Candace, what is TalithaCumi+3?

Dear Beloved,

Hope all is well. How was your weekend?  Did you do something fun, or just relax?  I would have to say my weekend was full of fun, coupled with some moments of quiet reflection.  This week is going to be quite busy for me, but it will be filled with peace, purpose, productivity, and building upon a foundation that was tailored just for me by God!   Are you or have you ever been so busy that you have nothing to show for it?  Stay tuned, I’ll save that discussion for later. 🙂

Friends, fasten your seatbelts. I’m going to start changing up “The Warrior’s Corner content just a little bit.  I want to expand and start talking about some practical things that will help navigate us on this journey we call life.  It’s funny because, I’ve been accused of being too deep, or always being so serious.  Well friends, I take that as a compliment because that’s apart of my personality and it’s the way God created me and I’m just fine with that. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not a weirdo or anything.  I like to laugh, and have a good time as well.  I also understand that there’s a time and place for all things.   Now that doesn’t mean that I will stop speaking to the warrior on the inside of you.  It means that there will be a nice, healthy, balance of content that will still cause you to think beyond where you are now, and catapult growth in every area of your life.  I believe with my whole heart that God is shaping and molding us more and more into His image every single day that he has ordained for us on this Earth.

The Christian walk is not hard, boring, or complicated. We make it that way.  Now, every time you visit this website, you may ask yourself what in the world is a Talitha Cumi+3?  I know. I know.  Sounds weird, huh?  Talitha cumi, is the Aramaic expression that Jesus spoke to the damsel in (Mark 5:41, KJV) and it means to arise, or stand up!  Now, the +3, represents God, the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit.  Of course it’s not supposed to make sense to any of you, but it’s a ministry/vision that God gave me six years ago, and I haven’t looked back since.  My prayer is that each and everything that I post on “The Warrior’s Corner is a blessing to you, hence-“bringing you content with substance.”  I pray that it ministers to the warrior in you, and cause you to RISE above any pit, problem, or circumstance that you may face.

My heart tells me that I can relate to each, and everyone of  you in some, shape, form, or fashion. Let’s face it, life can be bittersweet.  It’s all about perspective, right?  I can’t guarantee you that life will be a walk in the park every day.  God has given each and every one of us the spirit of a warrior to overcome, and rise above anything that we encounter.  Like many of you,  I have gone through a lot, so  I have and must continue to RISE on a daily basis.   After all, I am and will forever be known as, “The Risen Warrior”.  Will you join me in never giving up on life?  Never giving up on God?  Never giving up on the God-given purpose/plan that He has for your life?  Notice I said that He has for your life, and not the plans that you make, then ask Him to bless it to work out.  You and I have the authority in the name of Jesus to choose the giants in our lives, (1 Samuel 17, KJV), and by His spirit (Zechariah 4:6, KJV) he will grant us the strength to slay them.  Consider the foundation for TalithaCumi+3 below (Mark 5 22-41, KJV):

22 And, behold, there cometh one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name; and when he saw him, he fell at his feet,23 And besought him greatly, saying, My little daughter lieth at the point of death: I pray thee, come and lay thy hands on her, that she may be healed; and she shall live.24 And Jesus went with him; and much people followed him, and thronged him.  35 While he yet spake, there came from the ruler of the synagogue’s house certain which said, Thy daughter is dead: why troublest thou the Master any further? 36 As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe.37 And he suffered no man to follow him, save Peter, and James, and John the brother of James.38 And he cometh to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and seeth the tumult, and them that wept and wailed greatly.39 And when he was come in, he saith unto them, Why make ye this ado, and weep? the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth.40 And they laughed him to scorn. But when he had put them all out, he taketh the father and the mother of the damsel, and them that were with him, and entereth in where the damsel was lying.41 And he took the damsel by the hand, and said unto her, Talitha cumi; which is, being interpreted, Damsel, I say unto thee, arise.42 And straightway the damsel arose, and walked; for she was of the age of twelve years. And they were astonished with a great astonishment.43 And he charged them straitly that no man should know it; and commanded that something should be given her to eat.

So ladies and gentleman, I officially introduce you to TalithaCumi+3!  I’m so excited and have so much more in store for you.  Thanks for your time, and as always it’s an honor and privilege to serve you. Let’s connect. Feel free to email me at candace.stevens@talithacumi3.com for any questions, comments, concerns, or any prayer requests that you may have.  Do me a quick favor and share this blog with at least one person.  Until we meet again…I love you to life!

xoxo,

Mrs. Candace A. Stevens, The Risen Warrior

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© Mrs. Candace A. Stevens, and TalithaCumi+3, [2016]. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s/ website’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to [Mrs. Candace A. Stevens] and [TalithaCumi+3] with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

What’s in your playlist?

Dear Beloved,

Hope your day is going well. At this moment, may I ask what are you thinking about or what have you been thinking about?  Have you ever noticed how difficult it can be to keep your thought process in line with what God commands?  With social media, and technology advancing, the noise levels in our mind space is now at an all-time high.  In the midst of everything, and everyone vying for our attention, the question of the day is, where is the balance?  Think about this for a moment.

Our thought process is very important. How do we bridge the gap between what we think and how our thoughts lead to actions? Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; (2 Corinthians 10:5, KJV). The life that you and I are living are the direct results of what we have said, thought, or done.  Beloved, we must be careful, of what we think, feel, and speak.  What if God exposed every thought that ran across your mind?  Picture a small screen, above your head and each thought that you think would appear.  How many people would truly know how you feel about them? What would those thoughts reveal?

There’s always room for a fresh start, right? Today and moving forward, let’s aim to practice discipline, and self-control with what we think, feel, and speak. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things (Philippians 4:8, KJV). Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof (Proverbs 18:21, KJV).  Until we meet again, I love you to life!

Xoxo,

Mrs. Candace A. Stevens, The Risen Warrior

Setback for a SetUP

© Mrs. Candace A. Stevens, and TalithaCumi+3, [2016]. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s/ website’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to [Mrs. Candace A. Stevens] and [TalithaCumi+3] with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Service: Privilege or Obligation?

Dear Beloved,

How art thou?  I hope and pray that thou art well!  It would seem obvious for me to write about the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, right?  The Holy Spirit is leading yours truly in a different direction and I have no choice but to be okay with that.  Here’s a quick word of advice: you don’t have to wait until the church doors swing open this weekend to either give your life to Christ, or reconcile with Him if you have lost your way as a Christian.  At any moment and time, you can simply confess, believe, and repent, (turn away from sin)…That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved (Romans 10:9, KJV).  Stay tuned, I’ll break that down real soon. 🙂

Life has a way of pulling us in every direction.  If we’re not careful, we can lose our way in our daily routine.  Have you considered that each and every thing that you and I do are opportunities to serve God? As you can clearly see, God is everywhere at the same time, and worthy to serve in more than just the four walls of a church.  Consider this:  And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men (Colossians 3:23, KJV).  The main idea here is to serve, honor, and aim to please God, not men.  In those moments of rushing to cross off the many things we feel we need to accomplish, remember to pause, breathe, and thank God for all He has done and what He’s yet going to do.  Beloved, before we start to complain about our laundry list, remember that your service to God is a privilege, not an obligation.  Until we meet again… I love you to life!

xoxo,

Mrs. Candace A. Stevens, The Risen Warrior

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Founder and CEO, of Talitha Cumi+3, a.k.a. “The Risen Warrior”

© Mrs. Candace A. Stevens, and TalithaCumi+3, [2016]. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s/ website’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to [Mrs. Candace A. Stevens] and [TalithaCumi+3] with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Come on…you’re not that grand!

Dear Beloved,

Hope all is well.  Please see below for a small Public Service Announcement from yours truly.  I hope this blesses you like it blessed me.

We shouldn’t throw stones and shade at other people because they don’t measure up to our own “sick” righteous standards (Not in the Holy Bible). You know those secret idols that we set up for ourselves, thinking that we’re “right” and just as wrong as two left shoes? Thank God that He’s loving and doesn’t expose our (hidden) sins, as we deserve.  Instead, He consistently wraps us in his loving arms of mercy and grace.

We should adhere and follow His lead.  It’s no secret that Jesus was the only clear picture of perfection that has ever walked this Earth.  Let’s face it, we’re all human and flawed, but that’s no excuse to mistreat others.  God’s most prize possession-are PEOPLE!  Let’s be careful on how we handle each other, for we shall reap whatever we sow, good or bad.

Mercy and grace is what we seek from Jesus on a daily basis.  We should mind our own business, pray, and genuinely love people according to (1 Corinthians 13). The next order of business would be to ask God for forgiveness, and deliver us all from being arrogant and self-righteous. Deception is real.  Until we meet again…I love you to life!  Thanks for all of your support and hanging out me with at “The Warrior’s Corner”.  Spread the love and share this article with at least one person you love.

xoxo,

Mrs. Candace A. Stevens, The Risen Warrior

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It’s always a blessing for me to bring you content with substance!  Nothing like service with a smile.

© Mrs. Candace A. Stevens, and TalithaCumi+3, [2016]. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s/ website’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to [Mrs. Candace A. Stevens] and [TalithaCumi+3] with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

 

Hello March!

Dear Beloved,

Hope all is well. Greetings and salutations to the month of March!  We are on the cusp of a brand new season, and I am super excited about what God is doing for me personally, and professionally.  Can you take an honest moment and reflect on how truly God has been to you so far this year? I want to encourage us all to really focus on just being thankful as we spring forward to turnarounds, miracles and breakthroughs.  Are you ready for newness to spring forward and manifest the greatness that lies ahead?

Until we meet again…I love you to life!

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Xoxo,

Mrs. Candace A. Stevens, The Risen Warrior

© Mrs. Candace A. Stevens, and TalithaCumi+3, [2016]. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s/ website’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to [Mrs. Candace A. Stevens] and [TalithaCumi+3] with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Willing to Give

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Smile-It’s free!

Dear Beloved,

 

In heartfelt giving God looks at the motives behind our giving. The first step towards obedience is totally yielding and giving yourself to Him. 1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will (Romans 12 1-2, NIV).

Next, we must listen for His still small voice. Trust that you hear from Him and remain sensitive to the Holy Spirit.  The Holy Spirit will never lead you down a wrong path. 13 But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come (John 16:13, NIV). As I mentioned previously, God looks at the motives behind our giving.  Giving doesn’t necessarily have to be limited to money.  It may consist of your time, conversation, or resources.  It really doesn’t matter what capacity you give in, as long as you do it with a willing heart, full of joy.  The Lord said to Moses, “Tell the Israelites to bring me an offering. You are to receive the offering for me from everyone whose heart prompts them to give (Exodus 25: 1-2, NIV).

Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:6-7, NIV). Beloved, we must do what the Lord impresses upon us to do with a sense of urgency. Let’s all remember to give in the name of love.  Until we meet again…I love you to life!

Xoxo,

Mrs. Candace A. Stevens-The Risen Warrior

© Mrs. Candace A. Stevens, and TalithaCumi+3, [2016]. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s/ website’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to [Mrs. Candace A. Stevens] and [TalithaCumi+3] with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Thorns…that make you say OUCH!

1977146_1167243109971280_8987631998118866611_nDear Beloved,

Hope all is well. I had something planned for us to discuss today, but the Lord is leading me a in a different direction.  Sometimes one of the hardest lessons in life is not to repeat cycles of insanity.  If we’re caught off guard its then and only then that we fall prey to the devil’s same old tricks.  Let that marinate for a few seconds and I bet you can think of a few scenarios even in your own life.  Have you thought of any thorn (s) that you wish would just go away? Bishop T.D. Jakes, said this recently: “God is not going to remove the thorn, He’s going to show you that it will not stop you, it’s going to make you stronger (2016).”

The uncompromising Apostle Paul wrote this: And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me (2 Corinthians 12:7-9, KJV). 

Beloved, the question for the day is: What are your thorn (s)?  Could it be physical, emotional, or spiritual? God loves us all unconditionally, and because of that He will allow unforeseen events to occur in order to keep us basking in a state of humility.  Check out verse 9 (a), And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. What I love about God is that He’s literal.  He’s not fake, fickle, phony, or one to try and figure out.  The good news is this:  No matter what your thorn (s)/weaknesses may be, humility will drive us to our knees to pray and cause us to remember that we need God to accomplish His purpose and plan for our life.  Allow His grace and His perfect strength to stretch and rest in your weaknesses, now and forevermore.  Until we meet again, I love you to life!

Xoxo,

Mrs. Candace A. Stevens, The Risen Warrior

© Mrs. Candace A. Stevens, and TalithaCumi+3, [2016]. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s/ website’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to [Mrs. Candace A. Stevens] and [TalithaCumi+3] with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

I’m Free Indeed, Now What?

Dear Beloved,

Wow. What an absolute blessing to be in the land of the living on today. Let’s jump right into today’s discussion.  Have you ever been so deep in bondage that couldn’t see your way to becoming free in your spirit?  God being God- then righteously steps in with the blood of Jesus and delivers us from our own destruction.  Warriors, where you and I reside in our path of life is the direct result of a thought.  For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee (Proverbs 23:7, KJV).  As you can clearly see, we must always guard our hearts and mind in Christ Jesus.  Stay with me as we dig just a little bit deeper. Shall we?

Beloved, the lesson in freedom is this: It’s not just a feeling but an absolute intentional mindset.  “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed (John 8:36, KJV).  Friends, after we realize freedom in our spirit, it doesn’t mean that we won’t encounter the unexpected along the way.  We must remember to embrace God’s divine character and trust Him to provide, protect, and lead us beside the still waters (Psalm 23, KJV).  From this day forward, let’s strive to humble our hearts towards the Lord with our heads held high.  It’s then and only then we can truly clasp freedom in Jesus Christ unashamed of our past, and laced with hope towards His rich promises for our lives. Until we meet again I love you to life and be free!

Xoxo,Setback for a SetUP

Mrs. Candace A. Stevens, The Risen Warrior

 © Mrs. Candace A. Stevens, and TalithaCumi+3, [2016]. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s/ website’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to [Mrs. Candace A. Stevens] and [TalithaCumi+3] with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

The Cost of Being Witless

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According to Merriam-Webster, witless can be defined as being foolish, stupid, or mentally deranged. In these last of the last days, it behooves us to daily partake in thoughtful and intentional Bible study, consistent prayer, and Christian fellowship.   Many days, we may feel like God has left us when indeed we stepped away from Him.  It’s then and only then that you and I open ourselves us to a witless path of destruction.  Beloved, do you realize that many Christians/unbelievers are living like this on a daily basis? Many of us are content with a complete mess of our lives and look to everything and everyone but the person that stares back at us in the mirror.

Consistency in our relationship with the Lord is vital to not being driven to an extent that one cannot think clearly or rationally. I urge/warn us that when you feel that gentle tug from Holy Spirit to return within the confines of God’s safe haven, humbly submit and yield to His direction.  Your spiritual health depends on it!  Note: You may often hear of the Holy Spirit being referred to as (“something told me”) dropped parenthetically within everyday conversations. If we’re not careful, the spirit of pride can creep in and have us thinking that we don’t need God and we definitely know that’s far from the truth.  Experience can sometimes serve as an instant reminder that God has a way of humbling His children.

Friends, there’s a price that’s paid intentionally/unintentionally sinning. God has given us all the freedom of saying yes to His way of life or not. “If someone sins and without knowing it violates any of the Lord’s commands concerning anything prohibited, he bears the consequences of his guilt (Leviticus 5:17, HCSB). The bottom line is this: unenlightenment does not void accountability.  There’s not one person in the Word of God and now who haven’t paid and still paying for their deliberate disobedience.  Let’s embrace the totality of pleasing God in all that we say and do.   Hebrews 12:4 (HCSB), “Pursue peace with everyone and holiness- without it no one will see the Lord. Until we meet again… I love you to life!

Xoxo,

Mrs. Candace A. Stevens, The Risen Warrior

© Mrs. Candace A. Stevens, and TalithaCumi+3, [2016]. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s/ website’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to [Mrs. Candace A. Stevens] and [TalithaCumi+3] with appropriate and specific direction to the original content

© Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission.  Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Holman CSB® and HCSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.

Greetings and Happy New You!

Greetings Beloved,

I bid you peace, favor, joy, and most of all love in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth.  It’s the 11th day of 2016!  How’s it going so far?  Hope all is well with each and everyone of you.  I was thinking of my fellow beloved and had to get on here and say HELLO!  I’m interested to see what you would like to experience/see more of on this blog/website.  So don’t be shy.  Thanks for your patience and continued support.  Please do me a favor comment below or send me an email at candace.stevens@talithacumi3.com.

Now that’s out of the way… :).  I’m in great anticipation for what this new year has to offer.  What about you?  Have you resolved to lose weight, feel great, and be an overall better you?  Beware of unforeseen twists, turns, and the possibility of things not working out as you have planned.  When this happens, steady yourself and make the necessary adjustments accordingly.  Remember that nothing takes God by surprise.  He’s so good that He has strategically set you up for success-no matter what!  “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD (Isaiah 55:8, NIV).

Personally, I have jumped off the bandwagon of creating resolutions.  One thing I have learned is that self-reliance, and trusting in my own limited abilities is a real way to fail every time!  Sometimes we can become full of pride and forget that we need Jesus all day every day.  We must remember to practice and remain in humility.  So with that being said, I encourage us all to truly make Jesus the Lord of every aspect of our lives and watch His perfect plan for us manifest in this new year!  Cheers to a New You Warrior! Ready. Set. Grow.

xoxo,

Candace A. Stevens, The Risen Warrior

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© Mrs. Candace A. Stevens, and TalithaCumi+3, [2016]. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s/ website’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to [Mrs. Candace A. Stevens] and [TalithaCumi+3] with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.