Today's Devotional

Today's Verse

The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand. ~Psalm 37:23-24 NLT

Thoughts on today's verse...

Daily our lives unfold like the pages that we turn in a book. Each situation is a different chapter and each page is an opportunity to live out God's plan for our lives. Even when we are in the midst of hurt and sorrow, God is there. When we experience joy and peace, God is there.

The last portion of this scripture reminds me of our Grandson Zachary. He's a bit pigeon-toed and is prone to tripping over his own two feet, bless his little heart. He often stumbles, but he corrects for the error and doesn't always fall down. But when he does fall, we are there to pick him up and comfort him. When we are outside or in public, we will hold his hand to gently guide him along the way, along the path.

Isn't that like our heavenly Father? Gently taking us by the hand and leading us in a specific direction. And even if we do fall, He is there to pick us up and fold us into his arms for comfort. What joy... what bliss! Even if we are hurting deeply we can find comfort in His keeping.

My prayer...

Abba, Daddy - thank You for taking us by the hand and leading us. Thank You for picking us up when we fall. Thank You for delighting in our lives and may we delight in walking in Your path. In Jesus' name I pray ~Amen!

Yours, because we're His,

Tamara

Today's Devotional

Today's Verse

Jesus replied, I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. ~John 6:35 NLT

Thoughts on today's verse...

Jesus was born in Bethlehem. Are you aware of what the name Bethlehem means? It means 'house of bread'. Isn't that awesome? And Jesus was referred to as the 'bread that was broken'.

Have you ever participated in a Passover Seder? There is the custom of afikomen or the dessert matzoh. In some families, a child 'steals' the afikomen and hides it for the parents to find and earns a reward to return it if parents can't find it while in others, parents hide the afikomen and the children look for it at the end of the meal. The child, who finds it, gets the reward. This piece of matzoh is 'ransomed'. Does this sound familiar to the Christian?

It is also a custom during the Passover meal where three pieces of matzoh are used, covered in a napkin and placed in a basket. When it is time to use the matzoh for the meal - breaking the bread and sharing the cup, the center piece is removed and broken. Could these three matzohs symbolize the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit?

Jesus has been depicted as the final Passover Lamb in the New Testament of the Bible who was sacrificed. The unleavened bread was to represent Jesus' body and wine to represent his blood and the New Covenant. Jesus himself took the place of the traditional lamb.

I can only tell you for certain, I never truly understood communion until I had participated in a Passover Seder. If you ever have the opportunity to participate, I encourage you to do so.

My prayer...

My Lord and My God, thank You for being the lamb that was slain. Thank You for being the bread that was broken. Thank You for satisfying our thirst and our hunger! In Your name I pray ~Amen!

Your, because we're His,

Tamara

Today's Devotional

Today's Verse

Be constantly renewed in the spirit of your mind [having a fresh mental and spiritual attitude]. ~Ephesians 4:23 AMP

Thoughts on today's verse...

Do you ever find you have a 'stale' attitude? You know what I'm talking about, don't you? It's that attitude of, "I'm so weary of [fill in the blank]. If only I could do something different." The fill in the blank could be 'work', it could be 'this house', 'this man/husband' or even this 'church'.

I know that sometimes I find myself discontent with what I have. Instead of thanking God for the [fill in the blank...], I do the "if only...". Sometimes I have to reinvent my job and change the focus and the schedule of how I do things and in what order.

Sometimes, when I'm not content with the house I have, I have to sit back, plan and rearrange furniture. Or maybe even paint the walls. Maybe it is something as simple as changing the pictures and/or art on the walls.

When my discontentment is towards my husband, I usually try to stop and pray. This discontent is usually attitude driven... and I find it's mine! I find I've been focusing on the negative things and not those that are positive.

Then again, sometimes I find that my lack of being content with the church is very similar to that mentioned above regarding my husband and again, I need to stop and pray.

I believe the 'stale' attitude could be eradicated by prayer and a change in attitude. Usually it is selfish in nature and is all about me. Do you remember John F. Kennedy's inauguration speech (perhaps you're not as old as I am)? In it he said, "Ask not what your country can do for you, but what can you do for your country." That holds true in our employment, our homes, our marriages and our churches. Instead of finding fault, what might I do to improve the situation?

My prayer...

Lord God, Creator of all heaven and earth, hear my prayer! Forgive me for my attitude. Help me to renew my mind so that it comes more and more in line with Your Word and Your will. In Jesus' name I pray ~Amen!

Yours, because we're His,

Tamara

Weekend Edition, yet again!

To everything there is a season, and a time for every matter or purpose under heaven: A time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to pluck up what is planted, A time to kill and a time to heal, a time to break down and a time to build up... Ecclesiastes 3:1-3 (Amplified Bible)

This picture was taken with my cell phone
and is the scene I have of the sunrise during my
early morning walks.

Seasonal Changes In the Southwest

Well, its official – it is autumn, or rather was on Tuesday, the 22nd. I love autumn and it even shows itself here in Arizona, albeit in a much more subtle way. In fact, it was only 61 degrees this morning and that is one of the ways you can tell fall has arrived in Arizona. It is much cooler in the mornings and evenings and that even if the daytime temperatures reach into the triple digits.

The other is that Arizona does not have ‘daylight savings time’. Frankly, I think that’s a wonderful thing as I don’t have to rearrange my schedule for time changes! It does, however make for much shorter days during that six month period. Even now, I have to leave at 5:15 in the morning to get my walk in and over by 6:00 a.m. It is so dark the stars are still out with just barely a glint of sunrise on the eastern horizon. By the time I’m heading back home, the sun is up, the stars are gone and more people are gathering on the walking path.

These pictures are also cell phone pictures of beautiful Mt. Graham with the early morning sun reflecting off of it.

If I’m fortunate, I will get to see a coyote or two near the walking path. There is something so wildly exhilarating about them. I do carry a ‘walking stick’ just in case they get too close. Another thing about autumn is the smell. I can only describe it as ‘crisp’. And although I miss the colorful changes of season back east, I have learned to discern the subtle seasonal changes here in Arizona. The smell of rain here in the southwest is wonderful and I don’t think there is anything like it anywhere else on earth.

There are also seasonal changes in our lives, aren’t there? We have Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter. I’m having a difficult time deciding if I’m in the fall or early winter portion of my life. Especially with all the hype about 50 is the new 40… 40 is the new 30… who knows? In fact, until my life is over, I don’t suppose we’ll be able to actually measure if it was fall or winter!

Another thing I appreciate about Arizona is that during the winter months there are not many ‘grey days’. You know what I’m speaking of… those dark and dreary days that cause seasonal depression. We do have an abundance of sunshine here and the fall and winter months are the very reasons we live here. It’s almost perfect weather. Often we have the patio door open during Christmas day.

We are surrounded by 360 degrees of panoramic mountains. If we want snow, we merely look up at Mt. Graham. That will suffice. Mt. Graham is located in the Pinaleño Mountain range with an elevation of 10,720. I’ve had my share of driving in the snow and ice, so I’m content with just looking at it.

This is a summer picture of our Grandson Zachary who was
camping on the mountain with his Dad.

This is a picture of the black bear that came to investigate their camping expedition!

Mt. Graham has seven different ecological zones and is called a sky island. The famous (or is it infamous?) U of A telescope project is there as well. When it was being built it was national news worthy due to the protests of its construction.

Nonetheless, every morning I awaken, I feel as if God is hugging me when I look at His beautiful handiwork in these mountains.

I trust you weekend is going well and I wish you all peace, the peace that comes from the heart of God.

Hugz,

Tamara

Weekend Edition

A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. ~Proverbs 17:22

Dave Barry has been at The Miami Herald since 1983. A Pulitzer Prize winner for commentary, he writes about issues ranging from the international economy to exploding toilets.

Dave Barry: A journey into my colon -- and yours

This article is for anyone who is over the age of 50 who has had or is contemplating a colonoscopy. It's located at: http://www.miamiherald.com/living/columnists/dave-barry/v-fullstory/story/427603.html

On the subject of Colonoscopies...

When I had mine a number of years ago, I think I was more frightened than when I had the heart attack! And when I become nervous and frightened, I become extremely verbose - chat, chat, chat.

I was given an IV to cause drowsiness and after some time I was wheeled into the proceedure room. The nurse was scurring around doing whatever it is they do to prepare for a proceedure of this sort, when I noticed she had a 'bluetooth' in her ear.

I commented, "Hmmm, I believe you must be Ulhura (the communications officer) from Star Trek, the other person over there must be Chekov (the navigator) because I'm sure the doctor doing the proceedure is Captain James T. Kirk, who is obviously going where no man has gone before!"

The one I referred to as Chekov adding something to the IV and I don't recall anything further...

Ah, the indignities associated with the coming of age!

Have a wonderful weekend all and remember, a colonscopy is no laughing matter. If you're putting it off, perhaps it's time to schedule the appointment.

Hugz to you all,

Tamara

Today's Devotional

Today's Verse

Fear not; you will no longer live in shame. Don't be afraid; there is no more disgrace for you. You will no longer remember the shame of your youth.  ~Isaiah 54:4 NLT

Thoughts on today's verse...

Isn't this scripture verse awesome? How does it speak to you? It tells me that there is nothing, not one thing that I have ever done that will separate me from the love of God AND that He will continue to mold me and shape me into His image of what I should and could be.

Ah, yes, I may have to contend with the consequences of my "past shame" and the ramifications it has upon today, but He has forgotten it - IF I have appropriated His forgiveness. What a wonderful thought. Now... if I could only have a spiritual lobotomy and forget it myself.

Unfortunately, the enemy (Satan) seems to like to dangle my past in the forefront of my memory and cause spiritual paralysis. I question the One who formed me and ask, "Me... how could You use me?"

Romans 8:35 - 39 (NLT) makes it abundantly clear: Can anything ever separate us from Christ's love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or are hungry or cold or in danger or threatened with death? (Even the Scriptures say, "For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.") No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from his love. Death can't, and life can't. The angels can't, and the demons can't. Our fears for today, our worries about tomorrow, and even the powers of hell can't keep God's love away. Whether we are high above the sky or in the deepest ocean, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.

My prayer...

Ah Lord God!  You have forgiven my shame and disgrace!  Now, help me to forgive myself.  I know that it's not You bringing this to my mind, but it is the enemy who want me to feel defeated and ineffective as a Christian.  So Lord, every time the enemy reminds me of my past... let me remind him of his future!  Even so, Amen!

Yours, because we're His,

~Tamara

Today's Devotional

Today's Verse

Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens.

~Psalm 68:19 NIV

Thoughts on today's verse...

I wonder how many of us are weighed down by the stuff we drag around day after day?  You know what I'm speaking of... the excess baggage.  This baggage is inevitable - and who among us can walk through life without picking up some shame or fears or insecurities.

And if it isn't bad enough that we drag this stuff around each day, we persist in hanging on to the things,  jealously guarding our junk as though it's worth keeping.  Girl Friends!  It's time for a housecleaning!  Just like this past weekend, the Hubs and I had a yard sale.  The items we don't want or use anymore we made available to those who might like to have them.  Now mind you, I'm not saying that our excess baggage should be placed upon another person, but it just maybe time to rid ourselves of the heavy burdens.  If we're going to give the items to anyone, it should be to Jesus.  After all, Jesus said in Matthew 11:28-29, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."

As I'm writing this, I'm thinking to myself that there should just be some magic formula or spiritual guide to allow us to just place that baggage at the foot of the cross... then the most important part - leave it there!  It is the surrendering that is the most difficult.

Perhaps we should convenant together to pray about our baggage... you see, prayer is not a burden or chore, it is a gift.  We're not graded on our prayers... it's not about how well we pray... or how articulate we are...  It is about who's listening to our prayers.

My prayer...

Abba, Father, hear my prayer.  I'm beginning to realize that some of the burdens I'm carrying around are actually unforgiveness that's festered into bitterness.  In Your example teaching us to pray (Luke 11:2-4) You tell us to pray, "Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us."  Oh Lord, may I truly, truly do this and may it not just be lip service.  In Your name I pray ~Amen!

Your, because we're His,

Tamara

Today's Devotional

Today's Verse

Even to your old age and gray hairs I am He, I am He who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you.

~Isaiah 46:4

Thoughts on today's verse...

I remember my 30th Birthday... I was devastated, depressed, and downright cranky! I took the day off work and treated myself to a day at the mall. I walked around (by myself...) visited shops (by myself...) and even treated myself to lunch (all by myself...). I was alone in all my loneliness surrounded by a sea of people who didn't know and didn't care.

That was 27 years ago.  Life goes on and I've changed my attitude about aging. I've come too far and know too much to want to go back to the youth of my days.  I am comfortable in my own skin, now.  Even though there are bittersweet days (weeks and months), I would not go back to my youth and have to go through all those experiences again.  No, no Groundhog's Day for me!  A new morning?  Bring it on!  A new experience?  Let's have at it!  And may I remember to thank God for even the painful experiences that have and are forming who I am.  Perhaps it is through the wisdom of aging and that which I have experienced that I am able to have "ministry opportunities".

My prayer...

Lord God, heavenly Father - creator of all heaven and earth, hear my prayer! Thank You for who you are making me... through all the painful experiences, the tears, the joy, the laughter. I hope I am becoming the woman You desire.  Guide me, dear Father and may I age with grace and dignity.

Yours, because we're His,

~Tamara

Today's Devotional

Today's verse

As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. ~1 Peter 4:10

Thoughts on today's verse...

What gifts has God given you? Oh, not just the "things" He has blessed you with, but the actual gifts that He has endowed you with that bless the church?

I've often wondered about this in my own life. What gifts, what attributes do I have that are gifts from God? What things do I do or gifts that I possess do I use to bless the church and further the cause of Jesus Christ? These questions cause me to pause and reflect. I sorely want to see the ministry of the church proceed forward. Am I assisting or do I hinder its furtherance?

My prayer...

Lord, you bless each and everyone of us with gifts. Please make it abundantly clear what my gifts are so I may minister to others. Allow me to not merely go to church, but to be the church. In Jesus' name I pray ~Amen!

So? How about you?

Yours, because we're His,

Tamara

Today's Devotional

Today's Verse

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 NLT

Thoughts on today's verse...

Today's verse is a wonderful reminder of how I hope my Christian walk will be, but in all honestly, some days is it two steps forward and three steps back. More often than naught, it is like the Apostle Paul's writing in Romans 7:15, "For that which I am doing, I do not understand, for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but am doing the very thing I hate." Not that this verse gives me license to continue in sin, but I do find it encouraging that Paul also struggled with this. I feel that I am in good company.

I believe the last sentence of today's verse is what holds the key, 'All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better.'  And just how do we get to know God better and better?  By studying His word, talking with Him (prayer), and fellowshiping with persons of like mind. 

So, in beginning this new week, my prayer for all of us is that we will 'grow to know God better and better.'

My prayer...

Father God, here I am before You.  I ask that You forgive my many, many sins and cleanse me from all unrighteousness.  I pray, Father that I will seek Your Word and continue to listen for Your voice daily.  I do want to know You better, I do want to walk this path in the light of Your Word.  In Jesus' name I pray ~Amen!

Yours, because we're His,

Tamara

Weekend Edition

We're having a yard sale today. It's not my most favorite thing to do, but the retired Hubs arranged and organized it all, so I'll gladly assist. I'm not real good at "dickering" but he is.

I'm the one who goes to yard sales and says, "Only fifty-cents? I'll give you a dollar!" He doesn't like to go with me and I can't figure out why?

Nonetheless, it's a good thing to clear out items that are not being used and the extra funds are a bonus. I'm always amazed that the things I think will move well don't and vice versa.

In reading the comments to last evenings post, thank you for your kind remarks. Jerelene, yes, I'm a librarian, but to a captive audience... in the state prison system. It is interesting work and sometimes even heartbreaking. I too love the smell of old books (and old money!).

One of the things that caused me to write about puzzles is that I provide them in the library for the inmates to assemble. They love them, it provides a creative outlet and it keeps them busy. If they are busy doing something creative, they are not getting into trouble. People from my church donate puzzles for me to take in. Sometimes I purchase them from yard sales. I'm always quick to tell people, "These puzzles are for inmates in prison and there's nothing worse than a puzzle with pieces missing! Especially when I have to deal with the repercussions."

A friend emailed me the following and I felt it was worthy of sharing.

Forever, O Lord, Your Word is settled in heaven.
~Psalm 119:89

Are you...?

A few years ago a group of salesmen went to a regional sales convention in Chicago. They had assured their wives that they would be home in plenty of time for Friday night's dinner.

In their rush, with tickets and briefcases, one of these salesmen inadvertently kicked over a table which held a display of apples. Apples flew everywhere. Without stopping or looking back, they all managed to reach the plane in time for their nearly missed boarding.  All but one.

He paused, took a deep breath, got in touch with his feelings, and experienced a twinge of compassion for the girl whose apple stand had been overturned. He told his buddies to go on without him, waved goodbye, told one of them to call his wife when they arrived at their home destination and explain his taking a later flight. Then he returned to the terminal where the apples were all over the terminal floor.  He was glad he did.

The 16 year old girl was totally blind! She was softly crying, tears running down her cheeks in frustration, and at the same time helplessly groping for her spilled produce as the crowd swirled about her, no one stopping and no one to care for her plight.

The salesman knelt on the floor with her, gathered up the apples, put them back on the table and helped organize her display.

As he did this, he noticed that many of them had become battered and bruised; these he set aside in another basket.

When he had finished, he pulled out his wallet and said to the girl, "Here, please take this $40 for the damage we did. Are you okay?" She nodded through her tears. He continued on with, "I hope we didn't spoil your day too badly." As the salesman started to walk away, the bewildered blind girl called out to him, "Mister?" He paused and turned to look back into those blind eyes. She continued, "Are you Jesus?"

He stopped in mid-stride, and he wondered. Then slowly he made his way to catch the later flight with that question burning and bouncing about in his soul: "Are you Jesus?"

Do people mistake you for Jesus? That's our destiny, is it not? To be so much like Jesus that people cannot tell the difference as we live and interact with a world (shopping, working, reacting to others that are serving us) that is blind to His love, life and grace.

If we claim to know Him, we should live, walk and act as He would. Knowing Him is more than simply quoting Scripture and going to church. It's actually living the Word as life unfolds day to day.

You are the apple of His eye even though we, too, have been bruised by a fall. He stopped what He was doing and picked you and me up on a hill called Calvary and paid in full for our damaged fruit.

Let us live like we are worth the price He paid.

~Author Unknown~

Goldie, thanks for emailing this to me.  It is so worth sharing.

Pat, I'm so sorry for the loss of your Dad, but celebrate with you that he is no longer in pain and is with his Father God.

Have a wonderful weekend, my friends.

Tamara

Today's Devotional

Today's Verse

Looking away [from all that will distract] to Jesus, Who is the Leader and Source of our faith, [giving the first incentive for our belief] and is also its Finisher [bringing it to maturity and perfection].

~Hebrews 12:2

Thoughts on today's verse...

Are you a jigsaw puzzle aficionado? If you have ever worked a complicated jigsaw puzzle, you know three things about them:

First, they take time. Few people can put several hundred pieces of puzzle together rapidly. Most large, complex puzzles take several days, sometimes even weeks to complete. The fun is in the process, the satisfaction in the accomplishment.

Second, the starting point of a puzzle is usually to identify the corners and edges, the pieces with a straight edge.

Third, jigsaw puzzles are fun to work by oneself, but even more fun to work with others. When a "fit" is made between two or more pieces, the excitement is felt by all the participants.

Perhaps we should consider the day ahead of us like a piece in the puzzle of our lives. Sometimes the "shape" of our day is just as jagged as a puzzle piece and the colors just as unidentifiable. Even the meaning of today may not be sequential to that of yesterday. What we're experiencing today may actually fit with something we've experienced several months ago, or something to be experienced yet in the future. None of us will be able to see the "big picture" of our lives by observing only one day. And even at that, we can trust that there is a plan and purpose, that all the pieces will come together according to God's design and timetable.

On the days we find the straight-edged pieces of our life's puzzle -- truths that become a part of our reason for being. On other days, we find pieces that fit together so we understand more about ourselves and about God's work in our lives. And on all days, we can know the joy of sharing our lives with others and inviting them to be a part of the process of discovering who we are!

The main thing to remember is to enjoy the process. Live today to the fullest, knowing one day you'll see the complete and full picture.

My prayer...

Ah Lord, some days my life is a puzzle -- or at least puzzling! And like a puzzle, it is exciting and exhilarating when we see the pieces come together. And then there are the other days when nothing comes together and it even seems as if the pieces have come apart all on their own! Lord, You know how very much I rely upon the box cover to complete my puzzles... I don't have that benefit when it's my life. But You do, you see the complete picture. So on this day, this very day I am asking You, the Master of the Puzzle to grant me grace and peace as I diligently lay the pieces of my puzzle before You. In Jesus' name, Amen!

Special Note: I'm late with today's post! I slept in again and it was wonderful! Thursday's are my "late" days in the library. I go to work at 11:30 and work until 8:00 p.m. Then it's home, unwind, and to bed to get up and return to work by 7:30 a.m. I might be getting too "set" in my ways to be as resilient as I was when younger!

Yours, because we're His,

Tamara

Today's Devotional

Today's Verse

I am overwhelmed with joy in the Lord my God! For he has dressed me with the clothing of salvation and draped me in a robe of righteousness.

~Isaiah 61:10 (this is a great chapter in Isaiah, I would recommend reading it in its entirety.

Thoughts on today's verse...

Isn't it a joyful thought? That the Lord our God would provide us with salvation and clothe us in righteousness! And this not because of who we are, but because of who He is! In this chapter of Isaiah is one of my very favorite verses, …to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness… Isn't that wonderful?

In those times, when persons were sorrowful, mourning or repentant they would dress in sackcloth and ashes. Sometimes they would fast in addition to this dress. When this time of sorrow, mourning or repentance was over, they would wash themselves, be annointed with oil and dress in something much better than sackcloth. But in this chapter of Isaiah, God is the one who will remove the sorrow, the mourning and be dressed in a garment of praise! We will experience the joy of being in His presence!

Matthew Henry's concice commentary on Isaiah 61 reads in part: Christ was to be a Comforter, and so he is; he is sent to comfort all who mourn, and who seek to him, and not to the world, for comfort. He will do all this for his people, that they may abound in the fruits of righteousness, as the branches of God's planting. Neither the mercy of God, the atonement of Christ, nor the gospel of grace, profit the self-sufficient and proud. They must be humbled, and led to know their own character and wants, by the Holy Spirit, that they may see and feel their need of the sinner's Friend and Saviour. His doctrine contains glad tidings indeed to those who are humbled before God. This can be found at http://www.christnotes.org/

My prayer...

Oh Lord my God! I am overwhelmed and awed by Your great love for us (for me)! That You would make provision to make us beautiful, to annoint us with oil and to cover us with garments of righteousness and praise! Lord, may we humble ourselves in Your presence. May we simply allow You to do this to us and for us. In Your name I pray ~Amen!

Yours, because we're His,

Tamara

Today's Devotional Scripture

Today's Verse

The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious.
~Ecclesiastes 10:12

Thoughts on today's verse...

I heard there's an Internet site that will send messages to someone with your sentiments anonymously. Things such as, "your breath stinks," "why don't you find another place to work?" So now we have the electronic version of the nasty anonymous notes we sometimes were on the receiving end of in high school.

People hiding behind the screen of anonymity or a false identity feel the freedom to launch angry, hurtful tirades. Anonymity allows them to be unkind without having to take responsibility for their words.

In the book of Ephesians, our words should edify and impart grace (4:29). If I’m unwilling to use my name, there’s reason to believe that my motive is to hurt, not to help.

It's important to consider why you don’t want your name to be identified with your words. After all, if you don’t want to be identified with or by your words, it's probably best not to say anything - or as Thumper in Bambi said, "if you can't say anything nice, don't say nothin' at all."

My prayer...

Lord, help me to guard my lips. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. (Psalm 19:14) Help me to not say anything that I wouldn't want someone to repeat. In your name I pray ~Amen.

Yours, because we're His,

Tamara

Today's Devotional Scripture

Today's Verse

What things were gain to me, these I have counted as loss for Christ.

~Philippians 3:7

Thoughts on today's verse...

My biggest fear in becoming a Christian was that of 'What is the requirement?' 'How much will I have to give up?' Interestingly enough, the hardest thing to give up, was 'self'. Frankly, I still struggle with that. But one thing I've learned is to not hold on too tightly to any earthly or material possession.

When we were brand new 'baby Christians' my husband was sure he was called into Mission Aviation. He had a private pilot's license, after all. I was sure we were NOT called to the mission field. I begged, I pleaded with God... "don't make me go to the jungles and pick leaches off my legs to tell people that Jesus loves them. Can't I take a credit card, travel to the mall and do the same thing?"

I specifically recall one Sunday service where a Christian couple, involved in mission work were to give a presentation at our church. Their mission field was in France. Pretty safe, I thought... and frankly, I was feeling pretty smug. I could do France! French food... French fashion... french fries... Yeah, this was going to be a safe presentation after all.

I don't believe they had gotten five slides into the presentation when what showed up on the slide? A Cessena! And this missionary began to extol the virtues of mission aviation! Hmmm, how do I begin to explain what happened next? I began making this very glutteral sound, more like a moan of a wounded animal. It was so bad that persons three rows up were turning around to see what the noise was. It was me, crying and moaning in sheer resignation. The Lord had spoken to me - directly to me through that missionary.

Frankly, I don't remember the rest of the service, except my surrendering to the Lord. I went forward that day to announce not only to the Lord that I would go wherever he sent, but to the entire congregation, too.

Suffice it to say, the Lord DIDN"T send us on a mission overseas or anywhere else for that matter. All He required of me was obediance, to be willing to go.

So, where is our mission field? Here, right here in Safford Arizona. Right here in our own home to our children, our grandchildren and to our neighbors. And in the market place. Yes, I am an employee of the State of Arizona, but I answer to a higher authority than the Director of our department or even to the Govenor.

My prayer...

Lord God, as I attempt and somedays struggle to be Your ambassador grant me grace and favor. May I draw people to You and not offend them or drive them away. In Jesus' name I pray ~Amen!

Yours, because we truly are His,

Tamara

Today's Devotional Scripture

Today's Verse (or better... this evenings!)

“Listen, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates."
~Deuteronomy 6:4-9

Thoughts on today's verse...

This weekend we had our 2-year old grandson staying with us. What a blessing! As skinny as this little guy is, he sure can eat and I find it amazing what he will eat at PaaPaw's and Gramma's. He ate California blend veggies (broccoli, cauliflower and carrots), roast chicken, Gramma's rice pilaf and finished it with Waldorf Salad! "Who'd a thunk it?" I know his mother was amazed.

But the most astounding thing was when we got the food ready and on the table then sat him down, he looked at the two of us then folded his hands in prayer. After PaaPaw's prayer, he echoed a hearty 'Amen!" I know that he is just mimicing what he observes in our home, but just like today's verse we are to teach our children and grandchildren. I hope that as he gets older, we will be able to share more and more with him about the Lord and faith. He loves books and being read to, so PaaPaw's considering a toddler's Bible. PaaPaw is always the one he takes his books to.

My prayer...

Lord God, may we be diligent to teach our children and our grandchildren your precepts. May they feel and sense Your Spirit when they enter our home. May our homes be a place of respite and security for them. May we show them Your unconditional love. In Jesus' name I pray ~Amen!

Special note to my blogging friends...

I was more than a little late posting today. I got up late, only got a mile and a half walked, then breakfast and shower, dress and leave for work! Now towards the end of the day I see that I have 8,760 steps, so that's well over four miles. Better than I anticipated. Marcy, sorry to have frightened you, I merely slept in and it was wonderful!

Hugz to you all,

Tamara

Today's Devotional Scripture

Today's Verse

You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.

~Matthew 5:13

Thoughts on today's verse...

Sodium is an extremely active element which always links itself to another element.

Chlorine is a poisonous gas.

When combined, chlorine stabilzes sodium and sodium neutralizes the poison of the chlorine.

The result, sodium chloride, is common table sals, a highly stable substance used through the centuries to preserve meat, enhance flavor and, prior to modern medicine, help clean and heal wounds.  (This is probably where the term "rubbing salt into a wound" came from.)

For a Christian, love and truth are a lot like sodium and chlorine.  Both are essential elements in a believer's life, but pursuing one without the other can be damaging and dangerous.

Love without truth is, well, flighty, sometimes blind, and often it will combine with strange or perverse doctrines.  It is highly unstable, tossed too and fro on a sea of emotions.

Truth, on the other hand, by itself can be offensive and sometimes even poisonous.  Spoken without love, it can turn people away from God.  It can wound, even kill a person's longing for the nurturing presence of the Heavenly Father.

When truth and love are combined in an individual or a church, however, we have what Jesus called "the salt of the earth."  We are able to heal those with spiritual wounds, preserve and encourage the best in one another, and bring out the personal zest and unique gifts of each person.

Today, let's seek to let our words and actions be grounded in truth and delivered with love.

My prayer...

Lord God, some days I am way too salty... then other days I lack any salt at all.  I think the one thing I miss the most in my cardiac diet is salt.  I'm the one who would always choose the salty snack over the sweet snack. So Lord, for today, I pray that you allow me to have the perfect balance of truth and love.  May I speak the truth in love and may I love enough to speak the truth.  In Jesus' name ~Amen!

Yours, because we're His,

Tamara

Today's Devotional Scripture

Today's Verse

“Cheer up, don’t be afraid! For the Lord your God has arrived to live among you. He is a mighty Savior. He will give you victory. He will rejoice over you in great gladness; He will love you and not accuse you.” Is that a joyous choir I hear? No, it is the Lord himself exulting over you in happy song.

Zephaniah 3:16-18 TLB

Thoughts on today's verse...

Not being all that familiar with the Old Testament prophet Zephaniah, I looked up some information in an online commentary:

Brief Summary: Zephaniah pronounces the Lord’s judgment on the whole earth, on Judah, on the surrounding nations, on Jerusalem and on all nations. This is followed by proclamations of the Lord’s blessing on all nations and especially on the faithful remnant of His people in Judah.

Zephaniah had the courage to speak bluntly because he knew he was proclaiming the Word of the Lord. His book begins with "The word of the Lord" and ends with "says the Lord." He knew that neither the many gods the people worshiped nor even the might of the Assyrian army could not save them. God is gracious and compassionate, but when all His warnings are ignored, judgment is to be expected. God's day of judgment is frequently mentioned in the Scriptures. The prophets called it the "Day of the Lord." They referred to various events such as the fall of Jerusalem as manifestations of God's Day, each of which pointed toward the ultimate Day of the Lord.

Practical Application: With a few adjustments in names and situations, this prophet of 7th century B.C. could stand in our pulpits today and deliver the same message of judgment of the wicked and hope for the faithful. Zephaniah reminds us that God is offended by the moral and religious sins of His people. God's people will not escape punishment when they sin willfully. Punishment may be painful, but its purpose may be redemptive rather than punitive. The inevitability of the punishment of wickedness gives comfort in a time when it seems that evil is unbridled and victorious. We have the freedom to disobey God but not the freedom to escape the consequences of that disobedience. Those who are faithful to God may be relatively few, but He does not forget them.

I especially like the statement that "punishment may be painful, but its purpose may be redemptive rather than punitive."  Isn't that what we try to do as parents?  Sometimes, most times inadequately, but it is our goal to correct and have the child 'turn away' from the inappropriate action.  In our Christian circles, we call that repentence. 

My prayer...

Lord God, Creator of all heaven and earth... hear my prayer.  Like today's verse in Zephaniah, may we have victory in our lives.  May we repent from those rebellious act we commit and for those actions that we omit... by turning away from those issues that concern You.  May You rejoyce over us in  gladness and may we hear Your songs of praise!  In Jesus' name ~Amen.

Yours, because we're His,

Tamara

Today's Devotional Scripture

Today's Verse

You have turned for me my mourning into dancing.
~Psalm 30:11 NKJV

Thoughts on today's verse...

Scripture records times of rejoicing that were celebrated with dancing. The children of Israel danced after crossing the Red Sea and in celebration of military victory. King David danced before the Lord when the Ark of the Covenant was brought to the City of David. When the prodigal son returned, his father prepared a feast that included music and dancing.

Each day we are invited to dance and celebrate all life has for us. Have you ever heard the song "Lord of the Dance"? It was written by Sydney Carter and in it, Jesus is the "Lord of the Dance".

I danced in the morning when the world was begun,

And I danced in the moon and stars and the sun,

And I came down from heaven and I danced on earth.

At Bethlehem I had my birth.

I danced for the scribe and the Pharisee,

But they would not dance and they would not follow me;

I danced for the fishermen, for James and John;

They came to me and the dance went on.

I danced on the Sabbath when I cured the lame,

The holy people said it was a shame;

They whipped and they stripped and they hung me high;

And they left me there on a cross to die.

I danced on a Friday and the sky turned black;

It's hard to dance with the devil on your back;

They buried my body and they thought I'd gone,

But I am the dance and I still go on.

I'll live in you if you live in me,

I am the Lord of the Dance, said he.

Dance, dance, wherever you may be;

I am the Lord of the Dance, said he.

And I'll lead you all wherever you may be,

and I'll lead you all in the dance, said he.

Dancing is one of many ways we can celebrate God in worship and joy. When we start each day with Jesus we are His partner in the dance of life.

While I may not be ready to kick up my heels today, I believe I'll find my dancing shoes and dust them off in preparation.

My prayer...

Abba, Father - Lord of the Dance, may I hear Your music this day. May my feet tap in anticipation of dancing with You and for You! Lead me Lord, lead me in the dance. I may be clumsy, I may step on Your feet, but guide me, lead me and teach me the dance! In Jesus' name I pray ~Amen!

Yours, because we're His,

Tamara

Today's Devotional Scripture

Today's Verse

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

2 Corinthians 1:3-11 NASB

Thoughts on today's verse...

Here it is, 4:00 a.m. and I've been awake now for an hour.  That's one of the effects of depression, at least for me at this stage of my life.  When I was much younger it was sleeping, as if that would eliminate the problem and everything would be well and good when I awoke.  Or perhaps it was just that during sleep time, I didn't have to deal with anything.

David wrote a number of Psalms and in some of them, it sure sounds as if he also was afflicted with depression.  Psalm 42 is an example of depression and despair and yet the way it begins, "As the deer pants for the water, So my soul pants for Thee, O God."  Then in verse 11, "Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me?  Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance, and my God."

In 1 Kings, chapter 19, Elijah had a very successful endeavor against Jezebel's prophets, and yet when Jezebel sent a messenger to to him saying she was going to have him killed, he became afraid and ran for his life.  He told God, "It is enough; now O Lord, take my life..."  He sounds despondant and suicidal, yes, depression or even bi-polar disorder! 

In these examples, I find much hope, much comfort knowing that the Lord God, creator of all heaven and earth has included these examples to let me and others know that perhaps at times we will face depression and yet we can overcome it.  If not by ourselves, then with the help of a health care provider. 

There are some folks who believe that if you're a Christian then you should never be sick, never have financial challenges and always be on the winning edge of life.  If that is the case, then why are the examples I've cited in Psalms and 1 Kings given to us?  Just a question... I don't have the answer, but I am comforted by the examples as they allow me to relate on an even deeper level to the Word of God.

And then you dear ladies and yesterday's emails and comments.  How you comforted me with your words and prayers!  Just like today's verse in 2 Corinthians.  Thank you so much for your kindness.

Today's Prayer...

Lord God, Father of all heaven and earth, hear my prayer... thank you so much for my sisters who have comforted me in my distress.  Thank you for Your Spirit that ministers to us in our affliction and despair.  Thank you for Your Word that helps us to relate to You.  Through all of this, My Lord, I choose praise, I choose thanksgiving.  In Jesus name I pray ~Amen!

Yours, because we're His,

Tamara

Today's Devotional Scripture

Today's Verse

We saw it, we heard it, and now we're telling you so you can experience it along with us, this experience of communion with the Father and his Son, Jesus Christ.

1 John 1:3 MSG

Thoughts on today's verse...

Isn't this verse amazing?  John (the Younger) was a witness to Christ - he saw Him, he heard Him, and he told us about Him through his words in the Bible. He (John) is encouraging us to share the experience of communion with the Father and his Son, Christ Jesus - through his (John's) witness. 

What a wonderfully amazing gift God has given us:  freedom of choice!  We can choose to worship Him in authentic love or we can choose some other 'god' to revere.  I've heard it said that you can always tell who a person's God is by simply looking at their checkbook - where is the most money going?  (I believe I'm bowing at the alter of the Sam Walton empire...)

As believers, we are loved by a compassionate God, and we're taught to love ourselves as Christ loves us, unconditionally.  We may have behaviors that require determined work in order to be changed, but we are to love ourselves despite our shortcomings because that's how Jesus loves us. 

I've also heard it said that the problem with our society today is that the command to love our neighbors as ourselves is precisely what we are doing - and we don't love ourselves, so how can we love our neighbors?  Isn't that an interesting thought?

Sometimes some of you will write notes of encouragement and tell me how "spiritually mature" you think I might be... the truth is quite the opposite.  I am just a simple woman, striving to know Christ through His word.  Some days I do well and other days I fail miserably.  And frankly, there are days when I just want to walk away from it all feeling that it is too hard, too demanding to try to walk this path.

I become disappointed and disillusioned with people, with the church... so much so that I want to retreat from everything and everyone.  I want to move into an apartment of my own and become a virtual recluse not having to deal with anyone or anything and cut off all ties with everyone.  I have clinical depression.  I know that and sometimes when it comes to the forefront, I hurt those I'm the closest to.  I do that by the things I say and do or don't do.  It is a hurting so deep in my soul that I cannot describe it.

My prayer...

Abba, Father... I want to be so much like Peter... to be able to have the faith to step out on the water... but I'm afraid that it's the rest of the story that makes me more like Peter... I look around and allow the storms of life to interfere with keeping my eyes on You, and so I start to sink.  That is where I am today, where I have been all weekend.  I'm drowning in an emotional tide... and so I lift my hand to You and ask that You pull me out, that you rescue me.  In Jesus' name I pray ~Amen.

Yours, because we're His,

Tamara

Today's Devotional Scripture

Today's Verse

[The Lord] 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

Thoughts on today's verse...

That's twice this week the scripture verse has spoken of sheep.  Perhaps this is the Lord's way of telling me I need to be more like a sheep, gentle and able to be led.

When we lived in Ohio, we had dairy goats.  Not many, just four.  I must tell you, the Lord used those goats to teach me alot, especially about myself.  One of the goats was the most stubborn!  I would attempt to tether her out by the most luscious weeds for her to munch on, but as I was trying to lead her, she would dig her heels in and complain.  'Mahhhh mahhh mahhh' she would cry out.  One would have thought that I was beating her to listen to her protests!

I vividly remember one such day, I was trying to lead, she was protesting.  I stated to her, "What's wrong with you?  Don't you know this is for your own good?  I'm taking you to a better place with better food and more comfort."  Oh my... in my mind I heard the Lord say, "Tamara, and isn't that what I've been trying to do for you?"  I literally fell on my knees and answered the Lord, "I've been a stubborn goat with You haven't I?  I've not been teachable and able to be led like a sheep.  Oh Lord, forgive me!"

How very humbling, to be taught a lesson from a goat!  But the Lord is faithful to allow us to be reached sometimes in the most absurd ways!  Oh, and by the way... from milking goats, I have a great grip!

My prayer...

Lord, have I been a goat lately?  I apologize and ask your forgiveness.  Help me to be more sheep-like.  Trusting and able to be led.  Let me hear you gently, lovingly call my name.  Allow me to crawl into Your arms my Shepherd, and be comforted in Your quietness and peace.  In Jesus' name ~Amen!

Yours, because we're His,

Tamara

Today's Devotional Scripture

Today's Verse

And how delightful is a timely word!

Proverbs 15:23

Thoughts on today's verse...

Have you ever been on the receiving end of an unexpected compliment?  Or perhaps you were the one offering the compliment or words of encouragement to someone. You could just see their countenance change - from that of being consumed with worry and fretting to that of standing taller and having a bit more self confidence.  Timely words can be wonderful healers of the spirit and crushed emotions.

Poorly timed words or caustic words have the exact opposite effect. Once they are out of our mouths, they can never be taken back. Then again, sometimes we find ourselves in the company of a very critical person who is berating someone and we find that we join right in and begin to destroy that person's character.

I think from now on, I'm going to find something nice or positive to say about the person who is being verbally assassinated. Everyone has something good about them that can be expounded upon. Besides, after having a negative conversation with someone and I walk away, I often wonder what they are saying about me behind my back! (And they are!)

My prayer...

Lord God, forgive me for the times I have been carried away with berating someone.  May I remember that they are created in Your image and just because they are different from me or do things different from me doesn't mean that's a bad thing.  It only means different.  May I endeavor to find positive things to say about a person and to a person.  Words that will heal and encourage and not words that destroy. In Jesus' name ~Amen!

Yours, because we're His,

Tamara

Today's Devotional Scripture

Today's Verse

Jesus said, "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me."

~John 10:27 NIV

Thoughts on today's verse...

A lot has been written about sheep.  Evidently, they are stupid, dirty, and if they fall the shepherd needs to pick them up or 'right' them.  But they do recognize their shepherd's voice. 

I think that is the one thing in my Christian walk that eludes me - being able to hear the voice of my Shepherd all the time.  Oh, I'm sure He's talking to me all the time, it's just that I get so caught up with the  'things' of life that they drown out His voice.  Work, house work, relationships with co-workers, friends and family all take time.  The forementioned relationships are the horizontal ones and I can hear them and I know the message they are trying to share with me.  I just seem to be vertically challenged when it comes to hearing the voice of my sheppard on a regular basis. 

I believe that from now on, I will set aside a portion of my prayer time to just sit silently before Him and listen.  Then, when He speaks I will be able to hear Him above the noise and din of the world. 

My prayer...

Father God, hear my prayer.  Today I wish to hear Your voice on a regular basis.  Then once I've heard Your voice, I need to put what I've heard into action.  Help me to remove all the clatter of the world around me and to focus on You.  In Jesus name ~Amen.

Yours, because we're His,

Tamara

Today's Devotional Scripture

Today's Verse

There's an opportune time to do things, a right time for everything on the earth...A right time to hold on and another to let go.

~Ecclesiates 3:1 MSG

Thoughts's on today's verse...

We are now into September, heading right into autumn.  Even though the temperatures here in Arizona are still in the 100's during the heat of the day, I've noticed the subtle changes of the season.  Morning's are much cooler and the spiders are on the move!  And there is just something about the smell of autumn, even in Arizona.

It's time for me to turn over the garden that didn't do well this year and consider planting something else that will do well in cooler weather.  Herbs, I want more herbs!  I love the look of a well planted herb garden.  The airy dill plants, the compact basil and I need some mint in a well defined and contained area.  And one never has enough thyme!

I used to have wonderful gardens in Ohio, but somehow my green thumb did not make the move to Arizona.  I sure hope I left it with my daughter! I do well with the desert items - cacti, aloes... but I just can't seem to get the hang of gardening here.

Like today's verse implies, there is a time to hold on to something and a time to let it go.  The same is so very true in our lives.  Stop for a moment and think about your own life.  What is there that possibly the Lord is asking you to let go of?  I know what it is for me.  It's control.  This is a very well defined and learned behavior that was passed down from generations of women who have gone before me.  It's one of those hereditary things like my butt and thighs... 

Meanwhile, I believe I'll enjoy my night blooming cacti.  If they get enough rain they send up numerous shoots that bloom only during the night and they fade away during the heat of the day.  They are like a wonderful gift the Lord gives me that I can only enjoy for the moment.  Their season is very short lived.

My prayer...

Abba, Daddy, hear my prayer... thank You for the night blooming cacti!  They are always such a surprise in the baren desert. And Lord, now that I've returned to work, there are some areas of control I need to relinquish to You.  May I willing lay them down at Your feet.  In Jesus' name I pray ~Amen!

Yours, because we're His,

Tamara