Head in the Clouds

I'm a dreamer. It's one of my biggest strengths and flaws.It motivates me to strive to be a compassionate teacher... it's also the reason that I only hear 80% of what you're saying. I've been trying not to let it get the best of me. I find myself being introspective a great deal of the time...and lately it's been really distracting me. I want to be a person who doesn't just set goals, but accomplishes them. A lot of time and commitment goes in to that. How do you push aside dreams, thoughts and emotions and just do the dang thing?
 I really struggle with this. Have felt lately like my friends and family are passing me up by a long shot and can't help feeling alone and little left behind. I'm grateful for the extra time and opportunity to refocus my life and accomplish things...but dang...I'd rather not have the extra time to allow my hopes and thoughts remind me of what's missing. Know what I'm saying? ;)

 Isaiah 55 talks about the Compassion of the Lord. I think it's a good reminder of what God is like relationally. It says,

 55 “Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. 2 Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food. 3 Incline your ear, and come to me; hear, that your soul may live; and I will make with you an everlasting covenant, my steadfast, sure love for David. 4 Behold, I made him a witness to the peoples, a leader and commander for the peoples. 5 Behold, you shall call a nation that you do not know, and a nation that did not know you shall run to you, because of the Lord your God, and of the Holy One of Israel, for he has glorified you. 6 “Seek the Lord while he may be found; call upon him while he is near; 7 let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. 8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. 10 “For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, 11 so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it. 12 “For you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall break forth into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. 13 Instead of the thorn shall come up the cypress; instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle; and it shall make a name for the Lord, an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.” 

And in this state of mind, I pray that God will take away my focus on future dreams and hopes and mold me (PRESENT me) into a person that he can use...in the opportunities I am given NOW. That I won't squander the relationships and adventures life is throwing at me NOW. That I will let my mind and heart lead me less and listen so that God will lead me more.

Any thoughts are welcome :)

-Tiff

When I Grow Up

How many times in your life have you been asked what you want to be when you grow up? Way too freaking many! I'm learning that growing up is less about finding a career that makes you happy and more about discovering your passions and ways to express them in all aspects of your life. I saw this painting on pinterest and it literally took my breath away. It symbolizes the idea of placing foster children in loving homes. The mountains represent permanence and immovability. My heart shouted, "yes! I want to be this for others." When I grow up, I want to do this... and coincidentally I am as "grown up" as I will ever be. So I'm going to seek these opportunities daily. :) Tis all -Tiff

An Open Discussion with The Few, The Proud, The Single

In love. Contemplate the above phrase. What is it? What does it look like? Can you lose it? What is its meaning in your life? Is there a person that comes to mind when you hear this term? Or does a big flashing sign appear in your mind that screams "SINGLE" followed by another flashing sign saying, "AND HATING IT!" Most likely, the context you associate with this phrase has romantic connotation. I don't know about you; but to me, this time of year feels like a tug of war between the happy couples "in love" and the single and passed out in a chocolate coma while watching Pride and Prejudice all night. Aw come on. Why's it gotta be like that, society? Single and non-single unite! Why does love have to be so divisive? This February 14th will mark the 25th Valentineless Valentine's Day in my life. Is that depressing? Maybe, haha. Mostly though, he...ck no! Let's call a spade a spade and say it's pretty much human nature to want what you don't have. You coveters, you (myself included). I've done my share of chocolate coma feeling sorry for myself. It's inevitable. Especially when you are watching your loved ones celebrating special relationships in their life. It's not the only way to celebrate a Holiday dedicated to love though and furthermore...who's to say that you're not in love and you just don't recognize the object of your affection? In my family, we have always celebrated Valentines Day together. As a kid, we would eat a nice home cooked meal together or exchange cards and treats. It was never lonely or depressing. It was a day that we set aside to show love for one another. I'm all grown up now and my parents still ask me to celebrate Valentines Day with them every year. I'll admit, the last couple years I was all like, "no. I don't want your Valentines Day pity". Haha, but that's because I'm a brat. Last year they were annoyingly persistent and I couldn't understand why they were forcing me to go on their V Day date with them. My dad kept saying that they "loved me and wanted to spend time with me". Likely story, dad. You just feel sorry for me. Lately, my life has undergone some changes. The main one being my eagerness to pursue a daily walk with my creator. In doing so, I am recognizing love in so many places in my life and it makes me wonder why I haven't understood the fullness and love that I have had before. When you concentrate so much on what you don't have. You miss what you actually do. This year I am pleased to reveal that I am IN LOVE. Details???? Numero uno, I am in love with my God. Try not to feel tricked. You weren't really expecting a break through in my dating life. :D I'm in love with His grace. His sufficiency. His glory. His beauty. His redemption. I am in love with my family, my friends, my 75 students, coworkers, random acts of kindness, encouraging words, music, nature, breathing, napping (haha), hugging someone you've truly missed, a thoughtful note, a funny joke, a wild and crazy puppy, wisdom from mentors, my community, pretty flowers etc, etc. I believe as long as you are committed; there is no falling out of love. It is a daily walk...an area of growth. Love others. Somedays you really won't like them, but love them regardless. It's an action. Not just just a state of mind or heart. Well, this year I think I've finally figured out why parents insist on my spending Valentine's Day with them. Ready???.... Apparently it's not to humiliate me, but it's actually because they love me! Go figure, right? I guess my folks still have one up on me. They are pretty special people. I'll admit it. This year, I am actually pretty stoked for V Day. I am going to have 75 little Valentines and celebrate our respect and kindness for one another ( school terms for showing love). They are precious and I can't wait to spend the day with them. They bring my life a great deal of joy and fulfillment. My freshmen year of college, Facebook was the new rage and someone started a group called, "The Few, The Proud, The Unengaged." Fast forward a couple years and nearly everyone got hitched. Weaklings. :) Really, though. Conrats guys! Happy for your special someones and the new journey in love you are on! Those of you that are still in that club or need to be initiated, please celebrate Valentines Day this year. Don't be a love scrooge. Love someone that day. Babysit for married friends, hang out with buddies, have a party with kiddos, make dinner for your roomie, wash someone's car. Wash my car. :) Call a sista' up if you're bored and want to celebrate God's love with me. The roomie and I are making dinner that night and hopefully we'll have a couch by then. That's all folks. Let me know your thoughts in the comments! <3 you

Adios 2012!

Hola from the midst of winter break! It's been a super busy one so far. Lots to update on...coming soon!------- Saturday Soundrack------- I love oldies. They were my first introduction to music (other than gospel). When I was around 7 my dad gave me his old black radio. I would play it all day/night. There was only one station I was interested in. The Oldies 104.7. I would crank that little radio up and dance around my room singing at the top of my lungs. Such happiness. :) Which is why these two songs evoked a similar emotion tonight... (Yes, I have been dancing around my room listening to them) PillowTalk, Sunny The Turtles, You Showed Me (Peter Zohdy Botox Remix) Man 2012 has flown by. SO many things changed this year. I'm excited to share and reflect on some things God has been doing in my life. Will have to sit down later this week and update. Til then, here are my favs of the week: Washed Out, You and I (InterestingSomethings Remix) Dead Man's Bones, My Body's a Zombie For You and Ben Gibbard's Solo Album, Former Lives

Yes Man

Here's a little peek in of the inner working of my mysterious mind. For my friends and family, this isn't new information. I just choose not to talk about it often. I am a shy person. Understatement. I suffer from a great deal of anxiety which has affected my life in some interesting ways over the years; more recently manifesting itself in the form of occasional panic attacks. Yes, there's a back story. Yes, I can discuss/share if you or someone you know is going through something similar. Nah, I'd rather not divulge online. I only bring up the topic to say this, the challenges that I, or anyone else for that matter, face; do not define you. You choose your outcome. It takes a lot of hard work and patience, but God can strengthen you and help you grow into someone he desires for you to be. Don't settle for allowing your challenges to overwhelm you. As a teacher I tell my students all the time that if they work at it, it will slowly get easier until one day, when they master it. I should take my own advice. In understanding the causes and results of my anxiety, I have started pushing myself to do things that make me feel uncomfortable; but may be good for me. I'm excited to share some of my progress or experiences with my friends and family and I may share online from time to time. Here is my first installment. Share something you love or are passionate about, with others combined with share something you are learning. Music is a very intimate part of who I am. Those of you who are similar, will understand. Worship, is how I connect with my creator. The beauty of sound, and meaning of words hold depth and meaning to me. I worry too much about what others think about me. I was always passionate about music but nervous to risk a scholarship in college at a safe school to leave and pursue something I love. I tend to be pretty private about it these days. I have always wanted to learn ukele and guitar. A couple of months ago I picked up a Ukele at a bookstore and I've started to teach myself some chords. It's funny, I totally suck at it; but I absolutely love strumming along. It's fun to learn an instrument that you can sing along with. I play flute and do not have such luxury. The piano isn't exactly second nature to me. The remnants of my forced childhood lessons still linger. I'm practicing the piano more and more as well. Here is Lesson #1 This week, challenge yourself. Don't settle for what you've been dealt or are comfortable with. Get out their and move mountains...even if moving mountains is just talking to a stranger at the grocery store. You are a beautiful creation. You have purpose on this earth, whether big or small. Try new things. Enjoy your life. Love what you do. ;) Love, Tiff P.S. Colee, I've been reading up on your life lately and your video inspired me to do this. Please make more and share! I miss you mucho!

Happy Little Life

The concept of my small life being so important to my creator, blows my mind. He has been so faithful to my family and this Thanksgiving, I'm so grateful for his love. I have so much love in my life. The love of my family, friends, students, a church to fellowship with, Charlie, God and the love of new people who invest in my life and encourage me throughout the week. I'm a lucky gal and I'm excited for new things on the horizon. P.S. It only took 3.5 years to understand it's meaning in my life, but this week I felt unspeakable joy in teaching my 2nd graders about Voice in Writing. The excitement that we are all invested in this process... it's an amazing feeling. My students are a huge part of my life and I'm very grateful for the opportunity to work with them daily. I think they are brilliant and I am immeasurably blessed.

and Weekly Favorite

Saturday Soundtrack: Bonnie

"I Can't Make You Love Me" is a classic. It stands the test of genre. You're the OG of painful love songs, Bonnie. James Arthur (I'm kind of in love with this guy) Bon Iver Adele JP Piano Instrumental Remix Boys II Men Which version is your favorite? P.S. Check out more of James Arthur's tunes. He's worth the listen. Also, if you know him personally...give him my phone number and tell him to holla' at ya girl.

Saturday Soundtrack: British Invasion

Thank you, interwebs, for making international music exploration possible. Here are a couple of my favs from the UK and beyond. Rudimental-"Feel The Love" Featuring John Newman Eliza Doolittle-"Pack Up" The Streets-"Dry Your Eyes" Mark Ronson-"God Put a Smile Upon Your Face" My fav Adele song-"One and Only" Honorable Mentions: Just for fun. Cher Lloyd-"With Ur Love" ft. Mike Posner Irish singer-songwriter-musician-Damien Rice-"The Blower's Daughter". This is the song my sister-in law walked down the aisle to at my brother's wedding. So pretty. and my eternal crush, another Irishman. Glen Hansard-"High Hope" Ella Henderson-"Rule The World" Es el fin

Saturday Soundtrack: Acapella, Bluegrass, Ukele and Avett Love!

Let's make this short and sweet. Lately I've been listening to:

Acapella. So underrated. It takes a great amount of talent to control your voice enough to blend with others seamlessly. I appreciate you, acapella. Specifically Pentatonix.


Bluegrass. Thirty Years of Bluegrass. I also found an old vinyl with mountain songs. So precious to me.

Ukele anything and everything. I picked up one at a used book store last weekend. I'm completely in love. I've already learned some chords and  a Death Cab song. If you have any suggetions for quality Ukelele music, please share.
"I Will Follow You Into the Dark" Death Cab For Cutie for Ukelele
http://www.ukulele-tabs.com/uke-songs/death-cab-for-cutie/i-will-follow-you-into-the-dark-uke-tab-11767.html

and finally....I've been listening to the First Listen of  The Avett Brother's,"The Carpenter" on NPR.Winter in my Heart really strikes a chord with me. I can relate mucho right now. The album is similar to, "I and Love and You" in that it's much more folk rock influenced. I dig that but I'm a sucker for old School Avett Bros. tunes. Their first few albums featured more bluegrass/americana rhythms. I'm so glad to hear that banjo twang infused throughout the album, though. Check out the sneak peak here: http://www.npr.org/2012/08/29/160188286/first-listen-the-avett-brothers-the-carpenter .

Honorable mentions
Generationals. Featured on "Our Idiot Brother" soundtrack, which was suprisingly lovely.
Here's a cute video with the song.


and Scott Hoying (of Pentatonix)


What have you been listening to? Catch ya later!

There is a Time

I don't have much to say. These last few days have been pretty difficult to get through. Thank goodness for family and TV Land. I love old t.v. shows. Laverne and Shirley, I Love Lucy, and I Dream of Jeanie are my favorites. My folks are obsessed with The Andy Griffith Show. I'm ashamed to admit that I have never seen an entire episode until today...and oh my goodness. It's pretty sweet.

Here's why...


Thumbs up for the Darlings, hillbilly bluegrass, and beautiful songs with incredible meaning. I<3 The Andy Griffith Show and the joy and calmness it brings my family.

I saw this picture on Pinterest this week. Feels like a good way to express my heart. T's all folks.