Aug

By Tammi

Categories: Children, Counting My Blessings, Faith, Grief

In Memoriam, Continued

One of the things I miss the most is that Danette was the only aunt or uncle living close-by my kids. She babysat them, and read to them and helped build things when they were small. For more than a decade, she cut their hair, took them on outings, came over for dinner and games and watched movies with them.

She told the kids not to talk back to their mother, told them to always seek God’s will and helped in general in our efforts to develop character in their lives. Even after she moved a distance away and we saw less of her, she never forgot birthdays, and she was always their favorite person to see when she could come and visit.

At Danette’s memorial service in June, only one member of the family felt like speaking to the attendees. Here is what my ten-year-old daughter wrote down to say about her aunt (and then, she stood up and read it all even though she had been crying):

Hello, I’m here to speak for my Aunt. She was a nice, kind-hearted soul. She was always the closest relative my family had. She was always helping us. She was my closest Aunt.

I think everyone in this room knows she is saved, so she isn’t really gone, she is here with us now! Even though we can’t see her it doesn’t mean we can’t believe in her presence. And we can believe God’s presence too. My favorite Bible verse is Romans 8:28: For all things work together for good to them that love God.

I think that what this means here is that it stopped her suffering. And now she is with God. And we will join her one day if we all believe in Christ Jesus our Savior. “If you love something, set it free” — she’s praising Jesus Christ and loving every second of it! And she’s waiting for our arrival.

My Mom used to say it helps you stop crying if you wipe your eyes. This is something that might not help. But what’s important is that she is happy — Family, Friends, to my Aunt Danette, I say Amen, God be with You.

Aug

By Tammi

2 Comments

Categories: Faith

A Grumpy Post — Church Signs

I just found part of this post in my Draft file, dated June 8, 2010. What the heck, I’m grumpy today, so no title change! I’ve spent so much time in this mood for the past two months, that I’m well on my way to being Maxine* when I grow up; however, I’ll still like children. (*Hallmark Shoebox Greeting cards)

And on to my original gripe… the word “ain’t” should never appear in a church sign, nor should God and Walmart ever be compared in such a locale (or, maybe ever!). Yet it did, and they were, just a few miles up the road. I had to pass the sign multiple times a week, and I considered vandalism for the first time in my life. I figured neon orange and bright purple paint would clash nicely with the pale red brick of the church building.

By and large, I hate church signs. Danette used to call them “God in a box signs,” and her exact meaning for that wasn’t a commendation. When I heave a ginormous sigh while staring out the passenger window while we’re driving along, my husband knows it’s usually caused by a humdinger of an “encouraging message” that I’ve just viewed.

Whatever the intent, much of the time those messages make Christians sound

– uneducated (a la saying that God ain’t Walmart)

– sanctimonious (I love my holy Christian life!)

– judgmental (”Stop, drop and roll” doesn’t work in Hell)

…and I’ll just stop with those examples. But I’m certain that some of them can be classified as “using the name of the Lord in vain.” I think they offend His divine sensibilities.

I must here say that our own Calvary Chapel Alpharetta sign has never given me offense, nor have any Methodist churches in the area. Simple scripture references, announcements, sweet quotes about daddies and daughters, and holiday references are the rule. It makes me wonder if the Methodists all have a designated person to do their signs, with as much good sense and love for people as have our pastors who tend the CCA sign.

I also wonder why some churches continue to allow the same “sign people” to inflict their ministry on the rest of the populace. Because, I guarantee you, in some churches it’s considered a calling, a gifting, or a ministry, and someone just knows that the Lord put that message on their hearts.

It’s not our job to advertise for God, but to be living extensions of Him that influence the people around us.

I’ll end this now. :~)

Jun

By Tammi

1 Comment

Categories: Encouragement, Faith, Health issues, Uncategorized

Tags: God's strenth, gratitude, human weakness

2 Corinthians 12:9

The apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthian church that the Lord had told him “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

I’m often grateful that my weakness means a manifestation of His strength is imminent.

May

By Tammi

5 Comments

Categories: Faith, Grief, Health issues, Music

Tags: Chris Tomlin, God's strength vs. mine, grieving, Uncreated One, Worship

I cannot “do” this day

Family is coming in and out of town. I had to cancel the last two weeks of our school year. I’m not going to be able to help with preparations for VBS. I haven’t had a decent night’s sleep in over a week, nor many good naps — and sleep is vital to my health. I’m just getting over a sinus infection and I’m exhausted and I’ve been losing my voice for over a week. I’m watching my husband stress, grieve, plan and do, lose sleep, and cough… Today it’s all hands on-deck to move my SIL… I’m sad and angry and resentful and grateful at the same time… I’m watching my kids learn how to handle their first major loss/grief in life…

Have I mentioned that I hate waiting for someone to die?

Physically, mentally, emotionally — I feel I am walking a tightrope in all areas, and in my own strength I’ll fall and hurt myself soon. The only option I have is to place myself in my Lord’s hands and do what He gives me strength to do — and then stay in bed and rest all day tomorrow. I will also infuse much worship into the day to keep my focus and priorities straight.

Holy Uncreated One
Your beauty fills the skies
But the glory of Your majesty
Is the mercy in Your eyes

Worthy Uncreated One
From heaven to earth come down
You laid aside Your royalty
To wear the sinner’s crown

O Great God, be glorified
Our lives laid down
Your’s magnified
O Great God, be lifted high
There is none like You

Jesus, Savior, God’s own son
Risen, reigning Lord
Sustainer of the Universe
By the power of Your Word

And when we see Your matchless face
In speechless awe we’ll stand
And there we’ll bow with grateful hearts
Unto the Great I Am

~Chris Tomlin

Apr

By Tammi

No Comments

Categories: Counting My Blessings, Encouragement, Faith, Spiritual Growth

Where we’re standing right now

In November, I posted this blog entry –

http://ktmossman.com/tryinglesstrustingmore/?p=59

Monday night, a week later, Kevin was conducting family devotions. He asked us to consider what our answer would be if Jesus said we had two choices for 2010:

A. We could have any Christmas or birthday gifts we asked for; we’d have no arguments or unpleasantness with any friends or family; pretty much everything would go our way… but we wouldn’t get any closer to Him, we’d have no spiritual growth.

B. It might be a really tough year; trials and tribulations might abound, but no matter what happened, we were going to be much closer to Jesus at the end of it.

The next morning, the Tuesday before Thanksgiving week, Kevin lost his job. My first thought was that God had already provided encouragement for me to strengthen my faith, when I found and posted that blog entry the previous week.

When we told the kids Kevin was unemployed, Brendon asked, “OK, who chose ‘B’ last night?!” Everyone but him had chosen ‘B,’ and he never revealed his choice… I told him he might as well choose it, since he would have to come along on whatever ride the rest of us were taking.

In January we deduced that God wanted us to give a large percentage of any income, gifts, etc. that we received. This amount is far beyond tithe, and more than we’ve ever consistently given before no matter our circumstances. Finances/giving is the only area we see in Scripture where God dares us to try Him and see what He will do in return.

We were finished with any severance $$ in February. Now, at the end of April, there is still no job for Kevin. But as of this date, every regular bill, car payment, rent, etc. is current — because God has provided. I’ll admit to wondering what His plan might be about May’s rent, but in a calm, conversational way, not in a “Lord, do you remember we’re down here?!” way.

Sometimes the words to a Larnelle Harris song goes through my mind. “Children, lift your voices! The Father hath provided again!”

Feb

By Tammi

2 Comments

Categories: Counting My Blessings, Encouragement, Faith, Spiritual Growth

Tags: Romance, Valentine's Day

Romance Realized

“New moon, true moon, trusty, tell me who my true love must be; the color of his eyes, the color of his hair, and the everyday clothes that he used to wear.”

Put a piece of wedding cake underneath your pillow, chant the above, then lay down to sleep… you’ll dream of the man you’re to marry. That’s what my teenaged great-grandmother and her friends were told; and much excited, they tried it.

Martha dreamed she was walking along a dirt road and saw a man in a field with his horse and plow. He was dressed a particular way… an outfit she recognized when she first saw him a few months later. He had just moved into the area and begun to farm. Soon after, he needed a housekeeper, and she was hired for the job. It wasn’t long before they fancied one another and decided to set a wedding date. The dream and the outcome was the most romantic real story I ever heard as a child.

Five children, fourteen grandchildren and scads of great-grandchildren were the result of their union. Real life turned out to have little romance, however. Alfred had a horrible temper, tales of which were still told thirty years after his death. He and Martha grew estranged, and if she ever knew about the “other child” he fathered, she never mentioned it. (Her children didn’t find out until they were very old, when their surprise half-brother came looking for a picture of his father.)

She outlived him by several decades, and had some time for a more peaceful life. I don’t recall ever hearing loving words about him, only details of memorable incidents, including physical abuse. No talk of missing him, no emphasis on positive, lasting traits passed down from his side; whereas, my main memory of her was seeing her big black Bible in her lap every morning, even when her fingers were so stiff she needed help to turn the pages.

I don’t know at what point she accepted Christ into her life. Was she a Christian as a child, but only accepted Jesus as the lover of her soul through life’s disappointments? Did she recognize the significance of His love for her right away, or did she learn to depend on it over time? Whatever the details of her journey, she made her relationship with her True Love a priority, influencing lives down through her offspring, creating memories and lessons as pieces of a godly heritage.

Feb

By Tammi

No Comments

Categories: Faith

Tags: Faith, Honor, Soldiers in Iraq

This leaves me speechless

Marine SSgt Dan Clay was killed in Iraq on December 1, 2005. The letter he left with his father, to be opened in the event of his death, can be found here –

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/1544551/posts

“This letter being read means that I have been deemed worthy of being with Christ.”

“It has been an Honor to protect and serve all of you. I faced death with the secure knowledge that you would not have to. This is as close to Christ-like I can be. That emulation is where all honor lies.”

Jan

By Tammi

No Comments

Categories: Encouragement, Faith, Spiritual Growth

A Ponderment

During childhood, I was in some churches that talked about the Christian life like it was a vale of tears, a cross to bear for all of life. We were constantly reminded that we were sinful. I’ve since known some people who lived with that mindset, who were so “holy” and full of works, literally striving for righteousness through outward means, that they weren’t enjoying the blessings God had placed in their lives.

How is it beneficial to dwell on sin? We’re supposed to count our blessings, not our shortcomings. We’re to turn things over to the Lord, heed the promptings of the Holy Spirit, and let Him do the work in us while we joyfully follow the stepping-stones of growth He has set before us.

“Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain who build it,” so what does it profit me to search myself constantly for weeds to pluck? If God isn’t prompting their removal, they’ll probably grow right back. (And next time, they might have thorns!)

I’m not saying we shouldn’t ever examine our hearts; merely, that it shouldn’t be our focus. “Me” isn’t necessarily supposed to be the motivation for change. Our eyes are to be fixed on Jesus, our ears attuned to the Holy Spirit, our hearts receiving words from the Father about our worth in His eyes.

We were born with a sin nature — but we have since been redeemed, bought with a great price. I’m not a “lowly worm” of a person, I’m a Princess in an almighty kingdom. You aren’t a mess of contradictions with so many problems you’ll never get them all sorted out, you’re a worthy work in progress. Where God doesn’t see fit to change or remove something in you, the Holy Spirit will change your mindset about that area to acceptance, possibly even to gratitude.

You are His work, not your own project. “He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it.”

Jan

By Tammi

11 Comments

Categories: Children, Counting My Blessings, Faith, Parenting

Our someday daughter

We’ve always been open to the idea of having another child by adoption, and I realized the other night that it’s time. Kevin feels the same, and has surprised me with some of his anticipatory comments and enthusiasm. I even pointed out that if we do this, we will put off by 6-10 years the Empty Nest Syndrome that I’m dreading and HE’s anticipating, and he just laughed.

We’re agreed on a girl, and Kevin asked what ages we were thinking because he doesn’t want to do diapers again. I said optimally 1-4 yrs, and of course depending on how old she is when we’re matched, she could be 5 or 6 when she joins our family. I would prefer less culture-shock and adjustment to a new family for her, so the younger the better in that regard. I’m open to a pair of siblings so they wouldn’t be separated — but if that came up in the process, we’d have to be in agreement.

So, we’re planning to adopt from Haiti. We’re both researching and reading, and one grandma, four aunts and many friends are already joining us in praying over her. Please add some prayers of your own.

I haven’t been able to get to sleep easily for several nights because I can’t concentrate on my book for thinking of her and praying. Aislynn has mentioned before that she really wished she had a sister, but when I told her it could be a reality and to ask the Lord, she was very excited. She’s planning how she’ll share her room, and wants to appropriate Brendon’s bunk beds.

We’re going to try to get on a fostering list ASAP, with adoption later on if our child’s orphan status can be verified. With the mass graves in Haiti and no time for identification of bodies, who knows how long the Haitian government will wait for adoption approval. That will be one more area to trust God and watch Him at work.

Jan

By Tammi

No Comments

Categories: Faith, History

Tags: Benjamin Franklin, Founding Fathers, worldview

Franklin’s worldview

Benjamin Franklin’s parents not only attended church with their family, but also advocated Puritan values. These were derived from the Bible and practiced in front of him during childhood. I think this foundation planted the seeds of a Christian worldview into his growing young mind, and he then put the same values into practice throughout his own life.

As an adult, Franklin rejected many Christian doctrines with which he was raised, including doubting the divinity of Christ. He became a Deist, believing that truth can be found entirely through nature and reason. He did, however, retain his faith in God, and this is evidenced many times in both his speech and writing. In later years, he stated in his autobiography, “I never was without some religious principles. I never doubted, for instance, the existence of the Deity; that He made the world, and governed it by His providence; that the most acceptable service of God was the doing good to man; that our souls are immortal; and that all crime will be punished, and virtue rewarded, either here or hereafter.”

Many, if not most, of the founding fathers believed to some extent as Franklin did. Judeo-Christian values are evidenced not only in their personal correspondence and other writing, but also in their eventual drafting of important national documents. I don’t think it came as a surprise to any when Franklin advocated the institution of daily prayer for the members of the Constitutional Convention.

During his appeal, he reminded them of previous prayers and the answers that were “graciously” given. He then said, “…the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth — that God Governs in the affairs of men.” He alluded to Psalm 127:1, Matthew 10:29 and James 1:17, and concluded that the Lord’s blessings should be sought each morning before deliberations began.

*************************

Constitutional Convention Address on Prayer

delivered by Benjamin Franklin on June 28, 1787, Philadelphia, PA

Mr. President:

The small progress we have made after four or five weeks close attendance & continual reasonings with each other — our different sentiments on almost every question, several of the last producing as many noes as ays, is methinks a melancholy proof of the imperfection of the Human Understanding. We indeed seem to feel our own wont of political wisdom, since we have been running about in search of it. We have gone back to ancient history for models of government, and examined the different forms of those Republics which having been formed with the seeds of their own dissolution now no longer exist. And we have viewed Modern States all round Europe, but find none of their Constitutions suitable to our circumstances.

In this situation of this Assembly groping as it were in the dark to find political truth, and scarce able to distinguish it when to us, how has it happened, Sir, that we have not hitherto once thought of humbly applying to the Father of lights to illuminate our understandings? In the beginning of the contest with G. Britain, when we were sensible of danger we had daily prayer in this room for the Divine Protection. — Our prayers, Sir, were heard, and they were graciously answered. All of us who were engaged in the struggle must have observed frequent instances of a Superintending providence in our favor. To that kind providence we owe this happy opportunity of consulting in peace on the means of establishing our future national felicity. And have we now forgotten that powerful friend? or do we imagine that we no longer need His assistance.

I have lived, Sir, a long time and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth — that God governs in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without his notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without his aid? We have been assured, Sir, in the sacred writings that “except the Lord build they labor in vain that build it.” I firmly believe this; and I also believe that without his concurring aid we shall succeed in this political building no better than the Builders of Babel: We shall be divided by our little partial local interests; our projects will be confounded, and we ourselves shall be become a reproach and a bye word down to future age. And what is worse, mankind may hereafter this unfortunate instance, despair of establishing Governments by Human Wisdom, and leave it to chance, war, and conquest.

I therefore beg leave to move — that henceforth prayers imploring the assistance of Heaven, and its blessings on our deliberations, be held in this Assembly every morning before we proceed to business, and that one or more of the Clergy of this City be requested to officiate in that service.

Dec

By Tammi

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Categories: Encouragement, Faith, Holidays

Tags: Bethlehem, Christmas, Grammar

The Bethlehem Preposition

I’m still thinking about Christmas, so I’m posting what I think is the best thing my dad has ever written..

The Bethlehem Preposition

As we approach the Christmas season, I am reminded of the “reason for this season.” While I love the decorations, good food, time off from school, and all the festivities, there is a more eternal purpose in the Christmas story.

God has a plan to effectively deal with human weakness and error. His plan is to maintain a just and righteous standard by meting out justice for sin while demonstrating mercy by loving the sinner.

This plan was birthed in Bethlehem.

Now this is about to get religious (remember Holiday = the Middle English Holy Day), so if you plan to be offended, stop reading and Happy Holidays to you. Having read the requisite disclaimer, if you read on, it is your own fault.

I am an English professor by trade. I like words. I teach about words. You know, grammar stuff. Dangling modifiers and split infinitives. Fragments (like I’m writing now), and parts of speech. Which brings me back to the title of this column – The Bethlehem Preposition.

One of our parts of speech is called a preposition. It is a word that shows positional relationship. For example, if you ask directions for travel, someone might tell you to get “on Interstate 20.” The preposition involved in that instruction is the word “on.” Your positional relationship to the interstate when you drive is that you are “on” the highway (we hope).

What does all of that have to do with Christmas?

Almost 700 years before the first Christmas, the prophet Isaiah gave us these words: “Behold a virgin shall conceive and bear a son and shall call his name Immanuel” (7:14). Seven centuries later, on a clear Bethlehem night, an angel announced to the shepherds,

“Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.” . . .

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” (Luke 2:10 – 14)

Did you notice the Bethlehem prepositions? Remember, they show relationship.

Scripture is clear that man’s natural position in relation to God is one of separation (Isaiah 59:2). Words like “away,” and “from,” are often used. What miracle would allow such a shift of relationship? I was “away” from God. God was distant “from” me, separated from me by my lawless nature.

But the Bethlehem preposition was God’s great invitation to remove that obstruction and to make it possible for me to be “with” Him. God’s plan envisioned such a miracle – a birth whose end was to be death, but a death whose end was to be resurrection.

The process of this great prepositional shift from “away” to “with” is explained in the names given to the Babe whose birth in Bethlehem led to the empty tomb. The Bible calls Him,

Immanuel – God “with” us
Jesus – Savior “from” sin
Prince “of” Peace

Sometimes, an illustration is better than an explanation:

One dark and stormy night, a child wandered lost on the streets of a large city. A policeman found him crying and gathered enough information to give him directions.

“Just go down this street half a mile, turn and cross the big iron bridge, then turn to your right and follow the river until you know where you are.”

The poor child, only half understanding and bewildered by the storm and the darkness, turned about blindly and walked away.

Then another voice spoke in a gentle tone: “Son, just come with me.

A little hand was clasped in a stronger hand. The corner of a warm coat was thrown over the shoulders of the shivering child, and the way home was made easy.

The first man had told the way; the second man became the way.

One Bethlehem night, God came to be “with” us that He might give Himself “for” us. He offers a covering with His robe of righteousness.

His outstretched hand beckons us: “Abide with me. I’ll show you the way.

Billy Tucker

Dec

By Tammi

No Comments

Categories: Faith, Holidays, Music

Christmas songs playing in my head

Love came down at Christmas time heralded by angels from the realms of glory, who appeared while shepherds watched their flocks on a silent night (where it may have been cold outside). Come all ye faithful, come and worship Christ the King, for unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior who is Christ the Lord.

Peace on the earth, goodwill towards men, from Heaven’s all-gracious king. Gloria in Excelsis Deo! Let all within us praise His holy name.

Happy Birthday, Jesus.

Nov

By Tammi

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Categories: Encouragement, Faith, History, Music

Tags: Hymns, Martin Rinkart, Now Thank We All Our God

Thankful, regardless…

1618-1648 – as the Thirty Years’ War progressed, a steady stream of refugees passed through the gates of Eilenburg, a small city in Saxony. The Swedish army besieged the city, and hundreds of homes were destroyed. The plague, then famine, were rampant. The pastors in the city were kept busy conducting funerals, until they, too, succumbed. Only one was then available… to perform over 50 burial services per day.

Martin Rinkart was the Lutheran minister who remained. He was a prolific writer, had extensive musical talents, and was a man devoted to his calling. His faith and courage ministered to thousands of people during his lifetime, and produced a legacy for believers in centuries beyond. During those war-torn days, he was inspired to pen what is perhaps his best-known composition:

“Now thank we all our God, with heart and hands and voices,
Who wondrous things has done, in Whom this world rejoices;
Who from our mothers’ arms has blessed us on our way
With countless gifts of love, and still is ours today.

O may this bounteous God through all our life be near us,
With ever joyful hearts and blessèd peace to cheer us;
And keep us in His grace, and guide us when perplexed;
And free us from all ills, in this world and the next!

All praise and thanks to God the Father now be given;
The Son and Him Who reigns with Them in highest Heaven;
The one eternal God, Whom earth and Heaven adore;
For thus it was, is now, and shall be evermore.”

Nov

By Tammi

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Categories: Counting My Blessings, Encouragement, Faith, Spiritual Growth

Reminiscing: November, 2003

From a Thankful Heart, 11/03

We’ve had tremendous reasons for counting our blessings during this past year. For those who may not know, Kevin was unemployed for nine months, then had a temporary job for three months before finding a permanent position. After that extended period, we finally had to declare bankruptcy, and gave up our house in the process. Looking now at more of an overall picture, those events seem far less significant than we deemed them at the time. For just one area of examples…

Financially, we were “making ends meet” far longer than we expected, due to some of Kevin’s decisions as his job was terminated – at one point, it didn’t seem to make sense, the order in which things happened, but we could see God’s plan and provision. Kevin qualified for unemployment, and God guided my business endeavors, which resources took care of our basic necessities and most bills for a while longer. However, our own planning and efforts could only go so far in our set of circumstances.

At different times, particularly when we were not doing well, financially or emotionally, God blessed us through benevolence from the church as a whole, then from individual members of the church family. We received anonymous offerings, occasionally someone handed one of us an envelope with a hug, some thoughtful soul(s) mailed us Publix gift certificates during the holidays, and we frequently carried home bags and boxes of groceries from friends who shopped for our family as they provided for their own. One family single-handedly kept us going with a huge donation that almost completely paid the utilities and car payment for two months.

Clothes for the kids, little extras that people generally take for granted, someone paying for a prescription I needed, gifts for the kids at Christmas… this doesn’t mean that every time we walked through the church doors, something happened to benefit our circumstances, but there was certainly a lot of provision! I’m sure I’m forgetting something, because there was simply so much – but my heart will remember the love and concern long after details have faded away.

None of this should seem odd, it’s what Christians are supposed to do, how a caring church is supposed to act — except that after a life-time in church, neither Kevin nor I have ever experienced such a constancy of concern and generosity, such an outpouring long after the initial needs were generally known. Thank you for all your prayers, hugs, notes of encouragement, inquiries for particular needs, donations of every kind, and for your ministry to us, responding in love at so many levels.

Nov

By Tammi

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Categories: Faith, Music, Spiritual Growth

Holy Lord God almighty, Who was, and is, and is to come

Make me holy as You are Holy,

set apart to worship You.

I come with reverence into Your Presence

seeking “the way of holiness.”

Nov

By Tammi

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Categories: Children, Faith

In God’s Lap

I loved it when my kids were small and one of them would climb up into my lap and stay for awhile. Not a visit to briefly tell me something, then leave again; but to sit still and snuggle and visit with me. Those were such sweet, love-filled moments, that I never got enough of them. But, the older they got, the busier they got. Sitting still just wasn’t very high on their priority list.

This is just one of the significant parallels I see in our relationships with our children and our relationships with God. He created us for fellowship, but how often do we actually sit still in His lap and let Him love us?

How often, having climbed up to talk to Him, do we remember something “important” and jump up to run away from His presence? I imagine that His arms may feel much as mine did under similar circumstances – suddenly empty and chilled, just when I was settling down for a comfortable cose.

Nov

By Tammi

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Categories: Faith, Spiritual Growth

My Faith

I was assigned the essay topic of explaining the reasons for my faith in God. I was at first perplexed, then I stopped thinking in terms of “intellectual arguments,” and the assignment seemed fairly simple.

The reason for my hesitation was that I don’t remember a time when I didn’t believe in God. During my formative years, I was taught Scripture, and largely believed the things I was told about God by my parents and grandparents. However, Scripture and my own observations supported everything I was told at home and in Sunday school and my faith was strengthened accordingly.

I was well into adulthood before I learned the theological terms for God’s revelatory concepts. We are given special revelation in the Bible, while general revelation comes through the realm of physical creation where God reveals Himself to all persons in all places at all times. The Bible reveals the character and personality of God, and His love and plan for our lives. In a general way, creation reveals His handiwork, order, provision for our lives, and attention to detail. But, even as a child, I could see His revelation for myself.

One of my first memory verses when I was very small was Genesis 1:1, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” I looked around at a complex, diverse world that must have had a powerful designer. I had no trouble accepting that the world was formed by God, and reading various theories have never shaken that belief. It matters not to me whether He completed it in six literal days or not; however it happened, I believe He designed this wonderful world we live in.

During my teen years, though I never questioned God’s existence, I did experience doubts in many areas. A combination of both special and general revelation solidified my faith. If I believed that God was my creator and I believed that Jesus was my Savior, then what else could the Bible reveal as truth for my life? As I learned more of His Word, I also looked at principles of gravity and genetics and was overwhelmed at how much thought and care went into every detail of creation. I read of God’s love for me and His desire for fellowship with me, and experienced peace and contentment and other “revelatory” confirmations that my belief was not misplaced.

I don’t think I can recall every instance of creation confirming Scripture and vice-versa, but I know they have occurred frequently in my life. And the one truth that Jesus has confirmed for me countless times is “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.”

Perhaps the faith I hold dear is inexplicable to nonbelievers. Perhaps I can’t formulate the right words to persuade another to join me in my beliefs. I’m quite certain that I won’t remember every term and explanation that might sound “reasonable” to a highly educated or logical person. However, if someone asks and is willing to accept the premise of my belief in God’s Word as the basis of all else, then I’m willing to share my journey with them and let the Holy Spirit use my words as He will.

May

By Tammi

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Categories: Encouragement, Faith, Music, Spiritual Growth

Blog name

Sometimes life seems like words and music that can’t quite become a song.

So, we cry inside, and we try again, and wonder what could be wrong.

But when we turn to the Lord at the end of ourselves, like we’ve done a time or two before,

we find His truth is the same as it has always been, we’ll never need more.

Chorus:

It’s not in trying, but in trusting.
It’s not in running, but in resting,
Not in wondering, but in praying
that we find the strength of the Lord

He’s all we need for our every need, we never need be alone.

Still, He’ll let us go if we choose to, to live life on our own.

Then the only good that will ever be said of the pains we find ourselves in,

they are places to gain the wisdom to say “I’ll never leave Him again.”

Chorus

It’s not in wondering, but in praying
that we find the strength of the Lord.

(The Strength of the Lord, as recorded by Larnelle Harris)

Apr

By Tammi

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Categories: Encouragement, Faith, Spiritual Growth

Light at the End of the Tunnel (I think I may be in the wrong tunnel)

I like making a plan and following it through, even if it needs tweaking along the way. I hate seeing my friends in discouraging circumstances, whether physical or situational or emotional, and I feel the need to do something to help or encourage besides pray. I try to think of any little way I can take care of my husband and meet needs when he’s burdened by a load of work stress.

This week, not one of my plans has come to fruition, despite much tweaking.

I have multiple friends I’d like to help somehow right now, but at the top of the list are several about whom I can do nothing but pray — one heartsick and facing tough decisions; one in the hospital awaiting the results of tests and possible life changes; and two in limbo after a cross-country move, knowing that they heard and obeyed God but wondering what His plan is for their next step.

Between moving and the amount of time he has spent on the phone about work, not sleeping while he works, and staying late at work, I haven’t seen my husband much for the last week. In fact, it really feels like I’m the only adult around here until everything gets done that needs to happen in the next two weeks. And I’m most certainly not easing his load, since when he’s home I’m at the other house, or to tired to talk.

And then there are my two sick kids and the boxes everywhere…

Thank you God, that Mason sent encouragement this morning: “I am often reminded that God didn’t promise to make our lives easier, but that we would endure may difficult things. He loves us more than any other, and sits as a refiner of precious metals. He puts us into the fire just long enough to allow the impurities to rise to the surface and be skimmed away. He knows that too long and we will be damaged, too short and the impurities will remain. One day soon we will be before Him in our glorified bodies, having been prepared by the author and finisher of our faith. May that day come soon!”

Amen! Today would be a great time.

Feb

By Tammi

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Categories: Children, Counting My Blessings, Faith, Parenting

At Danette’s memorial service in June, only one member of the family felt like speaking to the attendees. Here is what my ten-year-old daughter wrote down to say about her aunt (and then, she stood up and read it all even though she had been crying):

Hello, I’m here to speak for my Aunt. She was a nice, kind-hearted soul. She was always the closest relative my family had. She was always helping us. She was my closest Aunt.

My Mom used to say it helps you stop crying if you wipe your eyes. This is something that might not help. But what’s important is that she is happy — Family, Friends, to my Aunt Danette, I say Amen, God be with You.

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Whatever the intent, much of the time those messages make Christians sound

– uneducated (a la saying that God ain’t Walmart)

– sanctimonious (I love my holy Christian life!)

– judgmental (”Stop, drop and roll” doesn’t work in Hell)

…and I’ll just stop with those examples. But I’m certain that some of them can be classified as “using the name of the Lord in vain.” I think they offend His divine sensibilities.

It’s not our job to advertise for God, but to be living extensions of Him that influence the people around us.

I’ll end this now. :~)

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The apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthian church that the Lord had told him “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

I’m often grateful that my weakness means a manifestation of His strength is imminent.

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Have I mentioned that I hate waiting for someone to die?

~Chris Tomlin

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In November, I posted this blog entry –

Monday night, a week later, Kevin was conducting family devotions. He asked us to consider what our answer would be if Jesus said we had two choices for 2010:

A. We could have any Christmas or birthday gifts we asked for; we’d have no arguments or unpleasantness with any friends or family; pretty much everything would go our way… but we wouldn’t get any closer to Him, we’d have no spiritual growth.

B. It might be a really tough year; trials and tribulations might abound, but no matter what happened, we were going to be much closer to Jesus at the end of it.

The next morning, the Tuesday before Thanksgiving week, Kevin lost his job. My first thought was that God had already provided encouragement for me to strengthen my faith, when I found and posted that blog entry the previous week.

When we told the kids Kevin was unemployed, Brendon asked, “OK, who chose ‘B’ last night?!” Everyone but him had chosen ‘B,’ and he never revealed his choice… I told him he might as well choose it, since he would have to come along on whatever ride the rest of us were taking.

Sometimes the words to a Larnelle Harris song goes through my mind. “Children, lift your voices! The Father hath provided again!”

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“New moon, true moon, trusty, tell me who my true love must be; the color of his eyes, the color of his hair, and the everyday clothes that he used to wear.”

Put a piece of wedding cake underneath your pillow, chant the above, then lay down to sleep… you’ll dream of the man you’re to marry. That’s what my teenaged great-grandmother and her friends were told; and much excited, they tried it.

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Marine SSgt Dan Clay was killed in Iraq on December 1, 2005. The letter he left with his father, to be opened in the event of his death, can be found here –

“This letter being read means that I have been deemed worthy of being with Christ.”

“It has been an Honor to protect and serve all of you. I faced death with the secure knowledge that you would not have to. This is as close to Christ-like I can be. That emulation is where all honor lies.”

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How is it beneficial to dwell on sin? We’re supposed to count our blessings, not our shortcomings. We’re to turn things over to the Lord, heed the promptings of the Holy Spirit, and let Him do the work in us while we joyfully follow the stepping-stones of growth He has set before us.

“Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain who build it,” so what does it profit me to search myself constantly for weeds to pluck? If God isn’t prompting their removal, they’ll probably grow right back. (And next time, they might have thorns!)

You are His work, not your own project. “He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it.”

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So, we’re planning to adopt from Haiti. We’re both researching and reading, and one grandma, four aunts and many friends are already joining us in praying over her. Please add some prayers of your own.

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Constitutional Convention Address on Prayer

delivered by Benjamin Franklin on June 28, 1787, Philadelphia, PA

Mr. President:

I therefore beg leave to move — that henceforth prayers imploring the assistance of Heaven, and its blessings on our deliberations, be held in this Assembly every morning before we proceed to business, and that one or more of the Clergy of this City be requested to officiate in that service.

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I’m still thinking about Christmas, so I’m posting what I think is the best thing my dad has ever written..

The Bethlehem Preposition

As we approach the Christmas season, I am reminded of the “reason for this season.” While I love the decorations, good food, time off from school, and all the festivities, there is a more eternal purpose in the Christmas story.

God has a plan to effectively deal with human weakness and error. His plan is to maintain a just and righteous standard by meting out justice for sin while demonstrating mercy by loving the sinner.

This plan was birthed in Bethlehem.

Now this is about to get religious (remember Holiday = the Middle English Holy Day), so if you plan to be offended, stop reading and Happy Holidays to you. Having read the requisite disclaimer, if you read on, it is your own fault.

I am an English professor by trade. I like words. I teach about words. You know, grammar stuff. Dangling modifiers and split infinitives. Fragments (like I’m writing now), and parts of speech. Which brings me back to the title of this column – The Bethlehem Preposition.

What does all of that have to do with Christmas?

Almost 700 years before the first Christmas, the prophet Isaiah gave us these words: “Behold a virgin shall conceive and bear a son and shall call his name Immanuel” (7:14). Seven centuries later, on a clear Bethlehem night, an angel announced to the shepherds,

“Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.” . . .

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” (Luke 2:10 – 14)

Did you notice the Bethlehem prepositions? Remember, they show relationship.

But the Bethlehem preposition was God’s great invitation to remove that obstruction and to make it possible for me to be “with” Him. God’s plan envisioned such a miracle – a birth whose end was to be death, but a death whose end was to be resurrection.

The process of this great prepositional shift from “away” to “with” is explained in the names given to the Babe whose birth in Bethlehem led to the empty tomb. The Bible calls Him,

Immanuel – God “with” us

Jesus – Savior “from” sin

Prince “of” Peace

Sometimes, an illustration is better than an explanation:

One dark and stormy night, a child wandered lost on the streets of a large city. A policeman found him crying and gathered enough information to give him directions.

“Just go down this street half a mile, turn and cross the big iron bridge, then turn to your right and follow the river until you know where you are.”

The poor child, only half understanding and bewildered by the storm and the darkness, turned about blindly and walked away.

Then another voice spoke in a gentle tone: “Son, just come with me.

A little hand was clasped in a stronger hand. The corner of a warm coat was thrown over the shoulders of the shivering child, and the way home was made easy.

The first man had told the way; the second man became the way.

One Bethlehem night, God came to be “with” us that He might give Himself “for” us. He offers a covering with His robe of righteousness.

His outstretched hand beckons us: “Abide with me. I’ll show you the way.

Billy Tucker

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Peace on the earth, goodwill towards men, from Heaven’s all-gracious king. Gloria in Excelsis Deo! Let all within us praise His holy name.

Happy Birthday, Jesus.

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“Now thank we all our God, with heart and hands and voices, Who wondrous things has done, in Whom this world rejoices; Who from our mothers’ arms has blessed us on our way With countless gifts of love, and still is ours today.

O may this bounteous God through all our life be near us, With ever joyful hearts and blessèd peace to cheer us; And keep us in His grace, and guide us when perplexed; And free us from all ills, in this world and the next!

All praise and thanks to God the Father now be given; The Son and Him Who reigns with Them in highest Heaven; The one eternal God, Whom earth and Heaven adore; For thus it was, is now, and shall be evermore.”

“Now thank we all our God, with heart and hands and voices,
Who wondrous things has done, in Whom this world rejoices;
Who from our mothers’ arms has blessed us on our way
With countless gifts of love, and still is ours today.

O may this bounteous God through all our life be near us,
With ever joyful hearts and blessèd peace to cheer us;
And keep us in His grace, and guide us when perplexed;
And free us from all ills, in this world and the next!

All praise and thanks to God the Father now be given;
The Son and Him Who reigns with Them in highest Heaven;
The one eternal God, Whom earth and Heaven adore;
For thus it was, is now, and shall be evermore.”