We recently welcomed a new little furry member to our family – an adorable Ragdoll kitten. I named him Clive after my favorite author, C. S. Lewis.  Clive has been a blessing.  He loves to play hard and sleep just as hard.  I know he’s just a cat but he has brought happiness and laughter to our family with all his silly antics.  Our kids can’t get enough of him!  He’s a simple little guy.  Not a care in the world!

When I think back to several months ago and losing our cat Sam, I remember how the kids were so sad.  I was sad.  When your kids hurt…you hurt.  At the time, the thought of another little kitten was just not even an option.  But, after a while, we were ready.

Watching Clive scamper around the house and, worn out, curl up next to me for a nap, I’m reminded that God is gracious.  He gives good gifts.  In the times of sadness, He is ever present.  In the times of joy, He is there too.  When I look at Clive I think of new beginnings and the fact that no matter what chapter of life I am in…God is with me.

I want to share a passage of scripture that just brags on our Wonderful, Loving, God.  I hope it encourages many hearts today:

Psalm 145: 8-19
8 The Lord is merciful and compassionate,
 slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.
9 The Lord is good to everyone.
    He showers compassion on all his creation.
  10 All of your works will thank you, Lord,
  and your faithful followers will praise you.
11 They will speak of the glory of your kingdom;
 they will give examples of your power.
12 They will tell about your mighty deeds
 and about the majesty and glory of your reign.
13 For your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom.
    You rule throughout all generations.  The Lord always keeps his promises;
 he is gracious in all he does.
14 The Lord helps the fallen
 and lifts those bent beneath their loads.
15 The eyes of all look to you in hope;
 you give them their food as they need it.
16 When you open your hand,
 you satisfy the hunger and thirst of every living thing.
17 The Lord is righteous in everything he does;
 he is filled with kindness.
18 The Lord is close to all who call on him,
 yes, to all who call on him in truth.
19 He grants the desires of those who fear him;
 he hears their cries for help and rescues them.

MY CUP OF TEA

Since I was a girl, I have loved Tastykakes.  My favorite has always been the Tasty-Klair Pie!  When I went off to college I learned that Tastykakes are mostly sold in our region here in Delaware and the North East.  In fact, they originated in Pennsylvania.  Imagine my disappointment when I realized I couldn’t get a Tastykake from the local mini-mart on my study breaks at school.  I had to bring a stash with me from home and ration them so they would not go too quickly!  I also had to hide them from my roommate who all to often snacked on my goodies.  Today I’m going to share some of that goodness with you.  If you comment on today’s blog, you will be entered to win a Tasty-Klair Pie for your next snack break!

Today I am taking a prayerful moment to celebrate the life of Ethan Lopez.

Our friends, Sam and Kristen, brought Ethan to us for his newborn, six month and 1 year photos.  He was as adorable as can be – honestly, one of the most adorable children I’ve had the privilege of photographing, inside and out.

Just this past week, tragedy struck.  Wednesday evening, Ethan (now 20 months) suffered from a low grade fever that led to seizures and cardiac arrest.  Miraculously, at the hospital, Ethan was revived and remained in a coma for the next several days.  During that time, Christ followers from all over the country rallied to pray for Ethan and for Sam and Kristen.  The request for prayer reached all across the United States and through out the world.  God’s people were praying.  We asked God for healing.  We asked God to display His power and might by bringing Ethan back to full health.

God chose to answer in another way.  Although we may not understand God’s ways, we can always trust that He is a loving, faithful God.  He doesn’t allow tragedy in our lives that He will not carry us through.

2 Corinthians 1:3-5
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.

God comforts us in our darkest hours.

I want to share with you Sam’s words in this devastating time…

Sam’s Facebook Post...At 6:45pm Sunday, Ethan gave his life to save another. After a heart-wrenching day filled with a spectrum of emotions, we have been able to access an indescribable peace. He has been with his Heavenly Daddy in a place of perfect joy and happiness. We have come to realize that the miracles we have been praying for have been all of you. Ethan touched people’s hearts and brought many together to the throne of God in prayer, some taking the step to talk to God for the first time in over a decade, others hearing God speak to them louder and clearer than ever before. If Ethan’s experience has brought you closer to God, don’t allow his passing to be in vain. Continue to seek Him out with the same fervor you sought him out over the past five days. As far as the lives Ethan has saved, a few children will have a new heart, lungs and other vital organs Ethan has donated. Thank you all for your encouragement and support, for it helped sustain us during the darkest valley of our lives. Please continue to pray for the journey that lies ahead of us. We have never been so scared, yet we have every confidence that God’s grace is sufficient.

In the death of their son, Sam’s words to us are…”God’s grace is sufficient.”
In your deepest need right now…God’s grace is sufficient.
I feel God’s burden on my heart to continue to pray for Sam and Kristen in the weeks and months to come as we remember the beauty and joy their son, Ethan, brought to so many during his short time here on earth.  I have pondered the events of the past several days and felt God speaking through this situation words of comfort not only for Sam and Kristen, not only for me, but for all believers in Christ.

We were not made for this world.

In fact, my mind goes to a passage in John chapter 16 where Christ is telling His disciples that He must go and return to the Father.  In this passage, they are confused and sad about the words He shares with them.  They didn’t want Him to go away.  So, He begins to encourage them with words of truth and hope.  His leaving was not the end.  They would be together once again.  But for now, they had to make their way through this earthly life with the promise of Christ and heaven on the horizon.

“33 I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”  John 16:33

Ethan has gone on to the place we were created for.  He is experiencing joys I cannot comprehend now.
I rejoice that he is with the One who offers abundant, eternal life to anyone who will receive it.  Sam, Kristen and Ethan will be reunited!  Until then, I will think of them and pray.

In times of sadness and loss we are forced to take inventory of where we anchor our hope – where we draw our strength.  Am I putting down roots in a place that I’m only to be passing through?  What about you?  What are you living for? Where do you place your hope?

I want to leave you with a passage from C S Lewis which beautifully describes the hope of those who have placed their faith in Christ to save them…the hope we have in what’s to come.  Sam and Kristen…hold on, my friends, hold on!

We know not what we shall be’; but we may be sure we shall be more, not less, than we were on earth. Our natural experiences (sensory, emotional, imaginative) are only like the drawing, like pencilled lines on flat paper. If they vanish in the risen life, they will vanish only as pencil lines vanish from the real landscape, not as a candle flame that is put out but as a candle flame which becomes invisible because someone has pulled up the blind, thrown open the shutters, and let in the blaze of the risen sun.”      C S Lewis
                                           

If you do not have the hope I speak of here, you can.  E-mail me if you’d like to know more.  tammy@luminosityonline.com

**If God is leading you to be a blessing to Sam and Kristen,  I encourage you to help if you can.  It is a fund to help with the medical expenses they are facing.   Their church is organizing the funds.  You can go to this link  http://yourjourney.tv/#/give  Follow the instructions and Choose “Ethan’s Fund”

There will not be a “My Cup of Tea” this week.

Not long ago, I attended a pastor’s wives retreat.  After the Friday evening session, we had the option to join a couple of craft tables.  At one of them, they were making jewelry. I made a B-line for that table and in no time at all had constructed a really cute pair of earrings.  It was then that the idea came to me that this could be what we do at our next LifeHouse ladies’ event – making jewelry.

Well, Friday night, LifeHouse had our event and it was a blast.  I think everyone enjoyed making their own treasures to take home.  We spent time getting to know each other better and working together on our own creations.

At the close, I wanted the ladies to take home more than a pair of earrings.  I wanted these little treasures to be an object lesson of sorts for all of us so that when we wore them we would remember what God spoke to our hearts Friday night. But what would God have me say?   I prayed as we planned in the weeks prior and God clearly led me to a devotion during my quiet time that fit perfectly with our evening together.  It was so good, I wanted to share it here.  It comes from the devotional, INDEED.

  “The kingdom of Heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls.  When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.”  Matthew 13:45-46

When the Gospel comes into a person’s life, it is everything.  It is not a philosophy to add to the mix or an access to God that will help us accomplish our goals.  It is a radical rearrangement of ALL of life.

We have examples of this in the twelve disciples.  They left careers and families in order to follow Jesus and the promise of His Kingdom.  We also have a clear example in Paul.  “But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ.  What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things.  I consider them rubbish (garbage), that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, now having righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ – the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith.  I want to know Christ.”  Philippians 3:7-10

Is Jesus EVERYTHING to you?  Or one loyalty among several?  If someone asked you how much you would give up in order to know Him, is there anything you would hold back?  Do you believe only when it doesn’t cost too much?  It’s easy to know the right answer to these questions; a wholehearted abandonment to Christ is more difficult and more profound.  What treasure would you give everything to obtain?  What is the pearl of your life?

I was convicted with how easy it is to allow Christ to simply be a “loyalty among several.”  I want Him to be my EVERYTHING!

So today, as you pursue your treasure, let it be Christ, for out of Him flows all life and joy in abundance.

MY CUP OF TEA

Okay, this is one of my favorite products for summer!

Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs

I am not a big fan of tanning OR self-tanners. It seems no matter what, self-tanners have a lingering smell when I use them.  That’s why I love this waterproof leg spray.  It comes in several shades and there is also a shimmer spray.  I use it when I have a special occasion or want to wear a dress and feel like my legs look to banged up or pale.  I love this product.  I know you will too.  Just comment on today’s blog and be entered to win a bottle for yourself.

And the winner is…chosen by random drawing…Dawn Smith.  Congratulations Dawn.  E-mail me at tammy@luminosityonline.com with your contact information and I’ll get your “Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs” right out to you.

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”  Romans 12:21

I recently enjoyed an exciting super hero movie with my husband.  And he always laughs at me at me because there’s something about super heroes that gets me feeling like a kid again.  If I wasn’t being a mom, a pastor’s wife and photographer, I would SO be a Super Hero!

There’s one thing that always seems to be the case in Super Hero movies. You know the drill…

They are usually faced with a decision that means life or death (in most cases – for all mankind). And they’re up against insurmountable odds with only moments to spare before the world goes up in flames.

It’s at about this time that you’ll see me sitting on the edge of my seat, holding my ears, hoping they do the right thing and do it quick!  

What makes any Super Hero movie great to me is the fact that they could choose the easy way out and save themselves, but they always make the right choice putting themselves at risk, to save the day…and the world.

In real life, we don’t get to wear those cool costumes or wield fancy gadgets…(although I would LOVE to).  But there ARE real-life super heroes.  They are those who put the needs of others around them before themselves…my mom for one.

What makes her super to me is not the fact that she once saved the world from certain destruction, but that she made the right choices, day in and day out, while my little eyes looked on.  Through watching her I learned…

Right choices are often hard choices.
Right choices often involve sacrifice.
Right choices are a soothing balm for the heart even when the pay-off isn’t instant.

Easy choices are usually lazy choices.
Easy choices are usually made out of selfish motives.
Easy choices carry consequences that sometimes take a life-time to shake off…if ever.

In our hearts we all know the difference between the two.

Maybe my choices won’t save the world but they are shaping the future of my children as they watch me live from day to day.

Being a mom with Mother’s Day fast approaching, I ask myself…
Do I react to life in a response that’s easy?  Or right?
Lazy or Noble?
Selfish or Sacrificial?

Do I teach my children, by the choices I make, that God is real and that He’s what matters most?

Does my life tell my kids that I believe in truth and want to live by it?

Do my kids see through my life that it’s important to respect others and serve them?

Do they see that promises that are made are meant to be kept?

Do my kids see, through my choices, that hard work and honesty are valuable habits to form?

Or have I made the easy choices?

The world’s not necessarily at stake, but I’m shaping little minds and lives.

Yes, my mom is a real-life super hero.  So today I honor her.  And I’m reminded that, although I may never don a cape, I have important choices to make.  I pray I am, in no way, overcome with evil but (with Christ’s power and wisdom) I overcome evil with good.

My Cup of Tea

Not too long ago, I found a cereal that I really love!  It’s Multi-Grain Peanut Butter Cheerios!  This cereal is delicious.  I’m giving a box to this weeks blog drawing winner!

Simply comment on today’s blog and you can be entered to win.

And this week’s blog winner is…Robin Ashby, chosen by random generator.  Congratulations Robin!!!

He loves his dogs and they love him… he’s the funniest guy they know.

The forecast for the next three days calls for rain.  Reminds me of a recent “teachable moment” I was blessed to experience.

On Saturday night just a week ago, I settled into bed early.  Sundays are always big for our family and I’ve come to realize a good night’s rest is imperative.  The kids had their baths and the house was quiet.  Mark was down in his chair preparing for Sunday’s message.

Just before I turned out the light, a storm blew in and thunder began to roll.  At that moment, I saw Hudson, our 10 year old, in our doorway.   He asked if he could lay in our bed until dad came up.  He’s at an age where it’s not necessarily cool to say he felt apprehensive about the storm so instead of probing, I told him to jump in.

The wind really picked up and the lightning filled our room with a blue glow.  Every time the thunder pealed, Hudson would inch closer to me. He was clearly shaken by the intensity of the weather beating at our window as if it were demanding to come in.

After a few minutes of listening to the storm, Hudson said to me, “Mom, I don’t really like rain.”

Taking my cue and realizing this is one of those times where a wise parental comment should be given, I said, “Well, Bud, we need a little rain every now and then.”

My response seemed to satisfy Hudson.  Maybe it was the confidence in my voice.  In it, he could hear that I was not alarmed by the wind, the lightning, the thunder.   Before I could blink, he was already sleeping there at my side.  I listened as his breathing slowed and he fell into a deep, deep sleep.  Then I was left with my thoughts and the rain on my windows.

           It’s true, you know…what I told Hudson.  We do need a little rain every now and then.

Rain leads to green pastures.  Drought leads to barrenness and fallow ground.  
Nothing grows where there is no rain!

How many times have I said to God, “I don’t like the rain!  I don’t like what is pouring down on my life right now!”  I have heard God’s response to my heart…”You need a little rain every now and then.”  As I considered this truth, I thought about this simple illustration God used to speak to me about His protection and infinite wisdom in the storm.

My thoughts turned in my head:

When the storm began, Hudson came looking for me for comfort and safety and as the storm grew stronger, he inched closer to me.  Isn’t it the same with God?  I often don’t seek God until the rain begins to fall…and when the storms rage, I then draw closer and closer to Him…

As that thought left me, another took it’s place. I began to wonder about all of the times in his life Hudson may have been scared and chose to stay in his bed instead of coming to me for comfort?  The thought of it pained me.

I love him so much!  Certainly Hudson must know he can ALWAYS come to me!  I would never want him to spend one moment feeling alone and gripped with fear!…Not when I’m right here to comfort him.

The fact is, Hudson was faced with a choice:  Staying in his bed, he would have been frozen – hiding under his blankets.  Or, coming to me, he would find safety and comfort.  I’m glad he chose to come.  And I can tell he is too!  It is evident as I watch him now sleep peacefully.

The storm didn’t stop but that didn’t matter to Hudson. When I draw close to God in the storm, I will always be in His safe keeping, even if He chooses not to stop the rain.  After all, He commands the winds and rain to obey.  (Matthew 8:27  The disciples were amazed. “Who is this man?” they asked. “Even the winds and waves obey him!”)

When I told Hudson not to be afraid, he trusted what I said to him and rested in my words.  Do I trust God like that?

As God protects me in the storm, my faith in Him grows.  I realize I do not need to rely on my own strength.  I do not need to cower in fear.  I simply need to inch closer to Him.  With God at my side, I no longer need to fret and worry about the storm. I can rest in knowing He is with me.

I have to be honest, I’ve come to realize in a big way that the rain will come. I also know that I can run to God when the storm hits.  This moment with my son helped me to understand the perfect of example of what my response to God should always be and why.  His love and power are greater than the storm!

Maybe you can take a cue from Hudson…He’s a simple picture of what the Bible says in Psalm 4:8  In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O LORD, will keep me safe.

Take comfort in knowing that you can run to God for protection in the storm you find yourself in right now.
I want to leave you with the lyrics to a song my mom used to sing to me as a child when I was afraid:  (It’s an old hymn by Mildred Leightner Dillon)

Safe am I, Safe am I,

In the hollow of His hand;

Sheltered o’er, sheltered o’er

With His love forever more

No ill can harm me, No foe alarm me,

For He keeps both day and night,

Safe am I, safe am I,

In the hollow of His hand.

Rest in His sufficiency and desire to keep you safe.

My Cup of Tea

Today I’m going to share a simple pleasure.  Aloe socks.  They come in an array of colors.  These extremely soft socks are comfortable and great for kicking around the house!  I often apply lotion to my feet and put these on.  In fact, with  summer coming, I wear them to get my feet sandal ready.    I have several pairs in my drawer and you can have a pair in yours if you comment on today’s blog.  Everyone who comments today will be entered to win a drawing for their own pair of Aloe Socks…just in time for Summer.

And the winner of this week’s blog drawing is…chosen by random generator…Becky Weight!!!  Please e-mail me at tammy@luminosityonline.com so that I can get your Aloe Socks out to you!

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Phil 4:6-7

Years ago while pondering the fact that God sees when a sparrow falls to the ground and that He tells me to cast my cares on Him because He cares for me, I began to wonder if God meant…ALL of my cares – even the ones that are not completely life-altering?  What about when I lose my car keys?  Or when one of the kids has a test in school? Can I pray for something like that?  What about those types of prayers?

God has taught me so much about Himself while praying for the small things in life. As an example, I want to share with you a simple request that God graciously heard and answered.

A few months ago, Sophie, my 7 year old came to me and said, “Mom, I need you to buy me a new Nintendo DS.”  (For those of you who don’t have children, this is a portable game system.  We invested in these for our kids because of the extensive travel we were doing with Calling Levi, www.callinglevi.com, and the long hours on the bus.)

These little gaming systems aren’t cheap so when she casually asked for a new one, I kinda freaked out.   I think the conversation went something like this…

“What?  What do you mean you want a new one?  What’s wrong with the one you have?”

“I lost it.  Maybe in Kentucky.”

“What do you mean?  How long ago was that?!”

“I don’t know.  Like a month.”

“A month?!?!  Are you sure?”

“No, I’m not sure.  I just don’t know where it is.”

“Honey, those little game things cost a lot of money!  We can’t get you another one!  Even if we did have the money, I wouldn’t be buying another one. You need to learn to be responsible for your belongings.”

It’s right about now that my “type A” personality usually kicks in and I turn the house upside down looking for it.  I want to worry – “All that money!  Wasted!  Down the tubes!”  I obsess….retrace my steps.  Try to think like a seven year old.  Look and look and look.  Stress and stress until I lose hope and give it up as a lost cause.  

But I’m learning to do things a little differently:
I decided to pray and ask God to help us find it.  He cares about how we spend our money and if it matters to us that it’s lost, then it matters to Him.

After looking in the obvious places for her DS, I got alone and said to God, “God, I know this is not a dire situation but I know you want me to be wise with what You’ve given us.  I’m tempted to worry and fret over this but instead, I’m going to give it over to You.  If her DS is where it can still be found, would you bring it to my attention?  Would You help me to find it?”

Weeks passed, and every time I would think of the DS I would say to God, “God, I’m not going to worry about the DS.  I have committed the situation to You and if we have to go without it, we will.”

Then, late one evening, I was finishing up some Christmas shopping at WalMart.  As I was looking at boys sweatshirts, a thought came to my mind out of nowhere!  “Check for Sophie’s DS under the seat in your car.”  This thought came right out of left field. I wasn’t thinking about that DS at all!  In fact, I thought to myself…”God, is that You?  If that DS is under the car seat I just might have a spell!” (I’ve heard that term…but I’m not quite sure what it means.)

As I pushed my cart through the crowded clothing racks, I thought more about the possibility.  The seats in our van are so close to the floor. There’s a lot of mechanical stuff under them.  I’ve never known of anything to fall down there.  I can barely even fit my hand under the seats.  I would never think to look under the seats in the van.

Well, I checked out at WalMart about 45 minutes later and, wouldn’t you know…I completely forgot to look under the seats in the car.

The next morning, I was loading the breakfast dishes into the dishwasher and, out of the blue, a thought came to my mind, “Remember last night?  You never looked under the car seat for Sophie’s DS.”  I immediately turned off the water, walked out to the van stuck my hand under the driver’s seat and THERE IT WAS!  I didn’t have to scramble around, it was right there tucked low beneath the mechanics for the chair adjustor!  It had been there for almost two months!  The best word to describe my delight was that I was simply GIDDY!  Because I found Sophie’s DS?  No.  Because God heard my prayer, answered it and even brought the hiding place to my attention – He answered my seemingly silly little prayer.

You may be saying, “What’s so great about this story?”
As I have shared in recent posts…I’ve faced a few challenges and tearfully asked God for help to get through them.  By recalling this story about Sophie’s DS I am reminded…

• Seeing God work in the small things gives me confidence that He is certainly at work in the big things too!  While praying over recent difficulties,I found myself saying, “Hey, if God cares to guide me to a lost DS, I KNOW He’s working in this situation.  If God cares to answer those small requests…I know He is actively at work right now!
• Sometimes you have to wait for God’s answer to your request to be revealed, but it doesn’t mean that God has forgotten – even when you begin to forget. – God could have directed me to the DS right away but He allowed me to wait.  Even after I had almost forgotten about it, He hadn’t.  He revealed it’s hiding place to me when I least expected it.  By doing this, He was able to show me that in the big areas of my life where I am required to wait, He is still at work.  He has not forgotten.

Let me summarize:

In the grand scheme of the things, that DS doesn’t mean a hill of beans.

But God answered.
God cared to reveal His power – to show me He’s listening.
As I wait on God in the harder things in life I can remind myself, He cares and He will answer!

I encourage you to bring ALL of your requests to God.  As He answers in the small things, your faith will grow and you can trust that He is working on your behalf in the requests that are really close to your heart.

Oh, and by the way, there are more stories.  There are plenty more!  Just not enough room to write them all here.

What small thing can you bring to God today?  Is He bringing it to your attention right now?  I encourage you to pray a little pray like this:

“God, okay, Tammy wants me to pray about this trivial need I have.  She’s telling me that You care about even the small things in my life.  So, right now, I commit ___________ to You.  I know You tell me in Your Word (The Bible) that You care about me more than a flock of sparrows.  Answer me, I pray, and increase my faith. In Jesus name, Amen.”

Let these verses encourage your heart today:
Matthew 10:29-31
29 What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. 30 And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. 31 So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.

Matthew 6-25-33
25“That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? 27 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?  28 “And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, 29 yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. 30 And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?

31“So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ 32These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. 33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

My Cup of Tea

Today I want to share one of my favorite finds.  I love fashion jewelry.  One day I took a stroll through Forever21 in the mall.  Now, I will admit, most of the clothing in there is a little young for me.  However, I have found things here and there that I’ve worn and received compliments on.  The one thing I can always go to is their large jewelry/accessory display.  They have tons of fun items to choose from and the best part is the price!  Literally, items start around $3.  You can’t beat it.  Those who comment on today’s blog will be entered to win a $10 gift certificate for Forever21.  You never know what little treasure you might find!

And the winner is…chosen by random generator – Amy Duke!  Please E-mail me at tammy@luminosityonline.com with your mailing address and we will get your gift card out to you!

Okay, I have a small pet-peeve…and I’m sure this may step on some toes.  I do not mean to offend in any way. I really don’t.  I’m just trying to be my transparent self.  My pet peeve is when I’m scrolling through the Facebook news feed and I see,
“If you think your mother is special…you’ll share this.”
“If you hate cancer, you’ll re-post.”
“If you love God, you won’t be ashamed to hit ‘like’.”

These posts are becoming common on Facebook.  There’s no doubt that I usually agree with them but here’s what I’m learning…

Living out the truth is so much more difficult to do than “liking”, “sharing” or “re-posting” a thought on Facebook!

In other words:
“If you think your mother is special…show her some way today.”
“If you hate cancer, pray for those who are fighting it and encourage them. Maybe go with them for their treatments.  Listen when they want to talk.
“If you love God, let it play out in your life.”

I am realizing that God is not interested in all the good things I champion on Facebook if I’m not living it out in “real life”.  In fact, I believe it’s His intention to bring me to the truth (Jesus Himself) in every situation I face.  And here’s the deal: It’s sometimes painful.

A few posts back I blogged about losing my cat, my buddy Sam.  It was a sad time and, of course, I shed many tears.  One thing that helped me through was the fact that two weeks prior to Sam’s death we received an adorable puppy as a gift from my brother.  We named her Selah with means “Pause and Reflect”.  Selah is a Blue Lacy.

To learn more about this breed, Mark bought a book.  We learned this breed is a high energy working dog.  They love to herd and hunt.  They thrive in wide-open spaces.  In fact, in the book, the author said, “If you cannot give this dog a lot of room to roam you need to consider another breed.”  Well, Selah was already our pet.  She was now part of the family and we were going to make this work!

I was determined to give her a happy life here in our subdivision in Townsend.  I began teaching her new things each day.  And she learned quickly!  We developed a nice routine.  However, Mark and I knew she would need to expend a lot of energy so we began walking 2 miles with her every day.  As she grew, Mark began running with her 5 miles a day.  I was sure this would tire her out and make her a happy and contented dog.

But over the past month, we’ve noticed that Selah needs more. She needs a job. She’s a working dog.

I began to feel a pit of worry in my stomach that this was not going to work.  As questions began to arise in my heart and mind, I became a little angry.

“God, can’t You work this out?  Why does this have to be so hard?  Seems like everyone has pets!  Why can’t we just help Selah adjust to suburbia?  Giving her up is not an option…what should we do?  The kids would be so upset to let her go!  Why do we have to go through more grief?  I thought receiving Selah was Your way of comforting us when Sam died!”

I finally ended my tantrum and began to quietly listen.  In an attitude of surrender of my stubborn heart, I began to spend some time alone with God to see what His plan was in all of this.  That morning my devotion read,

    ”In truth, the blessing of God is that He gives us what He knows we need, even when we’ve told Him in no uncertain terms what it is we’d rather have.”

I submitted my will to Him and became aware of what we needed to do.

Facebook status…”If you love God, you won’t be ashamed to ‘like’ this status, you’ll obey even when it hurts.”

I began praying on Monday of last week for wisdom from God.  I began to ask what was best for Selah.   As I prayed, I became more unsettled about keeping her here in our home.

Mark and I talked with Blue Lacy breeders across the country for advice. “Can we make a high energy, working dog our household pet?”   Out of their love for the breed, they each encouraged us to place her somewhere that she would be able to work – a farm, a ranch.  So, with a sad heart I then began to pray for God to show us where Selah needed to be.  During that time of prayer, God gave me a quote to cling to.  Funny enough I saw the quote while scrolling through the Facebook news feed..  It said,

“Hold On.  God knows what He’s doing.”

I prayed.

God comforted.

Then He opened a door.

Friday of last week, we placed Selah in a home with a woman who rescues Blue Lacys and places Blue Lacys with people who need good working dogs.  She has 9 Blue Lacys of her own and tons of acreage to run.

I cried.  I grieved.  I miss Selah.

Our house has been quiet.  Her toys, her crate, and her food have been collected and stored in our garage.

Facebook status:  “If you love God you’ll hit ‘like,  you’ll trust Him.”

It’s been only 5 days since I said goodbye to Selah.  I’ve been reminded of her often throughout each day.  I wonder how she’s doing.  I wonder who she will be placed with.  I wonder what type of job she’ll be taught.

And whenever I begin to question all that has taken place I say to myself…

“Hold on.  God knows what He’s doing.”

I mentioned earlier, Selah means “Pause and Reflect.”
As you face the difficult situation you find yourself in today, join me in taking time to “pause and reflect” on what we know to be true.

Your situation is hard?          HOLD ON – God knows what He’s doing.
The odds are against you?         HOLD ON – God knows what He’s doing.
You are in need of hope this very minute?        HOLD ON – God knows what He’s doing.
You don’t understand this recent trial?        HOLD ON – God knows what He’s doing.

Take this phrase with you today.  I’ve found it to be a comfort when my mind begins to doubt.  I may not have all of life’s answers…but Hold On – God knows what He’s doing!

My Cup Of Tea

Okay, here’s a product I’ve been using for several years now.  It’s called Heat Protexx by Nexxus.  This is a leave-in spray protectant for your hair.  I have found some leave-in conditioners to be too heavy for my hair.  This product always leave my hair shiny and bouncy.  I don’t use it every day but every time I do, I notice a big difference in the look and feel of my hair.  I really love this product.

If you comment on today’s blog, you’ll be entered to win a drawing for your own bottle of Heat Protexx.  Hope you’ll agree it’s a wonderful product!

And the winner is, (chosen by random drawing), Melody!  Please e-mail me at tammy@luminosityonline.com with your contact information so that we can get your bottle of Heat Protexx out to you!