Monday, January 19, 2015

Happy 20th Heavenly Birthday Joshua!!!

Today, Donna and James and the kids celebrated at Crescent Beach where you loved visiting every year by letting go of 20 balloons.

The pain and loss of your life taken so soon for those of us left behind.  But we find comfort and peace in knowing we will be together again soon.

Here is to the life you lead so courageously for almost 19 years sweet Joshie!!!

Love,

Aunt Di and Demi

Friday, August 15, 2014

Words That Shape Our Lives ~

I hope your week has been blessed with His goodness and love.

Every year for the past 7 years, I have chosen a word (One Little Word by Ali Edwards) to focus on.

2007 - Live
2008 - JOY
2009 - Best
2010 - New
2011 - Intention
2012 - Dream
2013 - Amazing
2014 - Soar

As He continues to write my story, I am forever grateful for Godly friends, both men and women some of which include my family both far and near.  This year back in April, I had a friend call and prophesy these two words, Trampoline and Flower over me.  The word "trampoline" which came with the meaning that I would soar to new heights in the days ahead.  The word "flower" which she heard to be the meaning that I would bloom where I am planted in all I do and also that I would help others to bloom more beautifully with love and encouragement.  Love that God continues to write my beautiful story through friends and His word.  

These words confirmed to me that I would continue to focus on the word SOAR and would venture out in FAITH and dream again.  Dream Big and Boldly knowing that God would open the doors He wanted to me to walk through and that it would be up to me to FLY High and SOAR like an Eagle.   I often refer back to Isaiah 40:31, this verse is amazing!

This summer has been perfect in so many ways beginning with our vacation to Gainesville, FL to spend time with my sister at our other sister's home.  Can I just say that EVERY DAY was PERFECT.  Everyday started with my quiet time with God in the backyard nestled between palm trees, singing birds, dragonflies, monarch butterflies, and the yellow, warm sun shining so brightly.  A time to journal His love messages to me, write my love messages to my daughter, and write in my THANKFUL journal.  Every morning included a swim with my nieces and nephews.  It was my heaven on earth.  We spent 2 wonderful and relaxing weeks there and I can't believe all the fun things we did from going to Crescent Beach for the 4th of July, to going to Orange Lake for a day of boating and tubing, to family dinners on Sundays, to our visit with Gramma and Pappy who came from JAX, to going to Mill Creek Farm to feed the retired horses with our carrots and sugar, to painting at DO ART, to riding the airboats through the swamps to find crocs, to shopping, late night swims, to just enjoying whatever the day brought until we fell into bed at night.  I am finding that when we are willing to go with the flow and unplanned happenings that these times end up being some of the most memorable.  I even found time for a massage that Donna found through groupon.  That was a beautiful way to end our vacation and wrapped it with a red bow.  I believe I could have spend the rest of summer there enjoying the life at the pool, laughing and playing with Bry, Bella, Demi, Abs, Levi, and all the Islams, and Ariets who add so much to life with their sweet smiles and love of life.  Truly blessed and grateful that Donn and James are back in FL!!

I hope your summer has been as perfect with those you love.  OUR SUMMER HAS BEEN PERFECT!

The fountain of life in me has been restored and I am ready to be the spring of water for my family.  With the new school year upon along with a new position and season I am BOLDLY running ALL IN and feeling so excited about what is ahead for us.  Demi is entering high school and 9th grade and I am going to be the CONNECTOR between people and companies, how awesome is that?

I hope that you will find this same peace and JOY in the simple things and that you will hug those you love. At the end of the day, living, loving life with passion and purpose.  Sharing His love, your love, and loving your neighbors as yourself.  Sounds so simple doesn't it?  When we lost my 18 year old nephew in a USMC accident in January of this year, it made me realize again just how short life can be and is!  Even if life is not what you thought it would be or you are not in the place you hoped to be, there is so much to be thankful for right where you are.  There is beauty everywhere if you will open your eyes, hearts, and ears to what is right in front of you.  Sometimes we get so bogged down with life and the busyness that we sometimes forget that we have everything we need right in front of us and or when we lose something or someone we love, we are reminded of the gift of life and the same 24 hours we all have to delight in His plan, whatever that is NOW.  It took this vacation and time away to fill up my cup and rejuvenate my soul which has been so tired.  Until this happens again, I will continue to read scripture and books that speak to my heart. I am grateful for His word and my Bible that is my daily source of love and encouragement.

Psalm 33:11 But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.

Psalm 36:7-9 If you want to see how much you are loved, you can read his message to you here.

Blessings,
Diana

Saturday, May 31, 2014

Radiance Defined ~

I love how Leslie Ludy defines radiance in a woman who lives a Christ centered life.  I am blessed to know a couple of women who walk with this radiance and call them friends.  It is my hope that together with my daughter that we aim to live with this same radiance sharing His love in all we do and say each day.

Praying you know how much you are loved and valued today.  Your life makes a difference and the seeds you have planted are blooming beautifully.

Be blessed in His abundance and share a little bit of what you have with others so that your circle of friends will grow today.

Diana

BiT 

Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Love Does ~

Love does.......

It is the most gorgeous morning here in Texas (DFW area)!  I feel like I am living back in the Hamptons with our 70 degree mornings and evenings with beach weather temps during the day.  The birds are chirping, the flowers are peeking through, and the Newsboys music is playing.  God is good all the time, all the time God is good!!  I hope you are feeling blessed today and enjoying the gift of life where ever you are today.

On Tuesday mornings, I accompany my 13 year who is an 8th grader to her junior high for her weekly her FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) meetings and watch God work through teachers, coaches, students, parents, and leaders in our community.  I am so grateful for those who pour LOVE and WISDOM into our children and this generation.  It is amazing to see so many awesome students willing to get up early to develop and grow their relationships with the Lord at school.  I can't wait to see what my daughter and her friends will do with their lives on their platforms as they move through summer and the next year.  I pray that they will continue to be who God created them to be, loving themselves and sharing His love with each other in their daily walks.  (I pray lots of circles around them and journal about those prayers.)  I wish children at this age understood the value of life and friendship and that hard work and doing their best is enough.  That at the end of each day, to be thankful for all they have and for all He has given them.  To look for the SUNshine moments as He writes their stories and to seek the goodness in everyone.  Learn that they are UNIQUE and valued just as they are...not today but always!  Today is all we have and to live each moment enjoying whatever comes our way.  Not always easy but possible with God who loves us.

Love does.....so nuch!  I know when we love deeply that we hurt deeply too.  With love comes many wonderful and divine appointments where love feels so good and then there are many unexpected and challenging times too when loves hurts to the core of where we have invested our hearts and souls.

So my question for you today is this, what can you do with LOVE today and how can you change the world today by sharing His love?  WHERE can you go and do this?  HOW can you do this?  WHEN can you do this today? WHY would you want to do this?  WHAT would be the best way to do this?  Sometimes the opportunities to deliver LOVE come randomly and yet others can be planned and deliberate.  Let me give you an example just in case you are saying, me, show His love?  Or if you are saying, I don't have anything to offer anyone?  Or maybe you are saying, I can't because I am at home all day or I don't have money to do this now.  None of these LOVE APPOINTMENTS need anything more than making someone feel loved and valued.  The greatest thing about where you are and with technology is that you can do this from the comfort of your own home, workplace, and or computer.  Send an encouraging email, facebook message, take someone a meal, share a gift card, pray for someone, call someone who needs someone to just listen, buy a meal through the drive-through, clean someone's home, help in a yard, volunteer with  your church, serve in your community, and or make cards just saying hello.  Most times it is the simple message of "I care" that goes a long way and makes the biggest difference.

After reading The Noticer by Andy Andrews (which is one of my all time favorite books as of today), I decided to share some flower and butterfly seeds to thank those in our life for planting goodness (seeds) in our life and for sharing this journey with us.  Life seems to take on a new meaning when we share our hearts and lives with others and then we also shared note cards with these seeds with those we didn't know by leaving them in their mailboxes.  We secretly put all of the notes to thank them in the mailboxes and or taped them to their doors.  Talk about fun!  Now, we are waiting for the flowers to bloom in their yards.  So many have planted and watered seeds of love into us and with God's nurturing, we are blooming beautifully right where God has called us to be today.  I only tell you this because I want you to know that for $1.00 and some handmade notes that you too can do this and LOVE those in your life and community.  Changing your world with LOVE that does so much to add JOY to your life in ways that you can never imagine <3 nbsp="" p="">
I hope and pray you find time to create "SUNSHINE MOMENTS" filled with LOVE today because you were rewarded with the gift of life.  Find time to thank those you "do life with" and to let them know just how much you love them.

Live Boldly Being Authentic!!!  

Diana aka BiT

Saturday, May 3, 2014

My 2014 One Big Word ~ SOAR

I hope you have an amazing weekend!

My word for the new year is SOAR (soaring to new heights this year) and closely behind is PLANT (Planting seeds of love and encouragement everywhere I go and thanking those who are doing this in our lives now).

Love both these words and with the support of a close friend, I am re-opening the door to a new season in a few weeks that I am excited about.  It will be a lot of fun again to be in business and with that comes wonderful memories of what once was and the unknown of what can be and a life of amazing possibilities around the corner this summer and in the months to come.  Soaring to new heights and blooming again.

Today is NSD and I am hoping to get connected online or in person to have some happy creative time making some layouts and pages today.  Long overdue!!

Hope you find time to plant some seeds of love and kindness wherever you go and do today!  Tell someone you love them and get right with someone because you have the gift of life today!

Hugs and blessings from above,

Diana

Bit 

Friday, February 21, 2014

The Joys and Frustrations of Parenting Are Closely Woven ~

I truly love being a mom but it seems the more I care and try to help my 13 year old get where she needs to, the more frustrated I get with her.

She is a great girl, loves the Lord, loves her friends which could be part of the problem here when it comes to school and priorities with grades.  I am proud of her and all that she has accomplished, a lot of it on her own while I have been holding down 3 part time positions working 3 to 4 nights of 15 hours for almost 3 years.  But her last progress report was disappointing.  I don't expect A's but for her to always do her BEST.  She has openly said she has not been doing all she can, so in the midst of the past week, she no longer has phone and social privileges.  Thought we were heading in the right direction this week with all her early and late tutorials only to find out she is now failing Science.  That strategy worked well!

Some days I wonder, why try and why bother?  I have been trying to let her grow up and haven't been asking about her grades this past 6 weeks.  Actually didn't think I had too!  My point being that she seems to start out every 6 weeks with grades that are not where they should or could be so she and I spend the last 2 weeks trying to get her grades where they need to be.

This comes after she had been on probation for NJHS which she worked so hard to become a part of only to be dropped recently.  Such a shame to work so hard for this honor in my opinion to have it be gone as fast as you got there!  I know, this is not what defines her now or in the future but it all helps down the road should she decide to go to college, right?  Also,  I have spent a lot of time as well as her mentor from church, discussing doing the hard things and taking the time to do what you do, the best you can the first time.

So tonight I sit here ready to throw in the towel.  At this point, I am going to let her go and will see where she goes from here.  This is a tough spot to be in but when you get to this point, it seems no matter how much or what you say, the only thing that is going to help her mature is to find the way that works for her despite my willingness to help and make suggestions out of LOVE.  (What do parents know right, nothing in the eyes of teenagers so it seems)  I will always be here to pick her up so when she falls, it will be up to her as to how she responds and reacts to challenges. I feel like I have said my peace.  So today, is another tough day.  She gives back her I Phone and gets a phone to call out or receive calls only.  I will see how hard she is willing to work to get it back as well as her social life which seems to be the most important thing in her life, along with going to church where she loves to share Him with those in her circle.  (Why does parenting have to be so full of joys and frustrations?)

I know one thing, the more you care, the more you are disappointed when your efforts turn out differently then you pictured. I often think of how our Heavenly Father sees us when we fall constantly.  We are no different then our children, I think that is why I want things to be so different.

On a sweeter note tonight, here is my angel!
 Start Strong and Finish Strong is my new mantra for her!!  Love these pictures of Demi and her squad for their spring photo shoot earlier in 2014.  Aren't they beautiful?  Love them and their families and this journey we have taken together.  Demi made the cheer team again for her 9th grade year.  We are looking forward to this year even more because two of her best friends made it too.  It has been such a blessing and expensive, lol!

I will keep you posted so stay tuned to the story He is writing for us <3 p="">
So today I had lunch with a dear friend who I cherish and adore, she is such a blessing!  I really needed to have some time to try to figure out which way I need to go with my career and life as a family.  The road I am on is one that I am not happy and of fulfilled with and changes need to be taken and soon.  I feel so drained which is another reason why I am at this point with Demi.  My life is so out of balance and for amny reasons, I am sure you can tell by the way I am all over the place tonight.

I am sure I am not alone but isn't it funny when we experience life, we always feel like we are the only ones who must be bad moms and or can't seem to do anything right.  I am so ready for God to take me somewhere wonderful and to open a door that I could never have dreamed up for myself, my family, and His Kingdom.  I am so ready!!!

Praying you can find a few things to be thankful for as you go through your day.  Today I am thankful for:  1. the gift of life, my daughter, my family, my friends, my 3 jobs even though I am soo soo tired, my health, a running car and the friend who has loaned it to me, the fact that I can buy simple things like TP, a DP from McDonalds, a night off to blog and read which by the way, will share some amazing books before I finish tonight, my prayer journal for Demi, the home are co-existing in, and the warmer weather today here in Texas.

Here are the latest books I have read and have loved:  The Noticer and The Noticer Returns by Andy Andrews, The Wild Goose Chase by Mark Batterson, and Your Divine Fingerprint by Keith Craft.  Right now I am reading The Traveler's Gift by Andy Andrews and In A Pit With a Lion On A Snowy Day by Mark Batterson.  I am also reading and have started can i have and do it all please by christane caine.  So many books, not enough time!!

So it is time to say good night until tomorrow so I can read and write in my daughter's journal while reading my bible to leave her a message and verse for the day.  I have so loved leaving her messages and life lessons in her journal for her 13 birthday.  I can't wait to give it to her someday.

Hugs and love and praying you know you are valued and loved too -

Diana aka BiT
    

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Joshua 1:9 Foundation To Honor PFC Joshua Islam (My Nephew Who Celebrated His 19th Birthday In The Arms of Jesus This Past Week)

I am hoping you please take a moment to go to the foundation that my family has set up to honor Joshie's life and the causes he was so passionate about in his short but well-lived life of 18 years.  Thank you so much!

Joshua passed away on January 13th, 2014 while at a training for the Marine Corps at Camp Pendleton in CA while training for Recon.

Here is the post my sister wrote on FB to share his 19th birthday with family and friends:

19 yrs. ago our lives changed forever. God blessed our family with a beautiful son. You were always our "Tigger". You bounced back every time life knocked you down or stole your stripes. You brought much joy, laughter, fun, excitement, adventure, and love to our family. Your leadership on the baseball field and in the US Marine Corps did not go unnoticed. Thanks for always walking with your head held high. I know you lived your life with little regret. Today is your "Golden Birthday" - 19 on the 19th- Son, you were right again...This will be the best year of your life..You are back in the arms of Jesus. Happy Birthday Son...Semper Fi!! May your memory live on...http://joshua19foundation.org/

Both her and my brother-in-law will hold on to the HOPE of seeing him soon as will the rest of us as we remember him this week at the Celebration of Life in Florida and the Memorial in NC.  He lived life with so much passion and love.  He was so excited to starting his new season in the Marines upon graduating from BootCamp on January 9th.  He will be our Warrior Forever.  #RIPjoshislam #6warriorforever

Love to you and hope you enjoyed the gift of life today.  Thankful for so much but especially for my faith, family, and friends today!!

xoxoxo,
Diana aka BiT





Thursday, December 26, 2013

Happy Happy 2014 - Handbook 2014

HAPPY HAPPY 2014 !!!!

 HANDBOOK 2014 

Health

1.       Drink plenty of water. 
2.       Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar. 
3.       Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.. 
4.       Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm and Empathy 
5.       Make time to pray. 
6.       Play more games 
7.       Read more books than you did in 2013 
8..       Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day 
9.       Sleep for 7 hours. 
10.    Take a 10-30 minutes walk daily. And while you walk, smile. 


Personality

11.    Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about. 
12.    Don't have negative thoughts or things you cannot control.. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment. 
13.    Don't over do. Keep your limits.. 
14.    Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does. 
15.    Don't waste your precious energy on gossip. 
16.    Dream more while you are awake 
17.    Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.. 
18.    Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner with His/her mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness. 
19.    Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others. 
20.    Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present. 
21.    No one is in charge of your happiness except you. 
22.    Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn.  Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime. 
23.    Smile and laugh
 more. 
24.    You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.... 


Society

25.    Call your family often. 
26.    Each day give something good to others. 
27.    Forgive everyone for everything.. 
28.    Spend time w/ people over the age of 70 & under the age of  6. 
29.    Try to make at least three people smile each day. 
30.    What other people think of you is none of your business. 
31.    Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch. 


Life

32.    Do the right thing! 
33.    Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful. 
34.    GOD heals everything. 
35.    However good or bad a situation is, it will change.. 
36.    No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up. 
37.    The best is yet to come.. 
38.    When you awake alive in the morning, thank GOD for it. 
39.    Your Inner most is always happy. So, be happy.

Merry Christmas 2013 and Happy New Year in 2014 from Texas!!!

I hope you and your family had a wonderful Christmas spending quality time with family and friends enjoying the real reason we celebrate this season in December.

Luke 2:11

English Standard Version (ESV)
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

In the book of Matthew, we are reminded that Jesus was born and sent to save us for our sins. 

A gift I am so thankful for everyday!

So today, I have a much needed day off to rest, read, and reflect on what I hope and pray that my life will reflect in 2014.

Each year I since 2007, I have chosen a word for the year.  This year I am looking at several resources, one which is christian based driven.  I will also use some of Ali Edward's My One Little Word list to add to my My One Word list.  Both have blogs which I will link up here for you too.

2007 - Live
2008 - JOY
2009 - Best
2010 - New
2011 - Intention
2012 - Dream
2013 - Amazing
2014 - 

So here are some blogs to help you find a word and some of the information of how and why these have been brought to life by several hoping to bring a new light on the life they want to live and suggestions on how to do this:

http://aliedwards.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/2011wordle.jpg

http://myoneword.org/

I am going to try and create a list of my own today and if I am able to get this done, will come back and share my list of words which will include many from both lists.

What plans or resolutions do you have for the coming year?

This year has been filled with so many blessings and I will admit, the older I become, the more I begin to value what is really important.  Loving God with all my heart, sharing His love with everyone so that they will experience eternal life someday, spending quality time and loving my family and friends, training up my daughter so that she will live a life like Jesus, heaven on earth, and being the BEST I can be in all I do, say, and feel with my body, soul, and mind.  Simple yet so hard to do on most days because we are human.

Would love to hear from you and if you have ever printed your blog posts, would you recommend the site that did this for you.  Also what did it cost?  I have been writing and blogging since 2007.

Praying you have an amazing day living a life you LOVE with those who mean the most to you.  I have to say, that I am so blessed and feeling so loved and because of the unconditional gifts of love and presents that have been given to me and my daughter this Christmas season.  God has once again shown me that when we keep our eyes focused on Him, that he will take care of all our needs and provide.  In this case, it is not about the money or gift cards but feeling the love from Him through others who were able and willing to do so.  I love being on the giving side and love the opportunity to do for others less fortunate or unable to do for themselves.  The word "Grateful" does not seem to be enough but He knows my heart.  It has been our village of loved ones, ones we know and complete strangers that have helped us throughout the year.  His hands are in it all and that is why it is so important for us to live our lives centered around Christ.  The challenges and enormous load of work have been great but I seem to have everything I need including energy. I give God all the glory and know that he has directed the paths and hearts of those in our lives to give and it will be such a blessing to give back and LOVE everyone as did Jesus and that He continues to surround us with amazing people in which our village shines so brightly.  

Now, here is my gift to you today, a new and wonderful song by Brandon Heath called Just A Girl -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JwWTzpi63qc

I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!!

Hugs and Prayers,

BiT

Friday, December 6, 2013

The Gift to Love ~

The greatest gift you can give to yourself is to love God and then love yourself as your love your neighbors.

If we all did this just a little more, the world would be a better place and one with more compassion instead of judgement.

If we would step up and lead by example, with our own children and families, we would BE the change the world sees.

So kind of IMPACT will you make tomorrow and in the days to come?

Be blessed and safe and know YOU MATTER to me and Him - '

xoxoxox
BiT

Sunday, November 10, 2013

Values.........Which Ones Do You Live By?

Explore Another Value

ACHIEVEMENT

 

AMBITION

 

APPRECIATION

BELIEVE

 

BELIEVE IN YOURSELF

 

CARING

CHARACTER

 

CHARITY

 

CIVILITY

 

CLASS AND GRACE

COMMITMENT

 

COMMON GROUND

 

COMPASSION

COMPLIMENTS

 

COMPROMISE

 

CONFIDENCE

COURAGE

 

COURTESY

 

DEDICATION

DETERMINATION

 

DEVOTION

 

DO YOUR PART

DRIVE

 

EDUCATION

 

ENCOURAGEMENT

 

EQUALITY

EXCELLENCE

 

FITNESS

 

FORESIGHT

FORGIVENESS



Ran across this as I try to narrow down my word or phrase for 2014 - 

Have you ever participated in the One Little Word for My One Word and if so, have you decided on your new word for the upcoming year?

What is at the top of your list of things to do this week and what is one piece of advice you feel is worth passing along today?

Have a blessed week and remember, there are so many things to be thankful for if you will open the eyes of your heart today.

BiT
xoxoxoxo

Does anyone get my posts??

Thanks, just trying to see if my posts are able to be read and or if I just don't have any visitors and comments.

Either way, thanks for letting me know  -

Have a blessed weekend friends,

Bit  

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Thankful Day 5 ~

Grateful that my parents celebrated 37 years of marriage together before my dad passed away and that today would be their 52nd Anniversary. Growing up in a military family offered us the opportunity to live in amazing countries like Portugal as well as many states upon moving here to Texas in 1977. Love that I grew up with a brother so close in age and that I have 2 wonderful and sweet sisters to share my daughter and life with today. Between all of us, there are 13 grandchildren that will carry on their legacy and one angel in heaven with dad today. #blessed

Thankful Tuesday and a night off to be with my daughter, seems nights are few and far between with work and a teen's busy life both socially and school wise.

xoxoxoxo

BiT

Thankful Day 4 ~

Thankful Day 4 ~ Basic Necessities 

Hope you had a great Tuesday, once again I am reminded daily of the simple and basic things that make life so much easier such as light, heat, cars, and H2O.

Blessings,
BiT

Sunday, November 3, 2013

Thankful Day 3 ~

Thankful Day 3 ~ Thankful for our village of family and friends and those that God has placed in our lives!!  

I am always saying it is such a small world and when I stop and think about all the amazing friends in our circle, He just goes to show me daily with purposeful and intentional plans that He is a great God so full of wonderful gifts through each and every one we meet and encounter.

So blessed He loves us and that we have the opportunity to share His love all the while we get to LOVE Him with every piece of who we were created to BE.

MADE with Love,

BiT