Do you ever feel like you're going into a lion's den?
When you walk into work or a meeting you know won't be good?
When you enter an uncomfortable home situation?
Or, heaven forbid, even in church?
I think many of us have faced our share of lion's dens. They may have been a classroom when we were a kid.
Maybe it was gym class.
But whatever the situation, we know what it is to feel very alone in a situation where we picture ourselves being ripped up - if not physically - at least verbally and emotionally.
That's when I think about a man named Daniel who actually was thrown into a lion's den.
Do you remember the Bible story?
Daniel was a favorite administrator under King Darius' rule. Other became jealous of Daniel and schemed to have him thrown into the den.
Many of you know the story. When the den was opened the next day, Daniel was still in one piece.
"My God sent his angel and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight...."
Daniel was pulled from the den. Look at what Daniel, chapter 6, verse 23 says next "And when Daniel was lifted from the den, no wound was found on him, because he had trusted in his God."
The evil officials who sought harm for Daniel then met their own horrible end at the jaws and the paws of the lions.
May all of us trust the power, protection and love of God whenever we face a lion's den.
Blessings,
Tammy
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Monday, January 11, 2010
Reflections on half a century
Tomorrow, Jan. 12, 2010, I will turn 50 years old.
Hard to believe.
Some friends are planning a lunch for the day after and my husband says he'll take me out to dinner. I do appreciate those things.
Yet I also know that every year, in itself, is a gift - even the bad ones, the ones we hate to go through.
Why?
Because we learn from them.
Years ago, I read an Ann Landers column. Apparently, a woman had written in because she was depressed about turning 50.
In this particular column, Ann ran the letter of a young mother of three children. The woman, who was in her 30s, had cancer. She wrote about how she'd never see her young children graduate from high school or get married. She'd never see her grandchildren.
Oh how she wished she could live to see her 50th birthday.
I think I was in my 20s or 30s when I read that column. I can't remember how old I was, but I remember that letter.
It has since shaped my thinking.
I may not be happy about an achy knee or thinning hair or weight that seems to cling a little too easily these days, but I am so grateful for what I've learned during these last five decades.
I'm closer to God and more at peace than I've ever been. I have a confidence founded not in myself, but in the Great I Am, the Most High God, the Creator of the Universe. I can rest in hands of a God who sees the future that I do not and loves me for who I am, despite my flaws.
Better yet, I know that the Lord doesn't play favorites. He doesn't love me any more than he loves you and I know with all my heart that he wants to shower you with the same blessings.
So as I so quickly approach this 50th birthday I want to say "Thank you Lord for being so good to me - for teaching me through trials and lavishing me with blessings. I love you Lord."
And if you haven't already, please reach out to the Lord.
Years ago, man shared the plan of salvation with me. He told me that none of us are perfect. We all mess up, but if:
1. we repent of our sins (that means to be so sorry that we never want to do them again);
2. and believe that Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead to save us from our sins;
3. and ask him to come into our hearts and be our savior, we will be saved. That means we get to go to heaven when we die.
The Scriptures say that if you believe in your heart and confess with your mouth you will be saved.
Plain and simple.
I prayed that prayer when I was 16 years old. My life has never been the same. Oh, I've messed up and suffered the consequences and then come back to the Lord.
He's always been faithful and I know he always will be. And as I look back on my life, I can agree with the Psalmist who wrote: "Be at rest once more, oh my soul, for the Lord has been good to you." Psalm 116:7.
I pray that God blesses each and every one of you who read this.
Tammy M.
Hard to believe.
Some friends are planning a lunch for the day after and my husband says he'll take me out to dinner. I do appreciate those things.
Yet I also know that every year, in itself, is a gift - even the bad ones, the ones we hate to go through.
Why?
Because we learn from them.
Years ago, I read an Ann Landers column. Apparently, a woman had written in because she was depressed about turning 50.
In this particular column, Ann ran the letter of a young mother of three children. The woman, who was in her 30s, had cancer. She wrote about how she'd never see her young children graduate from high school or get married. She'd never see her grandchildren.
Oh how she wished she could live to see her 50th birthday.
I think I was in my 20s or 30s when I read that column. I can't remember how old I was, but I remember that letter.
It has since shaped my thinking.
I may not be happy about an achy knee or thinning hair or weight that seems to cling a little too easily these days, but I am so grateful for what I've learned during these last five decades.
I'm closer to God and more at peace than I've ever been. I have a confidence founded not in myself, but in the Great I Am, the Most High God, the Creator of the Universe. I can rest in hands of a God who sees the future that I do not and loves me for who I am, despite my flaws.
Better yet, I know that the Lord doesn't play favorites. He doesn't love me any more than he loves you and I know with all my heart that he wants to shower you with the same blessings.
So as I so quickly approach this 50th birthday I want to say "Thank you Lord for being so good to me - for teaching me through trials and lavishing me with blessings. I love you Lord."
And if you haven't already, please reach out to the Lord.
Years ago, man shared the plan of salvation with me. He told me that none of us are perfect. We all mess up, but if:
1. we repent of our sins (that means to be so sorry that we never want to do them again);
2. and believe that Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead to save us from our sins;
3. and ask him to come into our hearts and be our savior, we will be saved. That means we get to go to heaven when we die.
The Scriptures say that if you believe in your heart and confess with your mouth you will be saved.
Plain and simple.
I prayed that prayer when I was 16 years old. My life has never been the same. Oh, I've messed up and suffered the consequences and then come back to the Lord.
He's always been faithful and I know he always will be. And as I look back on my life, I can agree with the Psalmist who wrote: "Be at rest once more, oh my soul, for the Lord has been good to you." Psalm 116:7.
I pray that God blesses each and every one of you who read this.
Tammy M.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Good listening
I wish I could get everybody to copy and paste this address into their Web browser http://www.lifetoday.org/site/PageServer?pagename=bth_media
It's the address for the Life Today site that includes broadcasts of "Wednesdays with Beth" on the Life Today program with James and Betty Robison.
Beth is Beth Moore, an incredibly gifted Bible teacher, whose lessons cross denominational lines.
My faith began growing dramatically in 2005 after I took her "Believing God" Bible study. It a combination of weekly, hourlong video programs, a week's worth of workbook lessons and then group discussion.
I still remember the first video I ever saw with her. Nothing so completely and absolutely captured my attention. I knew I wanted to come back.
Since then, I've taken several of her studies either at church or on my own. They say it's better to do it in a group and that's probably true. But if you don't have that opportunity, you can buy the books from the Lifeway Christian Resources Web site (or at some Christian bookstores) and then download the videos onto your computer from that site. You don't have to buy them all at once. I buy them after I've finished a week's worth of lessons. Each session costs about $5.50 or less. I put it on my bank card.
I've loved her studies. I think her study on Daniel was my favorite. The first half of that book of the Bible contains stories we loved as a child or young adult - stories like Daniel and the Lions' Den or the three men who were thrown into the fiery furnace.
Beth has a way of helping me look at those stories in a way I never have before. She brings new insights.
The second half of Daniel contains prophesy, much of which has been fulfilled.
I have to admit that I never understood that second half. It was so full of symbolism that I felt like I was trying to read a foreign language.
Beth provided the Rosetta Stone I needed. In her study on Daniel, she explains what the symbolism means.
It opened up a whole new world to me.
I really would like to encourage you all to check into her work. She continually amazes me with her teaching.
I've included some of what I've learned from Beth in my book "Real Spiritual Spinach - Faith for the Journey."
I hope that someday she'll read a copy of the book. If I could inspire or encourage her even half as much as she has me ... well, I'd be thrilled to bits!
In the meantime, please keep reading God's word and praying!
Tammy M.
It's the address for the Life Today site that includes broadcasts of "Wednesdays with Beth" on the Life Today program with James and Betty Robison.
Beth is Beth Moore, an incredibly gifted Bible teacher, whose lessons cross denominational lines.
My faith began growing dramatically in 2005 after I took her "Believing God" Bible study. It a combination of weekly, hourlong video programs, a week's worth of workbook lessons and then group discussion.
I still remember the first video I ever saw with her. Nothing so completely and absolutely captured my attention. I knew I wanted to come back.
Since then, I've taken several of her studies either at church or on my own. They say it's better to do it in a group and that's probably true. But if you don't have that opportunity, you can buy the books from the Lifeway Christian Resources Web site (or at some Christian bookstores) and then download the videos onto your computer from that site. You don't have to buy them all at once. I buy them after I've finished a week's worth of lessons. Each session costs about $5.50 or less. I put it on my bank card.
I've loved her studies. I think her study on Daniel was my favorite. The first half of that book of the Bible contains stories we loved as a child or young adult - stories like Daniel and the Lions' Den or the three men who were thrown into the fiery furnace.
Beth has a way of helping me look at those stories in a way I never have before. She brings new insights.
The second half of Daniel contains prophesy, much of which has been fulfilled.
I have to admit that I never understood that second half. It was so full of symbolism that I felt like I was trying to read a foreign language.
Beth provided the Rosetta Stone I needed. In her study on Daniel, she explains what the symbolism means.
It opened up a whole new world to me.
I really would like to encourage you all to check into her work. She continually amazes me with her teaching.
I've included some of what I've learned from Beth in my book "Real Spiritual Spinach - Faith for the Journey."
I hope that someday she'll read a copy of the book. If I could inspire or encourage her even half as much as she has me ... well, I'd be thrilled to bits!
In the meantime, please keep reading God's word and praying!
Tammy M.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Brrr it's cold outside!
Sometimes it's tough to "feel" grateful when it's snowing outside and the wind is blowing - and your town already has had a bunch of snow.
Tonight, however, I'm reminded of the Apostle Paul's exhortation to the Philippians in which he said: "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your witness be evident to all. The Lord is near."
How many times do we forget how near the Lord is?
To me, he's as near as my heart.
I have to remember how many times of the day he helps me. I had to cover a meeting the other night. I knew there were going to be government officials - probably with lots of facts and figures. I really believe the Lord prompted me to call ahead and get them to send me some background - something the proved invaluable when I was writing the story.
Some people might argue that it's just common sense, but I can tell you that I've gone to lots of meetings without background. The Lord's always been faithful and I've always received the information I needed.
This time was different and I appreciate what I believe was a gentle nudging from the Holy Spirit.
I believe the Holy Spirit reminds me of God's word - right when I need it.
As it says in John 14:26: "But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you."
But I also think that sometimes the Holy Spirit simply reminds me of very practical things:
like calling ahead to get background for a story:
or remembering to get some dog food;
or to tell my husband something.
I'm interested to read what other people think.
So if you read this blog. Let me know.
In the meantime, rejoice in the fact that God loved you so much that he sent his one and only son to die for you - so you could spend eternity with him!
Blessings,
Tammy M.
P.S. Please, please visit my Web site at www.realspiritualspinach.com
Tonight, however, I'm reminded of the Apostle Paul's exhortation to the Philippians in which he said: "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your witness be evident to all. The Lord is near."
How many times do we forget how near the Lord is?
To me, he's as near as my heart.
I have to remember how many times of the day he helps me. I had to cover a meeting the other night. I knew there were going to be government officials - probably with lots of facts and figures. I really believe the Lord prompted me to call ahead and get them to send me some background - something the proved invaluable when I was writing the story.
Some people might argue that it's just common sense, but I can tell you that I've gone to lots of meetings without background. The Lord's always been faithful and I've always received the information I needed.
This time was different and I appreciate what I believe was a gentle nudging from the Holy Spirit.
I believe the Holy Spirit reminds me of God's word - right when I need it.
As it says in John 14:26: "But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you."
But I also think that sometimes the Holy Spirit simply reminds me of very practical things:
like calling ahead to get background for a story:
or remembering to get some dog food;
or to tell my husband something.
I'm interested to read what other people think.
So if you read this blog. Let me know.
In the meantime, rejoice in the fact that God loved you so much that he sent his one and only son to die for you - so you could spend eternity with him!
Blessings,
Tammy M.
P.S. Please, please visit my Web site at www.realspiritualspinach.com
Sunday, January 3, 2010
More of Beth's Seduce-Proofing the Godly Life
I'm still working on the Beth Moore Bible study called "When Godly People Do Ungodly Things."
It's really good and like all of her studies, I'd recommend it to anyone.
Some more of her tips include:
* Allowing God to sanctify you through and through. I've learned through her study that sanctify just means set apart. What I read in Beth's study that also means letting God invade our lives with nothing off-limits.
To me that means that I think twice about what movies I go to see, what shows I watch on television, what books I read. I've become a lot more careful about what I let filter into my brain. Our brains are like little video cameras that record information that can be played back.
And sometimes played back at the worst times - times of temptation, fear, etc. So I think we have to be careful what we let our brains record.
I know I've personally regretted reading or watching some things that really bugged me later and certainly didn't enrich my life. I think others have had the same experience.
So I don't mind if God wants me to be set apart in this area.
* Knowing that we need prayer. We may think this, but I don't think we always follow through. Beth is right when she says that we need others to pray for us.
I think, however, that a lot of us have trouble asking someone to pray for us. We think we need to be facing a major crisis, first. Or we'll seek prayer for some little thing, because we don't want people to know what's really going on.
The problem, though, is that we can become isolated. We may feel like nobody understands us and they may not - because we haven't let them close enough.
May I tell you something?
When you get in a Bible study where you can trust people, it's wonderful to be able to share what's in your heart and to hear others pray aloud on your behalf.
I've had people pray some amazingly wonderful, comforting prayers for me. And, in turn, I've just shared simple observations with people in prayer and later noticed that they seemed to be very grateful.
I think one of the best ways that husbands and wives can share their love for each other is to pray together aloud. I've been so blessed by hearing some of Chuck's prayers for me.
Some couples may not feel so comfortable. It takes time. Even a simple little prayer is a start.
Again, I'd really advise looking into the Beth Moore Bible studies.
Just visit www.lifeway.com - her name can be found in small letters in the top lefthand corner. Click on that and scroll down the page and you can find out more about her studies. I can't tell you how much my faith has grown since I've started doing her Bible studies.
You can buy the workbooks online and download the video sessions - week by week if you'd like. It's really probably better if you can do them in a group - because the group discussions are wonderful for bonding with other women.
But not everyone has that option.
Beth also has written various books and she has a Personal Reflections Series like "Jesus - 90 Days with the One and Only" that's published by B & H Publishing Group in Nashville.
You might be able to find copies at your local bookstore.
It's really good and like all of her studies, I'd recommend it to anyone.
Some more of her tips include:
* Allowing God to sanctify you through and through. I've learned through her study that sanctify just means set apart. What I read in Beth's study that also means letting God invade our lives with nothing off-limits.
To me that means that I think twice about what movies I go to see, what shows I watch on television, what books I read. I've become a lot more careful about what I let filter into my brain. Our brains are like little video cameras that record information that can be played back.
And sometimes played back at the worst times - times of temptation, fear, etc. So I think we have to be careful what we let our brains record.
I know I've personally regretted reading or watching some things that really bugged me later and certainly didn't enrich my life. I think others have had the same experience.
So I don't mind if God wants me to be set apart in this area.
* Knowing that we need prayer. We may think this, but I don't think we always follow through. Beth is right when she says that we need others to pray for us.
I think, however, that a lot of us have trouble asking someone to pray for us. We think we need to be facing a major crisis, first. Or we'll seek prayer for some little thing, because we don't want people to know what's really going on.
The problem, though, is that we can become isolated. We may feel like nobody understands us and they may not - because we haven't let them close enough.
May I tell you something?
When you get in a Bible study where you can trust people, it's wonderful to be able to share what's in your heart and to hear others pray aloud on your behalf.
I've had people pray some amazingly wonderful, comforting prayers for me. And, in turn, I've just shared simple observations with people in prayer and later noticed that they seemed to be very grateful.
I think one of the best ways that husbands and wives can share their love for each other is to pray together aloud. I've been so blessed by hearing some of Chuck's prayers for me.
Some couples may not feel so comfortable. It takes time. Even a simple little prayer is a start.
Again, I'd really advise looking into the Beth Moore Bible studies.
Just visit www.lifeway.com - her name can be found in small letters in the top lefthand corner. Click on that and scroll down the page and you can find out more about her studies. I can't tell you how much my faith has grown since I've started doing her Bible studies.
You can buy the workbooks online and download the video sessions - week by week if you'd like. It's really probably better if you can do them in a group - because the group discussions are wonderful for bonding with other women.
But not everyone has that option.
Beth also has written various books and she has a Personal Reflections Series like "Jesus - 90 Days with the One and Only" that's published by B & H Publishing Group in Nashville.
You might be able to find copies at your local bookstore.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Seduce-Proofing a Godly Life
I've been working through a great Bible study by Christian author Beth Moore.
It's a study called "When Godly People Do Ungodly Things."
Years ago, I committed my life to Christ, then fell away big time. It was a long, hard road back, but the Lord has blessed me tremendously since then.
Anyway, I didn't know if I wanted to do this study until I learned that Beth uses it to help teach people how to avoid getting in a tough situation in the first place.
So I bought the book online and have begun downloading the weekly sessions. The material is published by Lifeway Christian Resources.
I'm up to a chapter called "Seduce-Proofing Our Lives."
She says seduce-proof Christians are those who:
*Are happy in their faith (It's OK to be a Christian and be happy).
* Abstain from evil.
* Prays without ceasing (I've learned to do some of this: Thank God for simple things like a beautiful sunset; Ask him to open up a parking place for you; Tell him on the way to the bathroom how someone hurt your feelings by the last thing he/she said; Ask him to show you how to handle a situation before going into a meeting.
A lot of times, I just pray and ask God to show me how to act and react. I know that's saved me from a world of pain.)
* Is thankful and gives thanks.
* Doesn't quench the spirit. (I think we do that when we get that gentle nudge from the Holy Spirit not to say something - and then we do it anyway. I try to quickly tell God that I'm sorry when I do that.)
I'm certainly not perfect. Like my pastor always says, "I'm a fellow struggler."
I'm trying to learn like other people.
I'm certainly open to suggestions! I'm open to reading about other people's journeys.
Stay warm!
Tammy M.
It's a study called "When Godly People Do Ungodly Things."
Years ago, I committed my life to Christ, then fell away big time. It was a long, hard road back, but the Lord has blessed me tremendously since then.
Anyway, I didn't know if I wanted to do this study until I learned that Beth uses it to help teach people how to avoid getting in a tough situation in the first place.
So I bought the book online and have begun downloading the weekly sessions. The material is published by Lifeway Christian Resources.
I'm up to a chapter called "Seduce-Proofing Our Lives."
She says seduce-proof Christians are those who:
*Are happy in their faith (It's OK to be a Christian and be happy).
* Abstain from evil.
* Prays without ceasing (I've learned to do some of this: Thank God for simple things like a beautiful sunset; Ask him to open up a parking place for you; Tell him on the way to the bathroom how someone hurt your feelings by the last thing he/she said; Ask him to show you how to handle a situation before going into a meeting.
A lot of times, I just pray and ask God to show me how to act and react. I know that's saved me from a world of pain.)
* Is thankful and gives thanks.
* Doesn't quench the spirit. (I think we do that when we get that gentle nudge from the Holy Spirit not to say something - and then we do it anyway. I try to quickly tell God that I'm sorry when I do that.)
I'm certainly not perfect. Like my pastor always says, "I'm a fellow struggler."
I'm trying to learn like other people.
I'm certainly open to suggestions! I'm open to reading about other people's journeys.
Stay warm!
Tammy M.
Friday, January 1, 2010
Wondering about blogs
Do many people read these?
I wonder.
I hope so. I hope my very first blog entry wasn't too long or choppy. I did my best to compile several years of happenings into a concise account.
By the way, do people care that I love chocolate pie? Or don't like cherries? Do they care that I have a wonderful husband? Two great kids and a very fine daughter-in-law? Three spoiled dogs?
Does it sound like I'm bragging?
I don't mean to.
I just want people to know how good God has been to me.
Times haven't always been easy, but the Lord has been faithful.
He really is a rock and a shield.
I love the verse: “Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the Lord has been good to you.” (Psalm 116:7).
I think that says it all!
Happy New Year!
Tammy M.
I wonder.
I hope so. I hope my very first blog entry wasn't too long or choppy. I did my best to compile several years of happenings into a concise account.
By the way, do people care that I love chocolate pie? Or don't like cherries? Do they care that I have a wonderful husband? Two great kids and a very fine daughter-in-law? Three spoiled dogs?
Does it sound like I'm bragging?
I don't mean to.
I just want people to know how good God has been to me.
Times haven't always been easy, but the Lord has been faithful.
He really is a rock and a shield.
I love the verse: “Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the Lord has been good to you.” (Psalm 116:7).
I think that says it all!
Happy New Year!
Tammy M.
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