OK

copyright (c) 2019 Tabitha  Carin   Snowden 

2019

OK

OK! That is something we say often, I was thinking about how many times I say: 'OK' in a day. It is quite interesting actually, what do we mean by that word? I know that sometimes when I'm not doing my best and people ask how I am, on a rare occasion the response might be 'OK'. But how do you use the word? Maybe you use it as a confirmation, an acceptance, or in any way you feel it is appropriate. 

What happens when you say 'OK' to someone who controls the universe? Scary, right? But in all reality it isn't, because God has you in His hands and by saying 'OK' we are saying; "OK, God, I accept what you have in store for me, and I am ready." 
It takes time though, you can't just say it without really letting go, doing that can be an important step. We often hold onto what we really really want or maybe what we  think we need, but letting go is crucial. I felt that as I came to America, as if I was leaving a part of my heart back in Africa, but the truth is, a big part of my heart is where my family is, and where God puts me until He says to go, we will wait on His will.
 I feel like I'm always on the edge of my toes waiting, but I'm learning to be patient in this time. God is only wanting for us to patiently wait, but also during this time He is yearning for His children to seek Him more. And that makes the process so much more bearable.

 I love seeking God and His presence I laugh when I read a scripture and it touches me, because He knew I needed that, and I marvel at His works. He takes me to places I have never been spiritually, during this time of waiting. And it is amazing, when you think that there is nothing you can do anymore that you are exhausted from this time, He renews you in a way only He can. 

I am STUBBORN, ask my family, I really am, but it's funny no matter how stubborn you might be, God breaks you, in the best way possible. He reminds you that you are His, and you are in the place where He wants you to be exactly. And our stubbornness can not get in the way of our Lord, I tried to argue with God, saying many things about what I wanted, but you want to know who won that argument? God, completely, He simply taught me in this time, it isn't a punishment, it is a teaching, and are we learning? I would like to think that at this moment, I am, I am learning more than I ever thought I would, isn't it amazing? God takes us from our stubbornness and puts us in His will, and then all we feel is, peace.

There is a time for everything, but there is always a time for seeking God. Before you start worrying about time or the time of waiting, start remembering God is controlling the time, and at this point all we can do is simply trust and seek Him with all we have. 

Saying 'OK' is something we have to believe and know with our hearts we are accepting God's will in our lives, and not worrying about anything, because if God put you there He will take care of everything. 

A Valentines Day

copyright (c) 2019 Tabitha Carin   Snowden 

2019

A VALENTINES DAY

Valentines Day; a holiday commercialized, and advertised to be completely revolved around love, we often think of it as all about couples. But in fact it can be about any love, between a mother and daughter or sisters or any family, friends etc. Most of all, realizing the main source of love is from Jesus Christ, His love constantly pours out to us, never ceasing, without any hesitation. It is always important to help spread not only our love on this holiday, but most importantly, spreading God's love  everyday. 

(not my image)

I would like to talk a little about dating because why not; it's Valentines Day. On one of my first blogs I ever did was, "Why To Wait." I feel like it set where I stand, and my image pretty well, but I am a little bit older now and have more information in my head. 

There are so many great things about being in a relationship, you have someone to talk to who always listens, someone to depend on, a person who you can be with and never get tired of. You can love this person with all your heart, and they love you, and sharing moments with your special someone can be the highlight of your days. There is always to be something thankful for when you may be in a relationship. I love seeing happy loving couples, and sometimes I become the third wheel, but I don't mind because I get to see how their relationship works. I can go on and on about the good things of being in a healthy relationship. 

Do I see myself in a relationship someday? Of course! I would love to have a special someone by my side, one day, who I can share my thoughts with, and share amazing moments. I am very excited for the day that I find the one person God has been preparing for me! But, I am not quite ready yet, God is still working on my heart and molding me into the person He wants me to be. 
One day, one day, but for now, it is important to focus on what is in our lives, that we should be truthfully thinking about. For me, my relationship with Jesus is my main priority, as for this holiday I am reminding myself of His enduring love for me and all of us. 

If you are not in a relationship around this time, don't be sad or depressed, because truly you are surrounded by people and a Savior who truly loves you. 

Yes, it can be difficult for some people to spend this time alone, or single, but think about how you can focus on the things that are important to you.

 "Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony."
Colossians 3:14

(not my image)

There is importance of this beautiful day, between couples sharing their love, but also between people, family, friends, and Jesus! 


The simplicity of love, isn't it precious? This love makes me smile just thinking about it, because it is so pure. In someway, somehow, it is in each of our lives, making us who we are, binding us together. Going back to a scripture that we all probably know; “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

(my image)

The world is practically founded on love, how powerful love is to each of us, and what love can make us do. We live for love, we die for love, and we come together for the love we share. 

I like to think where our love came from: God; He is the prime example of it, by  His continual actions and proof that He is love. He died for us, why? Simple, it was love. And that same love is what empowers us to live, each day serving Him. 

I hope that everyone who reads this realizes how loved you really are, celebrating with the ones you love! Happy Valentines Day! 

Make Joy Come Out Of Every Circumstance

copyright (c) 2018 Tabitha Carin   Snowden 

2018

Make Joy Come Out Of Every Circumstance

Making joy come out of us, throughout the hardest times can be difficult, we may be thinking how could we ever find joy! Under all the stress how could we laugh? I know, because I have been there and still  there almost daily. 

When we are stressed, how could we think of laughing? Maybe crying is more relatable at that moment than laughing, I don't know! On our way here to Mozambique, in the airports we often were well-stressed. But in our stress we found humor (JOY) and that made our environment around us easier, and almost fun! We can make essentially any situation joyful, with God's help. 
  

                             

There's just something about seeing someone so full of Joy, that we soon realize that they are overflowing with God's love and that is incredible.
We have to come to a place of putting our difficulties in God's hands only. Trying to deal with our struggles alone steals our joy.   

Romans 15:13 - "Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost." 

If we are ready to give all it up to God, then why worry, or struggle? If we hold on to those things that are holding us back, it becomes harder and harder to even simply smile. 
As we look deep within ourselves, reflecting who we want to be; are we letting our worries steal our joy?


I know that I do struggle with it as well, I think we all do! We have those days that it seems like maybe we aren't feeling like being joyful, but we have to help ourselves (and each other) to see the blessings of each day.

Learning Portuguese here in Mozambique is not easy (might have to be another blog in its self)! Watching people have conversations or talking as we sit there, clueless! But, we have to realize that there is joy in that, we can simply laugh about not understanding (which we do often) or we can feel excited and build that momentum to learn, remembering smiling is a good way to start. There's joy even in a large-hurdle such as language barrier. 


When I think of being joyful, I also think of being content. We should never be satisfied with our relationship with God, but content with our willingness of letting God take over.

Psalms 5:11 - "But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee."

Being joyful doesn't only help us, it helps the people around us see and feel God's light, love, and peace. In this, we need to think how are we making ourselves feel; are we feeling the joy from the Lord? We can sincerely feel happier if we are in His word and His presence more. And people start to feel and see the difference including our own lives. I am still working on this as well, because sometimes its hard to be joyful when I feel all alone, stressed, or struggling: realizing I'm not alone. As we realize we are able to give everything to God, we see that it is a complete game changer for all of us.


John 16:22 - "And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you."


Let no man take Joy from us, let no man take the peace, we can't let our joy be in the hands of man only because in that it will crumble. But in the hands of God, His joy will be in our hearts forever. 


Zephaniah 3:17 - "The LORD thy God in the midst of thee [is] mighty; He will save, He will rejoice over thee with joy; He will rest in His love, He will joy over thee with singing."

God rejoices over us, because we are His children He has an abundance of love pouring out upon us, if we are doing His will we will feel the joy from His heart. 
Doesn't that make you excited? That if we build a strong relationship with Him, He will pour out His peace, love, and JOY upon us!!! 

Rejoice evermore, rejoice; feel the joy in our hearts and give it to others. There is so much sadness and hurt in this world, why don't we change that, by being the first one to smile, or laugh, to just show the joy of the Lord. It starts with us, we have to start asking the Lord to do something in us. By changing our hearts; we can see His smiling face looking at us, and with joy, we can show God's love with simply a smile and kind words.

Psalms 104:34 - "My meditation of him shall be sweet: I will be glad in the LORD."

In The Midst Of The Crowds

copyright (c) 2018 Tabitha Carin   Snowden 

2018

In The Midst Of The Crowds

In the midst of the crowds, what do you see? Do you see the child on the street crying? Do you see the mother struggling to keep going, because she is so tired? Or do you see the hard working man who needs encouragement? 

(First Mozambique sunset for us)

We have just only arrived in Mozambique for a little while, and you can get very, very busy in this time. Which is normal, and all the stuff we are doing is important. But, in the midst of the craziness, the busyness, and in the midst of the crowds; I am beginning to notice the things I would normally be too distracted to see. As we drive on the streets of Mozambique, I see a child crying, or a woman struggling to keep on to continue each day of her life. I am not saying there is a lot I can personally do for them, because here in Mozambique there are many of those circumstances; yet, I can pray. I can pray for those children I see begging for food, and I can pray for that beautiful family to start following Jesus as their Savior. That is what I CAN do!

In the midst of the crowds I want to see those that are; "forgotten," forgotten by others, but not to God. God calls us OUT of the crowds to see the ones that aren't noticed at all. 

In the midst of the crowds, we could be the hands and feet of Jesus and be able to see those in the trees or hidden in the multitudes. We all can do this by, showing His love, and His actions, wherever we may go.

Allow me to challenge you to be the person who changes their lives, and remember that as you walk down the streets or drive past them, to not just ignore their needs. Pray! Pray for God to open your eyes to see them, and pray for them once you do. 

    

To continually pray for the people around you, makes a difference! So, look around and look for those who are in the midst of the crowds.

COURAGE

copyright (c) 2018 Tabitha Carin   Snowden 

2018

    COURAGE

Courage has been something God has been leading me back to lately, and understanding the true meaning of it. 
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Courage has a few different meanings: 

1: "The ability to do something that frightens one." 
For Me being VERY fearful about a lot of things (ask my family they'll agree); this really steps on my toes, about being fearful and confronting those fears! As I think of the word "courage" what pops in my head is the strong Lion as they face their fears each day. 

"Lions are a most ferocious yet proud species, a pride of lions is a breathtaking site as they work as a team countering each others' weaknesses and supporting their strengths making an almost perfect phalanx as a true unified community."

Facing their fear TOGETHER,  having courage and being proud of their courageous acts. 

2nd meaning of Courage is:  
"Strength in face of pain and grief."

Having strength goes along with having courage you must become strong in the pain in order to have courage, you must have courage in order to be strong. They go together, in everything that we may face we must have strength to go on and our strength cannot come from our flesh it must come from our Heavenly Father; Jesus Christ. 

The Hebrew word for courage is "אֹמֶץ" which means: "Willingness to take action."
Willing to take action even if there are fears, dangers, or pain standing in the way, if God gives us the courage and strength to take action, we must obey. 

     Taking action can be in all sorts of times or places, but how I relate to it is even though there are fears in my way or pain or trials or lack of patience God is giving me courage to go to Africa! And I must be willing to take action on that call!

One of my favorite quotes is from Cinderella; "We must have courage, and be kind." That stuck with me, you must always have courage because without courage there is no strength and without strength we are weak!  God tells us to have courage one of the scriptures that spoke to me about courage is

Psalms 31:24 - "Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD." 

"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." John 14:27

Being a missionary to Mozambique I have felt my fare share of fear in all of this, but its amazing because I don't feel like that fear is going to hold me back, why? 

Because I know that God has given me the strength, and the confidence, and courage to be able to take a step of faith. He teaches us how to keep that courage in our bones so that we can do the things that God has planned for us. Without courage our fear has more opportunity to take over, the devil uses fear to take us down, some of us can even can be conquered by fear. We should realize that we have the protection from God, because why wouldn't a father protect HIS children. But He gives us courage to still trust Him, even when we can't see the light. I trust He is going to strengthen and give me the courage to do everything He has called me to do.

Having courage for the what the Lord is doing inside you is strengthening, so that you may be able to face the things of the world might throw at you. 

Christmas Is Here!

(c) copyright Tabitha Carin Snowden

2017

Christmas Is Here!

 It is upon us once again, and can I say: that this year went very fast! But, even though it crept upon us, this is my favorite time of the year! There are so many things to do, busyness is everywhere, all the hustle and bustle the lists come out! And yet, there are so many memories made at Christmas! 

I wanted to talk a little bit about how character's change during Christmas! There are times when the 'Grinch' in us come's out around this year, we need to buy this and this, go to that party or make those cards, and so on. And that can stress us out! But most of us, have this since of joy that comes someone we know because of this beautiful time of the year! But also because we know why it is amazing, because of our beloved Jesus who came down,  unto us: He was born fully human, and fully God. "And she will have a son and you are to name Him Jesus, for he will save His people from their sins." Mathew 1:21

Another characteristic that comes out in Christmas is; giving! We all have a giving heart that makes us reach out to our community, family, and friends anyone who needs a little Christmas cheer! Something that we should do all year long because it is not done enough throughout the year! Christmas is a prime example of what we could do to share God's love, and we can do it several different ways! For example giving, visiting, and by just simply smiling and saying; "Merry Christmas!" Can simply make someone's day! Any day of the year a smile is contagious; because it shows no matter whats going on we have the capacity to smile with God's joy. Sharing God's love is simple, and sweet!

 "Jesus is the light of our Christmas, the joy of our hearts, and the hope of the world!" -Unknown- 

Of course there's the gifts of Christmas, the exact toys that the children asked for and etc. 

But, what are the true gifts of Christmas? Is it really those boxes under the tree; ready to open on that bright cheerful morning? Or is it the true gifts, the people who are sitting right next to you! Friends, family, and the main star of Christmas is the one living in your heart! The gifts God gave you because He knew you could not live your life without the things that keep us going. The gift of joy: can help out on those cloudy days. The gift of music; to help this season feel; "Real." The gift of decorations; to make you feel cozy, and the gift of family; to become even closer for the holiday! And most of all the gift of God's love, to share to all! 

Do you feel the presence of cherished moments? The moments we spend with each other on that day reflect for the rest of our lives, so how can we make it more joyful? Bring the most important part of the season in Christmas; CHRIST!! He is the most important part of the season, He makes us joyful, He makes the moments worth cherishing! 

The moment we center our season with our Lord our God then everything else falls in place.

"Look for Christ, and you will find Him. And with Him everything else." -C.S. Lewis-

What's you're favorite part of this wonderful season? 

Behind The PK/MK Face

copyright(c) Tabitha Carin Snowden 2017

 Behind The MK/PK Face

OK! This is something you don't hear people talk about, or see people write about... BUT here I am! I was a pastor's kid all the way up to almost 2 years ago then I began a missionary kid. So I'll try to go from both perspectives! 

Do you ever wonder whats going on behind the Pastors Kids face or Missionary Kid face? Well, this will hopefully answer some questions you may have! 

We Are Human!

Now this is not supposed to be a hurtful thing. Sometimes people think we eat a certain way or dress a certain way, but, we usually don't. We are just as normal as a lot of people, in some cases. We have feelings, we just know how to hide them when we need too. We love humor!! I'll talk about that later! We love to just share and talk, just like you! 

Meeting New People

In some cases for us; this is really easy! Why? Well being a Pastors Kid you see people come and go in church, and you get to know the people of your congregation! Now being a missionary kid, you travel TONS, and constantly meet new people from everywhere and different churches! So people come and go in your life all the time! Now this can be a hard thing, because like I said; they come and sometimes they GO which causes some hurt. It's hard to let go of people. but God strengthens us. Yet we make friends easily, and love to share about who we are, our testimonies or funny experiences! So never be afraid to talk to us we LOVE it! 

 Our Humor!

Okay being a Pastors Kid or a Missionary Kid, humor is a must have!!! A little secret... WE ARE SARCASTIC!!! Ha ha it's true, we are very sarcastic we see a lot of stuff, we go through a lot of stuff so the only way we survive is to be sarcastic and funny! And if you are really in for a treat then you would see that side, we let it out when we are comfortable! We all love jokes, I mean sometimes the only things I say are sarcastic, and people can't tell if i'm being serious or not! But, yes humor is a big factor in our lives! You know what they say; laughing is the best medicine! And yes; we eat the left over communion! :)

We Love What We Do!

Church can sometimes were us down, we get there early with out parents help wherever needed, see some stuff that's not always the best. Yet we wouldn't have it any other way. I asked a fellow PK what she thought of this and she said; "I love being a pastors kid, because A: I like spending time at my church, it's probably one of my favorite places to be! So since I'm always there it opens up great doors of opportunity for me to serve.  I also get to see my parents minister too many people, which guides me when I may consul someone in the future!" I could not agree with that more, through the ministry I was not only called to children's ministry, but I was able to use it and minster to children! It gives us opportunities to be used of God! Another PK said;"We go through a lot of hurt, but we get many opportunities in ministry and get to see amazing things as well!" We love it when we get asked spiritual questions, even if we don't know the answer! We love being reached out too trust me! We get excited when someone asks us spiritual questions because when we don't answer, we will find out! We love what we do! :) 

 You become really close with your family! Being traveling missionaries we are always together, we tell each other everything and as close as close can be! You lean on each other a lot! Family is important: they are my team! 

 We Are NOT Perfect! 

We are not perfect, we are not "goody two shoes." We are human,  that make mistakes too, we aren't perfect at all! And we don't try to be either, we only try to be our best for our Lord our Savior! 

We aren't depressed all the time; although some of us go through it at times; it's not our lives. Our life is not our own, so we shouldn't try to be someone we are not! Another PK also said "We aren't perfect, we slip up and make mistakes just as everyone else, we just try to be our best!" We aren't higher than you, we don't try to be snotty or get attention, just simply human beings. We are just human beings, and we love you all so much. We've seen hurt, and seen things you may not of, that changes you! It changes who you are, you can either let it bring you down, or let it bring you up! We begin to be tough, but tender, we know how to encourage. 

I learn a lot of things, being who we are, missionary kids really don't have a home. We have temporary places to call home; but we know where are heart settle, and that is what matters. We read people really well, which can be a bad and good thing. We can seem sweet, joyful, tender out there, but on the inside we could be hurting, we could be tough, or could be someone different. It's all how we choose to see it. We love what we do, love people, as well as love when people reach out to us. Furthermore we have a lot on our minds; ALL THE TIME. So when you ask; "Whatcha thinking?" We may not be able to answer that, it's just who we are. 

We are different, nevertheless we have no regrets of what we are called to do. 

We Are Pastor's Kids And We Are Missionary Kids.