EDIT (10:50 am) – Two new website requests in the last day. Not sure what God is doing, but this is getting weird. Maybe 17 websites waiting for these two weeks to pass. Might need a second hand soon, lol. Definitely please keep praying!

These past few years have been an exciting time in our lives. New challenges everywhere you look. We’ve been blessed for sure. But the fun part of it all has been trying to live with the same motto our church follows……..Blessed to be a Blessing. These last few months have brought up exciting and stretching challenges for us. We’ve seen God work in new ways. It seems like the longer you live life trying to follow God’s guidance, the more in shock you are of what He is asking of you. You’d think it would be the other way around? Life would be what society has planned for it to be…….self-controllable, planned retirement, a focused budget that can go unscathed, and so on. Not sure if God has guided your life as He has mine, but that’s not how He seems to have planned it?

I have to be honest about the work He has called me to do. Going out on my own with the intentions of assisting churches, ministries, and faith-based organizations with web and graphic design services. If it were a business it wouldn’t look successful. Some people believe I am my own boss. If I had to market myself or put much effort into building a client base from the ground up I might believe them, but that’s not the case. Giving glory to God – all of the work I have done to this point has come from word of mouth or people “randomly” finding me when searching for a Christian web designer online. The web might be a big world, but even if it is a machine, God still can control it. It’s not random, believe me, lol. Anyone who has any understanding of the internet knows that things don’t just happen randomly. Nice try Al Gore, but I believe someone else invented the internet.

My reason for this post is to praise God for making it clear that I am to go back to doing this work. He has blessed me with 16 websites to work on at the moment, each with their own unique purpose and way of proclaiming His name on the web. That’s more work than I could bring in if I tried my hardest. It’s nothing short of an act of God, and has nothing to do with how great I am. If you could do one thing, please pray that I can accomplish the task He has for me, and praise Him for being the provider He is. Sure, if you have someone who might want assistance with web or graphic design services – feel free to share taviano.com with them. I have a feeling God will guide me through this! Technology is meeting eternity – that’s for sure!

Click the picture below to view more pics from vacation. We had a great time with Marla’s family for a week at Surfside Beach, SC (just south of Myrtle Beach). It was great to enjoy Nina’s first trip to God’s great ocean, and watch the girls let loose with the rest of the family. Thanks to the Yoders for a fun week!

As a father myself, I realize more and more each day how much a child needs a father to make it in this world. My Dad isn’t one to give into pressure or let someone run all over him and destroy his confidence or courage. Coming from a family of 11 and dealing with some bumps in the road were things God has used to test him and shape him to be the man, and example, he is today. When I look back and see how he has tackled life and allowed God to shape his personality, thoughts, compassion, and heart, I see someone who overcame things that most people don’t and those courageous steps have enabled me to live and rejoice in those victories.

It’s truly an honor to see God, my heavenly father, work in my earthly father’s life. The man Dad is today is a crystal clear example of what happens when someone lets go of their pride and doesn’t let the world make them who it wants them to be. That has taught me HUGE lessons alone in life. After being in physical boxing matches earlier in life, my Dad is now throwing our enemy into the corner and going for a belt that lasts much longer than a few days.

A few of the things I admire most in my father are:
How he lives a life that speaks for itself and needs no admiration or applause.
His unselfishness with not expecting much in return for his efforts, except for a few new Browns hats every now and then.
Without being overly emotional, allowing others to know how much he loves them.
He is not a thrill-seeker and finds contentment in things that matter.
Not being ashamed of sharing his thoughts or concerns because others might not like them.
The way he brings joy to my mother’s life and how he enjoys spending time with her.

The list could go on of course. I praise God for showing His love to Dad and allowing me to learn from the steps He’s led him on. Thanks Dad, for being a champion in my life, and teaching me how to handle the obstacles life throws me. The fight’s not over, but you’ve trained me in the ways of the Lord!

Rock Taviano – father – Honda of America

God knew what He was doing when He placed me into Marla’s family. I’ve learned quite a bit by watching Ron (her father) and Rock (my father – will blog about him soon) after marriage and now with children. It was kind of difficult, at first, joining into a new family and getting comfortable with their personalities and adjusting to things not being the same as they were in the single life while with my family. Our four parents all know the Lord and I admire them each quite a bit! The adjustment was much more a difficulty because I wasn’t adjustable, lol. Ron welcomed me to the family with open arms and has been really encouraging in the many struggles we’ve been through in our 9 few years of marriage.

Some of the things I respect Ron the most for are:
It’s evident that he loves His God and is open in talking about his faith.
He isn’t afraid to do things for his wife and sacrifice for his family.
He has an amazing focus on eternal things, and not holding material things too high.
He loves to talk to others, but somehow is also selective with his words at the same time.
Having family together is important to him, and he isn’t bothered by the company of others (even if many).

I could go on for a while that’s for sure. I now look at Ron as a role model rather than a father-in-law. I’m privileged, knowing that some men just don’t get to know their father-in-laws much. These past few years I have looked forward to hanging out with Marla’s family more and more, and am thrilled that God has blessed my kids with great grandparents to look up to. Thanks Ron, for being unselfish, caring, and for being there for us when we needed it. I pray you are rewarded greatly when it counts the most!

Ron Yoder – father-in-law -  Honda of America

Tug Nolan Taviano is my only sibling, for those of you that don’t know. After reading this, you can follow him more closely by clicking the tugnang link in my subscriptions on the left or visit his  myspace page.

When you have an only sibling you will get to know them well, and they will get to know you well. Relationships only become great when both sides humble themselves and approach God to understand life more. Many siblings grow and leave a bitter taste is each other’s mouth. Even the Bible has stories of brothers that go through stages of jealousy, anger, and even murder. The more I come to understand the Bible, the more I see that God has to be in the lives of those on both sides of any relationship for it to prosper, or simply function for some.

I don’t bring this up because I dislike my brother and it amazes me that God somehow pulls us together. I bring it up because my relationship with my brother is only as real as it is because of the relationship he has with our heavenly father. Without that, I could love Tug all I want, but the real bond would not be there.

Many know Tug to be one of the most enjoyable individuals they’ve ever been round. I don’t remember one person ever coming to me because Tug made them upset or ruined their day. Those that grow closer to Tug know that there are some things he takes very seriously. His family and the fun he has with life are all tailored and focused around one thing – how he can be transparent and play a part in adding one more soul to God’s kingdom. Tug rejoices when the angels do.

The second greatest commandment, behind loving God, is loving individuals. Tug is an amazing example of this to me and to many others. I’m definitely not up to par in this area, but can honestly say that there hasn’t been a time in my life when I haven’t felt loved by Tug. We all mess up, but when love is there it overshadows everything else.

I continue to thank God for Tug more and more, and look forward to time I get to spend with him here and for eternity. I pray that you don’t only get to enjoy time with your siblings here on earth as well. Thanks Tug, for following Christ’s example in showing love to others. Christ is evident in your example!

Tug Taviano – brother – Youth Pastor @  Crossroads Church in Lima, OH