Fulfilling Purpose by Faith

Every Day Is Valentine’s Day…

Chiquita Tate — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 03:04:20 +0000

On today I celebrate with the rest of the world this magnificent thing call ℒℴѵℯ, but to be honest, I don’t need a special day set aside to do this. For I treasure ℒℴѵℯ and value every moment of each day with its gift. I do not take it for granted or misuse its name. As I pause in this moment, I can say I clearly understand what ℒℴѵℯ truly is and what it truly means. In I Timothy 1:5, God instructs and charges us to ℒℴѵℯ! It was so important to Him that He made it a commandment to ℒℴѵℯ one another as we ℒℴѵℯ ourselves! Ya see, my heart is full because God showed me that ℒℴѵℯ was a sincere and real thing that I should hold fast to…that ℒℴѵℯ would accept me, embrace me, protect me, and ultimately save me! To have experienced a life changing ℒℴѵℯ(JESUS) like this opened my heart to the possibilities of walking in it without exception. We all know that nothing is given without labor…look at what Christ did for us! He laid down His life! So for us to simply ℒℴѵℯ one another should be something we welcome, but of course, it’s an ACT…it’s something that must be done! It’s an action word! It’s a choice to be made! When ℒℴѵℯ rules it changes the very core of who you are. Remember this, “ℒℴѵℯ one another with brotherly affection [as members of one family], giving precedence and showing honor to one another.” – Romans 12:10

With that being said, I want to take this opportunity to honor Mr. Andrae “Bamm” Washington & Ms. Essence Prayse Holloway! They are my very special Valentines every single day!!! There’s a flame of joy that burns inside of me that will never go out because I have them in my life. I consider it a privilege to be the mother to such a creative, intelligent, compassionate, spiritual child, and to know without reservation that God ordained and orchestrated the meeting and relationship I hold so dear. I could not have asked for anything better than what God has already given me. Yes, I am blessed beyond measure, and I’m proud to call Bamm & Essence the ℒℴѵℯs of my life! So I’ll go along with this special holiday called Valentine’s, but it won’t stop here. My vow is to ℒℴѵℯ when no one is looking, when everyone is busy and not paying attention. I vow to ℒℴѵℯ when the rain comes pouring down; when the sun refuses to shine, when the devil wages his attacks…I’ll be there! Not only will I be there, but I will fight for you in the spirit, I will pray and declare God’s perfect will be done! For my ℒℴѵℯ is not average…it’s exceptional!!!

I pray every word written ministers to somebody on today. If no one has told you how much your loved let me be the one to say, I ℒℴѵℯ You!!!

ℒℴѵℯ,
Chiquita A. Tate

God Can Do Anything!

Chiquita Tate — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 01:28:52 +0000

My God is faithful, and there’s absolutely NOTHING anyone can say to me to make me doubt Him! He’s been there through every left turn, every pitfall, every mistake…teaching and showing me a better way. Revealing to me that in spite of those things I thought negative He still has need of me! Ya see, God has not only been there through the storms of my life, but He’s also been there coaching me on to the finish line to my victories! What I love about Him are all His many ways of showing me just how proud He is of me. People may judge and talk, but their words can’t take away God’s undying love for me! So I say to you, walk closely with God, and everything He promised you will manifest in your life! I’m a living witness that God did, can, and will do JUST WHAT HE SAID!!! ~~~Glory to God!!! ~~~Chi Chi

Negative Thoughts Not Allowed

Chiquita Tate — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 00:59:33 +0000

Negative thoughts arrest progress!!!!—- If you continue to dwell on those negative things before long you’ll begin to act on them, and we all know what that leads to. Check out what I Peter 13-16 says, “Therefore gird up the lions of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, ‘Be holy, for I am holy.’”

Love, Chiquita

Establishing A Real Relationship With God!

Chiquita Tate — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 17:14:11 +0000

There are a lot of people who claim to “know” God, but how many of those people really “know” and “understand” the character of God? How many of those people have a “committed relationship” with the ONE who keeps their hearts beating every second of the day? It’s not enough to speak well of Him if you’ve never truly experienced Him! You’ll end up living out a life that’s unbecoming of His character if you continue in the realm of having an “idea” of who He is, but not knowing Him. God desires to be close to you…closer than a brother, mother, husband, wife, cousin, friend, etc. A “real” relationship with Him can’t be compared to earthly relationships. His love is nonjudgmental, unconditional, and eternal. Look at what it says in Acts 17:27 - “So that they should seek God, in the hope that they might feel after Him and find Him, although He is not far from each one of us.” (AB)

So you may ask, “What if I don’t have a relationship with God…how can I get one?” Well God has provided a solution for you…His Name is Jesus! Check this out:

Jesus Christ came to do what we could not do for ourselves.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)

He came into the world to bring us into relationship and right standing with God.
“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’ ” (John 14:6)

He died in our place to pay the penalty for our sin.
“For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit.” (1 Peter 3:18)

He rose from the dead to show that His claims were true.
“For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve. After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep.” (1 Corinthians 15:3-6)

We could never earn God’s acceptance. It’s freely given!
“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit.” (Titus 3:5)

We must admit our need for forgiveness.
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)

“And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as lift his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’ ” (Luke 18:13)

We must receive Christ and His offer of salvation as a gift.
“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name.” (John 1:12)

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Your personal relationship with God can begin today!!!

You can begin your personal relationship with God by putting your faith in Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord. Repeat this prayer if you need help:

“Lord Jesus, I believe you are the Son of God. Thank you for dying on the cross for my sins. Please forgive my sins and give me the gift of eternal life. I ask you in to my life and heart to be my Lord and Savior. I want to serve you always. Thank You for receiving me into Your eternal family. In Jesus’ Name, Amen”

If you said that prayer congratulations!!! WELCOME TO GOD’S ETERNAL FAMILY!!! I’m so happy for you!!! Your life will never be the same! Glory!!!

Now all you need to do is dive deep into God’s Word. There, you’ll find your road map to life!

Love, Chiquita

Happy Martin Luther King, Jr. Day!

Chiquita Tate — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 13:01:15 +0000

On today we celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.! We miss you!!!

Love, Chiquita

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Quotes by Dr. King:

We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.– Speech in St. Louis, Missouri, March 22, 1964

The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. The true neighbor will risk his position, his prestige and even his life for the welfare of others.– Strength to Love (1963)

We will have to repent in this generation not merely for the hateful words and actions of the bad people but for the appalling silence of the good people.– “Letter from Birmingham Jail,” April 16, 1963

I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.– “I Have a Dream” speech, August 28, 1963

Nothing in all the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity.– Strength to Love (1963)

Like anybody, I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place. But I’m not concerned about that now. I just want to do God’s will. And he’s allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I’ve looked over, and I’ve seen the promised land . . . So I’m happy tonight. I’m not worried about anything. I’m not fearing any man.– “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” speech, April 3, 1968 (the day before his assassination)

If a man hasn’t discovered something he will die for, he isn’t fit to live.– Speech in Detroit, Michigan on June 23, 1963

The means by which we live have outdistanced the ends for which we live. Our scientific power has outrun our spiritual power. We have guided missiles and misguided men.
– Strength to Love (1963), Ch. 7

Freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed.
– “Letter from Birmingham Jail,” April 16, 1963

I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.
– “I Have a Dream” speech, August 28, 1963

I submit that an individual who breaks a law that conscience tells him is unjust, and willingly accepts the penalty by staying in jail in order to arouse the conscience of the community over its injustice, is in reality expressing the very highest respect for the law.
– “Letter from Birmingham Jail,” April 16, 1963

It may be true that the law cannot make a man love me, but it can keep him from lynching me, and I think that’s pretty important.
– Quoted in The Wall Street Journal, Nov. 13, 1962

A nation or civilization that continues to produce soft-minded men purchases its own spiritual death on an installment plan.
– Strength to Love (1963)

We who engage in nonviolent direct action are not the creators of tension. We merely bring to the surface the hidden tension that is already alive.
– “Letter from Birmingham Jail,” April 16, 1963

I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality. This is why right temporarily defeated is stronger than evil triumphant.
– Nobel Prize Acceptance Speech, December 10, 1964

Shallow understanding from people of good will is more frustrating than absolute misunderstanding from people of ill will.
– “Letter from Birmingham Jail,” April 16, 1963

We were here before the mighty words of the Declaration of Independence were etched across the pages of history. Our forebears labored without wages. They made cotton ‘king’. And yet out of a bottomless vitality, they continued to thrive and develop. If the cruelties of slavery could not stop us, the opposition we now face will surely fail. . . . Because the goal of America is freedom, abused and scorned tho’ we may be, our destiny is tied up with America’s destiny.
– “Letter from Birmingham Jail,” April 16, 1963

Discrimination is a hellhound that gnaws at Negroes in every waking moment of their lives to remind them that the lie of their inferiority is accepted as truth in the society dominating them.
– “Where do we go from here?” speech, August 16, 1967

When we let freedom ring, when we let it ring from every tenement and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God’s children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old spiritual, “Free at last, free at last. Thank God Almighty, we are free at last.”
– “I Have a Dream” speech, August 28, 1963

The Beauty of Loving

Chiquita Tate — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 15:20:03 +0000

The beauty of loving is knowing that all you give away will come back to you! It may not be from the person or people you expect, but God will be sure to give it back to you. Plus, you’ll experience a more intense love you never thought possible! So don’t hold back loving people because of what others have done to you or those around you. Become more loving, more giving, more compassionate, and soon all the seeds you’ve planted will began to blossom in your life! Remember, What you do for others God will do for you! Isn’t God Wonderful?!! I love HIM SOOOOOOO Much!

What Did Jesus Say About Love

Matthew 5:43-48 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Matthew 6:24-25 ”No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money. “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?

Mark 12:28-30 And one of the scribes came up and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, asked him, “Which commandment is the most important of all?” Jesus answered, “The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’

John 14:21-24 Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.” Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, “Lord, how is it that you will manifest yourself to us, and not to the world?” Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words. And the word that you hear is not mine but the Father’s who sent me.

John 15:9-17 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. These things I command you, so that you will love one another.

Song of Solomon 8:6-7 Set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm, for love is strong as death, jealousy is fierce as the grave. Its flashes are flashes of fire, the very flame of the LORD. Many waters cannot quench love, neither can floods drown it. If a man offered for love all the wealth of his house, he would be utterly despised.

1 Corinthians 13:4-8 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away.

Ephesians 4:2-3 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Philippians 2:2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.

Proverbs 10:12 Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses.

Proverbs 17:17 A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

Blessings, Chiquita

Determined to Live Healthy!

Chiquita Tate — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 01:08:22 +0000

God is so faithful to His children! In late 2010, I was diagnosed with high blood pressure, and I didn’t understand because I was eating healthy, but what I didn’t take into consideration was my lack of sleep hours and everyday stress levels. At that time, my doctor said it was probably hereditary, and I may have to deal with it for the rest of my life. Of course, that was a report I did not agree with nor receive into my spirit! I was determined to rid myself of this medication, and in October of 2011 my perscription ended, and I decided not to refill it. I monitored myself and things seemed normal. I was so excited because my approach was holistic and spiritual! Last week the devil tried something crazy, and when I monitored my pressure it was ridiculously high! I had allowed worry and stress to creep in just for a second, and it offset my health. Immediately my prayer partner and I prayed over my situation, and within and hour my pressure was normal again. So I made an appointment to follow with my primary care doctor.

As I walked into the doctor’s office my mind began to race, wondering if I would have to explain why I decided to take myself off of the blood pressure medicine. The routine steps were taken to check my weight, heart rate, and blood pressure. The nurse turned to me shortly after and said, “Your pressure is great! How long have you been off of the medicine?” I told her since last October, and she said the doctor would be in soon. Before long, my doctor walked in and took my pressure again. She asked me a series of questions, and we discussed my history and monitored notes. She said she didn’t see any reason to put me back on the medicine, and to keep doing whatever I was doing. She said the day my pressure rose seemed to have been due to the stress level in my life, and at that moment I had an epiphany! STRESS is NOT welcomed in my life!!! No forms of it!!! I had allowed worry and stress to enter in, and God showed me that’s how quickly it can offset your life. For me, I know that experience was meant to happen to teach me a valuable lesson…”Before allowing the cares of this world to infiltrate your life you should stop, pray, and release it to God!” My vow is to release it all to Him before I do anything else. I refuse to allow those things to affect me in such a negative way ever again. It’s just not worth it!

As I type this note, I feel extremely blessed! My body is a temple, and I’m going to treat it as such. I pray that you too will do the same. Check out what Web MD has to say about preventing high blood pressure!

“About 1 in every 4 American adults has high blood pressure, also called hypertension, which is a major risk factor for heart and kidney diseases, stroke, and heart failure. High blood pressure is especially dangerous because it often gives no warning signs or symptoms. Fortunately, you can find out if you have high blood pressure by having your blood pressure checked regularly. If it is high, you can take steps to lower it. Just as important, if your blood pressure is normal, you can learn how to keep it from becoming high.”

You can prevent high blood pressure by:

Maintaining a healthy weight. Being overweight can make you two to six times more likely to develop high blood pressure than if you are at your desirable weight. Even small amounts of weight loss can make a big difference in helping to prevent and treat high blood pressure.
Getting regular exercise: People who are physically active have a lower risk of getting high blood pressure — 20%-50% lower — than people who are not active. You don’t have to be a marathon runner to benefit from physical activity. Even light activities, if done daily, can help lower your risk.
Reducing salt intake: Often, when people with high blood pressure cut back on salt, their blood pressure falls. Cutting back on salt also prevents blood pressure from rising.
Drinking alcohol in moderation, if at all: Drinking too much alcohol can raise your blood pressure. So to help prevent high blood pressure, if you drink alcohol, limit how much you drink to no more than two drinks a day. The “Dietary Guidelines for Americans” recommend that for overall health, women should limit their alcohol to no more than one drink a day.
Reduce Stress: Stress can make blood pressure go up and over time may contribute to the cause of high blood pressure. There are many steps you can take to reduce your stress. The article on easing stress will get you started.

Other things, like dietary supplements, may also help prevent high blood pressure. Here’s a roundup of what’s being said about them.

Potassium. Eating foods rich in potassium will help protect some people from developing high blood pressure. You probably can get enough potassium from your diet, so a supplement isn’t necessary. Many fruits, vegetables, dairy foods, and fish are good sources of potassium.
Calcium. Populations with low calcium intakes have high rates of high blood pressure. However, it has not been proven that taking calcium tablets will prevent high blood pressure. But it is important to be sure to get at least the recommended amount of calcium — 1,000 milligrams per day for adults 19 to 50 years old and 1,200 mg for those over 50 (pregnant and breastfeeding women also need more) — from the foods you eat. Dairy foods like low-fat selections of milk, yogurt, and cheese are good sources of calcium. Low-fat and nonfat dairy products have even more calcium than the high-fat types.
Magnesium. A diet low in magnesium may make your blood pressure rise. But doctors don’t recommend taking extra magnesium to help prevent high blood pressure — the amount you get in a healthy diet is enough. Magnesium is found in whole grains, green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, and dry peas and beans.
Fish oils. A type of fat called “omega-3 fatty acids” is found in fatty fish like mackerel and salmon. Large amounts of fish oils may help reduce high blood pressure, but their role in prevention is unclear. Taking fish oil pills is not recommended because high doses can cause unpleasant side effects. The pills are also high in fat and calories. Of course, most fish, if not fried or made with added fat, is low in saturated fat and calories and can be eaten often.
Garlic. There has been some evidence to suggest garlic’s effect in lowering blood pressure in addition to improving cholesterol and reducing some cancers. Further research is being conducted to fully assess garlic’s potential health benefits.

Blessings, Chiquita

: “Take Care of Your Temple!”

Why I Hate Religion, But Love Jesus!

Chiquita Tate — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 06:49:16 +0000

Worry & Stress…NOT!!!

Chiquita Tate — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 04:17:33 +0000

STOP WORRYING!!! Yes, I’m talking to you! The time has come for you to take ALL of your concerns and cares to the altar and leave them there. Often times you say you’ve given it to God, but you really haven’t because you’re still worrying and stressing about whatever you claimed you took to God. Let’s look at 1 Peter 5:6,7. It says, “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” Now, the Word just said God would exalt you in due time. So right there you should stop and reread what he said. What God is saying to you is to sit still and be patient. He’s got it all under control. He loves you so much, and He’s going to do what’s best for you, but you’ve got to understand this will all be done according to His perfect timing…not yours!

If worry and stress are factors in your life I want to help set you free! 2 Corinthians 10:4-6 states “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.” When the pressures and cares of this life weigh you down your first reaction should be to turn to God. He is the One Who has the power to get you through anything.

I know it’s easier said then done, but releasing stress and worry are things you must do in order to live a life filled with peace. I’m convinced that resting in the relationship we have with God heals us, not only from worry, but the feeling of vulnerability. The closer you get to God the more you’ll come to know and understand God’s got you covered.

Blessings, Chiquita

I Will Wait For You!

Chiquita Tate — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 14:02:30 +0000