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

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

Inspirations: The Way You Make Me Feel, MJ!

Image courtesy of DrAjao

(Inspired to Praise)

The first time I heard my sons' cries, my response was exactly the same.
I mean, imagine that moment when a person doesn't exist and then the next moment they do, and they proclaim their arrival with a strong, wailing greeting.

Praise exploded from my heart at that moment!
Unrestrained and unrestricted praise.
I couldn't have cared less about the OBs, Nurses, Anesthesiology, Techs and others present
I actually couldn't help myself and I couldn't contain it.
Both were amazing moments.

From their first cries till now, my MJ still compels me to praise. I'm sure you know what I mean.

When we look them over...you know, tilt our heads to the side and look real close at their features...
How likened they are to us and/or our spouses?
Fearful at times at the resemblance?
I look at how wondrously they are made and again I am compelled to praise.
"My God! You are wonderful!"

What about how they surprise us at the intricate details and knowledge
That they soak up moment by moment, without our intervention?
We think 'How could someone so small be so smart?' 
When they say witty things, we wonder how this whole person could have come out from us!:
"I am actually a parent! Who would have thought? Thank You, Jesus!"

And when we look at how they are literally maturing before our eyes,
Becoming more handsome and more beautiful, and think 
'What a perfect blend of genes! LORD, You are amazing!

GOD is worthy of all this praise, for HE designed them specially to bring us joy in life.

So my dear children, my MJ, thank you for inspiring me to praise. 

For inspiring me to praise through my example to you. 

Praise through my love and service to you as your mom; 

Through discipline, as I envision the astute men you will one day be. 

Inspired to draw closer to the Lord so that I can teach you the things of God; 

The pleasures of knowing HIM in your youth, 

In being so near and dear to Him that he orchestrates your plans, 

Giving you opportunities that I didn't have

Praise through my work because all that I am today 

Is because you inspired me to do better,

You are the reason my life has changed today, 

Because you inspired me to get off my butt and get out the door to make something happen!

That's how you make me feel, my MJ,

'Cause as another MJ (2009-2013) said:

Oh I'll Be Workin' From Nine To Five

To Buy You Things To Keep you by my side

Enjoy this track with me as a tribute to the MJ we celebrate today.

I remember where I was this day in 2009, MM still in utero and Jojo only a dream

I'm grateful to have them both as a source of joy today.

I love you, My MJ.

06/25/13

We live but once

Special thanks to All is Well-Inspire for sharing the following quote which inspires my post today.

I shall pass through this life but once. Any good, therefore, that I can do or any kindness I can show to my fellow creature, let me do it now. Let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again ~ Etienne De Grellet

This quote really hit home for me because I too have been thinking about the fact that we live but once. We’ve got one life to live, one opportunity, and each moment is a chance to focus on something special, something important to us; something fulfilling and that has lasting impact.

Why not spare that extra few minutes to talk to a friend? It doesn’t hurt to pick up the phone to call a relative you haven’t talked to in a long time.

So you have a few dollars in your pocket; why not give it with the opportunity. The impact might be momentary but you will make an impact. Check out The Good 30 Day Challenge.

You have that concept, that idea; are you going to selfishly let it die with you because you don’t see how you will gain from giving it? It is better to sow it and let God take care of the increase. Trust Him.

We have a limited time on earth; each of us have a time to go. Let’s grab hold of the legacy our parents and grand parents have to pass on, lest they leave without sharing all that is on their hearts. I recommend getting a voice recording device and recording special dialogues where you dig deep into their lives and experiences, extracting the richness of your heritage.

Let’s invest in our children. Every moment counts, because each moment that ticks away inches them closer to adulthood and it is what we do this moment that will impact their destinies.

We live but once; let’s make the most of the life we've been given, and may He say "Well Done" on that faithful day.

Lyrics by tia 2011

The Value of Life

I've been thinking a lot lately about what is important in life.

Turns out that many things that were so important years ago won’t even matter any more

I think to myself, when I die will God say unto me ‘Well done thou good and faithful servant. Thou obtained a double doctorate and honors in all of your coursework. Enter into the joy of the Lord.”

Would He commend me for amassing wealth beyond measure and making a name for myself?

Or rejoice over all of the church events I planned, all the services I attended, and all of the “hard work” I put in at the expense of my mandated responsibilities?

Would he consider all the people I ignored on a day to day, relationships I forfeited, people I overlooked…all the grace and compassion that I withheld because I was too busy?

And lately I’ve been thinking of my son, young as he is. What will I teach him about value? If I were to loose him before his time, would I say ‘if only he had done better in school’ or ‘I wish I had disciplined him more’(which by the way happens most of the time because I refuse to pay attention to him and give him my undivided attention)? I think I would wish that I had spent more quality time with him, listened to him more, hugged and kissed him more, taught him intentionally, played leisurely with him—showed him that I love him!

Excuse me ya’ll; I’m going to go play cars with MM. His smiles and giggles definitely make it worthwhile and it is those memories that I will cherish even as I “lose” his childhood and innocence.

I welcome discussion.

-Lyrics by tia 2011

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

One thing is needful...

Image courtesy of DrAjao @ www.DrAjao.com

One valuable lesson that I’ve learned as a public health professional in maternal and child health is that a child reaching his or her 1st birthday is a big deal. So you can imagine our zeal as my son and I have been celebrating 1st birthdays back to back every weekend now. With at least one, sometimes two or three celebrations to attend, we’ve had to plan our time wisely as a family. But it is such a joy to celebrate with families whose little ones have reached this milestone.

In fact, the first significant 1st birthday party I helped to celebrate in my adult life was that of my first nephew. Having rented a hall for the celebration, we got there early to arrange tables and chairs and to start the decorations. Several adults were there helping to prepare, and the birthday boy was present as well. As I diligently helped to set up tables and place centerpieces, I noticed that my husband was not helping. In fact, he was sitting down leisurely playing intently with the birthday boy! Obviously annoyed that he wasn’t pitching in, my intentions were to approach him to complain. However, before making those moves, I stopped to consider the scenario more closely.

There and then, it dawned on me that my husband had chosen the principle thing: his focus was on the most important entity in the room! We were there to celebrate my nephew on his 1st birthday, thus, all of the fan-fare, planned activities and logistics were really second-place to the reality that we have a happy, hearty and healthy child to celebrate.

This reminded me of the Biblical account of Mary and Martha when Jesus came to visit (Please read Luke 10:38-42). Martha was busy working, and serving, and preparing, while Mary sat lovingly at the feet of Jesus, taking in His enduring Word. As my husband laughed and played with the jolly toddler, I had to appreciate his choice to focus on the celebrant rather than on the celebration.

So in a way, this is a lesson to all of us adults: in all of the trivial activities and busy work we do, let’s not forget that relationship is what is important; spending quality time with our kids and letting them know of their special significance to us i.e. “being” for them rather than just “doing” for them. But of course, let my experience be another way for you to grasp what the Scripture is emphasizing in the Book of Luke.

I pray for the grace to spend each moment concentrating on what is needful.

-Lyrics by tia

September 29, 2011 5:45-6:12am