I think I've decided...

To stop blogging. This blog is meant to edify God in all He does, but sometimes I wonder if it causes more problems than solutions?
Meaning, when we get together in friends, and make new friends, it is God I wish for them to see. Sometimes when I write, I feel like people look at me, and not the message that is given through me. Often times when God has laid something upon my heart, I will share it, but I have found frustration in things others do, hoping they have heard the words, but never knowing if they got the true meaning of it all.
Man is so much smaller than God, and there is no way we could ever compare to Him. His ways are higher than our ways, His thoughts higher than our thoughts, (Isaiah 55:9) So,to hold others to an expectation of loving God the same way I do, is impossible, and I have come to realize this. For every one's walk is different, and God works with them in His own way, but I wonder: have they listened? Have they put themselves aside?

I am studying in Galatians right now, and began to see a bigger picture. Who are we serving, man or Christ? Life is too short to serve man, to wonder about how he is spending his time, or what he is doing here or there. No, as confessed believers in Christ, I believe our job is to teach, as we have opportunity, and spread the Love f Christ. When we focus on ourselves, we don't always give God the glory. I can identify, as I have been there before.
But now, I strive to be as close to God as possible, seeking to live my life like Christ. Am I perfect? No. But when I see something that I must change, I do.
Will you?
Life is but a vapor, and when it is gone, you have no other chances.
How are you spending your time?
Who is your life focused on?
Let us put away those things that edify us, and seek those things that edify God:

Galatians 5:24-26:
24 And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

So, with that said, I will be leaving my blog until felt so lead to return. It may be soon, it may be never. If you wish to keep in contact, my email address is provided there on the right.
Remember: Spend time with God, for tomorrow is never promised. Think of the day you find yourself before the Lord, what will you say? I pray that you will be before Him as an obedient servant, patient,kind, and hard working. Sacrificing for the Lord always, and seeking His face often, before seeking His hand. When you do...You. Will.Be. Blessed.
Have a wonderful time with Christ, He is one of the best friends you have ever received! Enjoy Him! I know I will!
With Love always,
Tawn.

Out Of Sorts

It has been an interesting couple of days so far. I'm feeling very "out of sorts" since Sunday.


First, my husband left town for work for three weeks, which is always hard for me,and 2nd, I had something going on that Sunday morning that really bothered me. Family stuff, but no big deal. For now.



I spend a lot of time thinking about why people do the things they do. Even why I do the things I do. I am committed to a few things in my life, but when I commit, I give whole-hearted and I tend to expect the same from others.


I have recently evaluated time with God, children, and family, plus any extra curriculars like church, and on side of that- softball. Church is MOST important to me, and I can't imagine anything in the world being more important than Christ. I think that's where my mood started. When I had to leave church early, it took away from me. Like not getting to eat a whole meal. I was hungry.


I hear conversations all the time at work about this and that, these plans and that plans, but I think I have to be careful with what I do with my time. God is a jealous God, and if we are to love Him first, we should love HIM first.


I have a hard time conveying this to many people, as I let my frustrations get in the way- I mean, If I'M frustrated, disappointed, and let down by the choice people make when they profess to know God, I can't even imagine how Christ himself may feel. It hurt me to imagine hurting a precious thing like Christ, or even upsetting and all-mighty and powerful God.


How patient is He? Just wonderfully patient. I love God and the last thing I want to do it hurt Him. So why do we struggle with this? Why is putting God first too much to ask of some? It's dis-heartening, I have to admit.


Anyway, all this has made me somber this week. Feeling hopeless in my small human body, but knowing that there is a God that creates all things. Reminding me of how precious life really is. I just pray that those close to me will know the Love, enjoyment, and fullness that comes with knowing God. Your burden truly does become light..who wouldn't want EVERYONE to know that??

So, take time to reflect. Prioritize your tasks, and make room for God- He ALWAYS makes room for you- have a blessed day.

Monday Again

Wow, life huh?
I logged into blogger today amazed that a week had gone by already. I can't believe how fast our lives persist in being so evident that you wake up in the morning, saying "what day is today?" Right? I'm not the only one who has done it I'm sure.
This past week has been a quiet one, and naturally I am enjoying it. Knowing that my trial may come soon, I am sunbathing in the Glory that is God this week. Sometimes I feel like I missed days, and last week seemed like it came and went faster than I wanted it to. My weekly activities are many, but I pray often that God will not forget me in the midst of my good times. This may seem strange to some, but I often ask God not to forget me, praying that trials may come my way so that I may be reminded of just how wonderful He is in my life. May I never forget.
I think once you start to get into a routine, and everything is fine and great, you run the risk of going without God in your day to day. Bold I know, but I personally have a tendency to spend less time talking to God when times are at their best. Talking to Him, but not as diligently as when trials are upon me. So, believe it or not, I thank God for the trials because it focuses me on what HE can do, and my relationship with Him as well.
I mean, how often do you praise Him when things are going wrong? Hey, how often do you praise Him when things are going right?? I constantly remind myself that it is God who owns my body, my soul- and without Him, I simply do NOT exist. Listen, He does wondrous things when we devote our selves to His relationship. It's true, I've seen it time and time again. We just have to hold on, and count on Him, knowing that like the True Father He is, He is looking to be there for us, looking to save us from the many things we find our self getting into.
With that said, I can't begin to formulate words that tell you how God has been to me, or even the Love I have for Christ, I just know that He is worth dying for, fighting for, and most importantly living my life here on earth for. It's not easy but great is your reward if you continue in this race, for scripture tells us:

Matthew 7:13-
13 “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. 14 Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.

Lord willing, I will be searching for that narrow way all the days of my life. May we seek to find it always, and savor the journey it takes to arrive there!
Have a blessed day!

Who Knew?

I'm recovering today from a long weekend. Or what seemed to feel like a long weekend anyway. Our Friday consisted of starting to work on the '66 bug, when I realized that I was incredibly grouchy. Yah, grouchy. My poor husband was chipper and calm as usual, but I had to give him fair warning that this day was just not for me.
I some how irritated him and myself in the process of working on the car for all of about 10 mins, then promptly called my sister to see what she was doing.
This is pretty common for me, (to call sis) but it seems now a days, Tiff's coming around a lot more, and it makes me really happy.
So, I was doubtful we could hang out since we had so much lately, but was pleasantly surprised when she agreed to go somewhere with me. Turns out she needed an outfit for some dinner she was going to. So shopping? perfect! Just what I needed to get me out of my funk.
My mind had been buzzing with so many things going on right now..my relationship with Christ, my friends/family, the etsy shop, and softball-of all things. I also have a condition called psuedo tumor cerebri, and have been thinking a lot about that lately as well..
Anyway, while talking to Tiff about some etsy stuff, I started to think about what it means to "make it" what it means to be great, and what it means to be the type of person that people admire. But why the admiration? why greatness? I began to wonder why people seek that greatness, seek to be recognized for something, seeks to leave a mark on something they do. It's all around us! Celebrities, athletes, they all desire the same thing.
Then, I thought about how great I have it. Seriously... I don't have a ton of money, or a million people calling me. Thousands wanting to know what I am up to,where I'm eating, shopping like the celebs do.. I simply have something great. A day, a moment, a memory that is so precious to me. a Love, and a life filled with a lot of really great things. I think I have made it..
I reflected on that a lot this weekend, realizing things here and there that I really enjoy about my day to day living.. like Saturday: I glanced over at my husband, sitting across from me at the table, while we were out eating. He is so quiet, amazing, fun. He is perfect for me. The softness to understand me, but the strongness to help me out when I need him most. He never lets me down (well rarely anyway lol). Yet, seems all we do is laugh, tease, joke, play around. It's like 2 kids in a candy shop when we go off and do things on our own. It's just....fun.

He's the best I thought, *He winks*

I love my life.

This etsy shop may not make it, people may never know who I am, I may never make enough money, but God blessed my life in more ways than I can ever imagine. I smile everyday, even when in pain, and My family? Just amazing.
Cherish the moments you hold- one day, they will merely be a memory. Remember to stop long enough to realize how great you really have it, and Who it is that brought you there- have a blessed day, Happy Monday!

Worthy

While in my car this morning, I was listening to my latest mix of gospel songs. I opted for a selection of songs I could dance to, and would ultimately be perfect for my day starter! While listening to cece winans Worthy I reflected on the words that so gracefully hit my ear. I thought about how Christ counted us worthy to die for us that day. Isn't that amazing, and wonderful at the same time? I know personally, day to day I forget how precious that statement is.
To think that someone loved you enough to die for you, just so you could know the love of His Father, is just too amazing to fathom. I mean, Why me?
I forget so easily sometimes, getting distracted, busy doing the things we like to do,thinking we have it planned out, wandering through life the way we feel it should be.... and then I think about a man, kneeling down, praying relentlessly for me. Knowing that one day, I will see Him again. Understanding that what He had to face was going to be painful, was going to be hard. The feelings He must have felt are all too much for me, as I don't even count myself worthy of such a precious gift. but Christ did..Who am I but a sinner, once living life like those that spat in His face, and still, He died for me.
It's enough for us all to take pause. While we were still sinners, Christ died for us, counted us worthy of a blessing we so greatly underestimate. Let us pray that when the day is done, and all is quiet, we thank God for giving us His son. Jesus Christ, who bravely endured the cross so that we could have the chance to reap an eternal reward in heaven. To be next to the Son, and out Father, forever. amen.

Watermelon Days Blog

So I finally got a few moments to start the blog for the etsy shop. So.. now you can follow Watermelon Days! I'm super excited about this new adventure, and I got the material in yesterday for our first "spring collection" (as Tiff so affectionately calls it)
We are also have a twitter account so for all you twitter peeps, you can follow us there as well.
What's first on the list of things to make you ask?
Well, personally, I am looking forward to making a receiving blanket. I remember Tiana was a baby, the receiving blanket was an all-time favorite of mine. As a mom, I loved wrapping her in the softest, most adorable blankets ever! They were so soft for me to touch when holding her, and, it made staring at her all the better when wrapped in something fun! Times are changing so things don't have to be simple anymore- they can be extravagant, fun, and downright beautiful.
I will let you know how the first ones turn out.

So, on my agenda for this weekend:

receiving blankets
burp cloths
pacifier clips!

Crazy FUN!

I was reading my friend Rebecca's blog, and its amazing how we seem to have the same idea about stuff, and I didn't even know it. Rebecca is incredibly talented, so my idea crafty is no where near her area of expertise. She is just a well rounded good-at-everything- kind of girl, so I'm hoping I won't be too embarrassed to show her my work.

With that being said, let's get you in the Loop! ~

A couple of weeks ago, my sister shot out the idea of creating some baby stuff on etsy. It has been a fun little project to investigate, so I decided to try it out! We picked a name, logo, and some other stuff for the etsy shop, and plan on having some product out by this weekend!!!! ( I said plan, as in hope)
I'm super excited, since this will be some fun quality time spent with my sis.
We found some cute fabrics for our brand new "Spring Collection" and will be opening up our shop with a give-away! Are you excited? So, if you know someone who is having a baby soon, send them here for updates on products, until the new blog for our shop is open.
We will be tracking our fun adventures, and recording any fun stuff we encounter along the way, so keep checking back for that link.
I will keep you posted on your chance to win.!!!
Wish us luck!

It's been too long..

I haven't written in so long, I actually forgot the last time I signed on. Things have been quiet around our house lately with some things here and there, but nothing exciting to report on just yet. Upon signing on to my blog, I noticed I have a new follower! Thanks for tuning in Dianne, welcome!

So...I was visiting with my greatest friend Becky recently, and she really got me thinking. We reflected on our friendship, and how many ups and down we have had in the past. The place we are now, verses the place we used to be sort of thing. I remember the life I lived before Christ, but I very rarely ever recall it. That person is so far from who I am today. Don't get me wrong, I wasn't a horrible person, but doing what I liked to do? Always. She commented on how I was the old Tawn, and then suddenly I changed into a totally different person. In her words I was:
"sooo not that person anymore. you took off- just..gone." she said.

I smiled.
I thought to myself "behold all things become new" (2Corinthians5:17)
Wow.

Ok so lets be real- Being obedient is hard. It can be really hard. We grow up thinking we know what is best for ourselves, but when you find yourself in love with Christ, all you want to do is keep Him happy. You even find yourself asking, what do I do now? What must I do to please you Lord? How can I become better?
I remember so many things changing for me, it was fun! It was amazing, and I could feel myself being enveloped by a new Spirit. There was so much comfort in that, and I was refreshed in the process. Like chains breaking, I felt myself being set free from so many things I felt I was afraid of..
Now does this mean that my walk was peachy keen, and that nothing was difficult? No. Not at all. I wanted so much to change so quickly that I often became discouraged, and frustrated with my walk. The urgency was apparent, for no day is promised to us, and Gods work is at hand.
I wondered where He was taking me, how I would get there, and how long the journey would take. But the blessed thing is, when I spent more time with Him, I cared less and less about what I was doing, and more about what He was doing. Staying focused and unmoving, Christ added to me so much more than I expected.

As I sat across from the friend that knew everything there was to ever know about me, I realized that my life had in fact been taken over. Even she was amazed! I had gone, and His daughter had become new. A husband, a family, a blessed church family, and sooo many friends that I could count on within that congregation. I HAVE been blessed. My life is completely new, and a wonderful manifestation of Christ's hand within my life. Yes, once feeling alone, Christ took me, carried me, and added to me blessings. His Love continues and I pray that all find the way to be obedient in Christ. He is the best friend I could ever have, for no one has given to me like He has, and no one ever will. He is the One, and my Only!

Uplifting Scripture of the week

Lay Up Treasures in Heaven

19 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Your heart. A tender, precious, and complex thing. For when Christ has your heart, no one can remove you from Him. I think back to how much I have changed since Christ found me. The way I think, the way I live my life, the choices I make. And Every time I make those choices, I am storing up in Heaven. I believe my Father sees my heart, and my actions though not to receive a reward, but because I know it pleases my Father so. There is no outward sign, no stamp that I can put on my relationship, but rather the actions, that are FOR my Father,always, and not for myself.
For He is my heart, and my soul, forever.

"Father, let you always be my beginning and my end. May I always seek you before I seek my own, and may you always guide me through the mess I may have made in my life. For my heart seeks to please you, and only you, for now until forever. amen"

Take Delight...

3 Trust in the LORD, and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. 4Delight yourself also in The Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart~ Psalm 37:3-4

I love this scripture. I just love it. I was talking to my daughter about this passage, and reminded her of what it meant. All of this Psalm is wonderful, so if you have a moment, please read it lovingly. and with an open heart.

I reflected on this psalm passage today as I picked up my husband and step daughter from the airport. I had anticipated her return home for quite some time, as she lives out of state with her mother. She often comes to visit for a few months at a time, and my heart is made fuller by her existence here with my little one. My daughter loves having a sister around, and my heart soars when the girls gather around to tell me how much they love me. Really, its enough to make your heart ache!

Anyway, while gazing at little Adrianna in the back seat, I had to smile. I remembered how I prayed so diligently that she would be safe and sound so that our family could see her again. I cried when she left, and I felt more sadness than I could have ever anticipated. I had fallen so in love with this little girl, just as though she were my own. So you can imagine that letting her go was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do.

So, what did I do? Well, before Adrianna left, I had so many prayers for her. so many DETAILED prayers as if to give God instructions on what I would like for Him to do with her. Then I Who was I kidding? I couldn't compare to the amount of Love He would ultimately give her!!! After all, my heart really just desired one thing- to see little Adrianna again...To see the face of that little girl I had grown to love, to hear the laughter of her and Tiana playing in the other room, and to have a moment where I could hold them both safely in my arms again.
Yes, that was my hearts desire.

All I could do was trust that God would bring her back. Trust that He loved her even more than I did, and that after all, she belonged to Him in the first place. My trust was solely in Him. And frankly, I knew He would deliver, and you know what? Today He did!

You see, as long as the desires of our hearts are not for self, and always for God, He stays true to this word. He will give you the desires of your heart because truly when you love God, those desires were His in the first place. God is so good, what are the desires you share?

Letter from your father..

Thanks to Priscilla, who submitted a wonderful "letter from our Father" its so wonderful to read, and a reminder of how great and awesome our God is! Enjoy the read, I did!

My Child,You may not know me, but I know everything about you.

Psalm 139:1
I know when you sit down and when you rise up.

Psalm 139:2
I am familiar with all your ways.

Psalm 139:3
Even the very hairs on your head are numbered.

Matthew 10:29-31
For you were made in my image.

Genesis 1:27
In me you live and move and have your being.

Acts 17:28
For you are my offspring.

Acts 17:28
I knew you even before you were conceived.

Jeremiah 1:4-5
I chose you when I planned creation.

Ephesians 1:11-12
You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book.

Psalm 139:15-16
I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live.

Acts 17:26
You are fearfully and wonderfully made.

Psalm 139:14
I knit you together in your mother's womb.

Psalm 139:13
And brought you forth on the day you were born.

Psalm 71:6
I have been misrepresented by those who don't know me.

John 8:41-44
I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love.

1 John 4:16
And it is my desire to lavish my love on you.

1 John 3:1
Simply because you are my child and I am your Father.

1 John 3:1
I offer you more than your earthly father ever could.

Matthew 7:11
For I am the perfect father.

Matthew 5:48
Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand.

James 1:17
For I am your provider and I meet all your needs.

Matthew 6:31-33
My plan for your future has always been filled with hope.

Jeremiah 29:11
Because I love you with an everlasting love.

Jeremiah 31:3
My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore.

Psalms 139:17-18
And I rejoice over you with singing.

Zephaniah 3:17
I will never stop doing good to you.

Jeremiah 32:40
For you are my treasured possession.

Exodus 19:5
I desire to establish youwith all my heart and all my soul.

Jeremiah 32:41
And I want to show you great and marvelous things.

Jeremiah 33:3
If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me.

Deuteronomy 4:29
Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart.

Psalm 37:4
For it is I who gave you those desires.

Philippians 2:13
I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine.

Ephesians 3:20
For I am your greatest encourager.

2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4
When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you.

Psalm 34:18
As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart.

Isaiah 40:11
One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes.

Revelation 21:3-4
And I'll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth.

Revelation 21:3-4
I am your Father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus.

John 17:23
For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed.

John 17:26
He is the exact representation of my being.

Hebrews 1:3
He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you.

Romans 8:31
And to tell you that I am not counting your sins.

2 Corinthians 5:18-19
Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled.

2 Corinthians 5:18-19
His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you.

1 John 4:10
I gave up everything I lovedthat I might gain your love.

Romans 8:31-32
If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me.

1 John 2:23
And nothing will ever separate you from my love again.

Romans 8:38-39
Come home and I'll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen.

Luke 15:7
I have always been Father, and will always be Father.

Ephesians 3:14-15
My question is…Will you be my child?

John 1:12-13
I am waiting for you.

Luke 15:11-32

Love,

Your Dad

Almighty God