TeawithTiffany

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What If I Told You. . .

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tea with tiffany

(a crazy snapshot of me taken by my daughter)

What if I told you:

I cry almost every day and I’m NOT depressed. Tears are part of my love language. I feel deeply, both joy and sorrow. I’m known to laugh and cry at the same time.

I’ve never read the Bible cover to cover. I’m not systematic. I love certain books of the Bible and reread them over and over, like Colossians, Ephesians and the Psalms. Other books I can barely understand, so I put off reading them.

I’m more goofy than you might guess. Ask my kids, they have stories. I wish I could figure out a way to share the playful side of me more here. Life is too hard not to laugh and have fun.

I struggle with self doubt and self confidence, but I have huge faith for everyone else. Is that hypocrisy?

I love taking pictures of old buildings. Doors, windows, barns, fences, gates. Love the character of something weathered. I see beauty.

I appreciate the arts in all its many forms. Visual arts. Performing arts. Creative arts. Photography. Speaking. Writing. Painting. Mixed media collage. Song and dance. Worship arts, and more.

I found my first grey hair this past weekend and I’m leaving it for proof. Proof that I’ve actually lived four plus decades. I often feel too young and immature to influence others, so finding (a silver thread of wisdom) is actually a source of joy and laughter for me. Please grin with me.

I’m easily distracted and often off task. And I often go to the grocery store for just ONE thing. And I come out with Oreos and watermelon and popcorn. NOT the one thing we needed, which was, hmm, toilet paper. So it’s Kleenex again.

I hate being labeled “religious.” I’m passionate about a relationship with God. Not rules.

I struggle with long-term commitment. I prefer to be free, completely free. Just call me Free Bird. Maybe I’m part gypsy.

I talk to my puppy like he’s my newest baby. Ya, I know, I’m embarrassing myself . . .and my kids. 🙂

I’m more forgiving than most, because I need that grace in return.

I could care less about who married who in People magazine. I care about the person who is without hope.

I hate cleaning floors and tubs. How low can you go?

I sometimes struggle with comprehension when I read. But I have no desire to talk in fancy terms. I prefer the simple, straight-forward–and meaningful.

my heart feels burdened by poverty, starvation, trafficking, abuse, neglect, you name it, I want to save and rescue the world. My gift of mercy is a heavy weight to carry sometimes, good thing I know where to dump my pain.

I live with childlike wonder. I don’t care if others see me taking a picture of a butterfly or a ladybug like it’s my first time seeing one. I notice and I want to remember.

I’m super self-conscious of my varicose vein that has invaded my entire right leg, so much so that I rarely wear shorts anymore.

I could live on a diet of chips and salsa. I know that chips aren’t good for me, but hey, salsa is, right?  Tomatoes, cilantro, onions.

I refuse to live a meaningless, duty-filled life. If all I did was keep a clean house, make a good meal and pay the bills, I would’ve missed life itself, which to me is found in God and His wonders. Nature and people. Appreciating beauty. Focusing on words that bring life.

I’m a critic at heart. I absolutely love analyzing and critiquing speakers and writers to help them improve their messages. Well, I can critique just about anything for that matter. Not saying that’s a good thing, just sayin’.

my favorite “funny” movie is What about Bob. . . or Nacho Libre.

I rarely invite friends over because I don’t know how to plan or what to prepare. But I wish they would just stop by like the teenagers that come in and out all day and night.

I have stacks of books I’m reading at one time, on my nightstand and coffee table. I often carry a book in my purse.

I struggle hanging out with people who aren’t real. Surface talk is hard for me to listen to. I either want deep heart talk or belly laughter –or silence please.

I’m thankful for every person who didn’t meet my needs. Because of that disappointment and hurt, I found Jesus. And He makes my life worthwhile. He is a faithful best friend, my source of daily strength. My counselor and healer, my deliverer and redeemer. My everlasting hope and love without limits.

. . . And this is just of the beginning of me.

Question: What is one thing you can tell me about you? Leave me a comment. I’d love to hear more about you. No registration required.

 

Comments

  1. I love how open you are with yourself and your life. It’s always encouraging, because I’m sure most of us struggle with at least one of those areas you’ve mentioned.

    I struggle with what to tell you that you don’t already know… so how about this one? I’m a passionate, emotional music listener. My greatest regret of my life thus far is never having learned to play an instrument. I am working on remedying that…

    •  I have that on my bucket list too. But now I’m not as motivated to learn music, but I love listening to others. So practice and share with me someday, okay?

  2. Wow– I love who you are! I love your realness and wished I lived close enough to drop by and have a heart-to-heart talk. I don’t care for surface talk either.

    I worry too much even when I know I shouldn’t–I worry I have a tumor and that’s why I put on seven pounds this year, I worry I won’t ever be at home any place and I worry that if I do find that place, I won’t be around to enjoy it too long.
    Very dumb, I know and so that’s why I keep asking God to take my fears from me–each day.

    •  Thanks, Terri. Good to see you here. Last I remember you weren’t blogging anymore, right?

      I am prone to worry too. I recently submitted my story to a magazine about my anxiety and fear. I shared my struggles and the victories. I say just breathe and try to look for small things you can thank God for. It’s hard, I know, but I often thank God for air when anxiety steals my breath. Hugs!!

  3. I’m on a journey to lose 100lbs. I love being a mema. I enjoy having days where I don’t do anything productive at all.

    • Tina, I wish you the best of luck for your weight loss journey. My sister lost 115 lbs and is running 5Ks and half marathons now. She’s an inspiration and I trust you will be the same. And I have lots of unproductive days. 🙂 And I can only imagine being a mema, that’s grandma, right? 

    • That is awesome! You can do it!! Start by making better choices each day. I’ve been on a journey to get healthy over the last year, and slow and steady has been my motto. Keep pushing forward!!

  5. I like onion rings, but not onions. Apples, but not baked apples. This list could go on and on!! Loved your post, and related to many things you said.

  6. One thing that I have found helpful in reading the Bible is to take a book I have not read (or not familiar with) and make a decision to read it completely. The Minor Prophets (Hosea, Joel, Amos, etc) are a good place to try this, since they are short!

    It was in this way that I found one of the most personally meaningful passages in the Old Testament. The Book of Habakkuk tells about the prophet of the same name who questions why God allows Judea to wallow in sin (I apologize if you are already familiar with it). God replies that He will use the Babylonians to be the instrument of His judgment on Judea. Habakkuk, more perplexed than ever, asks why God would use a nation that is even more corrupt than Judea. Then after questioning God Habakkuk utters these words:

    I will stand my watch
    And set myself on the rampart,
    And watch to see what He will say to me,
    And what I will answer when I am corrected.     (Habakkuk 2:1 NKJV)

    Note that Habakkuk does not sit around waiting for an answer, but goes back to the duties God gave him. Habakkuk is absolutely confident that God will answer him.

    There are times when I am confused and/or angry about things that happen in my life and the lives of my wife and son. I have found the simple statement of faith by Habakkuk to be of great comfort.  God will answer my questions. It may be today, tomorrow, next week, next year, or decades from now. I may not get an answer this side of Heaven. But God is a just God, and He does not need my advice in running things. So instead of complaining and whining I need to get back to work and be patient in waiting for an answer.

    •  Excellent truths shared. Thank you. I love some of the old prophets readings. I relate to Jeremiah, the weeping prophet. And I love Habakkuk, esp. chapter 2 where he talks about writing and making it clear. The whole imagery of watchman on the wall is powerful. I’ve read all the small books of the Old Testament. And I enjoy reading about the effects of sin, to keep me on the straight and narrow. My challenge is trying to get through some of the longer books. 🙂 One day at a time. One book or chapter at a time. Thanks for weighing in with wisdom.

  7. So glad I noticed your FB post and came to visit your blog. I’m flabbergasted at our similarities. But the one thing that caught my eye – and my heart, is your comment about your gift of mercy. I was talking to God about it, just yesterday, as I stood in the hot sun holding onto a stray horse I’d found wandering the highway. The gift has caused me to be late, broke, misunderstood, ridiculed, brokenhearted, sleep deprived, and bullied.  Would I willingly give it up? Never. God loves His creatures, his people, and his creation. Thank You, Father for sharing that part of Your heart with me!

    We are a full generation apart in age, Tiffany, but just reading this post has  made me feel  closeness to you.

    Lynne

    •  Hi Lynn, I’m known to try and help animals too. I found a stray dog one time along a country dirt road and it was so hot outside. I gave him a drink from my cup holder. It was quite a funny site considering he was a HUGE fur ball drinking out of what appeared to be a dixie cup of sorts. I’m glad you helped that horse. I love, love, love horses. They speak to my heart. Thanks for sharing a piece of yours with me.

  8. You have one of the most beautiful God loving hearts I know. Thanks for this wonderful post. I know you well but know you more! I love you dearly and believe in you and who the Lord has made you to be. You bless every life you touch. I am privileged to be a small part of your life!

  9. We have a lot in common. I am an emotion junkie and sometimes feel disconnected to God when I don’t feel Him. Nonsense, He will never leave me nor forsake me. I like to write for work (communications & marketing) and for pleasure (poetry, childrens stories, and articles). I do like to organize and have done event planning but I don’t have the gift of hospitality nor do beat myself up about it. I do pout about not being a great cook.  I prefer meeting with one person or a small group of intimate friends.  I am an introvert like you and a deep relater and can’t stand phoniness. I prefer meaningful conversation and realize that others may not know how to go there still I try to get them there. I like the big picture of things so I had to read the Bile all the way through but I like to park at proverbs because I adore wisdom and Philippians because it is so encouraging. My heart is that everyone enters into their promised land and get their inheritance though only 2 (Caleb & Joshua) out of 600,000 believed they could but still I’m hopeful. I’ve enjoyed everything you’ve written and it has inspired me. Keep it up.

    •  Pam, I appreciate your added thoughts here. I relate to not being a good cook. I love knowing you do NOT beat yourself up for the things you are not gifted in. I’m the same way these days. But I wasn’t always. I’m not good at organizing. My paper piles drive me batty. I, too, want everyone to enter that Promised Land. And I’m glad to read you are a writer. I also prefer one on one over big groups. I think I test out 50/50 on introvert/extrovert. However I feel more introvert most days. I do love people… 🙂 Thanks for sharing with me. Fun!

  10. This is so helpful. I’ve been challenged by two different friends to share seven and twenty five (yep, quite a jump from seven) things about myself that people might not know. I keep putting off the list because I have trouble coming up with even the first number. Twenty five just as well be a thousand. But your list is encouraging me to go for it. I could even tweak a few of these and share them as my own. We have lots in common. Loved reading all about you!