tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85525443489314822482024-02-20T12:47:14.047-06:00MOM'S QUIET CORNERTammi...http://www.blogger.com/profile/07827284387916250624noreply@blogger.comBlogger14125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8552544348931482248.post-75670231359060499712013-06-05T19:39:00.000-05:002013-06-05T19:39:07.396-05:00LOOKING TO JESUS THROUGH THE PAIN.<h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Just a week ago I was doing okay. Then this week a phone call changed all that... He watched and waited, like a lion hunting a gazelle, for just the right time to pounce and leave me gasping for air. The morning was bright and promising of a peaceful day ahead. Nothing was really planned. I was looking forward to delighting in my kids. As I remained motionless in my shocking disbelief, painful, bleeding wounds that would take more than a band aid to mend, were heartlessly being penetrated forcing out what I had for so long limped through life carrying.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">For months I have been urging my kids to daily put on the armor of God. We have read and prayed the text together. </span><br />
<em><span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;"> "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming</span></em> <em><span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;">arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." <span style="color: #3d85c6;">Ephesians 6:10-17.</span></span></em><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-size: large;">Though I was prepared, I didn't expect him to pick me to attack, using whom he did and how, that day. I kept reminding myself that my fight is not with the person on the phone or with who initiated this, forgetting to pursue peace and to do <span style="color: #cc0000;"><strong>all</strong></span><span style="color: black;"> things in love. The enemy always puts a little bit of truth in his lies to make them believable. Also, I was reminded of how memory can't be counted on. Time, hurt, and life have a way of distorting it. I was determined to put my focus on Christ Jesus. He knew just how I was feeling. He was not surprised by the hunt. God had allowed it, knew I was strong enough to stand (even if I didn't), and would not leave me. It is during these times that I must choose to walk by faith. Choose to believe what God says. I must know the word in order to know the truth and not be deceived. The battle is the Lord's. I am asking Him to take this mess and restore. He can make it into something beyond what I had ever hoped or prayed for. He is the restorer, the wound mender. He is my healing ointment.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Whatever you are facing, remember, there is a God who created precious you that is on your side. Life is really hard sometimes, but He goes with you through it. He helps you catch your breath and binds up your wounds. The pain can either make you bitter or better. Your choice. I choose better. Oh God, help me to always choose better. If I don't turn to God, who else is there? </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span>Tammi...http://www.blogger.com/profile/07827284387916250624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8552544348931482248.post-25882737615352951972012-02-16T20:39:00.000-06:002012-02-16T20:39:07.427-06:00CONTINUE ON<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A woman once fretted over the usefulness of her life. She feared she was wasting her potential being a devoted wife and mother. She wondered if the time and energy she invested in her husband and children would make a difference. At times she got discouraged because so much of what she did seemed to go unnoticed and unappreciated. "Is it worth it?" she often wondered. "Is there something better that I could be doing with my time?"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"> It was during one of these moments of questioning that she heard the still small voice of her heavenly Father speak to her heart. "You are a wife and mother because that is what I have called you to be. Much of what you do is hidden from the public eye. But I notice. Most of what you give is done without remuneration. But I am your reward. your husband cannot be the man I have called him to be without your support. Your influence upon him is greater than you think and more powerful than you will ever know. I bless him through your service and honor him through you love. Your children are precious to Me. Even more precious than they are to you. I have entrusted them to your care to raise for me. What you invest in them is an offering to me. You may never be in the public spotlight. But your obedience shines as a bright light before me. Continue on. Remember you are My servant. Do all to please Me." </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"> -Roy Lessin</span>Tammi...http://www.blogger.com/profile/07827284387916250624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8552544348931482248.post-944970321454483372011-01-09T13:54:00.006-06:002011-01-09T15:08:29.213-06:00Elisabeth Elliot<span style="font-size:100%;">Years ago I had the privilege of seeing my mentor, Elisabeth Elliot, talk at a church. A sweet friend had invited me to ride with her. After several years of listening to Elisabeth on the radio, I was going to finally be able to see her in person. I was immensely excited! It was a sweet time. I remember her asking the audience if anyone used a clothes line. Maybe three people raised their hand, including me. She looked over at me in surprise and commented that it was nice to see someone young using one. My hand wouldn't go up if she asked today. My mom would often comment that I was born in the wrong era. Of course I know God has me here now for His purpose. She would say that because I loved to iron and was "old fashioned" in some of my thinking. Four kids later, I just throw a garment in the dryer for awhile to get the wrinkles out. Anyway, I found a paper with notes from that talk to us and I want to share some of it with you. Elisabeth talked about contentment.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;color:#000099;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;color:#000099;">Contentment<span style="color:#000000;">:</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">What's given.</span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">what's not given. </span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">God gives us what we need!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">A. Thank God for what we do have. Psalm 131:2. "But I have stilled and quieted myself, just as a small child is quiet with its mother. Yes, like a small child is my soul within me."</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">B. Learn to Trust.</span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">Give to God what you are wishing for.</span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">Psalm 16:5. "Lord, you alone are my inheritance, my cup of blessing. You guard all that is mine."</span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">He has assigned me what I have and am doing.</span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;color:#cc33cc;">With acceptance comes </span><span style="font-size:100%;color:#cc33cc;">peace.</span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">1. Complain of NOTHING! Not even the weather.</span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">2. NEVER picture yourself in which you are not.</span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">3. NEVER compare your own lot with that of anyone else.</span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">4. NEVER dwell on wishing this or that had happened or was otherwise</span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">than it was.</span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">5. NEVER dwell on tomorrow.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">C. How much is enough?</span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">Am I being a good steward to what God HAS given me?</span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">Study and take inventory of everything in my house.</span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">Get rid of things you aren't using and bless someone else with it.</span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">She said that if she hasn't wore a particular article of clothing in a year, then she parts with it.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">There is another sheet to the notes that I haven't been able to find. When I do, I'll post it here. I hope this is helpful to someone. I know it has helped me. She has many books that are worth the read. I am so thankful for wise christians we can gleen from. The heritage she comes from and the one she is leaving is rich in the Lord Jesus. </span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"></span>Tammi...http://www.blogger.com/profile/07827284387916250624noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8552544348931482248.post-30934962009548259282010-02-26T10:27:00.000-06:002010-02-26T10:36:58.490-06:00Vanilla Pudding Cinnamon Rolls<span style="font-size:100%;">I tried this delicious vanilla pudding cinnamon roll recipe last week and it was a huge hit here and at a friend's home where we sent the second tray, since there were so many. Don't get me wrong, we could have eaten all 24 large rolls, but we didn't need to. Go over to <a href="http://mykitchencafe.blogspot.com/">http://mykitchencafe.blogspot.com/</a> and get the recipe so you can enjoy them, too. I liked that this recipe has prepared instant vanilla pudding in the dough. It makes an extremely moist roll. It is important not to overbake. My oldest son, Daniel ( a cinnamon roll lover!), says they are equivalent to cinnabon at the mall. That is a generous compliment from a picky young man. I would love to hear from you about any really good recipes you have to share. </span>Tammi...http://www.blogger.com/profile/07827284387916250624noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8552544348931482248.post-88755389983289818562010-02-23T07:20:00.003-06:002010-02-23T08:43:43.284-06:00"My brothers and sisters, when you have many kinds of troubles, you should be full of joy, because you know that these troubles test your faith, and this will give you patience. Let your patience show itself perfectly in what you do. Then you will be perfect and complete and will have everything you need." - James 1:2-4. When a potter bakes a pot, he checks its solidity by pulling it out of the oven and thumping it. If it "sings" it's ready. If it "thuds," it's placed back in the oven. The character of a person is also checked by thumping. "It doesn't matter, really, how great the pressure is; it only matters where the pressure lies. See that it never comes between you and the Lord - then, the greater the pressure, the more it presses you to Himself..." - J. Hudson Taylor. How it must deeply wound God when we blame Him for our suffering and even turn away from Him. Yes, He allows it, for our good. Many times we unknowingly welcome it by choices we make, compromises, sin, and so on. As a parent I get a glimpse of how it might feel to God. When my child has to face appropriate consequences for a bad choice made that I might have even warned him about, I hurt with him. I want to remove the consequence. My immense love for the child stops me. Love doesn't give the child what he wants, Love gives him what he needs. God loves me so much he gives me what I need. He hurts with me and maybe even more. The consequences can help make me a better person. They can help me learn that I don't want to partake in that sin, again. There are so many degrees of suffering. It may have nothing to do with anything I've done. Who am I to question God? We have been warned that we have an enemy in this world who goes around like a lion looking for someone to devour. He comes to kill, steal, and destroy. Satan would be delighted for us to turn from the very one who can help us during our trials. This life is hard at times and I don't want anyone or anything to keep me from the one who leads me on paths that are right for the good of His name. Elisabeth Elliot once said something like this, "suffering is a gift entrusted to us by the Lord Jesus." He is counting on me. He knows I can do it. The least I can do is suffer a little bit for God after all He has done for me. Shame on me for complaining! My reward will be in heaven. There is so much more that can be said but I have children creating in the kitchen who beckon me. "I know God is on my side."- Psalm 56:9b NCV.Tammi...http://www.blogger.com/profile/07827284387916250624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8552544348931482248.post-60561590071753669112010-02-22T21:44:00.003-06:002010-02-22T22:30:45.720-06:00<span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">Maybe it's not look at what God has done to heal my situation, but look at how I can walk with joy ( or just walk!) in spite of what is going on in my life. This is a thought I scribbled on paper some months ago. Pain is a common thread in this journey of mine. I can honestly say I'm thankful for the pain. I'm not talking about surface pain that pricks the heart. I'm referring to a hurt that engulfs me like quicksand or knocks the breath out of me. A paralzying kind. Looking back over my life since when I can remember, it was when I hurt that I sought after God. If it were not for the valleys, I would not know Jesus so intimately. I would not trade my life for one of comfort if it meant I would not know God as a friend. Everyone has loss, disappointments, etc. Not everyone has Jesus to walk with them through it. This is a real tragedy. I shudder to think where I would be physically or mentally without the strength and support from Jesus. My prayer to God now is to not waste the pain. Don't allow Satan victory. Instead, God be glorified. </span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">I have asked God many times why I have experienced so much pain. One day he answered through a gal I barely knew. Compassion. I would not have the compassion I have if it weren't for the pain experienced. That seems so obvious to me now. Thank you God for knowing what I need for the plan you have for my life, not what I think I need for the plans I have for my life. </span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">I want you to know I have had numerous blessings in my life, also. I am immensely grateful to God for changing my heart and plans. I am thankful for a God who knows me better than I do and still loves me and calls me friend. He is never too busy to listen, care, help, love, forgive...I could go on. No matter what you are facing you don't have to walk it alone. He is no respector of persons. He doesn't have favorites. What He has done for me and so many others, He will do for you. Just ask. He says to cast your cares on Him, for He cares for you. The creator of the universe and of me and you really cares. Whatever burden you carry, cast it over to God. We were never meant to carry so much that we try to handle ourselves. It hinders us from enjoying the many blessings surrounding us daily. His mercies are new every morning. I will talk some more about this next time. </span>Tammi...http://www.blogger.com/profile/07827284387916250624noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8552544348931482248.post-21121687601787188382010-01-04T21:33:00.001-06:002010-01-04T22:17:57.698-06:00Ruby.I had the privilege of meeting Ruby two years ago when I began taking care of her part-time at her home which was a few blocks from mine. Isaac, Isabel and I would go see her for a few hours everyday during the week. It was a sweet time. I am a regretful procrastinator. Being with Ruby has helped me overcome a lot of procrastinating. She would say how she was glad she did all she wanted to while she could. I got to thinking how I take for granted that I will always be able to do the things I do now. Too often the kids will want to work on a project that just doesn't appeal to me or seems overwhelming and I will try and put it off until later in the week. I do make sure we do it because I want to be true to my word, but there are times when it gets forgotten until one of them reminds me we never did it. Ruby delighted in my kids. She would seem to "come alive" when they would enter her home. She would accept the endless amount of flowers and weeds Isabel would pick for her. She observed with interest the bugs, insects or amphibians Isaac found in the yard. She never complained about anything, not even when she was in pain. Whenever I did anything for her she would always say, "God will bless you." I would assure her HE already had. Just being able to help ease her burden a little was an honor I felt God was entrusting me with. Also, I had made a friend. At the age of 88, Ruby went home to the one she loves in November, 2009. I am better for knowing her and look forward to seeing her again.Tammi...http://www.blogger.com/profile/07827284387916250624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8552544348931482248.post-5268068673699561082009-08-05T21:04:00.005-05:002009-08-05T21:26:32.193-05:00Cherry Cream Salad<p><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:78%;">I can't believe it is August! I've really intended to blog more faithfully. Life seems to happen and then there isn't time for putting my thoughts together, which is challenging enough. Anyway, I am still here. Until next time... Here is a recipe from my friend, Rhonda.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">Cherry Cream Salad.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">Cool Whip, thawed (16 oz.); 1 can crushed pineapple, drained(12 oz.); 1 c. pecans, chopped;1 can Comstock Cherry Pie Mix (21 oz.), 1 can Eagle Brand milk(14 oz.).</span></p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">Directions: Thaw cool whip to mixing consistency. Drain pineapple and stir into cool whip.</span><span style="font-size:78%;">Add other ingredients and mix well. Put in freezer. Thaw a few hours before serving. Delicious! If you want it to be more red or pink, add a few drops of red food coloring.</span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></p>Tammi...http://www.blogger.com/profile/07827284387916250624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8552544348931482248.post-62350807365238407792008-12-01T14:25:00.002-06:002008-12-01T15:11:39.397-06:00<span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">Wow, it has been a long time since I've been here! I'm still homeschooling, but have added a part-time job to that. I 'm </span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">a little busy. :) I want to share a recipe I found in a magazine that I </span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">plan to make with my youngest, Isabel, today. Pumpkin pie play dough.</span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">You will need: 1 cup flour, 1/2 cup salt, 2 tsp. cream of tartar, 2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice, 1/2 tsp.cinnamon, 1 T. vegetable oil, 1 cup water and food coloring (they used 6 drops of red and 15 drops of yellow). I think that makes orange. Combine dry ingredients in nonstick saucepan. Add the oil, water, and food coloring and whisk until smooth. Stirring constantly with a rubber spatula, cook over medium heat until it forms a ball, about 3 to 4 minutes. Turn the dough onto a counter, let it cool slightly, then knead the dough until it has a smooth texture, about 1 minute. The dough keeps up to a week in a ziplock bag. Maybe, it will keep longer in the refrigerator ( this is where we usually store ours). </span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">I'm looking forward to the smell of this one. I am really enjoying this time with the kids. It is a wonderful time to teach about meeting the needs of others. There are so many opportunities at christmas time to give. We are going to make lap blankets for elderly people we know. These are so easy and you don't have to sew, which is good since I haven't learned how, yet. We will make salsa, which we do every year, for friends , neighbors and family. I will post the recipe next time. It is worth making! We already sent our operation christmas boxes off last month. Each child picks an age range and buys the contents to fill the box. They use their money (except for Isabel), and pray for who will receive it. My kids are starting on next years boxes now. You can get the information about this at: samaritanspurse.org We will also buy items for children and the elderly. Food pantries always need food at this time. These are just a few of many ideas. Everything we do with the right heart has eternal value. I want to live my life doing what counts for Jesus. This means being the mom, wife, friend, and person God created me to be. I can only do it successfully with his help. I've tried it on my own before and I always fall short. I would love to hear your ideas on what you are doing with your kids to help lighten someone's burden. My daughter, Bethany, told her dad and I that she wants the money we plan to spend on her for christmas to buy gifts for teenagers in the area who are often forgotten. I am really proud of her for that and we are going to let her do it. I wish I could say all my kids had that same idea, but they didn't. That is okay! God made them different. They are making a difference in other ways. God gave Bethy the gift of giving. Anyway, I hope this has made some sense to someone, since I have continuously been interrupted by my 2 youngest the whole time I've been typing. Some quiet corner. If you find one, let me know. Enjoy each day as God gives it, trying not to rush. Go at your childs pace and make lasting memories that can be recalled with joy instead of regret. </span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"></span>Tammi...http://www.blogger.com/profile/07827284387916250624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8552544348931482248.post-74837997851839479302008-10-11T19:21:00.002-05:002008-10-11T19:54:17.400-05:00It has been quite some time since I've posted. Life is getting back to normal for us since hurricane Ike made landfall. There are still so many displaced and without a job. They need our prayers and help. I had been teaching my kids in science class at co-op about hurricanes a week before Ike affected us. I find it interesting that the eye is calm and quiet, but the eye wall is the most fierce part of the hurricane. It reminds me of life. My life can be busy, unpredictable and painful to walk at times, but I can be calm (seemingly unaffected) because of the peace that surpasses all understanding God has given me. I am thankful to be in the palm of His hand. No matter what the "wind" blows my way, God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.<br /><br />Tomorrow is Bethany's (my daughter) 15th birthday. I love her so much! She is a precious, giving person. We had a party for her today. Last week when I asked her what kind of cake she wanted me to make, she was more concerned about what her friends would like. I told her, "It's about you, not them." I'm always telling my kids, "life isn't about you!" She takes it way too far, sometimes. When Bethy was born, she was like the calm after the storm. Daniel, my oldest, was supercharged! He talked and moved nonstop! He outlasted the energizer bunny. Anyone who knew him would agree. My life would be dull without the addition of kids. I am so thankful God's plan was kids for me. They are each so incredibly wonderful in their unique way! I have no favorites and no tolerance for parents and grandparents who do. I know what it is like NOT to be the favorite. I'm so glad I don't have to prove myself to God. He made me and loves me, period. Who am I not to love each of my children with everything I have equally? I don't always like there attitude or choices. They will always be able to count on my love just like I count on God's love for me.Tammi...http://www.blogger.com/profile/07827284387916250624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8552544348931482248.post-63960869918964376252008-08-29T15:20:00.002-05:002008-08-29T16:07:04.328-05:00<span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:85%;">I am still here! It has been a busy week with school starting back. I homeschool 3 of my 4 kids. My oldest child, Daniel, attends a public highschool. My homeschooled kids and I attend a co-op once a week. I am just beginning to lapbook with the kids. It looks like a creative, thorough way for them to learn a topic. I think we are going to begin with the election. If anyone has helpful tips concerning lapbooking, please pass them along. My daughter, Isabel(2), is learning her letters and their sounds. She has initiated this herself. None of my other children were interested in letters at this age, just catching bugs and being outside. I did have one who ate dirt like it was chocolate and fish food for dessert. I am not kidding! The pediatrician said I shouldn't be concerned. I was! It isn't like we didn't have real chocolate in the house. This child did eventually come around and traded dirt for chocolate. I want to share an easy and tasty recipe that I use with Isabel. It is peanut butter play-dough. 1/3-part peanut butter, 1/3-part dry powdered milk, and 1/3-part honey. Mix well and knead for a few minutes until dough sticks together. Refrigerate leftovers in airtight container to keep for a week or more. This is great because after creating letters, numbers or whatever, the child can eat it! Have a safe and peaceful weekend!</span>Tammi...http://www.blogger.com/profile/07827284387916250624noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8552544348931482248.post-58635930772997098122008-08-24T19:24:00.005-05:002008-08-24T20:15:01.716-05:00<span style="font-size:100%;">I have been thinking about the last sentence in my first blog entry. The word <em>worthy </em>was not a good choice. God calls me His friend, but am I worthy? Absolutely not!!! I am so grateful anyone calls me friend. I mean this, especially lately. I have been so consumed with walking a very familiar road due to someone <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">else's</span> choice in my life, that I haven't been a very present friend. Thank you friends for sharing a small or large part of your life with me. I always ask God to give me the friends He wants me too have and He does. We don't choose our family, we do choose our friends. Some of mine are as close as or closer than family. Now about the less than desirable road I've been on lately. It really is a matter of trust. Do I trust Jesus? Do I believe He knows what is best for me? If yes, then who am I to question what has been allowed to take place in my life? Is it easy? I would have to answer with an emphatic <em>NO! </em>I remind myself of God's truth. He only allows what He knows I can handle. It is for my good. He gives me the grace I need. He is walking it with me. He loves me. Whatever you may be walking through is not hidden from Him. May you find peace in that. "In my trouble I called to the Lord. I cried out to my God for help. From his temple he heard my voice; my call for help reached his ear." Psalm 18:6.</span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"></span>Tammi...http://www.blogger.com/profile/07827284387916250624noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8552544348931482248.post-60818150861420633302008-08-20T15:45:00.000-05:002008-08-20T16:02:52.030-05:00Chocolate chip pudding cookies1 cup butter<br />1 cup brown sugar<br />1 t. baking soda<br />1 t. vanilla<br />2 eggs<br />2-1/4 c. flour<br />1 t. baking soda<br />large pkg. instant coconut pudding<br />12 oz. choclate chips<br />1 c. nuts, chopped (optional)<br /><br />Cream butter and sugar. Add the remaining ingredients and combine well. Drop by heaping tablespoons onto greased or parchment lined baking sheets. Bake at 375 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes.<br />I use vanilla pudding mix and use half the vanilla extract. These are my oldest sons favorite. I thought since I mentioned cookies in my post before, It wouldn't be right not too share the recipe. Enjoy!Tammi...http://www.blogger.com/profile/07827284387916250624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8552544348931482248.post-85264437446089214552008-08-20T14:31:00.000-05:002008-08-20T15:09:35.496-05:00<span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"><em><span style="font-family:Georgia;">Hello! I am hoping this can be a place to come and be encouraged and meet new friends. This is very new to me. I started this blog at the urging of a dear friend. I am so grateful for the ones God allows to touch our life lightly and some deeply. There are people who are there for a season and ones who stay longer. For the past several years I have had the privilege of knowing what it is like to have more than one friend at a time. I tend to be a loner and have always invested in one friend at a time. Then I got older and reluctantly pushed out of my comfort zone to be surprisingly blessed with a variety of people who enrich my life. I love to bake, but get tired of baking the same chocolate chip cookies week after week. Sometimes, just adding 1 new ingredient makes it less mundane. This is how I feel about really knowing a handful of gals I call friend. They replace the staleness of life with freshness. I do not use the word friend carelessly. It takes time to build a friendship. Sometimes you get hurt, but it's worth it for the times you don't and find a gem. Thank a friend today in your life who is worthy to be called friend.</span></em></span>Tammi...http://www.blogger.com/profile/07827284387916250624noreply@blogger.com2