Time With Tandy

Inspirational author and speaker

Time With Tandy

Inspirational author and speaker

Tag: promise

  • 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.


  • Changing View

    #God, #inspiration, change, beautyA few days into our mountain getaway I realized the view from our window was different every morning.

    The first day dawned bright and clear. Sunshine accented the rugged outline of the Rocky Mountains, inviting us out to explore.

    The following morning it was overcast and low cloud obscured our view of the majestic peaks. The drizzle and dreariness lasted throughout the day.

    Day three I woke to see the brightness of the sun filtering through the blinds. When I opened them I was greeted by the beauty of fresh snow on the mountain tops. I knew that this beauty was a direct result of the previous day’s weather.

    As I thanked God for the scene before me, I felt a nudge in my spirit telling me to apply this to my life.

    Not every day can bring the sunshine. I have often felt despair in the dark, gloomy days of life. Hopes and plans seem to either be shattered or put on hold. A longing for the brightness of new promise is palpable.

    What I don’t always remember is that God is working behind those clouds of doubt and confusion. Instead of resisting and fighting through with my own plans, I am forced to slow down and surrender to God. That is when he does incredible work in my life. It may not be anything I can see at the time, but when the veil is lifted there is a beauty and purpose in my life that wasn’t there previously. I thank him for the sunshine and the clouds.

    Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. (1 Chronicles 16:34 NIV)

  • Is Your Light Fading?

    Jesus, light of the world, inspiration,I was sitting in a friend’s living room amid a group of her friends. We were enjoying a time of book readings and discussion as part of my first Coffee Time With Tandy event.

    The daylight had been slowly fading when the hostess turned on a light behind me so I could read more easily. I remarked that the transition had been so gradual I didn’t realize I’d been in the dark until the light shone upon me once again.

    We carried on with our evening as I tucked those words in the back of my mind, knowing I would examine them more fully at another time.
    Later I thought about the times in my life when I was walking in the shadows. The darkness seeped in so quietly and gradually that it wasn’t noticed. One day I was surprised to realize how gloomy my vision had become.

    The antidote was simple. Jesus is the light of the world. He has promised that those who follow him will never walk in darkness. When I am basking in his light and love I am also able to reflect this to those around me. This is the best way I can think of to keep my light from fading.

    When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12 NIV)