Healing for the Heart

Heartache.. Yes indeed, can be one of the most distressing physical and emotional pain we will ever experience and sadly we will all suffer from it at some point in our lives. Rather it occurs when someone we love chooses to leave us, a loved one passes away or something unexpected shatters our future plans. That piercing ache begins to consume our bodies and can seem unendurable. We may even feel as if we will never be happy again. When our hearts are broken everything is out of sorts.

 There is no amount of pain that feels so agonizing. The sensation of a giant size hole has been left in the center of our chest which leaves you feeling empty and hopeless.
We cry, scream and isolate ourselves from others as we try to deal with and make sense of the pain. Hoping and praying it goes away as quickly as possible.

There are certain things in life that can't be taught. We must walk them out for ourselves. And the trials and tribulations of life are these things. When we are faced with a troublesome situation that seems unbearable and overwhelming, it can seem as though we may never see the beauty of a sunrise again. Our days become long and gloomy, darkened by the emotional stress we are encountering and our thoughts become clouded with confusion.  Our lives as we have known it, seem turned upside down and out of control. It's a pain that wrecks havoc on our souls.

But in the midst of this grief, there is hope. A hope that eases the pain. There are sweet words that will speak directly to our hearts and soul and lighten the burden.

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.

Healing will begin to take place when we yield our hearts to God. I know this sounds so simple and cliche but it's the truth. Oh. I had my doubts as well many years ago., thinking He was a distant God that only looked down from heaven as he sat on a throne. But that truly is a myth, we've been taught to believe. He's not far off in an untouchable place, He's near and he's a Father that shows Himself to be kind, loving, great and oh so very faithful in all areas of our lives, even in our deepest pain.
The comfort God has supplied in the darkest days of my life has brought a peace that surpassed all my understanding and enabled me to take those necessary steps towards healing. No, it wasn't easy but it became possible!

So how do we get over a broken heart?
Take heart, we will get through it.
We can talk to someone who cares and will listen.
We must allow ourselves to be human and feel the pain.
We can take our broken heart to God, He would love to mend it.
Give yourselves time to heal and learn lessons from the experience.

Let's be real, life doesn't always turn out exactly how we expect it to! We will definitely be thrown some curveballs but take heart, my beloved, when we make the decision to heal from those hurts and put into action that decision, the Lord will meet us right there with his embracing grace and wholeness.

You will not walk alone!

Love,
Tina

Seeds of Greatness

It's so phenomenal to know that each one of us is uniquely designed to be world changers. Destined to make the world we live in a better place, knowing our purpose and sowing into the lives of others.
God has planted these seeds of greatness. He's not only placed purpose inside us but created the spiritual ability to be used for great works. Sometimes our seeds of greatness are so deep down within us; that we find it difficult to discover them due to a lack of cultivating the seeds which need watering and tending to often. Other times these seeds could have been drowned out by a flood of unwanted circumstances which may be completely out of our control, leaving us with a vast void. We may feel empty yet full of many emotions. Trying to process the journey. As if everything we have hoped for only exist in other people's lives, Have you forgotten your dream?

People who have accomplished great things in life have always had a dream in their hearts.

We are God's masterpiece painted by his very own paintbrush. Every detail has been mindful of one's purpose here on earth. There's nothing average about you but so many times we forget who we truly are, what greatness lies within. We focus on our weaknesses and mistakes causing us to doubt ourselves, In my life this has been an enormous obstacle. Always leaving me to question my capacity to accomplish great things. Looking to my past failures as a blueprint for my future. But guess what? Our greatness is not in our own strength and abilities, it's spiritual. God's mark upon our heart. Why would we settle for ordinary when we were created for greatness. Let's take a look at what true greatness looks like. I am sure we all  have our own definitions. But let's see how God defines it? After all, He is the example of greatness.

Scripture tells us, "Whoever wants to be great must become a servant." Mark 10;43
Just as Jesus taught his disciples during his earthy ministry. These words speak volumes to my soul. Jesus, Son of God became flesh and walked the earth so that He could live among us to give a further revelation of  God. This right here is a display of his great love for all of us.

"I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself, he can do only what he sees the Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does. Yes, to your amazement he will show him even greater things than these." John 5:19-20

So if I am reading this correctly, greatness means to be a servant. Right? How could that be a trait of greatness? That's crazy, because the world tells us greatness is defined by your own accomplishments and possessing power. The bigger, the better! Keeping up with the Jones. Climbing that corporate ladder no matter who you have to push out of the way to get to the top. It seems popular to define greatness as perceived success. The harder you go after something the greater you will become. If you have money, power and status than the world calls you great. You have arrived so true in many people's lives but without a sense of purpose!

I don't know about you friends, but I don't what to gauge my greatness by check marks. It sounds exhausting! And I already have a list as long as my arm of things to do. Does my greatness have to be evaluated on a check off list as well? Yikes, that's a lot of pressure. What if a could just be me and stop all of the grueling striving? Would I look like a world changer or a slacker?  I believe the answer is yes, absolutely I can change the world in just being me. Because my greatness is already inside of me and my ability to showcase it doesn't come from what I am able to do but what He is able to do through me. My greatness comes from knowing I am a daughter and I was created to change the world. Whatever that looks like. So maybe you are struggling today with purpose and unveiling your greatness. Are you wondering how it's possible to walk out the journey before you when you're unsure of your purpose?  Well I would really love to speak a word of encouragement into your life today if you will let me..

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

In other words dear ones, you were set apart for a special purpose in life, one that was designed just for you. Your life can be a blessing to others-that's how God has destined you for greatness! Your life is of great importance. Greatness has called you by name and is waiting for you to partner with it

Greatness should never be measured by success and power, It should always be measured by how much you have to give! How much you are willing to love and embrace the dream

You are destined for greater things- never forget that! So give a shout out today, that I am GREAT!

Greater is He that is in you, than he who is in the world. 1 John 4:4

Love,
Tina

Love Day

What if we all just took one day out of our hectic week and called it, Love Day. A day where everyone put aside the busyness of life and seized the day with someone who needs to be heard and loved on.
I love LOVE! I love to receive it, give it and support it. It's truly remarkable!

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy. it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects. always trusts. always hopes. always perseveres.
Love never fails.

LOVE....I believe is the greatest gift you could ever give someone. There is something sincerely admirable about extending your heart to another person. Setting aside time to be with someone and to  just listen to their hearts as they share life with you. No outline is needed, just pull up a chair and welcome the sweet conversation between two people. Spending moments creating life, just talking, laughing, crying and being. Being together, sharing compassion for one another, what a delightful blessing! A day spent with someone is a day well spent.

 I have made it a priority in my life to set aside at least one day a week where I have lunch or dinner  with a friend even if my week is crazy and my calendar is full. I pencil in time to slow down and embrace love. In all honesty. its the best part of my week! It fills my heart with enormous pleasure and restores my weary soul. Isn't it wonderful that God placed people in our lives who can help us feel renewed? People who love you just the way you are! No strings attached or hidden agendas. Just being together enjoying each other's company. We learn so much about life when listening and spending time with one another. Some have already  walked in our shoes or may be walking in them now. Encouragement is exchanged in these sweet moments spent together. Words do not even have to be spoken, you just understand! They can hear you with their hearts when you haven't spoken a word. You know them and they know you!  Making time to be with the ones you love or the ones who need to be loved, is a beautiful blessing in life.  Every day is a new day. Another opportunity to share a love story with someone! One with great promise, building on a foundation of trust and commitment. It's a breathtaking dance between two hearts.
And I am extremely grateful for it!

Love one another deeply from the heart!

Love ya,
Tina

Works and Worship

Inspired from the story of Mary and Martha, which has been one of my most treasured narratives in Scripture. Let's face it, what woman doesn't identify with a hardworking Martha? Frustrated as she watches her captivated sister sitting at the feet of Jesus. As women our daily activities can consume our days quickly. Our minds and souls become weary and all we really want to do at the end of the day is steal a few quiet moments to ourselves. However some days that seems impossible. We've  all felt the struggle just as Martha, busy cleaning and cooking to prepare the house for guest, Wanting to worship like Mary. Who doesn't admire the loving devotion of Mary? She was fascinated with Jesus' words it drew her in. But the Martha inside each one of us speaks loudly and reminds us that there is too much to be done. Oh no, she didn't!!

Mary is drawn into Jesus even in the midst of all the busyness surrounding her. All she really desires is to sit at His feet and hang on to every word, as she feels her mind and soul being renewed. Sweet Martha, in the other room is busy with all the preparations that must be completed as guest arrive. Longing in her heart to rest at the feet of Jesus but there is just too much to be done. Certainly hospitality was a special gift of Martha's. She was a noble and beloved follower and friend of Jesus.

Luke writes:

Now as they were traveling along. He entered a certain village; and a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home. And she had a sister called, Mary, who moreover was listening to the Lord's word, seated at His feet. But Martha was distracted with all her preparations; and she came up to Him, and said, " Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone? Then tell her to help me." But the Lord answered and said to her, " Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; but only a few things are necessary, really only one, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her." ( Luke 10:38-42)

Ouch!! Martha's complaint sounds naïve and girlish. And yet, Jesus' reply while containing a mild rebuke, has a fatherly tone to it.
Poor Martha, I can totally relate to her disappointment and need to be heard. We all can at times, right?

Having a heart like Mary, intrigues us. We hunger for it deep down inside. There's a calling on all of us to know and love God deeper. A thirst that only His presence can quench. We want to sit at His feet but the busyness of life can seem to swallow us up. The craving for intimacy continues to strum on our heart strings.

But like Martha, there's a part that just can't let go. There's too much to be done. Exhausted, wondering how will I find the time? In what hour of the day. It can seem so out of reach, some days.
Nurturing our spiritual life seems like just one more thing we have to do, another chore or duty to add to the full,' what else needs to be done list.' In a life already spilling over with responsibilities. Oh Martha's sweet heart, aimed to please, enjoyed serving her guest. She too loves Jesus.

Jesus had apparently came at Martha's request. She was the one who welcomed Him in, signifying that she was the actual hostess of ceremonies in their home. She fussed over her hostess duties. She wanted everything to be just right. She's truly a considerate hostess, with admirable traits. As many of you ladies have done when you have hosted a dinner party. In that minute we want everything to be perfect.
It's a beautiful description of how Jesus comes on the scene. He was the perfect houseguest. He immediately makes Himself at home, enjoying the fellowship and conversation. Mary instantly sits herself down at His feet and listens. As Martha went right to work.
Martha and Mary both loved Jesus, Mary longed to soak up all she could while He was with her. She chose not to be distracted by chores. Martha could not agree with this type of serving therefore in her desire to serve, she was missing out on an opportunity to spend time with her guest. Oh beloved, a part of us wants to worship like Mary and sit at the feet of Jesus but there is also a part that is so much like Martha, distracted by the many things in our daily lives that need to be done.

But there is a better part, a good part, as Jesus speaks about in Luke. The good part is available to both Mary and Martha, and to each of us! Regardless of our gifts, talents or personalities. It's a choice we must make.
It isn't "more" He requires. In fact it may be less. We must learn to slow down, stop to smell the roses and allow Him to draw us close as we let go of our busyness and sit at His feet and listen.

Let you soul be soften.

Love,
Tina

Grateful for the Obstacles

So much is happening in my world right now. Wonderful, amazing, challenging and life changing things.  I could say, life is good on most days. I am experiencing a place of achievement, a position which has not been easy to obtain. In fact for so many years I had questioned my ability to take this journey, this unbelievable path that I felt has been paved just for me.  Why, you may ask? Self doubt, insecurity and fear..Yep..all of those negative adjectives have kept me anxious and oppressed particularly in the area of leading, becoming the founder of a non-profit organization that focuses on the horrific topic of trafficking. My passion and love for these survivors has truly flooded my heart to the point of no return but the thoughts of the mind still taunt me. It really is a battle of the mind. Up and down with emotions. One day filled with excitement but another day filled with disappointment. Some days wanting to give up! Oh sweet friends, I know I am not alone! Some of you may be experiencing these battles of the mind too? When we are called to do the impossible, we begin to wonder if is it actually possible?

Our lives are a journey filled will lessons, hardships, heartaches, joys and celebrations. There will be those special moments that will ultimately lead us to our destination. our purposes in life. However the path will not always be smooth. Throughout our travels we will encounter several challenges. Some which will test our strengths, courage, faith and weaknesses. Oh we will surely stumble upon road blocks that will come between the path we are destined to take. But we must stay the course, overcome the obstacles. Many of these obstacles are blessings in disguise only we can't see them at the time.

Throughout this adventure in life, people will give you advice and insight on how to travel your journey, but when it comes right down to it, always follow your heart, having no regrets. Don't hold anything back. Give it all you have with all your heart and most importantly stay true to yourself.

It has often been quoted, what doesn't kill you will make you stronger. Well, that depends on how one defines the word, "stronger." It can have a different meaning for different people. In this blog, I am referring to stronger as looking back at the person I was and comparing it to the person I am today. I am looking deep into my soul and realizing that the very person I am today couldn't exist if it wasn't for the things that happened in my past or the people whom I've met along the journey.

You see dear ones, everything that happens in our life happens intentionally, but with great grace. And sometimes that means facing heartaches and disappointments in order to experience joy and complete contentment. Coming to a realization that you can do it! It is possible no matter the size of the potholes that occur along the way.

So with these last words being written. I would like to close with this.
Life is more than a journey, it's an unique adventure destined just for us!

Enjoy every step of  it....for it is truly amazing!

Love,
Tina

Heart of Hope

We don't know how strong we are until being strong is the only choice we have.
Still the truth of these words resonate deep within my soul. A journey down an unknown path would soon be my future. One in which I would travel with more heartache, doubt, fear and pain than I could have ever imagined existed. I was still immature and naïve. But that troublesome road reminds me every day of the absolute truth of God's words spoken to my heart about my unborn child.
"What are you afraid of, Tina?  No matter what happens, I will always be here."
~God~
At the time these words were whispered to me I didn't even know Him. He was a distant God. But his words would soon change my life. As I am writing this the scripture Jeremiah 1:5 keeps reciting itself in my thoughts. "Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you. Before you were born, I set you apart for my holy purpose."

Many of you have heard my story over the years or at least bits and pieces of it through causal conservation or attending a women's event I have spoken at. Unaware that many of you haven't and  after posting a comment on Facebook yesterday I received several private messages asking what was going on so I decided to share this blog today.
Sometimes I forget myself about the condition my son lives with until its time to see the doctor again....how wonderful is that?  By looking at my son you would never know that the heart that beats inside his chest is precisely a miracle. It is truly all that God said it would be!

So let me start with some facts. My son was born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome-(HLHS) 17 years ago. A birth defect that affects normal blood flow through the heart. It is rare and complex. In HLHS, the left side of the heart is critically underdeveloped. When my son was born the left side of his heart couldn't effectively pump blood to his lungs and to the rest of his body. Babies that are born with this heart defect usually are seriously ill (fatal if undetected) soon after birth and require either surgery or a heart transplant.

During a routine ultrasound at 22 weeks (5 months) we were told that our son would be born with this rare heart condition. One that would require immediate action. At this time I was being seen by a high risk doctor for this pregnancy because my daughter whom was born just 5 months earlier with a heart defect called Aortic Coarctation (the narrowing of the aorta) which was undetected even after many trips to her pediatrician during the first week of her life. When she was 10 days old she suddenly went into heart failure and shock. After being transported by ambulance she was admitted into our local children's hospital where they performed emergency heart surgery however she passed away several weeks later due to organ failure. It was one of the hardest and darkest times in my life. She would be 18 years old and no doubt a beautiful young lady, We miss her dearly but know we will hold her in our arms again one day.

Shocked by the news that yet another one of our babies were going to be born extremely sick and with only a 20% chance of survival. Not only were we distraught by this discovery but so were our pediatric cardiologist. We all cried in that room together that day. During that appointment we were advised to consider terminating the pregnancy. Every emotion imaginable how now taken over every part of my being. I honestly can not remember the days that followed however the fear had shaken the very core of my family and their reaction was the same as our doctors.
Numb and immobilized I made that dreaded call to my OB doctor to hear the horrific plans for terminating. While on this call listening to the nurse describe the plans for the procedure. I felt as if someone or something was squeezing the very life from me. I could not catch my breath and I began to feel nauseated, disoriented and immensely light headed, disconnected from the voice I was hearing on the other end of the phone and losing sight of the reality I was facing, as if I was coming to the end of my life. When I hung up the phone, I went crazy! Screaming, ugly crying and punching the air with so much anger. I was home alone during this time. My mother had my two boys with her and my husband was at work. All I remember was hysterically gasping for air, thinking I am dying and no one is here to help me, screaming at the top of my lungs. And these words formed on my lips as I shouted out to an empty room, IF YOU ARE WHO PEOPLE SAY YOU ARE, I NEED YOU TO TELL ME WHAT TO DO, BECAUSE I AM DYING HERE!! I wasn't even aware of this moment physically. I had let go of it all, my feet gave way from under me and I slide down the wall and cried uncontrollably, all alone. That's when I heard Him speak, audibly and with great force but with a gentle and loving tone.
"What are you afraid of, Tina? I am here no matter what happens."

In that very moment my tragic situation had shifted. I wiped away my tears and even let out a sudden burst of laugher. Mind you I hadn't laughed in months!!! I couldn't explain what had just taken place on the floor of my kitchen that day but one thing I knew for sure....over the next several months I walked with a determination, peace and hope I had never experienced in my life. During my son's first surgery at CHOP (Children's Hospital of Philadelphia) which took place only 3 days after he was born. We were witnessing many babies dying on the cardiac floor, ones with the some heart defect as my son's. Parents we had come to know and share our days with. But never once did God allow the fear or doubt to get near me, in fact I carried such a peace that surpasses all my understanding that even the doctors and nurses took notice. I was experiencing the embrace of a Father's love not only for me but also for my son.
Today Solomon is a healthy, thriving teenager with a clean bill of health and hope for a bright future. The road hasn't been an easy one lots of tears, doctors, hospitals, surgeries and procedures. However we haven't travel solo. We are watching our handsome son grow into a fine young man and had I not listened to those precious words that were spoken in my kitchen that day, we would not have had this incredible gift to cherish and adore.
So friends, my hope for you all today is even when life seems unbearable and overwhelming, open your hearts and your ears and listen to that voice of truth. One that brings hope and peace even in the midst of an outrageous storm.

My hope is in Jesus!
Love,
Tina

A Christmas Prayer

This morning I woke up with the sweet thoughts of Christmas and family on my heart. I absolutely love this time of year. I go all out with decorating my home and reminiscing on the memories my family has created together. Not the hustle and bustle but the sounds of laughter and excitement permeate the air and the wonders of Christmas captivate me with a childlike sensation. For me it is the most wonderful time of the year. However there are others who are alone during the holidays living in fear and dread, uncertainty of what tomorrow will bring and the Christmas season is just a reminder of that isolation. Watching families together and friends gathering to take part in the Christmas cheer can be a dagger to the heart.
I have several friends who have shared with me how difficult the holidays are for them. Due to a loss of a family member or life's unpredictable curve balls that have been thrown their way. Many experience a sense of despair despite all the well-wishing they encounter.
Being the founder of an organization that deals with the restoration of sex trafficked victims is a tremendous eye opener to the reality that Christmas isn't the most wonderful time of the year for many people in fact this could possibly be the most darkest time of the year for those individuals. Amid the jolly songs and festive celebrations, exchanging of gifts with friends and family many victims are crying and dying alone. When we are told that Christmas time should be the happiest time of the year, commercials enforce it, networks broadcast it, displaying an image that Christmas is the opportunity to be joyful and grateful. There are those who will never experience this kind of joy and gratefulness because they are a prisoner trapped in a world we can not imagine.  So what if you are a sex trafficked victim?? How are they to be joyful and grateful during this beautiful Christmas season? Living in dark, dingy hotel rooms, under the control of some else. As prisoners, being told when, what and how things will be done. Having no control or say so. No emotions or passion for life. Just hoping to make it through another day alive. With dreams of one day understanding the true meaning of Christmas with joyful songs upon grateful hearts!
 I guess my reason for writing this blog today is to express my heart and be the voice for these women who we may never know or see. Let's say a prayer today for these precious victims... at Christmas time its hard when we are enjoying our families and celebrating but there is a world outside of ours, that is full of horror and torment. No Christmas trees or Christmas cheer to be enjoyed. But my hope is that they will sense the sweet presence of Jesus even in those dark places..... and to be rescued from the prison that encloses them.


For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called; Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6

Merry Christmas my dear friends!

Love,
Tina

Free To Be Me

Encouraged by hope, not to be abandoned or forgotten. God promises to take care of me and give me the future I hope for.
If only I had known these words and His promises in my younger days. Oh the comfort it would have supplied in such a dark, despairing place. I spent years of shame hiding under a cheerful mask that would disguise the humiliation I walked around with. Concealing the truth of my emotional state, at times it was hard for me to even recognize it. Feeling alone was my norm, even when I was surrounded by people. Longing for a place to belong even in the midst of a crowd. There always seemed to be this void in my heart, feeling unsure of myself. Fearful of saying or doing the wrong thing. Totally uncomfortable in my own skin. But learning to keep it quiet and unseen. Having a deep desire to please everyone but not knowing how, in reality knowing that was just impossible!  I yearned to be loved, accepted and known! Known by whom? (Was a deep rooted question I asked myself quite often)
The emptiness consumed me, loneliness embraced me, choking the very life from me.
As I got older and more independent I discovered that all the hurt and shame that I held onto for so long how now been replaced by bitterness and anger. My heart had hardened and I'd built a wall to keep me in and others out. Knowing I could protect myself from farther damage.
However, ambitious it sounded when playing it out in my head, the sheer reality was that it continued to cause significate wounding. Feeling as if I could control the amount of injury that I would allow to penetrate my soul. Boy, was I mistaken!
As the years went by and life happened, the pain didn't hide itself away as I had hoped it would. In fact it manifested itself through fits of anger and seasons of depression. Those times of depression were some of the darkest moments in my life. Horrible thoughts swallowed me whole during those seasons. Anxiety,apathy,discontentment, guilt, hopelessness,mood swings and sadness had become adjectives to describe me. A prisoner inside my own body and mind. Hurtful actions and causing pain to the very ones who loved me the most and hating myself for it!
I had a quote that I would say during some of my midnight hours.
"I hate having flashbacks from things I don't want to remember." Memories were the death of me. The source of all my self afflicted abuse. There was always a war going on inside my head and trying to "live" while healing from the wounds became another tricky obstacle...one face plant after another! But guess what? I met someone who came into my life and changed the way I thought about myself and He showed me a kindness that wasn't measured by my ability to be "kind" or even "somewhat"  of my life all sorted out, (which it was far from)...
But little by little, day after day, stumble after stumble my shades of grey started to become enhanced with an apparent brightness, I could exactly see colors! I was starting to live from a new place. A place so different from what I had known. One with hope and acceptance. Learning to accept the truth that I wasn't what my "past" said about me, in no way did it define me!
I was seeing "Tina" with a new set of eyes and a new heart and I was beginning to love her! Imagine that! Loving ME!!
Today I am free....I am free from the destruction of my thoughts! I am free to be me and love that girl! I can let go of the past and look forward to the future not because of anything that I have done but everything He has done for me. You see my beloved, I have always been loved and accepted, only I wasn't acquainted with it just yet....sometimes it takes brokenness!
It's hard to believe that all the pain and long suffering I endured could be used for good! I LOVE THIS TRUTH...
"You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people."
Genesis 50:20....
WOW....who would have thought?

Love,
Tina

Inspired by Love

I woke up this morning inspired by love. Yes a deep love, that roars within me and transcends my thoughts into a place where darkness no longer exist. All that is present is the intoxicating aroma of love. A scent that transforms every part of my being and motivates me to fashion an environment where all sons and daughters soar with great expectation and assurance. Love inspires hope to grow deep within a soul. It will drive out all fear and doubt. Worthlessness and insignificance will flee, leaving a space for significance and value to reside. Establishing hope and inspiring a life overflowing with love! Creating happiness that seemed to never endure!
Those are the words that quench my soul and inspire me...
You are beautiful my God
Only you know my heart and every thought
The look in Your eyes reminds me of the love you have for me. It comforts my soul.
It inspires me...Love is who You are.
You wipe away my tears and calm my every fear
Allowing me to draw near
Seas will rage and waves will crash but love quiets the storms
Love inspires me to look for something good in each day and hints that everyday is a second chance. It reminds me that I was created by the inspiration of love so that I might inspire others to be loved. Love is greater than anything that exist on earth. It's heaven invading the very hearts. Motivated love drives us to do the impossible.
A world consumed by love is my dream this morning and with a vast dream comes an incentive to inspire all those who will listen!

Love,
Tina

Life Is Sweet

It's a cloudy morning here on the Currituck Sound. As I look out over the water I am reminded that a new season is approaching. The water whispers of shorter days and cool evenings, with every ripple the rolls up upon the rocky shore. In spite of trying to hold on tightly to my lazy, summer days. But no matter how hard I try to hold fast of those lengthy, warm days,  it continues to slip away with each passing sunset.
In fact, weeks and months fade away faster than ever these days. Could it be my age?( I did lose a year on my birthday) Or just the busyness of life?  I pondered these thoughts and come to the realization that life is like the morning fog--it's here a little while, then it's gone. Not knowing what tomorrow will bring. Hopes for greater things and dreams of the future, all while trying to hang on to the yesterdays! I am grateful for every second of every day for I know that life is precious and in a blink of an eye, yesterdays are gone and tomorrows begin. Embracing each moment of joy and overcoming the pain. Life is sweet!
 Watching as my young children grow up, finish elementary school, move on to high school and move out on their own to embark on their own journey through life. Parents and grandparents become older. Birthdays come and go! And for some of us...hmmmmm..maybe it's just me, who may stay a year younger! But life is sweet!
 People have come in and out of my life. Some have stayed longer than others but sometimes I have missed the opportunity to tell them how much they have meant to me. I have appreciated every one of you! Life is sweet!
As I reflect on the days gone by and cling to my precious memories. Whether they were painful, Lord knows I have had many of those occasions in my life. However without those dark days I would not be the woman I am today. They have truly empowered me.
  So many were full of delight. The smiles on the faces of my newborn babies....oh there's nothing sweeter than that! The heavenly words, I love you, spoken from the mouths of babes. Life is sweet!
 My days have been knitted into a grand work of art. Creating a masterpiece within my soul. Bringing life into a new perspective, with each passing day. So as I loosen my grip of my yesterdays, I am not letting go of the depths they have taken me. Indeed those days are no longer present, as a new sunrise peaks its self out from the horizon. Nevertheless I could look forward to the days ahead as the season changes into shorter days and brisk nights because with each new season there is new experiences ahead and new memories awaiting to be made. Life is sweet!

Love,
Tina

Speak with Splendor

Words of wisdom, words of love, words of encouragement to fill them up.

Words can hurt and humiliate. Words can crush and even break.

A soul, spirit and human race. Careful beloved with the words you choose.

Words spoken should be few....Love thy neighbor above all else.

Words are loving, kind and just.
Words of caring are a must.
Seek the Lord for His ways. Patient, meek and self-control.
Lives that reflect this, words will say!

I absolutely LOVE words! I will spend hours looking up new ones and their definitions. Ohhhhh...how I love the synonyms of words!
What I love most about words are that we use them to communicate with people everyday. Our words are a true reflection of our deepest beliefs, convictions and emotions. Words can tell our story! They have the power to create life or bring death depending on how we choose to use them.  We can encourage, enlighten, empower and educate. Words have that much power! However words can also have an opposite effect. They can be used to damage someone. The old saying, " Stick and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me" couldn't be farther from the truth. Words can cut deeply and leave lasting wounds upon a person's heart. Wounding words can come from people we hardly know and from ones we love. Words can leave us feeling insecure about ourselves.
As I have ministered with several women over the years I have witnessed the effect of hurtful words spoken over a person's life. In more ways than one the use of destructive words has left painfully lasting marks. Some of those precious gals have dealt with drug, alcohol and sexual abuse to cope with the ways they feel about themselves. Others have created a wall around their hearts to keep everyone out," pretending all is good" all the while keeping themselves totally guarded from letting themselves out. I can relate to this myself as I am sure many of you reading this can as well in some degree. Women seem to deal with this more often than men. The Bible tells us that there is death and life in the power of our tongue. Proverbs 18:21
So many choose to use their words to destroy. It's heartbreaking and destructive!
Our words are meant to bring life. They are used to express ourselves to others. Words are amazingly beautiful when shared with the people around us. Without the use of words we would be silent and alone.
 I would like to share these quote I came across this morning. 

If the words you spoke appeared on your skin, would you still be beautiful?

Ouch!!!!!...ponder on that a few minutes, my sweet friends. The Lord hears every word we speak even when others don't. I am guilty of speaking words to my loved ones that have been hurtful and has left me feeling horrible. I want my words to produce life and bring hope to everyone around me especially the ones I love so dearly. Every time I put my words together is an opportunity to make something beautiful!

So today my dear ones I will choose my words wisely and bring about life to those I encounter!

Real wisdom, God's wisdom, begins with a holy life and is characterized by getting along with others. It is gentle and reasonable, overflowing with mercy and blessings, not hot one day and cold the next, not two-faced. You can develop a healthy, robust community that lives right with God and enjoy its results only if you do the hard work of getting along with each other. treating each other with dignity and honor. James 3:17-18

Love,

Tina

 

My First Love

Do you remember your first love? The way it made you feel about yourself. Was it a nurturing relationship or was it an unhealthy one? They say that first love is the deepest and in some ways I can believe that to be true. The depth of first love can be all-consuming. Taking over our thoughts and emotions. Our first love often times become the standard that all future loves are measured against. If our first love was unhealthy it may have damaged our self-worth and ability to receive love. We may find that our identity is based off of which we have gained from our "so called lover or provider" and can cause a negative impact on our relationships!

I know all to well how this can affect your perspective on future relationships. As a result of unhealthy relationships I struggled with my identity of loving and being worthy of love. It was hard for me to give or receive love in a healthy way because as a young girl I felt unloved and subconsciously I harbored resentment.  My relationships were one of desperation for acceptance and a need to be loved and as a result I unknowingly sacrificed myself at all cost to have someone "love" me. In all reality I longed for the love of a father which was a void in my life.

Beloved, the struggle is real! Looking for love it all the wrong places had lead me down very dark and destructive roads. Feeling so alone even when surrounded by many people. I felt empty and even struggled with seasons of depression. I lacked self-love, self-worth, and self- acceptance. Oh and the shame that partnered with these feelings was the worst. Afraid that others would see the" ugly truth" that consumed me. I hid it well, in fact so well that I, myself couldn't see it anymore! As a result of the empty void that dominated my soul I was constantly in and out of relationships from a very young age. With each break up and rejection I lost a little bit more of myself!  Unfortunately this cycle continued into my adult years and remained a huge obstacle in every area of my life which ultimately created a deep crater of wounds upon my heart. Until that glorious day that I met and experienced the true love of a Father. Truthfully, in my pain God had always been close to me and I didn't even realize it.

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted, he rescues those whose spirits are crushed. Psalm 34:18

The love of a Father, there is truly nothing like it. It changes hearts, circumstances, brings hope and heals all wounds. It empowers lives! It has empowered mine. He is and should be the example of our first love. "For God so loved the world." Yep, that includes you and me, my friend. I know it can be how to fathom when you have felt forsaken by the ones who are suppose to love you well. My dears, He desires to be our first love. The One who wants to wipe away every tear and heal every hurt. The One who's heart breaks because our hearts are broken. The One who stretched out His arms of love and died for us.
 Our Father will turn every tear we've cried into joy, and use our deep pains for a divine purpose. We can't hide our hurts from Him because he knows everything about us! My dear ones, He is the only one that can handle our rejection, shame and hurts. Only God can restore us to wholeness again. We don't have to earn His love, we have always had it! He longs to see us set free from searching for love in all the wrong places.
Therefore we are free! Free to love ourselves despite our past relationships. We are designed to love and be loved unconditionally and abundantly.
So don't forget your first love!  Encounter LOVE AND LET IT BE ALL-CONSUMING!  Rejection and all.......
 

We love him, because he first loved us.  1John 4:19

Love,

Tina

A Fresh Morning

Mornings are the best time, in my opinion. The light of a new day holds so many possibilities. Even the sounds sing hope! Birds chirping, the sun peeking out to greet you and the stillness that surrounds the sunrise. It's a time to reflect on new opportunities, letting go of yesterdays hurts, disappointments, overwhelming schedules and looking ahead to new beginnings. A brand new pencil on an empty page. After all it's our story!
New days are unique gifts that the Father lavishes upon us  which empowers us with fresh strength and brand-new thoughts. They create opportunities for us to change something in our lives. A chance to heal, a chance to love and a chance to forgive.  Don't be afraid to embrace it, my beloved. Rise up and move forward, let yesterday go and start today like it's the very first day of your life!

How is life treating you? Frazzled? For me some days seem to suck the life right out of my lungs. Those days I feel physically and emotionally depleted. Or should I dare to say, done for! Like being ran over by a herd of elephants! Running my own business, heading up a ministry, being a wife and a mother, taxi driver and all the above, can definitely be too much to deal with at times. I become cranky and frustrated with the many demands that my life consist of day after day. Somedays it becomes so overwhelming that it's difficult to be grateful and satisfied.

In fact, there are days I find it hard to even think about having to wake up in the morning and doing it all again. Can I get an amen or is it just me?!? I call this, "Groundhog Day." You remember the 1993 movie where Bill Murray is caught in a personal time warp on the worst day of his life. He wakes each morning with the same day over and over again. Do you ever have deja vu?? Sound familiar, friends? Well, the good news is, that we don't have to have a repeat of the day before! You don't have to relive groundhog day beacause our  joy comes in the morning.

 Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. Psalm 30:5

Life can be tough. no doubt! Days can be long and difficult. Things go wrong but things will always get better. You may be in a storm right now but it can't rain forever. Let those times of hardship help you to appreciate the good times and look forward to a new day. A fresh start. God is there waiting to meet with you. So don't start your day with the broken pieces of yesterday. It's time to let go, renew your thoughts and look ahead to greater things. Let's get excited about today, it's our brand new day! Together we can learn more about ourselves, more about others. We can laugh more than we did yesterday. Accomplish more than we ever thought possible and be more than we were before! We are tougher than we ever imagined we could be.

So shine on, you beautiful daughters! Shine On........ Today is your new day!

 His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning. Lamentations 3:22-23

Love,

Tina

Sometimes You Just Need To Stop And Listen

Are you the planner type? You know the ones..calendar in hand, pen behind the ear. They have their days planned out months in advance, list of to do's and a sense of accomplishment. Now don't take this the wrong way my lovelies.Of course it's important for us to have our life in some sort of order, right?? If not we would all be "hot messes." After all, we have appointments that need to be scheduled, deadlines to meet, kids to pick up, groceries to buy, phone calls to make. Alright, you get my point! I, myself am a planner. In fact I have two daily planners! Because life can be pretty busy....(I need a nap just thinking about it) But what happens when God comes along and erases some of our plans and begins to write His own on the pages. We may begin to panic and even sweat a little. We may find that we lose some of our control, which may make us simply uncomfortable.

Well, right now, God is writing his plans on the lines of my calendar and some of those plans make me extremely uncomfortable. Some days seem a lot harder to wait and listen, however I have come to realize that this is quite common when you are moving through life with God. I must admit I am not one who waits easily. Sitting still can be rather difficult especially when my mind is racing with thoughts and new ideas and I glance down at my calendar to see a week full of activities. Most of the time I am out of the gate before the whistle blows. Full steam ahead! Surely God knows this about His daughter and can understand why this can be so difficult for me after all this is how he fashioned me.....creative, always planning and ready to take on the world! A true visionary with big plans and God size dreams!

Waiting can seem like a life time. We can become frustrated and weary waiting on direction. "God, I need a plan!" Now becomes the cry of your heart. Little do we know, in that very moment that behind the scene God is putting things in motion, his way. The only way he can! In the midst of some of my temper tantrums (yes, I have had quite a few of those on occasions. I knew that's hard for y'all to imagine but it's true..hahaha) God quiets my soul and my thoughts so that He can speak deeper to my heart. And clear a path for rest and stillness.

You see girls, we don't have to have it all figured out, hour by hour. Stressing, worrying and fearing...all these emotions will just create an atmosphere of chaos and a sense of being overwhelmed with life. But if we listen and wait on the direction of our Father, in our time of waiting, we develop the art of patience, trust and rest. Our Father knows all things and is constantly working them together for our good and knitting every detail into place. I am so grateful for these times of stillness in my life. Even though I may fight it in the beginning. It is so worth it in the end!
So put down your "To Do" list and let God write out your plans today!

We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps. Proverbs 16:9

I also just love this scripture in Psalms.

I take joy in doing your will, my God, for your instructions are written on my heart. Psalm 40:8 

Love,
Tina