We have the cutest little dog named, Buzz.
He appears to be part Sheltie and part Welsh corgie. We got him from the humane society years ago.
Most of the time, Buzz is an ideal dog.
Lately, however, Buzz has been a little naughty.
Our house is behind some apartment buildings. There is a parking lot in between. After a couple of blizzards, workers blew snow from the lot into our backyard - creating a huge snow hill over the top of our chain link fence. Once the snow hardened, our little dog realized that he could just walk right over that hill and out of the yard.
He's escaped four times.
Each time it's happened, I've tried to remain calm and pray, but I've usually ended up frantically searching the neighborhood. One night I found myself yelling out our phone number to a pizza delivery man - just in case he saw our dog.
How the poor guy was ever supposed to remember that number while delivering a pizza, I'll never know.
All that aside, the Lord has been gracious and brought our little dog back.
But the whole situation makes me think about the boundaries we cross. How often in life have I strayed out of God's protective boundary and gotten into a mess? Hopefully, I do that much less now, but I know that in the past I haven't been much different than Buzz.
God has put boundaries in place for our good. Just like there's a reason we stop at a stop light, there's a reason that God tells us not to lie, steal, have sex outside of marriage ....
When we fail to stop at that light, we risk getting hit. When we fail to do what God says, we not only risk getting terribly hurt and hurting others terribly - we hurt God. We disobey him - the one who sent his only son to die for us.
What I have found in life is that I actually have the greatest freedom when I stay inside God's boundaries. Let me provide an example. When I drive down the highway, I stay in the right lane - the one that's marked by a boundary. I certainly can cross the center line and drive all over the road, but I risk being terribly hurt.
It's by staying within the roadway's boundary that I have the greatest freedom. I can drive many miles, stop at a favorite place to eat or even visit another state.
By staying within God's boundaries I can enjoy freedom from fear, grief, guilt and multitude of other problems. Best of all, I'm obeying my heavenly father.
Lately, whenever Buzz goes out in the backyard, I watch him. When he strays too close to the fence I call him.
He has been obedient to come back to me. And when he does, he gets a little treat.
He likes that very much.
One of these days, the snow will melt and Buzz won't have that snow hill for a temptation.
But for now, I just hope he remembers where he gets the best treats.
Blessings,
Tammy
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Sunday, February 7, 2010
More waiting, but that's OK
Well, Zach had his audition in Chicago for Berklee College of Music in Boston.
He seems to think that he did well, which I think is good.
Now, more waiting.
The judges said they'd send him an e-mail by the end of March to let him know if he made it into the school. If he is I'm asking for prayer for lots of scholarship money!
But as it stands, I'm at peace.
I'm praying for God's will to be done. If it's his will that Zach goes to Boston, I'm praying that he gets plugged into a good church right away and makes strong Christian friends.
If not, I'm praying that God brings a Plan B along right away.
Either way, I know that God is good.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5
I love you, Lord. Thank you for the peace that passes all understanding!
Blessings,
Tammy M.
He seems to think that he did well, which I think is good.
Now, more waiting.
The judges said they'd send him an e-mail by the end of March to let him know if he made it into the school. If he is I'm asking for prayer for lots of scholarship money!
But as it stands, I'm at peace.
I'm praying for God's will to be done. If it's his will that Zach goes to Boston, I'm praying that he gets plugged into a good church right away and makes strong Christian friends.
If not, I'm praying that God brings a Plan B along right away.
Either way, I know that God is good.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5
I love you, Lord. Thank you for the peace that passes all understanding!
Blessings,
Tammy M.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Waiting and trusting
I sit here waiting and trusting.
My husband, Chuck, and our son, Zach, are in Chicago today. Zach had an audition with Berklee College of Music in Boston. The audition was in Chicago.
This is Zach's dream school. It's the school he wants to go to. As far as I know, he doesn't have a Plan B.
Boston is a long way from Nebraska. It's a long way from our influence, but not a long way from our prayers or God.
If Zach passes the audition, I pray he gets good scholarship money and grants. I also pray that he gets plugged into a good church and makes strong Christian friends who will be a positive influence in his life.
I'm praying that he passes that audition with flying colors and gets plenty of scholarship money. If that's not the Lord's will, then I pray that our loving Father will quickly provide that Plan B - and that it will be a wonderful plan, indeed.
So here I sit.
Waiting.
Waiting for a phone call from my husband to tell me how things went.
But I've also got my Bible open to Psalms. I've asked God to talk to me and my fingers found their way to Psalm 135, which in part says: "Praise the Lord. Praise the name of the Lord; praise him, you servants of the Lord, you who minister in the house of the Lord, in the courts of the house of our God.
"Praise the Lord, for the Lord is good; sing praise to his name for that is pleasant.
"For the Lord has chosen Jacob to be his own, Israel to be his possession.
"I know that the Lord is great, that our Lord is greater than all gods.
"The Lord does whatever pleases him, in the heavens and on the earth."
It's true that the Lord is in charge. He does what he wants and what he knows is best.
So here's where the trust comes in.
No matter what happens, I trust my God. I know he wants what's best for us. And I rely on his words: "I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord of hosts, plans to prosper and not harm you; plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me and I will listen to you and you will seek me and find me when you seek me with your whole heart." Jeremiah 29:11-13.
In this gray twilight of uncertainty, I have to trust that my God is good. He is faithful. He knows what's best.
So I wait.
And I trust.
Blessings,
Tammy
My husband, Chuck, and our son, Zach, are in Chicago today. Zach had an audition with Berklee College of Music in Boston. The audition was in Chicago.
This is Zach's dream school. It's the school he wants to go to. As far as I know, he doesn't have a Plan B.
Boston is a long way from Nebraska. It's a long way from our influence, but not a long way from our prayers or God.
If Zach passes the audition, I pray he gets good scholarship money and grants. I also pray that he gets plugged into a good church and makes strong Christian friends who will be a positive influence in his life.
I'm praying that he passes that audition with flying colors and gets plenty of scholarship money. If that's not the Lord's will, then I pray that our loving Father will quickly provide that Plan B - and that it will be a wonderful plan, indeed.
So here I sit.
Waiting.
Waiting for a phone call from my husband to tell me how things went.
But I've also got my Bible open to Psalms. I've asked God to talk to me and my fingers found their way to Psalm 135, which in part says: "Praise the Lord. Praise the name of the Lord; praise him, you servants of the Lord, you who minister in the house of the Lord, in the courts of the house of our God.
"Praise the Lord, for the Lord is good; sing praise to his name for that is pleasant.
"For the Lord has chosen Jacob to be his own, Israel to be his possession.
"I know that the Lord is great, that our Lord is greater than all gods.
"The Lord does whatever pleases him, in the heavens and on the earth."
It's true that the Lord is in charge. He does what he wants and what he knows is best.
So here's where the trust comes in.
No matter what happens, I trust my God. I know he wants what's best for us. And I rely on his words: "I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord of hosts, plans to prosper and not harm you; plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me and I will listen to you and you will seek me and find me when you seek me with your whole heart." Jeremiah 29:11-13.
In this gray twilight of uncertainty, I have to trust that my God is good. He is faithful. He knows what's best.
So I wait.
And I trust.
Blessings,
Tammy
Monday, February 1, 2010
One of those mornings
Ever have one of those mornings?
Goofy things happen. The dog gets out and you find yourself driving around hoping and praying that you'll find him.
You have some less-than-pleasant words with your son while trying to get him to help you look. He's obedient. He helps, but he isn't happy with you.
And you're not happy with yourself.
You get to work and you can't reach the people you wanted to on the phone.
Later, you think you're doing everything right in a certain situation, but find out you were supposed to be doing something different.
OK. We all have Mondays kind of like this. Not terrible. Not crushing. Not with insurmountable problems.
But they're the kind of days that make me want to run to God - to ask him for encouragement. I need him to build me up on the inside so I can face whatever is on the outside.
It's times like this that I think of the Apostle Paul's letter to the Ephesians. In chapter 3, verse 16, he writes: "I pray that out of his glorious riches, he may strengthen you with power through his spirit in your inner being so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith."
Who doesn't need that?
So I pray, "Dear Lord please strengthen me. Please show me how to do what I need to do and how to do it right."
And since I'm kind of a baby, I also pray, "Lord please make it easy for me. Please just let all the pieces fall together. Please put people in my path who will help and guide me. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen."
I don't know about you, but I need that strengthening in my inner being.
And nobody can supply that like God, who blesses us more than we could ever imagine.
By the way, we did find the dog. He was merrily trotting back toward the house.
Guess he knows where his real home is - as do we!
Blessings,
Tammy
Goofy things happen. The dog gets out and you find yourself driving around hoping and praying that you'll find him.
You have some less-than-pleasant words with your son while trying to get him to help you look. He's obedient. He helps, but he isn't happy with you.
And you're not happy with yourself.
You get to work and you can't reach the people you wanted to on the phone.
Later, you think you're doing everything right in a certain situation, but find out you were supposed to be doing something different.
OK. We all have Mondays kind of like this. Not terrible. Not crushing. Not with insurmountable problems.
But they're the kind of days that make me want to run to God - to ask him for encouragement. I need him to build me up on the inside so I can face whatever is on the outside.
It's times like this that I think of the Apostle Paul's letter to the Ephesians. In chapter 3, verse 16, he writes: "I pray that out of his glorious riches, he may strengthen you with power through his spirit in your inner being so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith."
Who doesn't need that?
So I pray, "Dear Lord please strengthen me. Please show me how to do what I need to do and how to do it right."
And since I'm kind of a baby, I also pray, "Lord please make it easy for me. Please just let all the pieces fall together. Please put people in my path who will help and guide me. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen."
I don't know about you, but I need that strengthening in my inner being.
And nobody can supply that like God, who blesses us more than we could ever imagine.
By the way, we did find the dog. He was merrily trotting back toward the house.
Guess he knows where his real home is - as do we!
Blessings,
Tammy
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Little changes
Lately I've been looking at a few minor changes.
I was visiting with a friend who suggested that I try a new hairstyle.
Now you have to understand, I've basically had the same hairstyle for about the last 30 years.
Hey, what can I say?
I realize the curly, puffy, big hair look has been out for some time, but it's seemed to work for me.
Then awhile back I went to the home of a very nice, young couple. When their little boy answered the door he said, "Oh you're a clown."
The mother must have noticed my startled expression and explained that she'd hired a clown for her son's birthday party.
The clown had poufy hair - like me.
Move over Ronald McDonald, Bozo and Blinky, you've got competition!
Seriously, though, as I work at promoting my book, I'm thinking that maybe I need to modernize my look.
My dear friend also suggested new eyeglasses. Now, I personally like big round frames, but I guess that look is out, too.
I suppose polyester, pin-stripe suits are out, as well?
Geez.
Anyway, while thinking about how I'm going to update my look, I'm reminded of how often we can stay in the same rut when we study God's word and pray.
I've been trying to work on that a little.
I've been journaling my prayers - kind of like writing letters to God. I've found that helps me focus and I'm able to get all my thoughts and concerns on paper.
The other day I just sat and asked God questions while I meandered through his word and read different passages. I'm also working with a Beth Moore devotional book called "Jesus - 90 Days with the One and Only."
It's great, because you read the passage, answer a couple of life-application questions, read her devotional text and then write a prayer based on Scripture - like praying God's word.
I have to admit that when I write the prayer, I page through the Psalms and write some of what I read there.
Can we ever thank God enough, because his mercies are new every morning?
I think it's good to try new things. I still love reading the "Our Daily Bread" devotionals on line. I still work through a Beth Moore Bible study when I can.
But I think that adding something different to our quiet time can be just the thing we need to get out of a routine.
God isn't boring. Neither is his word.
So by getting in a rut, I think we kind of cheat ourselves.
Now, if I can just find a flatter, but still flattering hairstyle, I think I'll be on my way to some good changes!
Blessings,
Tammy
I was visiting with a friend who suggested that I try a new hairstyle.
Now you have to understand, I've basically had the same hairstyle for about the last 30 years.
Hey, what can I say?
I realize the curly, puffy, big hair look has been out for some time, but it's seemed to work for me.
Then awhile back I went to the home of a very nice, young couple. When their little boy answered the door he said, "Oh you're a clown."
The mother must have noticed my startled expression and explained that she'd hired a clown for her son's birthday party.
The clown had poufy hair - like me.
Move over Ronald McDonald, Bozo and Blinky, you've got competition!
Seriously, though, as I work at promoting my book, I'm thinking that maybe I need to modernize my look.
My dear friend also suggested new eyeglasses. Now, I personally like big round frames, but I guess that look is out, too.
I suppose polyester, pin-stripe suits are out, as well?
Geez.
Anyway, while thinking about how I'm going to update my look, I'm reminded of how often we can stay in the same rut when we study God's word and pray.
I've been trying to work on that a little.
I've been journaling my prayers - kind of like writing letters to God. I've found that helps me focus and I'm able to get all my thoughts and concerns on paper.
The other day I just sat and asked God questions while I meandered through his word and read different passages. I'm also working with a Beth Moore devotional book called "Jesus - 90 Days with the One and Only."
It's great, because you read the passage, answer a couple of life-application questions, read her devotional text and then write a prayer based on Scripture - like praying God's word.
I have to admit that when I write the prayer, I page through the Psalms and write some of what I read there.
Can we ever thank God enough, because his mercies are new every morning?
I think it's good to try new things. I still love reading the "Our Daily Bread" devotionals on line. I still work through a Beth Moore Bible study when I can.
But I think that adding something different to our quiet time can be just the thing we need to get out of a routine.
God isn't boring. Neither is his word.
So by getting in a rut, I think we kind of cheat ourselves.
Now, if I can just find a flatter, but still flattering hairstyle, I think I'll be on my way to some good changes!
Blessings,
Tammy
Monday, January 25, 2010
What's my motivation?
Lately, I've been a little concerned because book sales have slowed down.
Actually, I was kind of planning to take off January and February and really hit it hard in March, April and May.
But I know I need to sell more books to be able to buy more books _ and we want to give more proceeds to Royal Family Kids' Camps, a program that provides weeklong summer camps for abused, neglected and abandoned children in the foster care system.
Some women from my church are planning to have a camp here next August and they need to raise $25,000!
Please let me explain that the foster care system doesn't have money to put on special camps for these kids ages 7-11. And many of these kids don't get to go to camp, perhaps because of behaviors or medications that regular camps don't want to deal with or because their foster parents may not have the funds for them to go.
These camps are special because kids can be themselves and be shown the unconditional love of God via camp counselors and other personnel.
Anyway, we want to give some more money toward the cause, but it seems like every time we get ahead we have some other expenses and then need to have money for more books.
My husband never worries. He's incredible in that area!
I know I need to rest in the Lord.
And examine my motivation.
Have the books become the means or the end?
If the end is that I sell books, then I've lost focus.
They should just be the means by which I point people to Christ and help provide a few proceeds toward the camp.
My pastor reminded me of a Scripture that I clung to years ago while I was hoping and praying for Mr. Right.
It is: "Take delight in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4
And there's: "Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well." Matt. 6:33.
I hung onto those verses, trying to do what they said, and eventually the Lord brought me my beloved husband, Chuck.
We've been married almost 20 years!
Such things remind me of God's faithfulness and unfailing love.
It's a matter of priorities.
When I seek the Lord and (with his help) strive to do his will, then I can rest in his care, knowing that he has a plan.
"For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord of hosts, plans to prosper and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future, then you will call upon me and come and pray to me and I will listen to you and you will seek me and find me when you seek me with your whole heart." Jeremiah 29:11-13.
O Dear Lord, please show me how to take delight in you. Help me to put you first in everything I do.
And please let me always seek you with my whole heart.
Because then, I know that I'll find you.
In the name of your precious son, Jesus, Amen.
Blessings,
Tammy M.
P.S. You may learn more about Royal Family Kids' Camps by visiting www.rfkc.org
Or you also may copy and paste this into your Web browser to learn more about the Fremont, Ne. efforts:
http://www.fremonttribune.com/articles/2010/01/23/news/local/doc4b572e2fe304a774424966.txt
Actually, I was kind of planning to take off January and February and really hit it hard in March, April and May.
But I know I need to sell more books to be able to buy more books _ and we want to give more proceeds to Royal Family Kids' Camps, a program that provides weeklong summer camps for abused, neglected and abandoned children in the foster care system.
Some women from my church are planning to have a camp here next August and they need to raise $25,000!
Please let me explain that the foster care system doesn't have money to put on special camps for these kids ages 7-11. And many of these kids don't get to go to camp, perhaps because of behaviors or medications that regular camps don't want to deal with or because their foster parents may not have the funds for them to go.
These camps are special because kids can be themselves and be shown the unconditional love of God via camp counselors and other personnel.
Anyway, we want to give some more money toward the cause, but it seems like every time we get ahead we have some other expenses and then need to have money for more books.
My husband never worries. He's incredible in that area!
I know I need to rest in the Lord.
And examine my motivation.
Have the books become the means or the end?
If the end is that I sell books, then I've lost focus.
They should just be the means by which I point people to Christ and help provide a few proceeds toward the camp.
My pastor reminded me of a Scripture that I clung to years ago while I was hoping and praying for Mr. Right.
It is: "Take delight in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4
And there's: "Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well." Matt. 6:33.
I hung onto those verses, trying to do what they said, and eventually the Lord brought me my beloved husband, Chuck.
We've been married almost 20 years!
Such things remind me of God's faithfulness and unfailing love.
It's a matter of priorities.
When I seek the Lord and (with his help) strive to do his will, then I can rest in his care, knowing that he has a plan.
"For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord of hosts, plans to prosper and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future, then you will call upon me and come and pray to me and I will listen to you and you will seek me and find me when you seek me with your whole heart." Jeremiah 29:11-13.
O Dear Lord, please show me how to take delight in you. Help me to put you first in everything I do.
And please let me always seek you with my whole heart.
Because then, I know that I'll find you.
In the name of your precious son, Jesus, Amen.
Blessings,
Tammy M.
P.S. You may learn more about Royal Family Kids' Camps by visiting www.rfkc.org
Or you also may copy and paste this into your Web browser to learn more about the Fremont, Ne. efforts:
http://www.fremonttribune.com/articles/2010/01/23/news/local/doc4b572e2fe304a774424966.txt
Friday, January 22, 2010
A new life
Just last week I learned that I'm going to become a grandma!
How exciting!
It came sooner than I expected, but it's welcome news. My son, Mike, and his wife, Rachel, are having a baby.
This will be a first grandchild for my husband, Chuck, and I.
Chuck has been grinning like a Cheshire cat. Our son, Zach, hasn't said too much, but I think he's pleased.
Already I've been praying that the baby will be healthy, will be able to see and hear and will have a strong heart and lungs.
And I'm reminded of some verses in the Old Testament book of Psalms. They're found in chapter 139, starting with verse 13.
They read:
"For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be."
Wow. Imagine that.
All of our days have been written in God's book before they ever come to pass.
So there must be a page telling about a tired, fuzzy-haired grandma-in-waiting who sits in front of a computer and writes a blog about a baby who's on the way, right?
Hmmm.
What other chapters lie ahead?
What chapters will comprise the life of my grandchild?
I wonder.
I pray they will be good chapters, rich with stories of faith and love.
And I know that for me, the best chapter will be the one where I meet my God face to face and begin the story of my time in eternity with him.
Blessings,
Tammy M.
How exciting!
It came sooner than I expected, but it's welcome news. My son, Mike, and his wife, Rachel, are having a baby.
This will be a first grandchild for my husband, Chuck, and I.
Chuck has been grinning like a Cheshire cat. Our son, Zach, hasn't said too much, but I think he's pleased.
Already I've been praying that the baby will be healthy, will be able to see and hear and will have a strong heart and lungs.
And I'm reminded of some verses in the Old Testament book of Psalms. They're found in chapter 139, starting with verse 13.
They read:
"For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be."
Wow. Imagine that.
All of our days have been written in God's book before they ever come to pass.
So there must be a page telling about a tired, fuzzy-haired grandma-in-waiting who sits in front of a computer and writes a blog about a baby who's on the way, right?
Hmmm.
What other chapters lie ahead?
What chapters will comprise the life of my grandchild?
I wonder.
I pray they will be good chapters, rich with stories of faith and love.
And I know that for me, the best chapter will be the one where I meet my God face to face and begin the story of my time in eternity with him.
Blessings,
Tammy M.
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