Almost a New Year!

On the risk of sounding super cliched...I can't believe the year is hours from being over...  I know I say that every year, and every year its just as true.

Last year seemed to be all about seasons...this year...  I'll just have to wait and see.  =)

Tonight we each picked a game that we love and played them 'til 10PM {the funniest thing is that we each won the game we chose  =) }, then we all separated to write our goals for 2012.  We will talk about them tomorrow morning during our devotional time as a family.

This has been an amazing year!  I don't know about you, but there's always a part of me that wants to hold on to the old year.  It seems more safe and comfortable {don't ask me why}.  But the Lord didn't call us to be comfortable.  He's called us to be bold and courageous.  To die to ourselves so we can live in Him. 

And a year is just a year...it's what we've done during the year that's important.  And I can only hope that what I've done during the past year has made the Lord smile and say, "Well done, my daughter."

So while part of me wants to hold on, the other part of me {which will win} is totally ready to "let go and let God," as my Mom always says.  Is ready to grow in Him, face the challenges, live boldly, seek our the adventures and run the race.

My Biggest Goal for 2012:  Daily pick up my cross and follow Him.  And be ready to drop everything to do just that.  I need to be ready for the adventures that will take place and run to His embrace when I feel weary. 

My Life Verse for 2012:  ²⁴ Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. ²⁵ For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. ~ Matthew 16:24-25

In closing, I want to pray for you all.

Dear Heavenly Father,

I come before your throne right now in praise for the wonders that You've worked in all of our lives this year!  For the things You've revealed to us. 

Please Father as we go into the new year, make us even clearer images of You.  Let there be no mistaking us for Your followers.  Let it be that when people look at us, they see only You.  Let us decrease daily so that You can increase abundantly!

Help us to be the tools in Your hand and work through us!

Father I pray for those reading this right now, that You would bless them immensely and cover them and wrap them in Your embrace.

Father I ask this all in Your Son Jesus' name.
Amen!

I will talk to you in the new year!

Au Revoir...Until next time.
Many Blessings!  =)
Tiffani

P.S.
My Daddy sent this picture to me a couple months ago and I absolutely loved it!!! I think it goes perfectly with this next year!! =)

Everything in this post is Copyright Tiffani-Joi.  Please email me at TiffaniJoi143@gmail.com to ask permission before using any part of this post or any pictures.

Courageous

While I was getting ready this morning, these lyrics kept playing through my mind.  What's really funny is that I don't have all the words memorized {I don't have this song on my iPod...} I really just know the tune.  I couldn't tell you any other lyrics...but these words will not leave my head.
I don't think they need much of a commentary...I just wanted to share with you what the Lord has shown me this morning.  =)

The only way we'll ever stand
Is on our knees with lifted hands
Make us courageous
Lord, make us courageous

 

 

Courageous ~ Casting Crowns

Album: Come to the Well

Au Revoir...Until next time!

Many Blessings!  =)

Tiffani

Everything in this post is Copyright Tiffani-Joi.  Please email me at TiffaniJoi143@gmail.com to ask permission before you use any part of this post or any pictures.

He Orchestrates...

{This is one of my favorite songs!  It always makes me cry as I remember the extreme sacrifice Jesus made for me.  I made this video especially for this version of the song.}

Touch of the Master's Hand ~ Danny Gans
Album: Brand New Dream

One of my favorite things to say about God is that He orchestrates things.  {As a side note, I am NOT trying to start a debate over pre-destination and free will}

When I hear orchestrate, I think of a compose and conductor of an orchestra.  He's written the symphony out and He knows exactly how the notes should be played, what the tempo is, and what key signature the piece should be played in.  He's up front, and as long as the musicians look to Him, He is guiding them as they play.  The musicians are His 'tools', and He is able to use them to create something beautiful.

During rehearsals, those musicians might make terrible mistakes, over and over and over...and over again.  Then throw in those cumbersome and tedious arpeggios or the big dramatic crescendos.  BUT He is patient, because He knows what the end result will be, and He is willing to wait for us...I mean the musicians of course.  ;)
Some of the musicians are able to help each other get better, but ultimately they look to the composer.  He's the One who keeps them on the rhythm, motivated and encouraged.  He's listens to the the complaints and the whining, about sore fingers, aching backs and parched lips.  He understands, because He's gone through the exact same thing.

They also learn to work together as one.  They learn that the piano alone is beautiful, but when played with the harp it sounds so much better.  Then add in the violins and the flutes.  Only with all the instruments playing together can the make an orchestra.  And have you ever heard of an orchestra without a conductor, let alone a composer?
Then on that glorious performance day, we will all be perfect and everybody will applaud and praise the conductor for His great work. 
They Lord has been showing me daily that He is in control, and I definitely am not.  I can rely on Him alone, and He never fails! 

He forgives my mistakes, complaints, and my eagerness to hog the spotlight.  He promises to finish the good work that He has started in me.  And that can't be easy.  But I guess...I know that since He created me, and knows me better than I even know myself, He will be faithful like He always is.

Dear Precious Heavenly Father,

Please search my heart and root out any sin and fleshly behavior that is still trying to hang on to me.  Please Father, show me when I'm feeling discontent or too comfortable, because there is always something I should be working on in my spiritual life. 

God, I pray for those who are reading this post right now.  That they would be blessed and You would use Your Words to give them peace and comfort for whatever struggles they are facing at this very moment.

Your Word tells us that those who believe in You and have received Your Son's gift of salvation are like a body.  We must all work together and that none of us are more worthy or important than any other.  Please Father, remind me of that whenever I start to become prideful or try to judge anyone else.

I pray that You would use me in Your symphony and that I will daily become more and more like You and my Savior.

And I ask all this in Your Son Jesus' name.

Amen!

Au Revoir...Until next time!

Many Blessings!  =)

Tiffani

Everything in this post is Copyright Tiffani-Joi.  Please email TiffaniJoi143@gmail.com to ask permission before you use any part of this post or any pictures.

Our Christmas Day

Here is my second favorite Christmas song! =)

²¹ And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.”
²² So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: ²³ “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel," which is translated, “God with us.”   ~ Matthew 1:21-23

On Christmas Day we went to my grandparents house on my mom's side.

Here are some pictures...  All the dishes were done, my grandma pointed out that as usual we hadn't taken any pictures of the food...  =P

But I got plenty of pictures of all of my grandma's nutcrackers!  =)

See all the nutcrackers in the background?  You'll be seeing more
of those soon...

My Grandma has over 130 nutcrackers!  They take live in a
walk-in closet when they're not being displayed at Christmas.

My Mom and a new teddy bear my Grandma got recently  =)
They match...and they didn't even call each other to coordinate.  =P

My Mom and Daddy

My Grandma and Grandpa

I had such a good time!  I always love spending time with family!

Usually I'm shooed out of the kitchen when it comes time to do the dishes (I'm serious), but this time I was able to help my grandma do the dishes while my parents talked with my Grandpa.

It was special to be able to spend that time with her...even if we were just doing dishes.

But God is with us all the time, and any time spent with family whether opening presents, talking, or doing dishes is special.  And I'm so grateful for all the blessings He's given me this year!!!  And I thank Him every day for the greatest gift of all...His Son and my Savior Christ Jesus.

I hope you all had a wonderfully blessed time with your family and were able to find peace in His arms while celebrating His gift.

Au Revoir...Until next time!

Many Blessings!  =)

Tiffani

P.S.  I would love to hear what you did for Christmas!!



Everything in this post is Copyright Tiffani-Joi.  Please email me at TiffaniJoi143@gmail.com to ask permission before using any part of this post or any pictures.

Our Christmas Eve

I know that Christmas is now over, but I wanted to post my very favorite Christmas song!

I hope you all had a blessed Christmas.  I certainly did!  =) 

I cannot believe that this year is almost over!  Although I must admit I say that every year. =P  But it's just as true this year as it was in the past years.

I think this Christmas has been one of my favorites and yet one of the oddest as well...  
I love to hear about people's big family Christmas's!  I love to hear about the not so controlled chaos, loudness, tons of food, and fun time spent with family that isn't seen very often. 

Almost all of my dad's relatives live in Eastern Canada, so I've actually only had one big Christmas like that.  And my mom's relatives are kinda scattered all over the place.  So my usual Christmas is 5-6 people.  Believe me its not quiet and there is plenty of food and fun time with family.  It just amazes me sometimes how different families are.  How different traditions are.  And mainly how different each of our families celebrated this Christmas.

For example:  on Christmas Eve this year we had a day of rest.  I love my daddy so much and he works so hard for us and is a great provider for my family!!!  And my mom has so much on her plate as well and is still able to be the best mom in so many ways!!!  So I was glad that both my parents were able to take that day to rest in Him. 

²⁸ “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. ²⁹ Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰ For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” ~ Matthew 11:28-30

We made crêpes (or skinny pancakes my Grammy always called them) for breakfast on Christmas Eve.   {As usual, my mom and I make that batter and my daddy cooks them  =) }

This is my daddy!  =)

Choices, choices...

My masterpiece! 
(It's Christmas!  I'm allowed to have whipped cream!)

I will post a couple pictures from Christmas day soon!

Au Revoir...Until next time!

Many Blessings!  =)

Tiffani

Everything in this post is Copyright Tiffani-Joi.  Please email me at TiffaniJoi143@gmail.com to ask permission before using any part of this post or any pictures.

BIAY Days 22-28

Exciting!  We're starting a new book of the Bible this week!  Remember I said it was a Gospel...  And now for the "grand unveiling"!  *drumroll*

Tomorrow: Mark 1-3 & Pslam 18:28-50

Day 23: Mark 4-6 & Ps. 19

Day 24: Mark 7-9 & Ps. 20

Day 25: Mark 10-12 & Ps. 21

                                                                Day 26: Mark 13-14 & Ps. 23
(I know Psalm 22 & 23 are flip-flopped.  I did this on purpose because of the length of the readings.  =) )

                                                               Day 27: Mark 15-16 & Ps. 22

                                                         Day 28: Refection Day/Make-up Day

So this week we will be reading all of Mark!  I'm excited to start reading about my Savior!

We're back to the Old Testament next week.  Hint: After Genesis (of course) and before Joshua.

Au Revoir...Until next time.
Many Blessings!  =)
Tiffani

Everything in this post is Copyright Tiffani-Joi.  Please email me at TiffaniJoi143@gmail.com to ask permission before using any part of posts or any pictures.

BIAY Days 15-21

Tomorrow: Genesis 32-34 & Psalm 13

Day 16: Gen. 35-38 & Ps. 14

Day 17: Gen. 39-41 & Ps. 15

Day 18: Gen. 42-44 & Ps. 16

Day 19: Gen. 45-47 & Ps. 17

Day 20: Gen. 48-50 & Ps. 18

Day 21: Reflection Day/Make-up Day

Coming up this week: Jacob and Esau meet thru the end of Genesis!  So next week we'll be starting a new book of the Bible!  I'll give you one hint: It's a Gospel...

Au Revoir...Until next time.
Many Blessings!  =)
Tiffani


Everything in this post is Copyright Tiffani-Joi.  Please email me at TiffaniJoi143@gmail.com to ask permission before using any part of this post or any pictures.

We Give Thanks!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

My prayer is that on this Thanksgiving day, we are reminded of the abundant blessings the Lord has provided us with!!

I pray that the Lord will give us opportunities to talk about Him, while we are with family and/or friends who might not be believers yet!!

I also pray that our time will be blessed with wonderful fellowship & praise to our Abba Father!!

There are so many verses that I wanted to write down about "thanksgiving," but here are my top four:

"Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms."

~ Psalm 95:2

"Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name." ~ Psalm 100:4

^"6 As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, ⁷ rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it^[ with thanksgiving." ~ Colossians 2:6-7

 

^"2 Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; ³ meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of..." ~ Colossians 4:2-3

Au Revoir...Until next time.

Many Blessings!  =)

Tiffani

P.S.  I would LOVE to hear how you all celebrated Thanksgiving, so feel free to comment away!

Everything in this post is Copyright Tiffani-Joi.  Please email TiffaniJoi143@gmail.com to ask permission before you use any part of this post or any pictures.

BIAY Days 8-14

Yay!!  We've made it through week 1!  =)

Tomorrow: Genesis 18-19 Psalm 7

Day 9: Gen. 20-22 & Ps. 8

Day 10: Gen. 23-24 & Ps. 9

Day 11: Gen. 25-26 & Ps. 10

Day 12: Gen. 27-28 & Ps. 11

Day 13: Gen. 29-31 & Ps. 12

(This day is a little longer...but I wanted to keep certain events together.  Feel free to use the reflection day at the end of the week to catch up if necessary).

Day 14: Reflection Day/Make-up Day

This week we're going to be looking at Abraham's intercession for Sodom through Laban's covenant with Jacob.

Au Revoir...Until next time.
Many Blessings!  =)
Tiffani


Everything in this post is Copyright Tiffani-Joi.  Please email me at TiffaniJoi143@gmail.com to ask permission before using any part of this post or any pictures.

Apple Cider Evening...

Last night at church I was talking to a girl and she commented on the weather.  She said, "I'm so glad the cold weather is coming back."  Then she smiled real big and waited for me (I suppose) to agree.

Now after growing up for 15 yrs. of my life in the desert area of Southern California, I'm not really a big fan of the cold.  But I smiled and nodded sideways, remarking that I could do without the rain that we've started having.

Well, at this very moment I am sitting on my bed with a warm (not quite steaming) mug of apple cider next to me.  I have my favorite duster jacket and sweat pants on and I'm feeling very...very content. 

My Anya (a name I like to call my mommy) and I "share a brain" sometimes.  For example last week my Anya and I were grocery shopping and I picked up two sample cups of apple cider.  After sipping happily (and burning the tip of tongue, not so happily) I told my mom that we should buy some cider.  She told me that when she was here a couple days before she had thought the same thing and already had.  =)

Then this afternoon, I walked into the room where my mom was and told her that I think we should have apple cider tonight.  She looked at me. with her head tilted to the left and asked me if I had been downstairs lately.  I said "no".  She told me that she had just taken the cider out of the pantry, because she had been thinking the same thing.  =)

So, like I said...we "share a brain".  =P

I love the posts that Melanie from Forever His Servant writes, about having hot cocoa with her Nana, or sipping steaming tea while writing her posts (well, to clarify, I love all her posts...I just love these especially.  I feel like I'm there with her; a mug in my (most likely freezing) hands as well).  I'm guessing its pretty cold where you are Melanie.  =)

So here I am finally feeling like I can start doing the same.  It's been dropping into the 40's where I live at nights  (which is cold).  So I put my flannel sheets on last week.  (Which is pretty dangerous, because I'm already the "queen of the snooze button," maybe the "princess" by now (I've been working on my "problem") and the flannels aren't really helping in the getting-out-of-bed department).

I thought I would make a list of all the reasons I like the cold weather...  I'm not really sure how long its going to be...  *giggle* *giggle*

~I love being able to wear cozy sweatshirts~

~I love sipping hot apple cider or hot cocoa~

~I love hearing the heater come on in the morning.  It lulls me back to sleep~

~I love feeling the softness of flannel sheets~

~I love the holidays that go with cold weather, because I get to see family~

~I love feeling snuggly in cozy jammie pants~

~I love when my kitty Wiggles gets cold enough to sleep on my bed all night~

~I love any excuse to wear a cute hat~

~I love the aroma of crisp, clear air...as long as I am warm~

Wow, that was longer than I thought.  So I guess I have to admit that I like the cold weather...  I like it as long as I'm still warm.  =)

Au Revoir...Until next time.

Many Blessings!  =)

Tiffani

Everything in this post is Copyright Tiffani-Joi.  Please email TiffaniJoi143@gmail.com to ask permission before you use any part of this post or any pictures.

BIAY Days 1-7

I really excited!  No, I'm serious...I'm SUPER excited!  Did I mention I'm excited?

Here are days 1-7:

Tomorrow: Genesis 1-2 & Psalm 1

Day 2: Gen. 3-5 & Ps. 2

Day 3: Gen. 6-9 & Ps. 3

Day 4: Gen. 10-11 & Ps. 4

Day 5: Gen. 12-14 & Ps. 5

Day 6: Gen. 15-17 & Ps. 6

Day 7: You Choose

(This can either be a reflection day, where you re-read a chapter or section that the Lord is prompting you to.  OR maybe you missed a day during the week, this can be a time for catching up.  OR maybe your so interested in something you were reading that you might want to read ahead.  I'm not going to interfere with God's plan for you, so this is a day to do whatever He leads you to.)

 

This week we'll be going from Creation through God's covenant with the newly named Abraham.  Plus reading some amazing Psalms (but I suppose they are all amazing  =) )

Please feel free to comment on anything the Lord reveals to you during the week!  I would love, love, LOVE to hear the epiphanies.  I'm sure I will be sharing some of my "a-Tiffani's" (as my sweet friend Cassie calls them <3 ) with you.  =)

Au Revoir...Until next time.
Many Blessings!  =)
Tiffani

Will You Join Me?

Am I going to do it?  Yes, I am!  When I am I going to start?  On Sunday!  Will you join me? 

I am going to to start reading the Bible in a year.  When I was about 10 yrs old my mom and I went through the whole Bible chronologically.  But I'm very sad to say I haven't done it since... 

I always seem to get stuck in the Gospels, the Psalms, Proverbs, Romans, Galatians, Revelation...  BUT, I know how important the whole Bible is...so am going to change that!

So, why am I starting on Sunday & not today?  Because, I wanted to invite all of you to join me...and I thought I'd give you a day to decide.  I will be posting this weeks reading tomorrow, so be looking!  =)

This is how its going to work...  Every Saturday I'll be posting next weeks reading.  That way we can all stay accountable to each other & focus on just the next week, instead of thinking, oh my!  A year is sooooo long.  =P  We will be reading the Bible in a unique way.  We'll be reading 2 books at a time.  Either a New Testament book with an Old.  Or an Old Testament book with Psalms. 

I was going to read it chronologically again, but I thought this would spice things up a bit.  And give us good breaks between some of the "slower" books.

It's my prayer that along the way you will be posting (if you have a blog) or commenting on mine (or even better, both) about the amazing things God reveals to you!

I am super excited (if you couldn't already tell).  I know that the Lord's hand is upon us all.

Dear Precious Heavenly Father,

We come before Your throne of grace & ask that you give us the perseverance to read through the whole of Your Word!  I ask that you bless each of us who are going to be embarking on this incredible journey.  I pray Lord, that You would reveal to us, those things that You know we most need to hear right now Lord. 

Abba Father, I am so excited & I pray that You would ignite us all even more as we get into Your Word.  That You would allow us that time of quietness with You, so that we can listen more closely to what You are saying.

I ask this all in Your Son, Jesus' name. 

Amen!

Au Revoir...Until next time.
Many Blessings!  =)
Tiffani


Everything in this post is Copyright Tiffani-Joi.  Please email TiffaniJoi143@gmail.com to ask permission before you use any part of this post or any pictures.

Our Provider!

Jehovah Jireh, my Provider

His grace is sufficient for me, for me

Jehovah Jireh, my Provider

His grace is sufficient for me, for me

My God shall supply all my needs

According to His riches in glory

He will give His angels, charge over me

Jehovah Jireh cares for me, for me, for me

Jehovah Jireh cares for me

Jehovah Jireh

(Jehovah Jireh is Hebrew.  Translated it literally means The Lord Who Sees or The Lord Who Sees To It.  It means He is our Provider.)



My parents & I just recently watched the movie Evan Almighty. 
(Please note: I am not trying to make a recommendation.  It is always best to review a movie before watching it, especially when younger siblings are around.  I will say that it is one of the very few movies that is not labeled as "Christian" & that has come out into the theaters; scripture is quoted & not misused, God is portrayed as Someone who can call us to certain actions, we can speak with & have a personal relationship with, is there for us, & sees the 'bigger picture'.)

And one of the dialogues that really hit me was the following:

God: Let me ask you something.  If someone prays for patience, do you think God gives them patience?  Or does He give them the opportunity to be patient? 
If he prayed for courage, does God give him courage?  Or does He give him opportunities to be courageous? 
If someone prayed for the family to be closer, do you think God zaps them with warm fuzzy feelings?  Or does He give them opportunities to love each other?

That really got me thinking...  God knows exactly what we need & what is best for us.  It makes sense that when we pray for patience, it just seems like more situations pop up when we need patience. 

"And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." ~ Philippians 4:19

Sure it would be a lot easier if God just 'zapped' us with whatever qualities we asked Him to grow us in...  But we wouldn't learn anything.  We wouldn't learn patience or perseverance, self-control, faith, trust etc...

"Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

3 For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls." ~ Hebrews 12:1-3

I pray that we are all abundantly blessed this week, with opportunities of all kinds.  Those to practice our Fruit of the Spirit.  And also time to spend at His feet.  Talking with & worshiping Him who loves us enough to be our Jehovah Jireh; our Provider.

Au Revoir...Until next time.
Many Blessings!  =)
Tiffani



35 Posts!

Hi Everyone!

I just wanted you all to share my joy!  I have officially made it to 35 posts on my blog!  (Not including this one.)

Now I know you might be thinking, 35?  She's getting excited over...35 posts??
Yes, I am!  Sometimes its the little things in life that give us some of the most joy!  =)  I have never been able to keep a blog going this long...my last blog is stalled at 31...

So I just wanted to say thank you to all of you who read my blog!  You are a blessing to me & I'm praying for you!

Au Revoir...Until next time!
Many Blessings!  =)
Tiffani

Check Out My Guest Post ~ Under His Cover

Hey Everyone,

I wrote a guest post for Sierra's Purity Week at HisHandmaiden.com.  It's called Under His Cover. 

Its something that has really been placed on my heart, so I hope it blesses you!  Please read it; I would love to hear your thoughts!  =)

I also encourage you to keep reading Sierra's blog...it is Purity Week so there are some great posts coming up!

Au Revoir...Until next time.
Many Blessings!  =)
Tiffani

Happy November!

Happy November 2nd everyone!

May the Lord bless you abundantly this month!

May we be full of praise & thanksgiving, with our hearts yearning evermore for Him who created us!

Au Revoir...Until next time. 
Many Blessings!  =)
Tiffani



Everything in this post is Copyright Tiffani-Joi. You must ask permission before you use any part of posts or any pictures. 

You Are My All In All ~ Part 1

You are my strength when I am weak

You Are My All In All ~ Nichole Nordeman

I'm not sure if you remember my post about my wanting to do a 'series' of sorts based on Nichole Nordeman's song You Are My All In All.  It was a while ago...so here's the link in case you forgot or never saw it.

I haven't even thinking about the series lately, but a couple days ago my something happened to me (well, quite a few events happened) and when I started praying this song popped into my head again, and I began to understand the first verse even more.

So...last week was really busy for me. 

Trust me! 

It was busy, stressful, & most of the activities kept me from studying what I needed to for my next CollegePlus! coaching call.

I won't bore you with my entire schedule.  I will get to the point.  =)

 My point is that the only time I felt tired was the end of the last day, when I knew that was finished with certain commitments.  And knew that the next day I would be able to devote entirely to my studies.

I literally drove home from work on Friday (I had stopped at In N'

 Out on the way home, because I felt like I deserved it after my hard week  =P), took one step inside the house and felt like I could've collapsed if I had been next to something soft.  It was the first time I had felt the slightest bit fatigued since those commitments came up. 

I kicked off my shoes, grabbed a plate and went up to my room after saying hello to my parents.  They were on a date (yes, at home =) ) so they had no problem with me shutting myself in my room.

I ended up asleep by 9PM that night...which is early for me, because by the time I get in bed, pray, then finally fall asleep, its usually around 11, 11:30PM.

During that prayer time, (which I'm ashamed to say was probably cut short because I fell asleep,) was when Nichole Nordeman's song popped into my head.

I realized that my merciful Abba Father had given me the strength, energy, endurance & motivation to get me through the week.  And now He was graciously allowing me to be so tired that I would be sure to catch up on the rest that I'm sure I jipped myself of.

What really hit me was the thought that He had given me enough energy to drive home safely (even though it would've made sense for me to feel relaxed knowing that my hard week was over) & walk up the rather large step to the door into the house before the feeling of fatigue overtook me.

There was no way I could've made it through that week on my own.  There were times when I wanted to cry (and come to think of it, actually did), scream with frustration, just walk away, but He kept reminding me that He was with me.  That there were other people right at that very second who would much rather be in my shoes, than in their own trials.

That the sacrifices I was forced to make regarding my studies was still nothing compared to the greatest sacrifice that my Savior made for me. 

I got a very real experience of His strength last week.  Because I realized that He not only has the power to give me strength, He also has the power to allow weakness & fatigue to come over me, when it is necessary for me to rest.

I will probably dig deeper with a word study on "Strength."  I just really felt the need to share this (in my mind) amazing example of His hand in my life. 

It always amazes me when He reveals Himself to me like this.  It always feels like the first time...He is unchangeable, but never predictable!

I pray that He reveals Himself to you greatly in some way this week!  In a way that makes you stop & marvel at His amazing power.

Au Revoir...Until next time.

Many Blessings!  =)

Tiffani

Everything in this post is Copyright Tiffani-Joi.  You must ask permission before you use any part of this post or any pictures.

Little Joys!

I know, I know!  I'm supposed to be putting the finishing touches on my guest post for Purity Week at HisHandmaiden.com...and I am.  But it's also Halloween...

I just want to share about the cutest little kids that have come, shyly knocking on our door.

I'm talking about the little girls under 5, dresses like butterflies & princesses.  The little boys dressed like Superman & Star Wars rangers. 

So innocent!  Their eyes a little afraid as you first open the door, but their fears melting as you put a handful of tootsie rolls & skittles into their little pumpkin shaped bag.  Although I like to think I'm spreading as much joy & smiles as I am candy.  =)

The cutest little, "thank you", and wide smile as they run away to show their mom their new goodies with squeals of delight. 

I can't help but smiling as I close the door.  Wondering if I'll see them again next year, if I'll remember them next year.  Will I be here next year?  Or will I be in a new neighborhood with new little kids?  Oh well, it doesn't matter.

I just wanted to let you into my mind for a little while & give you a glimpse of the joy that I'm receiving tonight.  =)

Au Revoir...Until next time.
Many Blessings!  =)
Tiffani

PS:  Whether or not you like Halloween, please know that I'm not trying to promote or bash the day.  I'm simply speaking of the precious little kidlets!  =)


Everything in this post is Copyright Tiffani-Joi. You must ask permission before you use any part of this post or any pictures.

Song: We Are the Free

We sang this song at church & I absolutely love it!  It was amazing hearing group of brothers and sisters in Christ singing this song for the Lord!!

This definitely is my song of the week!  Maybe even my song of the month!  =)




Au Revoir...Until next time.
Many Blessings!
Tiffani

Girly Christianity?

Chorus: Bless the Lord, O my soul

O my soul

Worship His holy name

Sing like never before

O my soul

I'll worship Your holy name

10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord) ~ Matt Redman

This is one of the songs we sang on the workshop night.

A couple nights ago I went to a girls workshop at the church my family & I just started attending.  It was called GI Jane: Getting Aggressive About God.

It was a great night; the High School pastor's wife was the one speaking.  This is one of the points she made, that I elaborated on in my mind.

We are girls...we love the happy endings, the emotions, the feelings, we're hopeless romantics, we are feminine, we are girly etc...  And that's how we're made.  But sometimes that transfers into our Christianity.  We only see the blessings, we sometimes forget that Jesus isn't just the baby in the manger or our Friend & Savior.  He is also the Conquering King who will be coming back to battle in the end days.  Christianity:  Is it the best thing that's ever happened to us?  Yes!  Is is the easiest way to live?  No!  Which is why we need to be dependent on the Lord for strength.

Galatians 3:26-28 says, "26 For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus."
Now obviously I'm still a female, and I'm still girly, God is saying that is His eyes when it comes to our faith, we are supposed to be the same.  The traits that separate men & women life shouldn't apply to our Christianity. 

For example, men are usually tougher, more aggressive, they're usually stronger than women.  They are the protectors of their wives.  That's how God made them.  But when it comes to Christianity, men & women are equal. 
Girls shouldn't be weaker in their faith; we need to be just as strong, because there is spiritual warfare going on all around us.  We need to be right there in it.  And we can, because of Jesus.  He erased those boundaries in our faith, because it isn't physical strength that's necessary, but spiritual strength.  "8 For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come." ~ 1 Timothy 3:8

The message I heard has inspired me to get more aggressive about my studying in the Word, & continue to grow stronger in my relationship with my Savior Jesus.  1 Timothy 4:10, "For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe."

Au Revoir...Until next time.
Many Blessings!  =)
Tiffani

Everything in this post is Copyright Tiffani-Joi.  You must ask permission before you use any part of this post or any pictures.

I Am a Salmon Who Was Born For This

I LOVE this song!!!

It reminds me of something my dad always says.  "We are salmons."

Salmons swim upstream.  They don't go with the current.  Even though the waters they swim against are strong, they are stronger.

We as believers are exactly like that!  The way of the world in all around us, trying to push us its direction.  But because of the strength the Lord gives us, we can prevail & swim upstream, against the grain.  We might get tired...we probably will, but we need to remember that we were "born for this"!  We were meant to stand "apart from the crowd", stand firm, stand with God!

Au Revoir...Until next time.
Many Blessings!  =)
Tiffani

PS:  The CD that this song is on just came out last month.  It's called Music Inspired By the Story.  Well known Christian artists sing songs about well known people in the Bible.  There are some other amazing songs on the CD as well.  I would highly recommend it!  Just look on iTunes or Amazon.com


Everything in this post is Copyright Tiffani-Joi.  You must ask permission before you use any part of this post or any pictures.

Our Everlasting God...

You are the everlasting God, the everlasting God

You will not faint, you won't grow weary

You're the defender of the weak, You comfort those in need

You lift us up on wings like eagles

Everlasting God ~ Christ Tomlin

Everlasting: enduring through all time; perpetual; lasting til the end of time.

Above is the Webster's dictionary definition of Everlasting.  Those are all true of God.  And yet, He is even more than, just everlasting.  Because He was here before time even began!  And He will still BE, after time has ended. 

Everlasting: Alpha & Omega; ever was; ever is; ever is to come; infinity; no ending

The above is the definition I thought of while think about our everlasting God. 

Have you ever tried to think about God's existence?  How He created time?  And that there will be a time where there is no time?  I guess that last one doesn't really make sense....  There a will be a "no time" when there is no time anymore.

We will not be bound to seconds, hours, days, years.  We will be with God forever.

That is so beyond my comprehension...  My mind keeps trying to compare "forever" with something that I do comprehend.  I've been alive for 16 years....  So 16 years times...times what?  Times...infinity!  Which is yet another word I cannot even begin to comprehend. 

At first its a bit frustrating...  But then these thoughts comfort me... 

It gives me joy that my God understands the things that I don't!

It gives me joy that I'm not the one "in charge"! 

It gives me joy that I don't have to understand everything! 

It gives me joy that my God is merciful enough to allow me to live in 'time' that I do "understand"!

It gives me joy that my God is so complex!

It gives me joy that even though He is so complex, He loves me!

It gives me joy that even though He is so complex, He invites me into His embrace!

Our God is so good.  I know that even though I pray for wisdom, He won't reveal knowledge to me that I can't handle.  He understands, because He created.  And that...gives me joy!

Au Revoir...Until next time.

Many Blessings!  =)

Tiffani

Everything in this post is Copyright Tiffani-Joi. You must ask permission before you use any part of this post or any pictures.

What Are My Talents?

Not because of who I am, but because of what You've done

Not because of what I've done, but because of who You are

Who Am I ~ Casting Crowns

I have been thinking (I do that a lot)...  And I asked myself..."What are my talents?  What am I good at doing?"

Talent: A natural aptitude or skill.

My prideful self of course took off with all the different things that someone during the course of my life has complemented me on... 

Then the Holy Spirit reeled me back in & told me to ask the question again...and really think about it this time.  So I did...  I wasn't really proud of myself after I got my second answer. 

I am great at being prideful...
I'm get those waves of ungratefulness...
I'm just great at being cowardly...
I'm pretty good at being stubborn as well...
I'm also very good at procrastinating...putting things off...
I'm not always the kindest person...
I'm not always meekest person...
To be perfectly honest I'm always working on all the Fruit of the Sprit...


I could go on, and on...and on...  But then suddenly my thoughts like that stopped.  And the Lord reminded me that He doesn't want me to dwell on my faults...  That's not going to make me improve.  Every now and then, we need to be reminded of what we were without Christ.  We need to be reminded that we're not perfect.  We need to be reminded that without Him who created us...we are nothing...but with Him we are sons and daughters of the King.  Children of the most high God.  Who loves us despite our many, many...many imperfections.

I can now say that I am talented, because God made me (special, and He loves me very much...Bye! (Sorry!  Had to throw VeggieTales in there...I couldn't resist!  =P )) 
I'm good at being His child.  And not because of anything I did, but because of the love, grace & mercy of our Abba Father.

Au Revoir...Until next time.
Many Blessings!  =)
Tiffani

Prayer...Immediately

All those people goin' somewhere

Why have I never cared?

Chorus:  Give me Your eyes for just one second

Give me Your eyes so I can see

Everything that I keep missing

Give me Your love for humanity

Give me Your arms for the broken-hearted

The ones that are far beyond my reach

Give me Your heart for the ones forgotten

Give me Your eyes so I can see

Give Me Your Eyes ~ Brandon Heath

Am I in a rut?  Am I just going through the motions?  Do I take for granted that I'm saved through the grace of God & the sacrifice of my Savior Jesus alone?

Every so often these thoughts fly through my head...  And I have to dwell on the question for a little while...  I have to pray, ponder....and then what?  How many times do I think about these things, but then just move on with my day...promising myself & God..."Oh, I'll pray about that later when I have more time..."  God, You mean you don't have time for ME?  "Oh, no Father," I weakly protest, "that's not what I mean at all..."  Silence.  "Well, I know that's the way is sounds, but You know my heart...You know there's nothing I would rather do than just spend time worshipping You all day long...but I can't".  Silence.  "Really, I can't..."  You can do nothing apart from ME.  I AM the One who gave you today, & you don't have time to pray about something very important I've placed on your heart?  "Well, when You put it that way..." I reply getting weaker...  Silence.  I am broken...I know that the Lord is right...as always!  And broken is what wants...  He wants me to completely surrender to Him, so that He can mold me & show me & lead me, exactly where I need to go... 
There's no beating-around-the-bush with God, there's no playing phone tag...there's no voicemail...  If we don't answer when God calls us the first time, He will keep calling...and calling...AND calling...  Until finally we "find the time" to answer...  Sometimes if we wait too long, the Holy Spirit will stop us in our tracks (in our rut, while we're going through the motions) & put that theoretical "phone" right in our face...so that we can't ignore, not hear, or walk by it again...

But I can avoid all of this if I would take action when the Lord shows me something I need to work on in my life!  If I just surrender to Him daily it would make my life a lot easier...  If I would pray about those fleshly tendencies when they are first shown to me.  If I didn't try to make excuses for myself...

That's why out of all the songs I could've chose for this topic, I chose Give Me Your Eyes.
Because that's the example that's being set in the song.  There is a problem that is made aware...and there is a prayer...  A prayer first & foremost asking for forgiveness...then immediately afterwards is the a prayer of longing...  A prayer of wanting to be more Christ like, than we are.

And I know that being completely honest with myself, that's not always going to happen.  The Enemy is very good at dangling "little emergency's" in front of us.  Those that are just important enough for us get distracted at least temporarily from the One who truly matters.

Dear Precious Heavenly Father,

I come broken before your throne of grace.  Broken with shame that I so often put You aside.  Make You wait.  And I praise Your name & thank you from every crevice of my soul that You are a God of forgiveness.  A God of patience.  A God of mercy. 

Lord, please mold me, make my heart more mindful of when You have something to tell me!  Teach me to go through my days totally on fire for You alone!  Where the only thoughts that fly around in my mind are pleasing in Your sight.  The only words I speak point back to You.

Thank you Abba Father for loving me even though I will never be able to deserve it!!

I ask this all in Your precious Son Jesus' name. 

Amen!

I pray that the Lord blesses you abundantly today & that you will feel His embrace forever!

Au Revoir...Until next time.

Many Blessings!  =)

Tiffani

One Lovely Blog...

Whatever is true, what ever is noble...whatever is right

Whatever is pure, whatever is lovely...it can be in might

If there is anything good in this world...Just think about it

Just think about that

Think About That ~ Janna Long

(Also found in Philippians 4:8)

I am quite joyful right now...I was tagged by Sierra at His Handmaiden. 

I am supposed to tell you all 7 things about myself and then tag 15 other blogs!

Ok, here it goes:

1~ I love acting onstage.  It gives me such joy to entertain people, I also love the spontaneity of theatre as well... You can't call "cut" in the middle of a show...I know it probably sounds weird, but I actually like it when little things go wrong...it keeps me on my toes (so to speak).  =)

2~ Those of you who know me, know that I am the biggest fan of I Love Lucy, now you may beg to differ...but I'm completely serious.  My dad says I'm "freak-ish" when it comes to I Love Lucy.  In the most loving way of course...  =)  I own all the seasons & have seen each episode at least 20 times... My absolute favorites probably more than 100 times...and I'm not exaggerating.    =P

3~ My favorite theatre play is Cats.  I'm planning on buying myself a ticket as an early birthday present to me, when it plays near where I live in January.  =)

4~ I own one cat named Wiggles (or as I like to call him...Caluba...long story...and I don't even know if I remember why I call him that, anymore).

5~ I am a hopeless romantic... (Ok, so not hopeless!)  I just really, really like happy endings...especially the ones that make me cry or make say "awwwww".

6~ I call my mom, Anya.  You know what happens when you're in a big group of people and you call "mom"...  My mom never hears me...and even if she does, she doesn't know it's me...  So I call her Anya (it means mommy in Hungarian (and yes, I am part Hungarian  =)  ))

7~ I love tea parties.  Whether it's just me and my mom or a sweet sister in Christ or one of the very girly ones.  Where the table is set up just so...there are the fancy tea cups, you get dressed up & of course talk in your best British accent!  =)

Wow, that was harder than I thought it was going to be...

So the blogs I'm tagging...

Sierra ~ http://www.hishandmaiden.com/

Melanie ~ http://www.foreverhisservant.blogspot.com/

Alexandrea ~ http://www.basketsandbaking.blogspot.com/

Cassie ~ http://www.abridepreparing.blogspot.com/

Miss Bethany ~ http://www.secureinhisarms.blogspot.com/
Grace-Home ~ http://gracehopeslegos.blogspot.com/

I know that's not 15...unfortunately I don't follow that many blogs...  Also, I know some of you have already been tagged, but I still think your blogs are lovely!

Au Revoir...Until next time.

Many Blessings!  =)

Tiffani