Matters of the Heart

May the Lord keep watch between you and me when we are away from each other.
Genesis 31:49

I've been "out" for awhile. Just taking some time to reflect as I had another birthday and got lost in a funk of depression.  It happens.  I just wanted to "stop" everything, including blogging.  I need to learn something new, perhaps an exercise that will allow me to focus, center and calm down! And learn to breath. And not forget to exhale.

I got a BD card from a dear friend in Ohio. Just before Christmas she learned she had breast cancer. We talked of anger and I suggested journaling to her. That's what I try to do, but sometimes it is so venomous and just have to put it down and, like with the blogging, put it away for awhile. 

That's all for now, just snippets,
Tamara

Instruments of Peace

Romans 8:39 (New International Version, ©2010)


39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Even when we are the farthest from God and our deepest selves, God is already sustaining us and aiming us toward nourishment, health, and well-being. … You (we) are loved, you (we) are forgiven, and you (we) are guided toward wholeness–regardless of your (our) life situation.

God loves you eternally–you were born into God’s loving Arms, and those arms will embrace and guide you every step of the way.

Have you ever had the experience where you felt at the end of your rope? Spiritually? Physically? Emotionally? I have. I’ve even screamed at God in prayer: “God, do You hear me? Am I Your child?” “If so, please send me a sign, a word that could only come from You! I need to know, lest I perish! Speak to me Oh God!”

It has been during times like this that a confirmation happens in my life. Perhaps it is an unexpected note or email from someone. Maybe it is something that is said that helps to reaffirm and build confidence.

The issue is – God uses us – you and me to be His instruments of peace. Is He directing you to write a note today? Or perhaps call someone? Send an email of encouragement? Where is He directing you this day? Be an instrument of His peace.

because we're His,

~Tamara

Team Work

The eye cannot say to the hand, "I have no need of you." ~1 Corinthians 12:21

During a rehearsal at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York City, the renowned conductor Arturo Toscanini offered some constructive criticism to the featured soloist. She was too proud to accept his help, however, and expressed her resentment by exclaiming in anger, "I am the star of this performance!" Toscanini responded wisely and firmly, "Madame, in this performance there are no stars."

The maestro made a strong point. The soloists, the members of the chorus, and the orchestra all have to work together in harmony or there can be no beautiful music.

Speaking of such, did you know the hardest orchestra position to fill is the “Second Chair.” Frankly, in our society no one likes to come in “second” but in the scope and context of soloists, the members of the chorus, and the orchestra, it is one of the most important positions.

The person who is “second chair” must not only know the their own portion of music, but they must also learn and know the first chair’s music as well. In the event the “First Chair” is unable to perform the “Second Chair” is called upon to fill in.

This is also true of the church. In Paul's first letter to the Corinthians, he likened the parts of our physical body to individuals in the church, the body of Christ. All of us as believers have our own unique traits and individual duties, but taken together we comprise one body. We must therefore recognize how much we need one another. Paul wrote, "The eye cannot say to the hand, 'I have no need of you'; nor again the head to the feet, 'I have no need of you'" (12:21).

The Lord isn't looking for soloists who want to be stars; He's looking for workers who are willing to be servants. God's work takes teamwork!

So, what about you? We also need to be available to come alongside when one of our members “falls.” Whether it be prayer, or by stepping in to perform that person’s function for a period of time, or to directly and lovingly confront someone when they are not behaving in a Christ-like manner we need to be prepared.

Yours, because we’re His,
~Tamara