[re]location, [re]location, [re]location.

Dear readers,
[as you've most likely seen/heard]

I'm relocating this spring at the beginning of April to the beautiful state of Montana. 

photo credit: Tyler Jackson Wilson

For the past 8 months I've been considering permanently* moving somewhere and Montana has been on the short list. I am very excited to make this move and I'm looking forward to what the Lord is going to do there. I'm going to be joining in with some friends and their budding ministry, Awaken Ministries.

If you would've asked me what my plans were ten, five, or even one year ago I would have told you a very definitive answer. Something along the lines of "sticking around here, building a home, and we'll see what God brings to me." (with a grand smile)

I'm a homebody. Since my state residency seems to be in the state of Flux...sometimes it's difficult for me. Thankfully, I've found my permanent home in the midst of uncertainty as I wrote in my post about change.

If you would’ve asked me 20 years ago, I would have said, “I’m going to buy the house next door and live next to Momma and Daddy.” As my dad stated in a letter to me recently, it wasn’t out of a fear or insecurity that I wanted to move next door. It was a statement made out of a loyalty and love, and now that same dedication has been transferred to my Heavenly Father.

One of the wisest men to live, King Solomon, wrote several times in the Proverbs: a [wo]man decides on a plan, but the Lord determines one's steps.  

I have experienced this first hand again and again.

In real estate three things are important: location, location, and location.

In my life I've done three things: relocate, relocate, and relocate.

Because for me, the only location that's important is being in God's will. A place where I can be serving His kingdom to the best of my ability.

I have a tremendous peace joining in with the ministry in Missoula. I have no doubt that it is the right thing to do. My only hesitation is that is takes me farther away from my loved ones (which hopefully, some of you are reading this).

In planning ahead for this additional cost in order to upkeep my quality of living (by seeing your beautiful faces) I've started a small business selling cosmetics and skin care by Mary Kay. If you'd like to buy from me, please let me know and we can talk about deals :)

I'll be moving end of March/beginning of April. Prayers are appreciated and if anyone wants to ship me a mattress...that would be awesome! :)

Love you all,

Tabitha Ariel

*Setting down roots and building a community. I won't refuse to move again though if God provides/calls me elsewhere.

"No, no."

Recently I was with a group of friends, ages 20-something. It's an age group I'm not around day to day. I explained to them, daily I say things like:

"Uh, oh."

"Did you go potty?"

"Yay!!! You stayed dry!"

"One...two...."

"You need to obey."

You know, words and phrases that someone under the age of 4 would respond to.

Two weeks ago Stella ,the baby girl I nanny, started crawling.

It's the scariest thing I've seen to date.

All of a sudden this teething baby is crawling around sticking all sorts of things in her mouth. She's pulling up to standing and falling down on her face. Pulling heavy objects to crash upon her. Discovering all the choke-hazard-sized items lost under the couch and forgotten in the carpet.

Along with this new-found freedom of hers comes the responsibility to teach her boundaries.

When my neice, Katlynn was to this age our house underwent a facelift. We collected all dangerous items in a "no-no zone" taped off where she knew she wasn't allowed to wander. After discipline and consistency in reminding Katlynn "No, no." she didn't go near the tape.

Boundaries, it's a great lesson to learn.

Following her parents' disciplinary style, I begin to form boundaries for Stella. Simple things: don't touch the outlet/sticky trap/VCR (yes, we have a VCR, it's awesome.); don't suck on the dog's toy/dog's bone/power cord, shoelace; and don't stand on the swing.

So, less than 20 minutes ago this happened:

Alligator tears.

Stella was following me around the kitchen, crawling on her hands and knees. Bound to happen, the dog bowls caught her eye.

Less than a minute of stern "Stella. No, no." with her looking at me, backing away, then trying again to grab the rim of the dog water dish passed.

Once more, she lurched forward. "No, no."

Head downcast, she broke down in tears.  I quickly picked her up into my arms and consoled her....

You see, this blog wasn't meant to be about boundaries, although it's a good lesson as well. It's about the power of your words. In that instant, I was amazed at the sensitivity an infant can show to negative words. In reality, we are all affected the same. We just have tougher shells and drier tear ducts.

James* warns about the tongue being a rudder of a ship, a small flame with the potential to burn an entire forest. In Ephesians**, we're called to build each other up with the words of our mouth. Earlier in James 3:10, "Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be." 

Dear friends, because I love you: shut up. 

To borrow from Thumper (my favorite character in Disney's Bambi), "If you can't say something nice, don't say nothin' at all."  [http://youtu.be/Wui-PNqJrxs]

Be wary of the words you use, even in jest. I am more guilty than most for degrading someone in the name of Humor, but I am actively changing my speech habits with the grace of God.  

If you are slanderous, sarcastic, or sardonic by nature, you too can shape your words for the glory of God.***

Psalm 19:14 <niv> "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer."

*James 3-4:11

**Ephesians 4:29-5:2a

***don't worry, God still enjoys humor. With practice you can use your quick tongue and sharp wit to encourage people instead of tear them down!