Let There Be Light!

The human eye is an amazing and complicated organ. 

We can distinguish 10 million colors through our eyes! Our eyes are constantly adjusting light exposure, admitting the light to the interior of the eye and bending that light so it is brought into focus. Our retina processes the light signals before sending the information to our brain, which then interprets the data and tells us what we are seeing.  All that happening at the speed of, well... light!

Even though the science of the eye and our vision is difficult for me to grasp, it is nonetheless fascinating to think about the miracle of sight. There is one element that must be present for any of us to experience the miracle of vision - Light!  Without light, we cannot see.  No matter how perfect our "vision", if we live in darkness, we experience only blindness.

"This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all."  1 John 1:5

In this New Year, may you experience Light.  May He live in you so that you become "the light of the world."

Be love and be blessed,

We Are All Shepherds

A seemingly unremarkable child was born over 2000 years ago in a stable, among the pungent odor of animals, hay and earth. The infant’s bed was a wooden box used to feed the livestock. It was likely crude and dirty by our standards and certainly not sterilized with anti-bacterial wipes. His parents had meager possessions and no special social standing in their community. Traveling by donkey, in the final days of her pregnancy, Mary must have been quite uncomfortable and frightened. She wondered where she would give birth to this baby whom the angel told her would be called the “Son of the Most High”.

The first humans to receive the announcement of the baby’s birth were shepherds. Shepherds were not of high social or economic standing. Their jobs were unglamorous and downright dangerous as they protected their flocks from predators 24 hours a day. It was a lonely, nomadic existence. As is often the case, there were good shepherds and unscrupulous ones. Those unsavory characters tainted the profession to the point that it was considered a “disreputable occupation”. So, what does it mean that God chose to appear in His glory to those whom society deemed unworthy or of questionable character?

Listen to the Words of the Good News Angel – “But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.'" (Luke 2:10-11)

Hear the inclusiveness in the words. He doesn’t say “I bring news to the Jews or to the rich or to the kings and their courts”. He says I bring good news for all the people, and I’m starting with you - shepherds who are not well clothed, not rich, not respected, but nevertheless loved and valued by the Creator of the universe. The angel goes on to say the child is born “to you”, to all of us, not just to Mary and Joseph or even their extended family, but to all the people on earth! Jesus came to save all and belongs to all mankind!

How did the shepherds response to the Good News? They were told where to find the baby, but they did have a choice. They could have chosen to stay with their flocks and keep the angelic visitation to themselves. They didn’t. The shepherds traveled to Bethlehem and found the baby in the manger and marveled at the miracle made known to them. Their next choice was to become our first “evangelists” or those who “share the good news”. So, the story of great joy was shared throughout the world.

And, what better news can be shared than knowing that each one of us has been blessed with a Savior who will render sin, and even death, powerless if we too accept the good news of great joy! It matters not our social standing, our bank account balance, our successes, or more importantly our failures. The Ruler and Creator of all of life loved us enough to come to earth in human form, lie in a dirty manger among smelly animals without fanfare so we could experience great joy, acceptance, forgiveness, and life everlasting. May you experience those precious blessings now and in the New Year.


Merry Christmas!

Be love and be blessed,

My Eyes Have Been Opened

Have you ever passed by something really beautiful and not seen it?  I don't mean that you didn't grasp the full magnitude of it's beauty.  I mean you spent 2 hours in the middle of the splendor without recognizing it as extraordinary?

It happened to me this week.  I drove through some of the most spectacular autumn foliage we've had in Texas, and I didn't even notice it!  If you know me, then you know that is not the authentic me.  Appreciating nature is... well - second nature to me.

But work has so dominated my life of late that I've acquired tunnel vision in an effort to multi-task even more and accomplish a super human number of work related projects in a short span of time.  But, my eyes were truly opened this week.

When I made the second trip through this same area 2 days later, it was early in the day.  My mind was less cluttered and was happily listening to John Mayer on my Ipod while driving to an appointment.  I actually believed the breathtaking foliage I was now witnessing had somehow miraculously appeared only in the last 2 days.  My husband told me "it was there, you were just so busy on the phone you didn't notice". 

Today, I took some time out of my day to just drive and observe God's artistry.  No painting or picture can capture the exquisite pallet of colors unique to the season we call autumn.  I thank God my eyes were opened to witness it's brilliant glory.

Be love and be blessed,

Time of Transition

I haven't written a note in ages.  The last of summer is full of busyness - tending to the end of the summer garden bounty, preparing for the fall garden, trimming and fertilizing, starting a new bible study and mentally preparing for a challenging time in my business.  It's enough to make a girl say "Bah-Humbug"!

When I start feeling like life is overwhelming and wondering why I am on this dizzying merry-go-round, I close my eyes, take a deep breathe, pull down my scrunched-up tense shoulders, open my eyes, and gaze at my world with a refreshed and new (even if temporary) outlook. 

Autumn is a time for breathing deeply and for introspective evaluation of one's life and priorities.  The season simply calls for it like no other.  Transition is all around us. The brilliant gold, orange and red trees presenting their full glory before winter disguises them into lifeless towering appendages. But, we know that soon a new season will arrive and life will triumphantly return again.

For now, I plan to relish in the few precious stolen moments of peace I can grasp and use them to transition my soul to the season of rest ahead.

Be blessed,

Beauty and The Heat (or Help - I'm Roasting!)

Everyone in Texas is complaining about the heat!  I agree, it is HOT!  But, in being consistent with my authentic personality, I try to look at the positive side of things. 

First, it is August - duh!  Therefore, it's supposed to be hot.  Isn't it reassuring to know that, as far as the world of weather in Texas, we are perfectly "normal"?  Not helping your mood?  Hmmmm.....

Well, late this afternoon, with the temperature near a sweltering 100 degrees, I walked around my yard with my camera to see what sort of beauty could thrive in our inferno-like conditions.  Note that I also took a hand towel to wipe the dripping sweat from my face and neck!

Hibiscus LOVE this heat! This one is a lovely shade of peachy orange with a double bloom.  The more the sun shined on it the prettier it was.  But, I was starting to melt!

From the hibiscus to this beautiful blue-violet flower that I found at the nursery and put in a terracotta pot on my back porch (in full sun).  I don't even know what it's called, but I loved the delicate spikes of blue so I thought I would try it.  It is thriving in the sun and heat!  Time to mop my brow and move on!

Native Texas Skullcap is a delicate pink flower that not only doesn't mind our summer heat, but it doesn't need much water either.  Perhaps it likes the salt water dripping from my body right now!  Where's that towel?  Whew, time for some shade...

Another native Texas plant delights in the shade, but isn't bothered at all by the heat.  Turk's Cap is a butterfly and hummingbird magnet, enticing them with lovely twisted bright red flowers that sit amongst large, showy green leaves!  And, it is a plant that keeps reseeding so you never have to buy more!

Here is a native shrub that I adore!  You can't find it commercially, but it grows all over our property.  It's called St Andrew's Cross and for a short time in the spring and summer it has small yellow four petaled flowers that are about the same size and texture as the leaves covering the branches.  I've tranplanted a number of these from our woods into our garden and they are amazingly hardy in addition to being pretty. 

Why am I so wet?  Is the sprinkler on?  Oh, dear - it is dreadfully hot out here!  Where's that air conditioning?  It may be brutally warm, but, I managed to find Beauty and The Heat!

Be blessed,

Tammy

DOG DAYS!

They call these the DOG DAYS of summer!

It is sultry and hot!

Rain is overdue!

We feel dull, listless or even short-tempered.

The pressure is on to get prepared for school schedules,

new jobs, added responsibilities...

But, now can be a time of rest before the busyness of fall,

then holidays, hits us full force. 

Still yourself in the morning or evening. 

Open your heart to the one who brings comfort,

strength and guidance. 

Rest in the knowledge that if we focus on God, he will bring contentment. 

Be blessed!

Tammy

God On The Golf Course?

Usually, I try to write my posts beforehand and really study them to be sure they are just so..... but, I'm just writing this one as the thoughts come to me.  Recently, our pastor spoke about "individual spirituality" versus "corporate worship".  He had some excellent points about people who don't attend church and make the excuse that they find God in other places, like on the golf course or in the garden.  Don't get me wrong.  I believe, as Christians, we benefit greatly from the group worship experience and the fellowship with other believers and I think that should be a regular part of our spiritual experience.  But, I, like those who espouse their "private spirituality", find God in my surroundings.  Maybe the golf course is a little stretch, but one of our members did skip church that same morning of this sermon to play golf and he ended up with a hole in one!  Hopefully, he was praising God!

Many times when I feel worried or stressed or discouraged, God speaks to me through the vivid hues of the sunset across the water, or through the intricate and fascinating details of a single brilliant garden flower, or in the quiet morning watching creation begin a new day.  These are powerful and spiritual moments when, like a river, God's peace and comfort flow over me and carry me through the day's trials and joys with renewed purpose and strength.

Appreciating and truly seeing the natural beauty of creation around us expands our faith.  It is a way we can "see" God.  Faith is believing in something you cannot see, but I think our faith is strengthened when we take time to study and admire God's handiwork because it gives us a small glimpse of the goodness, perfection and magnitude of the God we serve and who we will someday worship face to face!

Be blessed!

Tammy

What to do with garden's bounty?

I have been so blessed this year with a great garden! Thanks to God for answering my prayers on this! However, I forgot to pray for wisdom, time and energy to make the best use of all the food he gave us! Oh dear! In case you don't know - I'm a novice Gardener and an "infant" in the area of preserving garden harvest.  But, I'm learning as I go and it is fun (for the most part)!

Tonight, I chopped and blanched yellow squash and zucchini from the garden!

Then after draining, cooling and patting dry, put it into freezer bags for future enjoyment!

Now, I can grab a bag for soup, pasta, casserole or whatever - and have organic, home grown veggies in my cooking all winter long!  Most importantly, when you start this process though - you MUST have a qualified supervisor!!! 

May yours be just as sweet and loyal as mine!  Happy Gardening!

Be blessed!

Tammy

OCEAN 911

The devastating oil “spill” in the Gulf (how can it be called a spill when it is gushing millions of gallons of oil?) has deeply saddened and distressed me. Who would have ever reasoned that oil will still be pouring into the ocean more than 11 weeks after the explosion at the BP oil rig that claimed 11 precious lives?

The lives lost can never be replaced, and the grief the affected families face is incomprehensible. Perhaps the accident could have been prevented. Time and investigations may reveal the whole truth. I hope so.

But, the environmental impact grows exponentially each day. With tar balls now washing up in Galveston, Texas, this environmental disaster has reached all 5 Gulf States, from Florida to Texas. Worst hit has been Louisiana where sticky oil has coated rare marshlands, home to a large variety of wildlife. I can no longer bear to watch the images of helpless oil coated pelicans unable to even stand up. Ironically, just last year the brown pelican was removed from the endangered species list after efforts in Louisiana to restore their natural habitat enabled the bird population to thrive. Sadly, this tragedy may put this magnificent bird back on the endangered list.

Some people believe that stopping deep water drilling is unacceptable because of the jobs that will be lost. But, those lost jobs are a minute consequence in the big picture. An entire, precious ecosystem is threatened by this unprecedented catastrophe. The gulf coast fishing industry, a $3 billion annual micro-economy, could be ruined for decades, financially devastating thousands and thousands of Americans. Scores of restaurants, dive shop owners and others will be negatively impacted. The affect on tourism in numerous beach areas across the Gulf States may never be fully measured, but to be sure it will be crippling to countless businesses, communities and families who rely on vacation dollars spent by people who want to enjoy pristine white beaches and swim in clear clean ocean water.

We all need to be concerned about the future of our oceans and our planet. All of us should take action to help protect against the contamination of our natural resources. Since fish supply the greatest percentage of the world’s protein consumed by humans, what are the long term consequences if we pollute our oceans until our food is toxic?

Make no mistake - this is one of the most critical issues of our time. If our oceans become a polluted wasteland we will perish. I urge you to take action to protect and restore our planet. Here are some things you can do right now.

• Contact your federal representatives and let them know you want to protect our oceans
• Reduce your energy use – drive less often, use less electricity, be energy efficient
• Use less plastic and don’t put it in our landfills – reuse containers
• Don’t litter and pick up litter when you can
• Use only organic fertilizers and pesticides
• Avoid phosphates and use eco-friendly detergents like Seventh Generation or Mrs. Meyers
• Buy or make your own eco-friendly household cleaners (see http://www.yellowrosenaturals.com/pages/tips.php)
• Use washable cleaning rags, sponges and napkins
• Start a compost bin or pile
• Eat local produce and sustainable seafood
• Recycle – recycle - recycle

In Flight

We are blessed to live among a large variety of birds near our home.  One of the most fascinating is the Great Blue Heron, whom we affectionately call "Heathcliff".  The blue heron is at once awkward and elegant, slow and swift.  He perches motionless atop a small tree stump in the lake, surveying the waters for his next meal of fish.  Patiently he waits, then suddenly takes flight from the stump, the only sound a "whoosh whoosh" from his 7 foot wing span as he quickly gains altitude, his long legs trailing behind.

You wonder at first if this huge, long legged bird, will be able to fly any distance.  But, in a few seconds he is effortlessly aloft, taking advantage of the wind currents and looking as graceful as a ballerina.  Then, he suddenly banks to one side and descends rapidly toward the water, and just as you think "this is it - the poor thing is going to crash and burn" - he lands on the water's surface with barely a splash while simultaneously lowering and tucking his 7 feet of wings comfortably into his sides.

After breathing a sigh of relief that I didn't witness the tragic death of such a magnificent bird, I pause and consider the beauty of the sum of all his traits.  Each trait on it's own is not all that impressive, but when you put the whole package together - WOW!  Now, you've really got something!

Be love and be blessed!

Father's Day

It is Father's Day and many men are to be honored.  There are those who sacrifice much for their families needs and security.  Many have given their lives not only for their families but for future generations of their countrymen.  I know dozens who work hard to set an example of love, respect and service so their children can learn how to live a purposeful, meaningful life.

Unfortunately, I didn't have a decent father figure growing up.  And, even decades into adulthood, the effects of not having that important role in my life still linger like the smell of burnt toast long after it is in the trash.  Worse still though, the effect of having an abusive father is a pain that never completely heals.  Though not often now, sometimes I still hear him say "You're stupid", or "You're dumb", or "Shut-up", or a host of other unpleasantries that killed my self esteem and doomed me for relationship failures and poor choices in my early years.

God gives us opportunities to redeem the brokenness of our lives.  He uses our losses, our shortcomings and our pain to deliver us into a future of promise and fulfillment.  It may not be an easy road, this imperfect life we live, but if we remain open to bettering ourselves, to learning from failures and to allowing healing of our shattered souls we can come to a place of acceptance, of peace, and of understanding.  We can use our pain to be great parents, friends, spouses and to encourage and teach others that they also have purpose!

Creature Comforts

I was blessed today by the privilege of comforting one of God’s exquisite creatures as he took his last breath of life. It rained buckets last night and this morning. During a break in the rain I walked out to get the mail and found a wet, injured baby bird lying under a tree, apparently unable to remain in the nest amid the heavy rain and winds.

Sadly, I could tell he was not going to survive, but I couldn’t bear to leave him lying there to die struggling alone on the wet, cold ground. As he was soundlessly gasping for air, his wings splayed and head unnaturally tilted back, I picked up the poor little bird, softly cuddling him in my palm. Folding his wings into his body and lightly stroking his head I cooed softly telling him how sweet he was. He took his last breath and gently left his life in the palm of my hand.

Every life is precious and so the ending of one is a sacred and poignant moment. To be there to hold a loved one’s hand as they leave their earthly existence for their eternal home, or to cuddle a sweet creature of nature as they take their last innocent breath is not unlike holding the tender hand of God himself. Thanks be to our Divine Creator and Giver of Life.

Be blessed!

God's Promise

I can most assuredly tell you that God offers a future of enormous hope, of immeasurable love, of divine purpose. Just as he brought me through fires, so shall He restore each of us who believe in Him.

God has hope and a future for each of you as well. We may not know the specifics of his plan, but you can be assured He will stand beside you through thick and thin, through highs and lows, through joys and sorrows, through life and even death! He will NEVER leave you. Count on it. Count on Christ!! Thanks be to God!! Amen.

Quiet Divinity Amid The Chaos

When and how do you hear the voice of God?

To a great extent, Life is deafeningly loud. How can I discern the voice of the Almighty when I can’t hear my own thoughts above the roar of life? But, if I place myself in my perfect “listening environment”, I nearly always hear Him, somewhat like sitting down for a quiet conversation with a best friend.

What do you need to do to hear God in your daily life? Where must you be? What mindset helps you achieve that connection to your Creator?

Do you hear Him in the quiet stillness of a new morning before the noises of the day blur your awareness?

Does He whisper to you in the evening breeze or in the song of the mourning dove?

Do you hear Him cry softly as you look into the eyes of another who needs love and encouragement?

Maybe He speaks to your heart through the magical laughter of children who know joy in the midst of mayhem, or in the touch of a caring friend, or the tears of the wounded, or the kind words from a stranger.

Today I will listen for my Creator’s voice and I will recognize it in the happy song of the redbird, the tranquil breeze brushing my cheek, the sweet sound of slumber from my dog, and in the smiles of those God places in my path.

Be blessed!

30 Days of Gratitude

Feb 11, 2010 - Sometimes inspiration comes at the most inopportune time. Last night I started feeling sick and this morning I felt terrible. I laid in bed and drank my coffee hoping it would pass, got in the shower thinking that would clear my head, and dressed and went to work. I didn't last long before I had to leave and go back to bed. Sleep evaded me because I'd had too much caffeine! But, my body ached too much to get up, so I laid there with my mind racing. All I could think was "this bed feels soooooo good!" I couldn't stop thinking how a simple pleasure like having a warm bed filled me with gratitude.

Then I thought if I can be thankful today when I feel like doo-doo, why shouldn't I have a heart full of gratitude EVERY day. So, today I am starting 30 DAYS OF GRATITUDE on Facebook. Each day I'll post one thing for which I am thankful. I'm not making a list ahead of time. We can all come up with 30 things we are grateful to have or experience. But, when I'm in the middle of "life", be it messy or lovely, what fills my heart with true appreciation and joy? Well, here goes:

DAY 1 - I am joyously thankful that I have a warm king size bed with lots of blankets. I think of many who have no warm place to sleep, including Jesus whose bed was in a barn. I am blessed!

DAY 2 - I pondered this morning what it was that filled my heart with thanksgiving and decided that today I give praise for the gift of NATURE! I love nature every day, but the rare snow makes it especially joyful- a beauty that brings delight to my soul! Where ever you are today, step outside away from human habitation, and look at the natural physical creation. What do you see? How does it delight you? What can you do to experience that feeling each day?

DAY 3 – my heart rejoices in QUIETNESS! I am thankful for mornings when I steal moments of quiet before life noisily begins. In this silent space I feel peace, wholeness, simplicity-gifts that can’t be bought. My soul is still. God whispers. I listen. Today the Spirit confirms me. I am assured and that is an immeasurable gift. Small quiet times of meditation will be given to me throughout the day. I’ll cherish each.

DAY 4 – Happy Valentine's Day. Surely you know what my gratitude will be today! LOVE was a stranger until Bruce found me. In his quiet strength I find peace. His unassuming wisdom gives me confidence. And, his unconditional love teaches me to forgive myself when I’m not perfect. This love we share is undoubtedly sent from heaven and received with thanksgiving and irrepressible joy. Love is patient, love is kind. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love NEVER fails. Je t’aime my Dear!! Thank you for making life an exciting journey!

DAY 5 - This particular gratitude has been on my mind since I started this journey, but I wanted to contemplate it for a few days before writing about it. I have a dear friend who struggles to breathe and wheels her oxygen tank around her office, putting the tubing in her nose to fill her lungs with enough air to survive. Today I am grateful that I can BREATHE freely. Close your eyes, take a long, slow deep breath. Now, imagine having 12% lung capacity-feeling as if you are suffocating. Be thankful for each BREATH of life!! The Bible tells us that when God created Adam he actually blew air into his lungs giving him life. I like to imagine that God's breath, His actual oxygen, is in my lungs! Passed down from generation to generation, we are filled with the holy breath of life, made in the beautiful form of our Creator!

DAY 6 – Who resides in your heart, reminding you every moment of the miracle of love? Today I’m celebrating my sweet daughter SARA. Passion defines her! She ignites fervor in others with her intellect and emotions. Our hearts joined-she is my best friend and yet still my little girl. We’ve learned to be both mother/daughter and friends, sharing sorrows, joys, failures and victories. In my child I place my hopes for a better future, for fulfillment of her dreams, and for a life filled with gratitude for things which can’t be bought but that fill her heart with joy! Sara, thank you for a life of shared laughs, tears, hopes, secrets, passions and wonder. You are my TREASURE!

DAY 7-Thank you for my DOG Katy! Our yellow lab is very special indeed. She literally saved my life when I was deeply depressed & alone (Bruce traveled and Sara off to college)! Katy’s affection & devotion are unequalled in any dog I’ve ever had. She can tell her story better than I….”My name is Katy May, but my parents affectionately call me Boo-boo much of the time. I’m a gorgeous yellow Labrador Retriever and I’m especially pretty when I swim in the lake, then roll in the dirt! I LOVE water and boat rides and will let you know when it’s time to stop for a swim. My mom & dad bought me a king size bed and I let them and my cat sleep with me! They love to talk to me, rub my ears and my tummy so I let them because it makes them smile a lot. I have very good hearing-when they whisper words like ‘walk, go, ride, dinner, treat, or what’s that?’ I come running from the other room to check it out!” Dogs are the definition of unconditional love. So, it’s no coincidence that Dog spelled backward is GOD!

DAY 8-SUNRISE you are a new flower bud springing forth, another chance to rejoice, the resurrection of my soul. I am so grateful to live in the light of this new day!! Thank you Lord that the Light is more powerful than the darkness!!

DAY 9-We live in a glorious COUNTRY! With all her faults, she is still a Light for the world! America is endless opportunity, golden promises and infinite hope! Fields of grain and freedom reigns! Just as the Eagle, America stands proud, noble and fearless, undaunted by challenge and daring to dream! Don’t give up on your country-work to keep her great. Don’t tear her down-lift her up! I’m proud to be an American!!

DAY 10-I’m grateful for LAUGHTER! Being able to laugh (often at myself), hearing others laugh, making people laugh—a sound that says “everything’s OK”. The sound of laughter gives us momentary pause from whatever troubles us. The world’s ills magically stop and we are filled with pleasure and merriment. Laughter is good medicine for the soul!

DAY 11 – my heart is grateful for (drum roll please!)…PAIN. Surprised? Remember Stepford? The robotic wives with hair and makeup perfectly arranged, an eerie smile painted on their faces. To experience the fullness of joy, I’m convinced we must suffer pain, some of it gut-wrenching. How do we appreciate deep love without having lost it? Can we know satisfaction without feeling the pain of hunger? Without defeat, what is victory? I wouldn’t trade my deepest pain to live an anesthetized existence. Live knowing you’ll be wounded and healed!

DAY 12-It’s tough to say on a Monday, but I’m thankful for my JOB! Really, it’s not a job-it’s a chance to help others, make a difference, minister and show the love of Christ through the talents He has given me. When I solve their problem, it brings relief, which brings joy both to my client and to me! I laugh with them, cry with them and together we share life’s journey and it is sweeter because of my work!

DAY 13- I’m very thankful for HUGS!! Can you imagine living without hugs? Hugs are good for your health. I hug almost everyone-family, friends, clients, people I don’t know who look like they need one!! In this tech connected world, we’ve lost the encouragement of physical touch. Embrace someone who needs to be uplifted today!

DAY 14-tough day-I can only think to be thankful for Starbuck’s coffee brewed at home every morning! Couldn’t have gotten out of bed without it today! :) Need one of those hugs I talked about yesterday.

DAY 15-on the run today, so I am grateful to have a good, reliable CAR to get me around town! Hopefully, tomorrow will be inspirational! ♥

DAY 16-I'm 1/2 way thru my gratitude journey! Today I give thanks for HOPE!! The video I just posted is a message of hope that I share. All generations experience a time of bleakness, but the promises of hope and future eventually triumph because God gives us a spirit of power and love! "Hope" is the thing with feathers-that perches in the soul-and sings the tune without words-and never stops at all! Be blessed! ♥

DAY 17-Giving thanks for a WARMER DAY! I'm closing my eyes, lifting my face skyward and letting the sun warm my soul!!

DAY 18 - Just now getting to my computer. But, today I am thankful for DIRT!! I love gardening and it was a perfect day with lots of sunshine, so I worked in one of my gardens. Working in the soil is therapeutic and it brings me close to God. We have the best soil in the world here and growing is a pleasure and so rewarding!

DAY 19 - HOME! It’s not just a building-our homes are our havens! In them, we nestle against an often cold & cruel world. No matter how chic or simple, our home should be a sanctuary, nurturing our spirit & restoring us to wholeness. Rid yourself of clutter and make your home a place of comfort and simple beauty that will allow peace to settle in your being! ♥

DAY 20-my grateful heart loves SURPRISES!! Whether it is the surprise of a daffodil opening its sweet face to the sun overnight, or receiving an unexpected card in the mail from a friend, or my dear husband having a warm delicious meal waiting for me, surprises make my heart leap! Give someone the gift of amazement today by surprising them with something unexpected!!

DAY 21- Today I am thankful for the way GOD uses situations and people to encourage us! Like when you are feeling totally alone and a friend calls you out of the blue; or when you feel underappreciated and someone tells you you've made a difference; or when someone amazing comes into your life and lifts you from the pit of despair! Thank you Loving God! I stand in awe!!!

DAY 22 - I’m grateful for the gift of PEACE. Peace is the absence of disturbance, a calm and composed soul, an inner harmony and oneness with God. Today I walk on the path of peace with God’s help. Today, I choose PEACE!

DAY 23-I am thankful for the beauty of BIRDS. We are blessed to have a large variety of birds in our yard-cardinals, blue birds, robins, chickadees, warblers, blue jays, titmice, flycatchers, nuthatches, and the list goes on. They bring good cheer and keep the bug population from overrunning us and they remind me that ...God loves me! Don't forget to feed and water your birds! ♥

DAY 24-i am thankful for a day of RELAXING outdoors!

DAY 25-Today I am grateful God gave us MUSIC! My best friend sang a beautiful song at church today and it filled my heart with good things!

DAY 26-This has been a wonderful journey-thinking of the blessings I enjoy every day! Today my heart is glad for FRIENDS. Friend is defined as "one who gives assistance; or a supporter". My friends support, defend, encourage, comfort and strengthen me AND they allow me to do the same for them. That is the definition of love! ♥

DAY 27-WOW! What a beautiful day! My heart is singing in the SUNSHINE! Thank you marvelous Creator!! :)

DAY 28-I'm thankful God gave us seasons, especially SPRING. The subject of many great poems, it is a time of great beauty and rebirth and stirs delight in my soul! "Sweet in your voice I hear the season's message,--Love, love, love, and Spring in the South!"

DAY 29-I'm grateful for the WORD OF GOD. Countless times it has brought me wisdom, hope, comfort and strength. In my darkest hours and my triumphant moments I gather the WORD that in written on my heart and my steps are confident! If all were taken from me, the WORD would still live in me! :)

DAY 30 – Today is the last day of my official online gratitude journal! I’ve struggled with how to conclude, deciding the 2 most vital parts of my life deserve special gratitude today. Without FAITH and FAMILY, I am a meaningless shell. Though I lacked an earthly father, my heavenly One loves me without limits! The family I yearned for as a young girl was given first with my baby girl, then with my loving husband, whose family became my own. Now I know family is more than shared bloodline-my closest friends are my family too-they bear my burdens when I’m unable-they love me unconditionally-they never give up on me! I am blessed beyond my wildest imagination, beyond what I deserve, but I accept it with a beholden heart! ♥

Be love and be blessed!!

What Would You Give?

Our minister gave a great sermon today about our eternal inheritance.  The scripture was from Matthew 19 when Jesus tells a young man that he must sell all that he owns, give it to the poor and follow Jesus.  That is what is required for the man to receive his eternal reward.  So, the question I pose is "Could you give up your life for Christ?" 

Now, most of us will rationalize - "yes, but they didn't have much to give up back in those days" or "well, they didn't have jobs that require them to work 10 hours a day like I do" or "life was different then, they lived in tents".  But, let's be brutally honest here, if the opportunity presented itself for you to put your life on hold, leave everything behind, and do God's work, would you?  Would you sell your comfortable home, give up your job and go to a strange, foreign land if God called you?  If God said, I want to you live frugally and give your money to feed the poor, are you willing to trade that new SUV for a used car?  Instead of buying that new computer, TV, piece of jewelry, boat, music lessons, concert tickets (these are all luxuries folks!), would you set the money aside and give it to a food bank?

I'll be as honest as I hope you will be.... I don't know if I could give up EVERYTHING!  I want to believe I would, but boy do I get attached to my life!  It's not that I love "things" more than God because I know it all belongs to Him.  He has been generous to bless me with abilities and opportunities that have enriched my life not only with ways to glorify Him and to care for others, but also with some extra comforts of life that bring me joy.  Don't we secretly think that we've earned the comforts and the lives we have?  God wouldn't want me to give up everything I've worked so hard to earn, would He?

Relax, I'm not suggesting that every Christian sell their homes and all their possessions, preach on the street corners, and live in tents.  Most of us will never be called to give up our homes or the comforts God has granted us.  But, maybe He is speaking to you about increasing your monetary commitment to your church or to a particular charity.  Oh, but I can't afford to do that this year God.  I'm getting ready to pay college tuition for my child and the job market is really tough.  So, there is nothing you could give up to save money to answer the Lord's call?  How about that weekly (or, for some of us, daily) dinner or lunch out?  Or, the $15 (or $150) bottle of wine you wanted to try?  Or, the new pair of boots or athletic shoes that were on sale?  What about that manicure or pedicure you get every 2 weeks?  The extra recreational activity?  The daily cup of Starbucks?  That unnecessary, extravagant gift?

Maybe the spirit of the Lord is speaking to you about giving of yourself, but you've ignored Him thinking "I'm not qualified to do anything special", or "I don't have any spare time between caring for my family and working full-time", or "someone else with more time should do it".  Really?  Think about it.  Think about the time you spend every week on activities that, in the scheme of life, are not all that important.  I can name some...facebooking (but, I really like it!), watching mindless TV (except 24!), surfing the internet, shopping.... Amost all of us could find an hour or two each week that we could give back.  Give back to God.  Give back to society.  Give back to others.  Give back to your starving Spirit.

Next month I am giving my time to facilitate an 8 week Bible study at my church.  It wouldn't have been difficult to talk myself out of this commitment with all that I have going on.  Afterall, I own a business in which I work more than full time.  I haven't had more than a long weekend for a vacation in over 3-1/2 years.  I just finished helping my daughter plan her wedding and hosted the event.  Certainly, I could use a few months to just selfishly "veg".  But, God called and I am going to answer and give up the time I swear I don't have, but that I know he will create, to serve Him in the small way He is leading me today.  The fact is that I will be blessed beyond measure by spending this precious time with Him and it will definitely be worth the small sacrifice!  What will you do?  Lent begins February 17th.

Be blessed,

Tammy