Team Tuohy

On Our Way!

In the drive thru line getting our Activity Books, Coupons and More! Thanks Marriage Ministry Team!

We're Ready!

Yum!

Team Tuohy <3

I am a spoiled Wifey!

No, that is not a loaf of bread... it's butter.

Date Night- Serious Fun!

Dessert= Cranium Time!

Favorite Gift- A Watch?

Dream vacation if money was no object? Greece, Fiji, Australia & Italy!

This is why we love being married to each other! So much fun!

White Rock Lake, Dallas, TX

I officially landed in Dallas a year ago. To fathom this is crazy to me, I had left Michael and Lincoln at this point and moved to a state I had never been to all within 10 days. We have grown and changed in ways I cannot begin to describe and all we can do is thank the Lord for He knew best! We have made lasting friendships, grown our walks with the Lord, continued to build a solid foundation for our marriage and more than anything HAD A LOT OF FUN!

It is hard to believe it was a year ago I started my first job here in Dallas, but now that chapter is coming to a close and a new fantastic chapter is opening. I have learned more than I ever imagined and my mind has been opened more than I thought possible. I will sincerely miss everyone at LVLT. I was not only blessed to gain so much knowledge but also to meet a leader there like none other I have ever encountered. He is every employee's dream manager. He sets the bar high and yet is daily helping you to get there in any way he can. He appreciates and gives credit, he encourages and he takes the time to teach you thing things you question. I am beyond grateful for my chance to work with him. I will take his teachings far with me.

As I head into my new position I am excited for the challenges that lay before me. I know that I am once again beyond blessed to have the opportunity ahead. I am excited to continue learning and work for missions my whole heart believes in. The mission of Christ and the mission of community. I am thankful and humbled that the Lord trusts me with these, for I am weak but He is strong. Not to mention, I am completely pumped for the team I am entering and all the memories to be made with my new work family!

I have learned over the past year or so that life is all about paths. Weather  your path, your parent's path, the Lord's path, etc. you are always in search of something and on your way to get there. I can honestly say though, that my path has never been so perfectly fit for me as the one I have been on since surrendering it to Him and trusting Him with the results. It is difficult and sometimes full of loose cobblestones but with Him I do not fall and with Him the desires of my heart are found (sometimes in places I did not even know they existed!). Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not on your own understandings. In all of you ways follow Him and He will make your paths straight."

Thank you Lord for bringing us to Dallas and giving me the job that got our family here, for you knew this is where we were to be. Thank you for the consistent provision over our lives and for knowing what we need even when we are unaware of it. Thank you for telling us no when we needed to hear it for you had something better planned for us. Thank you for the friends and family we have gained here in Dallas and the life you daily hand to us. We are thankful for you have blessed us beyond measure and we continue to see your goodness. Thank you for the past year with LVLT and all the ways you have grown me there, and from the absolute bottom of my heart thank you for this new opportunity you have laid in my path for I am beyond words for my excitement, it is a long awaited answered prayer. Thank you that you are a God who knew me better than I knew myself and your timing is always perfection. We love you so much God and thank you for your abundant blessings in our life, and more than anything that we can call you Father.

All this in Jesus name,

Amen.

xoxo







P.S. On my last day at LVLT I was honored to be thrown a "good riddance" party at Dave and Busters. What a fantastic way to be sent off, how truly blessed I am. Below are a few of the captures:

Photo Credit

I was inspired by a blog I recently read about being "that wife" that resembles a housewife in today's world. It strikes a cord that I so often battle myself. Asking myself if am I "old-fashioned"? Wondering how I can stand firm and be confident in cleaning the house, doing the dishes, making the meals, folding laundry and more in a society that tends to look down upon that. 

Thankfully I am encouraged daily by the women in my life who consistently point not only me back to Christ, but my marriage. I am truly blessed to have this- another beauty of living in community! However, on those days I just need simple truth I try to remember the following:

1. My approval/acceptance does not come from this world, but from Christ. I was just reminded of this in a sermon on Sunday- we are called to "suffer" for Christ. We are suppose to look funny and do things differently for this world is not our home -John 15:18-19 “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you." If I belong to this world- I do not belong to Christ, I would rather be persecuted and look funny than to give up my salvation. At the end of the day the world has dramatically changed, however we are still held to the standard of the Word.

2. God intrusts me to use this as an opportunity to honor and glorify Him. A large part of the time these "roles" and equal submission (Ephesians 5:22-33) are why our marriages succeed. Your marriage is your number one ministry for others to see. USE IT! They will see differences in your marriage - as said before here- and when you are asked "why" it is an opportunity to lead them to Him. 

3. It is ultimately not for our husband but for Christ. By doing those things you are submitting to Christ and glorifying Him through it. This is done by taking such wisdom from proverbs and choosing to follow God's lead for what a wife's role looks like. Mike is always willing to help out when I need it or on the days I decide to be "self- righteous" but I find when I change my focus to serving God not only am I immediately humbled but I enjoy doing it even more.

4. Proverbs 31:10-33 * Epilogue: The Wife of Noble Character*

  ^"A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her  and lacks nothing of value.She brings him good, not harm,  all the days of her life. She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants. She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. She sets about her work vigorously;her arms are strong for her tasks. She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. She makes coverings for her bed;  she is clothed in fine linen and purple. Her husband is respected at the city gate,  where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them,  and supplies the merchants with sashes. She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.  She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed;  her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women do noble things,  but you surpass them all.”  Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;  but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate. "

I love this! Look at all the hard work this women does, you could totally focus on that. Instead focus on all she gets from that work- she is worth more than rubies, her husband has FULL confidence in her, she has no fear about the future but laughs and is clothed with strength and dignity. She speaks wisdom that brings glory to Christ and respect to her family, her children call her blessed and her husband praises her with words so encouraging and appreciative. I want to be this wife, truly. To have my family respected, my husband love me and my children call me blessed- there is simply no greater honor. All else will fade away but this woman will be sustained by Christ for she submits, respects and follows the Lord regardless of worldly views- absolutely goodness right there.

4. It pushes me to be more like Christ, any Christian's ultimate goal. More of Him, less of me. The great news is the Lord has gone before us and He cared enough to give us a path to be more and more like Him."These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33. As I heard in an example this Sunday -  At the end of it all our goal is to chip away everything that is not of Christ- Jesus he served and submitted faithfully. Take joy that He is changing you to be more like him- for it is hard now in this world, but blessed will we be when we stand before Him.

Ultimately, I believe in the role of a wife. I truly love serving my husband in these ways because I dearly love him. Every marriage will look different, every husband and wife will have different expectations. None of that is wrong. However, for all the wives out there, myself included, who enjoy being "that wife" or strive to be "that wife" - this is just a sweet reminder for why we do it. I know it encouraged me today!

In His grace,

One of the wonderful ladies in my community group, Kristin, found this devotional called Jesus Calling and after a few she sent out for all of us to read I fell in love with it, it was the only devotional I had come across that spoke "directly to me." It made me feel as if I was truly with God hearing Him talk to my heart, in a way that is similar to reading through the scripture and stumbling across that passage that was clearly put in your path for that day. Yummy goodness.

So on a search for the book I went and ended up coming across the Jesus Calling App and thought it was a brilliant idea to have it so downloaded it to my nifty iPhone and am encouraged by the ability to have it at instant access. There is definitely something about opening a book in the morning sipping a cup of coffee (especially when God's Words are in it) but unfortunately I am of the generation that likes immediate satisfaction (working on this!) and this app does just that- I can share it at any point in the day or re-read myself! All about this!

Today's devotional was so sweet to my soul. More than that though I loved getting to exchange the simple text with Kristin about how good it was- giving me another opportunity to watch the Lord speak into our lives and friendship. Part of living in community is getting to "do life together." It was so small but awesome this morning to watch this devotional strike me and then hear from Kristin that she as well loved it. It lets us encourage each other and share in the same truth. I love this kind of stuff. 

I then sent it off to a sweet friend and my hubby and decided that it was one of those that everyone should get to soak in. So.... here it is, in all its goodness- hope you enjoy:

KEEP WALKING with Me along the path I have chosen for you. Your desire to live close to Me is a delight to My heart. I could instantly grant you the spiritual riches you desire, but that is not My way for you. Together we will forge a pathway up the high mountain. The journey is arduous at times and you are weak. Someday you will dance light footed on the high peaks; but for now, you walk is often plodding and heavy. All I require of you is to take the next step, clinging to My hand for strength and direction. Though the path is difficult and the scenery dull at the moment, there are sparkling surprises just around the bend. Stay on the path I have selected for you. It is truly the path of Life.

If the LORD delights in a man's way, he makes his steps firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand. - Psalm 37:23-24

You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At your right hand are pleasures forevermore. - Psalm 16:11 (NKJV)

Seriously now... what an awesome God. It gives me chills to know we can actually delight Him, it gives me strength to know He selected this path, for as much as I may not understand or always think it is great, He selected it which means there is a divine purpose behind it, Glory will surly come. It gives me hope for the days I will dance on the peaks, and more than anything I tear up at the thought that He, an almighty God, will forge a path TOGETHER with me, Erin Tuohy, with all my sinful ways. Simply love. I am encouraged to cling to Him for that is all He requires and to see those sparkling surprises that are yet to come. How great is our God.


xoxo

You know you need to see a pediatrist when a mom on the lacrosse team you coach sends you this as a gift...

Thanks Renee!

I have always been pretty patriotic, I knew I was blessed to live in America and have not only clean water as a standard but a mentality built into me that there is no limit, anything is possible. I however was greatly unaware of how much I loved this country until I married a sweet, handsome, loving Brit and moved across the pond. Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against my hubby's home, it is just simply different.

There are some absolutely beautiful things about the English lifestyle, family and friends are very much a priority and work life comes second. The culture is deep and rich, the traditions solid and meaningful. Not to mention the beauty of century old buildings that were not torn down, but still used everyday. These things, I truly love and often reminisce on over a cup of tea.

I remember watching the World Cup last year though, England vs. USA round 1. Everyone almost guaranteed England to win. I will never forget though the BBC anchor talking during the pre-game chatter and saying that as much as England was favored to win there was something about America and the fact that we could take it, that we always seriously believed we could win, that we could do anything. That is what I missed, that is what makes me proud to be an American.

Needless to say, I have a trooper of a Tuohy family who have made every fourth of July absolutely fantastic and truly have embraced my culture and all its holidays with open arms, even if we did win ;). This year we were blessed to share  it with a couple who have become such great friends of ours. We celebrated a new job change in the Tuohy family and a first-time home purchase in the Billmans before heading off to watch fireworks reminding us of our freedom that we so often take for granted.  It was overall a spectacular night! I really do thank my lucky stars to be living here today.

Celebration Night!

Sugar Free Cake & Sugar Free Frosting

Yet still YUMMY!

New Homeowners!!!

Watching Fireworks!

Team Tuohy!

Photo Credit

"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen" Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)

Thinking back I can't remember if I have mentioned that Michael and I are part of something called a foundation group. It's a community group that is put together through our church- Watermark- with five other couples and a mentor couple. For 18 months we go through curriculum designated by Watermark and are coached on it by our mentors in order to best prepare us as Newlyweds for our marriages to last and on how to live in community, and do it well. At the end of those 18 months it is the hope that we will continue on as a community group apart from our mentors. I will say that it hands down has bettered our marriage, friendships, lives, thought process and most importantly walk with Christ more than any other single thing. We are big supporters. 

So far we have read When Sinners Say I Do and followed Watermark's own financial curriculum MoneyWise. Now we are into this little wonder called The Lasting Promise. It is about all thing communication! So as a guy in our mentor's community group said the definition of good communication can be put up to Ephesians 4:29. Wholeheartedly agree. With that said, we are on an adventure to memorize it. I put it as a post-it on my office computer which has done wonders, as well as left the email with just the scripture address in my inbox so I am reminded daily to think of it and try to repeat it back. Oh the tricks of years worth of studying for exams!

The first time I really took this verse in, it was actually on the table at our foundation group leaders home- the dinning room table. What a glorious idea. Tables are where people talk the great, the good and unfortunately the bad and nasty. It's most commonly surrounded by family or close friends and seems like a safe place to let it all out. However, this comes with the ability for the line between chat that builds others up and gossip to be seriously grayed quite easily. With no negative intentions at all it goes from a simple conversation about a low point in a day, or a topic on mind to a full on tear down sesh about whatever may have caused that. However, I wonder what that would look like if every time you looked up from your place your eyes were smack dab faced with scripture.  I bet you would think twice, I would. 

Along with the dinning room table encouragement this verse also gives pure general encouragement and guidelines for what Godly communication looks like. Imagine how much our conversations would alter if all we spoke were words that would build others up. Imagine how those around us would feel, good I bet. Imagine what our spouses would be like towards us, how well they would take our words into consideration, the love our marriage would pour out. All due to the knowledge that the words being spoken were only for that single purpose of encouraging and making each other stronger in faith and more Christlike. Such good stuff!

These reasons alone along with the pure joy in engraving God's Word on my heart makes me pumped to get the chance to add it to my scripture memory bank with my fellow friends, I love being in this as a team and growing in our walks together. Not only is it nice accountability but its fun to look back and see how much we've walked through together and how rockin' our marriages are going to be with such lessons as this one! 

xoxo