Relevant Woman and Pastor's wife

A Little Update

2012-02-09T21:24:00.002-05:00

Just want to thank those of you who have gone to the Scentsy party online and have made purchases. If you want to give cash donations, that is also possible. Just contact me and I will get the info to you. We are already at $500.00 which is 1/6th of the way to the goal. Please keep praying and ask God how you can help, too. Thank you.

Help Me Do Something Good

2012-02-07T16:55:00.000-05:00

This is going to be a terrific thing we can do together. Due to the way that the Army works and I don't understand, one of my dear friends has to go serve in Korea. Due to financial restrictions he and his family are planning not to see each other for 12 long months. If you have ever been seperated from someone due to a deployment or training for a few weeks it is rough. I do not know how these military families do it. It just seems too hard to me. Well, there is another military wife in our church who had the idea that we all pull together and raise money for Lee Deloria to come home for his two weeks of R&R. It will take approximately $3,000.00 to do it. So, we have decided to try and raise money for him to come home and make it a suprise for his wife and kids. Now, if you know her, don't tell. She doesn't know about my blog, so I am putting it here and a few other places to try to get some help to get this done. We opened a Scentsy party to help us as a way to raise money and the Scentsy Rep has said that she will donate 100% of her earnings to this endeavor to bring him home for R&R. If you would like to help you can order from: http://alysiashumacher.sentsy.us I think this is a fantastic thing. He has a wife, 3 sons and one daughter. Their daughter has special needs, which is the main reason that they are not going as a family. Also, if you would just like to donate money, contact me and I will send you the information on that, too. I cannot wait to see how God is going to help us pull this off, but we need to do it in the next 4 months so he can get a ticket to come home. Well, thanks for reading. Keep looking up because Jesus is coming soon!

A New Blog

2012-01-30T10:36:00.001-05:00

Well, blog friens, I have decided that since I love writing so much, I am going to start writing a story about a character named, Gallaby. When we lived in Talbott, we made up a story about a character named Gallaby. I love her and think her name is fun to say. She has some great stories to tell and goes on lots of adventures. She lives in a world of secret tunnels, gardens, ponds and cow pastures. She likes to travel in the woods and meet with garden knomes, elves and small woodland creatures. She mostly loves to take my children on adventures. The name of the story is "Gallaby's World" and the address is tabithajaycox12.blogspot.com. I don't know how often I will write new adventures, but I think it will be fun to do. I also think it will be a cool way to share our family composed story with the world.

2012 - so far

2012-01-28T17:22:00.001-05:00

Well, a lot has happened since I last posted to you. My Dad has started and is continuing to do his chemotherapy. He seems to be tolerating it well. There has been a new year -- Happy New Year 2012! My husband had a birthday. I have had a birthday. I have had a Ladies Minsitry Party called "Express Yourself". I used the fact that we should express ourselves in a different way than people who are not yet born again express themselves. I gave away some really cool Glad Expressions sprays and room fragrances. I have asked myself a lot of questions. I haven't gotten any answers. I was (along with all the others in one particular orgainzation) laid off from my job because they are outsourcing that work to a third party. I then got hired for my same job by the third party. I have shoveled snow. I have mourned losses. I have sold Girl Scout cookies. I have been working my head off and well, quite frankly, I am tired. I got a haircut today. Same style, just shorter. I painted my toenails. (They are silver -thanks for asking). My favorite T.V. Show (CHUCK) aired its final show. I think later I am going out to dinner with a gift card that was given to me on my anniversary. Thank God they don't expire. Ok. no pictures...just much of doing the same thing day and day and day after day after day after day.

Christmas time is Here

2011-12-17T16:32:00.000-05:00

So, Christmas time and I post a picture of a display of Duracell batteries. Yes, I do know how weird that may seem to you. However as a nation we consume literally TONS and TONS of batteries. Since I have a job working for P&G, I see a lot of batteries. And batteries remind me of how much we need power in our lives. Our remote controls need power. Our personal devices need power. But more than that...we need the Power of God to move in our lives. When the batteries die in our toys or flashlights or whatever...we go out and get new ones. Sometimes we go in the middle of the night to get them. How much more do we need to get on our knees and see for the Power of God to move in us and on us and through us? So, if I leave you with anything today, I hope that it is going to be on your mind to find your power in Jesus Christ and in the Word of God. Keep looking up! God Bless You!

Adapting to My Adopted Home

2011-12-09T10:50:00.001-05:00

On some days we get up and we go about our business and give little to no thought of what "might have been" or "what could have been". I wonder sometimes what would happen if we would think that in advance, like "what might be" or "what could be" and what do I need to do to help with accomplishing what I want to see. When I moved to Watertown I was very "gung-ho" about moving here and starting my adventure. Often I wonder if I had known what it would really be like on a day to day basis, would I really have come. Maybe yes, maybe no. I am adapting to my adopted home. I have always had to adapt to an adopted home, as I never really had a place to call "home". Now, I am not trying to say that I was homeless, o.k. My parents took good care of us. But, I have had (since birth) a very transient lifestyle. When I was not yet one year old I moved from Guyana, South America to Lenoir City, TN, U.S.A. From there to Waynesboro, TN then to Nashville, TN then to Talbott, TN then I went away to college to Cleveland, TN. While in Cleveland, TN I got married and moved to Lenoir City, TN. Then we moved to Geneva, NY (Here we got our oldest). Next onto Olla, LA. Then to Concord, NC. Next to Lake Park, GA. Then to Kannapolis, NC. Next to Cleveland, TN. Then to Lenoir City, TN. Then to Raleigh, NC. Next stop, Lenoir City, TN (where we got our next child). Then from there we moved to Talbott, TN (what I call my home...where I have lived more of my life than anywhere else) where we stayed the longest (7 years) (and got our last child) until we moved to Watertown, NY. We have been here 2 years and I am choosing each and every day to adapt to a different dialect and different culture of a different part of our nation. It has been quite a life. I have always secretly envied people who have always lived in one place and have never moved away. I think it would be wonderful to have that sort of connection and that sort of roots in life. I also think it has been an adventure to travel and live in other places. So...this is a bit of a ramble I know....but its what is on my mind today. The Relevant part of the story is....when God tells you to do something....He will equip you to do it beyond what you are able. If you could do it yourself, you wouldn't need God. I NEED Him every day.

I love My Family

2011-11-29T16:55:00.001-05:00

This is a picture of my children sitting on my couch on "Black Friday" night. While some things in our family haven't gone as planned, at least we have managed to put some things back together. Well...God is putting them together. I never would have thought that God could have provided relationship for me like He has. For Thanksgiving we had 13 people at dinner: Philip, me, Hannah and Grace, Rebecca and James, Grandad & Linda, and The McKnight family - Zach, Amber, Hayden, Hudson and Harper. It was such a wonderful time. It was very relaxing for me and I didn't burn the rolls. I also was told that the turkey was good. I even made sweet potato casserole and green bean casserole. Linda made apple pie and stuffing. Amber brought rolls and cokes. Becca brought rolls and plates, cups and silverware. Then on Sunday Hannah and Grace were in the Watertown Christmas parade with their Girl Scout Council. It was a sweet time.

I really missed being with my TN family. I missed my BFF and black friday shopping with her. I missed a lot of things. But, I am where God put me. I will bloom where I am planted. I will do my best to follow Him.

Couldn't resist the picture of Philip in front of the museum. I love that building. I think it is really neat looking. I bet you thought that was my house! LOL Ok. Last picture...this is of Becca taking a picture of me with her iPhone while I took a picture of her with my phone.

Got Snow?!?

2011-11-19T10:53:00.001-05:00

Winter is quickly approaching here in NNY. The above photo of snow on the road is from Tupper Lake on Novemember 10, 2011. Yes, that's right, last Friday. Hard to believe....snow before Thanksgiving. Okay...well...at least hard for a girl reared in TN and having lived there most of my life. The other pictures of the girls are activities associated with a couple of their activities. The one at the skating rink is where Hannah and Grace went to achieve a badge for Brownies and GirlScouts. The other is before they got their last set of acheivement badges for Joybells. Our girls have been doing a lot of things outside of school. They also take piano lessons. Hannah played "Amazing Grace" at a prayer meeting for two weeks in a row. (She is only 10 years old) They also just finished up a semester of Gym & Swim at the local YMCA. They did very well and as ususal enjoyed it a lot. I pray that the Lord will continue to grow our children as well as our church and impact in the community. Keep looking up.

Humility

2011-11-01T13:38:00.000-04:00

When I think of the word -- Humility-- I think of my dear Uncle Curtis. He was always mild mannered, quiet and even tempered. He passed from this life to the next one on Sunday, October 30, 2011. He will be greatly missed. Although the world at large may not have known him well, he made a significant impact on the lives of those around him. He was a Christian. He didn't walk around telling you he was a Christian, you just knew it. He was a son, a husband, a father, an uncle and a friend. He endured rough times. He adopted children. He practiced hospitality at all times. He knew how to make you feel special even when you thought you didn't matter to anyone else. He was a kind, caring man. He was what I see as a great definition of humility. We won't all be like him. Nor could we be. Thank God for men who stand and are real men, like my dear Uncle Curtis.

Christmas is coming in Retail

2011-10-23T14:03:00.000-04:00

I could not believe we were only in the second week of October when I was given the assignment of building a display to hold Christmas wrapping paper and gift bags and bows. Then another one that displays Christmas cards..... I could not believe it. Halloween costumes and candy still on the shelf and no one has even begun to prepare their Turkeys and we are building Christmas in retail stores. so weird!

These are on display in your local Walgreen's. Keep smiling!!!

Crazy Busy Life

2011-10-09T15:43:00.001-04:00

Once upon a time there was a stay at home mom named, Tabitha. Well, to make a long story short....life has changed LOL! The first picture is of me with a "new" haircut. I got my hair cut for the first time in 6 months. Why? Because I just didn't have time to get it done until this past Monday. Then...I was given some craft supplies. Becca was sweet enough to help me go through and organize them. The thing is, when she helps me, we have too much fun. We both put on a crown while we did this. It was awesome. The third picture is of a gum rack in a convenience store. This is also something that I do sometimes. I sell different brands of gum into the different little stores. This time it was the 4 new flavors of UP2U gum by Mentos. Also, in my crazy busy life, I have gotten the girls into Girl Scouts. Hannah is a Girl Scout and Grace is a Brownie. Make sure you check your mail soon, you could be solicited for some magazines to raise money for the troops. Hannah's group has a goal of going to the National Convention in Washington, D.C. in March. Hopefully her troop will raise enough money for it. This way there is no direct expense to the families of the girls and they can go and participate with other girls from all over the U.S.A. as well as making a trip to our Nation's Capital. If you haven't heard from me in a while, call me. My phone broke and I lost most of my numbers. I am NOT ignoring you and I still have the same phone number that I have had for the past 5 years. Love to you all! & Keep looking up! Jesus is coming.

Places I go -- Stuff I see

2011-10-01T12:39:00.000-04:00

As most of you know...I work as a retail merchandiser for several companies. In my work I get to travel to various places and see some pretty awesome things. This month in my travels I am beginning to see the leaves turning colors. It is such a beautiful time of the year and I dare to say it is my favorite. Autumn is beautiful. Northern New York is even more beautiful. It reminds me so much of the mountains of East Tennessee. I remember making "on purpose" trips to Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg to see the leaves at their peak. This week I got to see a lot of beautiful leaves changing, I just didn't get to take a lot of pictures. So what's up with the boat barn? If you have a chance to meet Pastor Fred Jones of Sharon Springs, you can ask him. He is also known among Church of God ministers as "The Cowboy Preacher" as he almost always wears a cowboy hat and boots wherever he is. He has a very precious wife, Eriel. They love God and are serving Him to the uttermost at the Rose of Sharon Church of God. Some of you may not know exactly what it is that I do, so I took a picture of a project that I finished.

This is a display that I built for Radio Systems which is headquartered in Knoxville, TN. They produce and sell electronic dog fencing and training collars. As the economy continues to change, so does my work load. It seems that the more one company pulls back on their work that another company increases my work. It used to really stress me out, but I know that My Father in heaven knows what I need before I ask Him. He knows from month to month what I need.

Grace's Birthday

2011-09-27T17:58:00.001-04:00

These are a few pictures of Grace's 7th birthday party. She is such a good girl. Grace is the only one of my children that is the least bit shy. She is very much a private person and doesn't like to talk on the phone. Yes, it is amazing that any of my offspring would be like that. Perhaps she is more like her Daddy than meets the eye. I am so proud of all three of my girls and am grateful for them. It just doesn't seem possible that 7 years ago today at UT Hospital in Knoxville, TN, that I was having a baby. God does amazing things. Keep looking up!

Sept. 11, 2001

2011-09-11T19:00:00.001-04:00

I will never forget where I was on Tuesday, September 11, 2001. I was in my little house at 701 B ST, Lenoir City, TN. I was in my first year of homeschooling, ever. Rebecca, my oldest, was in the fourth grade and we had finished Bible class and were into Arithmetic when I got a phone call from my husband who was at work. He called and told me to turn the TV on. I said, "What channel?" To which he replied, "it won't matter." He told me he loved me and we hung up. I picked up my middle daughter who was a few days shy of being 6 months old. I turned on the TV and Dan Rather was reporting. The first tower had already been hit but not the second at that point. The rest of the day became a current events lesson for homeschool and I was stunned as I stayed in front of the tv for most of the day. I don't know anyone personally who lost their life that day, but will forever remember praying for a girl who had been in my Sunday School class. This little girl from TN had grown up and become a business woman for a powerful financial company. She was working in Manhattan at the time, just not in the towers. It was a miracle that she was spared. I didn't know anyone working or living near the Pentegon nor in or near PA at the time. But, I prayed. I cried and I wondered. My Daddy was in Africa at the time and scheduled to come home soon. I wondered how it would affect him coming come. I wondered how it would affect everyone close to me. It changed my world forever. I will never forget the sacrifices made for others that day. I am forever thankful to the first responders who were on site and gave their lives for others. They did exactly what Jesus did for all of us. He sacrificed His life for ours. We can live eternally because of His love and mercy.

Leap of Faith

2011-09-03T13:01:00.000-04:00

When we moved to Watertown most people said I was taking a leap of faith. What does that really mean anyway?

I have also wondered about people in my stripe of Christianity who call everything that happens a "miracle". Above you can see some "Miracle Oil" that I found in a Tractor Supply Store. I thought it was so funny.

And below you can see a picture of Bishop Philip Jaycox and Bishop Andy Searor taking a "leap of faith" together. Sometimes it is easier when you have someone you respect taking a leap beside you. Can you all leap with me?

Summer 2011

2011-09-03T12:55:00.000-04:00

Just thought would post a few pictures of what I did in Summer 2011.

I went to a women's event at First Baptist Church called Capture the Moment.

I went to Thompson Park in Watertown for the fireworks that celebrated Independence Day.

I also went to the Joyce Meyer Conference that was in Albany, NY

It was a good summer.

This is an extremely shortened version of my summer. But it was a good one.

Shall We Gather at the River

2011-08-27T21:22:00.000-04:00

or the Lake in this case.
Last Sunday we held the first baptism since we have been in NY at Relevant Church. It was a beautiful day. There were 9 people baptised that day. We went to "Wescott Beach State Park". The parks here are just beautiful. You have to pay to park, so they had better stay beautiful. But between the water and the peaceful scenery I saw a very beautiful sight. My husband got to baptise my two younger children. I am very proud of Hannah and Grace for confessing that Jesus Christ is their savior and that they will tell the world that they are born again.

God is moving in Watertown, NY. Not just in my family but in many others.
Please keep praying for us to move forward and for God to send some stable, like minded people who want to expand the kingdom to join with us.

Much love to all of you....from Watertown.

NYS Pagent of Steam

2011-08-15T22:51:00.000-04:00

I had the pleasure last Thursday of going with my family to the NYS Pagent of Steam. This was the 51st anniversary of this festival. It was AWESOME!

I got to see steam engine tractors that have been around since 1901. My children got to climb around on a couple of them and ask questions. It was a totally awesome visit to Canandaigua, NY.

We are a homeschooling family and with all this history, there were probably enough hours for a week of history lessons. Hannah did NY State history last year and she got to touch and feel some of that history. It amazes me how much technology has advanced in the last 100 years. Even 25 years ago we didn't really know what a blog was and here you are today reading one.

I cannot wait to go back next year. The steam, the people, the flea market! It was so much fun and there was so much to see and to learn. My children walked away agreeing with me that history really is a lot of fun. I wish all of our history lessons could be this "hands-on" but at least we have this one.

I LOVE DOLLYWOOD

2011-07-27T21:57:00.000-04:00

I thank God for places like Dollywood. Their employees are sensitive to people like me who are offended by the stupid people who want to put the gay/lesbian thing in my face. I am extremely offended when gays and lesbians make fun of me for being straight. I am offended by them for pushing their choice in my kids faces which forces me to talk to them about things they are not ready to understand.

I am offended by gay marriage. I am offended by SIN. God is also offended by sin, but He forgives it. But we must ask to be forgiven.

Dear God,
Please forgive us for sitting by passively and allowing such sin to become rampant in our world.
Amen.

Answers to a Wow Question

2011-07-24T19:37:00.000-04:00

This book is an answer to a very WOW question. I was sent this to review by Waterbrook Multnomah.

Robert Morris does a very clear explanation of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. He also addresses that people call Him (The Holy Spirit) an it. That is something that has always bothered me. But upon reading this book, I understand more clearly why people do that. I also did not understand some of my friends who were not reared in the same denomination that I was. I didn't understand why they shyed away from talking about God; the Holy Spirit. Now, I feel that I do understand it more and can be more sensitive when communicating with them. I also feel that I can communicate more clearly.

However there are about three pages in this book that were argumentative over certain church doctrines that I know to be true. I think if these three pages had been left out, the book would have been just as complete and just as correct.

Being the "word police" (as I like to call it) just seems like splitting hairs over things that are not critical. This was only 3 pages worth though, and since this was written from a very different denominational perspective than mine, I think he did well to exhort all of us on the Holy SPirit.

He stated that one of his objectives was to drive people to their knees to seek more of God. Mission accomplished! I am on my knees seeking to hear God more clearly.

Like Paul, I thank God I speak in tongues more than you all, but I would rather speak 10 words that edify the body that a thousand in an unknown tongue.

Praise God for men and women who are out there sharing the FULL Gospel.

Encouraging Book

2011-06-27T09:17:00.000-04:00

A review copy of this book was sent to me from WaterbrookMultomah. I really enjoyed Ms. Burton's way of putting together encouragement from the Scriptures. She is a "life coach" and she uses her faith to help others overcome obstacles.

If you truly get ahold of the 5 commitments in this book, it could change the way that you proceed from any setback. I totally recommend it as a resource for moving on from any setbacks.

New York Legalizes Gay Marriage

2011-06-25T17:00:00.000-04:00

When I saw the headline of that today, I went to the bathroom to throw up.

I am literally sick to my stomach over this. I have been called a Bible thumper, a Holy Roller and a homophobe. I can promsie you I am both a Bible thumper and a Holy Roller. I am not, however, afraid of gay people. Gay people do not make me scared...they make me very, very sad.

The Bible is very specific about sin. And, for those who do not know me, yes...I have committed sin. I have been a sinner and have failed the Lord many times. I do not pretend to be perfect. I do not pretend to be the best example of Christ in the world. I do want to be the best I can be.

Homosexuality, according to Scripture, is a sin. It is one of the main reasons for the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah.

The Bible says that as it was in the days of Noah, so shall it be in the days of the coming of the Son of Man. So..here is my question..how much worse was it in the days of Noah?

I do not understand what is holding God back from sending Jesus to rapture the church. There are so many people that I want to see come to the Lord, but I cannot see that we have much time.

If you are toying around with the notion of becoming a Christian and repenting of your sins...I urge you, more than ever before, do it today.

I Love You! even if you are gay..I love you..even if you are living in some sort of other sin...I love you...I just want you to go to heaven instead of hell. I just want to see you have eternal life, not eternal death.

John 3:16

Things I learned this Week

2011-06-12T07:18:00.000-04:00

So, the end of another week has passed.

I learned:

* Miracles come in "Cans" not "can'ts"
* Just when you think you can't bear anymore bad news...you get some
* When you think that you have taught something very clearly, you find someone else who seems to have been sleeping through your class
* No matter how loyal to a company you are, they are not loyal to you
* Whenever someone says, "everything is fine" rest assured, everything is not fine
* I can bounce back from tragedy
* With God I can do the impossible

What did you learn this week? Don't make me learn more hard lessons alone.

Things I learned this Week

2011-06-04T08:50:00.000-04:00

I always want to sing the Veggie Tales song to you here...'and so what we have learned applys to our lives today and God has a lot to say in His book...and now that our song is done we'll take a look'

1 - I am not as cute as Larry the Cucumber.
2 - I am not as fat as Bob the tomato.
3 - Going back to exercise class is more fun than running on a treadmill alone.
4 - Riding my bike outdoors is a totally different experience than riding a spin bike in the gym.
5 - Regardless of the soreness, working out physically and growing spiritually have too many paralells to list right now.

What have you learned this week? Please post your lessons in the comments. That way I can learn from you, too! :)

'Remember: God made you special and He loves you VERY much!' (quote again from Veggie Tales)

Be Mindful

2011-06-03T09:14:00.000-04:00

I was watching the news this morning and one more time was reminded why I don't have a Facebook Page anymore. People are so easily deceived with social media. There is soooo sooo much out there that no one ever need know.

I am certain that I did put out comments out of anger and frustration that did not need to be put out there. Proverbs talks about a fool giving full vent to all their anger, but a wise man keeps his tounge.

I cannot count the times I have thought of just ripping someone's face off with my words -- pour out sarcasm on the world -- then everyone would know how right I am.

Or I would totally send some cutesy picture that maybe wasn't appropriate for the entire world...but only the person who would really pay attention was the one I meant it for. It would not be a federal case, right?

Well, I bet that is what Sen. Weiner tought, too.

We need to be so mindful of what we put out there.