ç'est la vie RN

Tag: faith

  • Embracing the Generational Shift

    Embracing the Generational Shift

    Last week, my great-great uncle passed. He was the last of a generation. Suddenly, it occurred to me that I am on the path to becoming “the older people”. Don’t get me wrong, it is a blessing to wake up every morning! There is also the realization that the number of days behind me, likely exceed the number of days ahead. Middle adulthood is a phase of life marked by responsibility, wisdom, and the opportunity to influence future generations. Being the adults of this generation, in this culture, means navigating challenges unique to our time while anchoring ourselves in timeless biblical truths. As we grow older, our roles as stewards of God’s blessings, mentors to the younger generation, and servants in His kingdom become more pronounced. What does Scripture say about this sacred responsibility?

    1. Living as God’s Stewards

    Adulthood calls us to steward the resources, talents, and relationships God has entrusted to us. Whether it’s our time, finances, or spiritual gifts, we are accountable for using them wisely for His glory.

    In 1 Corinthians 4:2, Paul reminds us:
    “Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.”

    Faithfulness in stewardship means making decisions that honor God and benefit others. This includes providing for our families, investing in our communities, and being diligent in our work.

    2. Leading the Next Generation

    One of our primary responsibilities as adults is to guide and mentor the younger generation. In a world filled with competing values, they need godly examples who live out biblical principles with integrity.

    Psalm 78:4 emphasizes the importance of this role:
    “We will not hide them from their descendants; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, His power, and the wonders He has done.”

    As adults, we are called to teach the next generation about God’s faithfulness, equipping them to navigate life’s challenges with wisdom and faith.

    3. Pursuing Wisdom and Growth

    Adulthood is not the end of personal growth—it’s a time to deepen our relationship with God and mature in character. Proverbs 16:31 says:
    “Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained in the way of righteousness.”

    This verse reminds us that growing older is a gift, not a burden. It’s an opportunity to gain wisdom and use it to guide others, reflecting God’s glory in our lives.

    4. Serving in the Kingdom of God

    As adults, our maturity equips us to serve in unique and impactful ways. Whether through leadership, discipleship, or acts of service, our lives should be a reflection of Christ’s love.

    In 1 Peter 4:10-11, we are encouraged:
    “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”

    Adulthood is a season to step into God’s purposes with boldness, embracing the privilege of being His hands and feet in a broken world.

    Walking in Purpose

    Becoming the adults of this generation means more than simply growing older—it’s about growing in purpose. It’s about living as Christ’s ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:20), taking on the mantle of responsibility with grace, and leaving a legacy that points others to Him.

    Let us rise to this calling, knowing that our work is not in vain when done in the Lord (1 Corinthians 15:58). May we embrace the responsibilities and opportunities of adulthood with faith, wisdom, and a heart for service.

  • I’m still here…

    I’m still here…

    I have been busy with all the things! Times like this, I consider being single, and childless a joy, because I cannot imagine adding anything else to the mixing bowl of my life and still being able to bake a great cake. Pursuing this doctoral degree is an incredible journey and an overwhelming challenge all at once. I started a class in mid-October, and the first week of that class, school completely disappeared from my radar. I missed an assignment that is 13% of my final grade. The class is halfway done and right now, I’m hanging out at a pathetic 64% with one assignment grade pending. If you know me in real life, you already know how I feel about that. Balancing responsibilities, keeping the vision alive, and pushing through can seem daunting. Yet, the Bible reminds us that we are “more than conquerors through him who loved us” (Romans 8:37). Here are three ways to stay focused and keep moving forward as an overcomer.

    1. **Set Clear, Faith-Driven Goals** 

    Go to God first! Ground yourself in prayer and scripture to set goals that align with God’s purpose for you. One of my favorite scriptures is Proverbs 16:3, “Commit your works to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” Each step in the journey becomes meaningful and fruitful when rooted in faith and purpose.

    Photo by Jessica Lewis ud83eudd8b thepaintedsquare on Pexels.com

    2. **Develop a Routine that Prioritizes Balance** 

    Create a structured yet flexible routine that incorporates study, rest, and spiritual renewal. I will admit, I am not great at the structured routine part but improving. Balancing time with God, your studies, and self-care will help sustain you through the challenges. Jesus, throughout His ministry, “often withdrew to lonely places and prayed” (Luke 5:16), showing us the importance of rest and renewal.

    3. **Seek Support from a Faith Community** 

    Having a support network can be invaluable. You will notice that your tribe changes throughout the different phases of your life, and that’s OK! The key is to surround yourself with people who encourage and uplift you in prayer and fellowship. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 tells us that “two are better than one… if either of them falls down, one can help the other up.”

    Dinner with some of my nurse leader tribe at G.W. Fins in New Orleans during the ANCC Magnet/Pathways Conference

    Staying focused is a journey of persistence and faith. Remember, you’re not alone, and with God’s strength, you are an overcomer, ready to fulfill the purpose He’s set before you!

    Have a great rest of your week!

  • Biblical discipleship:

    Biblical discipleship:

    Walking daily with Christ in a distracting world

    I would say I can’t believe I haven’t written in three weeks, but some of my paper journals have multiple month gaps. Well, in this gap, I am being enriched by our current sermon series, Disciples Unleashed. Discipleship, at its core, is about pursuing Jesus and growing in our relationship with Him. In today’s fast-paced world, distractions abound, pulling us away from a life of genuine discipleship. Still, God calls us to a higher way—a commitment to walk in obedience and surrender to His will.

    The Call to Follow Christ

    Jesus’ invitation to discipleship is simple but profound: “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19, KJV). Being a disciple of Christ means leaving behind our old ways, stepping away from self-centered living, and pursuing His will. It’s not just a one-time decision but a daily commitment to live as He did. Believers often forget, Christ faced constant opposition. Similar that the world around us, with its allurements, demands our time, attention, and heart. We are called to resist this pull and stay anchored in Christ, just as Paul exhorted the early believers: “Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2, KJV). Conformity to the world leads to compromise, but transformation through the Spirit leads to Christlikeness.

    The World’s Pull: Distractions and Temptations

    Jesus warned us about the dangers of the world’s distractions in His parable of the sower: “He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful” (Matthew 13:22, KJV). Many things compete for our devotion—careers, entertainment, material wealth—but when these take precedence over our relationship with God, we become spiritually unfruitful. The world offers immediate gratification and comfort, while discipleship often requires self-denial. Jesus said, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me” (Luke 9:23, KJV). This self-denial goes against the grain of our culture, which promotes self-fulfillment at all costs.

    Staying Focused on Christ

    So, how do we maintain our focus on Christ in a world full of distractions?

    1. Abide in His Word 

    • This is a constant work in progress for me, Jesus said, “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed” (John 8:31, KJV). Regular study of Scripture keeps us grounded and nourished spiritually. As we meditate on God’s Word, we are reminded of His promises, His character, and His instructions for living as His followers.

    2. Cultivate a Prayer Life 

    • Prayer is the lifeline of a disciple. Jesus Himself modeled a life of prayer, often withdrawing to be alone with the Father (Luke 5:16, KJV). Create for yourself a sacred space. Through prayer, we remain connected to the source of our strength and direction.

    3. Fellowship with Other Believers 

    • Being part of a community of believers encourages us to grow and stay accountable. This has been a huge transition for me, as I am naturally a person that loves quiet and stillness. The Lord intended for us to live in community. Hebrews 10:24-25 (KJV) reminds us: “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together… but exhorting one another.” If this part of your life is lacking, I would encourage you to pray and ask the Lord to bring the people you need into your life.

    4. Resist the World’s Influence 

    • James 4:4 (KJV) gives us a clear warning: “Know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God?” We must guard our hearts against the subtle influences that draw us away from God’s truth. By focusing on Christ, we can live in the world without being of it.

    True discipleship is about walking with Jesus every day, learning from Him, and becoming more like Him. While the world may pull us in different directions, God’s Word remains a firm foundation. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6, KJV), and as His disciples, we are called to follow Him wholeheartedly, resisting the world’s pull and staying anchored in His truth. Let us choose Christ daily by taking up our cross, denying ourselves, and walking in the path of true discipleship.

  • He’s in the room

    He’s in the room

    I’ve been running around like crazy the past two days, but I had to come share a quick story about yesterday. The day started with me getting up super early to have an expectations conversation with a pair of feuding nurses. I wasn’t ridiculously concerned about having the conversation, but the energy required to counteract negativity can be mentally draining. After I completed that task, I proceeded to my office. About two hours later, one of the pharmacy techs was passing by. We exchanged morning greetings, and a few seconds later she reappeared at my door. She said, “Jesus told me to tell you He loves you.” She said initially she was going to keep walking, but it hit her spirit so heavy she knew she couldn’t. Not even two hours later, one of the nurses asked if we could chat. I invited her into my office, and we went through her checklist of items. She begins to tell me how there is a change in the atmosphere with my presence and says, “You must have brought Jesus in here with you.”

    Later that afternoon, another nurse came to visit me. We discussed a number of things for about fifteen minutes and before she leaves, she closes the door and says, “I wanna tell you something.” She continues to tell me how I am doing a great job, and she feels I was sent there specifically for that staff…I got chills. It’s confirmation that…1) I am clear about my purpose. 2) I was anointed before I was appointed. 3) The Lord is with me! It gives me confidence and certainty of victory that is to come. How gracious of God to send blessed assurance in such an unexpected way! I may have not overtly felt the Lord’s presence for myself yesterday, but He made sure I KNEW He was there. And knowing so, gives me such joy!

    Psalm 16:11 speaks of the deep joy and fulfillment found in God’s presence. The passage highlights that true life and satisfaction come from walking with God. It points to the eternal joy and pleasure that can only be experienced in communion with Him, both in this life and for eternity. It reminds believers that God’s guidance leads to lasting peace and joy that surpasses anything the world offers. Do you have joy or do you need a closer with Thee?

  • Leaders need love too

    Leaders need love too

    The past two weeks have been a little rugged and challenging to say the least. Last week one of my team members was put on a final warning and this week, one was terminated. I am about 6 weeks into this job. Even though I know it’s the employee behavior that brought about these circumstances, I also know others will equate those actions with my presence. It leaves me to ponder how to move forward and overcome these hurdles when I am already burning the candle at both ends. I don’t think many people truly appreciate the level of burden that comes with being a leader. And I’m not only speaking to leaders in terms of career…this includes our familial leaders, our government leaders, our teachers, our coaches, our mentors, our spiritual leaders, and truly anyone who have been given the space or platform to be influential in the lives of others. Leadership is a great responsibility and over the past few years, my view on the subject has matured in deed and thought. Here is what I’ve learned…

    • Leadership is a spiritual assignment, leaders will give an account to God for how they lead, which should urge them to care for people with integrity and diligence. “Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock” – 1 Peter 5:2-3.
    • Leaders experience moments of weakness too. Great leaders are humble enough to know that the success of their leadership can never be obtained through their power alone. “Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you” – James 4:10. The Lord is the ultimate source of power during times when we know all we have will not suffice. “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline” – 2 Timothy 1:7.
    • The Bible gives us Jesus as the blueprint for true servant leadership. In John 13, Jesus washed His disciples’ feet, providing a powerful example of servant leadership. In Matthew 20:25-28, Jesus explains that leadership is about serving others rather than exercising authority over them. He said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

    When leaders fail to follow these principles, they stifle the growth of those under their stewardship. We feel the effects of this rippling through our communities. If you are any type of leader that is struggling in some capacity, I would encourage you to engage the work of John Maxwell who has a plethora of resources geared towards leadership growth. All of us should pray for the leaders in our lives. Pray that they have wisdom and discernment to know what is right and best for those they serve. Pray that they lead lives of integrity and uprightness, that their hearts be guarded against deceit and corruption and their lives be a reflection of God’s truth. Pray for your leaders to have courage and strength as they face challenges, that the Lord helps them to stand firm in times of difficulty. Pray that your leaders are protected, guided in righteousness and by wise counsel. Pray that your leaders speak out against injustice and have compassion for everyone they come in contact with. Finally, pray that they have clarity of their vision and are humble and accountable before God, submitting to His authority and honoring Him in all that they do!

    Hope this has encouraged you to encourage a leader in your life. Have a great week! Who Dat!!! : )

  • Monotonous or marvelous?

    Monotonous or marvelous?

    This past week has been a whirlwind! Always so much to take in when starting a new job (no matter what the industry). In healthcare, there are regulatory competencies and education that are completed by all workers, regardless of the work setting, patient population, or geographic location. HIPAA for example…is federal legislation that requires annual compliance training. Breaking that law can get you into big trouble. On Tuesday, I rushed my way through hours of modules on content I feel I know very well. Most seasoned healthcare workers take this same approach. You can be competent of the knowledge and still choose to be ignorant, or should I say laxed for a better usage of words, when it comes to application. Based on my previous example, if I had a dollar for every time a computer screen was found unsecure with patient information sitting on a maximized screen, I could retire.

    On my way home today, I got to thinking about how we often take this same approach to God’s Word. And not just us in modern times but throughout history. Generation after generation, trial after trial, and circumstance after circumstance, we are taught the same lessons. We experience the sovereignty of God, not when we know the word, but when we apply it. Did you know the phrase “Do not be afraid” appears in the Bible 365 times?!?! Moses struggled with fear and doubt that he should be the one to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. Elijah, a prophet, at one time feared for his life and fled to the desert. Jonah ran away out of fear, only to find himself in an even more precarious situation, in the belly of a whale. All these men knew of God and His word. It was only when they acted in faith that their fears were overcome, and the Lord led them to do marvelous things AKA His work.

    I guess, my point is don’t just keep approaching the word with a mundane mindset…finishing scriptures you know mid-sentence when the pastor is preaching but have yet to put action to. Use your knowledge to be a doer of the word. Show the Lord you are committed to His will and His way, and allow Him to bless you as He sees fit.

    “But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not just hearers who deceive themselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was. But one who has looked intently at the perfect law, the law of freedom, and has continued in it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an active doer, this person will be blessed in what he does.” – James 1:22-25

  • Ignorance is not an excuse

    Ignorance is not an excuse

    My insides are still in motion from Desperate for Jesus 2024 this past weekend! Speakers Dr. Nicole Massie Martin, Carol Kent, Jackie Hill Perry, as well as musical guests Niya Cotton and Amber Bullock used their gifts to fill the sanctuary with the Holy Spirit.

    If you are someone or knows someone that needs a good talking to about our LORD and Savior, Jackie is the ONE they need to hear from! Often we are afraid to speak on our experiences because we don’t wanna insult folks or hurt their feelings, but your truth is your truth. And I love hearing Jackie speak it, because it’s the truth. And the truth is (I’m paraphrasing here), we (as a collective) have grown to be morally bankrupt because some preachers just ain’t preaching about Jesus no more. You go to church, do all the things, check all the boxes and still are no closer to your salvation, still sporting phony faith. I can say that my perception growing up was there was a whole lotta preaching to us, about us, which included the installation of fear for God. I was never taught about the love of God, so I missed out on an entire different aspect of His character that I needed to know!

    Here’s the thing though….just like everything else in life, ignorance is not an excuse. At some point we have to take on the responsibility to find out who the Lord is and experience Him for ourselves. Even if someone tells us what we think is “right”, we need to pull out that bible and fact check, because His Word is the foundation. I was in the car this morning and the Holy Spirit gave me this analogy. I’m a registered nurse right. Let’s say I’m about to go round on my patients and another nurse tells me, “Don’t worry about room 123. I just walked by and the patient is asleep.” Let’s say I decided to take their word for it and let my patient sleep. Almost two hour later, I go into room 123 during the next set of rounds to a lifeless, still body. You’re probably thinking, Tiffany, that’s a little dramatic…is it really a life or death situation? YES, SALVATION IS A LIFE OR DEATH SITUATION!!! Without it, there is no access to eternal life. And, once you realize and take in the gravity of what needed to occur to GIVE us salvation (not earn, buy, steal, or borrow), it changes you.

    “…that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.: – Romans 10: 9-10

    The Word is the absolute source of truth for verification. Don’t live off hearsay. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1). To know the Word is to know God. Learn who He is for yourself. Start today!

    Image from Instagram account @ocbfchurch
  • Sowing seeds

    Sowing seeds

    Last night, I attended our Wednesday Night Connect service. Worship led to an impromptu prayer session. We were instructed to pair up. As I turned clockwise from my aisle spot, everyone near me was already paired. There was a young lady across the aisle from me in need of a partner, so there we were. I had never met her or seen her at church before. When I asked if she had any specific requests, she tearfully shared that she needed tuition for her upcoming seminary classes and a job.

    Prior to Monday, we had the same exact prayer requests: On Monday afternoon, I received a call awarding me a scholarship that covered my upcoming fall tuition. First of all, y’all, I saw the scholarship on scholarship.junkie’s Instagram page the day she posted it on May 7th. The scholarship due date was May 15th. Electronically, that’s plenty of time, but the application had to be sent via USPS. One of my transcripts had to be mailed, so I paid for an expedited copy. It arrived on the evening of May 13th. On May 14th, I made sure everything was in order and overnighted the application to the sponsoring foundation. Being out of work for over 7 months now, it was very possible that I would have had to sit out a semester if I couldn’t find a way to cover the tuition.

    With that said, I would never consider this meeting a coincidence. The Holy Spirit intentionally brought us together. I may not be in a position to pay her tuition, but I am a legitimate source of truth that God is faithful and knows our needs. I simply smiled, shared my testimony, and reminded her that God is Provider and our source for all things! It brought me joy to be able to glorify the Lord and encourage her at the same time.

    “Therefore, encourage one another and build one another up, just as you also are doing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11 NASB

    Never underestimate how sharing your journey can plant seeds in another human being. It’s not up to us to nurture and grow it. That’s the Lord’s job. You may never see the harvest of your planting. Just know He is willing and able to make all things fruitful.

    Live with your eyes open and be intentional. Who is He asking you to sow into today?

  • Waiting season

    Waiting season

    Since having passed the six month mark without a job, I’ve been like, “Lord, now what?” So many emotions tend to bubble up when we don’t know what happens next. I have been intentional about using my moments of angst to fuel my faith. I went to church Wednesday night. The sermon was about what happens during the waiting. Pastor Bryan Carter referenced King David and how he was anointed as king more than a decade before he actually was appointed to the position. Pastor Carter shared 3 attributes about the waiting time:

    • 1. Waiting time is testing time.
    • 2. Waiting time is working time.
    • 3. Waiting time is NOT wasting time.

    As I have reflected on my own situation the past couple of days, I can say I know these 3 things to be true. The YouVersion app started going over Psalm 23 this week for the verse of the day. This morning was verses 5-6, and what spoke to me through the spirit was, “You have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows.” It was a rhema word. I remembered Pastor Carter said anointment comes before the appointment. During my interviews last week, instead of saying all the right things I know everyone wanted to hear, I answered with the truth. I can honestly say I feel the antointing God has placed over this area of my life. And when I read those verses this morning, the Holy Spirit told me my appointment is coming. Do not be afraid of the challenges that will arise; I can be reassured God’s presence will be with me. And all the overflow from my cup will spill into the lives of those that surround me. Isn’t that goodness worth waiting for? If you are in a season of waiting, remember this…

    • God wants to see your true character during the test(s).
    • God is always working during the wait.
    • God wastes nothing. He uses every season.

    Thank you Pastor Carter for message. Hope y’all have a great week!

  • Leaving things behind

    Leaving things behind

    Every year, I initiate the process of calling myself decluttering. My closet has gone surprisingly well. I donated lots of clothes, many with tags still in place. When it comes to my office, things get a little tricky. I have a set of books that have traveled with me from my late teens until now. The paper color has changed slightly, but they’re in perfect condition [hardcovers and binding included]. I have read most of them more than once. I know for certain I will not read them now or in the future. As I’m sitting here typing, I realize they are an attachment to a period of my life…kinda similar to the way certain cd’s can be the soundtrack to an event or experience. Speaking of which, I have over 200 stored in my garage in the age old case logic holders. If you were born 2000 or later, you probably have no idea what I’m talking about [unless your parent was a 70’s baby and passed down all the things].

    This weekend, I need to take all these books [Eric Jerome Dickey and Carl Weber collections included] to Half Price Books. One of the reasons I have hesitated is because I know it is unlikely I will get any money for these books. Subconsciously, I guess that conjures up a sense of devalue and reminds me I am aging. The folks at the store have no idea why I’m attached to these books. They care about whether or not the title or author is still popular. I guess it’s time to prune, to stop holding onto old things and make space for new things that are to come in and bear fruit my life. Unfortunately, this isn’t limited to books and clothes, it includes people, places, attitudes, ways of life…etc.

    In Philippians 3, Paul is sharing with them all he is doing to become more like Christ. He is aware that because of his flesh, he still has more to do. Then, he tells us what in fact he does do…(13-14 KJV)

    “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus”

    Because they say you should read verses in multiple versions to grasp the meaning, the NIV reads like this…

    “Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus”

    It reads on to say “All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things”. So let’s concede and be more like Paul. Have a great week, simply because God is good!