Four Years a Mom

We started a new tradition this year. An additional aspect to the Birthday Celebration; a time to remember and reminisce. For me, I recall about this time 4 years ago when I began experiencing the pangs of labor for the very first time. I began an experience that some have described to be the worse pain a woman could possibly have. My story was unique as is every other mom's, but as we celebrate my first born child's 4th birthday, I am reminded that it is a pivotal time for me too: I am four years a mom!

We had him on the 22nd. I broke out in lavish praise when I heard his first cry. I could hardly take it all in when I first held him in my arms. We brought him home on Christmas day in a red Christmas bootie that he was given as a gift from the hospital. It was such a time of excitement and joy as family and friends flooded our home with their presence and love. Imagine Tidings of Great Joy meshed with the awe of a brand new son!

I celebrate because my entry into motherhood was stark and real; the reality of holding all responsibility for a newborn was no joke. But I have come to realize that first-time motherhood throughout the entire journey is even less of a joke; for no matter how they came in, they encounter that relationship with you afresh every new day. I find that my first born is coaching me constantly, teaching me what is best and what isn't, what works and what doesn't. He's "The Experimental Child," allowing me to test my instincts and ideas so that those afterward enjoy a smoother ride.

So today, I celebrate me. I celebrate making it to having a bright and intriguing pre-schooler; a young man who will be encountering the real world real soon.

We love you, MM! I look forward to being a better mother as we prayerfully parent you, and we know that you will teach your brother and any others along the way how to be exceptional individuals.

With love and gratitude,

-tia.
12/22/13

Infinity and Beyond

INFINITY 2008

 

Infinity and a day
I'm here to stay
Come what may
Committed to a lifetime
Of yays and nays

 

Infinity and reflection
We don't have perfection
But we do have hope
That HE that started this thing
Can make it never ending

 

Infinity in His presence
For as iron sharpens Iron
We've been given
A challenge like no other
The refiners fire
A forum where GOD develops the best me
And the best you
I'm willing to work at it together
For infinity and forever

-Lyrics by tia 100813

Always Give 100%

Image from ImgAce.com

You've all heard the saying "It will turn around and bite you in the butt".

Well I've got bites all over!

In fact, I have come to realize that there are certain empirical truths that are in the Word of God that just cannot be disputed. The #1 WORD I have found to be true?:

You will reap what you sow (Galatians 6:7)

You know that shotty work you did for your boss last week? And do you remember that day you got to work an hour late and did not account for it? Or what about the time you left work early to address some personal matter?

How about the time you returned that dress that you had already worn 3 times or returned an item that you had bought on sale without the receipt so that you would have a credit for a higher amount?

The list is endless and I know several quite well.

I am realizing that at the end of the day, it will matter. Down the line, somehow it will catch up with you. And even if you don't get caught, or have a fine or get found out, most of the time it is your character that ends up being tainted.

These things do come back and bite you in the butt and sometimes you just end up feeling a lot of regret for some choice you've made.

I've got some of those regrets too.

I wish I had always been an excellent employee in the past, surpassing expectations, showing passion in my work and being someone who is always highly recommended.

I wish I had always served in the church willingly, with the utmost humility and servant's-heart.

I wish I had always shown my family and friends how much I loved them by being open-handed with gifts and genuine tokens of appreciation.

I wish a lot of things that impact character where different in my life. But thank God for now! Thank God for the opportunity to switch gears and be who "I wished" I was!

So lets put some antiseptics on those bites and allow them to heal while we make better choices that will make an excellent impact on others. Down the line you'll find that more people revere and respect you; you will be the type of person whose reputation has already paved the way for you, like Ruth. So is my prayer for you and I!

Wishing you the best!
-tia

Ruth 2:10-12 NLT

Ruth fell at his feet and thanked him warmly. "What have I done to deserve such kindness?" she asked. "I am only a foreigner." "Yes, I know," Boaz replied. "But I also know about everything you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband. I have heard how you left your father and mother and your own land to live here among complete strangers. May the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge, reward you fully for what you have done."

INSPIRATIONS!: Divinely Unwind with BONA

Image by Warren Timothy Photography

(Inspired to bow)

Friday night pretty much means the same thing in many circles.

Happy Hour.           The Club.               Drinks at the Bar. 

Everybody is trying to take the edge off of the prior week. 

Well, this past Friday night, some friends and I decided that we would Divinely Unwinded with BONA and her Acoustic Guitar at her Blood and Grace Album Release, Ebeneezer Coffee House.

You see, BONA has been gradually and steadily developing her music and style, and I for one can tell you that she is ultimately about worship. The first time I heard her live was at DARA’s album release. Her opening piece was her simple rendition of Keith Green’s Oh Lord You’re Beautiful (currently playing as I write). As the lyrics rang clearly through the sanctuary, they traveled directly into my spirit, moving me immediately to tears. I had been struggling with some things and at that very moment, I was reminded of the preeminence of God and what my focus should be. An instant groupie with my first taste, it was insane how much I anticipated this event! And I was not disappointed.

So as I sat on yesterday and the program began to start, all I could see were Song Writers with Instruments! As a lyricist I was in awe of the high level of spiritual insight and sensitivity to the Living Word of God! BONA’s opening act, Trenton Cokley, was fantastic; his single Someone Else is available on iTunes.

There I was, placed squarely before my God and Maker in the midst of friends. I was where I wanted to be. Another highly anticipated project, Blood and Grace is beautiful and hearing the title track LIVE was serious, ya’ll! The concert rolled on like a love affair...yeah, like the progression of an eternal romance. Each song soulful; each song sweet—oh , my goodness; it felt like college again!...Back when my musically-inclined friends would chill and relax by creating worship together and enjoying the Presence of God. When them fine Christian men would stop and stare at the ceiling in the cafeteria for several moments to advert their attention from the scantily-clad girl walking by! Yes, those were the days of I Kissed Dating Goodbye; learning from seasoned female student leadership at Women's Cell Group; and midnight/early risers' prayer as young people cried out to God for over an hour at a time! When it was just me and HIM and that was enough...I had forgotten what it used to be like until then as I was surrounded by so many young people passionately in love with Christ. Completely taken, I was moved to tears once again, reminiscing on those times when I once laid in HIS bosom fervently. It was truly a time and place for me to heal, to unwind, to breath, and fall in love with Jesus all over again.

The lyrics of each song described an experience I could identify with, leaving me to wonder how such feelings could be put to words. I was inspired to seek God so that I too can write and speak my soul; to somehow translate my struggles into expressions of worship. I was inspired to fall on my knees, for I who desires to ‘unlock the hidden treasures of the heart’ must first know the only ONE who knows the heart and has that key. I was challenged to return to my First Love. Inspired to come to Christ again, I was made to wonder where I went and where I have been all this while...

Wish you were there? Well, guess what! You can obtain a free download!!!

And, above that, there is an ENCORE Event THIS Friday, July 19th!!!!!

BONA, congratulations on a successful event and thank you for the opportunity to be a part. Continue to share the Power of God through High Worship! Lyrics by tia will definitely continue following!

Lyrics by tia
071313

I Choose You- Part I: The demise

Image courtesy of DrAjao @www.DrAjao.com

The challenge of relationship is in letting go of ourselves, our selfishness and our pride in order to give way for mutual understanding and the divine love of God. Today, as I sort through the rubble of my destructive choices, I courageously seek to conquer my inadequacies in this area. Praying for God's special grace to succeed, I share this piece with you.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

I Choose You: The demise

I choose you

The demise of my pride

Choosing to hold my tongue

Being fully aware

That what I say today

Can scar us tomorrow

I choose you

Instead of bitterness and anger

Deciding to love instead

Placing you before I

My very being divides

I explode painfully into freedom as I capture the truth of such love divine

I decide to let go of self and capture peace and help

From the Lord in whom all things are possible

I choose you instead of the pain I harbor inside

The silence that lies between us

The fear to speak less you get your way victoriously

But I speak letting understanding reign and thus the connection that we need.

When you’ve hurt my feelings, my pride

Whether knowing or through a fault of mine

I struggle within

Forgiveness? Your chances are slim

And sin?

It darkens my soul within

As I fight to withhold the dignity that I believe is mine

I shouldn’t have to apologize

My ego and pride should not be demised

The stubborn plans that I devise

Should stand uncompromised

I choose to restrain though with disdain

I fall to my knees and cry.

I surrender.

And it is in this very act that I rise and our love, understanding and peace in kind

Choosing to believe that when I let my kingdom fall, my dynasty will rise from obscurity and shine

So to have mine? I choose you. I choose thine.

-Lyrics by tia 2011

See Part II here

Remind me of my Vows

Image courtesy of Tunji Sarumi Photography @ http://www.tunjisarumi.com/

On today, the celebration of my 3rd marriage anniversary, i'm reminded of the vows I made to my husband as I agreed to this life-long commitment. I waltzed into marriage with starry eyes and all the optimism in the world but soon came to find out that love is much more than a fuzzy feeling. I pray daily for the grace to achieve these vows and much more. So, please be blessed.

To my one and only:

I often stop and think ‘Is this really happening to me?’ God has blessed me beyond my imagination as His Word promises. For all the years I waited for you I can truly say that every anticipatory moment, every past heartbreak, and every discomfort was worth it.

I passionately await the time that I will spend with you, embracing now and planning for the future. My mind broadens, my heart enlarges, and I am able to comprehend the vastness of the plan of God for our lives. I am overwhelmed, yet I know that as a team we will conquer.

I will be here for you. As long as God gives me the privilege to breath, I will stand by you. This is my commitment to you. May I be all that you’ve ever hoped for in a wife. May I stand as a pillar of faith in the God who has brought us this far. May I be a blessing to your entire family all the days of my life. And may joy abound continually in our home.

I will always love you in a way that supersedes the way that I feel. I am devoted to us. We are in this together and I am excited about what lies ahead. Let our new lives begin.

-tia 2008