The Performer

"I will cry unto God most high; unto God who performs all things for me." 

Psalm 57:2

The Lord has opened the door for me to do a special musical presentation or "concert" on Oct. 30th in the evening.  I've not been able to post many blogs lately because of seeking His guidance and working with Him on this, as well as still being in physics class. 

This opportunity is way "out of my comfort zone."  But I know that whatever He requires of me, He will enable me to do.  And that's where today's verse fits into our post.  : ) 

When you think of a concert, you automatically think of a performance by someone on a stage.  Right?  Me too. 

But my prayer for this upcoming event is that it would not be a concert by me, a "performer,"  but rather a special time where we can all come together, "in concert," to have our hearts blessed by our Heavenly Father. . .and that Jesus would be lifted up.  Anyone can be a performer, but it takes the hand of God upon a person's life to make them a blessing to others. God is The Performer, not me.  :)

Jesus said if He be "lifted up," He "will draw all men unto" Himself.   He was lifted up on the cross at Calvary, and my prayer is that He would be lifted up next Sunday evening, so that others will be drawn to Him and see that He can meet all the needs of their hearts.

Please pray that He

would use me as

simply the

paintbrush in His

hands to paint a

beautiful picture

of His Son. 

For His glory!  

On the way home from class today, He reminded me of a poignant moment nearly 15 years ago, when I stood by my sister's casket and told my former piano teacher, "I can never play the piano again.  How can I play from a heart that is broken??"  She said, "Ahhh, you have all the more reason to now."  At the time, I really didn't think that I could ever "play" again.  My heart was crushed. But by the grace of God, and through His healing comfort, He has brought the music from a much deeper place. 

After all, we'd never enjoy the sweet juice from a grape if it had never been crushed, right?

What an honor and privilege to be used by Him. I'm still just a lump of clay in His hands!! 

Thank You, Heavenly Father, for this opportunity You have given to me.  The gifts that You give us are not to be kept to ourselves, hidden from others, but rather they are to be shared.  As a river keeps flowing, sharing its goodness, we are to do the same.  If we do not allow Your gifts to flow through us, then we will become stagnant and useless.  Please be glorified in and through me.  May Your will be done.  For Your Name's sake, and for Your glory. 

In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen.

Finger Painting with God

When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?
Psalm 8:3, 4

Ever found yourself in the midst of loneliness and despair? The troubling times of our economy are enough to bring a person's spirit low! Maybe you're "there" now, wondering if anyone could even help pull you out of your situation. If you're not feeling the pangs of despair just now, more than likely you will be at one point or another.

Thinking back on the storms in my life, particularly when my husband was out of work for several months from a ruptured disc, one thing remains prominent---the sweet sounds of our two little children (who were ages 3 and 1 at that time) playing, completely unaware of the dire situation we were in. Even though we were burdened, and frankly quite scared of our uncertain future, they remained untouched by the stress. Being carefree, they continued in their childhood routines such as choo-choo trains and finger painting.

Even though troubling times are cause for concern and sometimes despair, it may help to think about finger painting. Now I'm not recommending you finger paint---but think about the ease of finger painting. It's totally hands-on, and easy! The pictures are usually simple. Who can forget the mess? But that makes it fun.

A Follower

Well, since this blogging "stuff" is rather new to me, I wasn't quite sure what to think when I was setting up my blog a few weeks ago and found the word "followers" on there.   What?    What in the world is that anyway?  It actually "kinda" made me cringe a bit....why would I want anyone to be a follower of ME?  I mean, hello?  Aren't we supposed to follow the Lord?   Seriously, I considered removing that little link on there...And then there was the little junior high insecurity complex---what if that number remains at "zero," will that make me a "zero?"   (you know exactly what I'm talking about---junior high--the one with the most friends "wins" -- ie isn't the "class nerd" or "outcast.") 

Anyway....back to the original idea before I hop off onto a rabbit trail Boing BoInG!  = :o)  I really didn't like the idea of someone following me.     But then it hit me. . . BAM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!   (ouch that "hoit:")   I AM supposed to be able to say to others "Follow me, as I follow Christ."    OH MY!    Then that placed a big burden on my heart and shoulders (no..not HEAD and SHOULDERS-the shampoo)  .. but nevertheless, there was the burden....I am responsible for others around me.  "am I SERIOUSLY my brother/sister's keeper?"  SERIOUSLY???    Yep.  Sho nuff!   

We are living epistles "known and read by all men."   So....that means, in a sense (Oh I'm clapping here people!)  WE ARE LIVING BLOGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!   HOW COOL IS THAT!?!?!?!?!?!?       Are you still with me ????   Isn't God good!?!?!    When He just told me that, it was like He was saying, "See, Tammi, I may be the 'Ancient of Days,' but I AM also CURRENT TOO!"  God is never OUT OF DATE!!!    

Oh Dear Father...Dear Jesus, and Dear Sweet Holy Spirit....please, and I humbly repeat, pretty please help me to be a worthy "blog"---PLEASE enable my life to be a living BLOG--known and read of all men. . . all of my friends, all of my co-workers, all of my F A M I L Y!    I want to be able to safely say to them, "Follow me, as I follow You, Dear Lord.  Oh, and P.S., please help me follow YOU because that is the only way I can safely say that.  Thanks.  In Jesus' Sweet Beautiful Name, Amen.

Okay people....let's get "B L O G G I N' "  
have a great day y'all!