I opened my blinds and sat in my recliner, the picture looked different. The morning sunlight hit this picture just right.

Look at the same picture now.

As I starred at this lighted path, God, by His Spirit, brought his Word to my mind.

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. Psalms 119: 105 (NIV)

You can’t imagine the love and comfort I felt. I’m feeling overwhelmed and heavy hearted today. God is so sweet to me. Just had to pop in and share.

Now back to business.

God bless you all. Follow His lighted path for you today!

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Thank you for stopping by for another Stop, Look and Listen post where I share how God speaks through the simple, the everyday, and the ordinary.

Filed Under: Stop Look -n- Listen Tagged With: lamp feet, light, light path, path, stop look listen 23 Comments

Stop, Look -n- Listen: T-Shirt

By Tiffany @ Tea w Tiffany

Ever read words on a t-shirt and sensed God speaking?

I have.

Hannah had a sleepover with a neighbor friend last week. The next morning, before I had my coffee(half asleep), I saw this t-shirt on her friend. I grabbed my camera and snapped this shot. I had to. It spoke with force.

You see I’ve been wrestling with God lately. Seeing this t-shirt showed me clearly what I look like when I refuse to listen to God. I don’t like the idea of wearing this shirt in public. The pride in me wants another phrase like, “Here I am, Lord, listening and obeying all the time.”

Even though I write these Stop, Look and Listen posts, I’m learning I don’t always listen. Sure, I listen enough to share an encouraging word to you, but when God’s instruction is hard or too risky, I plug my ears. I tune Him out–on purpose. Actually I argue, trying to convince God of my shortcomings and telling Him why I shouldn’t do what He is asking me to. Words like “You’ve picked the wrong person.” “I’m not trained.” “I’m not that talented.”

It’s a funny thing walking by faith. I beg for wisdom and direction and then God answers, “Go this way.” I say, “Lalalala, I can’t hear you.”

Something has to change. I’m tired of wearing worn out logo t-shirts. It’s time to choose my clothes wisely. Maybe I should use my mirror the next time I get dressed and look at my heart.

“Don’t fool yourself into thinking that you are a listener when you are anything but, letting the Word go in one ear and out the other. Act on what you hear! Those who hear and don’t act are like those who glance in the mirror, walk away, and two minutes later have no idea who they are, what they look like,” James 1:22-24(The Message)

Jesus, thank You for bringing to my attention in a vivid way what it looks like to not listen. You speak through anything to grab my heart. What a gift to know You pursue me first thing in the morning. Forgive me for not listening lately. I struggle with fear and doubt. Help me pitch all my old t-shirts in the trash. It’s time to wear words You design. Words from Your Word. Logos I can live by and make a difference! Amen.

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Thank you for stopping by for another Stop, Look and Listen where I share how God speaks through the simple, the everyday and the ordinary.

Filed Under: Stop Look -n- Listen Tagged With: listen to God, listening to God, stop look listen, t-shirt, tea with tiffany 16 Comments

Stop, Look -n- Listen: Copycat

By Tiffany @ Tea w Tiffany

Friday was my son Justin’s 16th birthday. All Justin wanted was cash for his big day, but I wanted it to be extra special. So I decided to create a photo album and spent hours and hours sifting through pics on my computer. So many memories relived as I searched for the right 200 pictures to print.

This is one of the pics I found.

I found this sticky note in my daughter’s room about six years ago. During that particular time, I was practicing spiritual disciplines. Focusing on one discipline a month. Intentional effort, not to be legalistic, but as a test or experiment. Would focusing on one at a time help? Would I experience lasting transformation?

That particular month the discipline was JOY! Who knew joy was a discipline? But for many, it is just that. We aren’t naturally joyful. Instead, we are stressed out, hurried, short tempered, and depressed.

To remind myself to be joyful, I wrote joy on sticky notes and posted them on mirrors and pictures, in my kitchen on the microwave and coffee pot. As a mom with younger kids, joy wasn’t high on my priority list. The notes were a visual reminder for 30 days straight! Medicine for one up tight mom.

When I found Hannah’s note on her door, I was both pleased and shocked. She was modeling after her mom. Scary! A few days prior, I explained to Hannah why the word JOY was plastered all throughout our house. She added the words God and Mom. Interesting! She went above and beyond my one word note and wrote three words in each row. Over and over again.

Finding this pic on Justin’s birthday this year was a sweet reminder from God to me. God reminded me that my kids are seeing Jesus in me. Somehow, some way they are receiving my faith, a part of Him. Thank you, Lord.

God also used my finding this note as another visual reminder. To remember JOY this summer!

God knows I need it now that summer is here. My kids are home all day. What are we going to do? Does a 12 and 16 year old actually want to be with their mom? I’m wondering how I’m going to live out my faith before them. I do not want to go through the motions. I don’t want each day to be just chores and petty issues to rob us of creating fun memories.

Father God, please enable me to live in Your JOY each day. Let me not forget what matters most. My relationship with You. My family. Your Word. Rest, work, play and even laughter. Please help me be okay with the messes and enjoy each summer day. Before too long, my kids will be grown and gone. Help me not miss the now. Amen.

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Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength,” Nehemiah 8:10(NIV).

Filed Under: Family/Relationships, Stop Look -n- Listen Tagged With: children, copycat, copying, God, joy, mom, stop look listen, tea with tiffany 10 Comments

Stop, Look -n- Listen: Circles

By Tiffany @ Tea w Tiffany

Don’t you just love the effect of throwing a few stones into a calm pool of water?

Something beautiful takes place. Upon impact, the stones sink quickly beyond sight. Their presence is known only by watching the water’s surface. These splashes start a pattern of small circles that expand and smooth out as they go. And as they grow in size they overlap, touching one another and linking together to form a unique design. Magical to see.

I call them “circles of life.”

God reminded me as I took these shots that I can create circles of life too. I can make waves right where I’m at, allowing Him to use my gifts to touch lives. Or I can remain calm and rest. Both have beauty and meaning. One offers reflection. The other reveals design.

I want to live so intimately with Jesus that I know when to reflect by calm water and when to make a big splash.

Don’t you?

Father God, thank you for the way the simplest things teach me about life and living. Show me today whether it’s a day of rest and reflection or whether it’s a rock-n-wave-kind-of-day. My guess is it may be a little of both. Lead the way. I’m listening. And please, Lord, pass me just the right stones at just the right time to touch another. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen

Filed Under: Purpose, Stop Look -n- Listen Tagged With: circles, rain, raindrops, stop look listen, tea with tiffany 10 Comments

Stop, Look -n- Listen: Dandelion

By Tiffany @ Tea w Tiffany

God speaks through the simplest of things to remind me of a greater spiritual truth. I love the daily adventure of finding God in ordinary life.

Take this dandelion for example. Isn’t it beautiful? I took this picture this week on a field trip to Elitch Gardens, a formerly owned Six Flags amusement park. Something about the way this weed changed from a yellow flower to a fluffy ball fascinates me. The small parachute shaped seeds are fun for kids(and adults) to “make a wish” with. Except when they blow their wishes in my yard! Now that’s off limits and unacceptable.

Do it in someone else’s yard.

Don’t let the beauty of this dandelion deceive you. After all, a dandelion is classified as a weed, right? Hired landscapers work to remove them from grassy lawns using harsh chemicals. Home owners do the same in their flower beds and vegetable gardens using handheld yard tools. If weeds take residence, watch out. They eagerly move in to choke out our future harvest. Weeds are not welcome! They must be removed at all cost.

But like this weed, some get overlooked and thrive. They multiply fast. They hid in dark, tight places. And when they are lucky enough survive past the yellow bloom, they create another generation of blooms. More seeds for more weeds.

Which reminds me of my heart. Funny how weeds and my heart seem have a common connection. Weeds of the heart are sins. They must be removed at all cost.

Now I’m thinking and asking myself questions. What does the landscape of my heart look like today? Is it freckled with yellow dots or fluffy seed balls? If so, do I work hard to pluck them out one at a time before they take over? Do I grab my weed killer or a shovel? Or am I too tired to respond? Is the job so overwhelming that I don’t know where to begin? Do I hire a helping hand?

The choice is mine. God knows what is best for my heart but in His grace and love, He gives me the freedom to choose what to do with my dandelions. The best part is I can trust that if I do my part, God will do His.

He is my Master Gardener.

So this morning I look deeper and ponder my two choices.

1. Ignore the weeds and eventually reap their harvest. Death.
2. Grab my yard tool, hat and gloves, and start digging. Life.

The health of my heart is at stake every day. It’s time to do some yard work. Bitterness no more. Pride be gone. Anger back off. Self righteousness enough is enough. Selfishness, please not today.

As God would have it, today is a work day for me in my yard. His timing is perfect. Looks like it’s also a work day for me and my heart.

Care to join me?

Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.

See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:23-24 (NIV)

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Thank you for joining me for another Stop, Look and Listen where I share how God speaks through the simple, everyday and the ordinary.

Filed Under: Stop Look -n- Listen Tagged With: dandelion, stop look listen, tea with tiffany, weeds 10 Comments

Stop, Look -n- Listen: Notes

By Tiffany @ Tea w Tiffany

Thank you for joining me for another Stop, Look and Listen where I share how God speaks through the simple, everyday and the ordinary.

Last week, I walked into the prayer room where my friend Roxanne and I usually meet and thought, Wow, what a creative way to worship!

Captured by these colorful index cards, I wanted to read everyone. Actually, I wanted to make my own and hang it. I love creative arts. I love words.

Beautiful worship.
So out of the box.
So artistic and free.
Just my style.

I loved the feeling of the room. To think so many people were in there writing words to God. I felt distracted by the notes above my head. I struggled to focus and pray, but that’s okay, God used these cards to speak to me.

As we prepared our hearts to pray, I kept looking at all the sweet love notes. Some were honest, raw confessions. Some powerful verses. Others songs of praises. My guess was this probably happened during a night of worship for the college age discipleship group 24/7 that meets in the building.

Then I saw this note. I echoed this note in prayer, “Yes, Lord, I will never stop loving you.”

God spoke to my heart, “Read it again. It’s from Me to you.”

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God wants you to read His words today. This note is for you too.

Filed Under: God's Character, Love, Stop Look -n- Listen Tagged With: God is love, listen to God, Love, stop look listen, tea with tiffany 14 Comments

Stop, Look -n- Listen: Hope

By Tiffany @ Tea w Tiffany

This weekend Hannah had her spring piano recital at a local church. In the hallway was a bulletin board with pictures from kids about what hope means to them. This particular one captured my eye. Wanted to share it to encourage you. I know of many families who are going through dark times right now. This drawing speaks volumes.

May you find HOPE as you pass through the tunnel of life.

“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light,” Ephesians 5:8 (NIV).

Thank you, Jesus, for the heart of a child and how they teach me about You. Help me to live with greater childlike faith every day. Thank You for being the light that leads me out of the dark tunnels of life. Shine the way, Lord, shine the way. I’m blind without you. I need you.

Thank you for joining me for another Stop, Look and Listen where I share how God speaks through the simple, everyday and the ordinary.