Terri M.

I am so excited to introduce you to Terri, today. She shares with us ideas on being intentional with our thoughts, spiritual fasting, being a voice for the voiceless and the importance of having mentors.

Terri M.

Inspiring biblical passage of the moment: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8-9)

Spiritual growth focus at the moment: My spiritual growth focus right now is having a Godly mindset. Our thoughts can make or break us.

“Our thoughts can make or break us.”

Profession: Writer.

A one sentence bio of yourself: A creative thinker for Jesus.

When did you first encounter God? Growing up, I had heard all the Bible stories. I went to church with my family. At age 12, I really wanted more from God. I wanted a personal relationship with Him. I started reading His Word for myself. His Word began to come alive to me. Things started connecting and making sense. All doubts and confusion that I once had, faded away.

What has helped you grow spiritually in this season? Definitely, the people I have become friends with. Hanging around people that are always wanting to grow encourages you to grow, as well. Hanging around people that stay stagnant causes you to think you are okay to stay in the same place.

Just read/currently reading: Book of Isaiah in the Bible and Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki.

Top three essentials: Books (Bible, of course), phone, and yellow note pads for brainstorming.

How did God speak to you recently? I was listening to a T.D. Jakes Sermon. In his sermon, he talked about your everyday thoughts forming into a plan. After hearing this sermon, I feel that God wants me to stop having so many meaningless thoughts throughout my day. God wants my thoughts to have a purpose.

“God wants my thoughts to have a purpose.”

Hobby: Writing, reading, and working out (if you call that a hobby).

Top three practical tips for staying spiritually strong:

1. Fasting is something that really helps my prayer life. Sacrificing something you love or enjoy for a period of time helps you to focus on God. Here is a link to a book about spiritual fasting.

2. Don’t just read the Bible, but study it.

3. Have mentors in your life that you aspire to be like. Learn from their mistakes, so that you will not make the same mistakes.

Favorite person in scripture? A toss up between King David and Apostle Paul. Both made many mistakes, but God still used them in a mighty way.

What do you want people to learn about God when they look at you? Living for God isn’t just about a set of rules or boundaries you can not cross. Living your life for God is full of joy, peace, and comfort.

Favorite season? Spring. I love seeing flowers start to bloom.

Favorite holiday? Thanksgiving. I love food!

A special tradition you and your family engage in or keep: My brothers and I drive around looking at all the different Christmas lights around a neighborhood. My oldest brother started doing this when he was 16. He would take us to the “rich neighborhood.” Each of us picked out the house that we would have one day when we became rich.

Question you will ask when you get to heaven? I don’t think I would have any questions. I would just worship my King.

Thing you want to raise awareness about: People with special needs and disabilities.     Being a Christian, I think we should be a voice for the voiceless.

“Being a Christian, I think we should be a voice for the voiceless.”

What do you usually do before 9 a.m.? Sleeping because I am a night owl. If I am not sleeping, I try to start my morning off with prayer. I also scroll through Instagram.

Define Christianity in a sentence: It is a lifestyle, not a label.

“It is a lifestyle, not a label.”

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