Monday, November 9, 2009

Sharing God's Love

I’ve been going to write this post for about a week now and finally have the right words for it all. Its funny how we are lead on our paths and wait until the right moment. We often wonder why at times we wait and put things off. It’s not always procrastination, but rather our Father telling us to wait until He has given us the exact tools we need to carry on.

Tonight I received word that my best friend from H.S. mother passed away. Her dad is seriously ill battling cancer. I’ve lost contact with her since she married around 1983-84 there about. I’ve often thought of her and wondered how she is doing. I’ve missed her and reminisce all the great times we had together.

Tonight hit me hard. It was an awakening. At first it was hard to breathe. I just wanted to bawl, but only allowed a few tears. I had so many emotions flowing through me; I didn’t know how to feel. I decided to work on more organizing of the house. That wasn’t helping. So I thought I would go straighten up my desk. I looked at all the inspirational books we have and thought I need to read that one…not that one…oh wait a minute, that’s the one I really need to read. Then I came to Charles Stanley’s Life Principle Bible and was going to work on it…then I thought, no, I need to listen to a pod cast. I haven’t done that in ages.

Well, that’s what I needed and then it hit me as I’m listening to the end of one I had started months ago. The words…the exact words I needed to fit in with what I’m going to write about. By now you are probably thinking, “You just wrote several paragraphs now. You have a story to tell yet?” Yes indeed. It’s a story I pray will stir the hearts of those that need it and strengthen those that already know. So here goes.

It all started over a week ago. I went to pick up the kids to take them all to school as usual. The oldest girl was in a foul mood and was not happy. I tried to keep my cool until she started taking it out on the van. I snapped at her; and then reminded myself that anger on top of anger gets one nowhere, so I gained control. We were all loaded up and on our way, and the grumbling with the children continued. I reached down and grabbed a worship CD. The first one, “God is Good!” They grumbled a little more and I started to pray. I kept on praying asking for peace and restoration. It got quiet. The next thing I knew, they were singing, well all but one, but the grumbling subsided. By the time we dropped the first boy off at his bus stop, everyone was giggling and happy. Thank you Lord!

The next song they like to hear each morning, “Jesus Take the Wheel,” then “I Can Only Imagine.” This part of the story shows how God’s Love for us can be so calming. We only need to let Him in and learn to love as well.

Okay, that’s just the beginning. At first I thought, ugh, this day is starting out just great, then He showed me, don’t be so negative. Put on that positive attitude, be a builder and bring peace. Obey, and good things come of it.

Later that day I got an excited call from my husband. He had been going through problem after problem on one of the buildings they had plans for. He prayed on the way to work that morning and said, “Father, I need you to do something about this today. We need to get these problems solved so that this project is no longer delayed.” He no more than got into the office before he even had a chance to take his coat off, and the phone rang. It was one of the people working on solving the problems to tell him that “all” the problems had been solved. The project was moving forward!” Praise God.

And it just keeps getting better. He’s been praying for more work to come in since taking over the company completely. Each time he prays and asks for help, He shows up. The problems are solved, the money comes in. He’s been flabbergasted and stated he doesn’t know what is going on and that he doesn’t know how much more he can handle.

I reminded him to be careful with what he says. The answers came to us in church a week ago this past Sunday. “Tithing;” yes you read right; tithing. It’s right in the Bible that we are to give 10% of our goods to the Lord. I kept feeling empty when we would not give our full amount. Now mind you, we are in a church where they do not keep track of what we give. Our Pastor knows that’s between the Father and us.

Well I knew we were not doing the right thing and kept telling hubby my feelings on this. Then without my knowing it, he started giving 10% sometimes more. He’s been faithfully tithing for some time, and giving more when needed or prompted to do so. He knew it was right and knew that was what he was supposed to be doing.

Then came the picture at the “Men at the Cross,” that he was instructed to buy. He knew he was supposed to do it for the church, and it happened. It was money I didn’t think we had, then the Lord reminded me, “do not worry child, I will take care of you.” You know what? He has done just that.

We have learned to be faithful to our Father, our Lord and Savior. Jesus gave His all for us. We are asked to do a small thing for Him. I mean seriously, it is small when you compare it to giving your life for everyone! My husband has faithfully been giving what we are suppose to for several months now, and wow, the blessings keep coming.

He asked some of the pastors and myself if it was bragging to tell people about this. We all told him that the Lord wants us to share the good news, just not in a boastful manner. This is why I’ve waited. I wanted to make sure I wrote this with the right words.

Two things to share with you that drove me to write this. One is from words we heard from Oral Roberts at church this past Sun: “If you don’t give a harvest, why do you plant a seed?” Those are some powerful words.

Then last but not least from Charles Stanley:
“If you hunger more for worldly riches than for the treasures of knowing God; then you’re climbing the wrong ladder of success. Genuine eternal blessing is more than it’s measured in relationship with Jesus, not monetary accumulation. Make Christ your top priority and chief joy, and you will experience true prosperity.”

Wow! How true that is. We need to really grasp hold of this message that He is sending us. We were talking with some of the pastors and they have seen others experiencing similar testimony’s. We were struggling, worried where the money was going to come from, business was slow and low and behold, faith kicked in and He’s answered every call. Other’s have had the same experience. Faith! Plant the seed! We talked of how many are struggling and afraid to take the plunge. All I can say is do it with your heart in it! Have faith! Be true to Him and He will bless you beyond your wildest imaginations. Don’t do it wanting and expecting, but do it in faith, with Love and a giving heart. He’ll know if you are doing it for personal gain or not.

Long story short: Ever since hubby started planting the seed faithfully, life has improved. Ever since I grabbed hold of all that was happening and got back to the Bible, life has improved more. We have become builders with the grand children and joy has surrounded us. We find it much easier to handle difficult situations. When the enemy strikes, we say NO! We pray and life returns to normal. We still go through out dark times, but they are much easier to walk through now. When one of us starts to stray, the other grabs hold and reels us back in. I can't begin to describe the way life has become other than it is so much more of a positive atmosphere, and we feel His presence. It's beautiful! It's beyond beautiful. There are no words to describe it; you just have to experience it yourself. Don't give up! He never does with us.

Be blessed everyone. Walk in the light of the Lord. Believe in Him. Trust in Him. Have faith in Him to walk you through. And remember, we come closer to Him in our weakest and darkest moments. He’s molding us and preparing us. Love and blessings to you all!

8 comments:

Heather said...

Nice to hear from your heart again :) - With every new paragraph, I am saying AMEN.

Time and again, I begin to feel as though I'm procrastinating - time and again, I become a little weary with myself and time and again - God shows up at just the right time to say..."Sweet Child, this timing couldn't have been more perfect for you, because it is in My Hands and I am the Your provider."

Time and again, Tammy(i?). All that you've said here.

It's funny because it is only within this last year that I've really seen this to be true; throwing out the guilt for not following through and receiving the blessing of understanding.

Glad you were here today, sister. I look forward to your next post :)

Kim @ Homesteader's Heart said...

Amen sister. I wish we didn't always have to learn that the hard way though huh?
Big hugs to you my friend.
Kim

rcubes said...

Great to hear from you sister and what an awesome revelation you shared about the Lord's way of blessing us in unexpected ways. It is having the right attitude that matters, when we tithe. The Lord deserves it anyway as everything comes from Him. But in doing so, we are showing Him that none of those material things, especially money should not have a hold in us...but only Him. Great testimony here and I pray many will come by and be awakened of what it means to give back to the Lord...with all our hearts...as He himself, gave everything to us, even His life. To God be the glory and may He bless you and your family more...

Anonymous said...

I understand where you are coming from. God has also told me to wait before I would write something or do something. Thanks for sharing your heart. Many blessings to ya'!!

Karen said...

Amen...posted at just the right time...God's time...can't go wrong with that....

Grace said...

Hi Tammy, it is so nice to read your thoughts (put into words) again. I was here several times and thought that you were on vacation because there were no updates.
We just miss you and we miss reading your post. I am happy that you are still following God's leading and impression in your heart. :)

Omah's Helping Hands said...

God Bless all of you! I so needed this today. I'm hearing you Heather. Yes, time and again. It's been a long hard struggle with more to come, but it's okay, for now the realization of His great love will walk us all through it.

Sometimes that learning the hard way is tough, but the end results are all worth it. :) Thanks for the hugs Kim. {{Hugzzz}} for you too!

Amen Sister! It is all His and once we finally fall out of the trap of the world and realize that, His Amazing Grace shines through like none other.

Many blessings to you too Smile! That's what I'm doing now, is waiting to be led. When He gives me something, I'll write it.

Amen Karen! His timing is Always Perfect!

Oh thank you Grace! It has been way too long. I don't like when I stray, but He has tought me so much through this time. So many struggles going on. Another post on that has been put upon me. I've missed you all greatly. Such a beautiful family we have here.

LOVE and Blessings to you all! You all are such a blessing. I thank God for each and everyone of you.

Jason said...

I'm going to add you right now! Take care.

Jason
TheWISDOMWALL.com