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

INSPIRATIONS!: Inspired to Fly High!

MM's beat-up toy, so true to the character!

So some days ago, we took my son and his cousins to see Disney's Planes. Now like many other adults, the kids were just our excuse for going to see it as it was highly anticipated for me. And it did not disappoint. Now I am not a film critic, but I do connect with matters of the heart and all I can really say is that my eyes were teared up from almost the beginning to the end of this animated feature. The movie spoke to so many issues that I can relate with, but for the sake of those who have not yet seen it, i'll keep my comments brief. However, I would like to share some keys that I came away with, concepts or statements that made an impact on me. Here they are:

"I have flown thousands of miles but have been no where"

Man, that hit home the moment the words made it through my ears. I can relate having taken the "scenic route" to reach a variety of goals. Can you relate with having felt like you've gone back and forth and back and forth for years without making true progress? I want to fly a thousand more miles but this time I want to have the passport to new experiences, enriching opportunities and life long fulfillment. It's my earnest plea!

"Racing with another's shadow..." 

What an engaging concept! When I thought of this, I thought of those who proceed me; those who have been successful in areas that I can only wish for. As they lead with an impeccable and flawless example, I can relate with the notion of "racing with their shadow": working to be just as talented and just as impactful as their example, yet within a new context. It really got me thinking.

Overcoming limitations. Getting pass stigma. Breaking through barriers. 

I thought about what it's like when no one thinks you can or should make it...what it can be like when you beat the odds. And one of the most powerful things for me was in seeing the energy and freedom in overcoming fear! There is so much liberty and excitement in conquering fear and flying high!

"When you win, I win too."

I think this is what I went away with. Supporting those who are winning in the race. I might not be up at the front, but I can support the people who are, because when they win, so do I, and so does the society as a whole. Really got me thinking about some old goals and old plans. I might not be on that path today but nothing stops me from supporting those who are and watching them realize that dream as a result. It is truly empowering!

So my all-in-all scoop on Planes? I've got it on pre-order, and I'm going to look for the soundtrack! Definitely entertaining for the kids but thought-provoking for abstract thinkers. I can't wait to watch it over and over again and reinforce these and many more lessons to the kids.

Thoughtfully yours,

Lyrics by tia 2013

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
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