Giving Thanks

Below is a poem about the upcoming holiday that I enjoy.  It is one of my favorite holiday.  It is a time to stop, see what God has blessed in my life in the past year.  It is a time to serve others, connect with family, friends, be comfortable in sharing my relationship with God to others.  Thanksgiving Time!


Wait a minute:  isn't that something that I should be doing in my daily walk!!!  I hope you see this time of the year as a time to get centered again, if you might have your priority list out of wack.  To me this time of year is a great reminder of what is important in my life.  I see my purpose more fully. My hope is renewed in the freshness of His grace.  May you/I be bold in our/my walk with God.  May you/I daily have Him as our/my center.  May others see more of Him and less of Me.  Have a blessed Thanksgiving. 


Thanksgiving and Christmas are great avenues to share with your neighbors, coworkers, strangers that happen to "come into your life" at this time. Share how God has blessed your life and how He can be the "filler" of their emptiness deep within.  All humans search for something to fill the gap.  Our gap as Christians, is filled with God's mercy, love, accountability, and grace.  Sometimes we can forget that others are searching for that.  Honestly most times, we realize this need in others, only when we are being refined through a trial, rather than polished and shining when things are going great! 


Be aware of the gift that God has given you and me with these special days of celebration. Be less stressed about the unimportant things and more eager to enhance the important things this holiday season!

For this we give Thanks by Raymond A. Foss

For this day and for this hour,

for the joys of family, and

time to spend together

for the love we share

this Thanksgiving Day

across the miles,

when we are apart,

and for the closeness

we share in our hearts

Oh grant the world

a bit of peace

this day of rest and

day of grace

May we pause and

think again

of the God that provides,

sustains, and guides us all

and give thanks

Praise and be thankful daily, but also be open to hearing God's directions in your praise and thanksgiving.
Ps. 69:30
I Thess 5:18

A Personal Note from Above

I have permission to use this on my blog. A friend of mine, thanks Lisa L. has this on her blog and it always "catches" my eyes, then reminds my heart and soul what a Wonderful loving Savior I serve. Enjoy the blessings of the day you are given.

A Love Letter...

My child,

You may not know me, but I know everything about you. Psalm 139:1

I know when you sit down and when you rise up. Psalm 139:2

I am familiar with all your ways. Psalm 139:3

Even the very hairs on your head are numbered. Matthew 10:29-31

For you were made in my image. Genesis 1:27

In me you live and move and have your being. Acts 17:28

For you are my offspring. Acts 17:28

I knew you even before you were conceived. Jeremiah 1:4-5

I chose you when I planned creation. Ephesians 1:11-12

You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book. Psalm 139:15-16

I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live. Acts 17:26

You are fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 139:14

I knit you together in your mother's womb. Psalm 139:13

And brought you forth on the day you were born. Psalm 71:6

I have been misrepresented by those who don't know me. John 8:41-44

I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love. 1 John 4:16

And it is my desire to lavish my love on you. 1 John 3:1

I offer you more than your earthly father ever could. Matthew 7:11

For I am your perfect father. Matthew 5:48

Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand. James 1:17

For I am your provider and I meet all your needs. Matthew 6:31-33

My plan for your future has always been filled with hope. Jeremiah 29:11

Because I love you with an everlasting love. Jeremiah 31:3

My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore. Psalm 139:17-18

And I rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17

I will never stop doing good to you. Jeremiah 32:40

For you are my treasured possession. Exodus 19:5

I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul. Jeremiah 32:41

And I want to show you great and marvelous things. Jeremiah 33:3

If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me. Deuteronomy 4:29

Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4

For it is I who gave you those desires. Philippians 2:13

I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine. Ephesians 3:20

For I am your greatest encourager. 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you. Psalm 34:18

As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart. Isaiah 40:11

One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes. Revelation 21:3-4

And I'll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth. Revelation 21:3-4

I am your father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus. John 17:23

For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed. John 17:26

He is the exact representation of my being. Hebrews 1:3

He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you. Romans 8:31

And to tell you that I am not counting your sins. 2 Corinthians 5:18-19

Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled. 2 Corinthians 5:18-19

His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you. 1 John 4:10

I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love. Romans 8:31-32

If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me. 1 John 2:23

And nothing will ever separate you from my love again. Romans 8:38-39

Come home an I'll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen. Luke 15:7

I have always been Father, and will always be Father. Ephesians 3:14-15

My question is...Will you be my child? John 1:12-13

I am waiting for you. Luke 15:11-32

Love,

Your Dad, God Almighty

New chapter...or just a continuation...

My last post was about "what you're worth". It basically will relate to some thoughts that I'll be sharing in this post. This post is more for me than anyone else, so if you are happening to browse my blog, forgive me in advance for the ramblings and revelations that I will be sharing.

Our daughter, Megan graduated from Wilmington University in 2008. That being said, all of my family was through with us sacrificing for their education. We're all college graduates. The benefits were now available to me, if I so desired to take the "jump" to finish my B.S. degree. I thought that was the next thing to do with my life.

SO, I began taking courses: some good, some not-so-good, but I still continued (not without total encouragement from my family and some very, very close friends). I still felt unsettled by my choice. I had to cut back on some activities that I never could participate in due to work scheduleds. I would signup for a class and then drop a class inbetween taking a class or two. I was hoping to find some enjoyment out of it. Though I enjoy learning new things and reading, exploring, I did not like the classroom setting. I opted to do online classes, this too, though I had the ability to do it on "my terms", I still didn't enjoy the have to aspect of learning, (tests, papers, etc). I did enjoy finding the information and reading the text books but other aspects I did not enjoy.

It has been almost two years now that I have juggled what I described above. Many of you know that Jim and I met in college. I received an A.A. with a very strong emphasis in Music Ed. (in fact the classes currently took were classes that I omitted 30+ years ago...because I wanted to inhale all the music courses I could because that was my preference. I have enough music credits to teach in a public school setting). I have used my experience and knowledge for these 30+ years to instruct mostly children (some adults) in the art of piano, flute and some voice knowledge. It is something that for years, I felt less worthy to do, but have now come to realize, I'm as capable as any music instructor (for the levels that I choose to teach).

Here was my questioning: If I finish the degree (B.S.) what would that mean for me in my professional life: a) I could teach in a private school setting, b) I could increase my hourly fees due to the sheet of paper from a University. These are good reasons, but I forgot (for a time) some other answers. I had an interview at a local well-known music store for possible private instruction. In the process of the interview, I mentioned that I am finishing my degree, they said that is a good thing, but to be an effective music instructor (remember my level of teaching-beginners-intermediate)-experience is the key (no pun intended). Keeping up on the methods, textbooks, etc mixed with personal musical experience is alot of what makes an effective teacher. That set off a light for me!! I realized, I've been doing what I always thought I would do, be a music teacher, but I haven't been truly enjoying it...thinking I needed more to fulfill this void.

After this interview I went home, shared the info with my hubby, who has been my best supporter throughout all our years together! I started thinking and praying. I wanted the Lord to show me what is right for me, not for Jim, for the kids, for my extended family, for others, but for me an what I will feel worthy of as I serve Him in my life.

I've ALWAYS struggled with pleasing others, wondering what others thought, how to do it so others would always benefit, rather than what is God's plan for Tina! God has been showing me through other aspects of my life what His Plan is, so now was the time for me to ask him about this part of my life.

Just this past week, I really wrestled with this issue of taking more classes (being almost done, etc...8 more classes I think), and I came to a calming realization, that I am not fulfilled in taking classes, in fact, it makes a bit "freaky" when it is time for another class to begin. I feel continually like there is a monkey on my back while in the courses and I have to neglect other things that I was not able to do earlier in our marriage due to working fulltime-part-time outside the home in a professional position. I am blessed to even be able to make these choices in today's economy and that makes me even more "angry" with myself and my lack of confidence in making the "right choice". (Sorry I got off on a babbling trip). I made a bold confident decision and after I shared it with those most closest to me, I felt a peace and calmness over me. Is it the right decision, it is for me at this time. Will I ever change this view, there is a possibility, but I have so much to offer with the talents I now have, how can I be feeling empty and concerned that I'm serving others so they will benefit.

Here is what I shared with my family and friends. I share it with you all as well:

"I am done with trying classes, etc. I LOVE my music instruction and know that I can add to my schedule if I desire. I "freak out" each block and second guess myself. I'm not doing it anymore. Even the fun classes. I have plenty hobbies, interests, activities, causes, etc to challenge me. I now have the confidence to know that I don't need the paper to be smart and to continue to learn. Some are better at the college setting...Give me the music and the social aspect...you can keep the rest. :-D I would have definitely finished after receiving my A.A., but now I don't see the need and I don't have the desire. in this case, it is about what I think is best. Hope you're all not too disappointed. The monkey is now off my back! "

I am thankful for God allowing me to find the confidence that He always knew was in me. Jim sees it, but I had to see it before it could be used to the level that was needed. I may decide further down the road that college is an option, but then again...God may direct me in another avenue. I love to learn and we can learn in sooo many settings.

Here are some replies to my note above. "Ultimately the question is what do you want to do with your life. What may be at the heart of this is what has driven you for much of your life-pleasing others. Basically I want you to love your life, and not base your success in life on what the world preceives as success. Be content in your choice, Be confident in your choice and be confident in your worthiness." "I love that you've tried and tried again and again. Only you know your limits. S top feeling like you have to explain or jstify your choices. No one is judging you. Formal education is only one type of education. You my friend have a PhD. in being a wife, mother, friend, teacher, menotr, servant and most importanly a child of God." "I'm sooo happy for you, that you finally have peace. You have my support no matter what you decide." "I am always in your corner." "I am not disappointed at all." "You wouldn't have know unless you tried again. You need to be confident in who you are and not worry about what you don't have (sheet of paper-another degree). You have sooo much. I just want you to be confident and satisfied in your decision."

God has blessed me over and over again with these family members and friends and there were more.

So all this to let you know that I'm enjoying my life, I am learning not to second guess or think of what I could have done and how our lives would be different, or at times in my eyes somewhat better. I know that to give in one aspect you have to let go in others. Jim and I have a wonderful life and I know that my influence on others has been for the most part a positive influence. May I continue to serve in a confident, worthy, smart, passionate way that others see more of Him and less of me.

I am content and sooooo thankful for it!

Enjoy whatever you are doing and do it to the fullest for Him. It's Wednesday and today is lessons day....bring on the piano/flute students...your teacher is ready and so thankful to share her passion for music!!!

Are You Really Worth It?

The note below I received from a friend and this is not the first time that I have received this via email. It is a good forward. I'm not sure who wrote this, so I'm not able to give credit where credit is due.

If you have seen this before, still take the time to read it. For me repetition is a good thing...it helps me to remember. One point I pray your retain....you are SOOOO WORTH IT!! Worth enough to die for. How awesome is that!?! He felt we were WORTH the price.

Prayerfully and humbly may you will always see yourself as being Worth it!! God has given all of us so many blessings, but one of the most cherished is the relationships that we have with other women in our lives. May your day be blessed and soooo worth it. You are amazing!!

~Tina

God doesn't give you the people you want; He gives you the people you NEED.... to help you, to hurt you, to leave you, to love you and to make you into the person you were meant to be.

One Flaw In Women

Women have strengths that amaze men.... They bear hardships and they carry burdens, but they hold happiness, love and joy. They smile when they want to scream. They sing when they want to cry. They cry when they are happy and laugh when they are nervous. They fight for what they believe in... They stand up to injustice. They don't take "no" for an answer when they believe there is a better solution. They go without so their family can have. They go to the doctor with a frightened friend. They love unconditionally. They cry when their children excel and cheer when their friends get awards. They are happy when they hear about a birth or a wedding. Their hearts break when a friend dies. They grieve at the loss of a family member, yet they are strong when they think there is no strength left. They know that a hug and a kiss can heal a broken heart. Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors. They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you to show how much they care about you. The heart of a woman is what makes the world keep turning. They bring joy, hope and love. They have compassion and ideas. They give moral support to their family and friends. Women have vital things to say and everything to give.

HOWEVER, IF THERE IS ONE FLAW IN WOMEN, IT IS THAT THEY FORGET THEIR WORTH.

Please pass this along to all your women friends and relatives to remind them just how amazing they are.

"The WILL of GOD will never take you where the GRACE of GOD will not protect you"

I LOVE YOU!!!!!