Between

Posted By Tammie on July 4, 2010

“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1

“Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!”

These words, spoken by Martin Luther King, have been familiar throughout America for over 40 years.  They are some of the most powerful words portraying the stand and the emotions of a human being. Webster defines freedom as the condition of being free of restraints…liberation from slavery or from the power of another.

So often we find that we are held in bondage.  For some it is an attitude of the heart; for some, an old habit that will not die; for others it is that they have yet to find the Truth of Jesus Christ.  “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”  Freedom from the power of sin; freedom from the influences that surround us, freedom from the evil one who wants nothing better than to silence us.  Scripture tells us that we are free in Christ (John 8:31-32). 

And if Christ has set us free, are our words and actions ringing loudly?  Are we boasting in the One who empowers us through the Holy Spirit? (Acts 1:8)  Are we portraying our freedom through righteousness (Romans 6:18)?

Freedom to live in the Spirit; Freedom to speak boldly of your faith; Freedom to tell others about the saving grace of Jesus; Freedom to overcome evil; Freedom to resist the world; Freedom to proclaim the promises of God; Freedom to stand firm under the pressures of the world; Freedom to shout from the rooftops “Jesus Is Lord”.  Freedom that comes only when you relinquish your desires to God; when you fall to your knees at the cross; when you say “not my will but Yours.”  This is a freedom that can only be found in Christ (John 8:36). 

Oh, what freedom!  What a glorious day it will be when all those in Christ will  Let Freedom Ring!

Category: Devotional | 2 Comments »
Tags: Christ, empower, Faith, freedom, glory, God, Holy Spirit, Martin Luther King, pressure, promises, resist, shout, silence, Sin, slavery, yoke

Posted By Tammie on June 30, 2010

I have been thinking about the interesting twists and turns that have taken place in my life over the last three to four years. Some are good, some were heartbreaking, and some just the mundane life of an ordinary woman. While I can’t list all I have been through (I will save that for chapter three though twelve), I can list a portion of what I am thankful for…

I am thankful for the ability to breathe in the freshness of each day.
I am thankful for the yellow finches that eat at the feeder outside my window along with the sparrows, the cardinals, and even the wee little mouse that feeds on the seeds that fall to the ground.

I am thankful for a loving and kind family, who walk with the Lord.
I am thankful for children who ask me to pray for situations in their lives.
I am thankful for a husband who holds me in prayer and supports my dreams and calling.

I am thankful for friends that encourage, guide, and bringing light to what seem to be bleak moments.
I am thankful for the opportunity to connect through Facebook and Twitter, making new friends and reaching lifelong friends.

Most of all, I am thankful that God has granted me forgiveness and washed me clean from who I used to be. Without His touch none of this would have meaning. God has given me an abundance of mercy and grace. He has opened doors I never knew existed. He has blessed me in ways I never thought possible. He has called me His own. Life could not be better than this.

Is there something you’re thankful for?  How has God blessed you? Won’t you leave a comment and share?

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Posted By Tammie on May 5, 2010

I did something I normally wouldn’t do; something that required courage and strength and took me right out of my comfort zone.  Do you ever have moments like that?  Do you ever have moments where you just suck in your breath and hold it and when you finally exhale and succumb to the urge, you feel the freedom that comes with it?  Well today, I felt that freedom, that wonderful, joyful, peaceful freedom that comes when you finally say “enough is enough”. 

 So what did I do that was so freeing you ask?  As insignificant as it may seem to some,  I emptied all of my email boxes…without pouring over  601 unread email that have been accumulating during this past semester, while I concentrated on studies, papers and tests.  Yup, I hit that delete key without even reading what was there. 

Now many wouldn’t think that such a great accomplishment.  That’s okay.  But my email is my social network of authors, publishers and leads for my writing submissions and it is my heart’s desire to become successful in that.  However, when I began to think of the heavy load I carried just thinking of the unanswered, unopened, ignored email that sat in my inboxes (yes, plural), and the time it would take me to sort through it all, it hindered my advancement.  I finally knew it was time to start fresh.  It is exhilarating to say the least!

Each day is new with the Lord too.  I rejoice in that.  He brings us new life, new vision, and renews us, if we will only push the delete button and release the burdens we carry.  God is amazing and I reflect today on the love, mercy and grace He has extended to me.  May I never forget the price He paid and may I always be ready to share that with others. 

Blessings,  Tammie

Category: Life Lesson | 6 Comments »
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Posted By Tammie on May 4, 2010

Have you ever had something weighing on your heart that just won’t lift?  That has been me this past week.  Today I realized it has been my neglectfulness.  I cannot believe it has been so long since I have posted.  I am so sorry to be away for so long. Will you forgive me?

Life seems to be zooming by like my sewing machine on the high-speed setting (which, I might say has not been used recently either).  Spring has sprung and the flowers are so beautiful.  Everything is green outside my new bay window, and of course the dandelions are in full bloom too.  Enough to make dandelion soup (I keep threatening my youngest).  Who, by the way turned 17 years old in April.  My Nicholas is 17, the baby…my “Forever Five” child.  It amazes me.

God has been working in my life too and I hope in yours.  Strength is rising as I seek new directions in ministry, listen longer and harder for His direction and put into action those things that He has been telling me.  His strength is perfect every time.  God continues to etch new directions onto my heart, a phrase, a scripture verse, a thought.  He tells me that someone needs an extra prayer today, someone I haven’t thought of in years.  He reminds me that He’s in control…thank goodness, because I would just mess it up.  I’ve taken my hands off the steering wheel and pray daily that I don’t take it back.

I have only three more weeks in this semester at school.  Looking forward to a break and some summer fun and relaxation.  I hope I find time to be creative in my writing and quilting because in that I usually have the quiet to hear Him speak, and that never fails.

For now, dear friends, enjoy the sights and sounds of spring.  Enjoy the beauty of nature and the wonder it brings.  Enjoy the grace of God and may He bring peace to your heart overflowing.♥

Category: Life Lesson | 2 Comments »
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Posted By Tammie on February 17, 2010

Not this week.  With winter recess, comes a houseful of chaos.  It’s not that bad, just confusing at times.  Our routine is so disjointed.  My quiet time in the morning is filled with coffee grinders, toasters popping, and juice glasses clanking.  My work production has been down a bit as there are little interruptions throughout my day. 

It’s a joy to have them home really.  I love it when Josh plops down in the chair near my desk just to talk for a bit.  All the while I’m saying to myself, “make time, Tammie, he’ll be gone before you know it.”  Josh bought his first car this week and he is so excited.  I still remember my first car…paid $500 for an AMC Hornet…YIKES!  It was brown and a long time ago. 

But really, I wanted to share with you that even in your chaotic moments, God is there listening to your heart and answering your prayers.  That is what I found this week in our craziness.  He is faithful even when we are neglectful. 

Maybe it’s because I’m looking at “love” in a different way.  Since Sunday’s church service, I’ve been thinking deeply about the meaning of love as described in the sermon…a consuming passion.  Looking at it from that perspective, my heart does a flip-flop when I think of those who don’t know the Lord or someone who is just plain having a bad day.  I have an urge to share the love of Christ and give someone the hope that Christ has given me.  The Apostle Paul prayed for the church at Ephesus, “… that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you…” (Ephesians 1:18). That glorious hope, consuming passion and the power of the resurrection has filled my life.  Oh, how I need to share it with the people He places in my path.

My prayers have been a question on how much I need to open up on my blog; how much of my life do I share with anyone who happens to drop by.  Within the next few weeks, I hope to share on a deeper level, a more personal aspect, and begin to share the way God has touched my life through my son, Nick.  My “forever five” child…

Until next time, keep praying, keep listening, and don’t worry about the chaos, God will speak above it.

Blessings,  Tammie

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Tags: Chaos, Faith, Hope, Lord, love