Verse of the day...

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



Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Bubble Talk...........

While in the shower this morning... God showed me something rather interesting.
You've all seen the bubbles in the shower that cling together as they slowly slide down the wall... gathering other bubbles as they go. There is always one bubble bigger than the rest... seeming to be the one that carries all the little ones. And if you pay attention... if the big bubble pops... the little ones will start to pop one at a time .... slowly... until there may be only one little bubble left. Looks as all hope is lost ... that one little bubble will pop and be no more. It struggles to hang on... it wants to shine... to create joy... put a smile on someones face. Who can resists smiling at bubbles. They hold mini little signs of Gods promise. Look real close ...see the rainbow? Gods Promise!
God promised that He would never again destroy the earth by flood. God put a rainbow in the clouds as a sign of the covenant. Genesis 9:11, 13.
How can this little bubble keep from popping so quickly like the others? Look again real close... the 'big bubble' left soap residue. Its still there... we just cant see it anymore. That last little bubble clings to the soap left behind. As it hangs on ... a few small bubbles come along and seem to drift toward it... eventually clinging to the lonely bubble as if it knows something they dont. As if there is hope to stay alive near this single bubble. What does it know they dont... what does it hold on to in order to keep from popping?

God is our 'big bubble' He carries us always.. guiding us to where we should go. When God seems to disappear and you cant see Him anymore... do you walk away. One at a time leaving only one or two to hang on? Why... because you cant see God you give up? He's right there... always is .. always will be!
He's right there ... He's the little old man carrying two bags of identical groceries. One for him and one for the single mom living next door to him struggling. She eats little to nothing so that her two little one can eat plenty... tonight she will get to eat.
He's the guy that while standing in line at the store and over hearing the situation in front of him of a little lady not buying Christmas plant due to not having enough money even after digging through all the change in her purse.... buys the plant and races after her and simply places in her cart and tells her to have a wonderful day. That sweet lady now has that gift she wanted for her sister.
He's the sweet teenage girl that notices a sweet little old man sitting at a table alone in a restaurant ... goes over introduces herself and asks to join him so that they both aren't alone. That little old man for the first time since his wife passed had company.
The single mom.... little old lady and sweet old man..... they are the single little bubbles hanging on... knowing that God is close to them. They may know something you dont.... they have hope... they have faith!
Dont give up so fast... dont walk away when you feel you cant see God. Just because you cant 'see' Him... doesnt mean He's not there. You just have to look.
While you're out today........... LOOK Around! See how many times you can spot God. He may be the little 8yr old boy holding the door for you to the store.
God is LOVE! Look into that little boys face... do you see love? Then know God was holding the door for you.


Have a wonderfully God filled day.

hugs.. love & blessings,
.::Tam::.

**The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear His voice and come to Him. He calls His own sheep by name and leads them out.
~ John 10:3**

Monday, March 30, 2009

Mystery CAL Monday........

On Crochetville this last few days we have been working a Mystery CAL (crochet-a-long) project. The host of the CAL(Thank you Sarah) would give a set of instructions each day until completed. It was so much fun!!!! I've asked if it would be okay to post the CAL here for others to enjoy and was given the okay! So even though you will see pics here of what is being created and its not really a mystery... Have fun!


We'll start here with Day 1 instructions... the days after that will be linked to the 'ville as to where you can find them.
Spring Mystery CAL
Materials
size 10 cotton thread and a size 7 steel hook or
size 3 cotton thread and a size D hook or
ww cotton yarn and a size F or G hook
Use what works for you.
Everyone's welcome! Each Day a few rounds will be posted, along with 1 of the mystery items needed to finish in the end. (household items, things most of us already have, or very cheap, or not at all, and we will see what we come up with)Instead of saying Repeat * to * ...yada yada, I will just write it out, ex. "Repeat stitch sequence" means to repeat the stitches made in the brackets.
Day 1
ch4, slst to form ring.
R1 ch1, 12 sc in ring. Join with a slst to first sc. (12sc)
R2 ch1, In Back Loops, sc in same sp, 2sc in each sp around, end with 1sc in beg. sp. (where ch1 is) slst to first sc to join. (24sc)
R3 ch1, sc in same sp, ch4, slst in second ch from hook (picot) ch2, skip next sc, sc in next sc, (looks like a pointy loop) {ch4, slst in second ch from hook (picot) ch2, skip next sc, sc in next sc} Repeat stitch sequence around 9 more times, ending with a last "pointy loop" ch4, slst in second ch from hook, hdc in top of first sc of round. (12 pointy loops and your hook is at the top of the last one made)http://www.crochetville.org/forum/sh...9&postcount=27
R4 ch1, TURN, slst in top of last picot made, {ch5, slst in top of next picot} Repeat stitch sequence around. Ending with a slst in the first slst made (top of first picot) (12, ch5 loops) http://www.crochetville.org/forum/sh...6&postcount=32
R5 ch1, TURN, 6sc in each loop around, join with a slst to first sc made. (72sc)Today's Mystery Item is an old piece of cardboard. Scrap is good, old box. Not like a cereal box, just plain "moving" or corrugated box. That's it for today, have fun!


Day 3 instructions


Day 4 (part 1) instructions

Day 4 Final instructions
And there you have it............. check out some of the pictures of the ideas the ladies had for their mystery item.
ctawq



hugs... love & blessings...
.::Tam::.
**But he led His own people like a flock of sheep, guiding them safely through the wilderness.
~ Psalm 78:52**

Saturday, March 28, 2009

Long Day...

Good Evening all……………
My apologies for being so absent and not very attentive to my blog of late.
Its been a roller-coaster of emotions this last couple weeks… and I’m a little ‘pooped’
Today was the funeral for our dear friend from church that was killed in a car wreck this week. Oh… how draining… emotionally and physically that was. I'm definitely leaning on God more tonight than usual. Just dont have my own strength right now.
Its good to be home… in my comfy clothes… my coffee cup and crochet next to me and my laptop right here to be with all you. I was so glad all the food was pretty much eaten or shuffled off to the family … after cooking it.. and taking it .. I didn’t want to bring any of it home. ‘whew’
The funeral was lovely. Ken got up and said some absolutely wonderful things about our friend. It was a rough day for Ken. His heart is really hurting ... he misses his friend.... even though he knows he is in the best place ever! Ken is trying to hard to find answers that I know God isnt going to share with him... or any of us. Its not for us to know why... just trust that God has a plan and knows what He's doing. The fellowship after while we ate was wonderful! But its good to be home.
I’ve fallen behind in some of my crochet projects……..’sigh’
The Graph’ghan I was working on has been put on hold … just not able to work on it and get other things done right now. That takes a bit more attention that some of my other projects… and with all that has gone on in the last couple weeks… well.. it just got set aside.
I have also fallen behind on doing the drawing for the freebie 'give-a-way' Please bear with me.. I will get to that ASAP and get the winner mailed out their prize.

Well... I'm off to catch up on emails and such.........
You all have a GREAT evening and a wonderful rest of your weekend!

hugs.. love & blessings,
.::{Tam}::.


**He will feed His flock like a shepherd. He will carry the lambs in His arms, holding them close to His heart. He will gently lead the mother sheep with their young.
~ Isaiah 40:11**

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Thankful Thursday....

What are you thankful for?
I don't quite understand how after making a list of things one is thankful for... that people can actually still question God. Be unsure of Him or that He exists.
I have a challenge for you today.......... If you have a blog... post "Thankful Thursday" for your title and then list 25 things you are thankful for. You can do it. I know to some 25 may seem like alot to think about. You will be amazed at how easy it is. From the simplest things to the most important. If you dont have a blog... then I challenge you to email a friend or two.. or twelve... with " Thankful Thursday" as your subject... share with them your 25 thankful things and challenge them to do the same.
Can you imagine all the blessings that will be passed around over this weekend!!?!!
Are you ready? Or 'weady' as my youngest grandbaby says. Lets Thank God today for all we have and don't have.

I am Thankful for...
1) God sending His son to die for me and give me a path to follow back to Him
2) my husband... that even though we may not see eye to eye all the time... loves me anyway... and whom I love more then anything.
3) my children! They are a part of me ... such a blessing to remind me that love is unconditional
4) my family... no matter the issues... I Love them!
5) Coffee (hey.. I did say even the simplest of things)
6) the sunrise. It means I'm here to enjoy another day of Gods beauty
7) weeds in the yard. They are a buffet for so many different animals which wonder through our yard... (deer, birds, cows, rabbits, squirrels... and so many more)
8) days of several hours of no electricity due to a storm.... so that we can watch the boys create shadow puppets on the wall with a flashlight.
9) 'thinking of you gifts' from my husband. (new coffee maker.. or a handful of roses) out of the blue just because he loves me and was thinking of me.
10) rainy sloppy days. We get to stay in the house and play until the sun comes out... then we get to investigate the wonders of nature in the mud left behind.
11) my emotions. Of late its been sadness of issues and mourning of friends. If not for those emotions.. I wouldn't be able to learn all the new things God has planned for me and others.
12) my crafting talent.
13) my desire to share my crafting talent with others. Gifts ... Charities.... etc.
14) my radio with the KLOVE station playing! God knows the best way to talk to me... through songs!
15) the Internet. I have made so many friends here!
16) family that lives in other states. It gives us a chance to take an adventure to go see them.
17) friends and/or family that bring their problems to me (sometimes alot) This is my chance to share God and do some learning of my own.
18) God's patience! He has to have some serious patience with me! Thank you Father for sticking with me no matter what I do or don't do.
19) really hot... almost miserable days .. so that I can have water fight outside with my boys.
20) a broken down dryer. It gives me a chance to reminisce over my childrens young years as I hold up each of their shirts to hang them up to dry. I see how big they have gotten from the last set of shirts.... and I hang them outside in Gods beautiful air.
21) toilet paper and paper towel rolls .... scraps of yarn... bits of paper... and tape. This is signs of a little creative mind has been there... enjoying himself ... creating a masterpiece and knowing that mommy will love the creation more than be upset over the mess!
22) a lawn that is over due for mowing in the summer... as its a reminder that I am so blessed to have my home and land.... and that God gave my husband the patience and talent to create it all for us.
23) my grandbabies... whether I see them often or not. I love them to pieces and when I do get to see them.... I get to hug the stuffin' out of them and spoil them rotten.
24) a messy house. That means I spent time with my kids and not my mop.
25) sunsets.... which are Gods way of tucking us in and saying goodnight. Rest and be ready for a new day tomorrow!

Wow.. #25 already... I have many more I was going to write. Oh well.. That just means I am super blessed and have ALOT to be thankful for!
Okay... your turn. You can do it. Find the good in all things. Its there. You just need to open your heart to God so He can show you! " weady? Go!"



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Spoiled Rotten.........
I have had the privilege of being a part of a swap on Crochetville. "Hooked on Crochet" was the theme of the swap. We were to give specific items to our swap buddy.. and then add any extras if we wished to. BOY HOWDY did my swap buddy spoil me with both! The required items were a hook holder... a hook.. and stitch markers. So as you see... I got those and much more!
Nicole..... Thank you so much for my goodies! You are a FANTASTIC swap buddy!

All my goodies...
Crochet Motif book and 6 skeins of yummy yarn
8 fabulous flavored coffees and the bestest coffee mug ever... from Crochetville.org
An ever so elegant Bible cover and 3 gorgeous bookmarks (love the pattern)
Beautiful hook holder... 2 absolutely awesome wood hooks and 12 adorable stitch markers
Thank you again Nicole for all these wonderful things! I wish that one could express their heart better with words.... because my heart is just so overwhelmed with joy and being blessed! I literally sat with my mouth gaping open wider and wider as I pulled each thing out of the box. Thank you just doesn't seem like enough to say! But its all I have! So......THANK YOU my dear... I LOVE each and everything you sent!

have a wonderful day all............... I know I'm going to thanks to my Father in Heaven!
hugs.. love and blessings,
.::{tam}::.


**You will keep on guiding me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny.
~ Psalm 73:24**


Wednesday, March 25, 2009

A Christian:
Several years ago, a preacher from out-of-state accepted a call to a church in Houston , Texas . Some weeks after he arrived, he had an occasion to ride the bus from his home to the downtown area. When he sat down, he discovered that the driver had accidentally given him a quarter too much change. As he considered what to do, he thought to himself, 'You'd better give the quarter back. It would be wrong to keep it.' Then he thought, 'Oh, forget it, it's only a quarter. Who would worry about this little amount? Anyway, the bus company gets too much fare; they will never miss it. Accept it as a 'gift from God' and keep quiet.' When his stop came, he paused momentarily at the door, and then he handed the quarter to the driver and said, 'Here, you gave me too much change .'The driver, with a smile, replied, 'Aren't you the new preacher in town?'
'Yes' he replied.'Well, I have been thinking a lot lately about going somewhere to worship. I just wanted to see what you would do if I gave you too much change. I'll see you at church on Sunday.'
When the preacher stepped off of the bus, he literally grabbed the nearest light pole, held on, and said, 'Oh God, I almost sold your Son for a quarter.'
~*~Our lives are the only Bible some people will ever read. This is a really scary example of how much people watch us as Christians, and will put us to the test! Always be on guard -- and remember -- You carry the name of Christ on your shoulders when you call yourself 'Christian.'
**Watch your thoughts ; they become words.
**Watch your words; they become actions.
**Watch your actions; they become habits.
**Watch your habits; they become character.
**Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.

This was shared with me as a reminder. So, I choose to share it with you all- my friends... my family.
God bless you; I hope you are having a wonderful day!
If you don't share this on to anybody, nothing bad will happen; but, if you do, you will have ministered to someone.
Huge hugs... Lots of love & Bountiful Blessings
.::Tam::.
**Don't hide your light under a basket! Instead, put it on a stand and let it shine for all.
~ Matthew 5:15**

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Following God no matter what.........

Charlie ... Christmas 2008
This last couple weeks have been a touch straining. First my Pastors wife is struck down by a stroke... a dear friend at church loses his wife to the illnesses she has fought for months... I've been struggling with one heck of a headache .... and yesterday a sweet dear man from our church was killed in a car wreck.
Because we are humans and we dont understand why things happen.. its very easy for us to question God... even become upset with Him. If we knew the answers to everything ... we wouldnt need God. If we understood why He takes some home before we are ready for them to go... we wouldnt need that ministry from God through us .. for us and others to learn.

This morning while heading to the kitchen for a refill on my coffee... our cat 'Charlie' follows me. Now he does this all the time!! I go anywhere in the house.. he's following me... *where ya goin' mom.. whatcha gonna get... is it for me can I help?* He follows me with such excitement everywhere... wondering what we're gonna do.... and I'm sure hoping there is something in it for him. :) Charlie follows me so close.. at times he trips me from room to room with the excitement in his step. He lays close by as I'm on my computer or crocheting. He even will sit outside the shower door waiting for me to get done. This morning something just hit me with his behavior and this last couple weeks events. Charlie followed me to the kitchen with the excitement he always does... I'm sure hoping there was a treat involved for him. But I simply poured my coffee and then went to my room to sit and read through email ... I got up again to get more coffee and start a load of laundry... again... there is Charlie.. right on my heals. I get coffee .. .start laundry and back in my room to crochet. Again........ up for coffee and there is that sweet cat... right behind me. Now......... I have made two trips already to the kitchen and not given anything to him... no treat... no pat on the head... nothing but he continues to follow me the third time with the same excitement as the first! He doesn't hang his head and waddle behind in a state of ' I hope I get something this time' He is just honestly excited to be near me. He knows I love him... every little inch of kitty fur. As I do our two doggies. As I do my children... my husband. I love them. I found it interesting how our animals... Charlie specifically this morning ... displayed the behavior of one that just know he is loved even if he doesn't get something.
Why as humans we don't display that same behavior towards our Father in Heaven... or gosh.. even towards each other? Why do we need to 'get something' in order to know we are loved? Why do we not follow God with the that sort of excitement? Wondering what may be next.. what is He going to show us.. Give us... or teach us? And when we do.... when we spend time in prayer and don't get the answer we wanted ... or just think we weren't answered... why do we pull away? We pout... we wont get up and follow Him until we are darn good and ready after pouting. Or we reach to Him only in our times of "NEED"
GET UP... follow Him. My goodness ... there is so much that is getting missed out on because we are pouty ...crybaby... too busy to deal with humans.
Yes.. this last couple of weeks seem to really stink do to all the sad events............ and yes.. .we should mourn for the ones we miss. God gave us that emotion for a reason. But there has to be a point where you take that emotion to God and not let it become the foundation of where satan can build on and destroy us.
I miss my friend.......... but I am so excited to see what God has in store for his family.... his wife.. children... grandchildren... and all us friends. What are we all going to see from this? What new thing will we learn? What new wonder will we get to enjoy?
I'm sorry my Pastors wife is going through this issue of a stroke........... oh.. but the wonderful new things she has learned... that she will share with us all.............. only because of God!
Daily trials.. .in marriage and finances.. and families........... Are you kidding me... are you really going to sit on those things and let them fester? Get Up.... follow God to the kitchen... tell Him all about it on the way.... and watch as He turns to give you a treat... or pat you on the head. It may take several trips to the kitchen... but never give up. Follow God no matter what.... God loves you! So love Him back... walk with Him in excitement every time!!! Get up... trip Him on the way... show God you are there ... show Him that you just simply love being with Him.


God Bless you all...........
Don't sit and pout today... get up... follow God. Everytime you do... you will become more love filled and lighter from your burdens being lifted. Everytime you sit and don't get up.... satan weights you down ... don't become so heavy in satans lies that you cant get up... and it become too late.
God loves you... I love you.

hugs... love and blessings
.::Tam::.

**But this precious treasure-this light and power that now shine within us-is held in perishable containers, that is, in our weak bodies. So everyone can see that our glorious power is from God and is not our own.
~ 2 Corinthians 4:7,**

Charlie one week after adopting us!


Friday, March 20, 2009

Freebie Friday.........

Crazy Quick Cherry Cobbler

Ingredients:
1 can Cherry Pie filling (or fruit pie filling of your choice) **2 cans can be used for the fruit lover**
1 box yellow cake mix
1 stick butter

Preheat oven to 350*.
Spray 8x8 pan with cooking spray.
Pour entire can of pie filling in bottom of pan
Sprinkle dry cake mix evenly on top of pie filling.
Cut butter in slices and arrange evenly on top of dry cake mix
Cover with foil. Place in oven and bake for 50-60 minutes.
Remove foil and place out to cool. Serve warm or cold.


To double this for a 9x13 pan...........

3 cans pie filling
1 1/2 cake mix
2 sticks of butter

prepare same as above... but baking time will need to be 90 minutes or so.
you can take the foil off at the 90 minute point to check ... if its not a nice golden brown all over you can leave it in uncovered until it browns.


Have a Fabulous Friday and a Wonderful Weekend
hugs.. love & blessings
.::Tam::.

**Then when you call, the Lord will answer. "Yes, I am here," He will quickly reply.
~ Isaiah 58:9**

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Going through the motions....

Do you find yourself just doing things with no feeling? Or maybe you even think you do feel it.
Its become so routine.. you are just going through the motions... and dont realize its all empty.
No feelings.. no love.. no time.. No God!

While at work.. you are asked to do the same thing everyday... you do it with no feeling. Why? Is it that awful? Are you that unhappy with your job? Look around you.......... do you see other weary faces? Why? What in the world could you possibly be unhappy about? You have a JOB! God has blessed you with work.. with a paycheck.. with a way to support yourself.. your family. Get up.. Praise God... Do that job with life... dont just go through the motions!

Family issues? Do you find yourself getting up.. tending to the kids.. the spouse and then everyone off to their busy day apart. Are you the one at home? Do you spend your day cleaning... baking... looking around in frustration because nothing is in its place? You make dinner because you have to.. not because you want to? You just go through the motions of your duties of a husband / wife... father / mother. Step back... look at your family..... look at that house that may not be perfectly tidy......... PRAISE GOD. You have a family.. you have a home.. you have a wonderful life.

Prayers? Are they emotionless? Do you find yourself just reciting them and not having any feelings for what you're prayer for or for whom? Its your duty to pray. To pray for your friends... family. It makes you feel better to know you spent that time in prayer.. you can mark that off your list of things to do. STOP! What are you doing?
Okay... lets look at it this way... your son/daughter is playing ... they are very busy with they are doing ... you say... 'love you sweetie' without looking up from what they are doing they simply reply... 'yeah.. love ya' hmmm... didnt sound real loving. Now... you're standing in the kitchen cooking.. your little person comes up behind you and hugs you tight around your waist... saying... I LOVE YOU mommy. Now that was from their little heart.
So back to spending time with God... communicating with Him... saying you love Him from your heart. When you laid your hands on that one you prayed for... did you feel it? Look at them.. you care about this person.. or you wouldnt be wanting to pray for them. Look at your Father in Heaven... do you really want Him to tend to your prayer for this person? Or are you just making yourself feel better by going through the motions?
Praise God you have a way of communication with Him. He wants to talk to you .. share with you.. love you and love through you.

I dont want to go through the motions
I dont want to go one more day
without your all consuming
passion inside of me ...
I dont want to spend my whole life asking
what if I had given everything
instead of going through the motions.

I love you Lord God! Thank you for ALL!! For the good things... they make me happy! For the bad things... they teach me! Thank you for loving me even when I may not show my love back like I should! Thank you for loving my friends and family even on the days they arent looking at you. Thank you for sprouts of weeds I see in my yard... that means wild life will be around soon to feast and I'll be able to show my boys more of your beauty in the deer.... birds... bugs.. bees... worms. Thank you for each and every grey hair... it shows me I have lived life! Not let it pass me by. Thank you for loving me like noone else can.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Show & Share update:

Well ...... 50 rows done so far. I'm ahead of schedule by 2 days. Woo Hoo!
sorry about the picture quality... the sun was shinning in through the back windows and door ... casting shadows on the floor. Next update will be better!

hugs... love & Blessings,
.::Tam::.
**Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better.
~ Colossians 1:10**

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Some Good advice...



An Angel says, 'Never borrow from the future. If you worry about what may happen tomorrow and it doesn't happen, you have worried in vain. Even if it does happen, you have to worry twice.'

1. Pray
2. Go to bed on time.
3. Get up on time so you can start the day unrushed.
4. Say No to projects that won't fit into your time schedule, or that will compromise your mental health.
5. Delegate tasks to capable others.
6. Simplify and unclutter your life.
7. Less is more. (Although one is often not enough, two are often too many.)
8. Allow extra time to do things and to get to places.
9. Pace yourself. Spread out big changes and difficult projects over time; don't lump the hard things all together.
10. Take one day at a time.
11. Separate worries from concerns . If a situation is a concern, find out what God would have you do and let go of the anxiety . If you can't do anything about a situation, forget it.
12. Live within your budget; don' t use credit cards for ordinary purchases.
13. Have backups; an extra car key in your wallet, an extra house key buried in the garden, extra stamps, etc.
14. Let the people you love, know that you love them. This single piece of advice may be the best you ever got.
15. Do something for the Kid in You everyday.
16. Carry a Bible with you to read while waiting in line.
17. Get enough rest.
18. Eat right.
19. Get organized so everything has its place.
20. Listen to a tape while driving that can help improve your quality of life.
21. Write down thoughts and inspirations.
22. Every day, find time to be alone.
23. Having problems? Talk to God on the spot. Try to nip small problems in the bud. Don't wait until it's time to go to bed to try and pray.
24. Make friends with Godly people.
25. Keep a folder of favorite scriptures on hand.
26. Remember that the shortest bridge between despair and hope is often a good 'Thank you Jesus '
27. Laugh.
28. Laugh some more!
29. Take your work seriously, but not yourself at all.
30. Develop a forgiving attitude (most people are doing the best they can).
31. Be kind to unkind people (they probably need it the most).
32. Sit on your ego
33. Talk less; listen more.
34. Slow down.
35. Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the universe.
36. Every night before bed, think of one thing you're grateful for that you've never been grateful for before.

GOD HAS A WAY OF TURNING THINGS AROUND FOR YOU.'If God is for us, who can be against us?'(Romans 8:31)

have a wonderfully blessed Wednesday!!!
hugs & love,


**God saved you by His grace when you believed. And you cant take credit for this; it is a gift from God.
~ Ephesians 2:8**

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Facing the truth.........

You think you're doing fine. You're not stressed about anything.. life is moving along pretty smoothly... I mean.. sure.. you have some things on your mind.. you have things you need to get done... folks you think about.. issues you are concerned about... but its all good... Right?
WRONG........ you are stressed.. much more than you thought.. you're worrying about things... you didnt realize you were that worried about... you're upset over those issues more than you thought... you're really not 'fine'!
I found this to be my case this morning while spending time in prayer with God.
It all became so clear as I was crying out to got for things in my life... I was stopped right in my tracks and shown that I was holding on to these things too tight. You see... its good that we pray constantly about the same things... that way we are sure to give it to God.. and then we can Praise Him and share His blessings with others as He tends to our prayers and needs... but what I found I was doing this morning was praying with such distress... as if I wasnt letting the things go for Him to tend to... I wasnt praying as if I was continuing to release these things to Him... more like I was in anguish over them.
I have suffered headaches almost everyday of my adult life... there are times they are more painful than others .. but most of the time I tolerate them and move on with my day. The last couple days I have had those... 'not so tolerable' headaches... so I spent time in pain physically and emotionally while praying. With all of that .. I realized how there have been a good handful of things in my life of late that I havent been letting go of... yes.. I have been praying about them.. boy howdy have I been praying. But I havent been letting go of these things... not completely... I have continued to worry about them.. I have continued to stress over them.. I have continued to be emotionally distraught over them.
Yeah..... I still have a headache... I'm a big pain.. hehehee.... but emotionally I feel alot better! I understand what I was doing! Now these things I was praying about are things I want and need to continue to pray about ... but I need to let God handle them... Praying about them just keeps me connected and focused on my Father in Heaven!
These scriptures were shown to me..... its time to face the truth.... and let go of my worries and stress............. God is bigger than it all! Time to let Him deal with it in the manner He feels fit.

"Therefore do not worry, saying, ; What will we eat?' or 'What will we wear? For it is the Gentiles who strive for all these things; and indeed your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. ( Matthew 6:31-33)

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat, or about your body, what you will wear. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. Consider the ravens: the neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds!" ( Luke 12:22-24)

"So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today's trouble is enough for today." ( Matthew 6:34)

"And can any of you by worrying add a single hour to the span of life?" ( Luke 12:25)

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid." ( John 14:27)


A bit of Show & Share...

This is a blanket I have started for my 'to be' son-in-law. He is a Chicago Cubs fan ... so although you cant see it now.. this will have a Cubs logo on it. I'm wanting to have this done for Christmas for him. Did I mention is all in single crochet?! yikes! I told myself that if I put 10 rows on it a day... I can have it done in about 20 days. If I can pull that off... I will then set my hook on a blanket for my daughter for Christmas with Dallas Cowboys on it. Now.. if I can really do these two blankets in less than a month each... I would love to do other blankets for my other children for Christmas gifts. So... wish me luck all. I have 6 kids.. and soon to be 6 grandbabies... think I can pull off blankets for them all by Christmas?
20 rows done so far.

Let go today... Face the truth! Stop worrying about at least one thing today! Let God have it.
Tomorrow... give Him something else. In just days.. you'll find such a relief in your prayer time... such a sense of ... "Its all good" and before you know it.... it will be!
hugs ... love & blessings,
.::Tam::.
**...You must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. All glory to Him, now and forever!
~ 1 Peter 3:18**

Saturday, March 14, 2009

A Surprise Wish.........

I'm going to do a little showing off today.......


A lovely lady (Dot) in a yahoo group I'm in... (CrochetSwapsGalore) had been granted three wishes to make by another member who felt that Dot deserved some wishes. Well...being the slightly stubborn lady she is... feeling she didnt deserve the wishes... and also being very honored to have been given the wishes... she didnt even know what to wish for. So.. she simply placed "surprise me" on all three of her wishes.


I signed up to grant one of her wishes.... And this is what I made her.


12 point round lapghan - BigBottomBag - change wallet

This is a single shot of her 12 point round lapghan.
This is the inside lining of the bag I made her.
This is a close up of the change wallet. Notice the button and how it matches the lining of the bag... hehehe...(showing off)And again ... the whole set.

I sure had fun making this for Dot.. and from her lovely email... she was pleased with her gift!!!
I'm so happy! Dot is a one of a kind lady! She is the emotional support our group needs! And we are blessed to have her with us! She looks after us with the most wonderful group of recipes... she cheers us on when we need a boost.. she picks us up when are spirits are down... and she pats us on the back when we do a good thing. Love ya Dot! I'm glad you liked your wish!

Well... thanks for letting just take a minute and show off.
hugs... love & blessings,
.::Tam::.


**And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue His work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.
~ Philippians 1:6**

Friday, March 13, 2009

National Crochet Month *give-a-way*

YIn honor of National Crochet Month.................
I am giving this lovely set away at the end of this month.

Set includes:
Itty Bitty Ditty Bag
Business Card holder
and 25 printed business cards with your info on them.

To enter to win... simply post a comment of something you were thankful for this week.... or how God answered a prayer this week... or something you noticed in Gods world that you maybe of recent wouldnt have noticed.... along with a blog addy or email addy so to be contacted if you are a winner.
I will be drawing a winner on the 27th so to get the winner contacted... the info for the business cards and off in the mail by the 31st.

This will be a random drawing... so there will be no favorites... :)
If I get enough players.. I may have a 2nd and 3rd place winners which I will contact with what their little gifts may be.

HAPPY CROCHETING EVERYONE!!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
hugs... love... & blessings
.::Tam::.
**Whatever you give is acceptable if you give it eagerly. And give according to what you have, not what you don't have.
~ 2 Corinthians 8:12**

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Continue to pray......

I have a couple updates on the Prayer requests..........
UPDATE on Jane...........
Please keep Arvil and his family in your prayers as Jane, his wife, passed away last night. The Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 am on Monday.

UPDATE on Margie........
10:30am this morning 12 March 09
Good Morning,
I want to let you know that Margie has been taken off her IVs and moved to the Neurological Floor - She is still needing prayer for her heart, as there are still issues, and strength. Thank you for your continued prayers,
Pastor Jim

11:15am this morning 12 March 09
We just received word that Margie is coding. Please be praying that her heart and her mind is healed miraculously.

12:45pm this afternoon 12 March 09
They have moved Margie back to ICU. She coded because of low potassium levels. It is now under control.

PRAY PRAY PRAY........ Storm the gates of Heaven with Prayers!

God Bless you all......... thank you for your love and prayers!
hugs.. love & Blessings,
.::Tam::.

**Since you excel in so many ways-in your faith, your gifted speakers, your knowledge, your enthusiasm, and your love from us-I want you to excel also in this gracious act of giving.
~ 2 Corinthians 8:7**


Prayer Blanket for Margie

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Satan is pulling 'time and a half'..........

Good Morning my dear friends and family! I have a couple prayer requests. You see... satan is working overtime on some dear people in my life!
My Pastors wife (Margie) has had a set back. She went into the hospital Sunday having a stroke... they got that under control to a point. She has feeling back from where it had been lost... but she still struggles with speech and movement. They have since then tried a particular medication which she promptly had an allergic reaction to. They have her on Benadryl .... and now have discovered fluid in her lungs.
Please.......... storm the gates in prayers for her healing and Pastors peace of mind.... knowing God is there!
Second prayer need is for a dear older man in our church. His wife (Jane) has had some health issues for months now. She has gone through ups and downs... surgeries and medications... etc.
Well.. she has taken a turn for the worst... the family has been called in and the doctors have expressed that they dont believe she will make it through the day. Please pray for this family!! Bless their hearts.. they are all exhausted. They need peace and comfort!
I do have one more small prayer request.. I hate to even ask with all that is going on with these families... but I'm feeling a big attack of Satan around us ... my friends... my family. Yesterday immediately following a very emotional yet wonderful prayer time... I started feeling not quite myself. Nothing major... just 'not right' I was feeling much better this morning... but right now... as I'm typing this to you all... I can feel satan. He is trying so hard to get at me... create something in my heart or my mind... I'm not sure what about.. but you know it cant be good. Now .... I'm staying focused on my Father in Heaven... and I feel Him... I know He is right here... but there is this struggle that is going on that seems I can actually feel.
So ...... a small prayer for me would be great. But please focus your efforts on Margie and Jane.
God is Good... and He does answer ALL prayers!
hugs... love & blessings
.::Tam::.
**Dear children, let's not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.
~ 1 John 3:18**


are the best communication with your Father

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Where is God?

He is with us ALWAYS!
He was with my Pastor's wife when she collapsed Sunday at church. If she had stayed home that morning due to not feeling all that great.. she would not have been found for hours until Pastor had got home.
He is with a small child that has been diagnosed with some illness. If not for that ... the parents would never have known of all the other children that suffer from this same illness. God puts those parents right in the middle of it and they are given the chance to not only learn and grow from the experience with their child... but comfort and help others that may not have found Gods comfort yet.
He is with the one child in a family that is battered and killed by the hands of his own parents while the others arent. How is this possible you ask? Why would God allow this to happen to a child? You see... the 4 other children in that family have been saved from this. This was Gods plan the whole time. Yes... it seems harsh... but look what God gave up for YOU and ME. That child that dies ends up saving the lives of his brothers and sisters. The parents are arrested and the siblings are placed in a Loving... Safe home where they all grow with such purpose in life that they end up making the biggest difference in others.
Where is God when you lose your job. And you are the only one that supports the family. He is right there next to you... trying to show you that you should look outside the box of "jobs" that you should take that leap of faith that He has been poking at you about for years. He trying to show you that you have more to give that what others have been taking from you for years. He's trying to get you to a point where you not only share your talents in the work world... but you have heart for Him that you need to share with others and with the 'job' you had... you werent free to do it. Now that you are free.... Share!!!! Share your worldly talents and your God loving heart!
Where is God when a couple have been trying to conceive a baby for years and have seem to have no luck? Look....... right there........ He's right there! He has so many things to teach you and show you... and so many things He needs you to share with others ... its not in His plan right this minute for you to have a child. Not just yet. There is work to do... work in your own hearts and lives and in others. When all those things are set right....When you focus on God and completely trust that He knows what He's doing.... then you will be shown the wonderful blessings God has in store for you.
*The seventh woman of the Bible was Elizabeth the wife of Zacharis who was barren but in her old age conceived a son. This son was the cousin of Jesus of Nazareth. He was the son of the Levitical priestly clans and was called John the Baptist. Jesus called him the greatest man born of woman.*

I could go on and on about this… when we have the thoughts of “where was God?” those are thoughts that Satan is putting in our heads… he wants us to doubt God.. he wants us to be angry at God. God is right there......... always... He's holding your hand right now.... the problem is that Satan is so good at his job... we dont feel Gods hand. If we were to turn from Satan for one second and place our eyes on God... and simply squeeze our hand... we would feel Him. There is nothing more peaceful and reassuring than that!!!
So hold God's hand and let Him guide you through your life... He has amazing things to show you and give you!!!


Huge hugs... lots of love & bountiful blessings to you all,
.::Tam::.

Please continue to pray for my Pastor's wife (Margie) She is still struggling! Please pray for comfort for Pastor and his family! Pray they know God is right there with them all!


**Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude.
~ 1 Peter 3:8**

Sunday, March 8, 2009

Prayers needed.........

Good evening all my dear friends and family.......... I need to reach out to you all for prayers for my Pastors wife. Her name is Margie. She collapsed today in church having some chest pains. Church was brought to a halt and Pastor took her to the hospital. As of last report... doctors are treating her as if she had a stroke... although they are not labeling it that as of yet... do to more tests needing to be done. They did start her on some meds to help for the time being until test give them definite answers and they can move from there!
Praise God she came to church today ...as she hasnt been feeling well and missed church last Sunday. If she had stayed home and collapsed... Pastor would not have known for hours. God is good.. He put her in our loving hands to tend to her .. and get her to the doctors where she needed to be with the issue in full motion for them to know what to treat her for.
Pastor and Margie are family to me ........ I love them to pieces... they both have been there for me and my family through every tough time and every grand time since I met them.
So please... as you get ready for bed tonight... please send up a prayer for Margie... Pastor and the doctors. Dont worry about me... or my family... we're fine. We know that God has a plan in motion here and we will know soon enough what it is and will deal with its results His way.... not fold to satan and his nonsense.

God Bless you all... and Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

hugs... love & Blessings,
.::Tam::.


**God has given each of you a gift from His great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.
~ 1 Peter 4:10**

Saturday, March 7, 2009

T I M E...............

*throws hands up and yells...............*




Well.......... with the huge help from Ken... I was able to get 1100 Hershey mini's covered and delivered on time to a lovely lady needing them for her daughters wedding on the 14th.
After meeting up with her to drop of her order... we talked about me doing Candy Wrapped center pieces for the tables at the School Plays Dinner night. Looks like I will be doing 8-10 center pieces and a couple dozen extra regular sized Hershey bars for it. Not bad for being out of the candy wrapping loop for a while.
But............... I need to get back to my crocheting and knitting!!!



This is what 1100 Hershey mini's wrapped for a Wedding look like!

This is what a loving ... caring ... devoted husband looks like ...helping his wife get those mini's wrapped!
Okay... off I go... I have some crocheting I want to do before I call it a night. LOL...LOL...LOL... like I sleep...........LOL *need coffee*
Sleep well my friends...........have a Super Sunday!
hugs... love & Blessings,
.::Tam::.
**Remember this-a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. ~ 2 Corinthians 9:6**

Thursday, March 5, 2009

Thankful Thursday.......

Good Morning all........

RAOK (Random Act Of Kindness):
Beautiful BookMark made by a lovely lady on the "ville for my Bible!

Lost? Alone? Scared? Dont know where to run?
**A child gets separated from their mommy in a store. Frantically the child runs around crying and scared… looking everywhere and cant find mommy. Where did she go why would she leave me? The child is taken to a safe place to wait for mommy to come to them. And sure enough… because that mommy loves that child more than anything… here she comes…. Arms wide open… and ready to hold that child. The mommy didn’t ‘leave’ the child… the child just got caught up in other things and took their eyes off mommy. And in that split second.. they were lost.
Ever feel that way? Like God left you? Like you got lost and cant find Him? Like the “World” has you focused on it and all the happenings in it… so that you take your eyes off God. In that one split second… you’re lost. In your efforts to find Him… you only get more caught up in the “World” all its troubles and chaos. Satan loves that .. he uses that to keep you lost! You find days where you are frantically looking for God… you cant find Him… you find yourself crying out to Him… you don’t see Him. The more you scramble to find Him and cant… the more satan can use that frantic feeling to discourage you.
Now……………. STOP. Just sit still…. Stop running around crying … looking for God. Let Him just come pick you up in His wide open arms and make it all better. Just like any good parent would do. Keep you eyes on your Father…. Start your day with Him… and end your day with Him… all the stuff in the middle of the day will be just the way He plans it.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I would like you to meet Herbert the hare. He is my latest Amigurumi creation! I'm pretty proud of myself over this little guy. My boys think he's pretty cool!
I am creating a basket full of Amigurumi toys for my youngest son (David). He's having a bit of trouble with his spelling and reading. So as an incentive program here at home.. if he gets an 'A' on a spelling test ... or a reading test.. he gets to pick a toy from the basket. Well bless his little heart.. he got an 'A' on last weeks spelling test... and this is what he picked from the basket. I have a couple other things in the basket right now.... but I need to get busy... my little man is going to need toys for all those 'A's he's going to get!

So..... here is Herbert pictured with a lovely itty bitty ditty bag.

Herbert alone (front).......

Herbert (back)...........

Herbert watching David play on the computer...............
David was a bit bummed about this picture of him. He has an owie on his chin and spaghetti sauce on his lips. Well.. now to me ... thats what little boys are suppose to look like... :)
I love his little face... spaghetti sauce .. owie and all! Oh to be more like that ....... not worry about how you look... especially on the outside. David has such a tender little heart. He loves absolutely everyone and everything... right down to the smallest of bugs. Now thats more important to me than an owie that go away... and spaghetti sauce that will wash away.
Have a Terrifically Thankful Thursday everyone.
No matter where you are... God is there!!!!
hugs... love and blessings,
.::Tam::.
**Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do! And whatever else you do, develop good judgment.
~ Proverbs 4:7**





Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Wonderful Wednesday....

When you woke up in this morning… did you take a REAL look around outside. Did you look through the snow… not at it. Did you look at the amazing wonders from the sun… don’t squint away from it.
What will you see?
On your drive to work or dropping the kids off at school…. Did you look around you. Did you see people frustrated in a hurry? Probably! Did you focus on them and become in a hurry yourself? Or maybe you noticed the way the sun was shining on the wet street… causing a glitter that almost danced. You would have missed it if you were in a hurry.
When you got to work… did you look at the chaos … becoming so focused on it… stressed and frustrated that you miss the thank you note from a co-worker for helping them out of a jam the day before?! Now.. what if you had noticed the note first… looking through the chaos… would you have had a sense of accomplishment that would carry you into your day with ease… tackling the work ahead of you?!
What you see in front of you… isn’t always the they way it is.
The people out in their cars in a hurry to get to work.. frustrated and stressed… that’s a little knock that satan is making on your door…. Trying to get in… ruin your day.. keep you focused on him and all the mess. The glittering streets that are so wet …. Yet sparkling from the sun… That’s God saying Good Morning and have a wonderful day!
You sit down at your desk and notice you phone flashing with a message. Now depending on what road you took of emotions... will determine how you handle the message. You listen.. its your friend sharing yet more issues she is having in her marriage. *Oh... I do not have time for this! Why does she always call me and complain?* Is that what you think... so you dont call her back?! So now satan has gotten to you... making your mood stressed.. thats the way he likes it. He has also gotten to your friend... deprived her of a blessed conversation with you that may lead to a step forward in her marriage. Or........ *Oh... bless her heart... I need to have lunch with her today. What an honor for her to think so much of me that she reaches out to me when in pain* Now there is the love of God. He is in your heart... to call your friend and love on her. Your friend will then be blessed by seeing the love of God through you.
The paper work and chaos waiting for you … if you get caught up in it… getting stressed… that’s satan knocking again. Trying to make you think that everyday is like that… never ends… never gets better… blah blah blah. Not true… why? That note from your co-worker is Gods way of showing you that you are good…. That things go right.. that things get done and work out. Not only did that co-worker thank you in that note… But God did too. You made someone else’s day better… who wouldn’t take that pat on the back and feel better themselves?!
So… have a WONDERFUL WEDNESDAY!!!


huge hugs... lots of love and bountiful blessings,
.::Tam::.

**If you are wise and understand God's ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom.
~ James 3:13**






Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Cozy Cap Challenge.......

Yep... its me again with another charity challenge.

This particular challenge is in honor of my daddy! While he spent his last 8 months of his life in a hospital room... he made stocking caps for anyone he could. He made them for the nurses... for the patients... and even a few for his family!

Well.. his very last few months right before his last surgery... were in a lovely Rehab facility .... Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital! That was the most wonderful place. He was doing so well... there was sight of a future of him home with us again. They loved him... they were there whenever he needed... or even didnt need them. He made friends with the staff and patients there. Able to sit out in a common area and visit... have meals... play on a computer so that he could email family and friends and get back in touch with so many he hadnt seen or spoke to since being in the hospital. That place gave my children the best 'last' memories of their grandpa. He would play a bit of racing down the hall to the cafeteria with them in his wheel chair. He was able to visit.. hug... and have wonderful dinners with us. We snuck grandpa outside a couple times to walk around the grounds. (okay... so he was totally aloud to do that... but the younger ones didnt know ... so it was fun watching them sneak grandpa out)

So let me get on with my challenge. I want to pick up where my daddy left off and make stocking caps for the patients at Madonna. There are so many of them there that would love that little bit of extra warmth. There are so many different types of recovering going on. Some have different medications or treatments they are dealing with while there that they become chilled.

Okay.. get ready... here is my challenge....
Small goal.... 250 caps
Big goal.......500 caps.

I'm asking for any size... any color... any style.... any yarn.
Delivery of caps ..... Christmas of this year.

So please... if you are willing to help put a Cozy Cap on a toddler... teenager... adult or a sweet elderly person... email me at the address on the side bar... AND THANK YOU!

Huge Hugs... Lots of Love ... and Bountiful Blessings,
.::Tam::.




Sunday, March 1, 2009

National Crochet Month.........


Ideas for Celebrating National Crochet Month
*Promote crochet.
-Teach someone to crochet.
-Offer to create a crochet display at your local library.
-Write a book review of any crochet book.
*Expand your own crochet skills.
-Learn a new crochet stitch or technique.
-Experiment with a new yarn.
-Visit your local library to see what crochet books they have.
*Crochet for charity.
-Select a special charity to crochet for during March.
-Explore new charities you might like to crochet for. A good resource for finding charities is Lion Brand's Charity Connection.
*Make new crochet friends.
-Attend a local crochet meeting.
-Join or start a local CGOA chapter.
-Join a Yahoo group.
-Join the great community of folks at Crochetville.
-Strike up a conversation with someone you see shopping for yarn. You can break the ice by asking if they know March is National Crochet Month!
Do 'knot' let this month go by without sharing this with someone. Keep them all in 'stitches'!
hugs... love... & Blessings,
.::Tam::.
**Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed.
~ Proverbs 16:3**