The PhD and the Hamster

Published on June 12, 2020January 2, 2021 by tinavila204 Comments

The Art of Spending an Hour in Prayer

Sometimes I imagine that God sees my time in prayer with Him like trying to discuss a doctoral thesis with a hamster.

I can be all over the place with my thoughts, struggles, and desires. So many people and issues pop into my head for prayer, I often can’t focus on one thing long enough to get anything productive done in the heavenly realms.

Well, about six months ago I attended a night of prayer at my church. Our pastor shared a simple, yet powerful tool that has helped me organize my prayer time ever since.

The goal is to spend one hour in prayer
AND BONUS…
by praying through this list, you will actually cover everything we’re told to pray for in scripture.

Seriously!! Find something we’re asked to pray for, and see if you don’t find that it fits somewhere on this list.

*It’s worth noting how carefully crafted this list really is. I will assume this was done intentionally, I haven’t actually asked, but each category flows so perfectly into the next! Read on to see what I mean.

So…

12 categories
5 minutes each
1 hour of prayer!

Quieting Your Heart (5 minutes)

Take time to breathe deeply, fix your thoughts on Jesus, quiet your mind, settle your heart, and prepare yourself to pray.

I found this to be a HUGE game-changer for me. The truth is that my impulsive nature desperately needs a few moments to just settle into the Lord’s presence. When I approach the Throne Room, I’m encouraged to come with boldness and confidence, but I also want to do so with reverence and humility. Well if we’re being honest, this girl needs a couple secs to get there.

So without a shopping list of demands, I focus on just Jesus. When focusing on the amazing Lord and Saviour that He is, I find myself getting into a right spirit to connect with Him in prayer.

One thing have I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after: That I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, To behold the graciousness of the LORD, and to visit early in His temple.
– Psalm 27:4

Thanksgiving (5 minutes)

List every possible thing that you can think of that you’re thankful for – big or small!

When I feel rushed in my prayer time, it is really hard to think of things I’m genuinely thankful for without feeling like I’m just going through the motions. When I’ve taken enough time to settle my heart in His presence, I end up bursting with gratitude. And in light of this current global pandemic, and so much social unrest surrounding race inequality, I have never felt more grateful to live in our little Canadian town, to have a home, a job, a healthy family, etc, etc, etc.

This season has been a huge perspective shift for me in that way. Realizing anew that every good and perfect gift comes from above makes it so easy to give credit where credit is due.

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His faithful love endures forever.
– Psalm 136:1

Worship (5 minutes)

Put on some worship music, or just speak out words, but take some time to lift up the Lord

You know what makes it really easy to worship God with sincerity? Taking five minutes to rattle off things you’re thankful for first. I mean, WOW! When we take time to acknowledge that God truly is the source of every good thing, worship of that God naturally follows.

I am intentional in choosing songs that focus on God and His attributes, rather than what He’s done for me. This is because I need the regular reminder that God is good, even when my circumstances are not. God is love, even when I feel unloved and unseen. God is faithful even when I feel betrayed and alone. And He DESERVES my worship whether I feel like it or not.

Though the fig tree does not bud,
and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails,
and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen,
and no cattle in the stalls,
yet I will rejoice in the Lord,
I will be joyful in God my Savior.
– Habakkuk 3:17-18

Confession (5 minutes)

Acknowledge your sins before the Lord – sins of action, inaction, word, thought, etc. – and ask for His forgiveness and grace, and the strength to turn from them today.

If this is a touchy one for you, I’m sorry, but also, not sorry. There isn’t a soul on the planet who hasn’t done something wrong, or failed to do something right. Romans 3:10 says, “there is no one who always does what is right, not even one.” By the time I reach this category, I find it easier to recognize the sin that I need to repent of. And you know what?! God is SO much more gracious with me than I am with myself. I John 1:19 says, “if we confess our sins to God, He can always be trusted to forgive us and take our sins away.”

So why WOULDN’T I take that baggage of mistakes off my chest?! I always feel so light and free and ready to face my day when I’ve given to God all my shortcomings, missteps, and failed attempts at getting it right. These are all fluffy words for “sin”, if they happen to make you feel better. But only God can make you free of them.

So I confessed my sins and told them all to You. I said, “I’ll tell the Lord each one of my sins.” Then you forgave me and took away my guilt.
– Psalm 32:5

Family and Friends (5 minutes)

Pray for anything you need for your spouse, kids, siblings, parents, circle of friends, etc.

I used to really struggle to keep track of the people I wanted to pray for. Now, I simply begin with my immediate circles and work my way out. If someone comes to mind who fits into a different category, I just save them for that category.

As a result, I don’t feel overwhelmed by long lists of people on my heart and mind. Instead, I am more invested in my loved ones, and have been so humbled and inspired by the answers to my more focused prayers.

Since the day we heard these things about you, we have continued praying for you. This is what we pray: that God will make you completely sure of what he wants by giving you all the wisdom and spiritual understanding you need.
– Colossians 1:9

Sickness (5 minutes)

Think of any you know who are ill or in physical pain, and bring them before the Lord.

Much of this approach to prayer has been an exercise in obedience for me. A discipline to pray for things that really challenge my faith. I’ll be honest, sometimes, I just find it hard to pray for healing! I am still learning to have faith that God can truly heal. Although I have seen it, and I personally know people who have been miraculously healed, I also know people who haven’t. Where chronic pain continues, where a hopeful prognosis took a turn for the worse, where a life was so tragically taken. Where prayer was ceaseless, and the Lord just did not answer the way I hoped.

But in this prayer of obedience, I am learning to bring all of that to Jesus. All my doubts, discouragement, lack of faith, fear, and desperation. God wants healing for this broken world more than I do. So I pray for healing, but I also pray for His grace, mercy, peace, and joy to fill the hearts of the people I am bringing before Him. Because it’s incredible how God can lighten the burden of hardship when the burden is carried with Him.

Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things He does for me. He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases.
– Psalm 103:2-3

Church (5 minutes)

Pray for the church’s unity, mission, finances, and leadership.

The devil loves to see the Church in conflict. And we often make it so easy for him to cause division. Being united in Christ is the foundational step in getting anywhere with the mission of the Church. And what’s the mission? Well, every church will approach it differently depending on gifting and vision. But ultimately, if we are not drawing people to know Jesus and making disciples, we’re missing it.

Praying for the Lord’s provision in the finances required to carry out the mission is vital too. As the Church, we have an opportunity to put our money where our mouth is. And I’m increasingly aware that every time I spend money, I’m casting a vote for the kind of world I want to live in. Finally, pray for the leaders! James 3:1 says that, those who teach (lead) will be judged more strictly. They set the tone for both theology and practical living. These days, I pray more intentionally for wisdom in navigating “church” during the Coronavirus, and the fight for racial equality, especially.

Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other.
And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what’s good for each other and for everyone else.
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
– I Thessalonians 5:12-18

Land (5 minutes)

Pray for the prosperity and protection of your city, province/state, and country, and for the leaders at each level.

This was new for me to tackle on a regular basis. I never really considered how my prayers could make a difference on such a grand scale. But James 5:16 says that, the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. If you confess your sins to God, and receive His forgiveness, you are in right standing with Him – righteous – and your prayers can be powerful and effective!

Has our world ever felt more broken? It feels like it’s straight up IMPLODING between a global pandemic and the culmination of centuries of racial inequality. Praying for our mayor, premier of Ontario, and Prime Minister has helped me grow in empathy and compassion for each one of them. I do not envy their burden of leadership and the hard decisions they’re forced to make affecting us all. Very simply, I pray that God would impress on their hearts to make decisions that honour Him and serve ALL people.

First, I want you to pray for all people. Ask God to help and bless them. Give thanks for them. Pray for kings. Pray for everyone who is in authority. Pray that we can live peaceful and quiet lives. And pray that we will be godly and holy. This is good, and it pleases God our Savior. He wants all people to be saved. He wants them to come to know the truth.
I Timothy 2:1-4

The Jewish People (5 minutes)

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem, and for blessing upon God’s Chosen People.

I had a hard time approaching this category at first because it just didn’t feel relevant to me in any way. However, I recently came across an excerpt in my Bible that I’ve included here. It’s referring to Psalm 122, and praying into this category completely shifted for me ever since!

In the psalmist’s day, Jerusalem was the physical place that God had set apart for Himself and in which He promised to live among His people. The name Jerusalem means “city of peace”, so it is only fitting that the psalmist asks worshippers to pray for peace to reign there.
In the Bible, Jerusalem can also refer symbolically to the salvation available in Jesus Christ’s church on earth and to His glorified church (the New Jerusalem) in heaven. In this context, to pray for “the peace of Jerusalem” is not only to pray for the literal city, it is a prayer that peace will reign within God’s visible church and His eternal rule over heaven and earth will be sure and will come soon.

Moreover, Romans 11 explains that God has not forgotten nor discarded Israel. He has a plan for His chosen people and Gentile (non-Jewish) believers get to be a part of it. We are encouraged to bless Israel. And God’s Word promises that God blesses those who do! The following verse is God’s promise to the patriarch, Abraham, regarding this very thing. This promise still holds true today.

I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.
– Genesis 12:3

The Lost (5 minutes)

Pray for the unsaved in your circles, that they may know the Lord, and that you may be used of God to reach out to them; pray also for the missionaries you know, and for the global mission of the Church.

This category fills me with hope as I pray for those who don’t yet know Jesus. This is also when I pray blessing over this blog. I long to be a voice and a light pointing to Jesus and His amazing love. So I pray that God would use me through my writing. Praying intentionally for the people in my life who don’t know Jesus makes me that much more aware of how I actually LIVE my life. I also pray for the Holy Spirit to guide me and to give me wisdom and discernment in sharing God’s love with others.

Praying for the missionaries that our church supports has also become so special to me. Including them in my regular prayer time like this has never been easier. And it makes me feel that much more invested and passionate about their work throughout the world.

Here is what love is: It is not that we loved God. It is that he loved us and sent his Son to give his life to pay for our sins.
– I John 4:10

Protection (5 minutes)

Pray for protection against the devil and his demons, and for victory against his efforts in your life today.

For me, this doesn’t play out quite as “exorcist” as it may sound. But I do know Satan is real. He means me real harm, and he’s RELENTLESS in his attacks. The way this manifests for me is in my selfishness, my short temper with my children, pettiness with my husband, frustration with people I disagree with. Just me me me me ME MEEEEEE! I pray against the temptation to make everything about me. My needs, wants, demands. I ask God to help me recognize when the enemy is attacking so I can step back, surrender it to God, and not fight against whoever is threatening my false sense of “being owed everything”.

God has promised to meet all my needs in Christ Jesus. When I remember that, I find His peace, and that peace ripples out to those I interact with. Ephesians 6:12 says, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.“

But no weapon used against you will succeed. People might bring charges against you. But you will prove that they are wrong. Those are the things I do for my servants. I make everything right for them,” announces the Lord.
– Isaiah 54:17

God’s Will (5 minutes)

Pray that God fills you with the knowledge of His will, for the strength to walk in it, and for His will to be fulfilled in your life.

With 5 minutes left in our hour of prayer, we’re left with the question: So, what’s next? What will you have me do, God? Although tangible specifics would be nice, all I really want is to be more like Jesus. So I ask God to use whatever I face each day to draw me closer to Him and for the strength to do what He calls me to do.

In fact, this blog was born out of several months of praying just that! It’s been so fulfilling, enriching, and dare I say – invigorating, for me to do something that I KNOW God has called me to. Rather than just do random stuff, and hope God blesses it later. When you’re doing what you know you were created to do, you can be filled with so much peace. I pray you will come to know God’s will for your life through this simple prayer tool as well.

For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
– Ephesians 2:10

Final remarks: This list is not law. Here’s how you can switch it up!

Break it up over a few days if a one-hour timeframe isn’t realistic
Write out your prayers in a journal, and go back over answered prayer with a highlighter!
Pray through this list while exercising, or out for a walk in God’s inspiring creation
Use a stopwatch/timer to help you keep moving…
…or skip the set times altogether and go with the flow!
There’s no right or wrong, just a desire to show up and connect with the Lord

I’m always looking for new suggestions or approaches in prayer. Have you got any to share?
I’d love to hear your thoughts or comments. Let’s connect!

Got Lost in the Story: Scottish Lowlands Edition

Published on May 29, 2020January 2, 2021 by tinavila206 Comments

When I shared a blog post more than two months ago with book recommendations, we were just beginning this Coronavirus quarantine, and it felt like a good time to suggest some reading material to help pass the time.

Well, I don’t know about you, but I never would’ve guessed that we’d still be here all these weeks later.

Since many of us still have loads of time on our hands, allow me to introduce another beloved author to help us get through this weird twilight zone:

Liz Curtis Higgs!

My favourites of her books are set in the 18th century Scottish Lowlands. There are two sets of series in particular that I absolutely love.

Disclaimer: If you read my previous book review post (which you can do by clicking here: https://fromtheoverflow.home.blog/2020/03/20/got-lost-in-the-story/),
then you know not to judge a book by its cover. So again, don’t be fooled by the sappy titles and cover art!

What’s distinct about these historical novels, is that they retell popular stories from the Bible. The first series is based on the tragic love triangle between the Hebrew patriarch, Jacob, and his two wives, Rachel and Leah. You can read the biblical narrative in Genesis 25-35. It’s got all the makings of a juicy drama.

*Lowlands of Scotland*
*Tetralogy, by Liz Curtis Higgs*

In the autumn of 1788, amid the moors and glens of the Scottish Lowlands, two brothers and two sisters each embark on a painful journey of discovery. A thorny love triangle emerges, plagued by lies and deception, jealousy and desire, hidden secrets and broken promises. Brimming with passion and drama, Thorn in My Heart brings the past to vibrant life, revealing spiritual truths that transcend time and penetrate the deepest places of the heart.
– Liz Curtis Higgs, Thorn in My Heart
(first book of the Lowlands of Scotland series)

What I didn’t expect to find in reading these stories, was a deep fondness for the biblical character Leah – or Leana, as she is called in Higgs’ rendition.

In the Bible, Leah is utterly despised by her husband who is tricked into marrying her. Despite producing several sons by him (a very big deal in the ancient world, and a sign of favour), he still doesn’t come around. And from all indications found in scripture, he never grows to love her. He actually appears to be repulsed by her instead.

The story unfolds a little differently in Higgs’ version. But really, it’s Leana’s unmatched integrity displayed in this work of fiction that really awakened me to my own view of hardship and my personal response to it.

Leanna is an incredibly strong character, who does incredibly hard things under so much opposition. She was wronged, wrongfully accused, betrayed, despised, abandoned, and more. Yet it’s the way she holds up her head and leans into Jesus, her Rock and Redeemer, that inspires and motivates me to do likewise in seasons of despair.

Scripture paints such a sad picture of Leah vying for her husband’s love and hoping that her fruitful womb will win his affections:

When the Lord saw that Leah was not loved, he enabled her to conceive, but Rachel remained childless. Leah became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She named him Reuben, for she said, “It is because the Lord has seen my misery. Surely my husband will love me now.” She conceived again, and when she gave birth to a son she said, “Because the Lord heard that I am not loved, he gave me this one too.” So she named him Simeon. Again she conceived, and when she gave birth to a son she said, “Now at last my husband will become attached to me, because I have borne him three sons.” So he was named Levi. She conceived again, and when she gave birth to a son she said, “This time I will praise the Lord.” So she named him Judah.
– Genesis 29:31-25

By the time Leah births a fourth son, she’s come to terms with her sad marital reality and chooses to praise the Lord despite it all. It is only by God’s beautiful design and matchless grace, that from the bloodline of Leah’s son Judah, Jesus Christ, the Messiah would be born. What an honour to her and to her lineage!

Again, in Higgs’ account, the tricky love triangle unfolds a little differently, but if you’re familiar at all with the story found in Genesis, you’ll surely enjoy the many parallels sprinkled throughout.

The next series of books up for review is also set in 18th century Scotland. This time following a depiction of the story of Ruth.

*Here Burns My Candle*
*Duology, by Liz Curtis Higgs*

A mother who cannot face her future. A daughter who cannot escape her past. A timeless story of love and betrayal, loss and redemption, flickering against the vivid backdrop of eighteenth-century Scotland, Here Burns My Candle illumines the dark side of human nature, even as hope, the brightest of tapers, lights the way home.
– Liz Curtis Higgs, Here Burns My Candle
(first book of the Here Burns My Candle series)

This pair of books explores the story of Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz. In the biblical narrative, Ruth was a Moabite woman who married an Israelite living in Moab (modern day Jordan). Her husband, father-in-law, and brother-in-law all pass away leaving three widows to fend for themselves.

It was at this point that Ruth’s mother-in-law, Naomi, dismisses her two daughters-in-law, and encourages them to reunite with their own families before she herself planned to return to her people, the Israelites. One daughter-in-law left and did just that. The other, Ruth, famously said:

“Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me.”
– Ruth 1:16-17

So Ruth and Naomi, daughter-in-law and mother-in law, arrive in Bethlehem, poor, vulnerable, and destitute. After a series of events, they are shown much kindness by a distant relative named Boaz.

I’ll leave you to read how the rest of the story unfolds in the book of Ruth (coincidently one of only two books of the Bible named after a woman!).

Long story short: Ruth eventually has a child who is the great-grandfather of King David, who happens to be in the line and lineage of Jesus, the Messiah. I find it so incredible that God would use such unlikely people to be a part of the biggest story in history.

Higgs’ rendition of Ruth’s story is more romantic than the biblical narrative, but really moving nonetheless. Elisabeth, the main character based on Ruth, is truly a woman above reproach. Leaving behind all that she knows, and all that is comfortable and familiar, to follow a God that is foreign to her and her upbringing.

As most of the female characters I’ve shared about, Elisabeth inspires me to be fully devoted to the Lord in all I do – allowing my life and my choices to speak for themselves. And to trust God with what can often feel like impossible circumstances.

The heart of it…

I’ve read these works of fiction several times, as well as the biblical passages they’re based on. Whilst preparing this post, I reflected on what my most significant take away really is from these stories. And here it is:

It’s dangerous to assume that your good decisions or good intentions will smooth a path for you in an instant. HOWEVER… Don’t reject that God is good because of bad circumstances. Being in His presence and walking in His will doesn’t always eliminate the trial. Sometimes it does. But sometimes it doesn’t.

These amazing characters taught me that.

And yet there is real PEACE available. And WISDOM and GRACE and STRENGTH, when we let go and allow God to do a work in our hardships.

The English language of 18th Century Scotland:

I’ll stop preaching for now and leave you with a final disclaimer: The language of these stories does take some getting used to.

Words like:

auld (old)
bairn (child)
oniewise (anyhow)

… may force you into the Scottish Glossary that Higgs’ includes should the sentence context not make the words obvious in themselves.

But the brilliance of Higgs’ writing is REALLY impressive and so worth the read. The amount of research that went into these stories, time periods, and locations – I can only imagine – is truly commendable.

I still find myself speaking with some of the distinctiveness of 18th century Scotland, like calling my daughter a bonny wee lass. I’m not complaining, rather hoping it sticks, aye! (not to be confused with aight.)

If you decide to give these books a read, I hope they bless and encourage you as much as they have me.

Thanks so much for following along on this little Scottish Tour!
I am always looking for more book recommendations so please do share your favourites with me!

Have you read anything by Liz Curtis Higgs?
Would you after this review?
Let me know in the comments!

The Fashion Rules of a Pastor’s Wife

Published on May 15, 2020January 2, 2021 by tinavila2011 Comments

Oh, your husband’s a pastor? But you don’t look like a pastor’s wife…?

Well what exactly is a pastor’s wife supposed to look like, Brenda?!! I’ve yet to ask this question when I receive comments like this, so your guess is as good as mine.

I live in this tension that I’m always trying to manage between wanting to look put together, coordinated, and dare I say, cute! But also, respectable, approachable, and devout.

Well I’ll be straight with you from now, there’s no Pinterest board for fashion inspo on all that.

I’ve included some favourite outfits for each season.
Photos are of flat lays because there are only so many selfies a mom in her mid-30s is allowed to take. You’re welcome.
(This photo: not a selfie)

From a very young age, I’ve had an interest in fashion. I’m told that as a three year old, when meeting my uncle’s future wife for the first time, I asked her why her nail polish and lipstick didn’t match. At age three! You just can’t teach that level of crazy, y’know? So I’ve always seen my interest in fashion and image as something that’s just a part of who I am.

What I struggle with is how much attention to give this interest. Where is the balance between focusing on inward vs. outward beauty?

“The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outside of a person. But the Lord looks at what is in the heart.”
– I Samuel 16:7

Being a pastor’s wife who is image conscious can be a little tricky. Sometimes I wonder: if I happen to be dressed fashionably, am I giving off a shallow vibe, lacking depth or spiritual awareness? Is there even such a thing as too fashionable? And who decides that?

Sweater weather!
No autumn wardrobe is complete without that deep mustard hue.

On the other hand, if I actively choose to take less care in my appearance, I just don’t feel like myself, and don’t feel comfortable in my own skin.

My husband became a pastor before I became his wife. So being a pastor’s wife is really all I’ve known since my adulting journey began. Since I have always enjoyed putting outfits together and coordinating accessories, that part of me didn’t shut off when I got married. No one handed me a manual on the protocol, or the dos and don’ts of ministry fashion (spoiler alert: it’s not a thing). And even writing a post about this can come off as vain.

But I want to be honest about this part of my journey. I think lots of other women who follow Jesus will likely relate – whether you are a woman in ministry or not.

In my first years of marriage and ministry, I drew council from a variety of older women, from a variety of backgrounds and interests. Some were quite plain, low maintenance, and simple (I don’t mean this in a negative way, but just to give you a mental image). They simply didn’t care much about their appearance. They wore plain clothes, didn’t style or colour their hair, didn’t wear any makeup, etc.

There were other godly women in my life who were fashion-conscious and were always put together. They wore jewellery and heels, makeup and nail polish.

I remember a season of pleading with God, begging Him to make me into a woman who didn’t care about what she looked like. It bothered me that I more closely resembled the women who were like me: fashion-conscious and trendy. I wanted to look like a woman who spent so much time with Jesus, that she didn’t even notice if her socks matched (ok but socks have to match, that’s why they’re sold together. Kind of like shoes. Come on, people!).

But anytime I tried to let things go by not styling my hair, wearing plain clothes and no makeup, I just felt uncomfortable. Like I was trying to be someone I wasn’t.

Winter wonderland!
A festive cardi and fun, but functional pom-pom hat are a must.

Over time, I realized that if God could use fashion-conscious women to minister to me, then I could be free to be a fashion-conscious woman too. And just because I spent some time putting lipstick on, doesn’t mean I didn’t also spend time in prayer and in the Word that day too.

All this, plus the aging process has helped tremendously with giving ZERO cares about what people think. My beloved readers, I highly recommend the mid-30s. I hear good things about the mid-40s, and I’m pretty sure the mid-50s and 60s will be sensational. We’re just getting started, y’all!

Five years ago, my husband was applying to churches for a pastor position throughout Canada and the US. Most job postings required a family or couple’s photo to be included with the application.

When my husband told me about this, I remember feeling so much pressure to portray the kind of image that best represented the real me. Well, the real me had just finished applying dark nail polish. The real me didn’t usually go anywhere without lipstick. When I asked my husband what he thought of all this, he just said:

We probably wouldn’t want to be hired by a church that would turn me down over my wife’s nail polish.
– wise man

FOR HIRE! (Pastor application photo… no pressure!)

That moment and this photo proved to be a big turning point for me. I felt like I was given permission to just be myself. To do what felt comfortable and what made me feel most confident.

Now, alllllllllll that being said, I don’t want to give the false impression that I’m giving myself, or anyone else, permission to be image-OBSESSED. But what I have found, is that being so hard on myself for enjoying the process of throwing an outfit together is no longer a source of guilt for me. And I’m so grateful for that freedom.

Fancy hairstyles don’t make you beautiful. Wearing gold jewelry or fine clothes doesn’t make you beautiful. Instead, your beauty comes from inside you.
– I Peter 3:3-4

Spring vibes comin atcha!
Time to bust out those light colours and accessorize with a neckerchief!

If you know me at all, or if you’ve read any other content on this blog, then you know my heart. You’ll find that I do have other interests, namely, my love for Jesus and living my life in such away that He is glorified and honoured in all I do. I just don’t think there’s one narrow way to do that. Nor do I think there is one narrow way to look or live while you do it.

So get creative!

Play with the makeup you want to try
Buy the flashy earrings
Throw on a scarf
Or don’t!

The point is, YOU. DO. YOU. You can love Jesus, and be a deep thinker, an encourager, supportive, helpful, introspective, and dorky… AND you can look good doing it! What a novel idea.

I’ve also been asked where I buy my clothes. Honestly, living in a small town, I miss the quick access to a mall full of options (the nearest is 30 minutes away). However, the distance between me and the mall has also been a real breath of fresh air. I buy lots of clothes online and some in store. Here are some of my favourites:

Old Navy
H&M
Giant Tiger (don’t knock it till you try it)
Walmart (see note on Giant Tiger)
Colour Vine Boutique (local + great quality!)
Joe Fresh
Target (back when I was allowed to cross the border into Detroit and didn’t risk catching Corona)
Forever 21 (R.I.P.)

Sweet summertime!
It’s not super obvious but this is a short dress with a floral kimono (which I could wear on every summer day).

So if you’ve scrolled down and only tuning in now,
these are my fashion rules for a pastor’s wife:

(And if your husband isn’t a pastor, or if you’re not even a wife, I think they can still apply.)

Be true to yourself
If you wouldn’t be caught dead in heels. Wear the flats! If you like heels, by all means, strap ’em on. YOU DO YOU! If you’re not into makeup, then bless your heart, you’ve probably got loads more time and disposable income.
Find balance in how you spend your time
I’m sure I spend more time on my appearance than many other women do. So I like to find ways to make it work so that I can still look the way I want to look, and not neglect the rest of my family, responsibilities, and interests. For example, I only wash my hair once a week. If you haven’t already, you can check out my hair blog to find out how I pull that off. Click here: https://fromtheoverflow.home.blog/2020/02/21/from-pantry-aisle-to-hairstyle/ .
I also put together outfits the night before, especially if it’ll be an early morning. This frees up some time in the morning by not having to pick out an outfit as well. I lay out my clothes and accessories so I don’t have to think about it when we’re probably in a big rush already anyway.
Find balance in where you spend your money
The retailers I listed above are my go-to for style but also cost. I derive so much satisfaction from finding clothes on ridiculous discount, and this way I have more options to work with!
Honour God with yourself, your time, and your money
If this is a priority for you, I think there is a way to make it all work. You don’t have to dress like a nun to honour God with what he’s given you. The tips above this one make that point.

Desperate Housewives of Essex County: Corona Edition

Does this struggle resonate with you at all? If you can relate, PLEASE tell me! It’s nice to know I’m not alone in this burden of a fashionista.
As always, I’d love to hear from you! Thanks for reading along.

Breakfast of Champions: An Empty Stomach?

Published on May 1, 2020January 2, 2021 by tinavila209 Comments

Confessions of an amateur intermittent faster

Starting each day with a whole lot of Jesus and a few cups of tea

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day!
– Lots of people (for a really long time)

I don’t know about you, but I’ve heard that my whole life. And for most of my life, I believed it!

Well Intermittent Fasting, by definition, requires you to cut out a meal and that meal is usually breakfast. So…

What is Intermittent Fasting, and why try it?

Intermittent Fasting isn’t really a diet plan, it’s more like a dietary pattern. Most diet plans focus on what you’re eating. They’ll often have a list of foods to avoid, and sometimes come with meal plans, or specific foods you’re encouraged to purchase directly from the company promoting the diet plan.

Intermittent Fasting on the other hand, focuses on WHEN you are eating, rather than what you’re eating. Of course, you’re encouraged to make healthy food choices. That should go without saying. But the important thing to focus on is that you are structuring your food intake within a smaller window of your day.

The idea is that by eating for fewer hours in a day, you’re decreasing your calorie intake without changing much about what you’re actually eating. Personally, it’s been the easiest “diet” I’ve ever been on.

The 16/8 Schedule

The 16/8 schedule is probably the most common for Intermittent Fasting. The goal is to consume all your calories for a 24 hour period within 8 waking hours, and then fast for the remaining 16 hours of the day. So usually this means that your eating window is from 10 am to 6pm. Your fast would then begin at 6pm and go until the next morning at 10am when you break your fast for breakfast (see what I did there…).

The 12/12 Schedule

The 12/12 schedule is recommended for those who want to ease into intermittent fasting. The eating window is from 7am to 7pm, or whatever 12 hour period works for you. The idea is that you’re really just cutting out late night snacking/grazing/feasting which, let’s be real, isn’t doing us any favours in this corona quarantine season. So if you want to give it a go, this is the easiest way to dive in!

At least 50% of my lunches consist of chickpeas
and some kind of Epicure seasoning.

Can I consume anything during the fasting hours?

Yes ma’am! (or sir)… You can drink plenty of water. In fact, you should always drink plenty of water! But don’t take my word for it because I really suck at this. Adding some ice and lemon to my water does help me drink more. So I recommend trying that if you need a little boost.

In addition to water, you can drink coffee or tea. I’ve also read that if you drink something with less than 50 calories in it, your body will remain in a fasted state. So I personally enjoy my morning tea with a splash of almond creamer because frankly, I love myself enough to add the creamer.

A couple of morning tea drinkers joining the club!
(Relax y’all, they still eat breakfast)

Will I miss breakfast?

Honestly, I can’t answer that for you. All I know is that I couldn’t believe how easy it was to give it up. Although I’ve never had an appetite for big breakfasts of eggs, bacon, waffles, etc., I could never imagine starting my day without a bowl of cereal. I just couldn’t be awake past 9am without having at least a small bowl with almond milk.

If you prefer to wean yourself off breakfast slowly, start by eating smaller and smaller portions at a later and later time, while also increasing your water intake.

Most days, I try to consume nothing until I actually feel a pang of hunger. And I’m still surprised that I rarely feel hungry at all prior to about 11:30am. When that happens, I drink a glass of water or a cup of tea. If I am still hungry after that, I’ll drink more water or more tea. Both of these (and coffee) count towards a state of fasting.

My eating window is usually from 12 or 1pm, and ends at about 7pm. So my hours of fasting are between 17-18 hours per day bringing the ratio to about 17/7.

It is recommended that for intermittent fasting to be effective, the hours of fasting should be at least 14 hours in a 24 hour period.

A winning combo for morning tea! The real breakfast of champions.

What I love about Intermittent Fasting

The non-restrictive approach to what you are eating.
Eat what you want, people! I’m not here to judge you. Of course, if you actually want lose a bunch of weight or gain muscle or see any real change in your body, then I guess eat a vegetable once in awhile. But that’s just not what this is about.
Not being tempted to eat outside of the designated eating hours.
This may be different for you, but I have always had such a hard time with evening snacking. I would do a lot of emotional eating after my kids would go to bed. I felt like I had earned the snacks I would binge eat every night because my day was so hard. I was essentially rewarding myself for surviving the day. And on evenings when my husband was out of the house, I felt like my favourite snacks were a consolation for my loneliness.

This is not a healthy relationship with food! I was not eating because I was hungry. I was eating just, because…

With Intermittent Fasting, I finally found the strength to listen to my body and recognize that it isn’t actually hungry All. The. Time. Can you believe it? And when it isn’t hungry, it’s become easier to say: I just don’t eat during this time. So it’s no longer about how many calories a certain snack contains… or how many calories can I get away with… or where can I make up for this later…

I simply enjoy the food I want to enjoy during the eating window and then that’s it, the kitchen’s closed. Come back tomorrow!

If I feel like a snack after dinner, I still try to keep it within my eating window. This baby snuck in before the 7pm cutoff!

The earlier the fast, the longer you’ll last
I don’t understand the science behind it, but every time I eat a meal later in the evening, my hunger pangs begin even earlier the next day. It doesn’t make sense, but it’s true.

My husband and I enjoy a special meal he prepares every Sunday night. We wait until the kids are settled in bed before sitting down for our date, so we don’t usually eat before 8 or 9pm. As a result, Monday mornings are inevitably my hungriest mornings. And I’ve found this to be true about any day following a later start to my fast the night before.

So, the good news is that if you really stick to it, you’ll likely find it easier to cut out breakfast if you’re committed to not eating in the evenings!

Chef hubby making our late night, date night food

For the record…

I’ve lost some weight, and that’s wonderful. But the real upside to this lifestyle for me is the healthier relationship I have found with food in general. I didn’t expect that at all, and I’m grateful for it.

Skipping breakfast and not eating after dinner, have been easier to commit to because I am simply not hungry at those times. If I do happen to feel especially hungry earlier in the morning, I’ll eat lunch a little earlier. But there’s no mental guilt trip, or cheat days, or cheat meals that I have to work around. Simply listening to my body and making healthy choices.

I still love me some dark chocolate with a cappuccino in the afternoons when the baby’s napping. And I enjoy them both guilt-free. I think that balance has been really liberating in making it a lifestyle over ~~diet fad~~.

My favourite dairy-free milk for very frothy cappuccino.
10/10 would recommend.

Have you tried or considered intermittent fasting?
Please share your experience and any tips, recipes, or questions.

I always love to hear from you!

Coronavirus Confinement: One Woman’s Story

Published on April 8, 2020January 2, 2021 by tinavila2011 Comments

It’s been one month, almost to the day, since my world shut down. I know the timeline of Covid-19 is a little different for everyone, but that’s mine.

I have started, and re-started this post more than any other I’ve written thus far – probably over a dozen times. It’s such a HUGE topic, affecting literally the entire planet. Yet we are all experiencing and reacting to it a little differently.

I kept reflecting on what I could possibly say that would be of any value at this time. Y’all don’t need another person to tell you to stay home. And you could easily look up your favourite influencers who communicate more eloquently than I. But there’s just something about hearing someone’s personal experience that draws us in, y’know? So if you’re still reading, thank you!

Just sitting down for the 42nd snack of the day!

Here are a few things I’ve enjoyed about this forced quarantine:

Slow mornings with the kids – our internal clocks have shifted, so getting up later and not having to rush out the door is so nice.
Tea time with my boys – rooibos with honey and almond milk for them, black chai with vanilla almond creamer for me.
Not having to make school lunches every night – even though it feels like they eat ALL THE LIVE LONG DAY, the break from school lunches is still a win.
Relaxed evenings together – lots of movies, games, or just sitting nearby reading with no extracurriculars to rush off to.

Lots of bike rides through our quiet neighbourhood.
Riding by the boys’ school is quite bittersweet.

Here’s what’s been really hard for me during the quarantine:

Solo-parenting despite husband working from home – he is busier than EVER getting the church services streamed online. So even though he’s home, we don’t see much of him.
Being surrounded (bombarded) by my children AT. ALL. TIMES. – They aren’t bad kids, and they mostly get along, but being “ON” all the time takes its toll.
Being my boys’ new teacher – one eldest child thinks it’s a good idea to wake me up begging to start his schoolwork before I am conscious. One middle child has speed-passed into the eye rolling angsty teen years now that he’s required to identify words that begin with S.
Working from home – this isn’t new for me, I’ve always worked from home, but juggling that on top of everyone else being home has been a challenge.

Behind the scenes of our “studio” where worship music is recorded and the Sunday services are produced.

So what’s been getting me through?

If you read my last post, https://fromtheoverflow.home.blog/2020/04/03/writing-these-words-on-my-heart/, you know that I go to my Bible when I want to speak into someone’s life. Well, this also applies for me personally! I don’t find much value in positive self-talk. Mostly because I quickly spiral into negative self talk. I prefer to go to God’s Word to see what He has to say about me, and how He might encourage me instead.

So here are some passages that have blessed me through this time, plus a little commentary or background info thrown in, free of charge.

A Sunday drive through the county with drive-thru coffee is my personal favourite pastime.

For God will never give you the spirit of fear, but the Holy Spirit who gives you mighty power, love, and self-control.
– II Timothy 1:6

Whenever I feel overwhelmed, I’m reminded that fear and anxiety are NOT from the Lord. What He has given me, because I’ve given my life to follow Him, is a spirit of power, love, and a sound mind. He has equipped me to face hard days, sad days, overwhelming days, exasperating days, and everything in between. I don’t always get it right or do it perfectly, but this verse is a great reminder of what God has given me to help me!

Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with My victorious right hand.
– Isaiah 41:10

This verse has been a constant source of peace for me for many years now. I frequently need the reminder to not be afraid. I also need the reminder to not be discouraged. And I definitely need to be reminded of why! Because God will strengthen me, help me, and hold me up when I don’t feel like I can go on.

Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. The enemy you see today will never be seen again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.
– Exodus: 14:13-14

This is one of my favourite verses. The Israelites had just escaped slavery in Egypt but find themselves stuck between a rock and a hard place: The Red Sea ahead of them, and the Egyptian army on their tail. Not surprisingly, they are in a panic. Moses tells the people not to be afraid! This looks like a hopeless situation. But they are told to simply trust in God more than what their eyes can see. STAND FIRM IN FAITH! And then watch how the Lord will fight for you. Just be still in His presence, and watch.

I sooooo need this reminder on the DAILY. To calm my heart, to be still, and then watch how the Lord will work things out when I don’t think there’s a way out. As God miraculously parted the Red Sea for the Israelites in a moment that felt hopeless, He can make a way for you and me as well.

The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.
– Deuteronomy 31:8

This verse is another one my favourites! The context takes place during Moses’ final address to the nation of Israel before they embark on their journey to the Promised Land without him. When I put myself in their position, I’m certain I would be terrified to go on without Moses. He represented God to the people! If anything went well for the Israelites, it is because Moses was obedient, or Moses pleaded with the Lord for mercy on their behalf. He wasn’t just a strong leader, he was the only leader they knew! Everything about their lives was about to change: leaving the only home they had ever known, the desert. And with a new man in charge, Joshua. So much change, so much unknown.

But Moses reminds the people that the Lord is the most important CONSTANT they ever need. He goes ahead of us, and He is always with us. He will never leave or abandon us, so we don’t need to be afraid or discouraged.

Kids love a good puppet show with my parents via video chat!

²⁵“I tell you, do not worry. Don’t worry about your life and what you will eat or drink. And don’t worry about your body and what you will wear. Isn’t there more to life than eating? Aren’t there more important things for the body than clothes? ²⁶Look at the birds of the air. They don’t plant or gather crops. They don’t put away crops in storerooms. But your Father who is in heaven feeds them. Aren’t you worth much more than they are? ²⁷Can you add even one hour to your life by worrying?
²⁸“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the wild flowers grow. They don’t work or make clothing. ²⁹But here is what I tell you. Not even Solomon in all his royal robes was dressed like one of these flowers. ³⁰If that is how God dresses the wild grass, won’t He dress you even better? Your faith is so small! After all, the grass is here only today. Tomorrow it is thrown into the fire. ³¹So don’t worry. Don’t say, ‘What will we eat?’ Or, ‘What will we drink?’ Or, ‘What will we wear?’ ³²People who are ungodly run after all those things. Your Father who is in heaven knows that you need them. ³³But put God’s kingdom first. Do what He wants you to do. Then all those things will also be given to you.
³⁴So don’t worry about tomorrow. Tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
– Matthew 6:25-34

This is a longer one, but with so much uncertainty surrounding this Covid-19 pandemic, and especially how it has affected personal finances, health, and basically any aspect of normal life, I don’t think it has ever resonated with me more.

It is such a timely reminder to focus on just one. day. at. a. time. To trust God with anything and everything that might give me cause to worry. And to truly believe that the Lord will provide for my needs. He has been faithful to do so before, so I KNOW I can trust Him now.

The Lord God is like the sun that gives us light. He is like a shield that keeps us safe. The Lord blesses us with favour and honour. The Lord will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right.
– Psalm 84:11b

There are so many promises throughout scripture that we can claim as followers of Jesus. This is one I especially cling to at this time. The Lord lights up my life and He is my protector. The Lord loves to give good gifts to His children and this is one of many verses that points to just that. When we follow Him and walk in His ways, we can trust that He will bless us, for our good and His glory. It may not be in the way we want, but it is always for His good purposes.

And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus.
– Philippians 4:19

I think it’s worth including verses from both the Old and New Testaments that speak of God’s promise to give us good things and meet all our needs. So, this verse is similar to the one above it in that way. When we commit our lives to Jesus, God promises to meet all our needs. And THIS is why we don’t need to worry, or be afraid. We can trust that He will provide a way, even when it looks like there is no way.

¹⁴For this reason I kneel before the Father, ¹⁵from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. ¹⁶I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, ¹⁷so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, ¹⁸may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, ¹⁹and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
²⁰Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, ²¹to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
– Ephesians 3:14-21

This is one of those powerhouse passages that’s worth re-reading, or dare I say, memorizing! I don’t know where to even begin commenting on this one. But I am especially encouraged with verse 20 that states that the Lord is… able to do IMMEASURABLY more than all I ask or imagine according to his power… Honestly, I find it hard to remain in a state of despair or discouragement when reading that. That the Lord can do more than I ask or even imagine? Not just a little more, but immeasurably more? Yes please! I’ll take some of that at a time like this!

Streaming church at home!
We love staying connected to our church family in this way!

If you’re not familiar with the Bible, or unsure about exploring it, these songs are another place to start. They have filled me with so much peace in this unprecedented season.

A beautiful reminder that God’s presence goes with you, and His blessings over you and your children and their children.

The upper room in scripture is where God’s Spirit met His people.
This song is a dedication to make my whole life an upper room for God to meet me, speak to me, and lead me.

This song is an encouragement to me that even in the waiting and unknown, God is with me and I am not alone.

This song didn’t fully resonate until I, like everyone else, was forced into isolation. It speaks of how when it is finally still and quiet and silent, God can finally speak and I can finally hear Him.

These lines best sum up this song:

No one ever cared for me like Jesus
His faithful hand has held me all this way
And when I’m old and grey
And all my days are numbered on the earth
Let it be known in you alone
My joy was found

If these songs, or words of scripture are new, but have also been an encouragement to you, I’m so very glad.

If you have questions about any of them, or would like more suggestions, just HOLLAAA! (Because honestly, it was so hard to narrow down Bible verses and songs for this post… way more where that came from!)

I am very aware that this is a really hard season for so many. But I also very strongly believe that Jesus loves you and wants to give you peace through this time. He is worthy and worth it. Ask me about Him! He has never let me down. He is faithful and true.

Finally, If you’ve had someone specific in mind while reading this, I encourage you to share it with them! And please let me know if you do!

Writing These Words on my Heart

Published on April 3, 2020January 2, 2021 by tinavila203 Comments

Proverbs 3:1-4
My child, do not forget my teaching.
    Keep my commands in your heart.
They will help you live for many years.
    They will bring you peace and success.
Don’t let love and truth ever leave you.
    Tie them around your neck.
    Write them on the tablet of your heart.
Then you will find favour and a good name
    in the eyes of God and people.

*The face of a girl who’s hiding God’s word in her heart!*

Scripture memory is so close to my heart. I find it an exciting challenge to commit more and more Bible verses to memory, and I hope this post is contagious in that way!

In a previous post https://fromtheoverflow.home.blog/2020/02/07/milestones-memorials-and-the-years-of-4/, I briefly touched on how my journey with scripture memory began in 2010 when I was at a conference. The Lord impressed on my heart the importance of memorizing His Word, and I felt convicted to take that more seriously.

While at that conference, I met a woman about 10 years older than I was at the time (coincidently, she was about the age that I am now). I discovered that she had two young children, a small ministry, AND had memorized entire books of the Bible, one of which was the book of James.

I remember reflecting on how amazing it was that I sensed God wanted me to memorize His Word, and nearly right after that, I met a woman who was doing just that!

I also remember thinking that memorizing entire books of the Bible was beyond ridiculous, and I couldn’t imagine how she pulled that off with two kids to boot! I had all of ZERO children at the time. The most I was responsible for was a monstera plant, which I’m proud to say, is still thriving.

While still at that same conference, I came across this book in their bookstore:

*100 Bible Verses Everyone Should Know by Heart*
*by Robert J. Morgan*

This simple little book was an absolute game-changer for me in forming the habit of memorizing God’s Word. It’s divided into two sections. One section discusses the importance of committing God’s Word to memory, and what God says about this practice.

The second section lists 100 Bible verses everyone should know by heart and includes a short write up on each one, highlighting its context and importance for a daily walk of faith. It also includes a tip for memorizing each verse.

I got started on my memorizing journey right on my flight home from that conference. I was so excited!

When I got home, I devoted my mornings before work to adding verses to my list of memorized scripture. It took me a few months to get through the 100 recommended verses from the book, and then I started adding some other favourites to the list.

Every morning I would run through all the verses I had memorizes as though I were reciting a script from a play. The repetition really made them stick.

I kept this up for about a year and a half, with periodic breaks. But then halted altogether when my first son was born, due to mild postpartum depression (stay tuned for a future post on that can of beans).

This excerpt so beautifully sums up the benefits of scripture memorization:

When we memorize a word, phrase, line, or verse from God’s Word, it’s like implanting a powerful radioactive speck of the very mind of God into our own finite brains. As we review it or hear it spoken again, it sinks deeper into our heads. As we learn it “by heart”, it descends into the hidden crevices and fissures of our souls. As we meditate on it, it begins sending out its quiet, therapeutic waves of influence. And, as the apostle Paul said, we are transformed by the renewing of our thoughts (see Rom. 12:2)”
– Robert J. Morgan, 100 Bible Verses Everyone Should Know by Heart

Backtracking to one little anecdote in particular:

At some point, I considered taking a break from memorizing scripture because I felt like it had lost the spark it once had. So I prayed about it and asked God to show me what I should do. On that particular day, I had memorized a verse in Galatians.

That night, I dreamt that a masked man entered my apartment with a gun…

He pointed the gun at me, and shouted at me to renounce my faith or die. The gun was so close, I could feel the cold metal pressed against my face. And all I remember next is standing before this dark, commanding figure, and calmly reciting the verse I had literally committed to memory that very day:

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
– Galatians 2:20

When I awoke from that dream, I knew I had my answer. I don’t know what I’ll face in this life, but I want to be equipped and ready for it with the Word of God. A passion for memorizing God’s Word was renewed in me and I carried on with new resolve and zeal. It is a privilege to have access to the Word of God. It is a privilege to get to read it over and over and learn something new every time. I never want to take that for granted.

If you’re looking for a guide through scripture memorization: *10/10 would recommend*!

I’m grateful for the foundation that that season of zealous memorization gave me. Because after I had children, I did not commit one more verse to memory until the fall of 2019.

I went from memorizing approximately 250 Bible verses in about 18 months, to nothing at all for about 8 years. It’s really sobering to put that in writing, and I’m trying not to regret all that time lost.

So, it was six months prior to writing this post that I was reminded of that woman I met at that conference all those years ago. Just an ordinary woman and mother, who memorized entire books of the Bible. Well, because of my obsessive, and sometimes overly ambitious personality, I decided to take on the book of James myself as she had.

I really wanted to write this post having completed memorizing the book of James.

5 chapters
434 verses
6 months

But it didn’t work out that way. I am currently about 6 verses short of my goal.

And the truth is that it’s really really really really SUPER hard for me to press the Publish button on this post without having completed the book.

I know I’ll get there. But hopefully this vulnerability will speak louder than any arbitrary accomplishment could. Because I’m aware that my own made up deadline doesn’t actually mean anything to anyone but me.

Anyway!!! Enough about that…

Here’s why memorizing God’s Word is a good idea:

We are commanded to memorize scripture
Perhaps a gentler way to put it is that we are called to memorize scripture. But either way, Moses told the Israelites to make God’s Word a regular part of their everyday lives, and we should too. Moses said it this way:

The commandments I give you today must be in your hearts. Make sure your children learn them. Talk about them when you are at home. Talk about them when you walk along the road. Speak about them when you go to bed. And speak about them when you get up. Write them down and tie them on your hands as a reminder. Also tie them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses. Also write them on your gates.
– Deuteronomy 6:6-9

Jesus set the example for us
When Jesus was tempted in the desert after fasting for forty days, He didn’t get into a debate or squabble with the enemy. Satan tempted Him, and He responded with words from scripture that He had previously committed to memory. That’s it!
I don’t know about you, but if God’s Word was good enough for Jesus in a challenging situation, then why wouldn’t it be good enough for me? I want to be READY when the difficulty comes! Not to fight against others, but to know the TRUTH against the lies that the enemy tries to use to bring me down. I want to be equipped from the inside out. Jesus modelled that for us and it inspires me to do the same.

If you hold to My teaching, you prove that you are My true followers. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.
– Jesus, from the Gospel of John 8:31-32

So put on all of God’s armor. Evil days will come. But you will be able to stand up to anything. And after you have done everything you can, you will still be standing… so take the sword of the Holy Spirit. The sword is God’s word.
– Ephesians 6:13, 17

“But I just never know what to say…” (Hey! You’ll actually know what to say!)
Thinking back on my growing up years, I often spoke without thinking, said things I’d later regret, or simply talked too much! In more recent years, I find myself considering more heavily what my words will be in a situation. Sometimes I don’t say anything at all for fear of saying the wrong thing. I’ve realized that I would rather speak the Words of God than my own words on a given topic. So memorized scripture has been so helpful to me when I want to encourage, challenge, bless, or comfort a friend. I trust God’s Words a zillion times more than I trust my own. So committing His Words to memory is a sure way to have the right thing to say when given the opportunity to speak into someone’s life.

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.
– II Timothy 3:16

Life hack: *memorizing* Bible verses goes exponentially better outdoors

There are many more great reasons to memorize scripture (verses, passages, or books), so if you don’t like those, feel free to Google more!

Here are some tips that have helped me commit scripture to memory:

LOOK FOR ACRONYMS, RHYMING WORDS, WORD ASSOCIATIONS, ETC.
Once you’ve chosen a Bible verse to memorize, see what little tricks you can come up with to help you remember the words. Find key words that rhyme, or key words that start with the same letter, or alphabet patterns. These will all help you remember what’s next.
READ THE VERSE ALOUD
Studies have shown that reading a verse out loud helps your brain retain the words more quickly and strongly because of the dual effect that speaking and hearing have on the brain.
[Read the verse aloud] OVER AND OVER AND OVER AND OVER…
When you meet someone for the first time, it’s recommended that you repeat their name a few times to help you remember it. Experts suggest that it takes repeating something 30 times for it to be committed to memory. So just keep reading that verse over and over. Eventually it’ll stick!
START GLANCING UP WHILE READING THE VERSE AS YOU GROW FAMILIAR WITH IT
My advice: don’t rush this part. You’ll find yourself more frustrated and impatient if you realize you didn’t know it as well as you thought you did, and you may feel like giving up.
Get really comfortable with reading a verse out loud many times before taking your eyes of the page. And when you do, keep saying the verse over and over, glancing down when you need a prompt.
RECITE YOUR MEMORIZED SCRIPTURE ALOUD AND OFTEN!
That’s it! Once you’ve memorized a verse, keep it fresh in your mind by going over it and over it and over it until you’re saying it without thinking, and then keep saying it!

Where do I start?

Choose verses that are meaningful to you
Maybe you’ve chosen a life verse, or a verse for this year, or maybe one verse in particular helped you through a difficult time, or a friend gave you a verse that meant a lot when you really needed it.
Whatever the context, if you have some favourites, start by memorizing those!
Here are some popular verses and passages I recommend:

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
– John 3:16

¹The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
²    He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
³    he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
    for his name’s sake.
⁴Even though I walk
    through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
    for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
    they comfort me.
⁵You prepare a table before me
    in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
    my cup overflows.
⁶Surely your goodness and love will follow me
    all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
    forever.
– Psalm 23 [The Lord is My Shepherd]

²⁴“‘“The Lord bless you
and keep you;
²⁵the Lord make his face shine on you
and be gracious to you;
²⁶the Lord turn his face toward you
and give you peace.”’
– Numbers 6:24-26 [Prayer of Blessing]

Why memorize entire passages or books of the Bible?

It’s easier to actually learn something from what you’re memorizing because you are going over important teachings in the full context that they were written.
It’s easier to memorize a passage vs. a list of favourite verses because they actually flow into each other. Similar to memorizing the words of a song: the flow makes sense in your brain, and it’s easier to remember the verses that come next when they all actually go together in the first place
It’s a fun challenge. Like skydiving! Sort of…
If you want to memorize a longer passage of scripture, try it out with your favourite Psalm! The book of Psalms is essentially a collection of poems and songs, so they flow really easily in memorization.

Here’s one of my favourite memorized Psalms:

¹Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.
²    Worship the Lord with gladness;
    come before him with joyful songs.
³Know that the Lord is God.
    It is he who made us, and we are his;
    we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
⁴Enter his gates with thanksgiving
    and his courts with praise;
    give thanks to him and praise his name.
⁵For the Lord is good and his love endures forever;
    his faithfulness continues through all generations.
– Psalm 100

Do you have any favourite verses committed to memory?
My hope and prayer, at the very least, is that this post makes you want to give it a try!

If you’ve got any tips that I’ve left out here, please share them in the comments! I’d love to hear from you.

Got Lost in the Story

Published on March 20, 2020January 2, 2021 by tinavila206 Comments

If I’m honest, my love affair with literature has been hot and cold. Right now with our world in quarantine, it’s a blazing bonfire so you’re catching me at a good time for a little review and recommendations.

Not reviewing any of these because that’s a lofty endeavour and y’all should read them without my recommendations.
These editions are just aesthetically pleasing so that’s why they’re here at all.

Since I’m fully aware that some of my readers are highly educated intellectual types, I won’t even attempt to masquerade as any kind of authority on this gargantuan topic. Best to avoid biting off more than I can chew, right? So this post will be narrow, but thorough, as I share with you my favourite author and why I enjoy her work.

Before we begin, it should be stated that I am a woman and I enjoy reading romantic stories. Truly shocking, I’m sure. However, my interests are particularly drawn to all things historical, and they have been since I was a teenager. I also majored in history in university which only grew my passion for the days of yore and yesteryear. I simply prefer stories set in the past, especially anything prior to the 1950s. The early 20th century and the Enlightenment era rank among my favourite time periods. However, I’m not too quick to turn my nose at the medieval and ancient worlds either. I love it all and I am Here. For. It!

In fact, I’ll go as far as to say that if the characters in the books I’m reading have access to technology beyond a rotary telephone or a black and white television, we’ve come too far. Send me back to the days of uncomfortable corsets and questionable hygiene practices, and I am putty in your hands. Ok, ok, kidding! I love my iPhone and curling iron as much as the next girl. But don’t make me read about a pair of love birds sending each other DMs or swiping right. Thank you, next.

Just casually sipping coffee by my stack of classic literature, as you do…

MAJOR DISCLAIMER: the titles AND COVER ART for the books I’m recommending are beyond cringe-worthy. so if there’s ever a time to NOT judge a book by its cover*, this is that time!!
Both the titles and covers of these books make them look like the cheesiest of love stories. And although they do contain LOVE scenes, and there is cheese,

what draws me to these books is the heart of God for His people. As well as the strong female characters who overcome difficult challenges and do hard things. Things I know I haven’t the courage to do. They inspire me!

So without further ado, I’m happy to introduce my favourite author:

Francine Rivers!

The woman is brilliant in her writing style and meticulous story crafting surrounding the time periods within which she develops her characters and their experiences. She has written stories dating as far back as the prehistoric age, where we read her take on the story of Tamar from the Bible in Unveiled. Then fast-forwarding to time periods as current as today. Which means that, yes, because of my love for her, I indulged in her most recent novel set in present-day California, The Masterpiece, and it was amazing, okay? There, I said it.

So sue me. No, don’t sue me. That’s the opposite of the point I’m trying to make.
– M. Scott

Rivers’ most popular, and in my opinion, absolute BEST work is

Redeeming Love

As I’ve already said, the title is sappy, and the cover is sappy. So in my opinion neither of those communicate what’s at the heart of this story. It is raw and tragic and awful and absolutely brilliant.

It is a retelling of the Biblical love story between Gomer and the prophet Hosea, set against the romantic backdrop of the California Gold Rush.

Here’s a synopsis better written than I ever could:

California’s Gold Country in 1850 is a time when men sell their souls for a bag of gold and women sell their bodies for a place to sleep. Angel expects nothing from men but betrayal. Sold into prostitution as a child, she survives by keeping her hatred alive. And what she hates most are the men who use her, leaving her empty and dead inside. Then she meets Michael Hosea. A man who seeks his Father’s heart in everything, Michael Hosea obeys God’s call to marry Angel and to love her unconditionally. Slowly, day by day, he defies Angel’s every bitter expectation until, despite her resistance her frozen heart begins to thaw. But with her unexpected softening come overwhelming feelings of unworthiness and fear. And so Angel runs. Back to the darkness, away from her husband’s pursuing love, terrified of the truth she can no longer deny: Her final healing must come from the One who loves her even more than Michael Hosea does… the One who will never let her go.
– Francine Rivers, Redeeming Love

The most captivating thing to me about Redeeming Love isn’t the love story or the characters, it’s the Father’s heart. I’ve read it so many times, and I am always humbled anew by the relentless, overwhelming, never-giving-up, yet liberating love of God displayed in these pages.
I love the way Rivers writes such a defiant and rebellious character in Angel (who I can too often relate to). And yet she is SO loved by God SO completely. When I reflect on this, it humbles me so much to be loved by God despite all the unlovable qualities I possess. And I see that written so beautifully in this story about a girl who runs from God until she realizes He is all she needs. So relatable!

Here’s some background info on Francine Rivers and How Redeeming Love came about:

For decades, Rivers wrote fiction novels with much literary success until, in 1986, she came to faith in Jesus. Following her conversion, Rivers stopped writing for a few years. Finally, she came across the book of Hosea the prophet in the Bible. She saw her own life mirrored in the story and felt compelled to write again. Redeeming Love is her statement of faith. It also modernizes the story of Hosea, which in itself mirrors the story between God and His beloved creation. It’s like a story in a story in a story. And it’s SO worth the read!

Mark of the Lion

Another work by Francine Rivers is a trilogy titled The Mark of the Lion set in 1st century Rome. There are two protagonists in these 3 books whose flaws and weaknesses really resonate with me. And unfortunately, I relate too often to both.

One woman, ruled by fear
The other, ruled by a big fat mouth

The Mark of the Lion
Trilogy, by Francine Rivers

While wealthy Roman citizens indulge their every whim, Jews and barbarians are bought and sold as slaves and gladiators in the bloodthirsty arena. Amid the depravity around her, a young Jewish slave girl becomes a light in the darkness. Even as she’s torn by her love for a handsome aristocrat, Hadassah clings to her faith in the living God for deliverance from the forces of a decadent empire.
– Francine Rivers, A Voice in the Wind
(first book of The Mark of the Lion series)

What Redeeming Love taught me about the heart of God for His people, The Mark of the Lion series taught me about what God could do through ordinary women with real struggles, trials, temptations, and fears.

Hadassah

Hadassah is a slave girl ruled by fear. Her story starts tragically when she loses her entire family and is forced into slavery. She is afraid of her own shadow. But in small, and brave steps of faith throughout the story, the Lord strengthens her and enables her to speak boldly and save many.
This fictional character, written during an unfortunately not so fictional time, inspires my faith and my resolve to be bold and courageous, even as I write these words to you now. Hadassah was often paralyzed by fear, allowing key opportunities to pass her by. But all was not lost, and she was still used by God for good. And I know I can be too, despite my own doubts and weaknesses!

Rizpah

Rizpah is a character we get acquainted with in the third book of this trilogy. She is a young widow who also tragically lost her child to illness before her story unfolds in the pages of the book. Rizpah’s blunt sarcasm and quick wit made me laugh so many times. But her speak-before-thinking incidents made me cringe far too many times as I heard my own voice in her verbal fumbles.
She says things she regrets. She is impulsive and irrational. And yet, the Lord still speaks to Rizpah AND speaks through her, using her to impact the people around her. I include myself among them since I learned a lot from Rizpah’s character, shortcomings, and unwavering faith. The Lord has used this fictional character to encourage, admonish, and comfort me in my own burden of a big mouth.

I have loved everything else I’ve read by Francine Rivers but for the sake of brevity, I won’t get into details on her other books here. Suffice it to say, I endorse them, and you should read them. Here are some of them:

The Masterpiece
The Atonement Child
Bridge to Haven
The Lineage of Grace
The Sons of Encouragement

Well friends, this post was originally meant to highlight several of my favourite authors, but alas, there’s just too much to say. So kindly consider this part 1 of a series on my favourite books and authors. Mostly historical fiction, you’ve been warned! The rest of my recommended reads will be shared at a later time. Thanks for following along!

Have you read anything by Francine Rivers?
If so, what are your thoughts on her work? Do you have a favourite?
If you haven’t, has this review piqued your interest?
I would also love to hear your recommendations too! Doesn’t have to be historical fiction – lay it on me!

*Since bookstores and libraries are closed for the Covid-19 quarantine period, you can still order these titles through online retailers such Amazon.
(how am I typing words like that in real life…!)

Your Best Efforts are like a Full Diaper

Published on March 6, 2020January 2, 2021 by tinavila206 Comments

It was a magical December 24th. Allow me to paint you a picture:

I was home alone with the kids
My husband was at church preparing for the Christmas Eve service
The boys were playing [or likely fighting] downstairs
I finally had some time to myself while E was napping
E woke up a zillion minutes too early from her nap
I waited awhile before going to see her because I resented the alone time I’d lost

Well hindsight is 20/20, my friends, because if I knew then what I was about to find out, I would have bolted to her room the moment I heard her angelic little voice…

E’s beautiful nursery. Just imagine it covered in poop…

I wish I could spare you the gory details but then this post would be blank. Suffice it to say that after a very unfortunate incident involving a full diaper, itchy eczema flare up, and wandering hands, E was discovered in her crib covered in her own crap. I mean literally…

hair
face
clothes
crib
rug
all the places!

We were already in a race against the clock to get to church for the Christmas Eve service. So there wasn’t exactly time to spare for a marathon crap-fest.

(If the use of the word crap is offending you, you now have a small idea of how offended my nose was during this incident)
– innocent bystander [me]

Of course with no backup support, I had to clean up the mess myself. So I bathed E for the very first time (baths are Daddy’s department) and it was the absolute WORST.

Another lovely nursery photo to distract from the issue at hand (on my hands, *literally*)

After we were finally done and ready to go, I still couldn’t remove the smell of poop from my hands or hers.

So I washed, and washed, and rewashed our hands, employing every soap I could find in our home. I applied essential oils, creams, lotions, ointments, anything! And none of it worked. The stench of poop was permanently etched into both of our hands.

PSA: This is NOT a plug for essential oils. Just some products that failed to mask the smell of poop.

Well we went to church anyway. And I was annoyed and exhausted and stunk like poop. I avoided people by sitting right in the front row since most people are afraid of the front row. I cried through the first few carols because the experience just drained me in every way and I felt robbed of the beautiful Christmas Eve service I look forward to all year long.

I wanted to raise my hands in worship but each time I did, the smell from my hands was closer to my nose and thus stronger and more offensive. I was so discouraged. My family looked so beautiful and put together, but if you got close to us, the poop smell was undeniable. I hated it.

….and then I heard it. Not audibly for anyone else to hear, but deep in my heart. There was a still, small voice that washed over me like a wave, saying:

even the very BEST you have to offer Me is as filthy as a full diaper. And I don’t care! I don’t care that you stink like your daughter’s poop. I KNOW how hard it was for you to get here today. I know how tired you are. I know you’re distracted by your circumstances, and that it bothers you that you can’t be at your best. And yet I love you anyway! You’re here, you want to meet with Me, and that’s all I ever want from My children. Even if you were at your very best and offering your very best, it still would not be enough. So just let it go. I just want you here, with Me…

Just one of my favourite places on the planet

In that moment, I don’t think I have ever felt so loved by Jesus. Truly. Ever! I was repulsed by myself for the inescapable stench of poop on my hands and my daughter’s beside me. I was embarrassed and humiliated and so sad that I couldn’t give Jesus the best of me on such a special day. But I realized in that moment that none of that mattered. Because it simply doesn’t matter whether we have it all together, or if our lives are in complete shambles, the Lord is just so happy that we want to be with Him, and that we make the effort to connect with Him at all.

The verse He spoke over me comes from Isaiah 64:6:

Our best efforts are grease-stained rags
– MSG

Another version puts it this way:

all our righteous acts are like filthy rags
– NIV

The humbling thought that no matter what I do, or how hard I try, or how much time I spend thinking about, or striving to be perfect, it will never be enough. AND PEOPLE, THAT’S OK!!!

It is not in our best efforts, nor through our own righteousness that the Lord is pleased. In fact, our most valiant attempts are like a diaper full of poop being smeared around.

Jesus already did everything that could possibly be done to make us acceptable to God. And when we accept this truth, and accept that we need Him, He accepts us! Even when we come to Him covered in crap. Because…

when we were still enemies of God, Jesus died for us.
– Romans 5:8

Friends, if Jesus actually died for us when we were still enemies of God, how could He be so bothered by a foul scent on our hands. It’s all the same to Him. And He loves us anyway. He loves me anyway. He loves YOU anyway. And He doesn’t just put up with our stench, holding His breath like my husband holds his whilst changing a diaper. No, He actually puts His righteousness – His goodness – OVER US.

Earlier in Isaiah, it says:

I am overwhelmed with joy in the Lord my God! For he has dressed me with the clothing of salvation and draped me in a robe of righteousness. I am like a bridegroom dressed for his wedding or a bride with her jewels.
– Isaiah 61:10

So rather than rolling His eyes or sighing dramatically, God DOES something. He takes what’s messy and crappy and broken, and replaces it with His goodness and righteousness. I am reminded of another verse that speaks on this:

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.
– Ezekiel 36:26

I just love the imagery in these passages. That the Lord would take the ugly and stinky that I have to offer, and cover me with His righteousness, filling my heart with His Spirit instead.

Sorry if this got preachy, but also, not sorry! A weight was lifted off my shoulders that day, and I pray the same for you as you read this.

Feel free to share your comments, thoughts, or questions below. I would really really love to hear from you!

*Disclaimer: E pooped again during the service. I hadn’t brought a diaper to change her since I wrongfully assumed she was maxed out on the crapfest. I was sorely mistaken. Lesson learnt. Cool beans.
– Finally, shoutout to the lovely family sitting behind us acting like they weren’t violently assaulted by our stench. You the real MVP.

From Pantry Aisle to Hairstyle

Published on February 21, 2020January 2, 2021 by tinavila2015 Comments

After a few heavy posts, it’s high time we lighten things up and discuss matters of the hair. You may already know the slightly unconventional products I use in lieu of off-the-shelf shampoo and dry shampoo, but in case you don’t, today’s your lucky day, my friend.

Disclaimer before we begin: I am NOTHING CLOSE to a hairstylist, nor do I possess the false notion that I have fabulous hair BUT I do pride myself in washing my hair only once a week (men don’t get this, my husband least of all, but us ladies know this is MAJOR accomplishment). So……

I’m writing this post in case you’re interested in decreasing the number of washes per week without looking like a wet cat. This is the goal, people!

Firstly, the shampoo. I wash and condition my hair about once a week and the only product worth mentioning in this process is this bad boy right here:

Like I said, unconventional. I credit my actual hairstylist for this one. With all the build up she saw in my hair when I’d go for a cut, she recommended this inexpensive way of stripping the build up from my hair. It truly works better than regular shampoo. I haven’t looked back.

This dish soap has been the easiest, fastest, and cheapest way to thoroughly clean my hair after applying lots of products into it all week long.

So once the hair is squeaky clean, it is ready for styling and more products. Yay! First, I dry my hair upside down with a hair dryer. I then section it off to style it with a curling iron. In each section, I apply a tiny bit of this powder on the roots and work it in. I then tease the sectioned-off hair with a comb before curling.

Apply to roots when styling for volume and hold, but it also acts as a dry shampoo.

I love this volumizing powder sooooo much! For someone with fine and flat hair like mine, it helps my hair look fuller for longer and I’m all about that. When styling is complete, I finish with some hairspray.

My go-to hairspray. Been using it for 20 years!

And now the pièce de résistance! (who says I’ve lost my French?)

After a day or two, my hair begins to get oily and stringy, especially in the roots and at the base. This is when I would normally wash my hair and start the process all over. However, I value my sleep and my family (not in that order, but maybe?), so I don’t want to waste any more time on my hair than necessary.

Enter…. the homemade dry shampoo, with honourable mention to my food pantry.

I know what you may be thinking, let me explain. But before I tell you why I like this combo for dry shampoo, I’ll explain why I don’t like conventional dry shampoo.

Why I don’t like aerosol dry shampoo:

Aerosol dry shampoo is probably the most commonly used dry shampoo. And although it’s pretty harmless when used occasionally, it can damage your hair in the long run, causing breakage or thinning.
In my humble opinion, it is overpriced for the quantity you’re buying, and in my case, the rate you’re using.
It’s bad for the environment. As are all aerosol products.
It’s overpriced! Oops, did I say that already?
It doesn’t work as well as this homemade option. NO JOKE.

Some old dry shampoo I have lying around collecting dust.

So this is the deal: CORN STARCH for dry shampoo! And here’s why…

Corn starch absorbs oil
Corn starch absorbs oil
Corn starch absorbs oil
And if you’re even a tiny bit of a granola hippie type… it is ALL NATURAL and not damaging to your hair
Also, super cheap!

Here are the steps to making your own dry shampoo and good luck not loving it, for real.

INGREDIENTS:

corn starch!
mason jar (for storage)
blush brush (for application)
that’s all folks

Self-explanatory, but just in case: *corn starch in mason jar*.

Ok, ok so I know the first picture of the ingredients up there also includes cocoa powder and lavender essential oil. Here’s why: I add cocoa powder because I have dark hair and it helps mask the white corn starch colour. You can adjust the ratio of proportions to match your own hair colour. I usually do 2:1 corn starch to cocoa powder.

Behind the scenes on being a blogger. Always glamorous and professional.

Anddddd nailed the second attempt at cocoa powder.

Once you’ve cleaned up your mess of cocoa powder, you can carry on with adding a few drops of lavender essential oil. Note: this is optional and I personally skip this step.

The lavender essential oil can be added to help make the dry shampoo smell like an actual hair product and not like a dessert. Like I said, I personally forgo the lavender altogether because I can’t be bothered. There isn’t really any scent otherwise. But lavender IS good for your hair so feel free to load up on it if you fancy that.

Shake the jar (with the lid on!) to fully combine the ingredients.

Once you’ve finished making your dry shampoo, use a designated blush brush to apply it to the roots and/or any areas where you notice oily build up.

Pro tip: don’t use the same blush brush you’d use on your face!

You can also use your fingers to work it in once the brush has been used to apply it.

What I especially like about this dry shampoo is that it doesn’t leave my hair feeling stiff and crunchy like most store-bought options. The product naturally absorbs the oils in my hair and make it look as fresh as it did on the day I washed it.

Pro tip: Apply the dry shampoo before you go to bed. It WON’T get onto your bedding (not even sure how, but it doesn’t. And I use white bed linens). It WILL absorb all the excess oil while you sleep leaving you looking and feeling fresh and fly in the morning.

Repeat these steps until you feel like washing your hair. Which may be never. Don’t say you weren’t warned.

Hair was washed 6 days prior to this photo. Can I get an AMEN…

Disclaimer:

If your hair gets wet unintentionally, for example:

you get caught in the rain
caught in a water balloon fight
thrown into a pool
etc…

… your hair WILL smell like brownies. I leave it to you to decide if this is a pro or con. Definite pro: when you’re finally ready to wash your hair, it will smell like brownies!! You’re welcome.

So there you have it, from the pantry to the bathroom! And if you’ve read nothing until that line, I’m sure that sounds super weird.

This video is a step by step on how I style my hair after washing.

This video is a step by step on applying the dry shampoo so you never have to wash your hair again!

Pleaseeeeeee tell me in the comments below if you’ve tried this dry shampoo, or if you want to try it, or if you have any questions or recommendations!

Milestones, Memorials, and the Years of 4

Published on February 7, 2020January 2, 2021 by tinavila207 Comments

I am now living through my 4th decade of life. I don’t know what it is about the 4th year of each decade, or why they’ve been significant, but they have been. And I’ll explain shortly.

But first, the inspiration behind today’s post came to me from a small but special moment in the book of Joshua from the Bible. You’ve likely heard of the battle of Jericho. The walls of the mighty city of Jericho came crumbling down miraculously, all because God’s people walked around the city. Well, before that happened,

the Israelites had to make a long trek across the Jordan River to get there. Without boats or a bridge, this was an impossible task preceding an impossible battle against Jericho. But the Lord pulled through! He stopped the water’s flow so that the entire nation of Israel could cross the Jordan River by foot, on dry land.

Once they had crossed, the Lord told Joshua to have twelve large stones stacked together, one representing each of the twelve tribes of Israel. But why?

…*that all the nations on earth would know that God is powerful*. Jsh 4:24

In Joshua chapter 4 (no coincidence on the chapter number!) it says that these stones were to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever. So, for no other reason than to commemorate what God had done! It continues with Joshua telling the Israelites,

“In days to come, your children after you will ask their parents, ‘What do these stones mean?’ Their parents must tell them, ‘Israel went across the Jordan River on dry ground.’ The Lord your God dried up the Jordan for you until you had gone across it… He did it so that all the nations on earth would know that He is powerful. He did it so that you would always have respect for the Lord your God.”
– Joshua 4:21-24

So this blog post, in a small way, represents four stones that I’m stacking together as a memorial. Here is the story behind each one:

Being raised in a home…

with parents who follow Jesus, it is not uncommon for the children of Jesus followers to want to follow Jesus as their parents do. So it wasn’t a surprise that at the tender age of 4,

the first Year of 4,

my parents prayed with me to accept Jesus into my life as my Saviour; the formal beginning of my faith journey. I asked God to forgive me of the wrong things I had done and would do. I accepted that Jesus died for me so I could be free and could live with Him in heaven forever. I didn’t fully understand all of it, I still don’t. But I knew I needed Jesus, and that was an important start.

Sassy little Tina at 4 years old. Owning that Etch-A-Sketch like it’s 1990, because it was.

Fast forward a few years and by junior high I was teetering between following Jesus and doing my own thing. A little too loud, and a little obnoxious, but sincerely trying to see how God actually fit into my life! At the age of 14,

the next Year of 4,

I went to the Christian summer camp that I had attended for years, but now as a staff member for the first time. I wasn’t prepared for what the Lord had planned for me that summer. On my agenda: hang out with friends and meet all the boys, if we’re being honest…

Well the Lord had other plans because there were no takers. Nada. Not one. God was after my heart and everywhere I turned I was faced with staff who were modelling Jesus to me. They were kids themselves, just a little older than me, and I really admired them.

They knew how to pray. They knew how to worship. They knew how to read their Bibles. They knew how to love on people, especially the outcasts. And even though I had been a Christian my whole life, I had never really seen that kind of Christ-like love modelled by people my own age.

It was contagious. A fire was lit inside me, and a real change in my spirit occurred. I changed from the inside out, and it showed.

People began to notice and tell me I even looked different. It was an external indicator of real heart change. The truth is I was actually and genuinely so full of joy that it was bubbling out of me. I was so happy, I couldn’t stop smiling. I finally understood how much the Lord had done to rescue me by sending His son, and I was excited to finally start living for Him. Following that summer, I got more serious about reading my Bible and praying, which was also when I started journalling my prayers. This change in me was also the beginning of exploring my career path. I started volunteering at a youth drop in centre and my desire to pour into youth was born. After a few years of being a leader at youth group, I knew I wanted to be a high school teacher.

Tina at 14 years old. Drawing blanks on a caption here for painfully obvious reasons.

After getting married and starting my career as a high school history teacher, I had fallen into a complacency in my faith. I knew I would never deny the Lord, or walk away from Him entirely, but I got lazy. I had fallen into a routine and the spark was gone. During my second year of teaching, I was 24 years old.

The next Year of 4 was upon me. I just didn’t know it yet.

I had time off before my teaching contract was due to start so I had the freedom to take a trip! I was invited by a group of women to attend a women’s leadership conference in North Carolina. I didn’t really have a reason to go since I wasn’t actually a woman in leadership. I was helping out at youth group, I led a small Bible study, but that was it. Nothing glamorous or note-worthy. Still, I went because I felt called to go, and it was truly life-changing. I was on fire once again, and excited about my encounters with the Lord and what would come of this new change in me. During one of the last nights at the main session, I received a word from the Lord.

With a heavy beating in my chest and my hands shaking, there were two things the Lord was asking of me. The first was to get more serious about my prayer life.

To carve out real time each day to approach the Throne of Grace with confidence (Heb. 4:16). To intercede on behalf of the people He loves. And I did. The journaling I had started 10 years prior had slowly become more of a report on life events and that changed right away. Being intentional in praying about the things that matter has spurred on my faith as I’ve seen the Lord answer, provide, and move on my behalf.

The second thing I knew the Lord wanted of me was to start memorizing scripture.

I memorized a handful of verses as a child, but besides that it just wasn’t on my radar. But the Bible says that these words are to be on our hearts. (Deut. 6:4-9) We’re commanded to memorize scripture! And for good reason! I’ll have another post about this with more detail, but suffice it to say that this has been one of the richest aspects of my faith. I couldn’t stop memorizing Bible verses after that.

24 year old Tina. Happy as a clam because she still sleeps through the night uninterrupted by children.

Since then, we’ve moved churches, homes, and cities. So much change within each decade and being an ’86 baby, I am embarking on

my fourth Year of 4.

I already feel the Lord stirring and moving and pushing me into new territory with Him. I’m so excited for what’s to come. I won’t turn 34 for a few months yet but oh Lord, I. AM. READY. And I have a sense that this blog is part of that!

Can you relate to having significant milestones or special moments around certain dates, numbers, or ages?

Numbers are meaningful. And establishing memorials for yourself to remember the special things God has done is important too! We saw that through what God commanded Joshua and the Israelites to do thousands of years ago, and we’re encouraged to do the same today.

My prayer and hope is that in a small way, this blog can serve as a reminder to me AND to you that the Lord is still moving and saving and doing impossible things. To Him be the glory. Another Year of 4 is just beginning.