Faithful Friday - "Love Does"

I know it's Saturday, but even so, I wanted to join Joy's Faithful Friday this week!


Joy received the book, Love Does, by Bob Goff, as a birthday gift.  We'd heard it was an awesome book.  She started reading it and kept passing along snippets of it to me as she was reading, and just how much she loved it.  Since I couldn't wait until she was done, I've been picking it up and reading when she puts it down.

It is so inspirational.  And although I'm only chapter 7, I have to say, it's so thought provoking.  And it's funny!

Just from those first seven chapters, the thought that keep flooding my mind is just how much of a difference we can make by demonstrating love.  Even if that little act of love doesn't seem like much to us.

Particularly, in this book, I'm talking about a young Christian man that, although he knows that Bob (the author of the book) is probably headed in a direction that isn't ideal for his life (quitting school and going on an adventure), wisely lets him know that he's "with him".  That wasn't just something he "said".  No, he put action to his words.  He grabs his backpack and sleeping bag right then, and goes with Bob on this crazy adventure.  He sticks with Bob.....showing him love, God's love, even though he knows it's not going to work out.  He never once says "I told you so" or "I didn't think this was a good idea."

Looking back,  Bob sees what an awesome sacrifice it was for this young man to make. This radical young man made an impression on Bob's life because he was someone that didn't just say he was a Christian and "preach to him," but he sincerely loved Bob and lived out what the Bible said.  When they returned from the adventure, Bob learned even more of what a sacrifice this young man made by going with him.  (I don't want to tell you everything because you really should read it).  So get the book and read it!

Anyway, it really got me to thinking.  I'm sure this young man that sacrificed his time, comfort, and more to go along with Bob (on a crazy adventure that he knew was crazy before they began), probably never thought just how many people that one decision would impact.  When I think about not only the lives that this young Christian man has touched alone, but all of those that Bob Goff has touched, just because he invested in Bob at that point in his life, it is just an awesome picture of what Love Does!  It snowballs!

Love Does.  It catches on.  It spreads.  It makes a difference.

What if that young man hadn't invested in Bob?  I wonder if Bob would have lived a life for Jesus?  I wonder if he would have traveled the world touching lives?  I wonder if he would have written a life-changing book?

If nothing else, this reminds me that even the smallest acts of love.....doing....showing love.....make a difference.  And in that moment that we are demonstrating that small act of love, chances are we probably don't have a clue just how much difference we are making until it has the chance to completely manifest.  That may take years.

Because God IS Love, letting God work through us by being his hands, feet, and voice, is doing what God called us to do.  We are doing God's work.

God IS Love.  If we are Christians, we have God.  We have love.

And Love Does!  That's an action word!  :)

♥ Tammy ♥

Faithful Friday - "I Have Set You Apart"

I've really missed participating in Joy's Faithful Fridays.  I'm back today with a devotion that I read the other morning from one of my favorite devotionals, His Princess (Love Letters from Your King) by Sheri Rose Shepherd.   I just love how personal these devotions are, and they always hit me right where I need it.  :)


Often times I try to "fix things" instead of immediately turning them over to God.  I mean, I suppose when it's something so big that it seems impossible for me, it is probably easier for me to turn it over to God because I know there's NO WAY I can handle it.  But when it's the smaller things, I tend to try to handle it first, before handing it over to God.  He really does want me to just give it to Him from the start, big or small.  That takes so much pressure off me.  I tend to be somewhat hard on myself, so this one hit me right where I needed.  I hope it blesses you as well!

My Princess.....I Have Set You Apart

I have called you to be set apart, just as I called those who came before you.  I know this calling will sometimes come with great cost, but the eternal rewards are priceless and beyond comparison.  Just as I did with Queen Esther, I have given you the ability to walk in such a way so all will see that you are divinely Mine.  Some will admire you for your dedication to Me, and some will want you to fail rather than follow your lead.  You may fall because you are not perfect, but your mistakes can be the tutors that make you wiser.  Don't put pressure on yourself to be perfect.  I'm the only one who can perfect you, My princess.  All I ask is that you let Me set you apart so that I use you as a witness for the world to see.

Love,
Your King who sets you apart

"I knew you before I formed you in your mother's womb.  Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my spokesman to the world."

Jeremiah 1:5

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

And on another note, I wanted to pass along some information to my blogging friends.  Many of you may remember Christina of Pendleton Primitives!  She and her husband retired from the military and purchased a farmhouse in Michigan, moved in and began renovating, only to discover later that the health issues her family was having resulted from previous conditions (toxins) in the house (it had been used as a meth lab). Of course, they had to move out, and are having to begin again.  There is a fundraising site set up for anyone that would like to help them along.  Every little bit helps I'm sure!  And please feel free to pass this along!  You can click here to get to the fundraising site.

Thanks so much for stopping by! Have a wonderful weekend!  :)

Blessings,

Tammy 

Faithful Friday - "Trials and Temptations"

It's still Friday....and I'm so happy to join in with Joy's Faithful Friday today! (I always feel defeated when I miss it!)    :(

This is what's on my heart this evening!


Sometimes it just plain hard being a Christian in this world.  Let's face it!  We face trials.  We encounter temptations.  It's easy to think, that as Christians, we should be "above these things", as in not having to deal with them.  Our family was just discussing this the other day.  God never said being a Christian was easy.  If someone says it is, they are misleading you!

The devil works hard and overtime on Christians using trials and temptations.  And it's easy to get down trodden when these things come our way.

The only thing that comforts me in all of this is that even Jesus, as perfect as He was, was tempted.  And we definitely know he faced trials.  So it just makes me think if Satan takes time to pick on a Christian with temptations and trials, he/she must be doing something right for God's Kingdom.

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.  Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

James 1:2-4 (NIV)

And Jesus showed us the way to combat and deal with these temptations - with God's Word.  Jesus threw scripture right back at Satan.  So that's what we can do!  We simply come back with scripture, God's Own Words of promise and comfort.  It reminds me of that quote, "When Satan reminds you of your past, you just remind him of his future!"

One of THE hardest temptations and trials to deal with is thoughts.  Like Joy said the other day when we were talking about this, "you can't get away from your thoughts."  And boy, does Satan try to use that to bog us down.  But....we even have a scripture for that too!

We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

2 Corinthians 10:5 (NIV)

So if we allow Him, Jesus takes those thoughts and binds them up right then and there.  We just ask Him to take those thoughts to be submissive and obedient unto Him.

And that's not to say that there won't be more thoughts, more trials,and  more temptations because we are constantly "fighting the fight" and "running the race".

BUT......we just keep on keeping on because we have Jesus and His Word.  We never fail when we start over fresh each time with Jesus because He forgives and extends His grace and gives us the sword, His Word (the Bible) to fight off these temptations.  

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

2 Timothy 4:7 (NIV)

Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.  Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.  For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.  Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.  Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled round your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.  In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.  Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Ephesians 6:10-17 (NIV)  


Be Encouraged!
♥ Tammy ♥ 

Faithful Friday - "The Way, the Truth, and the Life"

Hi there!  It's still Friday, so I'm sneaking in my Faithful Friday post!  I sincerely apologize for missing the last two Fridays.  Gosh, time just gets away from me!  Thanks for sticking with me!  :)


There's a song by Christian Contemporary artist, New World Son, that I just love.  As usual, the tune got my attention first, and then I really focused on the words.  And these words I've read in the Bible many times and heard spoken in sermons, but something really clicked with me one particular time I was listening to it.  The name of the song is There is a Way.


It was like a light bulb moment for me as to what those three words really meant to ME.  First of all, Jesus is the (only) Way.  If you don't know what to do, which way to go, what path you should take.......Jesus is the answer.  To me, not only does this apply to Him being the way to salvation (to heaven), but also in showing us the path He'd have us take in this world, even in the little things.  God's Word says Jesus is the Way. Wow!  It's as simple as that.  We can pray and trust in Jesus because he IS the Way!

Next word......the Truth.  In this world we live in, there is so much surrounding us that's not real.  People will disappoint us; people are dishonest; they let us down, and they hurt us.  There's just a lot of deception out there.  But again, we have the privilege of turning to Jesus, because He IS the (only) Truth!  Another big Wow!  We can depend on Him (and only Him) for truth in every situation.  He won't disappoint, deceive us, or let us down....EVER!

And then the third word.....the Life.  That's the best one yet!  He is the (only) one that gives us life.  And the life He gives is the only life worth living!  And because the life He gives, when we accept it, we have an eternal home in heaven!  That's not just happiness here, that's forever happiness!  :)

See how loaded those three words are!  Maybe you have already experienced the fullness of those words, but it was one of those "aha moments" for me at just how powerful those three words that describe Jesus are!  I worry too much, when I have the Way, the Truth, and the Life right here with me everyday!  :)

Jesus answered, I am the way and the truth and the life.  No ones comes to the Father except through me.

John 14:6 (NIV)

Thanks for stopping by today!  Have a great weekend!  :)

♥ Tammy ♥

Faithful Friday - "Walk in My Confidence"

I don't know why I'm ever surprised, but God always gives me just what I need, just when I need it.  I know we all wish we had more at times, or wish we could change something about ourselves at some point, but the truth is God made us the way he wanted us.  And he gives us what we need (and sometimes even our wants) .  And our worth is not in things or our image, but in Him.

This is another little devotional from His Princess (Love Letters from Your King) by Sheri Rose Shepherd.  I hope it blesses you today too!

My Princess....Walk in My Confidence

I know the world whispers in your ear that what you possess defines who you are, and what you look like determines your worth.  This is a lie, My love.  The generations to come will never remember you for the things you accumulate or the efforts you placed in your appearance.  In fact, the harder you strive to collect more things and to perfect your image, the more insecure you will be about who you are and why you are here.  I am in you and you are in Me.  I will give you all that you need.  Now go and walk through your world in the confidence that I've uniquely equipped you with all you need to impact the lives of those around you forever!

Love,
Your King and your Confidence

For the Lord will be your confidence, and will keep your foot from being caught.

Proverbs 3:26

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

To link up your own Faithful Friday post, click on the Faithful Friday button above.  Be sure and stop by Joy's blog anyway and check out all the other Faithful Friday posts!  And thank you Joy, for hosting this wonderful way to share our faith with the blogging community!  :)

Have a great weekend!

Be Blessed,

♥ Tammy ♥

Faithful Friday - "Overcomer"

I love Faithful Fridays!  Friday is just a good day anyway and every day is a good day to share our faith!  :) My daughter, Joy, started Faithful Fridays several years ago as a way for us to do just that...... by setting aside one day a week to share something from our Christian walk so we can encourage and bless one another!

This week I've had a song on my mind a great deal.  Maybe it's because Jason had it on replay and I heard it a zillion times while we were working on repainting our hallway.  And then it seems every time I got in the vehicle to go somewhere, it would play on the KLove.  That's a good thing though.  You know the first time I hear a song, the tune and beat get my attention.  And THEN I focus on the words.  And this song has great lyrics!  It speaks volumes!  And it's yet another one by Mandisa.



In this world, we get down.  We go through stuff.  We tend to let circumstances pull us down.  It's human nature.

But thanks to Jesus, we don't have to stay there!  We don't have to stay at the bottom or go under.  God is there to pull us up and He tells us that we are overcomers because of Him.  He has overcome the world and because of that we can rise above any of our circumstances, trials, or tribulations.  We can have peace and even joy because WE are overcomers through Jesus!

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace.  In the world you will have tribulation.  But take heart; I have overcome the world."

John 16:33

For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world.  And this is the victory that has overcome the world - our faith.

1 John 5:4

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.

Romans 8:37

Just know you're not alone!  We've all been there.  I've been there many times.  We had some low times this past week.  You might be there today!  It's not hopeless!  You ARE an overcomer!  Don't quit.  Don't give up!  Hang on to His promises!  He is faithful!

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

**Note**  This must be something God really wanted to be shared because without knowing it, Joy and I posted on the exact same subject.   And then again, this song and these scriptures have blessed us this week and strengthened us!  :)  I love when God works like this!

God bless you!

♥ Tammy ♥

Faithful Friday - "It's Okay to Cry"

It's Faithful Friday time!



Today, I prayed about what I should share....because I was really having a hard time with what I should or needed to share. You know.......some days you just need a boost yourself and this was one of those days!  So I did what I have done times in the past....I prayed, went to my favorite devotion book, His Princess (Love Letters from Your King) by Sherri Rose Shepherd  because I love how personal this devotion book is and how it always hits me right where I need it.  And God comes through every.single.time.  I asked God to give me exactly what I needed today and what He'd like for me to share.  So this is it.  I even spoke these exact words to Luke today over another issue....it's okay to cry:)  Funny how God uses my exact words to give me His Word for the day!  Thank you Lord for taking time to reveal Yourself to me today!

My Princess.....It's Okay to Cry

I see how hard you try to handle your heart, and I know you want to live a life without heartaches or pain.  I'm asking you to take a step closer to your Father in heaven by crying out to Me when you hurt.  Let Me heal you.  Remember My chosen, King David?  He cried out to Me in his fears, disappointments, and sin, and I answered.  You are also My chosen one, and you are My daughter....so it's okay to cry.  I don't expect you to pretend that pain is not real.  It is truth and tears that will give you the freedom that I want you to know.  Now let go of that part of your heart that only I can heal.  Let your heavenly Daddy hold you while you cry.

Love,
Your King who wipes away your tears

Those who sow in tears will reap with songs o fjoy.

Pslam 126:5 (NIV) 

Be Blessed,

♥ Tammy ♥

Faithful Friday - "Teach Them Diligently"

"Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up."

Deuteronomy 11:19

I love this Bible verse!  It's a great reminder that as parents, we have a huge responsibility to teach our children everyday, from the time we rise until we lie down at night.  We should be teaching our children God's ways - what He's done for us and to trust in Him.  We can't depend on the church to do this.  It is OUR responsibility.  This is a constant daily thing that just takes place naturally as we go about living our lives making the most of every teaching opportunity - explaining choices and consequences as well.  And teach them WHY we believe what we believe!  This is important.

In another place in Deuteronomy it says to do it diligently, "lest they forget".  In today's society, forgetting is happening everyday.  And there will always be someone else or something else to replace what they forget with their philosophies or beliefs. 

It's easy (if you're a stay-at-home mom especially) to think that what we do doesn't make a difference, but we are!  Our children - our family - ARE our ministry and this verse is a great encouragement!  I hope it encourages YOU!  Parenting is a wonderful ministry!  I think it's the best!

We might not change the world but we might be raising a world-changer!  :)

Be encouraged!

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

I'm linking with Joy for Faithful Friday.  We'd love for you to join too.  Click on the button above to join or just read more Faithful Friday posts!  And have a great weekend!  :)

♥ Tammy ♥

Faithful Friday - "Weathering the Storm"

Faithful Friday is a day started and set aside by my daughter, Joy, for sharing something from our Christian Walk in hopes of encouraging others.  You can join too and link a post by clicking on the button below.  :)


I think it's safe to say that we all have struggles from day to day, even as Christians.  Just because we are Christians doesn't mean that everything is all rainbows and unicorns.  Our lives aren't going to be perfect.  We will have struggles just like everyone else, BUT we have His promise that He's there to help us weather those storms.

Whether we're a stay-at-home mom or have a job outside the home, our stress level rises and it's easy to feel like we're sinking further and further and just can't rise above our circumstances or dig our way out.  Some days I just feel like things are piling up so much, whether that be reality or things I've let accumulate in my mind, emotionally.

Our children's pastor brought the message at church a couple of Sundays ago and read a verse that is a promise to us, and even printed it on a business card and gave them out to everyone in the congregation.  I've been carrying mine (in my purse) with me everywhere.  It's a promise from God to cling to on those days that we feel like we're sinking or even drowning in our sea of stress, disappointments, or problems.  I want to share it with you.  Print it out.  Post it on your mirror.  Carry it with you.  Let it comfort you and give you the security that you're never alone.  God is there!  He cares!

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.  When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.

Isaiah 43:2

I don't know about you, but that is exciting to me!  It also reminds me of one line of a song that I absolutely love.  I can't wait to hear that line every time that song comes on.  It always send chills over me and brings tears to my eyes.  (God really uses music to speak to me).  :)  Have you heard Mandisa's song - Stronger?  One line says, "Go on...fall into the arms of Jesus!"  That one line carries a powerful and encouraging message to me.  I imagine the faith of a child that so completely trusts her father that she falls back into his arms knowing 100% that he will catch her....... or she runs into his arms when she's scared or tired and is so sure that she is completely safe and secure then because he is there....he's got her......and everything is going to be alright.  Her daddy will take of her and he'll never let anything happen to her.  That's what I imagine and it's such a security to me.  God does that for us!

So when you feel like circumstances are overtaking you, bringing you down, and you're sinking.......Remember his promise......

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you....... 

Go on.....Fall into the arms of Jesus!  :)


(If you haven't heard the song, Stronger, by Mandisa, you can listen to it here.)

God Bless,

♥ Tammy ♥

Faithful Friday - "Let the Little Children Come"

It's Faithful Friday time!  Faithful Fridays began by Joy ( my daughter) wanting a way to share our Christian faith with the blogging community.  She started it around the age of 9.  It is meant to be an encouragement and a way to share Christ.  I hope you are encouraged and blessed.  :)     



Today I want to share something that really made my day and blessed me.   Of course, a child can really get to me anyway!  This little six year old girl is retelling the "story of Jonah" entirely from memory with no prompts. It's obvious that she loves recalling Biblical accounts (I call them accounts because I tend to think of stories as fairy tales and they aren't fairy tales....they're history). And this little girl (Mary Margaret) loves retelling them with great expression! Her mother states that she is now 8 years old and that she travels to churches telling the "story" of Jonah, the "story" of Noah, and the "story" of David.

It's no wonder that Jesus wanted the little children to come to Him and told the disciples so when they tried to get the children away that had gathered around Jesus.

"People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them.  When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.  Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”

Mark 10:13-15 (NIV)

 

God can use a willing child that loves Him, just as much, if not more so, than grown folks! He's obviously using this little girl.

Anyway, enjoy this beautiful retelling of Jonah's story by a precious Mary Margaret.  Love her hairbow!  :)



And aren't you glad that God is a God of second chances? He gave Jonah a second chance as well as all the folks of Nineveh. Boy, I know I sure am!

Be sure and check out Joy's and others' Faithful Friday posts by visiting Joy's blog.

Be Blessed!  Have a great weekend!  :)

♥ Tammy ♥

Faithful Friday - "Being Content"

It’s already Friday again. This week has really flown by. We had my nephew and his wife here with us most of the week and really enjoyed it…..we even took a couple of days off from school to enjoy our time with them. And then we had some bad weather, so we just sort of nested for a few days. But Friday means it’s time for Faithful Friday!



You know how I love the devotion book, His Princess (Love Letters from Your King) by Sheri Rose Shepherd……..well I read this devotion yesterday and I thought I’d share it with you today. Too many times in these days of internet where we can so easily see what others have or what they're doing, it’s easy to become discontented with ourselves, what we’re doing, or what we have, and that’s definitely not a good thing. So this is a great reminder to be content with the rich life that we are blessed with when God is our treasure.  :)

I hope you enjoy this………

My Princess………..
I Want You To Be Content

You were given My peace when you let Me into your life. It is possible, My princess, to enjoy your life with a peaceful mind and a contented heart. You have so much to look forward to when you’re settled in your heavenly home with Me. But for now you must remember that nothing you buy or collect will calm your spirit or soothe your soul like I can. You came into this world with nothing, and that is how you will leave it. Let Me do more than give you the good gifts this life has to offer. I will give you a place of peace decorated with delight and filled with memories that will be more cherished than anything this world has to offer. So let Me be your treasure, and I will give you a rich life that will become more beautiful than anything money can buy.

Love,
Your King and your Contentment

 

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.  I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.  I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

 

Philippians 4:12-13 (NIV)

 

 

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

 

If you would like to read more Faithful Friday posts, visit Joy here, and even better, we'd love for you to link up and participate.  Faithful Fridays are about encouraging others by sharing something from our Christian Walk. 

 

Thanks for stopping by!  Have a great weekend!  :)

 

♥ Tammy ♥

 

 



Faithful Friday - "Random Acts of Kindness"

It’s Friday and that means it’s time for Faithful Friday. It's one day we've set aside, as Christians, to share something from our Christian Walk to encourage others.  Be sure and stop by Joy's blog (Doodlebug) for her Faithful Friday post, and we'd love it if you linked up and participated too!

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

It’s so amazing how God works in me through Faithful Fridays . I always hope to be an encouragement to others through my sharing on Faithful Fridays, but in the process, I’m the one that’s blessed. God is SO good that way!

I came across this story when I was praying about what to share today. When I began reading it, I instantly recognized it as having read it before.  I loved it then and I love it now.  :)

I hope you are blessed by it and encouraged to be a light in this world by being a blessing to others by showing kindness. You just never know what God is up to and what He will do!



♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

This young man was driving home one evening, on a two lane country road. Work in this small mid-western community was almost as slow as his beat-up Pontiac, but he never quit looking. Ever since the factory closed, he'd been unemployed, and with winter coming on, the chill had finally hit home.

It was a lonely road. Not very many people had a reason to be on it, unless they were leaving. Most of his friends had already left. They had families to feed and dreams to fulfill, but he stayed on. After all, this was where he buried his mother and father. He was born here and he knew the country. He could go down this road blind, and tell you what was on either side, and with his headlights not working , this came in handy.

It was starting to get dark and light snow flurries were coming down. He'd better get a move on. You know, he almost didn't see the old lady, stranded on the side of the road. But even in the dim light of day, he could see she needed help. So he pulled up in front of her Mercedes and got out. His Pontiac was still sputtering when he approached her.

Even with the smile on his face, she was worried. No one had stopped to help, for the last hour or so. Was he going to hurt her? He didn't look safe. He looked poor and hungry. He could see that she was frightened, standing out there in the cold. He knew how she felt. It was that chill which only fear can put in you. He said, "I'm here to help you Ma'am. Why don't you wait in the car where it's warm? By the way, my name is Bryan."

Well, all she had was a flat tire, but for an old lady, that was bad enough. Bryan crawled under the car looking for a place to put the jack, skinning his knuckles a time or two. Soon he was able to change the tire. But he had to get dirty and his hands hurt. As he was tightening up the lug nuts, she rolled down the window and began to talk to him. She told him that she was from St. Louis and was only just passing through.

She couldn't thank him enough for coming to her aid. Bryan just smiled as he closed her trunk. She asked him how much she owed him. Any amount would have been all right with her. She had already imagined all the awful things that could have happened had he not stopped.

Bryan never thought twice about the money. This was not a job to him. This was helping someone in need, and God knows there were plenty who had given him a hand in the past. He had lived his whole life that way, and it never occurred to him to act any other way. He told her if she really wanted to pay him back, the next time she saw someone who needed help, she could give that person the assistance that they needed, and Bryan added "...and think of me." He waited until she started her car and drove off.

It had been a cold and depressing day, but he felt good as he headed for home, disappearing into the twilight.

A few miles down the road the lady saw a small cafe. She went in to grab a bite to eat, and take the chill off before she made the last leg of her trip home. It was a dingy looking restaurant. Outside were two old gas pumps. The whole scene was unfamiliar to her. The cash register was like the telephone of an out of work actor--it didn't ring much.

Her waitress came over and brought a clean towel to wipe her wet hair. She had a sweet smile, one that even being on her feet for the whole day couldn't erase.

The lady noticed that the waitress was nearly eight months pregnant, but she never let the strain and aches change her attitude. The old lady wondered how someone who had so little could be so giving to a stranger.

Then she remembered Bryan. . .

After the lady finished her meal, and the waitress went to get change for a hundred dollar bill, the lady slipped right out the door. She was gone by the time the waitress came back. She wondered where the lady could be, then she noticed something written on the napkin under which were 4 one-hundred dollar bills. There were tears in her eyes when she read what the lady wrote. It said: "You don't owe me anything, I have been there too. Somebody once helped me out the way I'm helping you. If you really want to pay me back, here is what you do: Do not let this chain of love end with you."

Well, there were tables to clear, sugar bowls to fill, and people to serve, but the waitress made it through another day. That night when she got home from work and climbed into bed, she was thinking about the money and what the lady had written. How could the lady have known how much she and her husband needed it? With the baby due next month, it was going to be hard.

She knew how worried her husband was, and as he lay sleeping next to her, she gave him a soft kiss and whispered soft and low, "Everything's gonna be all right - I love you, Bryan."

** Author Unknown **

 

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

 

Just think if we could just perform one random act of kindness toward someone every day.....paying for the meal of the person in line behind us in the drive-through, leaving a very generous tip for the server at the restaurant, taking a cup of hot chocolate to the Salvation Army bell ringer..........the possibilities are endless!   We might not ever know how it blessed them, but God knows.  :)

 

 

♥ Tammy ♥

Faithful Friday - "Pray with Power"

I’ll have to admit to you that I’ve been down-hearted this week, and as a result, I’ve been grumpy….especially with my kids. I just had to apologize. How thankful I am that they so easily forgive me and love me unconditionally!

The election has left me emotionally exhausted and burdened, and honestly I've not felt much like blogging, or much else. I'm ashamed to say that, but it's the truth.

But……………. :)

After school this morning, I picked up the devotional book, His Princess (Love Letters from Your King) by Sheri Rose Shepherd and I asked the Lord to give me something I needed to hear today…..something to help my worries and my down-heartedness. Yes, sometimes I just need God to show me things in this way. I need neon signs! And this is what He gave me! Oh how good He is!


My Princess…….Pray with Power

My powerful princess, do not waste your walk through life today. Open your spiritual eyes. Prayer is needed everywhere. Anywhere you walk today I can and will order your steps, if you will let Me. Pray while you’re driving, while you’re cooking, and while you’re doing laundry and running errands. Of all the weapons in the world, prayer is your most powerful resource. Don’t let the day begin or end without letting your prayers to Me pave the way in all you do. Wherever you go, remember that part of your royal privilege is raising your voice to heaven. So hold on to the promises that are yours and pray!

Love,
Your King and Intercessor

Pray at all times and on every occasion in the power of the Holy Spirit. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all Christians everywhere.

  Ephesians 6:18

Source:  Google Images

 

Maybe this was meant to encourage one of you today as it did me!  God is surely in control, no matter what, and He assures us that there is power in prayer! Praise Him!

I hope you'll stop by and visit Joy also today for Faithful Friday. And if you would like to participate, you can link up while you’re there!

Have a great weekend! God bless you!  :)

♥ Tammy ♥ 

Faithful Friday - "Encouragement"

I’m a little later today getting my Faithful Friday post on. But I didn’t forget! Faithful Fridays was started by my daughter, Joy, as a way to set aside one day a week to share something from our Christian Walk with the blogging world. Sharing should be done everyday, in the way we live, and the words we say and in our relationships, but we like to specifically set aside a day and this is that day. If you would like to participate, just grab the button, and leave Joy a comment here, letting her know you are participating, so we can visit your blog too.

I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone that wasn’t in need of encouragement at some point in their life. We all have low points or just a time in our life where we need a little push, or know that someone cares about what we’re going through. Sometimes that comes through family or friends, and that’s great. We should encourage one another. But family and friends, because we are all human, will fail us. Not intentionally, but because we are all imperfect. However, there is One that we can depend on no matter what. First you have to know Him. His name is Jesus. And his invitation to know Him is open to anyone.

“Everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:13 (NIV)

And that’s not by how good we are or things we do, it’s a gift from God to anyone who desires it:

“For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9


“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23


So you see, it doesn’t matter where you’ve been, what you’ve come from, how bad you’ve been, how good you are, we all come to Christ the same way! And you don’t have to be in church to do this. You can do this anywhere; wherever you are. Jesus meets you right where you are.

After you know Him, then you have a special relationship with God and He is with you, everywhere you go and everything you do. He gives us encouragement through promises in His Word. And God’s Word can be trusted and depended on for all aspects of a Christian’s life:

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Honestly, I don’t know how folks get through this life without that assurance. I know that I can depend on God, no matter what. If everyone else fails me, or if everything falls apart, He cares. He won’t leave me or forsake me. That is the only true comfort that exists.

Here are few scriptures of promise from God’s Word that especially encourage and comfort me:

“Be strong and courageous. Do no fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6


And this one is one of my very favorite sources of encouragement and comfort:

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

And there are more:

“It is the LORD who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” Deuteronomy 31:8


“Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.” Psalm 55:22


“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:28-29

God didn’t promise that we wouldn’t have problems, troubles, or tribulation. Because of the disobedience of Adam and Eve, sin entered this world, at which time entered pain, death, and suffering. But God did promise us that He would be with us, giving us peace and comfort. We must seek Him for this and trust Him. God is faithful, folks. It’s true!

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” John 14:27


“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world”. John 16:33


“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7


And He promises to guide us and carry us through these times:

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.” Psalm 32:8

And here's another of my very favorite ones for guidance because a lot of times I can’t understand why I’m going through a particular trial or why this is happening, but God tells me to not worry about understanding it but to lean on him and trust Him in all my ways and He will carry me through and guide me:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him; and He will direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6

And lest you think these words were meant for previous times and not for modern days, know that Jesus Christ never changes. What was real and true back then, is real and true for today.

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and today, and forever.” Hebrews 13:8


I know how discouraging this world can be. Whether you’re going through something emotional, something financial, loss of a loved one, stress, depression, a tragedy, hurtful relationships, feeling of being alone, thoughts that you can’t escape, and more…….God cares! He yearns for you to seek Him, lean on Him, trust Him, and let Him carry you through.

I hope this encourages you as much as it does me. Remember first you have to know Him, and then boy when you do, just look what you have! You have something that has overcome this world! You have victory in any circumstance.

And can I add one more thing? If you’ve never seen the movie, Facing the Giants, watch it! I think God wants us to give Him praise through bad times as well as through the good times. Just continue to trust Him through it all. This movie is a good example of all of this. You will be encouraged watching it. One of my favorite quotes from it has to do with a point where fear and faith collides. When they do, will your faith win or your fear? Watch this movie! It is available on DVD.

Oh, and another thing..... When you get in your car or you’re at home where you can listen to the radio, find K-Love on your radio. It’s positive, encouraging, and uplifting music that continually feeds my soul. It’s available across the nation in most every city. You can actually listen at home on the link I provided above, and you can go here to find a radio station near you. Why not let these words flow into your ears and to your heart as you drive or are at home relaxing? I promise you that you will be blessed and encouraged!

I hope these words and God's Word encourages you as much as it does me. And from me to you, here’s a big hug to go with it too!

**EDITED** I just came from Joy's blog to preview her post (and she previews mine) and we both just discovered, without knowing what the other one was doing, that our posts coincide with each other. So please go over and read her post. She talks about how God can use your sufferings for Him and how some of these times when you need encouragement are actually a blessing. Read it here.

Be encouraged……and be blessed!
~ Tammy ~