First and foremost, you need to know YOUR prayers made a HUGE difference when I shared a message to incarcerated teens yesterday. God answered our prayers above and beyond what I could have imagined.
For starters, the Christmas service at the facility had record attendance. Normally the ministry has about 40-60 kids in attendance. Since it’s a faith based event, it’s optional. Often kids pass on the chance. Yesterday there were 95 kids. 22 girls and 73 boys. Almost the entire place showed up…
A miracle, praise GOD!!
Then as God would have it, He changed my message Sunday morning!! What? Are you serious, God? So I worked hard to restructure my ideas and gather added props. When I tried to talk it out an hour before Derek and I left, it didn’t flow. I about threw up. Panic hit but I calmed myself down with this truth:
If God wants me to share, HE will show up!
I felt as desperate as one could ever be. Which in my mind, I was the best place to be because I truly believe when we are weak, God is strong. But it didn’t take away my restlessness. I wanted to feel prepared. Who wouldn’t?
Anyway, I’m still processing all that God did. I’m overwhelmed with joy and I’m humbled to know God used me. I want to cry but for some reason my tears are still at bay. After I process all that’s in my heart, I may share more details.
For now know this, GOD softened hearts because 15 teens raised their hand to accept Christ after I shared.
That alone brings me to my knees.
This experience is God’s gift(see picture) to me this Christmas season.
And to think He’s not done yet, we go caroling as a family tomorrow at an assisted living center. Love seeing the elderly sing and smile.
THANK YOU AGAIN! Please lift up a prayer of praise with me! God is faithful…
How good God is, and I feel blessed that my prayers helped lift you to reach those needy teens.
I love where you wrote that so many coming to Jesus brought you to your knees.
You gave the teens a tremendous Christmas gift, and who knows what effect your words will have on them in the days and years to come.
Thank You Lord for your beautiful daughter Tiffany, and the joy she brought to a group full of teens who need You!
Woo Hoo, praising God with you sis, love you bunches.
Tiff that is wonderful. I loved reading that. Thank you for sharing. Reading this is so encouraging. I wish I could get my family and friends to go caroling. I love to sing and this time of the year is the best time of the year while singing the praise to Christ for all he gave on Calvary. Truly is the best gift ever.
God bless you friend. Have a super great week and a very Merry Christmas!
Tiffany!
Oh how exciting! I'm so glad it went well. What a mighty God we serve!
Have fun tomorrow!
The Lord was fully prepared to work in their hearts…of course. I do know the feeling of wanting to be very prepared Tiffany. God wanted your heart prepared for Him to work! Sounds like the combo was beautiful. Can't wait to hear MORE!!!!Love u, B
Came over here after reading Barbara's post at B His Girl. What an incredible story and opportunity the Lord gave you. Rejoicing with you over all He has done and is doing.
Blessings and Merry Christmas,
Joy
Isn't our hearts filled with awe in knowing our future belongs to the youth! God help us to reach them with YOUR unfailing Love and Truth! Bless you Tiffany for your service to them and may that good seed you planted be watered and grow into fruitfulness to our King forever!
WhooHoo! God is so GOOD! Hallelujah!
Rebecca
WOW – we serve an amazing God… What a great thing to witness all those coming to accept Him…. that alone is the Best Christmas gift.
May you continued to be blessed and awed by how Great Father.
Merry Christmas
Kelly
http://www.amazingsalvation.com
Amazing story and may you experience the multitudes of blessings from the gift YOU gave. Thank you for reaching out and love God's children.
Freddae'
http://coffeegodandme.blogspot.com
I celebrate Christ's work in you and through you …
May He continue to bless you as you do Kingdom Work. You're a blessing!
Merry Christmas.
Praise the Lord for this most needed ministry! Thankful for answering the call! Praise the Lord for these new souls!
Merry Christmas
Urgent Prayer For Eddie (Love Bug)
I am typing this for Denise of Shortybears Place she is on the phone with me now
Eddie has had a stroke and is in hospital under observation. They were unable to get the stroke medication in time. So far they have done a CAT scan and a MRI and other test are being awaiting . His leg is effected. He is able to speak. This is written at 9:30 p.m. TN time
He is in Memorial Hospital Chattanooga TN. She is alone so if any friends are able please consider coming to her side. He is being moved to room momentarily.
This is written by Donetta of A Life Uncommon and she can be reached through me.
Tiffany – just wanted to stop by today to wish you & yours a very blessed & merry Christmas friend!!!! Blessed to know you!
Joyfully,
Wylie
Praise the Lord – what an awesome experience! May your Christmas be full of joy, laughter and love!!
Your friend,
Debbie
Tiff, just got the chance to come by and visit. I'm SO blessed to see how Papa God showed up for you and through you. YAY God.
I love it!
Love ya!
Very nice. I am so glad you were given opportunity to touch the lives of these youth. God's gift to you very likely, but your obedience is a gift to him that will produce much fruit. Blessings;)
Beautiful story–and YOU are a gift to those young people, holding out God's gift to them!
Praise the Lord! I'm so happy that everything went well and that those teens made a decision for Christ. Praying for you as He continues to use you for His glory.
Sounds like God to me!!! He often does it this way – HIS WAY – so that we KNOW it's not our ideas, words or agenda but HIS ALONE! He had kingdom purposes in mind. I know that feeling of feeling totally unprepared when He changes things at the last minute – but I also know in those moments HE HAS NEVER EVER FAILED to come through. HE IS FAITHFUL in all His Ways!
I love the picture with the gift box and the snowflake. God's been using SNOWFLAKES here at Shepherd's Walk too. That was our theme for our "Strangers to Friends" banquet just two weeks ago.
We gave out snowflake gift bags to those that attended [strangers off the street] and inside was a little card on one side said:
Just like every tiny snowflake …
You are uniquely made by God!
YOU ARE SPECIAL!
On the other side it had verses from Psalm 139… "you are fearfully and wonderfully made…"
I can't wait to hear more of what God did! HE IS GOD! Full of surprises – that always bring Him the most glory!
Choosing JOY, Stephanie
Praise the Lord! He is so good and you are a blessing to so many…..
Tammy, that's wonderful! I'm praising God with you!
Wishing you a Marry Christmas and a Haapy New Year full of health and happiness to you and your family. Philip
My darlin' sister! I am so thankful! FOR YOU and what God is doing…and going to do!
Much love and hugs to your snow bound heart!
Thanking you for stopping by my blog.
And for being you.
Your story is incredible and inspiring.
And your walk of faith in the here and now leaves me humbled.
Blessings to you.
Hopping over here today from B's great video about the stuffed turtles. I imagine that's what is in the box in the picture; would love to hear more about your experience in the prison.
I know God used you in a mighty way, sister. Thank you for your obedience to go and to minister.
peace~elaine