A Season Centered on Him

I have truly enjoyed this Christmas season, one that began and ended with gatherings of family and friends.

First, the annual Christmas Church Party, one for the entire family, once that included our unique version of "The Twelve Days of Christmas."  Quite fun!

The next weeks included the following:

• Christmas Dinner for my Bible Study Group
• Christmas Dinner with my Paper Chase Book Club
• O Christmas Tree performance at Bellevue Baptist with 13 others from my church
• A day-trip to Hot Springs spent with close family
• Third-Annual Church Play
• Christmas Dinner for my Sunday School Class
• Christmas Party for the Kids and Youth at church
• Youth Trip to the K-Love Christmas Concert
• Potluck with School Family
• Caroling in the Caverns with The Hubby and 12 others from church
• Candlelight Service at Church
• Making and Delivering Food Boxes for our church
• 24th Christmas Eve Hayride and Caroling with the family
• Christmas Day Service focused on The Bells
• Christmas Day lunch with the in-laws
• Then some down time..to read...and read...and read...
• Finally, lunch for my family in three days...on New Year's Eve

Intermixed within the above...my job...teaching!  Wow!  What a season spent with family and friends, with constant reminders of why we celebrate this season.  Yes, all about Him.

May I share what I feel the Lord gave me to share on our church's Facebook page the week before Christmas...which became the service on Christmas Day, the guide for each speaker's topic, followed by selected songs...

He came that we might Believe, that we might live with Him Everlasting, in Love and Light...the greatest of gifts...Salvation.

Merry Christmas 2016.

Just Thankful...

This evening, just before Thanksgiving, I am thankful for much.  May I share?

• My family:  Tomorrow, dinner will be at the in-laws, and for the first time in much too many years, The Husband will be off for the entire day.  Happy, he is; happy, I am for him.
• Time off from School:  It's just that time of year, time when we need a break.  This, this is the reason that I am a tremendous supporter of year-around school.   These breaks are so rejuvenating; then, we would have the "first day" of school multiple times each year.  Yes!
• My Bible Study girlfriends:  They mean so much to me. Last evening we met, and five of them came out...in the rain and wind to meet with Jesus.  This, then, leads me to be thankful for the spiritual female giants in Bible Studyland, such as Beth Moore.  That woman!  She inspires us as she allows God to lead her, as she commits to preparing these studies for us, as she shares, giving wholeheartedly of herself.  Just a blessing. (Right now, we are in the middle of Moore's Entrusted study.)
• My family:  Back to this one again!  I am very thankful for my two sisters and brother, who I am missing tonight, as usually I am preparing for their coming to lunch on Thanksgiving.  While we will not see each other tomorrow, we are planning to get together with additional family in a couple of weeks.
• My professional membership friends:  The Lord has blessed me with two board positions this summer, a true shot of professional and spiritual B-12 that I so desperately needed.  Through these groups, my friendships are growing; these, I treasure.  Very much.  We just completed our state convention for one.  I had the best of times.  Just loved it.
• My Spiritual Walk:  I am so very thankful for how the Lord continues to nudge me, encourage me, always remaining faithful as we meet together in His Word.  I want more!  Much more!  I love learning about Him, which is certainly encouraged by teaching three times a week at church:  Sunday School, Sunday evening Discipleship Training, and Wednesday evening with the children.  Yes, certainly provides opportunities to learn about Him!
• Book Clubs!  I really like the ladies of Paper Chase Book Club.  I just have so enjoyed getting to know them, listening to them...and I enjoy reading books I would not normally choose for myself.  I also enjoy meeting with my English Department...and our faculty.  Good times.
• The Upcoming Christmas Season:  I have filled my calendar with events, some traditional, some new.  While this will be a very busy season for me, I am in much anticipation of what He has in store for me, including a KLOVE concert, a trip to Bellevue Baptist and Caroling in the Caverns, two Christmas parties here in my home (Bible study and Sunday School), Christmas parties at church with the adults and another later on with the children, a dinner party with my book club, candle lighting service, buying and delivering food boxes...yes, a busy time.  Plus, finishing out the first semester of my 26th year of teaching!  Yay!

This list could go on...but pecan-pie-making awaits me!

I pray you have a blessed Thanksgiving.  That His Presence abounds in your life throughout this upcoming view days.

Blessings!

Thankful - Day 1 - The Girl, The Heart

Today, The Girl and I traveled to meet with her cardiologist...for the last time, as he has taken a new position...and to meet the new caretaker of my Baby Doll's heart.  We decided we like this new lady, for, one, as The Girl quickly noted, "She's a girl."  Yes.

Below is what I shared on Facebook as we returned home...feeling very grateful on this first day of November:

Just have to testify...while I sit and Holly drives...

Holly has a new cardiologist. We like her...very informative...easy to talk to.

Then, she says, "I have been looking at Holly's records and her caths and reports, getting to know her. I was prepared to come in here and see a very sickly girl, but here she stands, so healthy."

This resulted in my asking a few questions about those reports...no, little to any changes from last year.

Okay...now, we can praise the Lord...and the thousands of prayers...literally!...that have gone up for this girl!

Those who have babies who visit ACH will understand what I am about to say...you don't realize how tense you are until that doctor walks out and you get to take your Baby Doll home. Twice in our past after such a visit, we left going home to prepare for a surgery.

As we walked outside, I overheard a Nana say, "Today has been a rough day."

I have lived those, also.

Holly will be on a heart monitor for 30 days. She has been having what we call "flutters." May need a med adjustment.

Maybe tonight we could pray for that family who has had a rough day? One day we will hear the power of our interceding prayers...for our God does answer prayers.

I know...one of them is driving me home.

50.004

As my previous posts illustrate, I did not complete my 50 prior birthday posts.  Wow...just a busy time.  I am appreciative, though, of the life with which I have been so very blessed.

Today, four days after my 50th birthday, I spent with The Husband.  We just got in the car and headed out for the day. We stopped when we wanted, ate when we wanted, and returned home when we wanted, for we are both quite the home bugs.  Today was just a blessing getting to spend this time with him, for, thanks to our work schedules and my tendency to become over-involved, we often do not have enough hours to slip away as often as we would like.

Tomorrow, I am skipping out on church as part of our two-day weekend get-away, and we are secretly staying home.  Nerds, aren't we?   This we like!  I do believe the Lord has given me His blessing to do so...to take a day's break from teaching, playing the piano, driving the van...He's okay with it, for He knows this is just one day of rest that I need.

May I set some goals for the next 50 years of my days here on earth?

1. To ever continue getting to know our Lord Jesus Christ.  I so enjoy Bible study.  I pray that I love it more each and every day of the rest of my life...both by myself and with groups.  
2. To spend quality time with my family.  I so enjoy this also.  I really do like them...very much!
3. To find the right mix of time spent on church, school, and personal activities.  Right now, that mix is just not quite calibrated correctly.  Sometimes, the first two do not allow time for the third.  This needs to change.
4. To love more as Jesus does.  To act more like Jesus would act in the places He will send me.  To laugh and enjoy life as He enjoys it.  To serve as Jesus serves.  To lead, to go, to believe, to be...more and more like the Great I Am.

Five goals are enough, for should I accomplish these, I will be so blessed.

Now, to finish this day watching movies with The Husband.  I really do like him.  :)

In 37 Days...

In 37 days, I will be 50.  I have had an incredible journey; thus, as the days pass, I am reflecting on 50 highlights with family and friends.
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This evening we celebrated our son's turning 22 tomorrow. He entered my life as a ten year old and watching him grow into a young man has been interesting, rewarding, and, at times, challenging.  Blending families may be compared to a roller coaster ride.  Fun, exhilarating...and windy at times!

The Boy served his time in the Army and is now back home living with us, working and going to college.

The Husband did most of the cooking as he was off today; thus, coming into a prepared dinner after working all day myself was quite the treat within itself.

Raising kids, whether mine, ours, or theirs, comes with some Bible-driven convictions:  to raise them up in the ways they should go, so it won't depart from them.  Currently, only two of our three are actively attending church.  I pray for this to happen, for God to raise them up to be warriors for Him.  That is my prayer.  I am excited to see the day when this becomes a reality.

In 38 Days...

In 38 days, I will be 50.  I have had an incredible journey; thus, as the days pass, I am reflecting on 50 highlights with family and friends.
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After church this morning, several of us had lunch together to celebrate some of the "newbies" that have either been attending or visiting...or I suppose both!  Today's lunch entailed ten adults and Baby O...such a cutie this six-month old is!

One of the young men is a football player at a local college, who one day began driving around to find a new home church.  When he saw our BIG church sign, he drove to our church parking lot, sat, and upon perusal, decided that, because our building reminded him of his home church, this would be his new church family.  OR did God intervene and set up an Divine Appointment?

A win-win for us!

Two of the others are young teachers with whom I work at our local high school.  Just made my heart happy to see  them there and be in worship with them.

Others included our pastor, his wife, their daughter, son-in-law, grandson, and good friend Brenda.  Such a lovely time of testimony, laughs, food...yes, true fellowship.  So happy to be a part of such a church family.

Thus, at this point in my life, I am blessed to be "adopting" those that God sends our/my way.  My family does seem to be growing.  I should share, though, that adopting at this age definitely has its perks...they go to their own homes when our fellowship is complete!

Blessings!

In 39 Days...

In 39 days, I will be 50.  I have had an incredible journey; thus, as the days pass, I am reflecting on 50 highlights with family and friends.
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Today, I attended the Beth Moore Simulcast with two church lady friends. For this event, we traveled to a nearby church...where I have visited for the past four...maybe five?...years for this same inspiring time.  

What a blessing!  She took us on a study of the word agree...and a journey through a metaphor to a symphony. So very powerful!

We all have a part, a chair, an instrument...and when working together...tuning in and up...and keeping our eyes on The Great Conductor, we make the most beautiful of music. Can you hear those melodious sounds?  Simply incredible.

Today we were blessed to have a group of 25+ ladies in attendance from a Christian-based rehab center. What joy, what energy, they brought to our day. Throughout the simulcast, I found myself praying for them...that they find their chair, their instrument, that they lock eyes with Jesus Christ and never look away!

Today, from around the world, twelve countries, 450+ groups...over 12,000 women joined their souls together in praising our Redeemer. What a powerful day. Just tremendous. 

I so wish more ladies had shown up, but as I am learning, when the time comes for an event to begin, The Lord is there for who have shown, for as we were so powerfullly reminded today, where two or three are gathered in His Name...He is there. 

He was there today. 

Thank you, Jesus.

May Mrs. Mary and her team of ladies be so richly blessed for hosting this event for all of us. I so enjoy going...and sitting...and simply absorbing.

In 40 Days...

In 40 days, I will be 50.  I have had an incredible journey; thus, as the days pass, I am reflecting on 50 highlights with family and friends.
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Fridays in my classes mean coffee...and for one class, those brownies I baked last night!  (All the other classes have already received their brownies.)

I like coffee...with some tasty creamer stirred within. These kids, though, they love coffee. 

Will you keep a secret?  The coffee is decaf, for we are not supposed to serve anything caffeinated before noon. True. 

Shhhh....

The obvious perk of all this coffee?  My room smells divine!  Even if it is decaffeinated coffee!

I really like these kids, and I work them bell to bell.  For that cup of coffee, they will work even harder. 

This coffee...it does to the kids what the Holy Spirit does for me. Just a refilling, a rejuvenation, a resting in Him...keeps me wanting to do more and more for The Good Lord. 

This coffee costs me little compared to what He did for me on The Cross...for that I am eternally grateful.

In 41 Days...

In 41 days, I will be 50.  I have had an incredible journey; thus, as the days pass, I am reflecting on 50 highlights with family and friends.
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Today, I am very thankful for students who love Gillmore Brownies. And do they ever!

At the beginning of the school year, while teaching them a grammar song, I told them the best sounding song would receive brownies. They sang...and sang...and I began to invest in boxes of brownies!

A few months ago, a teacher friend said one of my love languages is through food. Yes. I had never thought of it that way, but I do enjoy caring for people through food. 

I have mixed about 20 boxes of brownies already this school year.  Why?  I love watching the response that my students...whether in my high school classes or my classes at church...love the response they exhibit to the stimuli of food. 

The Lord has blessed me to be able to bless others this way...and it just works. 

Now, to take the last of two pans out of the oven for my 5B Eng class. They have waited patiently for their sweet reward. 

In 42 Days...

In 42 days, I will be 50.  I have had an incredible journey; thus, as the days pass, I am reflecting on 50 highlights with family and friends.
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Tonight, I met with our group of kids who attend the Wednesday evening service.

Tonight, I was blessed to work with a friend and The Girl who are filling in while two helpers are out after having had surgeries. Bless them...all four of them!

Tonight, I did not have to drive the church bus because one of the ladies and her husband are helping out...giving me a break. Bless them!

Tonight, I am reminded that God answers prayers...for He dearly loves His Chikdren and wants them provided for...and I remain convinced attending church is the best place for them. 

Two weeks ago, we had 21 kids. Wow!  Our mission field is alive!  These numbers, of course, fluctuate, as bus ministeries do. Two weeks ago, I was not sure from where the helpers would come, but several have volunteered. God is so very mighty!

My prayer is that God gives me the love for this ministry that He has for it...until the teachers come along that He is preparing the hearts of, for my calling is not with children. In my day job, I teach grades 10 and 12...I really like the older ones!...but He is training me to fulfil needs, whether it's my "calling" or not. Very powerful lesson!

In what way(s) is the Lord using you...that you may not have intended for Him to do so...?

In 43 Days...

In 43 days, I will be 50.  I have had an incredible journey; thus, as the days pass, I am reflecting on 50 highlights with family and friends.
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On the second and fourth Tuesday's of the month, my ladies' Bible study group meets. What a blessing they are!

I have posted here before how about three years ago I began to pray and ask God for female friends...and He has blessed me so!  Currently, we are averaging nine Jesus Girls...with one guest this past week.  

We have completed several studies since this group began meeting a little over two years ago. Currently, we are completing Kelly Minter's Ruth. So good!  I have so enjoyed getting to know the words heard and goel. Truly!

With these ladies, I have furthered learned the power of prayer. One night we prayed one of the mom's son would call her. We said, "Amen."  Her cell rang.  It was her son. Praise the Lord!

Getting into His Word is so powerful!  Love having these dates with Him!

In 44 Days...

In 44 days, I will be 50.  I have had an incredible journey; thus, as the days pass, I am reflecting on 50 highlights with family and friends.
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Today, I am thankful for pigs and husbands who provide for their families...in particular, my husband who has bought a very large pig.  For you feint of heart, this pig is being prepared to live in our freezer...not by us, at those places that do such preparations.

Which leads to my next thought...this evening I spent quite a bit of time defrosting a freezer (one of two...I know I am blessed!) in preparation for having room for this bountiful harvest...and was quite dismayed at the amount I had to discard....and quite dismayed at the abundance of frost in that freezer.

In my blessings, sometimes I am wasteful.

In too many areas of my life.

I am more than ever convinced that one day, He is going to say to me, 

• "I provided you with time."
• "I provided you with resources."
• "I provided you with health."
• "...all you needed was the want-to."

Just have to wonder, do we become like that freezer of mine, covered with frost which so slowly accumulates that we don't notice it until...until it becomes the job to remove.  Picture it:  hammer in hand, not so gently tapping the frost, for ice takes longer to melt than I had the time to allow!  Tap. Tap. Tap!  TAP! TAP!! TAP!!!

Yes, He gently taps away at the frost...sometimes, we might even get a pounding, with bits and pieces flying, dripping, slipping away...until we are back again to where we should have been all along.

As Phillipians 1:6 says, "I am sure of this that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ."  Yes...sanctifying us daily, helping us chip away that old sin nature.

My freezer?  Looks great!  Now may I keep it that way...and may I ever stay close to Him by remaining in His Word.

In 45 Days...

In 45 days, I will be 50.  I have had an incredible journey; thus, as the days pass, I am reflecting on 50 highlights with family and friends.
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Today, I am thankful for my church family and for family that goes with me.  Through my Sunday School class, I have gotten to know some very special people.

When we began this class four years ago for a very few people, one of the ladies began a journey that has enriched her life, not because of what I did but because of what the Lord did, does, and will continue doing.  Unbeknownst to me, the Lord was changing her...for the betterment of her, our class, and the church.

A few months into the class, she related to me one Sunday morning that I probably did not realize what a major happening this was for her to attend, for, as she explained, she just did not have the courage to try many new things.  The Lord has worked a miracle in her...that's my testimony that I have since shared with others, for now she works with me on the Special Events Committee.  Still a bit shy and always more than willing for me to do all the talking (I seem to be gifted in that area!), she will help me faithfully, even in groups where she may not know the other ladies very well.  A blessing.

Also, from this class, grew my first Sunday School teacher.  That has been my prayer:  to grow them up to go and work for the Lord.  This past Sunday, one of the men began teaching/leading the grades 4-6 boys Sunday School class.  Yay!

This class is quite fluid.  Sometimes, we have 10-12...sometimes just two.  Always, though, those in attendance are just what the Lord would have me work with on that particular Sunday, for one lesson I have learned through teaching and leading that when the timer says start, it is all about those there...not about those who chose not to show.  

On a different note...today, I am so appreciative to be an American.  Today, we took a few moments to Remember 9.11.  Fifteen  years ago.  Also, four years ago the Benghazi event.  As Christians, we have much to pray about and for.

As Proverbs 3:5 says so well, "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart..."

In 46 Days...

In 46 days, I will be 50.  I have had an incredible journey; thus, as the days pass, I am reflecting on 50 highlights with family and friends.
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Today, I traveled to the Women's Leadership University hosted by the Arkansas State Baptist Association and women's ministry director Andrea Lennon.

Blessed, I was. 

I attend such an event as often as I can, for these outings are my Tammy Time. Sometimes, lady friends attend with me; sometimes, I travel with the Lord solo, for He always meets me...on the way, while there, then on the way home. 

This year, I have been blessed to attend Women of Joy, Inspire, Beth Moore Conference, our own Women's Retreat, Rock This House...then this upcoming weekend the Beth Moore Simulcast. Yes, blessed!

I need these ladies' gatherings to rejuvenate, to renew, to revive. Because I teach/led three classes for my church and play piano, these events are gifts from God, gifts because I have to do so little to prepare for them! I just sit. Listen. Absorb. Yes, it is almost as if He designs them just for me. 

Today's event consisted of a spectrum of speakers, varying in ages and topics, all in love with Jesus. They inspire me to be more, to do more, to love more. 

May I now inspire others in much the same way...

In 47 Days...

In 47 days, I will be 50.  I have had an incredible journey; thus, as the days pass, I am reflecting on 50 highlights with family and friends.
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Today, I am thankful for Mazzios and Pioneer Football, for they were the gathering places where I sat and chatted with God-given friends:  Kathy, Sandra...and one of my newest, my third English teacher son Hunter.

A few years ago, I prayed and asked God for some closer friends. He has answered my prayer. 

In our study of Tell Someone, Greg Laurie stated that his concern is that we don't go forth and disciple because we are fearful of the commitment their salvation would mean on our lives. True. Sad...but very true. 

Investing in people costs time. Minutes, hours...and hours. The dividends (I hope I am extending this metaphor with the correct jargon!)...the investment multiplies as these friendships deepen. 

This, today I am very thankful for these three friends...and for their investment of time in me. 

In 48 Days...

In 48 days, I will be 50.  I have had an incredible journey; thus, as the days pass, I am reflecting on 50 highlights with family and friends.
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Today, I am thankful for a daughter who can drive.  The Girl chose to wait until she was nearly 17 to get her permit.  I know...most are so anxious.  She just was not.

BUT...now, that she has her license, what a blessing.  We still ride together to school 2-3 days a week, as we live about 20 minutes out of town and to save on gas...of course!  I enjoy both kind of days.  The days she is with we chat about girl stuff...the days she is not with me my brain sparks all over the place!

What is the sweetest, though, yes...sending her to run an errand or driving herself to appointments.   The other night I ran out of vegetable oil (I try not to run out of anything...as I am a bit of a hoarder...)...so off she gladly went to run my errand.  Hoping that gladness remains...probably will, as teenagers love to go! 

PLUS, when she took her driving part of the test, the officer got out of the car and walked towards me...had not done so with the three previous drivers...just to tell me she was one of the best drivers he had ever had...to thank me!  Huge smile!  Go, me!

I do believe the Bible says to raise them in His ways...thinking and hoping this also applies to driving a car!  Maybe?!

Blessings!

In 49 Days...

In 49 days, I will be 50.  I have had an incredible journey; thus, as the days pass, I am reflecting on 50 highlights with family and friends.
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This evening, I will spend time with children, youth, and workers at my church.  While this group, as a combo, adds stress to my life at times (I have never claimed that teaching the elementary age was my "calling"), they have also added tremendous joy and reward, for not an evening goes by spent with them around God's Word that I am not tremendously blessed.

As I chatted with one of the other workers/friends last evening around her hospital bed as she begins recovering from surgery, we discussed the high needs of at least 95% of our group that the Lord has sent our way.  Quite the group He has sent, too!

This group has taught me to pray as I should have been praying for all of my nearly 50 years, "Lord, help me love as you love.  Help me drive the van as you would drive the van.  Help me laugh as you would laugh.  Help me seek souls as you would seek souls."

As I noted in an earlier blog post, we all know what Jesus would do:  He would love and He would go.  I am learning to not even ask what He would do...I am learning to pray that I do His Bidding as He would fulfil that call/need.

I thank this group for teaching me to love more and to go more, for Jesus does tell me, "Go, Tammy, into all nations (right now that is my community) and get disciples, baptizing and teaching them."

Tonight, I teach.

In 50 Days...

In 50 days, I will be 50!   What a milestone.

In celebration of the first 50 years of my life, I hope to post here daily highlights and memories of family and friends.

Today, Day 50, I am so thankful for my Paper Chase Book Club lady friends.  We meet once a month, have dinner, and chat over a book for an hour or so.

When I first joined this group a couple of years ago, I knew hardly any of the members, but as time passed, I have sat and listened and slowly began giving some input, for I truly just enjoy sitting and listening to their views.

OR maybe I just enjoy the sitting down for an event for which I had prepared nothing and for which I was responsible for nothing...just sit and relax!  That truly is a treat!

Well...except for the one month a year when preparing the meal and the book discussion is my responsibility, which I host in the summer when I have more free time.

These ladies are on my mind today, for we meet this evening to eat and discuss The Orphan Train, a book I read a year or so ago.

Yes, these are a great way to begin my list of highlights and memories.

An Enabler I Am?

Can one do too much?  At what point does one become an Enabler?

For my church, I do the following

1. Teach Sunday School
2. Teach/lead Discipleship Training
3. Teach kids/youth on Wednesday evenings
4. Play the piano on Sundays
5. Drive the church van three times a week
6. Serve on Decorating and Special Events Committee
7. Up until two weeks ago, created and printed the bulletin.  Thank you, Mrs. Crystal, for taking that job.
8. VBS director
9. Other jobs as needed...or as I feel called.

I am often asked how I do what I do.  My answer?  He helps me.

Why do I do all this?  Very simple:  My calling is to fill in wherever there is a need.  At this point, we have a lot of needs, so I do a lot.

Of that above list, I cannot say I feel that numbers three and five are my calling.  Again, they are just needs we have in church.  For a while, we had no class on Wednesday evenings until...well, until I just came to the conclusion that of all the people going to church on Wednesday nights that the children and youth needed a class the most.  They need the Bible teaching.  Now.  Those adults are grounded.  The children and youth are not.

Then, I could not let go of a nudge from God that a young man who had not been coming to church just might...if we provided a ride.  When we contacted him, he said yes.  Now, we have up to 12 needing rides.  Can you spell M I S S I O N   F I E L D?   Yes, that is how I spell it also.

As for the remaining teaching positions, I am called to teach, a gift from God, one I take seriously, one I enjoy immensely.  Should I be teaching twice on Sundays, though?

I am gifted to play the piano, a gift from God.  I will never play for anyone but Him, but I would be glad to sit and listen to someone else play.

Am I suffering burnout?  No.  I am just facing a reality that when I say "yes," this just allows others to say "no."

Which leads to my next concern.  What happens when everyone says, "That is just not my calling?"  What happens when everyone says no?  That happens.  For months, we had no children's class.  Last Wednesday, we had 21 kids.  21. Twenty one.  (Yes, the same amount no matter how I type that number!)

Here comes a bit of sarcasm.  Are we going to get to the point that we cannot take out the trash because "that's just not my calling."  We can't wipe down tables because "that's just not my calling."  We can't have a Bible study on Wednesday evenings because "that's not my calling"?  

Really?

The Lord has helped me immensely...as long as I pray, "Lord, help me love those kids as you love them.  Lord, help me love driving that church van as you would drive that van."

We in this day and age should really be beyond asking, "What would Jesus do?"  We know what Jesus would do.  That answer is easy.  He would go forth.  He would love.  Answering the question is easy.  Activating the answer is much harder.

Simply put, we are not living The Great Commission.  As Greg Laurie says in his study Tell Someone, we are living The Great Omission.  We want a social club.  We want to gather and chat and gossip and leave and be home no later that our schedule allows.

I wish I could say here that I am handling all this with the right attitude.  I am not.  Sorry.

This came to a head this past week when I learned that the other two ladies that help me on Wednesdays...both are having surgeries.  Surgeries they both need and must have.  Both of them. I will not take this personally!  I will not!  Seriously!  I am not that selfish!  Right?!

Here's how we handle 21 kids with one teacher...the other two manage behavior and gather snacks and supplies...I teach.  Did I mention most of these are elementary kids, some of whom have behavior concerns, all of whom need Jesus so badly...?  (For my day job, I teach...high school.  Not elementary.  That age level is truly NOT my calling.)

Yes, the Lord will provide, for the answer is not to put the van in park and not have class.  No, that is not the answer.  

So, yes, we pray...and wait...and watch Him change the hearts, witness the "callings" occur, and work with those He will send.

For, yes, the van will run, and we will have class.

But...we are going to reorganize, for 21 kiddos in one class is just not feasible...or not for someone whose calling is not to teach this level!

You see...our Pastor has been saying they will come...and I had been saying, "We have to get ready."  Our mission field is full, and I do believe the workers of that field will step up.

Stay tuned.  I plan to testify about the outcome of this mission field.

In the meantime, I would appreciate your helping me pray for me that I be able love as Jesus loves, that I be able to go as Jesus goes.

Shall we pray?

Focus on My Revival

This may have been the busiest June I have ever experienced, and, oh, what a blessing it has been!

First, though, may we backtrack just a bit...as it has been a while since I reflected here?

This year, I have focused on going to events for me; just felt driven to take this sort of time for me.  So far, this is where I have been...

• Inspire Conference in Little Rock with three others
• Evening with Karen Kingsbury with three others
• Women of Joy in Branson with three others
• Casting Crowns Concert n Jonesboro with our youth
• Revival at our church with Bro. Herb Wilson
• Beth Moore weekend (Springfield, MO) with six others
• Women's Retreat at our church
• FUGE camp (Bolivar, MO) with three youth and another leader

Coming UP

• Children's and Youth Camps with our association's camp
• Rock This House with Laura Story..in Ash Flat, AR
• VBS
• Leadership University in Conway, AR
• Beth Moore Simulcast (Sept. 17), hosted by another local church

All this has added up to a time of revival for me.  No, you just cannot out-give God.  Ever.

In addition, my Bible Study group has remained active...well, until this month, when June's activities took over our weekly meeting dates!  This study group will kick off again on July 12 with Kelly Minter's study of Ruth.  Really looking forward to that and beginning to pray that God prepare the hearts of the ladies for what He has for each of us.

I have many thoughts on each of the above topics and hope to share those over the remainder of the summer, as, surely, July will be a bit slower than June!  Surely!

How has God been reviving you?

A Sabbath...in, with, and for Him

This evening concludes my 25th Spring Break as a high school teacher, one I have enjoyed very much, one over which I accomplished not nearly enough...or maybe just enough?

Yes, I did the usual bits of housecleaning, read two books (I highly recommend The Centurion's Wife...loved that book), spent a girl day with The Girl, enjoyed time with The Husband, prepared for several church functions.

The timing of this break was much needed.  Interesting how God arranges a "rest" just when we need one, isn't it? "Come unto Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest."  He meant it when He said, and He still means it now.

Yesterday was such a busy day, but as it came to a close, those with me, continued to comment about what a good day it had been, one even saying, the best he had had in a long time.  From hosting an Easter Outing at the local park to journeying out of town to watch an Easter drama and concluding with our eating dinner together...then the ride back as we fellowshipped and reflected on His accompanying us throughout the day, as we witnessed, as we shared, as we developed relationships with those in our community and with each other...the day was just full of Him.

As I reflect, one special moment stands out just a bit more than the others.  Standing in the middle of our little town park, I led about 35 children through two devotions (very cute ones that used jellybeans and M & M's...how "sweet"!).  As I concluded, I shared with the kids that today Jesus, who loves children, was very pleased to see them worshiping Him.  I kinda think He was pleased with our church's efforts yesterday.  My hope, my prayer is that we planted a seed, cultivated a seed.  Praises!

This morning consisted of another few busy hours:  Sunday School with an Easter focus from Philipians 2...so powerful!..prayer time, united as one for there were more than two or three of us gathered together.  What a crowd...yes, one of the two largest we'll have this year...enjoying as we remembered what Jesus did for each of us, then singing a medley of songs all about the blood of Christ.

May I share?  Several weeks ago, sitting in church, this group of songs came to me.  Just like that. One title after another...total of six.  Then, as I began preparing the presentation, it was so interesting seeing how those songs so flowed, all supporting the message of the cross.  Working the half dozen singers was also inspirational also...what a group of strong Christians.

As I sit here now, I see that all totaled, these days added up to a tremendous time of rest. "In peace, I will both lie down and sleep, for You alone, O Lord, make me to dwell in safety." Psalm 4:8.

Now, to take this with me in this very busy upcoming days as we begin the closing of another school year...

Blessings!

Another Book Club...for Him!

The most interesting turn of events has occurred at school...we now have a teacher-led, teacher-supported Bible Study in process within our building.  Yes!  AND two men have joined what some would consider a women's Bible study.  Cool!  (Does that word age me?!)

Led by the Spirit, one of our high school counselors, after reading Keep It Shut, invited several to be a part of a discussion of this book...and we have met twice so far.  May I just add one more "cool!" here?

Several years ago for the My One Word Challenge, I chose the word quiet...and learned that is what I needed, as that was the year my mom passed.  Then, this year, again I felt pressed to talk less vehemently...to be quieter.  Oh, the lessons we can learn when we are quiet enough to hear.

Remember this scripture:  Be still and know that I am the Lord.

Now, doesn't that this just sound so easy?  Unless you are one who talks...a lot.  Thus, this year's challenge has been...yes, to be redundant, challenging.  A failure I have been most times as I yacked away when I should have bottled it up to the Lord, but a success I have been based on what I would like to have said.

Then, along comes this book...another reminder to be quiet...or quieter.  Our God chooses the most interesting of ways to maintain an open line of communication.  Sometimes, His Voice is quiet, a mere whisper.  Sometimes, He grabs your attention in a quite the loud way...more about that coming in the next post.

How is God speaking to you?  What testimonies for Him might you share?

Blessings!

New Quarter, New Studies

I just love the arrival of new literature...even while I am immersed in the culminating thoughts of the current one.  Today's Sunday School such highlight was I Cor. 3:16.  Yes, Lord, make me ever aware of the sanctuary that I am to be for you.  Yes, I love the song "Sanctuary," too.

Then, right in the middle of that, our delivery of next quarter's curriculum focusing on the Israelite's' movement into The Promised Land.  Never before opened books.  Resources awaiting my perusal.  If this should make me sound like a nerd, well, shhhh, I am!

My Sunday School is using the Gospel Project curriculum, a chronological approach through the  Bible.  What I dearly love about this curriculum is the weekly connection from the Old Testament to the New, as in, above from Exodus and the building of the Tabernacle to the 1 Cor. 3:16.  Just love it.

Another new study has come my way.  In chatting with a peer at work, she invited me to join a study of Keep It Shut with others at school.  Now, that, I could not resist.  As we text, I found the book, the study guide, and the video...and ordered them all.  This "keeping it shut" I began last fall after a  blatant suggestion from the Lord himself when He gave me a set of scriptures in II Chronicles.  Sometimes, I suppose He has to speak quite loudly as I seem to be talking way too much!  I know that most days, He probably just shakes His head and say, "Tammy, you are doing better, but you sure have a ways to go!"

More about this to come, I am sure.

Currently, I am reading a few more books...When God Makes Lemonade and Crazy Love and Pathway to Freedom.  Once upon a time, I could not have read so many at a time.  Now, I see no other way, as I glean needed nuggets from each.

I would love to hear from you...what are you reading good?  What nuggets is He sharing with you?

The Preparation Time

Last evening, we hosted our annual Friendship Social...and had such a blessed time.  (I gauge that by the noise level during game and craft time and by how long everyone took in leaving!)

While the event itself is energizing, I wonderful if what went on before acerbates that fulfilling event.  For any given organized function, the ladies and I may spend three-to-four evenings preparing, laughing, creating, snacking, making a mess, creating a work of art (at least in our eyes).

Then, my most favorite time...coming in early and just looking around, searching for details that need to be completed.  Standing still.  In the quietness of the dawn of the event.  God does like to speak to us in the early morning hours of quiet time.  (This is another topic...but I am appreciating the perks of waking early and spending time with Him...this coming from a recovering "I. Am. Not.A.Morning.Person" Syndrome!)

Now, may we make a connection to the Old Testament?  As my Sunday School class is now studying the building of the Sanctuary, as I prepared my heart and mind for this study by preparing ahead, something clicked.  God wants us...you and me...to come to every service with Him prepared, already worshiping, whether that is spending quiet time with Him, attending conferences and Bible studies, or gathering for corporate worship.

I do love this scripture, am camping out here for just a bit, gleaning some nuggets here:

The Lord has gifted Bezalel, Oholiab and the other skilled craftsmen with wisdom and ability to perform any task involved in building the sanctuary.  - Exodus 36:1

1. First come wisdom and then ability.  Very interesting that order.  To many times, I have jumped in...and then prayed for wisdom.  What a mess of things I can create on my own!
2. The Lord "gifts" us.  Everyone has a gift.  He wants to give us gifts...some wrapped up in pretty packages, some handed to us in a plain shopping bag, some just handed to us, the gift plainly displayed. 
3. The English teacher in me also appreciates that present tense has.  Not will...as in, the future.  Not some past gifting.  Right now.  Present time.

Now, to the New Testament, to I Corinthians 3:16:

Don't you yourselves know that you are  God's sanctuary and that the Spirit of God lives in you?

Here, I need to camp and stay.  I too often forget that I, yes, I am a sanctuary.  You are, too.   As such, as His sanctuary, I fail too often in inputting only the best and not nearly enough recognizing the Holy of Holies that lives within.

Lord, prepare me to be a sanctuary
Pure and holy, tried and true
With thanksgiving, I'll be a living
Sanctuary for You

That is such a beautiful song, a beautiful prayer.

Too often, though, this is what happens...remember that Friendship Social from above on which we spent several hour preparing?  In no more than 30 minutes, we had dismantled and placed the furniture back to its original spots.  How easy this happens within our lives, with our quiet times, with our preparation time.  That quiet time, where once we spent 30 minutes, becomes 15...then 10...then, oh, where did the time go?

Unless...yes, unless one dismantle means preparing for another event, another gathering, another time of worship, for last night as we stored decorations and removed table cloths,  I plotted the new arrangement of tables for this morning's Sunday School and this evening's Discipleship Training classes.  Bless their hearts...they never know where they will be sitting, for I am always searching for the arrangement of tables and chairs to better enhance our discussion or activity times.

Today, let's prepare ahead of time.  Let's worship now, preparing our hearts ahead for what God has for us.

Just one more time...will you sing with me?

Lord, prepare me to be a sanctuary

 Pure and holy

Tried and true

With thanksgiving, I'll be a living

Sanctuary for you 

Gal Pals and Jesus Girls

I responded to a prompt about the upcoming release of The Gift of Friendship:

“We are Martha’s and Mary’s and Naomi’s and Ruth’s. Women need women! A blessing this book is.” – Tammy

Now, isn't that just the truth?!

A few years ago, I prayed for God to bless me with girlfriends...and He has.  Just thinking back over this week, I have spent quality girl-time on three evenings.  I am blessed.

Then, along comes this book.  Another way God is answering this prayer of mine.

The Gift of Friendship by Dawn Camp

One day, I noticed this message, asking if I would read and promo this book.  Books?  Read?  Promo?  Yes!

Then, the book arrived.  So many girls.  So many nuggets of encouragement from the gals for Jesus...and from Jesus Himself.

May I share just one?

• Leslie Richards writes of a busy life and a lived-in home that became a barrier between her and lady friends, a barrier eventually broken by a friend who cared more about laundry and dirty dishes.  As she notes, we all have messes.  Messes that the ol' devil wants to use to keep us from being blessed and a blessing to others.
• Proverbs 17:17 she quotes:  "a friend loveth at all times."
• Yes.

As I write this, thoughts of this evening's upcoming social at church flits through my mind, as I look forward to this fellowship with these girlfriends of mine who have worked and played right along beside me and am reminded of author Dawn Camp's chapter about their weekly Wednesday fellowship with friends.  With this I agree, "Life is busy.  If you don't make time to get together, once-solid friendships can fall victim to neglect."

For years, after I married, I neglected friendships.  Through a gentle nudge from the Lord Himself, I prayed the above prayer and am finding "community in...unexpected" places with unexpected children of God...just not unexpected to Him.

As I reflect on this book, a dream is beginning to emerge for our summer Women's Retreat.  Picture it:  Each lady with a copy of this book.  Wouldn't this be an excellent text upon which to explore in mini-sessions and whole-group sessions with a group of ladies seeking friendships with and in each other, only resulting in a closer "community" with Him?

Now that is exciting.

Where may you purchase this book?  Here.

Where may you meet the editor and writer?  Here.

You. Will. Be. Blessed.

Excited about Girl Time!

My gal pals in Jesus are excited about the line-up of conferences this spring and summer, some that we are attending, some that we are hosting.

• March
• Inspire:  This one is hosted by our state Baptist Association.  My third year to attend, I look forward to the praise and worship through music and message, both in small group and in large group.  Previously, we have taken either three or four...hoping to at least double those numbers!
• April
• Karen Kingsbury:  She is coming to our state on her tour...and we have tickets!  Four of us will travel to Little Rock on a Thursday evening, for, yes, more girl time.  I am holding off purchasing her new book...hoping to buy and have it autographed there.
• Women of Joy:  This will be my second year.  A three-day event held in Branson, four of us from church will meet four other lady friends...and 4000 more ladies and praise and worship Him.  I am very excited that Selah will be leading the worship.  I do so appreciate their music.
• June
• Beth Moore:  Having studied several of her Bible studies now, we are so excited to travel to Springfield and partake of the Word of God with Beth Moore.  What an inspiration she is.  So far, five of us are planning to attend this event.  Fun!
• Making Choices:  Then, this all culminates in our hosting our Ladies' Retreat at our church.  A Friday evening, Saturday morning, we so enjoy preparing for the event...and then gleaning what He has for us in our fellowship hall.

Interspersed throughout these months are our bi-weekly Bible study and our monthly Ladies' Night out.  Currently, we are studying Beth Moore's Jesus The One and Only every other week and are using Priscilla Shirer's Fervent for our devotion material for our monthly outreach-to-our-community meeting.  Both are so timely and so needed.

By the way, have you seen War Room?  Oh. My. Goodness.  Please do!  Both Beth Moore and Priscilla Shirer are in the movie, with Shirer in the leading role.  Her Fervent book is based on the movie.  I have already had a request our Bible Study group to work through the War Room Bible study next.  This movie's content is speaking to people, to their desire to have a more fervent prayer life.

Please share...to what events is God leading you to enjoy?

Happy Is the One Who Endures Testing...

This past week, I have been reading Beth Moore's new book Audacious, one I purchased last September, one that has been waiting on me, again, until God's Perfect Timing.  Interesting how He does that.

This morning, I spent more time in these pages, pausing over several scriptures on pages 62-66.  Would you please take a moment...or two...to marinate on these Words of Life?

• Happy is the one who endures testing, because when he has proven to be genuine, he will receive the crown of life that God promised to those who love Him.  James 1:12.  (Now, if you are female, re-read and use the pronoun she.)
• I wonder if just learning to be quiet during times of testing and allowing Him to take over counts for being "happy"?  I am witness that this does increase one's peace of mind!
• You rejoice in this, though now for short time you have had to struggle in various trials so that the genuineness of your faith -- more valuable than gold, which perishes though refined by fire -- may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.  You love Him, though you have not seen him.  And though not seeing Him now, you believe in Him and rejoice with inexpressible and glorious joy.  1 Peter 1:6-8
• Hummm...if like me, are you feeling like a failure?  Happiness...rejoicing...joy?  In great trials?  In great various trials...for when it rains, my friend, it tends to just hurricane in my life!  Yes, I have been such a failure at this...until just recently.  Maybe I am finally learning this lesson?
• May we read two more?
• Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside the encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.  Hebrews 12:1
• Thanks be to God who gave me the desire to get back into His Word, I am finally able to run...some...still getting in shape!  With sadness, I report that my lack of running in this cloud of people watching my testimony has not always resulted in the best testimony for Him.  So...why run?  Keep reading...
• What eye did not see and ear did not hear, and what never entered the human mind -- God prepared this for those who love Him. I Corinthians 2:9
• Why run?  He wants more for us than we even know we want for ourselves.  Yes!  He has this prepared right now for us...just in His timing.  I just imaging one of those connect-a-dots...dot-by-dot He's making the connection that will reveal what He has prepared for you and me.

I recommend this book, one God placed on Beth Moore's heart, one for which she carved out the time for someone who needed to read this one.  That one?  Yes...me.

Blessings.