My Spiritual Journey @nikeya1024 - Tumblr Blog

Hi, there...I’m still alive!!

Whoa, it’ been a while since I put some words on the page for you all. I’ve been busy giving birth to an amazing little boy named Blake. It’s been an exciting new experience with my little baby boy. It’s been a lot of sleepless nights, and early feedings, but hey that is what comes with the package when you have a newborn. On my time out, I’ve learned that there are a lot of things that I’ve learned about life, God, and myself. I’m not trying to bore you all, but I had a few moments that I realized that I was growing as a person. Yes, we all grow daily, it doesn’t matter how old we are, we still grow each day to learn something different about our lives. I still can’t believe that I’m 37 yrs old, and I found myself a lot of times wondering where did the last 10 years of my life go? Then I remembered that I was just living life trying to get from one moment to the next, not really getting to enjoy it. Believe me, there’s no fun in not enjoying life because you will look up one day, just like me and realize that you spend 10 years of your life just “Making it through” and not embracing each moment of life whether it’s good or bad, embrace it and make it a memory that you won’t ever forget. I’ve been trying to tell myself to embrace and enjoy my son's Blake’s newborn stage. Let me tell you, having a newborn isn’t for the weak or faint, it will make you grow up real quick..lol. The newborn stage is also great because I’ve gotten to bond with Blake. My husband and I both are learning what works and what doesn’t work with Blake. I’m learning each morning when I get up at 2am to feed him that this is a great moment with him, and I’ll never get these newborn moments back. Blake will only be a newborn for a short while, then he will be walking and exploring the world. It’s hard to embrace the hard moments with a positive mind, but I think that we can find something positive in all that we do..I’ve been telling myself this lately. It’s changed my perspective on how to view this new chapter of my life. Not going to lie, but I haven’t been feeling the closest to God in this season of my life, but I know that God is always there with me...yes, God is there when I’m up at 2am giving me the strength to take care of Blake. In the past, if I wasn’t feeling the best about my relationship with God, I would beat myself up about it. I’d tell myself you’re not a good Christian, and you don’t possibly think that you will make it to heaven. It’s a good thing that God doesn’t view us like we view ourselves. Each day, I feel God’s gentle touch on my heart saying “I’m here with you, and I’ll always be here with you.” I’m working on getting back in journaling about my journey with God, so make sure that you stay tuned. Well, I wish that I could stay here all day and write more for you, but Blake is about to wake up from his nap, which means that I have to get back home to help my hubby. I’ll be back, I won’t leave you all hanging by a moment..lol. Thanks for listening to my thoughts and heart!!! Ya’ll are the best :)

What Netflix original has caught your attention?

By: Nikeya Williams

Recently, I found myself obsessively watching “The Crown”, yes, I just confessed my binge-watching “The Crown” to you, I had to tell someone...lol. I don’t know about you, but I know that I like to escape my reality sometimes I just want to be whisked away by a good storyline. I feel most of the time, I find myself looking for a moment where I can get caught up in watching some British show. Please don’t ask me why I like watching British TV shows. I think that I like the British accent. Secretly, I wish that I had a British accent..lol. Look at me, I’m confessing so much to you. Let me get to the point of writing this blog post. I know that you don’t have much time to read what I have to say, so you before you click off of my blog this what I’ve learned about my binge-watching “The Crown”...I realized that wanting to be absent in my own life, and focus on good storylines, isn’t always the best way to deal with wondering if God hears my prayers.

I don’t about you, but when I’m praying for something, and I don’t see it happening. I usually start focusing on other things that can distract my mind from my reality. I find myself being drawn away into watching shows about royal life. In my reality, I know that I probably won’t live a royal lifestyle, but it’s so addictive want to watch the life of royal people.

It was today that I realized that I’m getting my mind caught on things that aren’t necessarily benefiting me or the Kingdom of God. Each Sunday, I sit in the front row of my church with the idea that I want to do great things for God while I wait for God to answer my prayers. When I’m honest with myself, I’m not looking for ways to serve God and people; I’m looking for a way out of my reality.

The harsh reality of wanting to not be present in my life is a reflection of my heart. Believe me looking at the issues of my heart isn’t the best way to start off Tuesday morning. I firmly think that in order to grow daily with God, I have to be “real” with myself.

It’s so easy to focus on something else, then to focus on what God wants me to learn through my walk with him. If I’m being really honest with you, I like to be distracted sometimes. I know that you might be thinking “ Gee, that sounds bad.” I think if we’re all honest, we all want to be distracted by something, then focusing on the real issues of our heart.

I want to encourage you to take a few minutes today and look at the issues of your heart or ask God what issues in your heart are distracting you from your relationship with God. Please share with me. I would like to hear from you all.

#thecrown #netflix #britishtv #journeywithgod #distacted #issuesoftheheart

Distractions keep you wondering in circles

It was the other day that I realized that being distracted was the no.1 way that the enemy used to weaken me spiritually. Let me tell you, I didn’t realize the devil’s schemes at all. The devil is so smooth, quiet, and watchful. He knows exactly what he needs to do so that he can build distance between me and God. If I’m honest, I didn’t realize what was happening, I didn’t know that I was under attack by the enemy. Clearly, I didn’t know anything…I was harmlessly binge watching one of my new favorite shows “Parenthood” on Netflix. Right after binge watching almost a whole season of “ Parenthood”, I felt the Holy Spirit tugging at my heart and saying, “ Distraction is a weapon from the enemy.” I was thinking “What?, I was just watching TV for a few hours.” The Holy Spirit revealed to me that the enemy was using distraction to hold my mind captive. It was in that moment of the Holy Spirit revealing to me that the devil uses distraction as a weapon, I realized that I needed to be focused on Jesus, and not watching hours of TV. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying that watching TV is evil, but when you’re watching TV so much to where it takes your focus off of God, then yes, it becomes a distraction. I’m writing this blog to remind you, that the no.1 tool the enemy uses to attack you is “DISTRACTION”. Remember that distraction can come in any shape, form, and yes, person. You have the power to overcome Satan and his schemes by having time for God daily and putting your relationship with God above everything else. If you’re like me, walking unaware of the enemy’s schemes in your life. Take a step back from your daily routine to see where the enemy can or is attacking you. As it says in Ephesians 6:13-17 “Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place,15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” Each day, we have to put on the full armor God, because we’re fighting the enemy spiritually.

Nikeya

Having Confidence Like Christ

I don’t know about you, but having confidence in myself or my abilities can be hard, especially when the enemy always throws my insecurities into every situation that I face. Believe it or not, it can get hard to fight off the thoughts of fear, insecurity, and self-doubt. However, when I’m praying I feel that I have power over Satan and his plans…so there’s power in prayer! It’s the small things in life that distracts me, but I’m glad that Jesus never got distracted or didn’t focus on God’s will. In Luke 13:31-33, we see that Jesus stands up to fear and continues to pursue God’s will for him. “ At the time some Pharisees came to Jesus and said to him, leave this place and somewhere else. Herod wants to kill you.” “Jesus replied, “ Go tell that fox, I will keep on driving out demons and healing people today and healing people today and tomorrow, on the third day I will reach my goal.” In this verse, Jesus stands up to the Pharisees, and he’s not afraid when he hears that Herod wants to kill him. Jesus basically says that he’s going to continue doing work for this Father no matter who wants to kill him. It’s so encouraging to know that Jesus didn’t lose confidence when he was faced with the fear of losing this life, nor did he lose confidence in his calling when the Pharisees came after him. Jesus placed his faith, hope, drive, love, eyes, and heart on his Father’s will for him. He didn’t allow the enemy to stop him, he kept going and doing what He needed it to do. Isn’t it so easy to get caught up in wanting to please people? Or wanting to receive accolades and praise in the worldly sense? When we don’t get praise on the outside for the things that God has called us to do, we feel fearful, sad, doubtful, and broken. We both have to remember that we’re called to do God’s will in our lives no matter the situation or circumstance. We have to be committed and stand up to what God has told us to do for him, just like Jesus. We can’t lose faith or drive, but we have to believe that God’s will is the best for us. We have confidence, not in our own abilities, but in God what He wants to do through us. Here’s a thought that you might want to think about today: God, do I have complete trust and confidence in you for your will in my life? If the answer is no, pray and ask God to fill your heart with his confidence, love, and courage. Remeber that you can do all things through Christ that strengths you!!! Have a blessed day :)

Nikeya

Having Confidence Like Christ

I don’t know about you, but having confidence in myself or my abilities can be hard, especially when the enemy always throws my insecurities into every situation that I face. Believe it or not, it can get hard to fight off the thoughts of fear, insecurity, and self-doubt. However, when I’m praying I feel that I have power over Satan and his plans…so there’s power in prayer! It’s the small things in life that distracts me, but I’m glad that Jesus never got distracted or didn’t focus on God’s will. In Luke 13:31-33, we see that Jesus stands up to fear and continues to pursue God’s will for him. “ At the time some Pharisees came to Jesus and said to him, leave this place and somewhere else. Herod wants to kill you.” “Jesus replied, “ Go tell that fox, I will keep on driving out demons and healing people today and healing people today and tomorrow, on the third day I will reach my goal.” In this verse, Jesus stands up to the Pharisees, and he’s not afraid when he hears that Herod wants to kill him. Jesus basically says that he’s going to continue doing work for this Father no matter who wants to kill him. It’s so encouraging to know that Jesus didn’t lose confidence when he was faced with the fear of losing this life, nor did he lose confidence in his calling when the Pharisees came after him. Jesus placed his faith, hope, drive, love, eyes, and heart on his Father’s will for him. He didn’t allow the enemy to stop him, he kept going and doing what He needed it to do. Isn’t it so easy to get caught up in wanting to please people? Or wanting to receive accolades and praise in the worldly sense? When we don’t get praise on the outside for the things that God has called us to do, we feel fearful, sad, doubtful, and broken. We both have to remember that we’re called to do God’s will in our lives no matter the situation or circumstance. We have to be committed and stand up to what God has told us to do for him, just like Jesus. We can’t lose faith or drive, but we have to believe that God’s will is the best for us. We have confidence, not in our own abilities, but in God what He wants to do through us. Here’s a thought that you might want to think about today: God, do I have complete trust and confidence in you for your will in my life? If the answer is no, pray and ask God to fill your heart with his confidence, love, and courage. Remeber that you can do all things through Christ that strengths you!!! Have a blessed day :)

Nikeya

God hears your prayers, and He plans on answering…

How many times have you prayed the same prayer over and over, but yet everything stays the same in your life or situation? Well, I can raise my hand to this question. Let me tell you, that I’ve prayed for years and years for certain things to happen in my life, but even after years of waiting, pleading, and begging God to answer this one prayer, I still haven’t seen this prayer answered. I have to admit that there have been times when disbelief and discontentment set in my heart. Even now, I have my moments and days where..well, I have to struggle to not hold the hand of disbelief.

In every struggle that I face, I know that God knows my heart and what I’m facing. My doubting in not getting my prayers answered isn’t anything new to God. In the Bible, Zacharias struggled with believing that his wife Elizabeth could get pregnant. Luke 1:12-13 says, “When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear. But the angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John.” As you know that Zacharias response to the Angel of Lord was a response of disbelief, so God took away his ability to speak until his son John was born.

I want to encourage you that God hears your prayers, the same way that he heard Zacharias prayers in Luke 1:12-13, and God knows how you feel and what you’re facing. He plans on answering your prayers, but you and I can’t lose faith. I’m learning that sometimes God delays prayer requests to developed and show me that He’s enough for me, and the not things that I’m praying for.

Daily, I’m realizing that I can’t get stuck on my unanswered prayers, I’ve now stopped asking God when will answer my prayers. I’m now saying “God open my eyes to the things that you want to show me as I wait for you to answer my prayers.” Remember that an unanswered prayer doesn’t mean denial.

#Keepthefaith

It's time to make your faith go to work!

Using faith to believe for the impossible, inevitable, and unthinkable can leave you feeling uncomfortable and sometimes dysfunctional. It can be hard to hold tight to your faith when hard times come, especially when there seems to be no end to the problem. Having a solid faith that withstands the unfortunate outcomes in life can be found in the trusting God and not in your situations. Hebrews 11:1 says " Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."

God desires for you to trust, hope, and have confidence in Him. He wants you to have an unwavering faith that says " I won't give up or quit, even if the circumstances aren't in my favor. I will still trust in God no matter what I see."

Having a tight grip on your faith is something that is practiced every day, it's not only used when tragedy hits or on a special occasion. God wants you to have a functional faith that is motion and on the move. If your faith is based on an outcome, then when turmoil hits, you will lose faith. Your faith shouldn't be held hostage to your outcome, but it depends on God.

If you're in a season in life where your faith has hit rock-bottom, and you have been trusting in yourself and not God. Be real and honest with God, start addressing the places in your heart that you have hidden with a lack of faith. God is waiting to heal you, just like he did the man with the shriveled hand in Mark 3:5.

Walking In God’s Will Doesn’t Mean You’re Exempted

A lot of times walking in the will of the Lord can give you the feeling that life is going to be peachy and everything is going to be wonderful all the time. But that’s not always the case. Even when you’re doing God’s will for your life, you’ll face trials and unfavorable circumstances. Yes, you will have to deal with people that don’t like you for whatever reason.

Living/ walking in God’s will doesn’t mean that the whole world stops, and everything is heavenly. Real life still goes on, which means that you’ll have to deal with disgruntle people and tough situations.

In Exodus 17:1, Moses walked in the will of God for his life, but yet he constantly faced and dealt with angry Israelites on a daily basis. Exodus 17: 3-4 “And the people thirsted there for water and the people complained against Moses, and said, “ Why is it you have brought us up out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and our livestock with thirst?” As you see in this verse, that the Israelites were upset with Moses and God. They wanted a solution to their problem so badly that they were willing to stone Moses.

Moses was filled with fear that he was going to be stoned. Exodus 17:4 "So Moses cried out to the Lord saying " What shall I do with this people? They are almost ready to stone me!" Moses came to God with urgency and concern for his life. In Exodus 17: 5, God told Moses to take

his staff and strike a rock for water to come out.

As you can see in Moses' life that walking in God's will at times almost cost him his life, but God always provided a way for Moses to succeed. When you're walking in the will of God, and things aren't turning out the way you want, and you feel like you're about to be stoned. Be like Moses, and ask God what to do. Remember God never said that walking/ following him would be easy.

#WalkclosertoGod

I experienced God’s promise, that he will never leave, me nor for sake me...

“It was in the moment that I saw nothing that you were there, it was in the moments that I felt lost, rejected, and discouraged that you were there. I didn’t know you were standing there as my heart broke, and rejection and discouragement try to take over. I thought that I was alone walking through the darkness alone, every time I looked to others to help me, I still felt broken. I thought that you were disappointed, and saw me the way that others saw me. But you didn’t, you saw my brokenness and you held me tight as I laid helpless in your arms.” Nikeya

I know that’s been a while that I written to you all. I’ve been walking through a few things in my life, so I didn’t have the strength to encourage you. But God has heal my wounds of discouragement and rejection. Now, I know that I don’t have to stay in that place anymore because there’s greater things ahead of me, and my past can’t define that. Don’t you let anything define you! Don’t let what people, your parents, or anyone that has spoken negative things over your life, stop you from being the wonderful person that God has created you to be. You have to remember that people can’t see what God’s sees and feels for you. You can’t listen to the critics, but focus on His face in the noise, disappointment, discouragement, and rejection. You can’t go back and change the past nor undo it. It’s all said and done, but you can look to God, and trust in Him as David says in Psalm 13:5 “ But I trust in your unfailing love my heart rejoices in your salvation.” David trusted God even as King Saul hunted him down to kill him, he trusted God. I can’t imagine what David felt or went through as he was on the run for this life. I bet there were moments that he felt discouraged, lost, lonely, rejected and disappointed. According to I & II Kings, David was suppose to become the king of Israel, but King Saul was filled with rage and anger because God appointed David the new King to lead Israel. If you read I Kings and II Kings, you will see that although King Saul pursue David for years, he was never able to kill him. In the end, King Saul died and David became King. We have to remember that when we are walking through our moments when we feel discouraged, disappointed or rejected, we still are called by God and no one can change that. I mean no one can change the the fact that you are called to do God’s work, and no one can take that away from you. As I walked through my moments of discouragement and rejection, I thought that I would never see the promise land. I could only see and feel in that moment, I was so blinded by my own thoughts. In my mind, I thought for a moment that I lost my way, and reached out to God, I become like David wondering if God was there, and cared for me. It was in that moment that I question if God was there, I felt him hold me tight, and say I was holding you the whole time as you cried. He promised me that I would reach the promise land. If you are in that moment or in that place where you feel alone or not important to God, or you may think that you will never get to the promise land. I’ve been sent here to tell you, that you are loved and cared for by God the Father, and nothing that you can do will ever take His love for you away. No one can take His love from you, and you don’t have to hide anymore, nor feel ashamed. Christ came to give you life, and to give to you more abundantly. Let God heal the places in your heart that’s broken, he wants to heal you. He indeed wants you to reach your promise land! Get up, and follow me to the cross, where we are healed by Christ.

Merry Christmas! (at Clair-Mel City, Florida)

I went out and with my cuz and our new friend to sing to the people walking on Clearwater Beach. I had a blast making people smile...never thought that singing a few songs could brighten someone's day. I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgivings :) (at Pier 60 (Clearwater Beach, Florida))

Today is one of those days where I have to remind myself to "Stop" and check my attitude. This morning, I woke up, and I felt like the grinch..lol. Really, today I'm relying on God's strength to get me through the day. It feel like it's been a long week, but it's only Wednesday...Ahhh! Anyways, I'm thankful for today, and I wanted to remind you if you are feeling like a grinch like me, than think of three things that you can be thankful for. I have three things that I can be thankful for: 1. Having a great family& wonderful parents :) 2. Having a job that a like :) 3. Having one of the most important relationships that I will have in my life...having my relationship with God. What can you be thankful for? If you are having one of those days, I pray that you will feel encourage by the Holy Spirit! Blessings, Nikeya

I don't know what to title this blog, but let's just say that this blog intends to move you to a deeper relationship with God. I know that in my recent walk with God, I've haven't been growing spiritually in the way that I want. Although I think that my spiritual growth has been at stand still, God has been working in my heart. One of the first thoughts that come to my mind about my walk with God, is how I'm so focused on me and what I want all the time. I'm not saying there is anything wrong with thinking about your desires or things you want in life, but being so consumed by focusing on your wants/desires takes your focus/ intentions off of God, and that can put you in a place of selfishness and pride. I feel in my heart, that God wants me to stop being so consumed with myself, and be aware of the people that need him around me. I have to be honest, but this has been a hard task to do. With God's help, each day I find myself praying for others and looking for ways to interact with people that I wouldn't normally interact with. I'm realizing that my obedience to God, can show others God's love and kindness. Isn't our lives suppose to be lived everyday as a sacrifice to God? But so many times, I forget that my life is gift from God, it's not my own. Im writing this blog, not to put words on a page, but to encourage you to truly be committed to the call of God on your life, because there are people out there that need to know that God loves them and they are forgiven. If your thoughts today have mostly been about you, then ask God to help you find someone that you can pray for and build a friendship with. God works with our obedience to him. Join me with building the Kingdom of God each day! I'll continue praying for each of you. Blessings, Nikeya

Finishing off my birthday celebration with some abstract painting at #ar8 (at The Breakfast Nook)

#ar8

Thanks for he b-day wishes! (at Grand Plaza Beach Hotel & Resort)

So proud of her :) (at Cambridge Christian School)

I thought this store front window looked cool :) (at Downtown Historic Savannah)

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