faith – TIMA G STYLE

Contentment

September 15, 2018

Hi everyone! It has been way too long since I have written a blog post and honestly, I missed it. For the most part, I use my IG account to share my everyday life (or as much as I think I should share). All that to say, I really wanted to share a small part of the current season I am in.

I feel like most people think I am living my best life simply because I am in the city of many dreams, the city of the creatives, the city of angels. And do not, seriously, get me wrong, I love being here. BUT. Everything in life comes at a cost. Whether Christian or not, there are sacrifices you have to make and decisions you have to choose in order to move forward.

So… This last season I have endured probably the toughest test of my faith (still am). I am not the strongest person in the bunch, but what I am finding is that as long as I am standing on God’s word, I can withstand anything. Some would dare to say withstanding the hits of life makes you weak; you should protect yourself, fight back, do all that you can to make it work, etc. etc. but honestly there is only so much you can do on your own that at a very opportune time, you will crack. And I have.

It all started at the end of February, when I had a crazy feeling I would need to transition from my current job then to another. I ignored the feeling, tried to ride the wave, and boom. On March 29th I was laid off.

Compared to most popular reactions, I was very excited to not be a part of the company because I disliked my position. I was not growing and I was simply not thriving in my skills or talents. Like anyone would, I began to apply to jobs I was most certainly qualified for (or at least I thought) and got a few calls back.

Interview after interview, I did not receive any follow up and did not land a thing. Month after month, I cried and waited and prayed, and doubted, and feared, and you can only imagine. I was near depression. Those 3 long months of April, May, and June without a job IN LOS ANGELES have been the hardest. I was stressed. For sure not financially stable. I had to catch rides in order to save gas. Did I mention my car had the most issues during those three months, totaling up to more than my rent??? I even had to ask my younger brother to help me pay a bill I just could not afford.

Most of you know that I like to think things through (sometimes too long) when making decisions and man… staying in LA has been the hardest yet most growing choice I have made. During that dark time of my life, I have evolved into a passionate, relentless woman who believes the impossible can still happen despite circumstance.

I now work part time, thank God, but it is still hard. Trying to get out of debt and feed myself on a budget is VERY hard. But you know what, I simply want to share this reality because it is not always what it seems. I used to be so open about my wounds and pains in the past, but recently I have only shared highlights of LA living because I felt shame in the reality I am in. Of course, not everyone needs to know the details of my life, but I do believe that by being real in the process I can absolutely encourage someone in a similar situation.

Throughout this time, I have learned that my contentment cannot be established in a job, people with access, money, or possessions. I have developed the most raw and organic way to Jesus’ heart by being very very very open with how I have felt and I would not trade those beautiful moments with Him for any career. My soul is refreshed with His sweet reminders of old promises I forgot about and I cannot wait to see them unfold.

During this time though, I have been working on my personal brand, and a project that is very dear to my heart. You will soon know about this so stay tuned!

Until the pre-view… #LiveLimitless.

❤ Tima G.

West Coast Wonder

July 8, 2017Leave a comment

As many of you know, I recently moved to California for an internship with the amazing Bianca Olthoff and her ministry, In the Name Of Love. With only one month to figure out if I should have came, how it was all going to be provided for, etc., God has blown me away with everything that has been happening.

Last year I mentioned to God how I wanted to visit the West Coast before I officially moved to NY. Although NY didn’t work out, I still desired to come out to the sunny state of California. During spring break, I remember trying to plan out a birthday trip with the girls out to LA and seeing who would want to join me. That trip also did not happen but needless to say, I am now in the city of Angels every weekend. What is life?!

Call it luck or coincidence, I know this has been God all along. I might have missed His direction or made it all up in my mind, I don’t know. What I do know is that His favor and protection have been with me all along. People wish of going places and working towards them, (in which I do too) but when you have God on your side, some things just fall on you because He loves you.

This summer I want to challenge how you see God. I want you to simply ask Him to reveal Himself to you. Not in any specific way; just ask Him. He knows what way will speak to your heart more than I can try to suggest.

God is a God of wonder, of grace, of mystery, and of so much adventure.

I really believe He wants to show us more of who He is. Sometimes this new perspective comes when we ask for those desires we have deep in our hearts. Speak them out! Do you want to travel around the world? Ask Him to make a way and provide right opportunities. Have you thought about starting a book? Begin to write it out and ask Him for wisdom on how to publish it. You’ve never had your own car? Oh, He can make it happen. One of my intern sisters got a car as soon as she came out to California. Trust me, He can do it ALL as we seek Him and obey Him. He will never f a i l us. He will always desire to leave us with wonder.

Pray for me as I am in a new land with new expectations. I am praying for all of you my readers. You are all so amazing! And I cannot wait to share more adventures in the future.

As always, follow me on IG / SnapChat to see what I am up to! Til next time!

#LiveLimitless | Tima G. ❤

Reset

January 9, 20172 Comments

New year. New perspective.

The ending of 2016 was a weird one. One that challenged my faith, one that showed me weaknesses I didn’t even realize I had, one that seemed and felt unfinished.

Maybe I was the only one feeling that way, or maybe you still feel that way about 2016. I think it was a challenging year for a lot of people. I had many wins, but also many lessons that are still being taught and tested in my life. What are we supposed to do in the middle of this awkward tension? Do we quit? Do we say be gone and just pretend like everything is okay?

With every single one of these opportunities to quit, I have learned to value my intimate moments with God more. In the midst of my struggles, I found myself more vulnerable with God than ever before. I am learning to be quiet, to be still, to open my mouth and be real, to keep the faith, to confess His word, to press through trials, to accept His grace when I don’t deserve it, to simply receive His love.

So many times we question God’s character because we don’t see results when we want to see them or how we want to see them. But this is really when our beliefs are tested and proved true. Do we still believe He is Healer when we get a cold or sprain an ankle? Do we still believe He is Provider when the promotion has not come yet? Do we still believe He is Comforter when we where backstabbed by our best friend? Do we still believe He is Truth when everyone at work lies and manipulates the rules just to get to the top?

Clearly I have been thinking a lot about beliefs, faith, and God’s faithfulness in the last few weeks. Faith is such a wonder, such a mystery, but a sweet reality. I pray you faith becomes more real in your life this year. It is so simple yet because we overthink, we complicate it. And that’s when the tension begins to happen, leading to an opportunity of faith or doubt. I will admit that I began to doubt many things about my path, my career, my desires, my purpose. But even when I didn’t and still have not seen everything I thought I would have already, I still proclaim and believe He is Faithful.

To help my mind focus on His faithfulness and His Sovereignty, I am taking a break from social media and other things that I believe I need to pull way from. There is nothing wrong with social media, but I firmly believe that we can become consumed by it if not managed properly.

I am doing this as part of our church’s 21 day fasting period this month. Fasting has never been so imperative in my life than this season. There are things that only can happen by us pulling away from distractions and simply being in tune with God intentionally. I pray you take the time and hear the Holy Spirit speak. Maybe you need to pull away from certain things in your life. It can range from food to hobbies to people. Just hear Him out. He will not lead you astray.

I have so many expectations this year! For me, family, friends, church, and all of YOU my supporters. I love you all so much. I will be praying for all of you during this consecration time and would love to hear your thoughts on my blog, what you want to see more of, and even questions you might have about me. Share share share.

Talk to you in 21 days.

#LiveLimitless | Tima G. ❤

Life Update: Part 2

November 19, 20164 Comments

Many of you have been wondering why I haven’t moved as I said I would have by now. Although there are multiple variables in this equation, there is one major reason for the slight adjustment of my plans. At first, I hesitated to even say what I am about to express because I didn’t want to be embarrassed, I didn’t want to feel as if I could not meet deadlines, and among a plethora of other thoughts, I did not want to appear weak. But I know I have to because it is my responsibility to help others out in the same situation I am in or will be in.

RECAP

About two months ago, I had a meeting with my dear big brother/mentor/pastor/spiritual father. As I met with him, he was excited to hear me step out on faith but he also wanted to help me by guiding me with wisdom. So, what did he do? He gave me homework that included writing my vision, goals, and practical steps to achieve them.

I did my homework and a few weeks later, I presented the assignment to him. I was nervous but at the same time, I rested assured in what God had given me to accomplish in NYC. Needless to say the meeting was successful but it also gave me a different perspective.

My leader believed I should give my move a little more time before I jumped out on faith due to multiple factors not being solid YET. I say YET because they were/are being worked on and the answers have not been a solid YES. God is not a God of confusion (1 Cor. 14:33), and lowkey I was confused about some decisions I needed to make. Like a good leader, he did NOT force me to make the decision, but he confidently suggested that going to New York for two weeks would be a great time to EXPLORE the land to see what it was like, to see the people, the strongholds, the issues, the neighborhoods, the transportation, and everything in between.

Numbers 13:17-20

Then Moses sent them to spy (explore, scout) out the land of Canaan, and said to them, “Go up this way into the South, and go up to the mountains, and see what the land is like: whether the people who dwell in it are strong or weak, few or many; whether the land they dwell in is good or bad; whether the cities they inhabit are like camps or strongholds; whether the land is rich or poor; and whether there are forests there or not. Be of good courage. And bring some of the fruit of the land.” Now the time was the season of the first ripe grapes.

As soon as I got home, I prayed. But deep in my heart, I knew that this was the best decision for NOW. I took a couple of days and made my decision. And this decision gave me courage. I believe I would have added so much pressure to my life I would have been forced to get a side hustle to earn money, to find a home because hotels are oh so expensive, to make friendships happen, etc. Pressure is good in the right context; but this would have been too much too soon. Who knows what else could have happened if I would have moved on October 28th foreal!? We will never know.

Wow. What a journey it’s been so far! Honestly, I have learned so many things from being in the middle of this leap of faith. The main thing I have learned is to be led by God but also consult with leaders you TRUST. The Word says in Hebrews 13:17 to “Obey your spiritual leaders, and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your souls, and they are accountable to God. Give them reason to do this with joy and not with sorrow. That would certainly not be for your benefit.” It is not because they rule your life; it is because their responsibility is to watch over your souls. Even if they make a mistake, they are accountable to God and God can restore it all. God honors submission/obedience. And truly, I would rather submit to someone whom I believe hears from God than to go out on a whim and pretend like I know what I am doing. Yes, it sucks to not be in the city right now, BUT I am thankful for leadership that cares about me and my future.

I encourage you to reach out to the people whom know your journey, your heart, and have your best interest in every aspect of life. Also, time is KEY but don’t feel pressured by it. I know I was. My mind has changed a little and I now use deadlines as markers to guide me along the right path. OH yea. Before I forget, know that it is okay if you do not meet a deadline.

Your purpose is still YOUR PURPOSE.

Your calling will not be taken back (Rom. 11:29); God is bigger than our plans and His will ALWAYS prevails (Prov. 19:21). If you have been stuck or feel like there is a delay, know that God is literally working it all out because He cares about it all (Rom. 8:28). Focus on HIM, not the task. HE is our reward (Gen. 15:1). And will always be.

If you have any questions, suggestions, comments, or would like to contribute to my move, contact me at timagstyle@gmail.com or via social media (IG/Snapchat: @timagstyle).

The date of my move is TBA but trust me, you guys will know!

Talk to you guys soon.

#LiveLimitless | Tima G. ❤