Time With Tandy

Inspirational author and speaker

Time With Tandy

Inspirational author and speaker

Category: Grief

  • The Promise

    We were in the final stretch of an eight-hundred kilometre drive. Along the way we had experienced rain in varying degrees along with some wind gusts that had me tighten my grip on the steering wheel.

    My travelling companion and I shared deep, meaningful conversation as well as bursts of laughter.

    We marvelled at the variety of cloud formations, some so unusual we’d never before seen anything like them. She took many photos of the sky as we drove.

    At one point she turned to speak to me and a glimpse of something in my side mirror took her breath away. I did a quick shoulder check and then pulled off to the side of the road. We both got out and stared in awe at the vibrant double rainbow behind my vehicle. I stepped to the centre of the quiet road and was able to see the complete rainbow, both inner and outer, arching from one side of the horizon to the other.

    In the bible, God gave the rainbow as a symbol of his mercy and grace. As I stood in wonder at the sight before me, I thought of the symbolism of the sun breaking through storm clouds and light overcoming darkness.

    My friend and I are both widows and as such have passed through some dark storms where our teardrops fell like rain. God has been faithful in guiding us and giving us hope for the future.

    I took several photos and when I looked at them later saw that my shadow is in them. An outline of my body was captured standing under the centre of the rainbows. The display God allowed us to witness that evening reinforced that I am in encircled by the promise of his love as he daily continues to guide, protect and provide for me. And I know that as he has done for me, he will also do for you. That’s a promise you can rely on.


  • In The Dark

    I stayed in student housing on a university campus while attending a retreat. My bedroom was one of three in the basement of a townhouse. The first evening I found my room, had a short visit with my roommates and went to bed.

    In the night I got up to go to the bathroom. The bedroom was very dark and I became disoriented when trying to find the door. After first bumping into a wall and then opening the closet, I found the door and exited the room.

    It was almost as dark outside of the bedroom as inside. I saw some closed doors, went from memory to choose what I thought was the correct one, opened it and stepped inside. When I heard someone roll over in bed, I knew my choice had been wrong! I quickly backed out. Confused, I stood in the dark and slowly turned in a circle, trying to get my bearings.

    That’s when I spotted the open door that was my bedroom. My phone was next to the bed so I made my way back, retrieved it and used the light to guide me. Success at last!

    Why hadn’t I done that in the first place? The answer is simple. I thought I could manage on my own. That’s why I wandered in the dark when a source of light had been available all along.

    I don’t know about you, but this is a familiar story in my life. Many times I’ve stumbled my way through life’s challenges, thinking if I just try harder I can manage on my own. I’ve learned that seeking help is not weakness, as I first thought. It takes strength to admit I need help to see me through.

    The source of light, God’s Son, is available and waiting for me to seek His guidance. Jesus is the light of the world. He shines into the darkness, the fear and the grief. His light brings hope, peace, and clarity. It focuses my attention on people, places and things I wouldn’t have found on my own. There is no need to walk in darkness when I have access to the light.

  • Wave Walker Excerpt

    Wave Walker Excerpt

    In Wave Walker, Beth’s story is told through her journal entries. Here’s an excerpt from her journal on January 9th.

    You can listen by clicking on the link above. The written transcript is below.

    The abandoned structure had been ravaged by the elements. The paint was peeling, the plaster crumbling, and several windows mission. It seemed beyond repair.

    But something about it drew me closer.

    If you are in the Calgary area, stop by and visit me on Thursday, May 7 at Ground Press Coffee and Books, 106 Sierra Springs Drive, Airdrie. I’ll be there from 3-6 pm to talk about Wave Walker, let you know how you can get your free Reader Resource and enter you into a draw to win a themed door prize.

    The book is available for sale at Ground Press, Amazon (in print and ebook) and in print and all ebook formats through my website

    abandoned house, Wave Walker
  • Broken Pieces

    Broken Pieces

    fused glass

    A display at the vendor market caught my attention. The beautiful fused glass pieces were not for sale but I was told I could register for classes to make my own.

    I was intrigued and over the next few days shared my interest with a few others. Together we registered and headed off with great expectations of what we could create.

    At the first class I sat facing a red cafeteria tray holding two, four inch squares of clear glass. In each corner of the tray were pellets of coloured glass.

    After an introduction to this art form we were told to use what was on our tray or find other shapes, sizes and colours of glass from a nearby table and have fun creating.

    What? Instant panic set in. If a template was set out for me I would follow it to the best of my ability. But, to start from a blank slate and create something produced an almost paralyzing fear.

    I sat staring at the contents of my tray, unsure how to even begin. Around me, others had chosen shapes and colours and were already creating. I wandered around, looking at what they were doing, hoping for inspiration.

    Eventually I attempted to create specific patterns out of random pieces. Some worked and others didn’t. At one point, in a moment of frustration, I swept all the bits and pieces to the side and started over. At the end of the class we left our pieces to be fired in the kiln. I was gong to have to wait until the next class to see how they turned out.

    The following week I was surprised to see how the initial look of the glass had changed after spending time in extreme heat. Now that I understood complete control of the outcome was not possible, I relaxed and enjoyed the process. On my six inch pieces of glass, I created random designs with colours and shapes I wouldn’t have previously put together.

    When I received my finished work a couple of weeks later, I was surprised to see that the less controlled ones were my favourites. Instead of being upset that one had a big air bubble in it, I embraced the uniqueness. Every piece had its own beauty.



    As I thought of my experience, I couldn’t help but see the parallels to my life over the past couple of years.

    When my life shattered, I looked at the broken pieces and didn’t know what to do. A large portion of who I was was missing. It wasn’t possible to put the remaining fragments together to form what I’d had before. My options were to stay frozen in fear or to move forward and create something new.

    Many beautiful memories of various sizes and colours had shaped me over the years. I chose some and used them to help me find new segments of the emerging picture of my life.

    Some days I try too hard to form the fragments into the picture I have in my mind. Others, I am more spontaneous. I’ve learned I don’t have complete control over the outcome. Being forged in the fire tends to change things. It also smooths out the sharp edges and makes the finished product stronger.

    With guidance from God, the Master Creator, my life is taking on the shape and colours of his design. I am His work of art and He’s not finished with me yet.

  • Valentine Beach

    Today is Valentine’s Day. Brian and I only celebrated this in the early days of our marriage. Later, we jokingly referred to it as a day for amateurs. We showed each other our love on a regular basis and didn’t need a day on the calendar to remind us to do so.

    Nevertheless, Brian was definitely on my mind when I awoke.

    A glance outside showed the lowest tide I’d seen so far on this trip. I quickly got dressed and went out onto the beach. The sunshine and slight sea breeze were the perfect start to my day. Tranquility washed over me as I soaked in the sounds of birdcall and water lapping the shore.

    I felt this was not a to be a brisk, stride along the beach day. Instead I meandered (isn’t that an awesome word?). It had been several years since I’d spent time looking for shells and this morning felt like the right time to resume this lost interest.

    Pleasant memories of shell hunting with Brian accompanied me. I chuckled at the thought of having too many shells to carry and Brian using his t-shirt as a carryall! Then I spotted a shell tumbled by the tide enough to be almost translucent. These were not as common and the only ones he had collected. His goal was to turn them into something unique and beautiful for his grandchildren. The perfect project was never found.

    I picked it up, a precious reminder of what we had once shared. Tears sprang to my eyes, making it difficult to focus. I couldn’t seem to move forward so turned back towards home.

    I hadn’t gone far when a glimmer in a pool of shallow water caused me to stop and investigate. I bent closer to see what was floating there. I couldn’t quite tell and had to scoop it out to get a good look. There in my hand, was one of Brian’s favourite shell types – this one in a heart shape.

    In a way that only God can, I had just been presented with a reminder that I am still seen and loved. Shell cradled gently in the palm of my hand, I felt the invisible hug. I returned home, knowing I am blessed – for what I had, what is now, and whatever lies before me.

  • Out of the Darkness

    I stepped from the brightly lit room and into the dark night. The blackness overwhelmed me and I wanted to go back. That option was not possible. The only way home was to go through the darkness, so I cautiously moved forward.

    Slowly my eyes became accustomed to the lack of brightness and my surroundings became less frightening. In the dark night of grief, I wondered how I could find my way without the light my loved one brought to my life.

    I looked up for guidance. Above I could see twinkling stars, their pinpricks of light giving encouragement.

    Bit by bit, my thoughts shifted from the pain of loss to the comfort of wonderful memories. Each brought a sparkle of light into my darkness. The process is gradual but I have faith my long night will fade into the dawning of a new day. When I keep looking up, light will be given to guide the steps I need to take.

    I am grateful for those who have walked this journey ahead of me and offered much needed light as they held high their candles of hope and understanding. With the Lord’s guidance, I pray I can do the same for others.