My son is really interested in the computer. He likes to play games and has recently learned how to cut and paste things. He finds stuff like the "Cubs" logo. He pasted that on the desktop of his dad's computer. He did it without any help, just innocently trying stuff until it works.
On the way home from church Sunday, he asked me if he could put together a power point. I said, "I don't think so, Honey. I don't know how to do that, and Daddy won't be home for a while. And I really don't want you messing with the computer". He said, "Well, I saw Microsoft Word Power Point 2003 on the computer and I think I can figure it out".
He and his brother have a collection of twenty troll dolls. They win them as prizes at school for various reasons. He thought it would be cool to do a Troll Power Point. So, he said, "Well, will you at least let me look for the pictures that match the ones we have". I agreed. Within minutes he had searched, cut and pasted about five of them onto Microsoft Word. This went on for awhile. I was busy doing Mom things while they were having fun searching for pictures of their trolls on the internet.
After an hour or so, he came to be and said, "Mommy, I have found most of them, but I was getting really frustrated, because this one was really hard to find". He went on to say, "So I walked away from the computer. I said, God, I have tried everything and have done all that I know to do". He continued, "So, Lord, it is your turn to do your part". He said after he prayed, he went back to the computer. He hit "Search Again" and with a huge smile, he continued, "and two pictures popped up". I said, "Honey, that is so cool. Did you remember to thank God when he did that?" He said, "Yes, Mommy, I did thank him!"
I was so blessed. My first thought was how blessed I was that he went to God. I thought how insightful that he would express himself to God so honestly. And then I was in awe that God answered his prayer instantly. God cares about what we care about. What a seemingly insignificant activity. But, I know that God was using it to build his faith.
My boys spent several hours and were excited to share their 20-page power point with family, friends and their 2nd grade classrooms. They found pictures and backgrounds for each one. They also gave each of them names and descriptions of their interests and backgrounds. It was pretty impressive, if my opinion counts.
I am even more impressed with their faith and God's faithfulness. I am certain God will use their giftedness in their lives and hopefully to glorify himself. I am also feeling convicted by this child like faith.
I don't know how to do a power point. Want to know a secret? I have never tried. I have never had the innocence to want to venture on the computer very far. I might mess something up or worse the computer may crash. I'm pretty sure they weren't concerned about either one. They just took their chances, were not afraid of making mistakes and they persevered. And when they couldn't do it on their own...they asked for help...divine help.
Imagine God on his throne with multitudes of voices and multitudes of prayers being lifted to his ears. There are wars and rumors of wars... The foundations of the world as we know it, are being shaken. Then in an instant, he hears the cry of my son for help. He immediately answers. I'm so thankful that God is still secure on his throne...so secure that in the midst of all the turmoil we are in, he attends to the heart of a child!
What a loving God we serve. Won't you turn to him with the same child like faith and ask him for what you need. You can be specific, he already knows all the details anyway...and when he answers, don't forget to thank him!
I pray you will be blessed today!
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Daughter of the King - My Story
Some of you have been looking for my story. It is entitled "Daughter of the King - My Story".
You will find it to the left. It is under BLOG ARCHIVE. Just click on February and scroll down to the story and crown cloud picture.
Blessings!
Tammy
You will find it to the left. It is under BLOG ARCHIVE. Just click on February and scroll down to the story and crown cloud picture.
Blessings!
Tammy
Our Jealous God
The Lord continues to bless me with his glory written in the sky! He is so amazing!
While driving a few days ago, I was feeling a little blue. I was praying (praising) through that all morning. I glanced up into the scattered cloudy day, and saw a huge fluffy heart cloud. I was so thankful.
But in a matter of seconds, I saw another shape. It was clouds forming a heart shape, but it was like a cut-out. The brilliant blue sky shone through the middle. It kept getting larger and larger. It was as if God was saying, "Watch this!" At the same time, the radio was playing a song. The lyrics were, "I don't want you to ever doubt how much I love you!" And it was if God was saying "Do you hear me?" I was brought to tears! I am so undeserving of all of this affection. But that's the God we serve. He loves us even though we are so undeserving.
I felt a deep impression in my heart and was reminded that my God is a jealous God. He doesn't want anything or anyone else to have first place in my heart. Only He knows us perfectly and knows exactly what we need. Why would we go anywhere else?
I pray that you will stop now and look up and praise the One who is so deserving of our love and adoration. He inhabits the praise of His people and he is enthralled with the beauty of His bride!
While driving a few days ago, I was feeling a little blue. I was praying (praising) through that all morning. I glanced up into the scattered cloudy day, and saw a huge fluffy heart cloud. I was so thankful.
But in a matter of seconds, I saw another shape. It was clouds forming a heart shape, but it was like a cut-out. The brilliant blue sky shone through the middle. It kept getting larger and larger. It was as if God was saying, "Watch this!" At the same time, the radio was playing a song. The lyrics were, "I don't want you to ever doubt how much I love you!" And it was if God was saying "Do you hear me?" I was brought to tears! I am so undeserving of all of this affection. But that's the God we serve. He loves us even though we are so undeserving.
I felt a deep impression in my heart and was reminded that my God is a jealous God. He doesn't want anything or anyone else to have first place in my heart. Only He knows us perfectly and knows exactly what we need. Why would we go anywhere else?
I pray that you will stop now and look up and praise the One who is so deserving of our love and adoration. He inhabits the praise of His people and he is enthralled with the beauty of His bride!
Saturday, April 18, 2009
The Fight Is Fixed
I have recently started a new work-out routine. It is exhausting and it is exhilarating. At times, I feel like I could collapse and at times, I feel like I could jump over mountains.
That sounds like our journey of faith, doesn't it? Just like a good work-out routine, our faith needs to be worked out. When we are in the valley, we need to persevere. When we are on the mountaintop, we need to take it all in. We need to enjoy the victory! Because we know that we are eventually going down...into the valley...again...to learn more about this walk of faith.
While working out, I love to listen to praise music. It is so energizing! I highly recommend it! This morning, I had to pray..."HELP me, Jesus!" And he did! My legs were burning and I didn't feel I had another ounce of strength. But, as soon as I prayed, a burst of energy raced through my body and I kept going...to the finish! Yeah, me! I feel good!!!
Are you on the mountaintop? Praise God...it feels so good, doesn't it?! Use this time, to encourage others and don't stop praising God!
Or are you in the midst of a discouraging battle? Have you felt like lying down and surrendering? You have no energy and you know you can't go on another minute. I encourage you to pray...if all you have is the energy to utter the name of "Jesus", you will find he will be there.
I was encouraged while listening to my music, when the worship leader made the comment, "The Fight Is Fixed!" Look at the back of the book...we WIN! Think about that. You may feel you have lost a few battles in life. I know I have. But that doesn't make us losers. The Bible says in the final round, we WIN! We will be victorious...if we don't lose heart and give up! It will be worth it in eternity!
If you are a Christian, you are in a fight. The battle is for your soul. Your opponent, the devil, would like you to be discouraged and to surrender. He knows the end of the book has been written. He loses! We win! Don't give up...don't give in...every morning is a new day and the Lord has everything you need!
Be encouraged! One of my favorite verses, that energizes me each time I read it, goes like this:
Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope:
Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail,
They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
I say to myself, "The Lord is my portion;
therefore I will wait for him".
The Lord is good tho those whose hope is in him,
to the one who seeks him
Lamentations 3:21-26
The Fight Is Fixed! And at the final bell...we WIN!
That sounds like our journey of faith, doesn't it? Just like a good work-out routine, our faith needs to be worked out. When we are in the valley, we need to persevere. When we are on the mountaintop, we need to take it all in. We need to enjoy the victory! Because we know that we are eventually going down...into the valley...again...to learn more about this walk of faith.
While working out, I love to listen to praise music. It is so energizing! I highly recommend it! This morning, I had to pray..."HELP me, Jesus!" And he did! My legs were burning and I didn't feel I had another ounce of strength. But, as soon as I prayed, a burst of energy raced through my body and I kept going...to the finish! Yeah, me! I feel good!!!
Are you on the mountaintop? Praise God...it feels so good, doesn't it?! Use this time, to encourage others and don't stop praising God!
Or are you in the midst of a discouraging battle? Have you felt like lying down and surrendering? You have no energy and you know you can't go on another minute. I encourage you to pray...if all you have is the energy to utter the name of "Jesus", you will find he will be there.
I was encouraged while listening to my music, when the worship leader made the comment, "The Fight Is Fixed!" Look at the back of the book...we WIN! Think about that. You may feel you have lost a few battles in life. I know I have. But that doesn't make us losers. The Bible says in the final round, we WIN! We will be victorious...if we don't lose heart and give up! It will be worth it in eternity!
If you are a Christian, you are in a fight. The battle is for your soul. Your opponent, the devil, would like you to be discouraged and to surrender. He knows the end of the book has been written. He loses! We win! Don't give up...don't give in...every morning is a new day and the Lord has everything you need!
Be encouraged! One of my favorite verses, that energizes me each time I read it, goes like this:
Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope:
Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail,
They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
I say to myself, "The Lord is my portion;
therefore I will wait for him".
The Lord is good tho those whose hope is in him,
to the one who seeks him
Lamentations 3:21-26
The Fight Is Fixed! And at the final bell...we WIN!
Friday, April 17, 2009
Loved To Death
This morning, I am compelled to write this message ~
LOVED TO DEATH!
Yesterday, during my prayer time, I was praying about loving. How can the Lord love the unlovable. Those who reject him. When I think about the crucifixion, I ask, "HOW Lord did you endure such humiliation and pain?".
The physical pain was indescribable. Just imagine getting up right now and smacking your toe on a very hard object. You say, No thanks! I did that in December and I still experience pain at times. And that's just a tiny part of my body compared to every other part.
He was beaten beyond recognition. The most grueling death. He was spit on. He was mocked and laughed at.
You maybe thinking, "Okay, Tammy, enough already".
Why don't you want to think about it?
Now, imagine the pain of being rejected by your closest friends. The people you share your inner secrets, desires and vulnerabilities with. You are being ridiculed and your best friend just stands there as if he doesn't even know you and downright doesn't care what you are going through.
Let that sink in for a minute.
Now imagine being rejected by your father. He doesn't call, never says he loves you and his world mainly revolves around himself. He seems a world away.
How are you feeling about now?
None of us want to go there. Why?
It's too painful.
I asked the Lord, "How, did you do it?"
He gently answered, "Because I loved you!
I didn't FEEL like suffering.
I LOVED you to DEATH - my death!"
Every step of his death, has you written on it.
He loved YOU every step to his own death.
If you are like me, and I think you are, you will do anything to avoid suffering in your own life. No one wants to suffer. No one wants to be in pain. No one wants to be rejected. What day have you awakened to say, "Today, I FEEL like suffering!"
He died for all of it. All of the pain that you and I have every suffered. The physical, emotional and spiritual pain. If you are feeling down, look to the cross. If you are feeling rejected, look to the cross...confused, tired, in pain, grieving a loss, fearful...look to the cross.
I know ~ Good Friday was last week.
But, has it changed your life? How has this week been different than last week? Have you encountered His love for you?
Look at the cross.
No one has ever loved you that much!
He LOVED you to death!
For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous (that's Him) for the unrighteous (that's us), to bring you to God. 1 Peter 4:4
My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13
LOVED TO DEATH!
Yesterday, during my prayer time, I was praying about loving. How can the Lord love the unlovable. Those who reject him. When I think about the crucifixion, I ask, "HOW Lord did you endure such humiliation and pain?".
The physical pain was indescribable. Just imagine getting up right now and smacking your toe on a very hard object. You say, No thanks! I did that in December and I still experience pain at times. And that's just a tiny part of my body compared to every other part.
He was beaten beyond recognition. The most grueling death. He was spit on. He was mocked and laughed at.
You maybe thinking, "Okay, Tammy, enough already".
Why don't you want to think about it?
Now, imagine the pain of being rejected by your closest friends. The people you share your inner secrets, desires and vulnerabilities with. You are being ridiculed and your best friend just stands there as if he doesn't even know you and downright doesn't care what you are going through.
Let that sink in for a minute.
Now imagine being rejected by your father. He doesn't call, never says he loves you and his world mainly revolves around himself. He seems a world away.
How are you feeling about now?
None of us want to go there. Why?
It's too painful.
I asked the Lord, "How, did you do it?"
He gently answered, "Because I loved you!
I didn't FEEL like suffering.
I LOVED you to DEATH - my death!"
Every step of his death, has you written on it.
He loved YOU every step to his own death.
If you are like me, and I think you are, you will do anything to avoid suffering in your own life. No one wants to suffer. No one wants to be in pain. No one wants to be rejected. What day have you awakened to say, "Today, I FEEL like suffering!"
He died for all of it. All of the pain that you and I have every suffered. The physical, emotional and spiritual pain. If you are feeling down, look to the cross. If you are feeling rejected, look to the cross...confused, tired, in pain, grieving a loss, fearful...look to the cross.
I know ~ Good Friday was last week.
But, has it changed your life? How has this week been different than last week? Have you encountered His love for you?
Look at the cross.
No one has ever loved you that much!
He LOVED you to death!
For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous (that's Him) for the unrighteous (that's us), to bring you to God. 1 Peter 4:4
My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13
Monday, April 13, 2009
You Have Potential
Yesterday was wonderful! We celebrated the Resurrection of Jesus from the grave! Every year that I hear that message I am in awe. And what really gets me is the idea, I mean the TRUTH that the SAME power that resurrected Jesus from the dead lives in me and you!
I quickly realize that I am not utilizing the full power that lives in me. I have to meditate on it, yet cannot fully comprehend that kind of power. Power to raise the dead...power to raise God! I want more of that power. More of Him; less of me is my prayer. I want to raise God up in my life so that others can see Him in me.
This power is available to anyone who has answered the call on their life to follow him. The Bible says that "All have been called." That includes you. God sees the potential in your life. He sees what you could be with his power working in you. We have to work on surrendering the "me" in our lives to the power in "Him".
I sense His anticipation of answering that prayer. Let's see what God is going to do today in us and through us...as we surrender to him! I can't think of a more exciting life than a life that is marked by the POWER of Almighty God! Can you believe that the God that made the heavens and earth wants to exhibit Himself in YOU and me?
Amazing!!!
I quickly realize that I am not utilizing the full power that lives in me. I have to meditate on it, yet cannot fully comprehend that kind of power. Power to raise the dead...power to raise God! I want more of that power. More of Him; less of me is my prayer. I want to raise God up in my life so that others can see Him in me.
This power is available to anyone who has answered the call on their life to follow him. The Bible says that "All have been called." That includes you. God sees the potential in your life. He sees what you could be with his power working in you. We have to work on surrendering the "me" in our lives to the power in "Him".
I sense His anticipation of answering that prayer. Let's see what God is going to do today in us and through us...as we surrender to him! I can't think of a more exciting life than a life that is marked by the POWER of Almighty God! Can you believe that the God that made the heavens and earth wants to exhibit Himself in YOU and me?
Amazing!!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
