I got an interesting question on my blog a couple of weeks ago…and I thought it might be useful to devote a whole post answering it - just in case a similar question was running through anyone else’s mind:

“Hi Lady Tai, Can I ask how you became so godly at such a young age? Were you home-schooled? I am a mom of a 7 yr old and would love my daughter to turn out like you. Also, you are a great writer. Do you have the gift of encouragement or teaching?”

Wow. Well, first off - I am totally and completely human. I make mistakes daily - hourly! I sin and have fallen short of the glory of God like every other human I’ve ever known. It is God’s undeserved grace which has allowed me to be where I am today and it is He who has given me any and all gifts that I may have - I’m glad it is so…because I wouldn’t have even known where to start if I had to ask him for what gifts I wanted. But He picked for me, and gave me what He knew I would need to best glorify His name - for such a time as this. It is simply up to me how I will steward those gifts.

Your daughter may have been given (and most likely has been given) a different calling and different giftings than I have been given. She may be gifted to sing, or cook, or be a nurse etc. And you definitely want to encourage the things that God has given to her.

All that I am today is primarily based on several things:
1.) God. God and His grace.
2.) My parents.
3.) Friends
4.) Life circumstances/relatives/etc.

My parents are the biggest reason - together with God - that I am what I am. They became Christians not long before I was born, they have made mistakes like every parent has, and they have sometimes had to make very difficult decisions - but God has used all that to grow me as much as all of the love, care, spiritual guidance, good times, and discipline they gave me. They’ve been praying for me since I was born, and God opened my eyes at a young age…so I’ve had the blessing of being able to pursue a relationship with God for around 16 of my 19 years of life.

They have always been very careful what influences they allowed into my life (and my brother’s); we have never had TV for as long as I can remember (we watch movies that are worth our time on VHS or DVD - there are some good oldies out there too, despite what some people say…we especially enjoy The Waltons seasons - John-Boy being my kindred spirit), they have kept a close watch on the amount and types of music we listen to - being careful that it builds up the soul, they have made sure that our closest friends were ones who would encourage us in godliness and not lead us astray etc. The most wonderful thing is that, through all of this, they have not been like “the overlord” whom we must listen to and obey - though of course we have done our best to listen and obey, but they have taken the time to explain to us why they feel that TV is not healthy for us to have (and I’m not saying all TV is bad), they have pointed out the good and bad in movies that we watch - keeping us alert watchers instead of just passively accepting whatever Hollywood throws at us, they have explained the reasons why they feel that it isn’t healthy to walk around all day with headphones on blaring music, and have gone through lyrics with us - making sure to listen to only good music lyrically themselves, and they have gone through what makes a true friend and what it takes to be one with us. I say all that (and used that run-on sentence - hehe) to say: they have been very good with teaching us along the way so that when it came time for us to make these sorts of decisions on our own, we would be wise in our choices - and bring glory to God, instead of simply pleasing our flesh.

In the past several years, I have gradually been given more and more responsibility for each of these areas. Even so, the hours and hours and days of training they have invested in me come back to me each time I look for music on iTunes, or decide whether I want to see a movie at a friend’s house etc. It is true when Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.”

Some people might argue that media does not affect your lifestyle or your heart that much - if at all. I would disagree. Movies especially are influential - they give us vivid sight impressions, sound impressions, and the reality of the modern-day films can affect us in the same sort of way it might if we had been in a particular situation in the movie ourselves; a scene where a woman finds out her child is dying can move us to tears, an epic battle scene with pounding music makes our hearts pump faster, we can hate the villain…well, you know. And music is just as powerful, in a different way. Repeating things like: “I’m Mrs. ‘Most likely to get on TV for strippin’ on the streets’” (-Britney Spears)
and, “Don’t my baby look good in them blue jeans? Tight on the top with a belly button ring.” (-Toby Keith) CAN’T be good for us!!! Good grief! And if you are numbed to lyrics and care only about a “cool beat” - perhaps some re-evaluation needs to take place.

Anyway…those are some main things. My parents also trained us in the basic spiritual disciplines young; reading the Bible, prayer and worship. That played an important part in my life as well.

Yes, my Mom invested much of her time into home-schooling my brother and I - and I would not change a thing, and I don’t think she would either (except making me better at math…). My mom always incorporated God’s design into our schooling - from Science being Apologetics, to History and tracking God’s hand thoughout, to art - and appreciating the beauty of God’s creation. I think homeschooling is the best way to train up a child, personally (sending a child to public school these days is like putting them into a den of hungry lions…or purposefully exposing them to gangreen)…however, that is not to say that you cannot have a godly child if they go through public school. I have several friends who have spurred me on to pursue God with greater passion who have gone through the public school system (one of whom I featured in a guest post here). But I know that is because of the extreme dedication of their parents, who realized that they are supposed to be the primary teachers of their children, public school or not.

Which leads me to “point” #3: Friends. Friends have been a huge catalyst of sanctification and growth in my life - especially in the past 3 years or so. Biblical fellowship, discussions, and doing life together while seeing their pursuit of godliness has greatly encouraged and inspired me. Friends should come after family (yes…I’m still working on this), but the Bible holds friends and fellowship in an important light (Prov. 17:17, Prov. 27:9, Prov. 27:17, 1 Thess. 5:11 etc). I am ever so grateful for the friends God has given me, and I pray that I might be as much of an encouragement to them as they have been to me.

And Finally: Life circumstances. God places twists and turns and loops and tunnels in our paths to test us and grow us. Some of the greatest growth spurts (spiritually) I have had have been times when I felt like I was at the end of my rope, or like life had thrown me to the ground and trampled me, or like every “door” I tried to go through was shut in my face. But it was in these times that God really met me and showed me that all I really need is Him. When I get to the end of my rope, I look around and realize that God was standing there, holding out his hands to me my whole slide down - as I got rope-burn. When it felt like life had thrown me down and trampled me, I realized that was just because I let myself wander from God’s side, and right in front of the charging bull…but He was there with the red blanket. And when every door seemed to be locked to me, I came to find that was because I hadn’t used the Key. Sometimes there are lessons you just have to learn for yourself.

I’m glad you’ve enjoyed my writing. I don’t know really one way or the other, but I feel like God has given me a gift for writing and I don’t want to let it sit under a bushel. My blogging is just a small way I’ve found of trying to steward this gift well.
And honestly, I’m not sure if I have the gift of encouragement and/or teaching. I’ve wondered and prayed about what spiritual gifts God may have given me…but I really haven’t come to any for sure conclusions. Maybe one of my parents could answer that better than me…and perhaps one or both will read this and leave a comment for you.

I hope maybe some of this helps you. But the most important thing I’d say is to follow God’s leading and your husband’s leading (assuming you are married).

The GirlTalk blog is actually in the middle of a “series” of sorts that you might find very helpful - it’s all about training girls to be young ladies. Go to GirlTalk.blogs.com to read it. I recommend the Girl Talk book the blog authors have written too. Very good.

Alrighty…it is getting late, and I hope I haven’t missed anything I was going to say. But if I did, I’ll come back and add it.

The beauties of blogging.

If anyone else has a thought in response to this question that I missed, please feel free to post it. Comments will be moderated first, as usual…but don’t worry if you don’t see it up for a few days; I may just not have had the time to look at it yet.

Have a wonderful week!

~Lady Tai

Fashion accessories for the timeless romantic.

I met Amanda during our recent trip to Massachusetts, but because of the events of the weekend, we had very little time to talk. Thus, it wasn’t until I visited her websites that I realized how passionate she was about lovely and feminine fashion. With her blog:

AmandaBethOnline - Blog

,she keeps a sharp lookout for tasteful and modest fashions in today’s “designer looks” and shares them with her readers - as well as giving helpful hints and great ideas on style.

She not only blogs, but also has a “charming” (pun intended) Etsy store stocked with beautiful, hand-made jewelry and vintage photo pillows and handbags which she has designed. The best part of which, is that she donates over 10% of her profits to Christian charities worldwide.

My favorites from her Etsy store are:

Summer Love - Aqua Heart Earrings

Pretty In Pink Pearls - Bracelet

Lady Clare ~ John William Waterhouse Painting - Pre-Raphaelite Tote Bag

I suggest stopping by at both her Etsy store and blog and taking a good, long look…and why not support this amazing young lady who is beginning to blaze a trail in the fashion world all her own?

~Lady Tai

Note: Don’t forget that you can go to: http://janelmessenger.blogspot.com/ and vote for your favorite hat fair post. Look through them all before you vote - there’s some good ones!!

I stumbled across the Hat Fair on a friend’s blog, and was instantly curious. The plain truth is: I love hats! I have 30…not counting the ones I’ve possibly got lying around in some corner. So here I am - joining the Hat Fair with fervor and zeal…O I love hats!

Me with no hat…a terrible thing.

I collect hats the way some people collect shoes. Only, in my opinion, hats have much more character - along with the ability to make or break an outfit, which shoes just don’t have.

Hats, along with being a crucial piece to many outfits also have a plethora of other uses.

A hat can add pizazz to an already cute outfit if chosen carefully.

Hats can help you pull off a “look” such as an artist (beret)…

…cowgirl (straw cowboy hat)…

…or athlete (visor).

Pick hats that suit your head size and face shape…this hat was not tried on before purchasing…thus…it is slightly large for my head/face.

Hats can be used to advertise products, services etc.

Hats can make a statement.

With a hat, you can share what you love with the world.

Hats can be fun to make - and are useful to give as gifts, or to dust off your sewing skills. I made this beret with a very simple pattern.

You don’t have to be confined to one century when you pick your hat of the day.

Many of the cutest hats/styles come from the 30’s-60’s.

Hats can protect from cold, heat, rain, wind, bugs…you name it!

Pick colors to compliment your complexion and eyes.

Get out of the “same-old same-old” and try something new! With hats, the combinations and styles are virtually limitless.

Easily hide a bad hair day whenever you need to!

Hats can be ever so useful for make-believe, dressing up, or just scaring prowlers away from your home.

If you wear it enough, a hat can even become a “signature” of sorts. This is know as the “Lady Tai Hat”.

Old hats are deliciously intriguing. You can’t help but wonder who wore it to what events. If you find any at antique shops or yard sales etc that you like, pick one up. There’s just something about them…They can add a touch of historic romance to an outfit - if you feel like defying the current stereotype of “beauty”.

So, in conclusion - I strongly support hats for heads. “They’re terribly comfortable, and I think everyone will be wearing them in the future.” ‘Till next time!

~Lady Tai~

I know I’ve talked bunches and bunches about being content. In fact, looking back over my previous posts, it seems to be the main thing I write about – from differing angles each time, of course. (*wink*) That is mainly because I write here, not because I’ve reached some soaring heights of maturity (far from it!), but because I write as God is teaching me things – essentially I’m usually preaching to myself – and I need constant reminding that God’s hand is guiding my every step, and that I can be content in every situation because the Lord is my God, and I am His child.
However, I have been noticing a startling trend in my life and the lives of many around me that caused me to step back a little, and look at things from a little bit different point of view. Hence, this post has come to be. Not because I am beyond this matter, but because I am going through it – and this is merely me processing life; hopefully through the lens of Scripture.
What is this discovery, which has birthed a blog post in these days when…(*cough*) I have not been posting as frequently? It’s actually very easy to see when you read a little Scripture. Maybe you’ll be able to guess after reading the following verses:

Click on the link below to watch a music video I slapped together yesterday: 1.) Just for the fun of it, 2.) It was a beautiful day, 3.) I like the song.

Note: It was actually synced so that my mouth would move with the words in the music, but through the translation to YouTube, it somehow got messed up a bit…so at some parts, my mouth moves before the words come…

Oh well.
And, you know that post I’ve been promising? Yeah - the REAL one…well…it’s coming. After I come back from my grandparents’ house this weekend.

Revolutionaries

Today I felt like I was supposed to read John 13 for my Bible time…and interestingly enough - it “went” with my last post…so I thought I’d share some of it here (ESV):

John 13:1-17, “1 Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. 2 During supper, when the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him, 3 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, 4 rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. 5 Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him. 6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, do you wash my feet?” 7 Jesus answered him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand.” 8 Peter said to him, “You shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no share with me.” 9 Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!” 10 Jesus said to him, “The one who has bathed does not need to wash, except for his feet, but is completely clean. And you are clean, but not every one of you.” 11 For he knew who was to betray him; that was why he said, “Not all of you are clean.”

12 When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you? 13 You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. 14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. 16 Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.”

Jesus set a great example of serving, and calls us to follow it.

I was reading through some older, half-used notebooks I had laying around a few weeks ago…and I came across this poem I wrote. I’m not sure exactly when I wrote it, but I was thinking about the missions trip I went on to Mexico when I was 12 going-on-13 (see pictures above). And I was obviously having one of those moments when everything seemed so clear…and I was remembering that ultimately, we are to bring glory to God and to be his “body” - reaching out to those in need. It doesn’t have to just be on a missions trip to Mexico…it can be right where you are now. Who has God placed in your life for you to reach out to and to be a light and an example of His love? Sometimes it helps when I get the “George Bailey perspective” (yes, the one from “It’s a Wonderful Life”): What am I doing to make a difference? Am I doing anything that will truly last? Will all that’s left of me when I’m dead be a slab of stone over a way-to-expensive coffin filled with dust? If you had never been born, would the lives of those around you be the same? If so, how can you make sure that isn’t the case?
One reason I was grateful for the chance to work at the job that I had for the past couple of months was that I now had a place where I could develop relationships with people who need Jesus just as much as I do…and I could BE that bright light - that city on a hill, instead of just blogging about it. I pray that God would continue to use me to minister to them - and others.

Ok…so here’s the little poem that I thought I’d share with you (it’s actually written as a sort-of song with no music):

How Can I Serve You?

Verse 1:
I look into your deep brown eyes
As I follow this dusty street.
I watch the tears fall down your dirty face
To the rhythm of my heart-beat.

Why do I feel so helpless
To do anything for you?
The hunger in your eyes,
The rags that you wear
Cry out for new life.
Here I am, looking into your eyes…
I’m only human, but you’re in for a surprise:

CHORUS 1:
There’s someone who loves you
More than I ever could
He’s the bread of life
The living water
He takes our filthy rags and makes them new
And I serve Him
So here I am
How can I serve you?

Verse 2:
I look into your clouded eyes
You’re “different”, I’ve heard them say
I see the hurt on your sober face
Not understanding why no one ever wants to play

Why do I feel so helpless
To do anything for you?
The loneliness in your eyes
The longing deep inside
For a friend - a friend.
Here I am, looking into your eyes…
I’m only human, but you’re in for a surprise:

Chorus 2:
There’s someone who loves you
More than any person ever could
He’s the Comforter
The Light in the darkness
He is the friend who will stand true
And I serve Him
So here I am
How can I serve you?

Bridge:
Oh Lord, you have given me feet to go where you will send
Hands to do your work
Let me never forget
That when I kneel to serve the least of these,
I kneel before Your throne.

In my last post I mentioned being at my current job (which I DID decided to quit, by the way) only because of a guy we know asking me to work for him. BUT, really…that’s not totally true. I am there because that is where God wants me right now - for whatever reason. To make a difference in whatever ways He calls me to. To work joyfully. To do my best. To be a friend. Maybe just to be a smile in someone’s day.

And really, I DO have a “real” post that has been sitting about 1/2 way finished. I really will get it up here one of these days.

~Lady Tai

I’ve been quite busy lately, but have not forgotten about posting - just haven’t had the time.
I am working on an interesting one right now…so come back and look for the update later this week.

I could use prayer - I’m thinking about giving 2 week notice at my job because the assistant manager is leaving, and he’s the only real reason I am there (he’s from our church, and he asked me to work for him…but he is quitting because the manager wasn’t living up to his end of the bargain and giving him enough time to be with his family).

Thanks!

~Tai

You know those moments. YOU know…THOSE ones.
The times when you feel like God is preparing you for something…and there’s a yearning in your soul for whatever that is, even though you aren’t exactly sure what “that” is…and even though the prospect is somewhat scary?
Well…maybe it’s just me. But I’ve had one of those moments this past week. Yes, I think God has hit me over the head. Sometimes it seems like that’s what it takes for me to listen. It’s been harder now that I have a job for the next 6 months or so, and it’s a REAL job (my past few jobs have been like either only 3 days a week, or only like 6 hour days or only for a couple of weeks at once). Slowing down to hear God speak takes more effort now…but I think taking that time means even more to me when I don’t really have it. If you know what I mean.

Anyway, this was my first week of work, but I didn’t start until Tuesday. So I spent all of Monday praying and reading, because I had that stirring feeling in my spirit like God had something for me to accomplish for Him.
Here’s an excerpt of the slightly un-organized thoughts that I wrote to a couple of friends about how my day went (pieced together from both conversations):

I’ve been thinking about not living looking for what’s “permissible” to do (having my standards as comfortable for ME as possible), but what’s going to matter most at the end of my life.

I felt like I was supposed to read “Don’t Waste Your Life” today, and wow - it was so good.
Two things Piper quoted in it stuck out to me:

1.) “Only one life
‘Twill soon be past
Only what’s done
for Christ will last.”

2.)”How many times must a man look up
Before he can see the sky?
Yes ‘n’ how many ears must one man have
Before he can hear people cry?
Yes ‘n’ how many deaths will it take till he knows
That too many people have died?”

Anyway. I was looking at www.abort73.com ’s website earlier…and going through some of the videos they had and just thinking of how they were spreading truth and saving lives. Then I visited the Rebelution and saw how they simply speak the truth no matter what, and attempt whatever they feel God calling them to do, no matter how hard or out of the ordinary it may be.
And it kinda’ sparked something in my heart that flares up now and again - something that I still am not 100% sure what to do with. I want to make a difference. To share truth. To live passionately for God. To be uncompromising. I’m just not sure where to start. Well, I guess I have started at the latter two.
But yeah.
I made a commitment to live more passionately for God this next year, and not worry about my future - specifically about getting married or having a guy/guys like me. I’m not even ready for marriage yet, and I know God will bring it about in his timing. My mom reminded me the other day that I will regret it if I push someone into liking me. It is for the man to pursue - to initiate the relationship IF HE WANTS TO…and for me, the gal, to humbly trust in God’s timing and plan. And I really want to do something this year that I may not have the chance to do at some other point in my life. Something that will bless others, or serve the church, or save lives, or something. I just don’t have the full picture yet. I am going to be praying that God will show me the way I am to go. (*hint for prayer*)
Like Mr. Osbourne said on Sunday, “God can accomplish anything, anywhere, any way.”

—–
What’s even funnier is that my (autographed - hahaha!) copy of Do Hard Things came yesterday, and I’ve been reading it when I have time (like at lunch break - I got through 1 1/2 chapters). Just what I needed to come in the mail at the right time (and I was all worried when it didn’t come sooner - God knew).

Anyway. An idea came to me today as I brushed my teeth (of all things)…so maybe I’ll let you in on that if anything comes of it, and if/when I get everything planned out/written down.

Have a great day!

What will you do with the time you’ve been given?
How can you glorify God in your present circumstances?

~Lady Tai