Category Archives: Illuminate College group

Forgive Me But I have a Slight Pet Peeve

Being in ministry with my husband, you see and hear a lot of crazy things.

You get criticized for a lot of different topics:

*People think the music is too loud.

*That you have instruments used during worship (seriously)

*You have a youth group

*You don’t have a youth group

*You don’t go deep enough into the Word

*You are too serious in the Word and not topical enough

*The church is too big (seeker friendly)

*The church isn’t big/cool enough

I honestly could go on and on.  But I won’t.  But today, I have to get something off my chest after I read some pretty disturbing comments on facebook.

On Sunday we are having an incredible guest speaker named Annie Loebert whose story is incredible.  I want you all to hear it so if you are local, you need to come out to Illuminate and hear her. A former prostitute has discovered just how much God loves her and is now reaching out to other prostitutes to offer them the grace and compassion God offered her. Read more about her ministry here.

What has disappointed me today though is that people feel the need to criticize the name of her organization.  These Christians feel the need to offer input on her creativity (or lack thereof according to them).  How the name of her organization is insulting, not clever and not helpful.

Excuse me.

Of all the things we can comment on, THAT is what you choose to comment about? Honestly.  I realize that this calls people out but honestly, I think more Christians need to look Christians in the eye who complain about non kingdom issues and tell them to be quiet.

I have often found that those who criticize the church the most are those within the church walls. Those who pride themselves on being believers in the kingdom but DO NOTHING to serve and minister within the kingdom.

They just like to talk. A lot.

But is picking on the name of an organization really going to further the cause of Jesus Christ? And even if the name isn’t the best (according to you), the ministry isn’t for you!

It’s not about YOU!

I love ministry. I am thankful that God has allowed me to minister to His children, even with a past like mine.  But that is the beauty of God giving His children second, third and even fourth chances.  We get to tell everyone we know about what He has done for us. He cares less about the naming of churches and organizations and more about whether or not we are willing vessels to be used for His service.

It is something I see within the church that really makes me so upset that I have to bite my tongue and walk away.  I hate the bickering over things that are so trivial.  So please.

Just Stop.

Tiff~

Are You All In?

Being a health and fitness Coach, I ask those who seek my help in reaching their fitness goals this simple question:

“Are You All In?”

So often, many of us will say our goals and dreams out loud. Our expectations for ourselves and how we really, really want to experience success and see results from the hard work we put in.

But after all that talk, no activity.

No evidence that we are really as “committed” as we say we are.

If you want to see success, you have to do the work. You have to be 100% committed to the cause, to your workouts, to your nutrition and to your journey in order for it to work.

All In.

Beginning on November 4th at Illuminate, we are asking the same question to those who call themselves Christians:

This will be a 7 part series as Dan will go over steps that must be taken in our walk with the Lord.  It is so important that we pay attention to all areas if we are to be committed followers of Christ.

Surrender

Give

Sanctification

Belong

Serve

Compassion

Sent

This will be our biggest series yet.

So let me ask you.

Are you All In?

Washed Clean by the Beach

Yesterday, several individuals headed over to Huntington Beach in order to be baptized in the warm waters of the Pacific Ocean.

In order to show publicly what they have believed internally.

That Jesus Christ is their Lord and their Savior.

Most years Dan goes alone to baptize people. But this year the kids and I were fortunate to travel along.  We both thought this would be something the kids should see.

Sean did not entirely understand, but he did understand swimming in  the water and splashing.

Madi took it in. Asked questions.  Clapped happily after each dunk.

It was incredible.

A sweet friend on Instagram stated it perfectly:

“Oh what a wonderful place to have your sins washed away.”

I couldn’t agree more.

Baptisms never get old.

Tiff~

When Tragedy and Grace Collide

His name is Larry. 

He is one of our regular attenders at Illuminate.  Prone to judgement due to his tattoos on his face and body, nose piercings and thin build. 

He has experienced many individuals criticize him for his appearance, or judge him because he doesn't "look" or "behave" like everyone else.

But Dan and I love Larry.  

A couple of weeks ago, Larry lost his sister in a drunk driving accident.

A marine was behind the wheel of the vehicle that took her life.

We as a congregation prayed over Larry and his family. That God would reveal Himself. That grace would flow.  That peace would fill hearts. And we praised God that his sister was with the Him, healed and whole.  

What transpired the next week brought us to tears and to our knees in praise.

Larry had the opportunity to meet with the young man right after his sister's memorial service.

Sitting with his brother in law, the marine sitting with his sister and brother, Larry began a conversation of forgiveness.  

Larry, speaking of the peace he had because his sister was in heaven. 

Larry, a young man so many glance over or throw judgement towards, forgave a man who killed his sister. 

Larry, who in the eyes of the world had every right to hate the person in front of him, showed this man grace and led him to the One who could ultimately forgive. 

And Heal.

And not only did Larry forgive and lead that young man to the Lord, but the young marine's brother and sister joined God's family as well.

I learned a lot that night.

I learned that God truly can use anyone to further His Kingdom. To  exhibit His love and grace and healing on those broken, tossed and abandoned. That He doesn't just use the Pastors of His churches.

He uses the ordinary, those with issues, struggles, pain in their souls to bring forth His glory.

 

Tiff~

 

 

Extreme Couponing-Church Style

I absolutely love the show Extreme Couponing on TLC.  It is amazing to me how these women (and men!) are able to purchase $1000 of dollars worth of groceries and spend literally pennies.

(Yes, I do know about the woman who committed coupon fraud on the show, but keep in mind not all of them behave that way.  One bad apple does not spoil the show for me.)

I loved how quite a few families who coupon and create massive stockpiles donate to local organizations and even to the troops.  Serving our communities and individuals should be a driving force when we are blessed with much.

Which gave me a huge idea.  

I coupon for my family.  I collect tons of coupons, spend at least a couple of hours the night before my trip (when everyone is asleep) and plan out what I will buy, cut coupons etc.  I do the work so that I can provide for my family and not feel the heavy pinch in trying to put food on the table for my loved ones.  

Imagine what we could do if those of us in ministry volunteered to learn the ins and outs of couponing, and used that knowledge to load up our pantries to feed our communities. If we stockpiled like the individuals on the show, we could literally create our own little grocery store for single moms, hungry families and those living on the street.  

And I know many churches are feeling the financial crunch in this economy right now. They want to help their community and they have a pantry, but the budget just doesn't have the often $100 of dollars it takes to fill it and donations are sparse.  

Folks, imagine the possibilities. I know the show makes couponers look like hoarders, and some of them probably are! But honestly, if we collect much and give it to those who truly need it, and can't afford it…it isn't hoarding.  

Blessing. Serving.  

Again, imagine the possibilities.

If you are a church or ministry already doing this or something similar…please share your secrets!  Would love to hear!

Blessings,

Tiff~

And Just Like That….

I am back.  Having the last couple of weeks off and not stressing about posting a blog, or updating my twitter and facebook have been hugely relieving.  

I don't feel nearly as anxious. And the world kept on spinning when I wasn't tuned in with the social media world.  

Who would've thought ;) .

There is so much going on here with the Harper's and ministry that I felt it appropriate to come back to you all. I just wanted to share!

This Sunday is Easter. We celebrate Good Friday..the death of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. And on Sunday…

He is Risen.

Then on April 30-May 1st Michael Frazese will be speaking at all  Knott Avenue services.  I cannot tell you how excited I am to hear this man speak. His story will amaze you.

Michael franzese

I hope you can join us for Easter and for our visit with Michael. I am positive it will be a magnificent couple of weeks.

Blessings,

Tiff~

P.S. Don't have any plans the Saturday before Easter?  Knott Avenue will be hosting an easter egg hunt for the kiddos (pre-k through elementary) on April 23rd at 10 am. If you are in the Southern California area, please join us!

New Stuff Happening

This week is pretty crazy.  We have a few new things happening over at Illuminate that Dan and I are super excited about, so we are just staying pretty busy preparing and praying for what's to come.

February 13th: We officially launch our Single Mom's Ministry. I am so glad that we also are branching out to the non-single moms.  I believe that whether you are married or single, if you have children God has provided us a very unique and special opportunity to teach our children about Jesus.  Dan and I are praying about the specifics of study and how to best minister to these beautiful and special women.  

February 13th: We are also launching our new series "Ink, Drink and Other Gray areas in the Bible". We are so excited about this series as it will apply to many in our group.  I think it will specifically hit home with the College and young adult community as they always have so many questions on so many topics that aren't necessarily listed as right or wrong….but they have to do with accountability and discernment.  

And we have Bible Boot camp for our new believers and for those who are really hoping to gain a better understanding of God's word, their faith, tackle and succeed at having a daily quiet time as well as memorize scripture. So excited about this as well.

And totally not ministry related, but for two months, I promised Dan I would not buy any new clothes (what the heck was I thinking) so I could sign up for this plan and work out and become a healthier person.  And of course as soon as I made this promise, all of my favorite clothing companies decided to share their brand new outfits and lookbooks.  

Of course.  Temptation is very strong to break this promise, but I must keep it! ;) Ladies I will need your help!  

And then after two months all bets are off!! LOL!  

Hope you all are having an amazing week so far.  

Tiff~

Jesus Doesn’t Need Any PR

A quote from Dan last night at Illuminate.  

'Just let it be about Jesus." Jesus doesn't need any stinking PR."

When we cease to put the focus on Jesus.

When we make it all about the programs, the music, the "experience".

When we are too afraid to share the Gospel, the message of hope. 

Then we have missed the boat my friends. 

Then we don't truly understand why Jesus came to the earth.

""For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost." Luke 19:10 ESV

Programs, music and experiences are just add-ons. And they can be very beneficial add-ons.

But they cannot save souls.

Only Jesus.

Tiff~

I Am Pro Single Mom Part 2

I had an experience when I was about 25 and Madi was a little more than a year old.

I had gone to visit an old church I used to attend.  My husband was working at our current church, but felt that it would be good for me to visit with some old friends and worship the Lord there. So I went, ready to hear God's word preached in a different setting.

Sometimes, a little variety is good.

I went to the nursury to drop off Madison.  I had to wait for five minutes until someone finally approached me so that I could sign her in.

As I handed my smiling baby to the woman I could feel the heat of her gaze on me, looking me up and down.

"Are you Mommy?", She asked, somewhat shocked.

"Yes, I am", I replied, and I said it firmly.

"Hmmm, well I'm not going to say anything." And with that she took my baby into the nursery, shaking her head.

I was appalled, hurt and to be honest, this close to giving her a piece of my ever loving mind.  

I knew I looked young. But I didn't deserve her judgement. I was happily married (and still am) and I chose to visit a church I loved.  

I can just imagine how young, single mommies must feel. 

To feel the eyes stare at them as they walk by…just looking for the ring on their finger, guessing their age and with a "tsk, tsk", they move along with the rest of their day.

But at Illuminate, that will not happen. 

Not if I can help it.

Beginning February 13th, Illuminate will be launching our Single Moms Ministry.  

It will be an environment where you will find encouragement, hope, prayer, and instruction on how to raise your children to love the Lord.

Because whether you are a single mommy, or even a married one, God has specific instructions on how we are to care for our little ones.

For those of us who have found ourselves pregnant and without a spouse…you are also welcome.  In fact, please join us.  So that we can love you and pray for and over you.

Please be in prayer for these special women. I am so excited and yet very humbled and challenged by the thought of leading these beautiful mommas.  

Blessings,

Tiff~

I Am Pro Single Mom

Sean

I am Pro Life.  I believe in the sanctity of life and preserving it.  There is something so beautiful about a little baby entering into this world.  A tiny person with tiny fingers and toes, coming to us through the body of a woman that God designed. 

It truly is a miracle.  

I am fortunate that I have a loving husband. That he adores me and adores our babies.  That we came together in love to create a magical and special human being.

But not everyone is as fortunate as I.  

Because of our own actions or quite possible the actions of others, we become single moms.  Moms who have to both mommy and daddy to our children.

Or perhaps we are still very young.  Made a decision that resulted in a consequence and it will forever change our lives.

And we hear the chants from others saying "Keep the baby." Anti-abortion rhetoric ringing in  our ears and we wonder….

"If I do keep this baby. This life. Then what."

I am Pro Life. The life of the baby. 

And the life of the mother.  

If as a church, we proudly hang our pro life banner, and yet pass judgement and criticism on the woman who carried the child alone. Outside of marriage or however it happened.

Then we cannot possibly be for life.

We are just for babies. 

Which is why Illuminate is going to change that.

More on how tomorrow.

Tiff~