Author: Tandy

Break Through

#God, #Jesus, #inspiration, lessons, trustThere it was; a lesson in tenacity right in front of me and I almost missed it.

I was walking along a paved path when my husband pointed break through2out a slight eruption in the pavement. A few steps ahead we saw another bulge in the walkway, this time with a plant pushing through. After a few more steps we saw a plant that had fully broken through and appeared to be flourishing.

My husband commented on the incredible effort it took for this vegetation to push upwards and break through the solid paved pathway in order to reach the sunshine.

break through3If a tiny seed can have the strength and perseverance to overcome such a huge obstacle, why do I give up so easily?

Challenges do not mean that I need to stop trying to reach my goals. The song Through it All by Andrae Crouch, has lyrics that remind me to trust in God no matter what I’m going through. One of my favourite lines is “For if I never had a problem I wouldn’t know that he could solve them.”

These are words I take to heart. There are lessons to be learned in every situation. When I remain open and teachable God will use my reliance on him to enable me to break free from my circumstances and flourish in the love and light his Son Jesus shines on each of us. The Bible says all I need is faith the size of a mustard seed.

Again he said, “What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it? It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest of all seeds on earth. Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds can perch in its shade.” Mark 4:30-32 NIV

Lead WIth Your Heart

Jesus, God, inspiration, loaves and fish, miracles“Lead with your heart,” the fitness instructor called out. Her words were meant to encourage us to stand up straight, with our shoulders back. This would make our exercise more effective.

I followed her instructions but found my mind immediately went in another direction. For me this was a reminder to trust the emotional, caring part of my personality. There are times I need to let it overrule the practical, needing to have all the facts before making a decision, part of me.

This can be a challenge when the feelings and practicality engage in a tug-of-war. The winner is not always the one it should be.

If I’m being led by Jesus, it’s easier to step out in faith and let him take care of the details. After all, he is the one that fed more than 5,000 with five loaves and two fish. His disciples wanted to send the people away to find food. Jesus had a better way. He took the small offering, blessed it and God multiplied it to supply the need.

He still performs miracles today.

When I have concerns about how something can be accomplished, I need to turn it over to Jesus and watch as he performs miracles with my little offering. All I need to do is trust him enough to lead with my heart.

“Bring them here,” he said. Then he told the people to sit down on the grass. Jesus took the five loaves and two fish, looked up toward heaven, and blessed them. Then, breaking the loaves into pieces, he gave the bread to the disciples, who distributed it to the people. They all ate as much as they wanted, and afterward, the disciples picked up twelve baskets of leftovers. About 5,000 men were fed that day, in addition to all the women and children! (Matthew 14:18-21 NLT)

Awards and Obedience

Jesus, inspiration, gift, words“Congratulations,” the email began. It went on to say that my book Dragonflies, Snowdrifts & Spice Cake had been short listed for a national award. The press release said The Word Awards honour the best of Canadian Christian writing. I was in awe to learn my book is a finalist in the Inspirational/Devotional category.

Immediately tears sprang to my eyes as I thanked Jesus for what he has done in my life. You see, it was only a few short years ago that I was persuaded not only to start writing but to share that writing with others.

Looking back I can see the gentle nudges Jesus had given me for many years. I resisted because I didn’t feel I had the ability to be a writer. When I realized that I just had to be willing to let him work through me, things changed.

I took my little gift of obedience to him and he has magnified it in ways I never could have imagined. Inspiration and the words to express it do not come naturally for me. Jesus has given me the desire to write and placed me with those who have mentored and encouraged. When I share the words he gives me, I honour him.

Finding my name on this short list has confirmed that I am being obedient to the calling that he has for my life. It is an amazing feeling to know I’m running the race that he has set before me. When my race is completed I will receive the joy of spending eternity with Jesus. There is no greater award.

No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. (Philippians 3:13-14 NLT)

Swimming Upstream

#inspiration, #Jesus, guidance,“Look at all the little fish,” my husband said. The long narrow tide pool was teaming with streaks of silver about the length of my little finger.

As we walked farther we could see the water get shallower until it dried up completely. Now we understood why all of these fish were heading in the opposite direction. They needed to find their way back to the safety of deeper water.

On our return we discovered that most of the fish had stopped in the middle of the tide pool where the water was deepest. Only a few seemed to be determined to get back to the sea.

I thought of the times I have only done enough to get out of immediate danger. No thought was given to the future if everything was comfortable at the present moment.

I watched fish turn back as the depth of water decreased slightly. It was still deep enough to continue but the level had changed. I wanted to cheer them on and let them know how close they were to the spot where the tide pool joined with the sea.

When left to my own devices I wonder how often I have turned back just before I reached my goal. I am unable to see what is in store for me ahead. That is why I trust Jesus to guide me. He is the one who sees the beginning from the end.

You have shown me the way of life, and you will fill me with the joy of your presence. (Acts 2:28 NLT)

Finding Your Resources

#inspiration, #God, maturity, harvestI read that Canada is the world’s biggest canola exporter and the second largest wheat exporter. The flat Prairie Provinces produce the majority of these crops.

I drove across much of Alberta and Saskatchewan in the past week and looked upon the numerous fields as a sign of God’s provision.

As the crops grow, the evidence of this is visible. The golden fields of wheat and the bright yellow flowers of the canola crops have a beauty of their own. They also hold a promise that is not redeemed until maturity and harvest.

A little further along I see a field with several oil pumps drilling for treasure that can’t be seen on the surface.

I marvel that in the same fields God has supplied diverse resources, each with a different level of difficulty to harvest.

This is a good analogy of my life. God has provided me with a few skills and talents that are visible on the surface and easy to access. Then there are the buried treasures that have yet to see the light of day. These ones take far more effort to bring to the surface.

What a wonderful reminder that the seeds God plants deep within me can turn into dreams fulfilled if I allow him to work in my life to bring them to maturity. The process can be uncomfortable at times but I know the result will be a harvest greater than I can imagine.

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. (Romans 8:28 NLT)

Tumbleweeds

#The Lord, #Inspiration, promisesWhile driving the long, flat roads of the Canadian Prairies I frequently saw tumbleweeds rolling across the road. Some would make it into a neighbouring field but many others got caught on the barbed wire fences that bordered the highway.

Wikipedia describes tumbleweeds as a structural part of the above-ground anatomy of a number of species of plants. Once the plant is mature and dry it detaches from its root or stem, and tumbles away in the wind.

This made me think of times in life I have detached from my roots and tumbled along aimlessly. With nothing to hold me down I was free to go where the wind might take me. It also meant I had no direction and could end up stuck in places I hadn’t wanted to be.

A better choice is to keep my roots firmly anchored in The Lord. When I mature in my relationship with him, I will not become dry and detached. He promises to guide me and satisfy my needs like a well-watered garden. No longer will I be like a tumbleweed.

The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. (Isaiah 58:11 NIV)

Shifting Sand

next step, Jesus #inspiration, secureThe tide was out and I was able to walk along the firm sand at the water’s edge, rather than the softer sand a little farther inland. I strolled along enjoying the morning sun and the clear water lapping beside me.

Without warning, the sand beneath my feet collapsed. Wet sand oozed through the fabric of my beach shoes and reached to my ankles.

When I looked around I realized that this area appeared the same as the one I had just walked along. Nothing was visible to warn me that my next step would be on shifting sand.

How is this a reflection of my life? One minute I’m carrying on, doing what is familiar and then without warning the landscape changes. It seems as if the ground under my feet has become unstable, no longer firm and secure. I look for a solid spot for my next step but am unsure where to find it.

People and things are fleeting. We may start out with the best intentions but can’t or don’t always follow through.

The only firm foundation I know is to put my trust in Jesus. He is the solid rock beneath my feet. I know that my steps are secure when Jesus is guiding them.

“Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.” (Matthew 7:24-27 NLT)

Owner Education

Bible, God, inspiration, instructionMany years ago when we first bought a time share, there were owner education classes. These classes were scheduled for specific times in designated locations. In order to learn more about maximizing our investment we would have to travel to one of these classes.

Today we have the option of onsite workshops, online webinars at pre-designated times or pre-recorded webinars to view at our leisure.
The information keeps changing as the benefits of membership improve. There’s a lot to keep up with if we want to know about all of the options available. It can sometimes seem overwhelming.

I pause to think about how things that should be simple can easily become complicated.

The best information I can receive for getting the most out of life doesn’t come from a classroom or a podcast. It is available to me no matter the time or my physical location.

My instruction comes from the word of God. The Bible has not changed, yet is as relevant today as it was two thousand years ago. The benefits of being a member of God’s family have remained constant.

When I need help understanding a difficult concept I can turn to God. The author of this book of instructions is also the author of my life and he is always available to guide and teach me.

The instructions of the LORD are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The commandments of the LORD are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are clear, giving insight for living. (Psalm 19:7-8 NLT)

Do You Have Freedom?

freedom, Jesus, inspirationFreedom can mean different things to people. It all depends on your perspective.

In this country we have freedom of speech. We have the right to speak our mind without fear of persecution. In many countries this freedom is denied.

To those imprisoned, freedom means not being locked up. The wrongs committed have been pardoned. The slate has been wiped clean and they can start anew.

I have met numerous people who are locked up in self imposed prisons. They look at mistakes they’ve made in the past and decide they can’t risk loving, believing in themselves or having dreams for the future. Due to this they live in despair, loneliness and isolation. It is ironic to think they hold the key to unlock this prison but fail to recognize it.

A mistake doesn’t have to mean a life-sentence. I read a quote by Mahatma Gandhi that said, “Freedom is not worth having if it does not include the freedom to make mistakes.” The freedom to make and learn from mistakes can liberate us to move forward in life.

Jesus died in order that our sins may be forgiven. He wiped the slate clean for us. If I believe my mistakes or sins are unpardonable, then his sacrifice is meaningless. When I truly believe in Jesus I am set free and will embrace the life he’s given me – mistakes and all.

He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. (.Ephesians 1:7 NLT)

For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. (2 Corinthians 3:17 NLT)

What – No CD Player?

trials, past, lessons, inspiration, JesusDid you know that new vehicles no longer come equipped with a CD player? My husband found this out when renting a vehicle for a business trip. He’d taken some CD’s along to listen to when the radio reception was poor.

His disappointment was short-lived when he discovered the satellite radio. There were stations for every genre of music. What he enjoyed most were the stations dedicated to each decade.

As he listened to songs from the 90’s, 80’s, 70’s, and 60’s memories flooded his mind. Music is so much a part of our lives that favourite songs from each decade took him back to various moments in time.

Later he told me the good memories far outweighed the bad. We talked about our tendency to look back and dwell on things we wished we’d done differently. Those are minor compared to the positives we’ve experienced.

When going through trials we feel that they are insurmountable. When I look back on them I see the lessons learned and how far I’ve come. I heard a quote that said “We change for two reasons; either we learn enough that we want to or we hurt enough that we have to.” Either way, the experiences of the past are what has shaped us into who we are today. I’m happy to glance into the past and reminisce but have no desire to dwell there. I know my future lies before and not behind me.

It’s necessary to keep my eyes focused on Jesus and allow him to lead me into the bright future he has planned for me.

We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. (Hebrews 12:2 NLT)

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