Monday, September 19, 2016

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.

Sunday, September 18, 2016

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!

Saturday, September 17, 2016

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.

Friday, September 16, 2016

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.

Thursday, September 15, 2016

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. 

Wednesday, September 14, 2016

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...?

Tuesday, September 13, 2016

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!

Monday, September 12, 2016

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.

Sunday, September 11, 2016

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..."



Saturday, September 10, 2016

In 46 Days...

Image result for 50th birthday
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...

Friday, September 9, 2016

In 47 Days...

Image result for 50th birthdayIn 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. 

Thursday, September 8, 2016

In 48 Days...


Image result for 50th birthday

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!




Wednesday, September 7, 2016

In 49 Days...


Image result for 50th birthday

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.

Tuesday, September 6, 2016

In 50 Days...


Image result for 50th birthday

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.

Saturday, September 3, 2016

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?