Life Beyond Your Biggest Dreams

Life Beyond Your Biggest Dreams

Tiffanie Butts

As I sat on the plane, staring out the window at the mounds of clouds, my eyes begin to fog up with tears. 

I was completely overwhelmed. One of my greatest desires is to travel the world, but I never thought it would happen so soon (that is without going into an excessive amount of debt). Here I was on a return flight from Australia, a trip completely ordained for me by God. Six months earlier my plan for July 2016 was to travel domestically to Washing D.C and Nashville but for a reason I could not understand, the Holy Spirit urged me not to. 

I'd saved so much vacation time from the previous year and desperately wanted to travel during the summer. I couldn't understand why God was telling me not to go

What Your Prayers Reveal About Your Faith

What Your Prayers Reveal About Your Faith

Tiffanie Butts
Faith

Last month I had the privilege of traveling to Sydney, Australia to attend Hillsong Conference. One of the guest speakers was Erwin McManus, pastor of Mosaic (church) in Los Angeles, California. He gave a challenging sermon about prayers and I want to share my insights with you.

He preached from Matthew 20:29-34 –

As Jesus and his disciples were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed him. Two blind men were sitting by the roadside, and when they heard that Jesus was going by, they shouted, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!” The crowd rebuked them and told them to be quiet, but they shouted all the louder, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!” Jesus stopped and called them. “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked. “Lord,” they answered, “we want our sight.” Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him.

Erwin raised the question as to why Jesus would ask ‘What do you want me to do for you?”.  Why didn’t he just heal them?

My Trip to Australia: Part 2

My Trip to Australia: Part 2

Tiffanie Butts

As promised, here is a full recap of my experience at Hillsong Conference Sydney. The conference was held at the Olympic Park (from the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games) which was about a 30-40 minute commute from Bondi.

Conference was three and half days, Tuesday evening through Friday evening. On the first night we commuted via train and after getting lost, arrived at the Olympic Park 2 hours later. 

The conference lasted from 9:30am-9:00pm with a 3 hour break from 3-6pm.  Speakers included Steven Furtick, Casey Treat, Erwin McManus, Carl Lentz, Christine Caine, and Brian and Bobbie Houston (Hillsong Senior Pastors).

My Trip to Australia: Part 1

My Trip to Australia: Part 1

Tiffanie Butts

Two weeks ago two friends and I spent 8 days in Sydney, Australia and it was a life-changing experience. This was my first international trip and I can proudly say I’ve been bitten by the travel bug!

For the first time in my life I didn't travel with a hard-core itinerary (this was not my choice but it definitely helped me worked through my type A control issues).  We knew which major sights we wanted to see but somewhat winged-it. Fellow planners and list makers - it was not the end of the world! I actually had a lot of fun.

The Real War Happening in America (and across the world)

The Real War Happening in America (and across the world)

Tiffanie Butts
Spiritual Warfare
In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. (John 1: 4-5)

In light of recent events I'm hurt and angry. I'm devastated by the divide in our country, in our cities, and in our streets. My heart breaks for all who are hurting - black and white, Christian and non-Christian, law enforcement and civilian. I weep for those who are lashing out and seeking revenge because they are so consumed by and lost in their pain.

Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that. - Martin Luther King Jr.
When it Seems Like God is Silent

When it Seems Like God is Silent

Tiffanie Butts
Faith

Have you ever expected an answer from God or prayed for Him to show up in your situation, but instead of a clear response or sign all you felt was silence? As if your words were bouncing off of the ceiling instead of making their way to God.

I’ve been there.

Often when we seek God’s guidance we look for response our human ears can validate or hearts can easily feel. We expect answers and signs that line up with our way of thinking. Sometimes we get that, but often we don’t.

Why You Don’t Have to be Qualified to be Used Greatly

Why You Don’t Have to be Qualified to be Used Greatly

Tiffanie Butts
Purpose

Have you ever felt unsure or hesitant about something God told you to do? Have you ever found yourself thinking, “Why would He choose me for this role” or “How will I be able to complete this task?”

I’m there right now. I’m overwhelmed, anxious, and a bit terrified.

Over the last three years God has called me out of my comfort zone more than I like.  I’m naturally shy, not a lover of the spotlight, yet God has placed me in leadership roles at work and at church making it impossible for me to hide behind my insecurities.

When You Don’t Feel Like Worshipping

When You Don’t Feel Like Worshipping

Tiffanie Butts
Faith

I know I’m not the only one who’s felt this way. It’s not a popular thing to admit but I know it’s a very real struggle for many (if not most) Christians.  I felt this way a couple of weeks ago.

Typically, my morning routine consists of me listening to worship music as I get ready for work, reading my bible for 5-15 minute before making breakfast, then praying during my morning commute. But that day I wasn’t feeling it.  I simply had no desire to open my bible or spend any time with God.

Doesn’t that sound terrible?

Saying Goodbye the Best Year of My Life

Saying Goodbye the Best Year of My Life

Tiffanie Butts
Purpose

In one week what has been the best year of my life will come to a beautiful end.  I’m sad to see it go, but I'm excited for what’s next. So I thought I’d give it a proper farewell and acknowledge all the wonderful lessons and memories this year gave me.

25 you've been amazing. From the very first day I felt it. You marked a new season in my life, a fresh start.  

This year I fell in love - with God, with myself, and the life I’ve been given. I discovered new passions, stopped chasing after a relationship status, and started chasing after my God-given purpose.

For Our Good, Not Our Comfort

For Our Good, Not Our Comfort

Tiffanie Butts
Faith

Most (if not all) of us have been in a situation that seemed hopeless. We’ve prayed to God and sought after his guidance. We asked Him for answers, pleaded for His intervention, but didn’t see the results we hoped for.

God is sovereign and knows everything that has happened and will happen to us. More than that He loves us. We won’t always understand His methods and plan, but the book Romans does tell us that for the believer in Christ, God works all things for our good according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).

It's Okay to Not be Okay

It's Okay to Not be Okay

Tiffanie Butts

This week has been a rough one. I got some news last week that left my heart hurting and my stomach in knots. I won’t go into details, but I know many of you have felt this way before too.

I’ve never been one to embrace vulnerability or talk about my feelings openly.  I’ve always tried to handle it secretly. I thought being emotional was weakness and by holding it in I was being strong. But I was wrong. I’m learning that I can’t do it on my own. We were never meant to do any part of this life on our own.

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way,

Are You Starving Yourself Spiritually?

Are You Starving Yourself Spiritually?

Tiffanie Butts
Faith, Relationships, Identity

Starvation can be defined as suffering severely from hunger.

We recognize physical hunger by physical symptoms such as a growling stomach or headache, and emotional signs such as anger and irritability. We can recognize spiritual hunger in the same way.

I was talking with a friend the other day at small group. We were discussing how our week was going and sharing our prayer requests. She began telling me that she needed prayer for discipline

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