Nov. 5, 2008 - Getting away from reality
I have decided to turn to my blog today to get away from all the feelings I'm having about the turn our country has taken in the past 24 hours. My kids can't stop talking about it, my friends are all abuzz and I'm just sad. I don't want to speculate about what is going to come of our country in the next 4 years, I'd rather pray about it and trust that God has it under control. My biggest fear about the new president is not of his color (I could care less if he were purple for cryin' out loud), or his socialist views, my greatest fear is that he is going to try to take God out of our country. Now, I KNOW he could never take God out of our hearts, but I fear that he will try to remove all traces of God from our country. People were singing Psalms that you sing about Jesus about Obama...that scares me!
So for today as every day, I will continue to rely on God and his mercy to please bless the USA and keep us in the palm of His hand, because I have a feeling we're going to need it now more than ever.
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Sep. 18, 2008 - Perspective
Ok, lately I've been feeling overwhelmed to the point of tears. Not enough of me for the masses and not enough time in my day. I've also been feeling a bit taken advantage of in some areas of my life. I'm always the one to feel bad for my friends that are so busy (helloooooo what am I?) and I take their problems on myself. This usually creates an enormous amount of resentment on my part (even though I am totally allowing myself to be taken advantage of) and then I wind up feeling cranky. You know the deal...what about me? Poor me. Why doesn't anyone ever care about my feelings and my busy schedule? Ok, well I had an epiphany the other day in the midst of one of my inner temper tantrums. I have been listening to different lectures on my MP3 player (downloaded from this awesome site ) and one of them spoke to me. The speaker said, when someone asks you for something and you feel yourself getting frustrated...think. Imagine that Jesus is asking you for whatever this person is asking you for. Think about how happy you'd be to do it for God. Well, this person was created by God and we all know the newest commandment (Love thy neighbor as thyself) and we need to do whatever we can to help our neighbors. Well, I reluctantly went and did what the person had asked me to with a much different attitude then I had when the request was originally put before me. I was reminded of a favorite hymn in church when I was a child....the words go like this
"Whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers, that you do unto me.
When I was hungry, you gave me to eat;
When I was thirsty, you gave me to drink.
Now enter into the home of My Father.
Whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers, that you do unto me.
When I was homeless, you opened your door;
When I was naked, you gave me your coat.
Now enter into the home of My Father.
Whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers, that you do unto me.
When I was weary, you helped me find rest.
When I was anxious, you calmed all my fears.
Now enter into the home of My Father.
Whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers, that you do unto me."
How I LOVED that song....why not apply it to my life??? I'm trying, but God knows that I'm a work in progress.
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Sep. 11, 2008 - Always Remember and Never Forget!
Today is a very difficult day for my family. We lived in New York during the attacks on the World Trade Center. I remember that Tuesday morning like it was yesterday. The weeks and months to come were followed by memorials, funerals, fear and sorrow. I remember calling everyone I knew who had a loved one working in Manhattan that day. Luckily for my family and very close friends no one was hurt. However, everyone of us knew someone who hadn't been that lucky.
My niece's classmate lost her dad, this changed my niece drastically (she was only 6 at the time), she wouldn't let her parents out of her sight without becoming histerical. My friend lost her brother, he was a fireman with a young family. We knew of a family that went to our Pediatrician where 2 brothers were killed and 1 brother lived. The nieces and nephews continually asked their uncle to please find their daddy. 8 Children were left without fathers, a mother without her 2 sons, 2 wives without husbands and a brother left without his siblings in that family alone. I could go on and on about the people that were in a different office that day and were spared. Those who came in late because it was their child's first day of school and they wanted to be with them...and their lives were spared. That is when you have to know that God is with us always and He knows the plan for your life, we just need to listen to Him.
In New York we felt that this tragedy was ours alone. We didn't really think about how it affected the rest of the country. Selfish, maybe, but those were our neighbors you saw jumping out of those buildings. Those were our brothers and friends walking across that bridge covered in the ashes. However, since moving to Arizona in 2004 I realize that this tragedy affected America as a whole. So many people ask me about that fateful day in 2001, I still tear up when I talk about it-it was surreal. I remember thinking, who would be stupid enough to hit the Trade Centers? (That was before I realized it was intentional)..
I couldn't sleep for weeks after that day. I was haunted by those visions I had seen on television and horrible what ifs (my brother and I used to work together blocks from the Trade Centers and my husband often went into Manhattan for business). I thank the good Lord for protecting my loved ones that day (and always) and I pray that those who perished that day are enjoying everlasting life in the Kingdom of Heaven. And I beg you to never forget......
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Sep. 7, 2008 - So true! Had to share it-
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Aug. 18, 2008 - Sometimes....
Sometimes, when I get caught up in lifes ups and downs I forget. I forget to remember how lucky I am. I know it in my soul, but sometimes I forget it in my head. Maybe it's because when I feel that I'm lucky usually something goes wrong so I avoid thinking it. But now, I'm putting it in writing, probably very very stupid.
God has blessed me with so many truly wonderful gifts. My family is first (my parents and my siblings). They helped make me who I am. They are who I turn to when life gets tough and I want to "go home". Unconditionally, I love them and they love me-forever.. Enough said!
Then there's my husband, he gave me the beautiful family that I am so grateful for. He's my friend, my jester, my copartner in crime 
and discipline. I've been with my husband more than 1/2 my life and we've grown up together, for better or for worse, for richer or poorer and in sickness and health. Then there are my children. Three amazing, unique individuals whom I would give my life for. Three people who truly made me who I am, I am so much better for having them in my life, and for being their mommy. It is truly my most treasured blessing.
There are my nieces and godsons who are amazing individuals that I love like my own children. They are individuals that I would chose to have in my life even if I wasn't related to them. I watched them come into this world and develop into these tremendous people that I adore.
Then there are my friends. There are the friends that I've had forever (or at least it feels like it) who live in different parts of the country. I don't speak to them daily or weekly or even monthly but they are in my heart and thoughts always. I know that at any given time I could call them, day or night and they would be there for me regardless. I miss them very much, especially Janet and Samantha...those are the two that are connected at my heart for different reasons. Then there are my Arizona friends---they are very much like my NY friends in that they are all very different, wonderful, loving people. The only difference is that they are in my daily life and most of my family and NY friends aren't. These are the people that know the AZ Tina (who, can I just say is soooo much nicer than NY Tina
. My biggest blessing was the Lord leading us here to AZ because our whole life came full circle and became complete when we moved here. Well, anyway, back to my AZ friends---- Lori is like my Arizona sister. She and I have had many changes in our relationship over the last 3 1/2 years but I can't imagine my life without her in it. She and I are SO much alike, yet different at the same time. I adore her kids and would be lost without her constant support and friendship. Amy and Donna are my "baseball friends" that have extended into the rest of life! I talk to them almost on a daily basis and our lives are so intertwined and we are always helping eachother out where needed. These two women are an amazing part of my life and I love them as if I've known them forever. Then there is Barbie, who is my dance/cheer/baseball/basketball/all around friend! God kept putting her in my life until we finally realized that hey, this is my friend!!! He even put our husbands together 3 years ago at baseball without us even knowing it! And last but not least is Jen....my YaYa sister. I've known Jen for 3 1/2 years although we've just gotten close recently. Amazing, when you let go of others who are bringing you down you are free to explore the friendships that God meant for you to have---I think I've finally learned that. God puts some people in your life for a reason, season or a lifetime----you have to discover which.
For all this and more I am truly blessed and lucky and I'm so grateful for the peace the Lord has put in my heart tonight. I hope it stays there, but in case I've ruined it by putting it in writing
at least I can read this and remember and hopefully find that peace again.
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Aug. 1, 2008 - My Name is Tina....and I am messie!
Sandra Felton---have any of you heard of her? The organizer lady? She is my new best friend! I just read her book, The Messie's Manual (a Procrastinator's Guide to Housekeeping), can I tell you it was written JUST FOR ME! Honestly, I feel like it was! My mom was/is a cleanie (God Bless her, her home is always beautiful and sparkling). I always felt like there was something wrong with me because I couldn't do what she does. I worked and worked and it never happened. Well of course not!!!! I'm a messie! I'm not going to tell you anymore because if you're reading this and have the same problem you have to check it out!
I have a renewed energy that I've never had before. The kind that comes when you know someone gets you. Of course I shared it with my cleanie mom and she is soo happy for me. She also apologized for wiring me wrong, lol (I told her that!) I seriously want to shout from the rooftops about this woman. I sent her a comment and I got a personal email back and I want to frame it. People follow Brittney Spears around, WHY? I want to follow Sandra Felton around, she's more of a celebrity.
Well, I'm off to clean my counter off *for the last time* because now I know how to fix it!
Have a blessed day!
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Jul. 16, 2008 - 40 Tips to a Better Life
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I got this in an email from my sister and thought it was awesome!!! Hope you enjoy it too. 40 Simple and Remarkable Tips for Better Life 1. Take a 10-30 minute walk every day. And while you walk, smile. It is the ultimate anti-depressant. |
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