Category Archives: Renewing of your mind

You do not walk alone…

29 Wednesday May 2013

Posted by in Perseverance, Relationship with GOD, Renewing of your mind, Surrender

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the fogOk, so I must admit that over the course of several months I have struggled with symptoms of PMS or possibly even perimenopause. (Stick with me fellas. I promise this blog post will minister to you as well.) Whatever it is, however you coin it, it is a very difficult time of the month for me. For about 3-5 days I become withdrawn, irritable, weepy and anxious. I feel very overwhelmed and focus on what’s not going right in my life. This was becoming quite bad – to the point where my mother thought I was going crazy and my ob/gyn suggested anti-depressants. But recently I discussed this with a friend and she suggested an herb called Black Cohosh. And although it has worked wonders by significantly decreasing the intensity and duration of the symptoms every month I still ‘walk through a fog’.

In this life we all have moments when we ‘walk through a fog’. These are times when life just doesn’t seem to turn out the way we’d hoped. And we experience periods of loneliness, disappointment, mourning, or heartache. It’s a time when we feel that we are all alone, no one understands us and GOD seems far away. These moments make it difficult for us to see what lies ahead because our view of life is so greatly distorted. And it is wise that we do not make any snap decisions because we are apt to make them based solely on emotion.

As we walk through the fog there’s a tendency to question GOD’s promises, sovereignty, and faithfulness. It may even feel like you’re going a little crazy and what you see around you is contrary to everything you are believing, hoping and trusting GOD for. But inside of these fog walks are opportunities for GOD to build, strengthen and prepare you for the amazing future He predestined just for you. So while walking through the fog rehearse the promises of GOD, recall the times He’s navigated you through previous fog walks and commit to trust Him despite your circumstances. Your circumstances may change but GOD Almighty won’t. These walks are not meant to harm you. I promise. In fact, if you’d let Him have His way He promises to even bless you – bless you with deeper faith, a closer walk with GOD, fresh anointing, a strong testimony, and a chance to experience Him like you never had before. Each walk through the fog promises positive change when we put our faith in His wisdom, power and love.

Where are you right now, my friend? Are you walking in, through or out of a fog? What’s causing you to focus on your circumstances or to become irritable, anxious, and overwhelmed? Is it weariness from waiting on a promise not yet manifested? Is a closed door with no open door in sight? Could it be that you just received some bad news that has shaken your world? Or perhaps it’s that you feel stuck in a season and desperately hoping for change? Whatever your fog represents know that GOD is with you and that He has never, nor will He ever leave. You can put all of your hope in the LORD (Psalm 43:5).

Fog walks can be very painful. Trust me. I know. And many ask during this time, “Where is GOD?” Well, He is right beside you. He’s making sure that you will not be overtaken. He’s ordering your steps (Psalm 37:23). He’s already gone before you to make the crooked way straight (Deuteronomy 31:8). I once heard that ‘when you can’t trace GOD’s hand, trust His heart.’ You see, GOD’s love for you compels Him to protect, provide and guide you, even when it doesn’t look like it (Exodus 14:14, Jeremiah 51:36). It’s a love so strong that it rushes in to be everything you need before you even realize you needed it (Jeremiah 31:3). It’s a love that never takes an eye off of you or loses it’s grip on you (Psalm 21:5, Psalm 121:8). He has a purpose and a plan for every fog walk. And He is always mindful of you. Talk to Him. Tell Him how much it hurts. Let the tears flow. He’s always excited to hear from you. Although it may seem like everything is turning upside down GOD is standing boldly and lovingly beside you. He’s there, my friend and He’s not going anywhere. Be comforted for you do not walk alone.

I truly hope this message blesses you. As you place your trust in GOD, I see blessings and favor raining down on you. You have no idea how excited I am for all that GOD has in store for you when your faith is in Him, and Him alone!

It’s time to trade in the lies…

01 Monday Apr 2013

Posted by in Renewing of your mind

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Today I am going to bare my soul and reveal to you a secret about myself. You may ask, “Now why would she want to go on and do that? That’s crazy.” But I am doing it for a few reasons: 1. Because I feel compelled to 2. I will be obedient to this urging of the Holy Spirit 3. I am confident that in doing so that someone will be abundantly blessed And 4. There is freedom in the release of toxins from this body in which the Holy Spirit dwells. So, as you can see it is a win-win-win-win situation.

My friend, I have lived with a lie. And this lie had replayed itself over and over in my head like a tape recorder. I viciously guarded it with as much maneuvering and tenacity as one possibly could. And as you might imagine keeping this lie under wraps was extremely exhausting and secretly weighed heavily on me as I attempted to muster one smile after another. Please, let me explain…

In the movie Clueless, a clever 90’s flick about pampered teenagers, there is a scene where two characters are talking. One points and says, “Do you think she’s pretty?” The other replies, “Oh no, she’s a full-on Monet. Like the painting – From a distance she’s all that but up close she’s not at all that put together.” I hung my head and whispered to myself, “That’s me.” You see, for many years I had placed great emphasis and importance on what others thought or felt about me; constantly seeking approval, acceptance, worthiness, and validation. And although GOD had blessed me with numerous people who have poured great things into me, what was always on heavy rotation in my head were the words that spoke disapproval. Deep inside I was never smart, pretty, shapely, successful, special, or talented enough. Regardless of the number of awards and degrees I achieved or material possessions I obtained I felt empty, void, insecure, and unworthy – nearly buckling under the weight of maintaining the ‘she’s got it all together’ image. And I lived with the fear of people finding that out. That I, Tanny Alicia Garcia was a Monet. And, my friends it hurt deeply to live that way.

I wish I could say that I had a supernatural experience that instantly changed this inaccurate way of thinking but I can’t. It has been an ever-developing, ongoing process of exchanging the world’s lies with the truths of GOD. While in prayer GOD revealed to me that the standards under which the world dictates success are erroneous, elusive and shifty. (As Heidi Klum of Project Runway says – “One day you’re in, the next day you’re out.”). To identify your worth under earthly standards and at the mercy of man’s opinion is foolish. Because this, my friend is your walk, your journey, your mistakes, your growth, and your personal relationship with Christ. And the GOD we serve isn’t concerned with how you measure up to earthly standards! So hush the world and get alone with GOD and let Him download His truths into you.

And the truths of GOD are: He is absolutely head over heels for you (1 John 4:10). He promises that He will make all situations and circumstances work out for your good (Romans 8:28). He considers you the apple of His eye (Zechariah 2:8). He woos you to Him (Hosea 2:14). Nothing can separate you from His love (Romans 8:38-39). He has extraordinary, mind-blowing plans for you (Jeremiah 29:11). You can go boldly to the throne of GOD (Hebrews 4:16). He calls you His friend (John 15:15). And He found you ever so worthy that He died a horrible, painful, and lonely death just for you (John 3:16).

And these truths, my friend are solid, unshakable, and steadfast. So, you never ever have to feel insignificant or insecure again. How exciting is that! And under GOD’s standard of worth I can now recognize that I am gifted enough, bold enough, anointed enough, spiritually-led enough, purpose-driven enough, and passionate enough. And with every encounter with GOD I am changed from glory to glory (2 Corinthians 3:18).

So, I ask you dear friend whose standard of worth will you judge yourself under? The heavy burdened weight of the world with it’s elusive approval and acceptance? Or through the eyes of GOD, who even in your worst state deems you worthy of His love, mercy, grace, favor, peace, protection, forgiveness, and sacrifice (Romans 5:8). What a powerful choice and to think… The choice is all yours!

I truly hope this messages blesses you. I see you as GOD sees you. And my heart is ever so full knowing that in your trading in the lies you have put on the robe of truth. And boy does it look good on you!