Time With Tandy

Inspirational author and speaker

Time With Tandy

Inspirational author and speaker

Tag: God

  • Hands

    dry hands, God's giftsMy hands had become very dry and chapped. The skin on my fingertips felt like Velcro catching on fabric. At first I blamed the cold, dry weather for this. While that may have been part of it, it wasn’t the only cause. Also contributing to this was the fact that I had been assisting with a move and had been handling lots of paper and cardboard. Commenting on this to someone, I was asked if I had worn cotton gloves while I worked. The question took me by surprise as this was something that had never entered my mind. I had put lotion on them to ease the dryness but had done nothing to protect them in the first place.

    I realized then how much I have taken my hands for granted. Abusing them was not what I had intended, but by neglecting to take care of them, that was exactly what I had done.

    God gave me hands not only for my use, but to use to serve others. When I look at these sore hands and realize how much I have taken them for granted, I can’t help but wonder how many of God’s gifts I have treated that way. Everything I have is a gift from God and that is something I never want to take for granted or abuse.

    She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. Proverbs 31:20 NIV

  • One of Life’s Special Moments

    first book, inspiration, supportThe call came while I was at work. A shipment of books had been dropped off on my front porch. As I thanked the person who called, tears of joy were running down my cheeks. You see, these weren’t just any books. They were my book, the first I had written and a labour of love.

    Since I live close to work I was told to go home, take the books in and enjoy the moment. Climbing into my vehicle, I realized that I would be alone when I first held one of my books. This didn’t seem right, so I called my daughter-in-law Jackie and asked her if she could join me. She and her girls soon met me at my house. Jackie took pictures as I opened a box and then more as I picked one up, smiling and crying at the same time! The girls each held a book so we could get a photo. Two of them looked at the front cover and one turned it over and said “Your picture is on here!” The joy I felt was indescribable. After the photos we had a little celebration party with bowls of candy (before lunch!) and then they went home and I headed back to work.

    The moment I held my first book was a special time that will never happen again. This was an achievement I wasn’t certain I could accomplish. I thought it was too big a project for me. God had other plans as he gave me the inspiration needed and surrounded me with the support that enabled me to take on this daunting task. I am doubly blessed. Firstly that God entrusted this to me; and secondly that I had loving family members with me to share in this special moment.

    For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13 NLT

  • Where My Help Comes From

    mountains, help, prayer, thankfulnesSitting in the hospital parking lot, I thanked God for the peace that I felt on this morning. What could have been a stressful day, instead felt calm and filled with promise.

    The sun was rising as I drove out of the city. Heading west to visit a friend, I glanced in my rear view mirror and saw vibrant shades of pink, purple and orange lighting up the eastern skyline. Another prayer of thanks was spoken. It wasn’t long before the mountains in front of me were glowing as the morning sun reflected off of the snow-capped peaks.

    I was tempted to pull over and take a picture, but knew that the beauty I was experiencing was to be captured in my memory alone. It was as if God was embracing me as he surrounded me with the glory of his creation. I knew in that moment that I had nothing to be concerned about. Not only did he have everything under control, he also gave a visual gift to show me how much he cares. My prayers were no longer spoken, now I was singing his praise.

    I lift my eyes to the mountains – where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 121:1,2 (NIV)

    Bee inspired today!

  • Winter Roads

    God, Inspiration, rescue, road of life
    photo by Dakatama

    It has been a winter for the record books. The temperatures have been colder and we’ve received more than double the usual snowfall. This combination can make driving a little more challenging.

    As my husband and I were traveling along a major highway, we saw several vehicles that had gone off of the road. One was a pickup truck that was perfectly balanced on the roof of its cab, wheels in the air; reminding me of a turtle placed on its back. A little further on a jackknifed semi caused some major traffic delays as lanes were closed while crews worked to rescue it.

    Once we passed this scene and were back to 2 lanes of traffic, it surprised us how fast people were driving. Yes, they lost some time with the backup, but did they learn nothing from the vehicles stranded in deep snow?

    This, in my eyes, was a good metaphor for life. How often do I hurry along at my own pace, despite the conditions because I am determined to get where I want to be when I want to be there? Do I tend to call on God, like my personal tow truck, relying on him to come and rescue me when I get stuck? Once he sets me back on the proper road, do I reevaluate my speed and direction or just rush off on my own again? The road of life I travel will have less slippery spots if I slow down and allow God to direct my pace.

    A person may plan his own journey, but the Lord directs his steps. Proverbs 16:9 God’s Word Translation

    Be inspired today!

  • Fireworks

    inspiration, blessings,My husband and I had a unique experience on New Year’s Eve. We stood outside in a park watching a fireworks display while snow was falling all around us. The snowfall didn’t deter the large crowd gathered to enjoy the fireworks display. Somehow, it added an almost magical quality to the experience.

    The exploding bursts of colour in the sky were lovely to watch. Just as much fun for me, was observing and listening to the children around us. There were many “oohs” and “awes” and a few “oh wows”.

    Not everyone was standing outside. Some had arrived early enough to get a good parking place so they could remain in their vehicles and still watch the spectacle. Nearby I heard children excitedly commenting. Turning to see them, I realized that they were not looking at the sky at all, but were leaning out of an open car window, eating snow they were scooping off of the side of the car!

    This made me think of the wonders and blessings that God has provided for me. Often they are right before me; all I need to do is turn and look. Instead I busy myself with little pleasures of my own making. I settle for crumbs when God has prepared a feast for me. This year I am going to consciously seek the good things that the Lord longs to provide for me.

    Make your ways known to me, O Lord, and teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me because you are God, my savior. I wait all day long for you. Psalm 25:4-5 God’s Word Translation

  • New Year Prayer

    As we end one year and embark upon another I’d like to share with you a poem that was given to me many years ago. Every year I read it and appreciate what it has to say. Unfortunately I don’t know who the author is. My prayer is that each of you will be blessed this way in 2014.

    NEW YEAR PRAYER

    May God make your year a happy one,
    Not by shielding you from sorrow and pain,
    But by strengthening you to bear it, if it comes.
    Not by making your path easy,
    But by making you sturdy enough to travel any path.
    Not by taking hardships from you,
    But by taking all cowardice and fear from your heart.
    Not by granting you unbroken sunshine,
    But by keeping your face bright, even in the shadows.
    Not by making your life always pleasant,
    But by showing you where man and his cause need you most,
    And by making you anxious to be there, and to help.

    Author unknown

  • Gifts

    gifts photoChristmas is the season of giving. The gift doesn’t have to be extravagant to be appreciated. It is the spirit in which it is given that is the most important thing.

    A couple of days before Christmas someone was telling me that he had cut his budget for gifts in half this year. This person was upset that the gifts he received last year didn’t cost as much as gifts he had given. For this reason, he would not spend as much on his friends this year. Somewhere in all of this the spirit of giving had been lost.

    There was a time when I felt the same way. I couldn’t wait to see what people had purchased for me. I still appreciate receiving gifts, but my focus is no longer only on myself. Now, the true pleasure for me is picking out something special for someone and seeing their excitement when they receive the gift.

    Sometimes the value of a gift cannot be measured in dollars. Acts of service may cost me nothing but my time, yet may be priceless to someone else. When I cheerfully give my time or attention to another, I am honoring not only them, but God. My life has been blessed by God so that I may pass some of these blessings along to others. This is a gift that is not just for Christmas, but can be shared on a daily basis throughout the year.

    Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7 NIV

  • A Child is Born

    baby, celebrate, eagerly awaitedA few days ago a good friend celebrated the birth of a new baby into their family. This child was eagerly awaited and loved long before he drew his first breath. He is loved unconditionally even though he can give nothing in return. He is loved for his very existence in this moment and not for what he may become in the future. His family is committed to provide for his needs and to guide him as he grows.

    This is the way that God loves each one of us. I know that he loves me just as I am. He loves me even when I have nothing to give back. He is watching over me and is always there to nurture, support and guide me to reach my full potential. When I fall down he is there to lift me back up. All I need to do is to call out to him in prayer.

    I can have this relationship with God because he sent his son Jesus to earth to demonstrate His great love for me. The birth of Jesus had been foretold and written about in the scriptures hundreds of years before that historic night in Bethlehem when he arrived as a helpless baby. The baby Jesus is the greatest gift known to mankind and is the reason I celebrate Christmas this week.

    For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 NIV

  • He Sees You

    Christmas, Santa, Jesus, giftsAs we approach Christmas I overhear parents telling their children to be good so Santa will come and leave them presents. A well know Christmas song reinforces this. The words that have been imprinted on the minds of many generations are as follows:

    He sees you when you’re sleeping
    He knows when you’re awake
    He knows if you’ve been bad or good
    So be good, for goodness sake

    When I hear these words I have a slightly different perspective. I think of Jesus. He sees us in all circumstances. He does know if we’ve been bad or good and still loves us unconditionally. The gifts that he brings are everlasting and always available. They are not just delivered on one night of the year, but are there for us every day.

    My celebration at Christmas is not all about the man in the red suit. It is a celebration for the Son of God, who came to earth as a baby, born in a manger. I will rejoice as the shepherds did that night in Bethlehem when the angels sang glory to the newborn King.

    And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. “For there is born to you this day in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. “And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying” “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” Luke 2:9-14

  • Plastic Cutlery

    pressure, peace, JesusWhile attending a potluck dinner, we placed our meal on paper plates and picked up plastic cutlery to eat with. When my husband tried to cut his chicken the pressure he applied on the knife caused it to snap into 3 pieces.

    I looked at him and said “I think there’s a story here.” Instead of getting him a new knife, I pulled out my phone and took a picture of the broken piece of plastic cutlery!

    To me this knife was a reminder of what happens when too much pressure is applied in my life. I have been known to keep adding things to my to-do list until I have far too many commitments. Knowing that I can’t keep up adds so much pressure to my life that I am liable to snap. This is especially true during this time of the year. Life can be busy enough without adding extra shopping, baking, decorating and socializing to the mix. The added pressure takes away from the true meaning and joy of the Christmas Season.

    Christmas is not about running myself ragged. Instead of being ready to snap from too much pressure I need to stop and reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. It is the celebration of the birth of Jesus. God sending his son to earth was the greatest gift known to mankind. Nothing else can compare. The gift I can give back to God is that of my time and appreciation. It’s easy to do and fills me with peace, joy and love.

    A child will be born for us. A son will be given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. He will be named: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 God’s Word Translation