Where it all began

Where did gratitude come from? The origin? The very very beginning? I found myself wondering on this Thanksgiving morning where it all started...

NO, I have not forgotten the pilgrim stories from my childhood. That's what we call Thanksgiving. But I think there is something deeper that goes further back than any of us could ever remember.

Something in me believes that gratitude is much, much bigger than words, sentimental cards, loads of amazing turkey, trimmings, and a long list of my favorite pies. Gratitude... I think it began when God spoke creation into existence. I can imagine the angels cheering and singing God's praise as He put the finishing touches on our earth with the tenderness of His fingertips. I wonder if the birds and animals and fish and all of creation did not glow with His glory. Perfection. And then when God created us. I wonder if the beauty of those first moments of human life did not ooze with glorious divine splendor?

Gratitude began when God started it all. Thankfulness was birthed when our compassionate Heavenly Father did something for us that we could not do. He creates us. He gave us life. I am sure He knew we would fall, and already had written the story of our redemption. Gratitude is found as we remember how helpless we are without our Maker.

Today I remember that everything I see and know is merely because my God cared enough to dream us up and make His dreams a reality in us and through us.

I am so grateful today. I am thankful for my beautiful family, friends, great health, and God's awesome provision over us all. I am grateful for an infinitely long string of blessings in my life... all of which lead me back to my Savior.

Even HERE

Sunday was a fabulous day!

On Sunday, Nov. 21, 2010, I was so blessed to speak at Generations Church and challenge people to OPEN OUR EYES to the horror of human trafficking. It's one thing if we never knew, but it's an entirely different thing if we see the victims "lying on the side of the road" (per The Good Samaritan illustration) and choose to close our eyes with indifference or hope that someone else will deal with the problem.

What a powerful day. I was overwhelmed by the response of the people. SO many had such tender hearts and were eager to get involved. I am so encouraged and excited to raise awareness in our community.... because YES, it even happens here.

I live in Southport, NC. It's a tiny little town, where everything closes at 8pm and everybody knows your name. Praise God for the Super Walmart and 3 Redboxes, or I might go stir crazy. :)

>>> BE AWARE, it has been noted that Human Trafficking and Illegal Drug Trade are tightly intertwined. Many people think that human trafficking would only happen in large urban cities. That is a MYTH. It happens everywhere, and where ever drugs are being dealt, human trafficking is close behind. Basically, people will do horrible things when trying to come up with money for their next fix. They will sell their friend's sister, their daughter-in-law, their cousin, even their own children. If there is an easy target and a desperate addict nearby, it's a dangerous combination.

SO, back to my story in little old Southport. After I shared my message at G.C. on Sunday, a woman sat next to me on the front row with an story that left me in awe. JUST THAT WEEK prior, her two beautiful teenage daughters were in historic downtown Southport (a sweet little area with unique and fun shops right on the waterfront)... they were with a guy friend, and once he left, the girls were approached by a man and woman in a new pick up truck who tried with great effort to get the girls in the truck. The couple said they had a boat and wanted to take the girls on a ride. When the girls declined, the couple persisted with all their might. The girls were caught off guard, so they didn't take proactive precautions (ie getting the license plate number etc), but simply turned them down. When the mother found out, she called a deputy, who immediately went over to the area, but found no one that matched the description.

>>>Oh yes, and did I mention, THIS HAPPENED AT 4:30pm in the afternoon!!

Oh, I was nearly sick to my stomach hearing the story. Yes, this stuff can happen anywhere. YES, we need to make people (and especially our children) AWARE. It can really happen in a small town, without warning, in broad daylight. Yep... Even Here!

....

Here's a link if you wanna watch my message: "Eyes Wide Open." Would love to hear your thoughts and feedback. :)

Opening my Mouth

Today I am opening my mouth. For those of you who know me, it is not often that my mouth isn't running anyway. But today I am so blessed and excited to share a very important message with the folks at my local church, Generations Church.

THIS WEEKEND, I will be introducing the topic of Human Trafficking to my new faith family in Southport, and will be challenging them to leave their EYES WIDE OPEN to the issue and to the heart of God on this matter.

Keep me in your prayers and thoughts. Human Trafficking has burdened my heart for two years. I have been working on a book for the past year which is a novel surrounding the issues of child trafficking in America. This message has stirred me up all over again, and thrown me back into the emotions of my book. I am excited to make good headway on it in the upcoming weeks. :)

More stuff to come...

love Tiffany

Moving Updates

Hey there bloggers!

SO sorry I have been MIA from "Truth Be Told" for what seems like an eternity. My whole world has changed since I blogged last! (I have been trying to keep up with my "Nothing But Grace" blog, so hopefully you have been getting updates that way!)

On in early August we interviewed with a church in Southport, NC called Generations Church. They were so kind, loving, and excited to have us join them. We felt a great connection with their leadership theories and heart for ministry. After a few days of prayer, we joyfully accepted the job! Five days later, we moved more than 2000 miles across the country to NC. (And in those two days we had a big birthday celebration for my son, packed the house, and had surgery for my doggie.)

For two months we lived in different temporary housing situations before finally moving into a an absolutely miracle of a home. We are renting, and God plopped a brand new gorgeous home right into our laps with 300 square feet more and amazing details for an incredible price each month. Wow! We are so blessed. I can't believe I get to live here.

My husband LOVES his job. He is the worship pastor at the church. I have never seem him so happy in my whole life! No joke. :)

There are tons of sweet people here who have been loving on us. Tonight a sweet woman brought over dinner for us and I enjoyed the BEST chicken pot pie I have ever tasted! And that was coupled with bacon-wrapped green beans. Oh, how I have missed southern cooking! :)

Today was a gorgeous day... overcast and cool all day. I got to play with my son all day and work on projects around the house. I have such a blessed life.

Hoping to get some pictures online to share in the journey!

Blessings,
Tiffany