L.O.V.E

Words to Inspire

2009-03-31T17:22:00.000-07:00

You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure about you. We were born to manifest the glory of God that is within us.
-- Nelson Rockefeller

Pure Genius

2009-02-23T22:35:00.000-08:00

I'd totally buy one!

My life as of now

2009-02-21T17:04:00.001-08:00

I must say, my life since August has been a whirlwind. That picture above basically describes my life :-) Sleep deprived and living on 3-4 cups of coffee on a daily basis. Although my life is busy and full of late nights and early mornings, I can see the light at the end of the crazy tunnel. In May 2010, I will have officially completed all my courses for my Bachelor of Arts in Education with an endorsement in Reading. I'll student teach that Fall (2010) and finally be able to teach on my own by January 2011.

I'm in a first grade classroom this semester for my practicum. I spend 3 hours each week there and I must say that I absolutely love the age group. Yes the cough, sneeze, and wipe their boogers constantly but they have an enthusiasm for school and learning that completely captivates me. Not to mention, they say the funniest things! I was asked if I was 14 haha Apparently, that's old to a 6 year old! Below I have posted some pictures of me with my first grade practicum students during their Valentine party... They were all on a sugar buzz!

Just for Kicks...

2008-10-25T10:32:00.000-07:00

The newest trend on Facebook and Myspace has been a website called Yearbook Yourself. This website allows you to upload a photo of your face and then puts your face on someones yearbook photo from the 50's - Today. So I thought I'd give it a try, and I ended up with a quite a doozy :-) Thought I'd share mine with y'all! Give it a try.. Even if you don't post it, it's great for a laugh!!

Tiffany in 1984 from the website www.yearbookyourself.com

Dad in 1976

Mom in 1974

Worship Song Wednesday [installment 3]

2008-10-22T22:43:00.000-07:00

Here With Me by MercyMe

I'm still alive!

2008-10-03T10:18:00.001-07:00

Hello all you bloggers! I have finally found a few minutes to give you an update before its back to the books :-) I have been in school for a month and a half now, and I can honestly say I've spent most of that time in my bedroom doing home work or studying. I'm so enjoying being in the Teaching Program but it's definitely a lot of work.

Myth: Elementary Ed. majors have it so easy... it's all cutting and gluing.

Oh don't I wish it was that way. We have to study, take tests, and write papers just like every major. But on top of that, we have to write lesson plans, do massive individual projects as well as groups projects, and spend 40+ hours in a classroom, and maintain our sanity :-) Believe me, I have wanted to drop out and walk away from this at least 10 times since I've started. But I know that this is what God has called me to and I have to cling to that word.

But through all the madness and stress I have bonded with every person in my program. It's so wonderful to be around people who are passionate about teaching and kids in the same way that I am. We all understand the stress each other is going through and are able to encourage and push each other to stick with it. How great is that?

The most important thing for me to do is to keep my eye on the goal...

Well, it's time to finish up some reading for my online class.

Worship Song Wednesday [installment 2]

2008-09-10T19:19:00.000-07:00

This song gives me chills.. hope you enjoy it!

My Soul Longs for You by Misty Edwards

Worship Song Wednesday

2008-09-03T12:39:00.001-07:00

I had this neat idea, since I'm very limited on when I can post, that once a week (on Wednesday) I would post a worship song. One I feel God would like me to share. I always love finding a new artist to worship to, I hope you enjoy this weeks :-)

Who is Like You by Tim Nuefeld

I apologize...

2008-08-27T21:35:00.000-07:00

I'm sorry for the lack of posts but I have officially started school!! I began August 25th and am now currently in the Teaching Program :-) It is going to be a lot of work but I'm so looking forward to it. With that being said, I will try to post as often as I can.. when God inspires me or I have a funny story to tell. Please keep checking my blog, I will try to post at least once or twice a month!

Trip Down South

2008-08-05T22:40:00.000-07:00

I spent July 24th through the 31st in South Carolina visiting my brother and his family. This was the second trip I've made to South Carolina to visit them. My last visit was in March to help them move in. This time, I got to experience southern heat and humidity... Made me glad I live in the "dry-cities"

A family of 6 was staying with my brother and his family at the time of my trip. So counting me, there were a total of 10 people in the house! Although, it was crazy at times, I had a great time with every single person there :-)

Below are some pictures (with stories attached) and videos. I hope you enjoy them as much as I enjoyed experiencing them.

Pictures:

Aunt Tina, Boaz, Tyler

With the windows rolled down in the car, Boaz would put his arms in the air and go "AHHHHHHHHHH" :-)

Swimming at Carowinds

Smiles

Me and my cousin, Zach, at Carowinds Theme Park

Tyler showing off his guns

Kylie (story): we were in the mall waiting in line to pay for my purchases..
Kylie: Tiffany, how old are you?
Me: 20
Kylie: So when I'm 20.. you'll be dead, right?
Me: *laughing* No I'll be 34 I think
Kylie: Oh, so you'll have grandkids by then, huh??
Got to love kids perseption of time :-)

Micah started walking while I was there :-)

Videos to come soon :-)

Out of State

2008-07-23T12:04:00.001-07:00

Tomorrow (24th) I will head across the country to visit my brother and his family in South Carolina. I'll be there until the 31st and am so looking forward to seeing them :-) Expect lots of pictures and stories when I return!

I'm what most people my age would call a "youtuber". This means I love to go to youtube.com and find the most random and hilarious videos. So here are a few videos that I love to watch and hope you enjoy as well!

This one is a classic youtube video

My Soul Longs for Thee

2008-07-09T12:19:00.001-07:00

As the deer pants for streams of water,

so my soul pants for you, O God.

My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.

Psalms 42:1&2

One of my favorite songs growing up in Sunday school was "As the Deer". Every week, someone was allowed to pick the closing song (I was about 7 or 8 years old). Every time I was called on, I would pick this song. And my favorite part to sing was:

"I want You more than gold or silver,
Only You can satisfy.
You alone are the real joy Giver,
And the apple of my eye."

How awesome that even then, God was instilling a love and passion for Him. Although I was unaware of it at the time, He was able to place in me the knowledge that only He can satisfy.

Realization of His Love

2008-06-27T11:18:00.000-07:00

Lately, I've been contemplating the love of God. We've all experienced it in our walks with Him and it's truly a tremendous feeling. But have you ever experienced a realization of His love. I'm talking about His power and love hitting you so strongly that you fall on your face. Crying because you get a realization of the cross and what it truly meant.
This morning, as I was making my rounds through my facebook and myspace checks, I turned on a song by JesusCulture called How He Loves Us. Half way through the song, I begin to cry. I wasn't really listening to it, but my spirit was picking up on something. All of the sudden, God's love and power fell. I was beginning to get a realization of His love and how deep it is for me.
I wanted to share this experience with you and also share the song with you. The video below is the song. I hope you take the time to listen and experience a realization of His love.

Tag... I'm it!

2008-06-20T21:24:00.000-07:00

I was tagged by Strider so here are my answers.

1. What was I doing 10 years ago:
I was 10 years old, finishing up 4th grade. That's about all I remember :-)

2. My five favorite snacks:
1. Chips and salsa
2. Chocolate Chip Cookies right from the oven
3. Cranberry Orange scones from Starbucks
4. Apples and Peanut Butter
5. Snickers

3. Five things on my to do list today:
Well, it's night time. So I'll tell you what I have on my list for tomorrow.
1. Work out
2. Go to Amanda's house
3. Find something to wear to Emily's wedding
4. Go to Emily and Steven's wedding
5. Go crazy at the reception woooo

4. Things I would do if I were a billionaire:
I would move out and buy a sweet house here. Then buy another house in South Carolina, so me and my family could go visit Ty and Jenn whenever we wanted. Oh, I'd also buy a plane, again making visits easier :-) Then I'd buy a bunch of sweet clothes and shoes. I'd donate a lot of it to schools that are struggling financially. I would be the best billionaire ever lol :-)

5. Five jobs that I've had:
1. Stir The Water Customer Service Rep. (June 2008-Present)
2. Private Tutor (January 2007-Present)
3. Babysitter/Nanny (February 2003-Present)
4. Dental Assistant (June 2006-February 2008)

6. Five bad habits of mine:
1. Constant Gum Chewer
2. Impatient Driver
3. Perfectionist
4. Over-Achiever
5. I get annoyed easily at family members :-)

7. Five places I've lived: Richland, Washington and Kennewick, Washington

8. Five random things people wouldn't know about me:
1. I've played piano since I was 5
2. I was born with a hole in my heart
3. I used to play flute in middle school band
4. When I wear tennis shoes, I always put on my left sock and shoe first before
moving to the right foot.
5. Before deciding on a career in teaching, I was planning on becoming a
Pediatric Dentist

9. Five cds that I'd have to have on a desert island:
1. A worship mix
2. Soundtrack to national treasure
3. Soundtrack to Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian
4. Natasha Bedingfield
5. Shane & Shane

I tag whoever wants to do this :-)

Moving On

2008-06-15T12:16:00.000-07:00

After graduating high school in 2006, I began to attend a local community college (CBC) that fall ('06). I spent my time earning pre-requisites for the Teaching Program at WSU Tri-Cities and was able to work those in to an Associates Degree from CBC. This degree takes about 2 years to accomplish

Last week I spent studying for finals and preparing to graduate with my Associates. Finals were extremely rough on me... here are a few pictures I took last Tuesday (June 10)

My Room was a Mess:

All that hard work definitely paid off. On June 13, 2008, I graduated from Columbia Basin College with my Associates Degree. I also graduated with honors (GPA: 3.5 to 3.84). This was shown with a yellow tassel and yellow cords.

I'm very excited to be moving on to my next phase of life and college. For those of you who don't know, I'll be attending WSU Tri-Cities this fall where I'll finish my Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education. Here are a few pictures from my CBC graduation :-)

Amanda (pink shoes) and I (teal shoes) walking at graduation. Picture taken by the Tri-City Herald:

Me and Amanda after receiving our diplomas

My dad, Strider, and I

Little Sis and I (my graduation hat is pretty cool apparently)

The Gang... We Did It :-)

The Windy City

2008-06-09T14:14:00.000-07:00

And no, I'm not talking about Chicago. My town, in South Eastern Washington, has been experiencing 25 MPH winds for the past 9 days. For the first day or 2, it's bearable... but day 9, is getting pretty ridiculous! Spring around here is normally windy, but not this bad. It usually calms down by June. Also, having moved into a new development a month ago, we have dirt and sand flying around from our neighbors un-watered lots (not ours, mind you). Lucky for me, I've been cooped up studying for finals this week (can you hear the sarcasm?). I have 3 finals starting tomorrow and I'll be done Thursday morning.

Anyways, I took on the wind to in order to get these pictures just for YOU (don't you feel special).
**Note: After taking these pictures, I had sand in my teeth and dirt in my contacts... oh the things I do for you :-)

Back to writing my paper and studying!

Thought for the Day

2008-06-03T13:20:00.000-07:00

"We went through fire and water, but You brought us to a place of abundance." -Psalm 66:12

Hard times come and go. Some are easier to endure than others. But always remember, that our God knows your situation and He has promised to bring you to a place of abundance and prosperity. Always hang on that piece of hope.

Simple Things

2008-05-26T10:05:00.001-07:00

Unlike some, I tend to enjoy the random and simple things in life. Whether it be a something I observe in real life or a movie, it brings me great joy :-) Life is full of those unexpected moments, which makes life worth living. It's those unplanned moments that become treasured memories. So, to make this sound less like a graduation speech, I'd like to share some of my favorite random movie clips and photo's :-)

Movie: While You Were Sleeping

TV Series: Friends

Photos:
Jessica-Summer 2005

Josh and I- February 2007

Me, Jenna, Amanda- December 2007

Amanda and Me- April 2008

Home Videos:

My 19th Birthday- February 2007

Boaz Head Shake- March 2008

WSU Update

2008-05-15T13:30:00.000-07:00

In January, I announced to you all that I had been accepted into WSU Tri-Cities. After being admitted as a student, I applied for their Elementary Education program. Well, I turned in my application the last week of March and have been anxiously waiting to hear back from them.

I'm happy to announce that I have been accepted into the Elementary Education program at WSU. I will admit, I did scream when I found out yesterday :-) I'm absolutely pumped and can't wait to start classes August 25th! It's hard to believe that I'll be taking classes that will be preparing me to become a teacher and that in 2 short years, I will be a teacher!

My Apologies

2008-05-07T14:11:00.000-07:00

I apologize for not posting any new blogs. I haven't been feeling well the past couple of days and on top of that I have mid-terms at school this week! My family is also in the process of moving, so life is hectic. I'll be taking a break from blogger for a week or so. Be sure to come back, I have lots of ideas for new blogs!

Thought this was funny:

Just for Kicks

2008-04-28T18:04:00.000-07:00

Hello all! It's a beautiful spring day and I thought this little math puzzle would be fun :-) Grab a calculator and a smile because this will be the best 2 minutes of your day! Well, at least for me it will be. Math has always been my favorite subject. To the point where I think it's cool and people think I'm a nerd... woo whoo :-D Here we go!

1. Type in the first 3 digits of your phone number (no area code).
*Example if your number was 555-6767, you would type into the calculator "555"
2. Multiply it by 80
*Example: 555x80= 44,400 (i can't help the examples, it's the teacher in me :-))
3. Add 1
*Example 44,400+1= 44,401
4. Multiply by 250
*Example 44,401x250= 11,100,250
5. Add the last 4 digits of your phone number
*Example 11,100,250+6767= 11,107,017
6. Add the last 4 digits of your phone number again
*Example 11,107,017+6767= 11,113,784
7. Subtract 250
*Example 11,113,784-250= 11,113,534
8. Divide by 2
*Example 11,113,534/2= 5556767

You should end up with your phone number!! Let me know if it worked!

Happy Birthday Boaz!

2008-04-24T10:39:00.001-07:00

This is a very special post for a very special little boy. My precious nephew, Boaz is turning 1 today :-) I remember the day (er, night) he was born. My family and I gathered in the birthing center to await the arrival of baby Bo. At 11:46 pm (kind of sad I remember the exact time haha) Boaz Patrick came into our lives. This past year with him has been so much fun and I definitely enjoy being a aunt!

Theses pictures are a look back to see how much he has grown!

Just Born: 4-24-07

1 Month

2 Months

3 Months

4 Months

5 Months

6 Months

7 Months

8 Months

9 Months

10 Months

11 Months

12 Months

Happy Birthday Boaz! I love and miss you so much!

It's been 1 Year!

2008-04-16T20:48:00.000-07:00

Happy One Year of Blogging to ME :-) Yes, it's true. April 16th of 2007 I began my journey here on Blogger. Thanks to all of you who have read my blog for the past year. It means a lot that you take the time to read all my randomness :-)

I plan to continue blogging. Keep reading and I'll try to get more creative :-)

That You May Become Like Little Children...

2008-04-10T11:01:00.000-07:00

And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 18:3 NIV

Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." Matthew 19:14 NIV

Down South (With Videos Working FINALLY!)

2008-04-01T11:02:00.001-07:00

March 25th-29th I took a trip to Fort Mill, South Carolina. My brother, his wife, and my nephew just moved there recently. I spent the week helping them move into their new house and help out with the baby. It was an absolute blast! I had never gone on a long trip by myself and felt very "grown up" riding a plane a lone :-).

This blog is to share some pictures, memories, and video's of my fantastic time in SC. I must say, South Carolina is one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited. While there, temperatures reached 82 degrees (it was so hard coming back to FREEZING weather!!!)

Things I noticed in SC. There is a lot of RED!
Red Dirt: (this is caused by Iron in the dirt, hah my geology class has FINALLY payed off!)

Red Fire Hydrants:

But the best part of the trip was getting to spend time with my family. I will definitely miss them. Here are some pictures and videos of my trip. I apologize that the videos don't have sound to them, our digital camera doesn't record sound.

Tyler using the "stud" finder on himself haha

Dancing Boaz:
Boaz

Drinking Water:
Boaz

Tour Tyler and Jenn's New Home!:
Tyler and Jenn

It was an awesome trip. I hope you enjoyed seeing the pictures and videos from my trip, I certainly enjoyed taking them :-)

Almost There!

2008-03-20T18:10:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was the official end of Winter Quarter at CBC. It also signified that I have 1 quarter left until I graduate with my AA. I can't believe that I'm almost half way done with college. Time definitely flies when you're having fun (haha can you hear the sarcasm?)

When I started as a freshman at CBC, I kept dreaming of the moment I would be finished there :-) Now, as graduation is only a few months away, I can definitely see the light at the end of the tunnel. I finished Winter Quarter with 2 4.0's (I only took 2 classes). So I'm very happy with my performance and the effort I put in.

This song, is what will get me through my final quarter at CBC.
(Fast-Forward the video to 1:45 and listen until 2:45 or Fast-Forward to -7:00 and listen until -6:00 depending on how the numbers show up)

Spring Time

2008-03-14T12:36:00.000-07:00

It's that wonderful time of year, when the flowers are blooming and the wind is blowing non-stop. It's also the time when we realize summer is quickly approaching and we notice our little belly that somehow attached itself to our bodies. Ah yes, I'm talking about the "W" word that I absolutely hate. WORKOUT! AHHHHHHH

Now, I'm definitely not one to exercise. My idea of working out is running down our stairs in order to answer my cell phone :-) But as the warmer months are approaching, I have had this desire to actually get in shape. My cousin recently got engaged and asked me to be a bridesmaid in her wedding. As we were trying on dresses last night, it hit me. Now, I'm not saying I'm fat but I could stand to tone up a little (don't we all).

So this morning I turned on "Turbo Jam" and did an ab workout. Who knows how long I'll actually keep this up (normally I do well for about a week haha) but I'm certainly striving to get in shape and live a healthy life.

Happiness

2008-02-24T20:18:00.001-08:00

During my first quarter of college (September 2006), I took an Intro to Psychology class. Although I found the subject terribly boring, I went to class every single day. One day, the professor came in and instead of turning on the computer for a power point presentation (like usual), she wrote on the board "When will you be happy?"

She turned to our class and asked for some answers. Students began to shout out answers like: "When I graduate college", "When I get married", "When I start my career", and "When I have my children." The list began to grow longer and longer until finally the professor turned to us and said, "Why the heck, aren't you happy now?"

I was quite stunned by her response, but she continued. "Why are you waiting to be happy? Don't wait until you get married or graduate. You have to find happiness and satisfaction in what you have at this present moment."

Wow, what an important life concept. Being satisfied with what you have in the present and not waiting to be happy.

I read a "coffee table" book from Hallmark recently called, Dance While You Can, and there is a passage from this book I'd like to share with you.

First, I was dying to finish high school and start college.
And then, I was dying to finish college and start working.
And then, I was dying to marry and have children.
And then, I was dying for my children to grow old enough so I could get back to my career.
And then, I was dying to retire.
And now, I am dying… and suddenly realize that I forgot to live.

-Author Unknown-

Last Day as a T-T-Teenager

2008-02-11T12:01:00.000-08:00

It's true; tomorrow I leave the land of "Teenager" and enter into the world of "The Twenties." I've always felt older than my true age, so I think being 20 is really going to fit me (finally). I remember the turning 13 and how excited I was to finally be considered a teenager. Now, I can't wait to turn 20 and no longer be a teenager haha.
I will say this, 19 has been the most awkward age I've ever been. Allow me to explain. A few months after I turned 19 I felt like I should be older than that, and that my age didn't fit where I was at maturity wise. I'm basically "over" being a teenager and soooo ready to move into a new phase of life.

So, here's to you, Awkward Age 19... I won't miss you :-)

Beauty in the Breakdown

2008-02-06T21:03:00.000-08:00

So, let go, so let go
Jump in
Oh well, what are you waiting for?
It's alright
'Cause there's beauty in the breakdown
Let Go by Frou Frou

How true this song is in my life. I've been through a pretty rough time (see post: Over My Head) the past few months and I finally have finally decided to let go. I've decided to release my anger, hurt, judgments, and fear. And guess what, I've never been happier! God's grace has been pouring into my life and He is showing me such great things. I'm so excited for what the future holds and the changes God has for me.

The lyrics to Let Go by Frou Frou say it all "Let Go... What are you waiting for?"

I'm a Coug!

2008-01-24T18:58:00.000-08:00

It's official! I just got accepted into WSU Tri-cities for the Fall 2008 semester :-) I'm so very excited. I'm currently filling out my application for the WSU College of Education, so I'll let you all know when I found out if I got in or not (so much paperwork!)

I'm extremely excited about this transition in my life. I'm so thankful that God told me to be a teacher, because if He hadn't, I'd currently be applying for the Dentistry program at UW (YIKES). Don't get me wrong, I'm sure I would have made a fine Pediatric Dentist, but it's so good knowing with all my heart that I am supposed to be a teacher. Plenty of people have tried to talk me out of it, but God spoke so clearly to me my senior year of high school, that no one's been able to shake me on it.

Blessings to you all!

Over My Head

2008-01-14T19:15:00.000-08:00

It's been quite some time since I've blogged. I apologize to my faithful readers (i.e. my dad) for not posting anything sooner. I don't have anything interesting to write about, so this is a life update.

Where to start? All I have to say is I have never been in such a hard place in my entire life. The past 3 months have been an absolute nightmare. I've spent the last couple of months hiding all my frustration and anger, but I can't do it anymore. My best analogy for it is that I feel like I'm drowning. That the circumstances I have found myself in for the past 3 months, have truly begun to suffocate me. I'm not trying to have a pity-party and make people feel bad for me, that's not my heart at all. I would just like to ask (if you don't mind) if you would keep me in your prayers; it would be so appreciated.

Take me beyond this door
Lead me to something more
Over My Head by Starfield

Peace-Out 2007

2008-01-01T11:37:00.000-08:00

Wow, it's hard to believe another year has come and gone. I must say though, 2007 was definitely one of the toughest years of my life... so it's not hard to say goodbye to it :-) This was definitely a year of character building. As most of us know, that comes with a painful price. I wouldn't change anything about 2007 and I'm thankful for those hard times because in those times all I could do was cling to my Savior. He's done such a change inside of me, and for that, I am truly thankful.

I did have some good times though. Here are a few high-lights of 2007
1. My amazing nephew was born in April
2. I led my very first worship song in June
3. I started going to the Desert Rock college group in June and made some amazing friends
4. Learned how to snowboard
5. Learned a lot about myself and God (Yay for character building years lol)

Things I'm looking forward to in 2008 :-)
1. Turning 20 in February (wooo getting OLD)
2. Moving into our new house!!!
3. Graduating from CBC with my AA
4. Starting the Elementary Education program at WSU Tri-Cities
5. Quitting my job at the dentist office August 1st!!!! YESSS :-)

I also look forward to seeing what God does in my heart and life, the unexpected things. That's what makes life so exciting, it's so unpredictable. I hope each of you has a blessed new year!

I leave you with pictures from 2007:

Musings of a First-Time Snowboarder

2007-12-28T16:26:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, I hit the slopes for the first time in my life. I've never skied or snowboarded in my 19 (almost 20!) years of being on this earth. I've had plenty of friends try to get me to go snowboarding with them, and I finally took a chance yesterday.

Dad, Tabitha, Amanda, Uncle Rick, and I headed off to Bluewood yesterday morning around 7. I had no idea what to expect or if I'd even been able to stand up on a snowboard. I'm not exactly the "athletic type" so believe me, I had my doubts on being able to accomplish anything my first day. So Amanda, Tabitha, and I took a snowboarding lesson. After spending most of the time falling on the bunny hill, I traded my "platter-pull" pass in for a lift pass in hopes that the steeper hill would be easier to learn on.

My first time down Triple Nickle was literally hell. I had no idea how to carve and control my board so I just would go really fast and fall every 4 seconds. I think it took me 45 minutes to get down on my first run and believe me, it was not a pretty sight. I did a face plant into a pile of snow as this 8 year old kid goes by and asks if I was ok. But I refused to give up, I knew I'd regret it later. On my third run, Uncle Rick gave me a couple pointers and went on his way. I took those pointers and applied them to my snowboarding... Guess What?!? I GOT IT! I was starting to carve and turn, I truly amazed myself! I went on a total of 7 runs and on my last one, I only fell a few times :-)

I couldn't believe that I actually learned how. I am so thankful that I didn't give up and kept persevering... hmm something I can apply to my day-to-day life.

Today, I'm completely sore. I could barely roll out of bed this morning. Every muscle in my body is screaming with pain, but I don't care. I had an absolute blast and am planning to go again in 2 weeks.

Silent Night

2007-12-14T11:04:00.000-08:00

Silent Night, Holy Night
All is calm, all is bright

This morning as I was drinking my coffee I decided to put on our Josh Groban Christmas album, and in an instant our downstairs was filled with the sounds of Silent Night. For the first time, I let the words of that song really sink in. As the song continued to play, I stared at our Nativity Scene and saw the Shepard's and Wise men bowing before Him. Then, the meaning of the song hit me.

A lot of people find this song ironic. They say "How could it have been a silent night? They were in a barn with a newborn baby. Of course it was loud." I, too, have had those same thoughts until today.

God showed me this song had little to do with the natural relm, but had everything to do with the spiritual relm. Jesus came to earth to save and redeem us. The night He was born signified hope. All was calm and bright because He was born and willing to take on our sins. I have this feeling that at the moment of His birth, all of heaven was quiet; standing in awe and reverence of baby Jesus. Which makes that night one silent and holy night :-)

So next time you sing or hear this song, think of the spiritual relm. You will never view this song as ironic again, I garantee it.

May God bless each and every one of you this Christmas Season. May the hope that He brought that night fill your homes and hearts!

Just for Kicks

2007-12-07T17:22:00.000-08:00

As most people know, I love kids. I love being around them because I truly feel like I am in my element. Well, I was cruising around youtube and found some really cute America's Funniest Home Video clips on kids/babies. So take a few minutes out of your day and have a few laughs. I think sometimes we forget how precious and wonderful each child is and hopefully these videos remind you of that :-)

I'll leave you with my favorite clip. I hope this makes you smile

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year...

2007-11-14T22:20:00.000-08:00

It is my most favorite time of year; the Holidays are finally upon us! Now, I'm not just your average "Christmas fan", I go all out :-). My family can attest to this, I start listening to Christmas music right after Halloween (actually I start WAY before that but I keep the volume down low). I also watched The Santa Claus last weekend with Valerie and Amanda. And if I had it my way, the Christmas tree would already be up. I feel like a 3 year old kid on Christmas Eve.... soo EXCITED.

I think it is the atmosphere of it all. I love walking around the mall and seeing the great decorations or randomly talking to a person in line at Starbucks because it's almost Christmas. But one of my most favorite things (wow, I feel like Julie Andrews in The Sound of Music) is to buy presents for people. I get so excited that I normally try to give them their present WAY before Christmas because I love seeing the look on their face. I guess you could call that one of my "love languages"; I definitely love to give gifts.

God also blessed me with the gift of receiving ;-) haha (I sound like my dad, scary). I'm not going to lie, I love getting presents haha :-D. It's not really the gift itself I'm excited about. I'm mostly excited because that person put the time into getting me something... it blesses me tremendously.

Well, I've rambled long enough. I hope you all enjoy this Holiday Season and spend as much of it as you can with your family! If you get the chance, I strongly encourage each of you to rent these movies during the Christmas Season :-)

Home Alone

White Christmas

It's a Wonderful Life

The Santa Claus

Moments Captured

2007-10-15T20:07:00.000-07:00

Probably one of my favorite pass times is photography. I'm definately not a professional but I took 2 years of photo while I was in highschool and loved it! So it's become a hobby of mine over the years. My favorite kind of photography involves capturing kids in their natural environment, it's amazing the pictures you can get when they are going about their daily routines.

Well on Saturday, the people I've been babysitting for since I was 14 (so coming up on about 6 years, yikes lol) asked me to take some pictures of their kids. I want to share some of the pictures I took yesturday (the 14th) at Leslie Grove Park of Ellie (almost 6) and David (4).

Life is a Highway

2007-10-01T15:21:00.000-07:00

So this weekend I took my very first road trip. Now, by this I mean, I drove alone to a far away land to spend my time the way I wanted to :-) I got the chance to visit Valerie in Cheney at her new apartment. It was a blast and of course, I forgot my camera!!
But as I leave for Cheney Saturday morning with my mapquest directions in hand, I'm totally excited. I truly felt like a "big girl". I was going on a trip without my parents and I was stoked! The whole way up I had this huge smile plastered on my face because it felt good to have my parents trust me enough to drive a couple hours from home. Having your parents approval is definitely an awesome thing at my age of 19 (almost 20 in a couple months. AHHH)
When I got there, Valerie and I drove to Spokane where we would have lunch at Olive Garden and go shopping. We came back to her apartment that evening, ordered pizza, and watched "While You Were Sleeping." I was so much fun to have "Girl Time" and be able to relax. Since I forgot my camera but had my laptop we took a few pictures and messed around with the settings on the photo...

My mapquest directions were great and I was able to drive there and back with zero complications. I listened to nothing but the Pirates of the Caribbean Soundtrack (which is GREAT by the way). And had an overall FANTASTIC weekend :-)

Back to School

2007-09-16T15:48:00.000-07:00

Today, I enjoy my last few hours of freedom because by this time tomorrow, I will have become a slave to my education and hit the books. Don't get me wrong, I know it's a privilege to go to college and I'm so grateful to have parents who are willing to pay for it.. but it's always hard to get back into the swing of things.

I have so enjoyed this summer. My job allowed me to keep working part time while I took an online history class and continued tutoring my favorite 8 year old :-) Speaking of my job, I got a raise a week ago! Definitely unexpected but such an act of God. I've loved late night movies with my cousins and spending a week at the Oregon Coast. I feel like I did a lot of "growing up" this summer, especially in God.

Well, enough of my chatter. Here are some pictures from this summer... Enjoy

W-W-W-W-WAIT

2007-08-19T20:08:00.000-07:00

I want a little something more
Don't want the middle or the one before
I don't desire a complicated past
I want a love that will last
A Love that will Last by Renee Olstead

This song is one of my all time favorite romantic songs and God brought it to my mind today. Two of my close friends from high school were married last Saturday (August 11th) and they had a beautiful wedding. Mind you, I set them up in high school :-) I also have two close friends who recently got engaged and I couldn't be happier for them.

Why tell you all this? To share what I've been through and how this song brought revelation to me.

In my 19 1/2 years of being alive I have only ever had 1 boyfriend. I was about 17 years old and the relationship only lasted about 2 months. So, I've never been one to jump in and out of relationships. I've guarded my heart to the best of my ability and have waiting for the right person to come into my life.

Well, when my friends (as you know by now are Steven and Emily) announced their engagement about a month or so ago, I cried... tears of joy and also of self pity (yes, I admit it). I was jealous as heck. I kept asking God "Why?", "What did I do wrong?", "Why them and not me?". I kept telling God that I hadn't been one to throw myself at every available guy, when I could have. I said "God, I've been a good girl... so why haven't you brought the right one to me?"

God said, "Yeah, you've been a good girl... but it's not your time, it's Steven and Emily's time." Oh yes, the word I dislike the most, WAIT. God showed me that the reason they are engaged isn't because they've reached a certain level or made it to a point in life that I hadn't, it is simply Their Time.

I have chosen to wait on the Lord on this issue because He knows me better than I know myself. Like the song says, I don't want a complicated past... I just want a love that will last. And I know, that love is definitely worth waiting for.

Everything

2007-08-11T12:10:00.000-07:00

This song is called Everything by Lifehouse. Everytime I hear this song, I can't help but cry. Because I put myself in the place of singing these lyrics to God about my relationship with Him. I have posted a video that flashes the lyrics and plays the song.. I hope you can take 6 minutes out of your day and let this song touch you the way it always does for me.

The Bourne Ultimatum

2007-08-10T22:43:00.000-07:00

FYI: This doesn't contain movie spoilers.. I'm not that mean ;-)

Tonight, I went with my sister and a couple of friends to see The Bourne Ultimatum. The only thing I can say is WOW! That was the most amazing action movie I've seen in my entire life! From the time it starts, it is non-stop action.

So as I'm sitting on the edge of my seat (literally) all I can think is "oh dear lord, this movie needs to end so my blood pressure and heart rate can return to normal" haha but it was fantastic!

If you liked the Bourne Identity and the Bourne Supremacy, I guarantee you will LOVE (yes love) the Bourne Ultimatum. And once you've seen it you too will agree that the Ultimatum was better than the first 2.

Purpose of this post? HAH there is no purpose to this one. I'm still coming down from my adrenalin rush ;-)

"I hope you enjoy your egg whites"

Just Like Clock-Work

2007-08-02T12:35:00.000-07:00

I realized, lately, how routine my life has become. It's quite hilarious, actually. I noticed this yesterday, how ever scene throughout the day was like desa vu. Here's my typical day... EVERYDAY

7:00am: Wake up to country music, hit snooze
7:09am: Alarm goes off again, hit snooze
7:18am: Alarm goes off again, quickly ponders getting up, hit snooze
7:27am: Alarm goes off again, finally force myself out of bed
8:35am: Realize I'm running late and shouldn't have taken the time to shave my legs that morning
8:50am: Pull out of the driveway, and pass by an old couple picking up garbage.. Wave and Smile
9:05: Begin tutoring
10:10: End tutoring
10:30: Arrive at our apartment complex as the right side of my car windows get nailed by a sprinkler

AND IT GOES ON AND ON!

Literally, that is how every morning has been for the entire summer (same events at the same times). I find it comical; how I've gotten into such a routine that I can predict how every morning is going to turn out. And that every time I get home from tutoring, my car window WILL get hit by the same sprinkler.

So what is God trying to say? Don't let life become routine! Don't let it just slip past you by being stuck in the same situations every day. Allow God to come in and change your view, change your life, change your driving route ;-)...

I think, more than anything, this blog is for me. God had me write this to show me that my life doesn't have to be dull. That He can come in and add so much more if I allow the change to happen.

So God, I give you freedom into my life, to change what needs to be changed. Give me the strength and perseverance to keep going when I want to quit. You know what I need.

Our Deepest Fear

2007-07-10T11:01:00.000-07:00

I didn't write this and have no idea who did. But this definately gave me something to think about... I hope this blesses you the way it did me

Our Deepest Fear...

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous,
talented, and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn't serve
the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so
that other people will not feel insecure around you.
We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is
within us. It is not in just some of us; it is in
everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we
unconsciously give people permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence
automatically liberates others.

My Life [part 1]

2007-06-29T21:07:00.000-07:00

As I have been pondering what to write on this blog I decided it would be fun to write about my life and share pictures with you all. I know most of you know a lot about me but I'm sure there are things you don't know. As I always say "you learn something new EVERY day" ;-) Here it goes...

This is me as a little baby, awww. Random fact about me, I was born with a hole in my heart and was suppossed to have surgery. My parents prayed for me and I was healed!

Now fast-forward 19 years to the present (only because I have no pictures on my computer from those middle years haha)

I work at a Pediatric Dental office as a Dental Assistant, not a hygienist.. there is a difference.

My passion is to teach. For those of you who don't know I'm majoring in Elementary Education and absolutely love it! Through the math courses at CBC I've been given the opportunity to teach in an elementary school a few times.

I am an older sister, younger sister, sister-in-law, and now an aunt!

More to come soon....

2007-06-14T20:44:00.001-07:00

Today marks the end of my freshman year of college.. crazy I know! Since life has slowed down (for now) and I have no finals to stress over I felt the urge to write a blog.

Two sundays ago (June 3rd) I was given an amazing opportunity. I was asked to lead a worship song for the sunday service.. my first response was "haha... no." Can I tell you a secret? :-) I really wanted to but was kind of nervous. So I took it to God to see if it was in His plan and guess what.. IT WAS! Leading that song made something inside me awaken. I'm very excited for what's to come in that area of my life, we shall see...

"Not unto us, Oh Lord, Not unto us... but to Your name give glory"

Give me the simple life

2007-04-16T12:08:00.001-07:00

I don't believe in frettin' and grievin'
Why mess around with strife
I never was cut out to step and strut out
Give me the simple life

Some find it pleasant dining on pheasant
Those things roll off my knife
Just serve me tomatoes
and mashed potatoes
Give me the simple life
Give me the Simple Life by Steve Tyrell

That song is from one of my favorite movies of all time, Father of the Bride 2, and lately that is exactly what I've been learning... to stop and enjoy the little things in life. For me personally, I hide behing how busy I am. Going to college full time and working 2 jobs get extremely crazy and stressfull and I definately have my meltdowns :-). Over Easter weekend, I went with my youth group to Camp Ghormely for a retreat and what God did in my heart there will forever shape my life. While I was there I was completely disconnected from the world... no internet, no cell phone service, no job to worry about, or homework assignments to stress over; I was completely stripped of my busy schedule, the one I hide behind. I went on hikes through the forest in the pouring rain, played soccer, swung on the swingset, colored... things I hadn't done in ages. Those things brought me back to the pleasure I used to get out of the simpleness of life and that is where God spoke to me. He told me that the reason I was so unhappy was because I had lost the simplicity of life. I had become to focused on my 4 year plan for my life that I had forgotten to stop and smell the roses, to go on long walks and enjoy nature. Eventhough I'm still a fulltime college student and work 2 jobs, I now stop and enjoy the small, simple things. Whether it's standing in the sunshine for the 10 minutes I have between classes or smelling the fresh air as I'm driving to work... I've learned to enjoy it all.

I encourage you all to enjoy the simple things in life. Go swing, climb monkey bars, color, dance, or simply sit in the sunshine. And you too will enjoy the simple life :-)

-Tiffany-