Thea Harris's Blog, page 2
August 9, 2016
Mind Games
Lately, a number of people with strong spirits of intimidation, provocation and manipulation sought me out. I wondered why they tried to attach themselves to me. How would they benefit from controlling my soul? What was the ultimate purpose?
I noticed several similarities during these encounters. They all used words to try to instill fear, do emotional harm, and manipulate to impose their will. If I did not acquiesce, I was met with extreme anger. No. Rage would be a more appropriate description of their response to my resistance to being their puppet.
Another thing they shared was an unrelenting attempt to keep me on the defensive. They did something wrong, but when challenged to take responsibility, quickly placed blame on the one they wronged.
I thought, "They are crazy." I am not speaking of the mentally ill. I have compassion for those who battle this disease. I am talking about people whose perspectives are so twisted, they are blind to their own truth. People who repeatedly ask you to hand them a knife, use it to stab you, then say, "Look what you made me do."
Bewilderment was my first response- then came indignation. The audacity! "Keep your mind games. Quell your constant need to control. I see your efforts to manipulate. You've exposed yourself - like Madea - standing behind the screen door asking, 'You can see me?' Yes! I see you!"
"You have come to the wrong individual. I am not the person you used to know. My spirit is strong against your attacks, yet my heart feels compassion. I wish you knew what you were missing. I wish you could understand. A life that is not whole is no life at all - and you are not whole."
I pray for you, but have no problem steering clear of individuals and environments which seek to infect my soul. I am soaring now - in this new season of my life. My spirit is free, and it feels good.
I noticed several similarities during these encounters. They all used words to try to instill fear, do emotional harm, and manipulate to impose their will. If I did not acquiesce, I was met with extreme anger. No. Rage would be a more appropriate description of their response to my resistance to being their puppet.
Another thing they shared was an unrelenting attempt to keep me on the defensive. They did something wrong, but when challenged to take responsibility, quickly placed blame on the one they wronged.
I thought, "They are crazy." I am not speaking of the mentally ill. I have compassion for those who battle this disease. I am talking about people whose perspectives are so twisted, they are blind to their own truth. People who repeatedly ask you to hand them a knife, use it to stab you, then say, "Look what you made me do."
Bewilderment was my first response- then came indignation. The audacity! "Keep your mind games. Quell your constant need to control. I see your efforts to manipulate. You've exposed yourself - like Madea - standing behind the screen door asking, 'You can see me?' Yes! I see you!"
"You have come to the wrong individual. I am not the person you used to know. My spirit is strong against your attacks, yet my heart feels compassion. I wish you knew what you were missing. I wish you could understand. A life that is not whole is no life at all - and you are not whole."
I pray for you, but have no problem steering clear of individuals and environments which seek to infect my soul. I am soaring now - in this new season of my life. My spirit is free, and it feels good.
In This New Season...
Lately, a number of people with strong spirits of intimidation, provocation and manipulation sought me out. I wondered why they tried to attach themselves to me. How would they benefit from controlling my soul? What was the ultimate purpose?
I noticed several similarities during these encounters. They all used words to try to instill fear, do emotional harm, and manipulate to impose their will. If I did not acquiesce, I was met with extreme anger. No. Rage would be a more appropriate description of their response to my resistance to being their puppet.
Another thing they shared was an unrelenting attempt to keep me on the defensive. They did something wrong, but when challenged to take responsibility, quickly placed blame on the one they wronged.
I thought, "They are crazy." I am not speaking of the mentally ill. I have compassion for those who battle this disease. I am talking about people whose perspectives are so twisted, they are blind to their own truth. People who repeatedly ask you to hand them a knife, use it to stab you, then say, "Look what you made me do."
Bewilderment was my first response- then came indignation. The audacity! "Keep your mind games. Quell your constant need to control. I see your efforts to manipulate. You've exposed yourself - like Madea - standing behind the screen door asking, 'You can see me?' Yes! I see you!"
"You have come to the wrong individual. I am not the person you used to know. My spirit is strong against your attacks, yet my heart feels compassion. I wish you knew what you were missing. I wish you could understand. A life that is not whole is no life at all - and you are not whole."
I pray for you, but have no problem steering clear of individuals and environments which seek to infect my soul. I am soaring now - in this new season of my life. My spirit is free, and it feels good.
I noticed several similarities during these encounters. They all used words to try to instill fear, do emotional harm, and manipulate to impose their will. If I did not acquiesce, I was met with extreme anger. No. Rage would be a more appropriate description of their response to my resistance to being their puppet.
Another thing they shared was an unrelenting attempt to keep me on the defensive. They did something wrong, but when challenged to take responsibility, quickly placed blame on the one they wronged.
I thought, "They are crazy." I am not speaking of the mentally ill. I have compassion for those who battle this disease. I am talking about people whose perspectives are so twisted, they are blind to their own truth. People who repeatedly ask you to hand them a knife, use it to stab you, then say, "Look what you made me do."
Bewilderment was my first response- then came indignation. The audacity! "Keep your mind games. Quell your constant need to control. I see your efforts to manipulate. You've exposed yourself - like Madea - standing behind the screen door asking, 'You can see me?' Yes! I see you!"
"You have come to the wrong individual. I am not the person you used to know. My spirit is strong against your attacks, yet my heart feels compassion. I wish you knew what you were missing. I wish you could understand. A life that is not whole is no life at all - and you are not whole."
I pray for you, but have no problem steering clear of individuals and environments which seek to infect my soul. I am soaring now - in this new season of my life. My spirit is free, and it feels good.
June 6, 2016
Built to Last
Forest Gump said, "Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get." That may be, but you have what it takes to handle whatever comes.
In this season of life I am more aware of the many facets God has used to fashion me. When He shaped Thea - vulnerability, focus, kindness, and a brazen resolve to never give up - were securely stitched into the fabric of my soul. Complementing them are brokenness, and scars of varying hurts that have since healed. I occasionally touch each one to remind myself of just how fragile yet strong I am. Sometimes new wounds appear, and I go through the process of healing again - emerging more resilient at the end.
Every day can be a celebration - of a lesson learned through loss, a victory won through conquest or simply the beauty of having the will to push beyond resounding defeat. The key is to get up, determined to make the most of what you have been given. And on this journey called life - you will rise again and again - not because you like the battle, but because you're built to last.
In this season of life I am more aware of the many facets God has used to fashion me. When He shaped Thea - vulnerability, focus, kindness, and a brazen resolve to never give up - were securely stitched into the fabric of my soul. Complementing them are brokenness, and scars of varying hurts that have since healed. I occasionally touch each one to remind myself of just how fragile yet strong I am. Sometimes new wounds appear, and I go through the process of healing again - emerging more resilient at the end.
Every day can be a celebration - of a lesson learned through loss, a victory won through conquest or simply the beauty of having the will to push beyond resounding defeat. The key is to get up, determined to make the most of what you have been given. And on this journey called life - you will rise again and again - not because you like the battle, but because you're built to last.
December 4, 2015
It's Tomorrow
There is just one more day before the Pour the Oil Worship Conference. It's TOMORROW, Saturday December 5th.
It will benefit worship leaders, worship teams, choirs, musicians, church leaders or anyone desiring to take their worship to another level. If you haven't registered yet go to theaharris.com today.
Virgil Straford starts us off with a teaching on the importance of the minstrel in worship, then Benita Washington will teach and impart on worship. We end with a worship experience (concert) that you won't want to miss. Register today.
#pourtheoil #worship #resurrectionlife#theaharris #benitawashington #heavenonearth #comingtothetreasurecoast#letitflow #minstrels #theroleofminstrels #worshipleaders #worshipteams
November 12, 2015
It Is Going to be EPIC
Excitement.Expectation.Expression.Revelation.Pour the Oil Worship Conference. It is going to be EPIC. Registrations are continuing to come in. Have you registered yet? Visit theaharris.com to secure your spot.Come join us at this one day conference with three power packed sessions. Our special guest is BENITA WASHINGTON. Don't miss it. Something GREAT is in store.
#pourtheoil #worship #resurrectionlife #theaharris #benitawashington #theanointing #everypraise
#pourtheoil #worship #resurrectionlife #theaharris #benitawashington #theanointing #everypraise
November 10, 2015
I Can't Stand It!
I cannot contain this joy found in praise and worship. It's so great, I can't stand it. I have to sing and shout and share. God is good. He pours into you so you can pour into others. Get to the point where you just can't stand it, so someone else will benefit from your overflow. I believe that's what this lady is doing doing. Benita Washington, a gracious woman of honor, will be our special guest at the 2015 Pour the Oil Worship Conference. Please come experience her ministry on December 5th at Resurrection Life Family Worship Center, Inc 405 Ixoria Avenue Fort Pierce. Register now until December 4th at theaharris.com. You don't want to miss this.
#benitawashington #pourtheoil #worshipconference#lifechanging#godsuptosomething.
October 29, 2015
My Passion
Worship is my passion.
I am often asked, "What do I need to do to sing with an anointing? or "How do I get an anointing?" My heart was especially touched, though, when one lady said, "I want your anointing." God used that simple statement to stir my heart to help those who desire to worship, minister, or simply live a life that is truly anointed by the Holy Spirit. I can only speak to this because I have fumbled, mumbled and stumbled until I found truth.
We can all live anointed lives and serve from a place of spiritual power. To do this we must understand why we lack the anointing and determine how to gain it. An examination of my life exposed hindrances and tools which impacted my journey to the power. Those truths provided the seed of the Pour the Oil series which has now grown to a vision of five books (two have already been published).
The desire to help others birthed purpose, and the execution of purpose (writing Pour the Oil) changed me. Most amazing were the revelations in the writing process. They irrevocably transformed my heart. Many of the contaminants God exposed were eye openers. Even the exposition of some tools and how they should be used blew my mind. His revelations provided a spiritual awakening. In 2 Timothy 1:6 Paul reminds us to "Stir up the gift." I was stirred, vigorously.
I didn't realize how much my heart could take and what that meant. There was more (in me) for God to take apart, reorder, replenish and reassemble. I was humbled to a point of persistent worship. God is bigger, wiser, stronger, and He knows just what we need. I am grateful that I am not the same, and my journey continues. One thing which hasn't changed, worship is my passion, and I am pursuing God - relentlessly.
I am often asked, "What do I need to do to sing with an anointing? or "How do I get an anointing?" My heart was especially touched, though, when one lady said, "I want your anointing." God used that simple statement to stir my heart to help those who desire to worship, minister, or simply live a life that is truly anointed by the Holy Spirit. I can only speak to this because I have fumbled, mumbled and stumbled until I found truth.
We can all live anointed lives and serve from a place of spiritual power. To do this we must understand why we lack the anointing and determine how to gain it. An examination of my life exposed hindrances and tools which impacted my journey to the power. Those truths provided the seed of the Pour the Oil series which has now grown to a vision of five books (two have already been published).
The desire to help others birthed purpose, and the execution of purpose (writing Pour the Oil) changed me. Most amazing were the revelations in the writing process. They irrevocably transformed my heart. Many of the contaminants God exposed were eye openers. Even the exposition of some tools and how they should be used blew my mind. His revelations provided a spiritual awakening. In 2 Timothy 1:6 Paul reminds us to "Stir up the gift." I was stirred, vigorously.
I didn't realize how much my heart could take and what that meant. There was more (in me) for God to take apart, reorder, replenish and reassemble. I was humbled to a point of persistent worship. God is bigger, wiser, stronger, and He knows just what we need. I am grateful that I am not the same, and my journey continues. One thing which hasn't changed, worship is my passion, and I am pursuing God - relentlessly.
October 24, 2015
How Are You Living?
"What matters is not the duration of your life, but the donation of it. Not how long you lived, but how you lived. You are going to give your life for something. What will it be—a career, a sport, a hobby, fame, wealth? None of these will have lasting significance. Service is the pathway to real significance. It is through ministry that we discover the meaning of our lives. The Bible says, "Each of us finds our meaning and function as a part of his body" (Romans 12:5 Msg) - Rick Warren.
Those words struck a deep chord as I sat in a memorial service where I'd been asked to sing. As I listened to the tributes being offered, I thought, "Wow. What a life." It wasn't perfect, but it was enviable. We were celebrating a man who had great vision and lived every moment positively impacting the lives of others. He was fearless in his expression of faith and boldly shared the gospel of Jesus Christ with anyone he could. Many said he'd left this earth too soon, but the way he lived and what he'd accomplished seemed like the product of many lifetimes. He was committed, and passionate. Purpose drove him.
Myles Munroe said, "Die empty." Leave nothing you are purposed to do undone. I find myself on a journey of epic proportions. Not just serving, worshiping, or teaching our youth, but writing and publishing books as well as promoting my first worship conference. It sometimes seems surreal. Mainly because I am just a vessel. I have to rely on God every step of the way.
One thing is clear, a God-given vision is never accomplished without God. It is larger than life. You face doubt. You battle fears, yet giving up is not an option. I have decided to live on purpose, to die empty. This resolve allows me to keep moving in spite of uncertainty. Fear becomes motivation, not discouragement or prevention. Whatever you are destined to do, do it scared. Don't stop. That's when you're living? That's how you live.
Those words struck a deep chord as I sat in a memorial service where I'd been asked to sing. As I listened to the tributes being offered, I thought, "Wow. What a life." It wasn't perfect, but it was enviable. We were celebrating a man who had great vision and lived every moment positively impacting the lives of others. He was fearless in his expression of faith and boldly shared the gospel of Jesus Christ with anyone he could. Many said he'd left this earth too soon, but the way he lived and what he'd accomplished seemed like the product of many lifetimes. He was committed, and passionate. Purpose drove him.
Myles Munroe said, "Die empty." Leave nothing you are purposed to do undone. I find myself on a journey of epic proportions. Not just serving, worshiping, or teaching our youth, but writing and publishing books as well as promoting my first worship conference. It sometimes seems surreal. Mainly because I am just a vessel. I have to rely on God every step of the way.
One thing is clear, a God-given vision is never accomplished without God. It is larger than life. You face doubt. You battle fears, yet giving up is not an option. I have decided to live on purpose, to die empty. This resolve allows me to keep moving in spite of uncertainty. Fear becomes motivation, not discouragement or prevention. Whatever you are destined to do, do it scared. Don't stop. That's when you're living? That's how you live.
October 10, 2015
Pour the Oil Worship Conference
Now is the time for the power of God’s anointing to saturate His people, and spread His glory throughout the earth. Are you hungry for His presence? Would you like to enter into a consistent lifestyle of deeper worship? If you answered yes to any of these questions, the Pour the Oil Worship Conference is for you. It will take worship leaders, worship teams and members of the congregation to another level.
Our special guest presenter and music minister is Mrs. Benita Washington who serves as worship leader at Mt. Zion Church in Nashville, TN, (Bishop Joseph W. Walker, III, Senior Pastor). Mrs. Washington has been supporting the ministries of Cece Winans and Donnie McClurkin for many years as a background vocalist, and was a featured artist on Winan's national Throne Room tour in 2005. Her following grew as she evolved into the world’s most recognized internet worship leader. She mentors and trains worship leaders and worship teams across the country. On December 5th, Ms. Washington will be in Fort Pierce sharing her experiences, ministry and a life changing teaching on worship.
We would love to see you there, Resurrection Life Family Worship Center, 405 Ixoria Avenue, Fort Pierce, FL 34982. There are giveaways for early registration.
Get in the move. A new dimension of worship awaits. Now is the time to rise. Now is the time to worship. Purchase Your Ticket at www.theaharris.com.
Our special guest presenter and music minister is Mrs. Benita Washington who serves as worship leader at Mt. Zion Church in Nashville, TN, (Bishop Joseph W. Walker, III, Senior Pastor). Mrs. Washington has been supporting the ministries of Cece Winans and Donnie McClurkin for many years as a background vocalist, and was a featured artist on Winan's national Throne Room tour in 2005. Her following grew as she evolved into the world’s most recognized internet worship leader. She mentors and trains worship leaders and worship teams across the country. On December 5th, Ms. Washington will be in Fort Pierce sharing her experiences, ministry and a life changing teaching on worship.
We would love to see you there, Resurrection Life Family Worship Center, 405 Ixoria Avenue, Fort Pierce, FL 34982. There are giveaways for early registration.
Get in the move. A new dimension of worship awaits. Now is the time to rise. Now is the time to worship. Purchase Your Ticket at www.theaharris.com.
October 6, 2015
...But It's Too Hard
But, it's too hard God. How many times have you said this when you could not see the way forward? I can't do it - your cry when you feel the weight of purpose. I quit - when finances dwindle. God, are you sure you want me to do this?
I want to encourage you today. Don't give up. Dreams never die. Decide to bring them to life.
Write a plan. Create a vision board. See yourself living your dreams, and begin moving toward them one step at a time.
You were created with purpose, for a purpose. Do something. Don't die with unrealized goals - live. Yes, it is hard, but you can do it.
I want to encourage you today. Don't give up. Dreams never die. Decide to bring them to life.
Write a plan. Create a vision board. See yourself living your dreams, and begin moving toward them one step at a time.
You were created with purpose, for a purpose. Do something. Don't die with unrealized goals - live. Yes, it is hard, but you can do it.
