Sunday, November 17, 2013

Almost lost

The Lewis family is losing it today. I'm blaming the humidity and 85 degree November day for this one. It doesn't explain the epic tantrums that have become our daily norm, BUT today...it's totally the weather.

And I feel lost and deflated when we lose it as a family. Whether at each other or with each other or alone, I just don't know what to do.

The boy just melted today. And I had no power to change the furrowed brow or the crocodile tears or the mixture of snot that they created. I tried grabbing and holding on for dear life....and that didn't work. It just made him angrier. I tried joking....and that didn't work.

As i walked to my room to pick up the laundry basket, I prayed that I wouldn't lose him. It's too soon to have these struggles. So, I made him help me with laundry. I threw towels at him. Then socks. Then the same socks. Then the same socks. Then the same socks. And FINaLLy he cracked. And smiled. And we played catch with socks for a few minutes. And he hugged me and was passed whatever the heck it was that shut him down for an hour this afternoon.

And my new mantra, "Do you need help or do you need a spanking?" Directed at my mini-me...doesn't work. And I don't mean to brag, but as I was typing this she ripped the shower curtain and bent the curtain rod because she's mad that I had the audacity to make her shower..

Take heart beautiful mothers and sisters and friends... There will be joy again...

Joyfully full of it...seriously, full of it today!

Tiff


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Friday, October 11, 2013

Two years..but I'm not counting

Tomorrow is October 12. This date will forever represent the day that it all changed. And if I said "good change" you would either think I was callous or normal.... Depending on if you have "that" date in your family or not. My daughter doesn't recognize the man in the picture....that's a tough thing to face. His face will forever make me smile.




This is a picture of my dad in 2008. Before my family started remembering dates that change our lives. And October 12, 2011 he went to heaven. I like to say his impatience and curiosity finally caught up with him and he won the ultimate race.

You can read more about it here...

http://www.mykidsmakemesmile.blogspot.com/2009/02/recoverybasketballtvtrains-see-last.html

(I don't know how to do fancy links on this app..sorry)

We were and are again, that nauseating beaver cleaver family that really loves each other. We had a hard couple of years but God has been so faithful and has held on to my family so tightly. Our first date was January 31, 2009. I won't rehash the details. I've blogged about it. So did my sister (www.heleekalesmom.blogspot.com). We've blogged and talked and cried and paid a lot of money to a shrink and we've survived.

And if my dad's death accomplished anything, it was bring us all back to the Savior's feet. Humble. Mourning. Angry. And in need of a little help.

In the beginning, I didn't think I would ever stop counting the days. Then keeping up with the weeks. Or months. But we finally made it to counting the years. I call this healing. We miss him. We will see him again.

My family was so supported by friends and family right after daddy left us. We received so many flowers and plants. And two years later, look what I haven't killed...



















The last four were all in the same pot. And I just about killed them. Last year I decided to repot them. And really had to pray about the fact that they could possibly fade away. I struggled with what that would mean. (And if it would make me cry....ugh).

As you can see, they are alive and look back at the pictures, NEW GROWTH. I just noticed it today. NEW GROWTH two years later. What a wonderful surprise and reason to celebrate.

My dad still sneaks up on us. He's like a 6'6" ninja. Sneaking up when we least expect it.

Just exactly when my soul needs it. I stop. Remember. And talk about this amazing man that was lucky enough to be my dad. ;) such a lucky guy....

My mom went to see dad today. To spend time with her best friend of 35 years. And to cry (probably) for the loss we feel. I bet she laughs too because my daddy brought such great joy to everyone around him.

Tomorrow will be a hard day for my family. And next year will be a hard day for my family. We'll have hard (ninja) days in between. We'll laugh at the days ahead and have no fear. Joy will fill our cups and overflow to those around us. And HIS peace will settle on our shoulders.




And soon enough... We'll see Toot-Toot again.

I bet he'll have lots of good jokes to tell us.

Joyfully full of it,

Tiff

Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid. Do not be discouraged; The Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:9

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

Lemons and Love






Well, you know the saying...."when you buy a bag of lemons at Walmart, you make lemonade with the hope that you can use the time to bond with your son who is struggling." You've heard that right? ;)




So that's what we did Monday. We made lemonade. Just me and my sweet little man. His idea. We googled the recipe just like Martha Stewart would do and make sugar filled lemonade.
















And it was delightful. The minutes we spent together as well as the delicious lemonade. I have missed this sweet boy and his smile. I miss having days that aren't tear filled and painful.

In fact, we are having a hard day today. But I'm clinging to that handsome smiling face today and pressing into him until I find a way to love him through this mess of growing up.

I'm claiming a verse my mom reminded me of that got us through a rough patch before....

Ephesians 3:17b-21
And I pray that you [Michael], being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge--that you [Michael] may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all the generations [even this current generation], for ever and ever! Amen.

There some real power in those verses that I need to cling to when I'm deflated and beat down by the burden of parenting my beautiful children.

Joyfully full of whatever I can get....
Tiff

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Almost Famous

This weekend was spent in Dallas with my handsome husband. We went to a wedding for a very dear friend from high school. I got to see my beautiful friends from high school (and elementary school...) and meet Gretchen from the Real Housewives.
 Meet Miranda. Friends forever...really, for at least 30 years. I don't know why she is still my friend and I am so blessed by her. You can follow her journey with twin boys here. She also actually took a picture of the beautiful bride...

 The picture of 3: Me, Erica, Miranda
Erica is my fabulous friend from high school. She has the coolest life. She doesn't blog because her life is so busy. Her joy flows from her words and actions every time I get to see her.
 The beautiful addition to this picture is Amanda. Friend from high school. I don't get to see her enough because she is a real grown up with a grown up job.
 And here's where I am almost famous. I think I was telling them that I didn't have cable and hadn't seen their show. But I still wanted a picture to show my sister. 
 I'm currently waiting for the producers to ask me to come in for a cameo and maybe a re-occuring role. I astounded them with my wit!

Maybe that's a stretch. 

The "fiance" walked up to Mike and this is how that conversation went...

Fiance: So, do you know who I am?
Mike: No. Should I? I'm Mike Lewis who are you?
Fiance: You really don't know who I am? I'm on TV.
Mike: Like on the news? I'm sorry, we aren't from Dallas. What channel are you on?
Fiance: .....(silence)....
Mike: We don't have cable. Or a computer at home.
Fiance: That's what she said. Really? We are on the Real Housewives.
Mike: We have an iPad. Could we watch your show on the iPad?
Fiance: Probably. ......(walked away)...

Don't you love my husband???

Joyfully full of all kinds of stuff!
Tiff

 View from our hotel room...Hot date! WOo-hoo...

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

What I learned over summer vacation.... By Tiffany Lewis

1. Summer time makes us all HANGRIER than usual!

2. Having Claire (the rock star nanny) for a month of the summer was delightful and was THE WAY to enjoy summer vacation!!

3. We missed Claire during August!

4. My summer bubble was wonderful and empty by my choice. And after I stopped checking my email and phone like a mad woman, I was able to slow down a little and enjoy the nothing.

5. I get lonely when my bubble is empty. (It's not a perfected process). Two more months of summer and I would have it down.

6. Even if you get up early ALL summer to work out and sweat, you can still get the summer suppleness.

7. I hate the summer suppleness.

8. If my children do not have food in their mouths at 11 and 3, ugly things will come out of their mouths.

9. Their momma also needs said snacks at said times for the same said reasons. ;)

10. I like being tan.

11. I especially like when my tan is for a week in Destin with my whole family.

12. Tennis is a new sport that our family enjoys. Especially for combatting #7 and supporting #10. Also, I don't feel as dumb wearing tennis skirts since I played 3 whole times this summer.

13. Katelynn's bucket list includes: red buckets, green buckets, blue buckets, and pink buckets. (Spelled bukets). She may not understand what a bucket list is. We may not have explained it to her because we thought it was so funny.

14. Giggling with my family is my favorite summer activity.

15. Just being with my family is my favorite place to be.

What did you learn over your summer vacation??

Joyfully full of it,
Tiff

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Loving on me

My family has "acts of service" the heck out of me this week. Just when I needed some love.













Free car wash! And after I dried it, it was lovely and clean...

But before this, my handsome husband acts of serviced this for me....



BAM! A deck to sit on and hang. He even strung Christmas lights in the tree so it's lit up.

So, in the midst of my temper tantrum because of my children's less than acceptable behavior, I was still so very much loved.

How have you felt or seen love this week? Soak up the hugs and kisses and clean cars you can. (And remember them when the sarcasm is spoken freely)

Joyfully full today....whew!

Tiff

Monday, August 19, 2013

But sometimes they don't....

My kids make me smile...but sometimes they don't.

I have picture to post of the 3 1/2 minutes that they haven't argued today but I'm just too exhausted to even try to start uploading the pictures.

How many days until they go to school? Don't get me wrong, I will cry and miss them and be sad that summer is over....but today...I'm not feeling that sadness...at all!

Are you feeling this way too?

Oh good. Solidarity sister. We can make it. The stress and excitement of the new school year may be overloading us. Or maybe we can only handle 69 days together before we totally lose it. Whatever it may be, I hope that you are able to stop yelling for a few minutes during this last week of summer...

 And remember that moment when he said he loved you....
 And she made a squirrel face with a 3 fingered peace sign....* I have no idea what she is doing.
And then remember that most of the time they do make you smile.

Maybe not today....

Striving for Joy and grasping at peace for 6 more days.
Tiff

Thursday, August 15, 2013

A "Ditto" Post

I think it's okay to "ditto" a post if it's a relatives. More than ditto, it's an AMEN post. Don't know how my sister is the pretty and smart one, but such is life. (She's the one in pink)

You can read her beautiful words here.

Here's a teaser quote:

"Lord we gather because we LOVE you and for no other reason, please help us to not disintegrated into irrelevance over the addiction to comparison.  Help us to continue to grow and reach those that want to know and love you more."

The Ellis/Lewis/Blount Family 2013

Thursday, August 8, 2013

Admitting Defeat

I started the summer just like I did last summer...with high and mighty plans of education and structure.

Does that make you laugh? Well, it should.

And now that we are in August and the home stretch toward forced structure and education, I've letting go and admitting defeat.

There will be no more rules of the road that include reading or workbook pages.

No, we won't sit and read a book instead of watching TV.

No, we won't play outside until lunch.

No, we won't gain any ground in our reading, writing, or arithmatic skills. (I'm leaving the misspelling of arithmatic to prove my point, and because I have no idea how to spell that fancy math word).

We will embrace the genetic tendencies to sit and watch TV all day. (Like thigh biscuits, the Ellis side of the family is notorious for TV watching expertise).

We will spend our time in the car playing our DS's. (Instead of fighting...please dear Lord).

She has a new game that is taking care of a puppy. Never mind that our kittens were out of food and water this morning..... Her virtual dog is well fed and walked.

He is playing another Lego game. It's the same one we have on the wii but I get to watch TV while he plays this one. My parenting excellence know no bounds.

And we will spend afternoons at the mall. (Do you hear the "How I met your mother" song "Let's go to the mall, today?" Because the Tyler mall has the best invention ever...the bouncy things. And my children love them.

The athletic ability of my family should impress you. Look how high she is...almost 9 feet.

He is just a little higher. And he wasn't giggling as much as her, which may account for his height.
Actually, we won't be going back to the mall unless it is to jump. Because let's be honest, I'm not 16 and my friends don't hang out there. (But if you are heading that way, call me and Let's go to the mall, Today...")

Also, I got a new watch and I am in love with it. Thank you Accessory Dash!


Embrace the laziness before the school storm.
Joyfully full of it,

Tiff

Monday, August 5, 2013

Out to pasture

Hello Beautiful,

This summer has been challenging for me. Please don't read that the summer has not be most excellent, oh my, it has....but challenging. I have felt beat down and have been struggling with, well, I really can't put my finger on what had me down. Please note the past tense HAD.

I told y'all that Melanie Shankle from the Big Mama blog was coming to Tyler. I could barely contain my excitement before and after the event. She spoke and I swear her words were directed to me! I had been praying for God to give me something...like a Psalm 257....dear Tiffany... To help me out of the ridiculous funk I was stuck in.

Well, he gave me Big Mama's words. They were so sweet and wonderful. I "know" this beautiful lady from her blog and the book I just finished.






It's a wonderful book about being a mom and loving even the hard times. She's funny and frank. My two favorite adjectives!

So, here's what she said. (Shared with permission...yes, I actually talked to her!!! I'll tell you about that below.)

From the Pasture to the Throne

1 Samuel 16. This is the story of when King David was called by God to be the next king of Isreal.

The Lord said to Samuel, r“How long will you grieve over Saul, since sI have rejected him from being king over Israel? tFill your horn with oil, and go. I will send you to Jesse the Bethlehemite, ufor I have provided for myself a king among his sons.” 2 And Samuel said, “How can I go? If Saul hears it, he will kill me.” And the Lord said, “Take a heifer with you and say, v‘I have come to sacrifice to the Lord.’ 3 And invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what you shall do. wAnd you shall anoint for me him whom I declare to you.” 4 Samuel did what the Lord commanded and came to Bethlehem. The elders of the city xcame to meet him trembling and said, y“Do you come peaceably?” 5 And he said, “Peaceably; I have come to sacrifice to the Lord. zConsecrate yourselves, and come with me to the sacrifice.” And he consecrated Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice.
6 When they came, he looked on aEliab and thought, “Surely the Lord’s anointed is before him.” 7 But the Lord said to Samuel, b“Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, cbut the Lord looks on the heart.” 8 Then Jesse called dAbinadab and made him pass before Samuel. And he said, “Neither has the Lord chosen this one.” 9 Then Jesse made dShammah pass by. And he said, “Neither has the Lord chosen this one.” 10 And Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel. And Samuel said to Jesse, “The Lord has not chosen these.” 11 Then Samuel said to Jesse, “Are all your sons here?” And he said, e“There remains yet the youngest,1 but behold, he is keeping the sheep.” And Samuel said to Jesse, f“Send and get him, for we will not sit down till he comes here.” 12 And he sent and brought him in.

I tried to paste it in and it looks funny, but the point is that Samuel went to Jesse to find the next king. He went through all of Jesse's sons except David...the one he left in the pasture with the sheep... Left out in the pasture. If God can find David in the pasture and use him, he can surely find you amongst the dirty clothes and floors.... Right??

Stay the course when the crap piles up around you.... Remain in Him... Let (Melanie) tell you why...

1. He is absolutely calling you to something. (Jeremiah 29:11)

2. Everything in your life has been preparing you for what God wants you to do. (Your history is a part of your story....it makes you the perfect you)

3. There will always be obstacles in your way. (Your whole life is more than you can handle so that the only way you can make it is with Him)

4. The path won't always be clear. (Our hero, David, asked God if he was sure about choosing him in 2 Samuel)

5. We are called to leave the comfortable and familiar behind.

6. You will make mistakes. (God's grace is bigger than your mistakes)

7. Others won't understand. (2 Samuel 6:21 David danced in the streets.... Like a crazy man.)

8. You will be blessed beyond measure when you walk out what God has for you. There will be peace and contentment, you will not find it.....IT'S HIM!

Ephesians 3:20 He has more than you can imagine for you.

Take a deep breath and let it soak in. You are beautiful and amazing and a masterpiece.





See, she knows my name....





And my face.

When I walked up to her for her autograph, my heart was pounding. I was blessed by her words and had defaced her book with my notes.... And she was funny and gracious. I told her that I was thankful for her and that I wanted to seem classy, so I took out my toilet paper book mark before I walked in the building. (She agreed that was classy!)

Please be encouraged. If you are struggling, pray for Psalm 258: "dear you
" or writing on the wall for direction or the hug that you need today.

Be loved beautiful.
Joyfully full of it...whatever it is!

Tiff

Thursday, July 18, 2013

Sparkly Green Earrings

Hi beautiful....

I'm telling you again... Melanie Shankle, author of Sparkly Green Earrings, and co-anchor of the podcast, Big Boo Cast, will be in TYLER! Go here to register!

I've already told her we are excited that she is coming when I comment on her post today. Yes, I was trying to win a free book too.

Anyway, I hope you can make it. More than that I hope that you are having a great summer. I hope that you have a beautiful tan and that you have laughed until you cried at some point.

I hope to see you again soon.

Joyfully yours,
Tiff


PS: This is from our trip to the beach. I hate to be the one to make a tall joke...but could the be any taller?! Ha. Isn't it sweet that he got on the horse behind sister...after he was instructed to do so by Ms. bossy pants!

Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Self Portrait Self Esteem

Hi!

Crazy has been talking to me. It's because I've had too much time to myself (yes I'm bragging)! As I stand over the stove sweating so that I can feed my beautiful children (ha ha, hamburger helper-still sweaty-still counts!), I thought about sending a self portrait to a friend and showing how I took the opposite of her advice and cut my hair off again. So, I stood (sweaty) in my kitchen, grabbed my phone, (sucked in....you do it too), and snapped a photo with my phone.

LET THE JUDGING BEGIN! Oh my! I noticed some discoloration on my "good" side that I don't recall. My earring was all wonker-jawed. (Real word!) and the dining room chair looked like it was a kick stand for my head. I did not send this picture to my friend. Instead, it was deleted immediately and Crazy started judging my sweaty, wonker-jawed, kickstand self. She's mean y'all.

This led me to (please note, all within a span of about 3 minutes) think about the lovelies that self portrait regularly on the devil's medium (Facebook). How impressive that their self esteem is high enough (even if for only a minute) to take that pic, review it, and share with the world. I am not there. I am working on being there in sprit but God and friends HELP me if it becomes a regular thing you see! Judge me to my face immediately!

I listened to a webcast for Women of a faith today about insecurity. I just love it when God meets me right where I am.

(Hold on-burning the hamburger helper....say a little prayer for my children!)

And I just remembered that I have something in the oven un-timed! And yes, I took time to type that instead of checking on it.....




Ha! its not burnt! i mean, either way, no one is gonna eat it but my efforts get a check!




I had an ugly joke here, but I deleted it iN case my mom reads this. But here is a good reason to not cook....sweaty, splotchy, wonker-jawed, cream covered mess!

Back to the Jesus stuff.... I want to repeat this phrase when Crazy starts talking too loud to you (from Lysa Terkeurst author of Unglued):

I am a daughter of the King, therefore (NOT BUT....no buts allowed!).... And if you are at a loss for what to say because Crazy is so dang loud, use this....

I am a daughter of the asking, therefore (Romans 8:28) I know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God.

I am a a daughter of the King, therefore (Romans 8:31) if a God is for me, who can be against me?

I am a daughter of the King, therefore (Romans 8:37) overwhelming victory is MINE through Christ who loves me.

I am a daughter of the King, therefore (Romans 8:39) nothing in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God.

Here's mine: I am a daughter of the King therefore (Psalms 139:14) I am fearfully and wonderfully made.

Here's proof:


It took me about 50 times to get the camera to snap from that angle....the iPad was totally rejecting the awesome cleavage that this angle allows....

I've missed your laughter and story telling. I hope summer has been good for at least getting a tan on our thigh biscuits. Put your smile on....

Joyfully full of it,
Tiff

Here's the cut:






Yes I took two.. Don't judge, I already got that covered. ;)

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Dear God, please let us win the lottery...

Oh yes I certainly did to... Here's that prayer:

Dear God, please let us win the lottery so that we can travel and stop stressing about money. If we don't win the lottery, please shower me with contentment.

I firmly believe there are times when Jesus sits down to listen to me and he just shakes his head. Either because I've just proven to Him that i need Him or because he is tired of hearing me go on and on... I know that isn't true. Jesus is infinitely patient and full of grace (the opposite of me). But still, what is my problem? Where does this "stuff-ness" desire come from?Oh I know the answer. The root of all that is evil and eating away at my contentment and peace.

FACEBOOK!

(Do you find it ironic that I would bad mouth my blog posting notification medium?)

I have a beautiful non-Facebook friend that solidified my opinion when she texted me a couple of weeks ago....

Beautiful Non-Facebook Friend: Facebook is evil.
Me: I KNOW! My life is incomplete and empty and I am the only person I know that doesn't have a new house....

Well, it went something like that. You get the shallow gist of it. So I've decided (begrudgingly) that i need to figure out a way GET OVER IT! When i was facebook-fasting for Jesus (a.k.a. during Lent) i had an incredible peace and found myself without headaches, with more energy, and content for like the first time ever. What happened? Could it be that my time spent not reading the bible and Facebook stalking friends has dropped me into this spiral on discontent. (No? Well, maybe).

So I found that the bible actually addresses this issue. (I'm not at all surprised that my Heavenly Father has it covered.)

Ecclesiastes 6:9 NLT (I added a little to this)
Enjoy what you have rather than desiring what you don't have. Just dreaming about nice things (or pinning them) is meaningless-like chasing the wind.

1 Timothy 6:6
Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth.

"Despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary, most people still believe that money brings happiness. Rich people craving greater riches can be caught in an endless cycle that only ends in ruin and destruction. Paul gives us some guidelines:
1) Realize that one day riches will be gone;
2) be content with what you have;
3) monitor what you are willing to do to get more money;
4) love people more that money;
5) love God's work more than money;
6) freely share what you have with others."

Turns out I have already won the lottery (Not just marrying the handsomest man ever), I just need to access the vault.





I'm committing more time to Jesus. I'm gonna sit down with my used eBay bible and read this summer. (Yes, bought my "new" bible on eBay....those highlights in the picture were done by the previous owner. It's a long story.)

By the way, I promised to tithe my lottery winnings at one point during my prayer....don't judge!!

Joyfully full of it,
Tiff

**the notes are from my used eBay bible... NLT Parallel Study Bible.

Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Monday, May 13, 2013

Butt-head and other pretty words

1 John 3:18
Dear Children, Let us not merely say that we love each other, let us show this truth with our actions.

Sometimes parenting can be challenging...can I get an Amen?

My good one (the boy) has been pushing the limits lately. We tied the source of this terrible behavior to a boy at school we'll call Judas. Judas has spent this school year picking and pushing my beloved son. We've worked very hard at home to equip him. Because after all, there are jerks in my everyday life and it is necessary to figure out how to survive the check out line at Wal-mart.

The verse I started with is the one our family is memorizing this month. It has been more effective than some of the others I've tried to burn into their minds. The boy has been intentionally showing love when he remembers and he's not hungry or mad. But yesterday, on the way home from church and an hour of Jesus, we argued. Our 3 minute commute turned into a death match of words! So after the boy called the girl a Liar, I proceeded to really stick it to him (in Jesus' name...) and told him to stop being a butt-head.

True Classy parenting is happening here!

But I still love him deeply...even during his butt-head moments. (Which I am quite convinced he learned from the big one...he's hot, but not perfect). And today God gave me a quote from my new favorite author and mom Jen Hatmaker....

“Your kids might act like shining angels dropped them straight into your arms from the bosom of heaven, and if so, the rest of us don’t really like you. But if you have a challenging child, or a stubborn child, or one who refuses to learn his lesson—okay, basically all kids—forgiveness is a peculiar discipline to practice as mothers.” Excerpt From: Hatmaker, Jen. “Out of the Spin Cycle.”

Today, on purpose, I will chose Grace and love on my little man in that smothering embarrassing mother kind of way. I challenge you to love exceedingly deeply today. The big ones and little ones need you more today than yesterday.

Joyfully full of it,
Tiff

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Helping him and loving him

Proverbs 31:11 (New Living Translation)
Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life.

Last time we met, we talked about being a Proverbs 31 woman and what that may or may not mean. Then we focused on that handsome man we live with. We can work hard all day to be a good mom but if I'm not being a good wife or, more importantly, the wife my husband needs then I'm just spinning my wheels. Can he trust me? That is such an important word. He needs to be able to trust your intentions and your words. This can be hard since they can be so different from us sometimes.

What about Proverbs 31:12 (NLT)?
She will not hinder him but help him all her life.

Are you helping Him? What does he need today that you haven't given him? (I'm not necessarily talking about THAT....but...)

It is important that he trusts me and feels that I help him. God made me to be his help mate. And that's exactly what I want to be.

We are celebrating 40 years of this beautiful man on Saturday. We've planned and stressed and worked out the details so far. But guess what? He needs my undivided attention on Friday to get ready for this event. This celebration! And that's exactly what I want to do.

This means we won't be meeting this week. I love you dearly but I love him more. And if being by his side as we prepare the event is what he needs, then you know where to find me! See you in a few weeks.

Joyfully full of it!
Tiff




- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Thursday, March 28, 2013

Maundy Thursday

When I first heard this term (or paid attention to it) I was a little tickled because it reminded me of the quote from You've Got Mail. From Tom Hanks "maundy, Tuesday, Thursday, Wednesday". I can't remember what the quote is about or where it is in the movie...but still, it tickles me just the same.

What's the meaning of this day?

maun·dy thurs·day
/ˈmôndē/
Noun
The Thursday before Easter, observed in the Christian Church as a commemoration of the Last Supper.

Maundy is from a Latin word meaning commemorated. This is the day we historically celebrate the last supper. But what does that mean to me today and this week we are celebrating?

For one, it means that this starts the epic events we all know. This is the last meal before Jesus was nailed to that tree. Of course Jesus takes this opportunity to serve his disciples by washing their feet (and they didn't get it) and by having the last supper. Remember Jesus was a Galilean Jew. They celebrated the last supper...the meal they are celebrating can be translated as last supper. ( If I knew Hebrew, I'd tell you more.) It was done by the first born males in rememberance of the pass over. After this meal, the first born sons would typically fast for the next 24 hours.

So (2) Jesus is performing his duties at this meal....but it means a little more. He tells them to the the cup and drink and remember him. Then to take the bread and remember him. This snack of wine and bread was common for the Jews of that time. Every time they snacked they could remember him.

What would happen if you remembered him every time you snacked? Think about it. Not just communion but every handful of almonds or apple. How would your relationship with our savior change if you thought of him that often?

It's a beautiful thought. I want to encourage you to remember Maundy Thursday this evening. Remember that the night after this meal Jesus knew what was about to happen....but he did it anyway.

He was thinking of you to the end. He died for you. He rose again to save you.

So, think of him when you snack.

Tomorrow...Friday....it was dark at noon. I think the universe mourned....

Joyfully full of it,
Tiff

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Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Wonderful Wednesday

After he cleansed the temple, he spent 3 days teaching in the temple. Many people came to hear this amazing teacher. They were eager to hear from him. There is an enthusiasm to hear his words.

We are coming to the end of the week. Are you preparing your heart? Have you approached the throne this week and laid at his feet? Take your 5 minutes of me time to listen for his voice.

Thursday and Friday are full of events and leading to the day that everything changed.

Joyfully full of it,
Tiff


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Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Fruity

Did this term "fruity" mean something else when you were in junior high? I learned this term about the same time I learned that green M&M's would make you horny. Whatever that meant.

It's Tuesday. Is this day significant for you? Or just a regular old Tuesday. Today Jesus took time to talk to his disciples about bearing fruit. (Come on, you knew I would circle back around....a random thought with a purpose. Let's call it adult onset attention disorder.)

He stopped on the road between Bethany and Jerusalem. It amazes me that Jesus knew what would be happening in a few days BUT he still took the time to teach his disciples. Again. And I'm pretty sure they still didn't get it. How wonderful that our savior chooses to love us and teach us even with his death on the horizon.

Bear Fruit. If you are not bearing fruit, you are as useless as a fig tree without fruit. But if you have faith and practice, you can move mountains. In our world, that mountain may be a dramatic 6 year old. But moving her with patience and grace will show her how a momma is supposed to love and give her confidence that she can move mountains too.

Get a little fruity today. Move mountains...and I don't mean push. Love on your mountains and mole-hills.

Practice your faith in front of them do they know what it means to follow Jesus....Especially this week as we follow him to the cross..

What happens on Wednesday? How will we continue to keep Jesus' journey on our mind this week?

Joyfully moving dramatic mountains and mopey mole-hills,

Tiff


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Monday, March 25, 2013

Passion

Passion week. Have you heard of it? It means lent is coming to an end which makes me evaluate the last 40 days, the decisions made, and what I'm going to do about it.

It surprises me that its here so quickly.
I have really enjoyed the challenge.

No Facebook. And in its absence I have been blesses with some wonderful friendships and conversations. I'm tempted to stay our of social media. I'm quite satisfied with my little bubble world I've been in this month.

But what does this week really mean? What do we focus on?

Will it be the triumphal entry? (Sunday.....Palm Sunday)
Will we shout "hosanna" or "crucify him"?
Sunday to Thursday....and they nailed him to a tree. But what happened in the middle? Each day of this week is significant. I hope you will take your "me" time and spend it thinking about what Jesus did for you.

On Sunday they cheered as he entered Jerusalem on a donkey.
On Monday, he came to the temple and overturned the money changers tables because they were greedy. He called them robbers and was absolutely enraged that they would turn the temple into a den of robbers.

What happens on Tuesday? Wednesday? Thursday?

How will you start your celebration of passion week? Start today. Think about his holy anger and his extreme love for you.

Joyfully,
Tiff

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Thursday, March 21, 2013

Exhale

Have you taken time to breathe in and exhale? Exhale the yuck. The frustrations. The holy crispness of the day. Exhale. Five minutes to you will rinse the soul.

I've missed y'all. So much family time without the unglued support group can be dangerous!

I tried to take time for me during the break. Practiced yoga at Aunt Linda's once. Lots of reading too. It was wonderful. I even got a sunburn on my feet.

Now we are back to it. I keep finding myself reading books and blogs about how loved we are. And how that love is sustaining and strengthening.

I have some ideas and exciting plans for us as we finish up the school year. Can wait to see you beauties on Friday!!

Joyfully full of it...just wait, I've saved up three weeks of me just for you. ;)
Tiff


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Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Give it and get it

Are you gearing up for spring break? Are you dreading several days of full time parenting? This is just a glimpse of summer....it will be here before you know it. And they will be with you ALL. THE. TIME. I hope that we have equipped you to face each day full of grace. I won't go crazy and pretend like we are overflowing with it, but I'd like to assume your grace bucket is fuller than it was 7 months ago.

I've not lost it to Katelynn's face in a while but I'm fully aware that it will come soon.....

The next habit we are tackling is knowing how to give and get love. We've talked about the 5 love languages and their importance in keeping those love buckets full. Do you remember what your is? How about your hubby and kiddos? These buckets must be full. And your grace bucket. Do you feel like a bucket juggler?

The 5 love languages are:
Physical touch (not sex)
Quality time
Gift giving (receiving)
Words of affirmation
Acts of service

So, value yourself enough to grab an inner friend and meet me on Friday morning. For the next two days, (during your alone time...) pray about overflowing with love and grace for the next two weeks. Maybe if we can get through spring break gracefully, it will become a real habit!

Joyfully full of it and ready yo see you!
Tiffany

Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you'll look back and realize they were the big things. -Robert Brault



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Friday, March 1, 2013

Get Out Of The Way

This started as a vent to the lady that flipped me off this morning. And to the multiple elite drivers that cut me off on my commute in.... elite (sarcasm). They must be elite because they obviously feel they are far superior to me and my car. How dare I drive on a road built for them...

Unrelated: I need to invent a sarcasm font so that you know when it's dripping onto the page...

Back to it... It dawned on me as I fantasized how to ram into her Mercedes with the love of Christ that maybe (sarcasm font) I need to pray about my attitude and pay attention to how I love the world around me. Even though its full of non-driving selfish fools. (Okay, got it out.... I feel better)

Here's my revelation.... I'm not in charge. God has showed me time and time again that I am not the boss (much to my dismay). The few times I have relinquished that control an overwhelming peace kicks that well of entitlement out of my mind and heart. LOVE. It's not just a four letter word valentine theme. If we are to live gracious lives that ooze patience and humility, we must love those fools.

I thought of Job and how my silly commute is nothing compared to what he endured. (Then I felt so very small... And un-entitled). If you don't know the story, check it out. The book of Job in the bible. Even his friends turned on him... Makes my Facebook-fast isolation seem ridiculous. At least I don't have boils all over my body (ignore the new chin my face has decided to grow - zit city!)

My verse to start March is from Job.

Job 42:2, ESV version
I know that you can do all things and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.

The Message version
I'm convinced: You can do anything and everything. Nothing and no one can upset your plans.

(Can we say Heavenly Slap!!!!???!!!)

I trust that every car i passed is watched and loved by my Heavenly Father. i do not deserve His love more. Mrs. Mercedes needed my love today. I pray that someone shows her kindness today and that tomorrow she is able to be gracious to her husband and family because she was so blessed by someone today.

Lift your head up and put your smile on.
Be kind to someone today and know that your love well will be filled in return!

Joyfully full of it,
Tiff

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Monday, February 25, 2013

Solitude

Have you practiced alone time this week? 10-15 minutes a day. Even 5 minutes of just you time? I'm beginning to see how very important this is for me now that I have slowed down life a little.

It helps that I don't have Facebook around and I can't stalk other's achievements. I'm stuck with my own world. We have been busy at my house. Spring is my most inspired time of year. My intentions when the sun starts to shine is that I will be organic and fruitful. Ha ha. I'm done by May. BUT we do get started with plants and flowers to celebrate the lovely weather.




Yep, peppers, carrots, lettuce, peas, radishes, and basil. Started from seeds. Yesterday there were a few that started to sprout. We have a little nit of green showing up. We have had a garden for 12 years. An unsuccessful garden for 11 of them. I keep spending money and trying but since we just talked about having a healthier relationship with money, I thought I would try to have a garden this year without spending money. Two weeks into it and I've only spent about 10 on some soil. (We'll keep our fingers crossed for success...my goal is to be able to walk around my heard and eat! Come on, you had to know that I'd tie this to food some how!!!)

I like to be outside. And I'm beginning to enjoy the outside with my peeps as well.






Just when you thought the Lewis' couldn't get any cooler.... We whip out our hats and sunglasses.




I want to encourage (and repeat that) you need YOU time and I want you to take a little of it soon. A special place to sit back and stop your mind and enjoy the awesomeness of you!

You are fantastic and give me such joy.

Tiff