Time With Tandy

Inspirational author and speaker

Time With Tandy

Inspirational author and speaker

Tag: #inspiration

  • In the Blink of An Eye

    I stood gazing out the living room window. A palm tree waved gently in the morning breeze. Three pelicans flew low over the surface of the blue-green water.

    Peace flooded over me. Gratitude followed closely behind. Songs of praise burst forth. What an amazing start to my day.

    I sat in a chair by the window and reached for my Bible sitting on the tile-topped table. Something caught my eye and I froze mid-reach. There by my right foot was a cockroach, laying on its back. And just like that my focus shifted. Praise took a back seat as dread took over.

    Was it dead or just flipped over? My first instinct was to get as far away as possible. I knew, however, that would not be a wise decision. If I came back later and found it gone, thoughts of where and when it it could come back would plague me.

    The only solution was to destroy it so there would be no doubt regarding its return. Unfortunately, this couldn’t be done from a distance. I needed to get close enough to take the necessary action. With no-one else to turn to, I summoned up all the brave I could and eliminated this blight on my day.

    Looking back on the incident, I could draw a parallel to life circumstances. When everything is going well, it is easy to feel joy and gratitude. As nice as it would be to believe life will remain positive, experience tells me this is not the case.

    The question is not if unpleasant things will happen but how will I react when they do? They show up with no advance warning. I have no opportunity to brace myself. Oftentimes, the struggle is not physical, but in the confines of my mind.

    I’ve tried to ignore my troubling thoughts and hope the issue will not reappear. Sometimes it even seemed to work for a while. Eventually I would myself looking for them to make sure they weren’t going to pop up and destroy my carefully constructed facade. They were not gone, only hidden.

    I’ve not only heard that problems buried alive never die, I’ve experienced it. As difficult as it was at the time, I needed to face the issue. The sooner I dealt with the problem, the sooner I was free to get back to living life fully. No more looking over my shoulder (or down at my feet).

    I prefer to have these reminders delivered in a form other than a cockroach, but I know this delivery is one that I won’t soon forget!

  • Emerging


    Massive blocks of marble stood in the gallery. Many of them were completed statues.

    Others were works in progress, some forever in that state as they had been abandoned due to the death of the artist.

    The incomplete ones were described to us as figures trapped in the marble, waiting to emerge.

    I found it fascinating that an artist would envision the finished work inside of the stone and then chip away all the parts that were unnecessary in order to achieve this vision.

    Like those unfinished statues, I too am a work in progress. My full potential is still emerging.

    Sometimes the chipping away of parts that are ingrained like stone proves painful. Once the self-doubts are taken away, it is necessary for me to step out of my fears and move forward. Each step I take gives me the confidence to take the next one.

    More stone is chipped away and I feel lighter. My movements, once tentative, become more fluid. My eyes see things I’d missed. My ears rejoice at an abundance of sounds. My mind is open to new possibilities.

    Scripture tells me, “He who has begun a good work in you will carry it on to completion.” I have confidence that God, the Master Artist, will not abandon me or the work He is doing in me.

    Every day more of the real me is emerging and I’m excited to see who I am becoming.

  • 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.

  • Hidden From View

    “You’re so brave,” they say. “I don’t know how you do it.”

    Actually, I’m not as strong or brave as people think. You may see the highlights of my days but very few know of the times I’ve become overwhelmed with fear, loneliness and grief. Those are not on public display.

    I feel and acknowledge the emotions but don’t dwell on them. How do I do this? By faith and the power of prayer.

    On a recent trip I alternated between glimmers of joy at new experiences and a longing for the comfort and familiarity of home.

    I was in Peru, in an area called The Sacred Valley when I awoke early in the morning, filled with uncertainty about the days ahead. From my window I could see a nearby mountain. In large letters on the mountainside was the word GOD. Most of the mountain was clearly visible but the top was covered with clouds.

    In awe, I stood with tears of gratitude as the Lord spoke to me through this visual. He conveyed that even though I may not be able to see the entire route he’s taking me on, he is with me as I journey. There are still some mountaintop experiences ahead for me. I take comfort in knowing I can trust him to guide my steps.

  • Avalanche Zone

    Avalanche Zone

    My drive through the mountains was spectacular!

    There were times I’d round a bend and the vision of sun shining on snow capped peaks would take my breath away.

    Spring run-off sent streams of water splashing over the sheer rock face beside the road. This give me an intermittent display of tiny waterfalls.

    Mountain lakes had their own special beauty, making it difficult at times to keep my attention focused on the road.

    In other areas, road crews were blasting sections of the mountain. Most of this was to expand existing roads. Some of it was to keep the current road safe for motorists.

    I passed a sign informing me that I was in an avalanche zone and no stopping was permitted. I had no intention of stopping in this danger zone and was pleased when I encountered another sign to say I’d reached the end of the avalanche area.

    After passing through a few of these areas, I saw the correlation to my life.

    Personally, I have been passing through a metaphorical avalanche zone. My life has been shaken up and has lost the stability I once took for granted. At times it has been tempting to hunker down, uncertain of my ability to move into unknown territory. Who knows what danger may lurk there?

    As the road signs reminded me, this is not the time to stop moving forward. If I keep going I will eventually come out on stable ground.

    My shake up caused damage and a loss of stability but when I look around, there is still so much beauty to be found.

    I don’t know what is around the next corner in my journey. I do know, however, that I won’t discover it by standing still. I am determined to enjoy whatever today has to offer and move with purpose into tomorrow.

  • Sunset Times

    sunsets, beautyOlder people are often referred to as being in their sunset years. I’ve heard the term many times but somehow this now strikes me as a beautiful metaphor for the time of life I’m in. I don’t always think of myself as older, but I do fit the description!

    Let’s talk for a few minutes about sunsets.

    People admire sunsets. They gather to watch them and are inspired by their beauty. Poetry and prose strive to do them justice. Spoken words try to describe them. Photos and artwork attempt to capture their allure. Nothing compares with witnessing them for yourself.

    Some sunsets are vibrant with colour. Others are muted. One I saw consisted entirely of wispy pink clouds. Each has its own unique beauty.

    The scientific explanation for sunsets doesn’t interest me. It takes away from their magic. The one thing I do know is that you can’t have a beautiful sunset without clouds in the sky.

    I love the thought of my life being compared to a sunset. Any storm clouds I’ve faced have served to add extra colour to the remaining light.

    Lessons learned, wisdom gained, opportunities embraced are so much more than memories. They are a jumping off place for what is still to come. Each add their own hues to the sunset of my life.

    Now, more than ever, it’s time to make my years count and pass on the wonder and beauty of life to those who may glance in my direction.

  • The Long Shadow

    Attitude, life lesson,Have you ever had one of those days when you would rather stay in bed than get up and do what you know you should?

    I was having one of those. To be honest, there had been a few lately. Hibernation was my preferred choice. Somehow I managed to convince myself that the easier option wasn’t what was best for me. Before I could change my mind, I got ready and went out for a morning walk.

    The sun warmed my skin as a gentle breeze caressed my face. It felt wonderful. My mood lightened and before long praise filled my heart and overflowed into song. I felt a lightness of spirit and the joy, previously M.I.A., returning.

    There was no explanation for this more positive state of mind. At least, not until I turned to walk in the other direction.

    Now the sun was at my back. A very long shadow appeared in front of me. As I stared at the distorted image with the freakishly long legs, the message became clear.

    God was using this shadow to illustrate an important lesson. When I keep the Son, Jesus, behind me, the shadows and darkness in my life intensify. The shadow is always in view and It becomes harder to look past it, into the light.

    Conversely, when I keep my face/eyes towards the Son, life is brighter. I am no longer walking in shadows. What a wonderful reminder that nothing I am going through is too big for Jesus to handle. When I keep my eyes on Him, He will show light my way.

  • Walks, Writing, and Remembering

    memories, healing,We loved this place. Brian and I were refreshed by the sight and sound of the sea.

    In the early years we walked the beach together, stopping frequently to pick up shells that caught our attention. Very few people were encountered on our walks.

    Only a handful of apartments in our building were occupied. We relished our peaceful existence, a 20 minute drive from the town where we not only did our shopping, but also found a church home.

    It was on this beach, as I communed with God, that I first felt the stirrings to write. Inspiration flooded my heart and mind. Brian and I discussed these simple things that seemed to have deeper meanings. I wrote down the thoughts so I wouldn’t forget.

    We often walked in companionable silence, each lost in their own thoughts. At some point during the walk Brian would turn to me and ask, “What song is going through your mind?” There was always a praise song at that moment, sometimes even the same as the one in his mind.

    In later years we walked separately. I couldn’t keep up with his long strides when he was desperate for exercise. Not wanting to hold him back, we made the decision to each go at our own pace. Brian was often gone for two hours, clocking 10-12 kms. On a good day, I did no more than half of that. Later we’d share experiences and insights from our individual walks.

    These discussions often served as writing prompts. Brian was always on the lookout for story ideas to share with me. Sometimes he’d show me a picture he’d taken and say, “This would make a good story.” I’d ask how and he’d tie the pieces together. Once I said, “Maybe you should write the story.” Eyes twinkling, he smiled and said, “I think I just did!”

    I’m back on our beach now. This time Brian is with me in spirit, but physically I’m on my own for the first time here. I didn’t know if I could do it but since he had made his desire for me to return very clear, I had to try.

    The first week was emotional. The second week was a bit better but I wondered if this would be my last trip. I’m only a few days into my third week but something has shifted. I’ve re-entered the rhythm of life here. And what’s more, peace has filled my heart and mind.

    I’ve resumed work on the book I started writing the last time Brian and I were here together. Inspiration started to flow as I took a morning walk along the beach, carrying my beloved in my heart.

    Brian knew what I didn’t when he insisted I return. God has met me in this peaceful place, started healing my heart, and let me know the next chapter of my life is waiting to be written. I am grateful.

  • Footprints

    walk, beachThe morning matched my disposition. I was feeling “off”. There was no sunshine and weather conditions were a little stormy. Still, I felt drawn to go for a walk on the beach.

    Amid the footprints in the sand, two sets stood out. They were in the same area which meant the same firmness of sand, but the impressions left were totally different.

    One set was steady and left soft imprints of the sole of the footwear. The other was uneven and left a strange, deep design. It was as if the ball of the foot dug much deeper and then curled back, forcing the sand backwards into aa slight ridge. The heel was merely an outline.

    I wondered why one set looked uniform and easy and the other seemed to indicate struggle. The conclusion I came to was that they had different levels of support for their feet. Perhaps one had firm soles on their footwear and the other soft ones.

    I thought of my life recently. When going through tough challenges I tend to try to handle everything on my own. I will eventually get to where I need to be but the journey is more difficult than necessary. It’s not that support hasn’t been offered. I just think I should be able to do what is needed without inconveniencing others, so don’t reach out or accept the help offered.

    These footprints in the sand served as a powerful reminder of how proper support can impact my journey in a positive way.

    I look over at my son, walking beside me. He has taken the time to join me as I navigate this formerly familiar but now unknown stretch I’m currently walking. As he helps me through this rough patch, my steps are slowly becoming firmer. Gratitude wells up in my heart and leaks through my eyes.

    The proper support makes all the difference. With that in place, I’m going to be fine.

  • New Year Prayer

    path of life

    I start each new year with this prayer that my mother passed on to me many years ago.

    2024 was a difficult and challenging one but it also had moments of great joy.

    Through it all, God was by my side, guiding, strengthening and shielding as I walked the path before me. I have faith He will do the same in 2025.

    Be blessed, my friends.

    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