Verse of the day...

~ “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” ~ Isaiah 41:10



Friday, July 31, 2009

Fun Friday...

Sheep......... They aren't just yarn and mutton. You can have fun with them too!














hugs ....
love ......
blessings .....
.::Tam::.

Thursday, July 30, 2009

My First Love........

The first man I ever loved was my Daddy.(God tells us in His word to love and protect our children and my daddy did just that.)
He taught me how to dance by stepping on his feet when I was small. I would hold on tight and we would twirl and slide around the kitchen floor. Tie my little red tennis shoes. Make scrambled eggs just for us two.
As I grew, he taught me how to ride a bike, change the oil in a car, become one heck of a fisherman, and set up camp just right. Pour cement for a backyard shed. It did not matter what we did, just as long as I was with him.
OH, LIFE WAS EASY THEN LIKE SOFT SWEET BUTTER ON HOMEMADE BREAD.
I was proud of my daddy and he was proud of me.
When I made some decisions that changed the road I’d intended to travel…
And life wasn’t so easy anymore,
He was there to love and support me. And he never said “I told you so”.He always told me I could be whatever I wanted to be!
I PRAISE GOD FOR THE MAN WHO LOVED ME, PROVIDED WELL FOR ME - and helped to shape me into the woman I am today.

Jesus walked my daddy into heaven on June 19, 2005
Now, he’s free from pain and free from worry and it gives me great joy to know that he is worshipping at the feet of the Savior!
Father God, creator of all life, thank you for the life of Stewart Edwin Witte. Thank you that you picked him to be my daddy but most of all thank you that he is living in eternity just as you promised to those who believe that you are Our Creator, Savior and Redeemer!
My heart is comforted by God’s promises in MATTHEW 5:4.
BLESSED ARE THOES THAT MOURN FOR THEY WILL BE COMFORTED.
AND IN ISAIAH 61: THAT THOSE THAT MOURN WILL BE PLANTED LIKE MIGHTY OAKS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS FOR HIS GLORY.

hugs.......
love .........
blessings..........
.::Tam::.

**The Lord is a shelter for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. Psalm 9:9 **

Monday, July 27, 2009

Believing is Seeing..........

If you think about it, we believe without seeing every day. We listen to the news on the radio or television and believe what they say is true. Even though we may see the broadcast, we did not actually witness the events. We listen to the gossip of others and believe their words to be fact.

However, when it comes to believing that God is God, and that the Bible is holy and true, many people struggle.

Why is it that we have a much harder time believing in a sovereign God, than we do a story on the news or from a friend? Why is it difficult for some to comprehend and believe that God created the universe, is in control of everything, and ordains life?

DOUBT.

Doubt is an incredibly powerful weapon that the devil uses to attack the minds of those whose faith is weakened due to struggles in life, feeling distanced from God, or who have never truly known the Savior.

Doubt occurs when we begin to think we have to see God to believe in Him, and when our faith is dependent on what our eyes can see.
Doubt can actually cloud your mind and heart to things you should be seeing.
Doubt paired with the past is one of Satans easiest weapons he uses against us. He holds the past over your head constantly .... and the past can simply be yesterday.
Your day didnt go well.... you've had an argument with a friend.... you or your spouse brought past baggage into your relationship that they have let go of ... but you havent. Now... take that and add Doubt. Nothing will ever change... things will never be better... you are now standing with little or no faith.

But faith is not something we can see. There is no visual evidence. The official definition of faith is a "firm belief in something of which there is no proof."

Faith requires that we believe, despite not having any visual evidence.
Yesterday was a bad day............ do you have not faith at all that today may be different? You only believe what you saw in yesterday... you cant see what today will hold... so you have to live on Faith.

If seeing were believing, then faith would be irrelevant and unnecessary. Jesus would forever be trying to convince us that He is the Holy One through signs, wonders and miracles. Our faith would always be teetering on the edge, and likely decline as soon as we felt the need to see just one more example of proof of His existence, His sovereignty, or His power. If we could see Him, we would probably never truly believe in Him.

Faith only comes by hearing God's Word, and believing it - no matter what - without a shadow of a doubt - without needing constant visual proof.

The cold hard fact is that we live in a world that thrives on proof. As a result, Christians will face pressure to doubt that God is real and alive. We will face opportunities to turn away from God and believe in other religions, which may seem trendier, more appealing or visually legitimate. We will face ridicule for believing in the unseen.

But that is where true faith comes in. Faith that is not swayed by new ideas, impressive people, or eloquent preaching. Faith that will not die because something easier comes along. Faith that is based on the belief that He was, is and will be the Savior of the world. Faith that can withstand the pressure of difficulties in life.

Hebrews 11:1 says, "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see"

We can't see God, but we can see His activity in our lives...if we believe.

We can't see God, but we can see His power working within us...if we believe.

If you ask me, we see what we want to see. We choose to believe...and then, we see.

If you have felt lured to doubt God's presence, power, and omnipotence as a result of listening to false teachings, being persuaded by others, or dealing with doubts that have been planted in your mind by those who don't believe because they cannot see, pray for God to remove those doubts today.

If you have been doubting God's existence because you cannot see His activity in your life, pray for Him to open your eyes to see His divine intervention. Pray for Him to saturate your life so powerfully that you cannot doubt that He is at work. Pray for Him to make His presence known to you.

If your heart desires to believe, your eyes will see the truth. Your faith will result in vision.



hugs...
love......
blessings.....
.::Tam::.


**"Then Jesus told him, 'Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed'." John 20:29**

Friday, July 24, 2009

The Proverbs 31 Woman :

Her Character as a Wife

10An excellent wife, who can find?For her worth is far above jewels. --rare, precious
11The heart of her husband trusts in her,And he will have no lack of gain.-- trustworthy
12She does him good and not evil All the days of her life--. kind

Her Devotion as a Homemaker

13She looks for wool and flax And works with her hands in delight.-- works joyfully
14She is like merchant ships; She brings her food from afar.-- goes extra mile to get choicest
goods
15She rises also while it is still night And gives food to her household And portions to her maidens. --disciplined
16She considers a field and buys it; From her earnings she plants a vineyard.-- enterprising, prudent with money
17She girds herself with strength And makes her arms strong.-- energetic
18She senses that her gain is good;Her lamp does not go out at night.-- good steward
19She stretches out her hands to the distaff,And her hands grasp the spindle.-- diligent

Her Generosity as a Neighbor

20She extends her hand to the poor,And she stretches out her hands to the needy. --compassionate, generous

Her Devotion as a Homemaker

21She is not afraid of the snow for her household,For all her household are clothed with scarlet.--
provident
22She makes coverings for herself; Her clothing is fine linen and purple.-- elegant
23Her husband is known in the gates,When he sits among the elders of the land. --influential
24She makes linen garments and sells them,And supplies belts to the tradesmen. --industrious

Her Influence as a Teacher

25Strength and dignity are her clothing,And she smiles at the future. --poised
26She opens her mouth in wisdom,And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.-- wise

Her Effectiveness as a Mother

27She looks well to the ways of her household,And does not eat the bread of idleness.-- manages her home
28Her children rise up and bless her;Her husband also, and he praises her, saying: --praiseworthy
29"Many daughters have done nobly,But you excel them all." distinguished

Her Excellence as a Person

30Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain,But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.
God-fearing
31Give her the product of her hands,And let her works praise her in the gates. honored


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

hugs.....
love.........
blessings...............
.::Tam::.

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Show & Share..........

Here are a few things I have made lately!
Remember Fraggle Rock? Doesnt she remind you of 'Red' ?
A Poke'ball for my boys

Chapstick holder keychains

Granny purse
Inside lining of Granny purse
Small tote with wrist keychain and thread butterfly kit
Lining of small tote


Pineapple Granny Tote





hugs............
love.................
blessings.............

.::Tam::.
**I cried out to the Lord, and he answered me from his holy mountain. Psalm 3:4 **




Tuesday, July 21, 2009

God is in control...........

A man from Norfolk, VA called a local radio station to share this on Sept 11th, 2003, TWO YEARS AFTER THE TRAGEDIES OF 9/11/2001.

His name was Robert Matthews. These are his words:

A few weeks before Sept. 11th, my wife and I found out we were going to have our first child.. She planned a trip out to California to visit her sister. On our way to the airport, we prayed that God would grant my wife a safe trip and be with her. Shortly after I said 'amen,' we both heard a loud pop and the car shook violently. We had blown out a tire. I replaced the tire as quickly as I could, but we still missed her flight. both very upset, we drove home.

I received a call from my father who was retired NYFD. He asked what my wife's flight number was, but I explained that we missed the flight.

My father informed me that her flight was the one that crashed into the southern tower. I was too shocked to speak. My father also had more news for me; he was going to help.. 'This is not something I can't just sit by for; I have to do something.'

I was concerned for his safety, of course, but more because he had never given his life to Christ. After a brief debate, I knew his mind was made up. Before he got off of the phone, he said, 'take good care of my grandchild. Those were the last words I ever heard my father say; he died while helping in the rescue effort.

My joy that my prayer of safety for my wife had been answered quickly became anger. I was angry at God, at my father, and at myself. I had gone for nearly two years blaming God for taking my father away. My son would never know his grandfather, my father had never accepted Christ, and I never got to say good-bye.

Then something happened. About two months ago, I was sitting at home with my wife and my son, when there was a knock on the door. I looked at my wife, but I could tell she wasn't expecting anyone. I opened the door to a couple with a small child.

The man looked at me and asked if my father's name was Jake Matthews. I t old him it was. He quickly grabbed my hand and said, 'I never got the chance to meet your father, but it is an honor to meet his son.'

He explained to me that his wife had worked in the World Trade Center and had been caught inside after the attack. She was pregnant and had been caught under debris. He then explained that my father had been the one to find his wife and free her. My eyes welled up with tears as I thought of my father giving his life for people like this. He then said, 'there is something else you need to know.'

His wife then told me that as my father worked to free her, she talked to him and led him to Christ. I began sobbing at the news.

Now I know that when I get to Heaven, my father will be standing beside Jesus to welcome me, and that this family would be able to thank him themselves .

When their baby boy was born, they named him Jacob Matthew, in honor of the man who gave his life so that a mother and baby could live.

This story should help us to realize this: God is always in control.. We may not see the reason behind things, and we may never know this side of heaven, but God is ALWAYS in control.

Please take time to share this amazing story. You may never know the impact it may have on someone. God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Don't hurry God. The problems that we think may drown us today could be the stepping-stones to greater spiritual strength tomorrow.
hugs..............
love.....................
blessings.................
.::Tam::.


**"But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint"....Isaiah 40:31**

Monday, July 20, 2009

Stand in Faith with me.............

I feel like I've been going crazy with this relapse that Michael is in. For the longest time I have absolutely known from God that Michael is healed. Its as if I'm the only one that knows it ... or believes it. As honored as I am that God has trusted this information to me..... I'm very worn from it. Why only me....? Whats missing that no one else knows? What needs to be done for others to see the healing of Michael?
Is it doubt? Doubt is wrapped up in the emotion of wishing something to be true. The word of God all sounds good....... but do you believe it completely... or just wish it to be true?
Is it Fear? Fear can be a powerful emotion. It can also be inflated or enhanced by “spirits of fear.” Satan and his servants have worked very hard over the years to enslave people to fear and prevent them from enjoying life as God intended it to be. Jesus came to set us free from slavery to the fear of death (Hebrews 2:15), which is the root of every other kind of fear.
As followers of Jesus, we must not let fear dictate our actions. We must realize that Satan wants to stop us from being delivered from the sins and illnesses that hold us and from living the new life in Christ. He often uses fear to persuade us not to wholeheartedly follow God and receive what God says our inheritance is in Christ (Luke 4:18-21).

what are we so afraid of?
Fear of confronting evil spirits that harass us and failing to rout them
Fear of being killed by the devil or his servants
Fear of listening to God because of what he might say
Fear of confronting the wounds of the past
Fear of confessing our sins because others might reject us
Fear of giving up our pet sin and that living for God will be dull
Fear of letting God take control of our lives (and we being out of control)

We are called to stand in faith, which is the opposite of fear. Paul wrote, “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong”(1 Corinthians 16:13). Faith is where we believe God and respond to his word, not to our feelings.
I believe God when He tells me Micheal is Healed! But I find myself needing to be careful with what Satan puts in front of us. The doctors have Michael on double dose prednizone now. It was the hardest thing for me to do ... because I know Michael is fine. I cant have Satan twisting the minds and actions of others to the point that I follow in. I know without a doubt.... God is keeping Michael safe. I know Michael is healed. Even though the things we see say different. Thats how Satan works. We can see the high protein levels.. we can see the edema set in.. we can see Michael not feel good. Satans goal is to keep us seeing these things and not Seeing the healing that God has already put on Michael. Stand in Faith with me! Michael is healed!!! Gods word says so!
God’s word says we have authority over evil spirits, so we can command them to get out of our lives (Mark 16:17-18). God’s word says that when God is our helper, no person or evil spirit can separate us from God’s love (Romans 8:37-39; Hebrews 13:6). God’s word says that by Jesus’ wounds we have been healed (1 Peter 2:24) so we can claim that healing for whatever ailments we have. God’s word says that our confession of sins brings forgiveness and purification, so we can approach God boldly with our requests after confession (1 John 1:9; Hebrews 4:16).


What kind of Spirit has God given us instead of fear? (2 Timothy 1:7)
Have you been responding to the current situations of your life in faith or fear?
Have you allowed fear to stop Jesus from working in your life?
What does a Christian’s faith need to be grounded in? (John 8:31-32)

"Lord Jesus, thank you that I can respond in faith to anything that happens in life. Thank you for setting me free from the power of the devil and fear. Thank you that through my faith in you I can overcome any obstacle and see the healing you put upon us all. Please forgive me for any time that I allowed fear to block your work in my life and/or my family. Please help me to stand in faith from this day forward and live the life that you have made available to me and my family as children of God. Thank you, Jesus! In your precious name I pray, Amen.”


hugs..........
love.................
blessings................
.::Tam::.

**"Return home and tell how much God has done for you." So the man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him. Luke 8:26-39**

Friday, July 17, 2009

Perspective...............

Is the glass half full or half empty? Is it partly sunny or partly cloudy? Perspective makes all the difference.

Even for strong Christians who are grounded in their faith, discouragement can easily sneak its way into hearts and minds as life deals us chaos. As we struggle with the challenges and difficulties of everyday life, or things that happened to us that were unfair or unwarranted, it is easy to get pulled into a trapped mind of negativity. Just like that old song from gosh... was it the the ‘80s? that may cause us to be asking God, “What have you done for me lately?”

Our answer to that question will depend entirely upon our perspective. God does more for us each and every day than we deserve, but it’s so easy to lose sight of the good, because we are caught up in the reality of the bad. How do we combat this perfectly human attitude?

Prayer.

Resolve to have an attitude like Christ.

Take inventory of our every blessing.

Life. Your every breath. Your every heart beat. A spouse or loved one. Children. Clothes that need to be washed because God gave you clothes to wear, and a way to wash those clothes. Good health to help those whose health is failing. Trusted and educated doctors to treat you when you are facing health challenges. A house that needs cleaning. A car to drive. The ability to purchase gas for the car. A job to go to. The ability to be a stay at home mom or wife. Healthy kids who can play music or sports. Friends. Family. Freedom. Jesus. Eternal life.

What is on your inventory list today? If you were honest with yourself, would you say you have been looking for the positive aspects of the situations in your life? Are you considering how God could be using those things to draw you closer to Him? Or have you been primarily focused on the negative?

During times of negativity, we actually become our own enemy. We wage a battle in our mind because we look at our situation from our own perspective, instead of what God may be doing through our situation. So in order to change our minds, we have to choose to change the way we think – our perspective. Attitude is a choice.

I read this at the end of am email this morning that got me to thinking all this...... “A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.” by: Winston Churchill.......... What do you usually see?

To quote an old saying, today is the first day of the rest of your life, and it is never too late to become an optimist! I have heard it takes 21 days of doing something for it to become a new habit. The more you practice challenging your thought patterns, the more automatic it will become. Changes may not take place immediately, but over time, the challenge gets easier, and optimism becomes the norm instead of the exception.

Are you willing to take the challenge to become an optimist today? The rewards of looking for God’s goodness in every situation will be a healthier and happier heart

Dear Lord, help me with my human tendency to be critical or look for the negative in situations. Forgive me for a lack of gratitude for all You have given me. Thank You for Your patience with me as I strive to be a Godly example. Guide my heart to recognize You at work, instead of seeing things from an earthly perspective. Lead me into a closer relationship with You by helping me remember to count my blessings every day.

In Jesus’ Name......... Amen


hugs............
love..................
blessings.................
.::Tam::.



**“Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 2:5 **

Monday, July 13, 2009

*Just bring it to me*

"Bring them here to me." Matthew 14:18

"Mo-om," my eight-year-old son calls from the living room where he is putting together a toy, "I can't do this!"I am in my room crocheting. I say back to him...."If you can't do it....Just bring it to me."
And in a whoosh, I hear God's still small voice......coming in on the heels of what I have just spoken aloud. "Isn't that what I say to you?" He reminds me.

When I am overwhelmed: "If you can't do it, just bring it to Me."
When I am angry: "If you can't do it, just bring it to Me."
When I am hurting: "If you can't do it, just bring it to Me."
When I am confused: "If you can't do it, just bring it to Me."

Thousands of years ago....the disciples faced a situation they couldn't do. They couldn't feed 5000 men and their families lunch even though the people were hungry. They knew that allowing them to leave would mean missing a great ministry opportunity... but their resources were sorely lacking.
And then one little boy stood up and offered his lunch. Jesus responded, "Bring them here to me." He took that meager offering—the tiniest bit offered in faith—and multiplied it beyond anyone's expectations.

I need God to do that for me every day. When I think that I can't do something, I need to faithfully take what little I can do and place it in His hands. And then I need to stand back and watch Him multiply my humble offering into something amazing.
What are you feeling like you can't do today?Take on a challenge God is calling you to?
Respond to a ministry opportunity even though it is scary?
Stay in a marriage that looks over from where you're standing?
Persevere in your efforts to pay off debt?
Offer forgiveness to someone who hurt you?
Whatever it is, know this: You are right. You can't do it. So bring whatever it is to Him. Picture yourself offering it up, just like that little boy's lunch. Then stand back and prepare to be amazed.

Dear Lord, I praise You for being my burden bearer. Thank You for always taking my "I can'ts" and transforming them through Your power and Your blessings. Help me to remember not to be anxious or worried when I face difficulties, but to simply bring my issues to You again and again. In Jesus' Name, Amen.



hugs.....
love............
blessings..........
.::Tam::.

**The blessing of the Lord makes a person rich, and he adds no sorrow with it.
~ Proverbs 10:22**

Friday, July 10, 2009

Fun Friday.........

Today I'm just going to take this post and share a few fun things....
The first item is what I made a dear dear friend for an Amigurumi Swap.

Coffee Cup Canister Amigurumi
top view with lid on.
top view with lid off and creamer packets inside.
side view with lid on
The next couple items are from lovely ladies on Crochetville that are playing along in the "Holiday in July" RAOK.

Apple Coaster Set from my IN elf

T-Shirt from WV with several patterns and yummy coffee from my WV elf


Gift giving is so much fun!!!!!
Thank you so much to my elves............ I love my goodies!
hugs...........
love.....................
blessings.....................
.::Tam::.
**The Lord doesn't see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.
~ 1 Samuel 16:7,**


Thursday, July 9, 2009

Thankful Thursday........


A while back... I had challenged everyone to list 25 things they were Thankful for on their blogs... or email around a Thankful list to family and friends. Well here it is the day after my Birthday and I thought was a great Thursday to do it again.So whatcha say everyone................ Share your Thanks with your family and friends... show God that you appreciate all you have even through all the trials you may be enduring!
I am Thankful for...
1) God's love!!!!!!
2) my husband that God has blessed me with ... that spoils me rotten!
3) my wonderfully beautiful children!
4) my sweet little grandbabies!
5) a very heavy coin purse. (I'll always have something to share)
6) Coffee................. hehehe... you all knew that was coming!
7) all my family.... near and far! They each are a blessing to me in their own individual ways.
8) every trial that comes my way. (the learning a growing I receive from them only bring me closer to my Father in Heaven)
9) birthday dinner's to Red Lobster with my guys! (it just brings a smile to my face)
10) unfolded blankets and toys not put away. (sometimes having fun is more important than a tidy house)
11) muddy driveways. (footprints of God's creatures are easily seen... so to remind us He is there)
12) my love for crafting. ( I love making handmade things for folks... its so heartwarming)
13) eggs for dinner and cold pizza for breakfast!
14) my children still loving to sit in my lap... no matter how old they are. (yes even the 27 yr olds)
15) all the men and women of our Armed Forces!!!
16) being able to be a Stay-at-home-mom!
17) beautiful fluffy snow days watching the boys build snowmen and have snowball fights as I prepare a pitcher of hot cocoa to warm them when come in and tell of all the fun they were having,
18) plenty of food in my refrigerator.
19) sun rises and sun sets!
20) gentle reminders from God that only He is perfect!
21) $5 in the laundry......(cuz that means the boys are getting a trip to the ice cream shop after lunch!
22) my boys suggesting cereal for dinner after a long day.
23) standing in a long line at the store. (its a nice time to meet a new friend and share God)
24) roasting hotdogs and marshmallows over a campfire in the back yard.
25) storms that knock the electricity out..... (what a better time to play shadow puppets)

Well......... that was pretty easy........... your turn!
Have a Thankful Thursday!!!

hugs..........
love...................
blessings...............
.::Tam::.

**This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24**

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Happy Birthday to me...... Happy Birthday to me...

Happy Birthday..... Happy Birthday.......................
Happy Birthday to me!

yep............ I'm older. I'm sure I dont act it...... hehheheee
So......... today will start out with an early breakfast with my mom. She is taking me to Crackle Barrel. Then off to Hobby Lobby for some fun shopping.
I'll head home to my guys so we can make 'very mini' pizzas for dinner.
Maybe if they feel up to it......... I can talk them into a game or two of Wii Bowling! That would be a fun way to end the day.

You know ........ I have to say........ even though its been 4 yrs since daddy died.......... it still made me sad to wake up this morning and not find a 4am 'Happy Birthday' email from him.
I miss that silly old man so much!

Well........... I'm off to get ready to go start my day with mom.
you all have a GREAT day!
btw.............. the Tournament Bracket in the previous post has been updated.
OUR BOYS WON LAST NIGHT........... we hold tight in the Winners Bracket!!!


huge hugs....
lots of love.......
and bountiful blessings.......
.::Tam::.

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Its League Tournament Time.......................

For any family and friends that want to be kept up to date with how Patrick's team is doing this week in Tournaments... I will update each day after we play.

The Nehawka Angels are seeded #1.......................
those boys ROCK!


if you click on the bracket form... you can get a larger view to see how the boys are doing.


2009 PeeWee Tournament
hugs......
love...........
blessings..............
.::Tam::.


*Continued prayers for Michael would be greatly appreciated!!!!*


**Keep your servant from deliberate sins! Don't let them control me. Then I will be free of guilt and innocent of great sin. Psalm 19:13**

Friday, July 3, 2009

Freebie Friday.....


Infant Beanie
By: Tammy Carlton



Yarn: Baby Sport



Hook size: I

Skill level:



Stitches used: chain, double crochet, slip stitch, double crochet front post, double crochet back post.

Cap
Rnd 1: ch 4, 11dc in 4th ch from hook, sl st to top of ch 4 to join (12 dc)
Rnd 2: ch3, dc in same st. 2dc in each dc around, sl st to top of ch 3 to join (24dc)
Rnd 3: ch 3, 2dc in next dc, *dc in next dc, 2dc in next dc*, *repeat* , join with sl st to top of ch 3 (36dc)
Rnd 4: ch 3, dc in each dc around, join with sl st to top of ch 3
Rnd 5-9: repeat rnd 4

Brim
Rnd 10: ch2, dcbp around same st as ch 2, *dcfp around next dc, dcbp around next dc*, *repeat* , join with sl st to top of dcbp.

Note: This is a fun cap to use for scraps. Color changes can be fun and inventive.
This particular cap had one color change at Rnd 10 for the brim.
You may go up or down in hook sizes to change the size of the beanie slightly to fit preemies to 3mo. old



Created & written by: ©Tammy Carlton - March 2011
Do not sell pattern. Do not post pattern without link back to original.

hugs........
love.............
blessings............
.::Tam::.
**A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other. 1 Corinthians 12:7**

Thursday, July 2, 2009

HAIRBRUSH EXPERIENCE .....

OF BETH MOORE AT THE AIRPORT

For those of you who do not know Beth Moore, she is an outstanding Bible teacher, writer of Bible studies, and is a married mother of two daughters.

This is one of her experiences:

April 20, 2005, at the Airport in Knoxville , waiting to board the plane, I had the Bible on my lap and was very intent upon what I was doing. I'd had a marvelous morning with the Lord. I say this because I want to tell you it is a scary thing to have the Spirit of God really working in you.

You could end up doing some things you never would have done otherwise. Life in the Spirit can be dangerous for a thousand reasons, not the least of which is your ego.

I tried to keep from staring, but he was such a strange sight. Humped over in a wheelchair, he was skin and bones, dressed in clothes that obviously fit when he was at least twenty pounds heavier. His knees protruded from his trousers, and his shoulders looked like the coat hanger was still in his shirt. His hands looked like tangled masses of veins and bones.

The strangest part of him was his hair and nails. Stringy, gray hair hung well over his shoulders and down part of his back. His fingernails were long, clean but strangely out of place on an old man.

I looked down at my Bible as fast as I could, discomfort burning my face. As I tried to imagine what his story might have been, I found myself wondering if I'd just had a Howard Hughes sighting. Then, I remembered that he was dead. So this man in the airport... an impersonator maybe? Was a camera on us somewhere? There I sat; trying to concentrate on the Word to keep from being concerned about a thin slice of humanity served up on a wheelchair only a few seats from me. All the while, my heart was growing more and more overwhelmed with a feeling for him.

Let's admit it. Curiosity is a heap more comfortable than true concern, and suddenly I was awash with aching emotion for this bizarre-looking old man.

I had walked with God long enough to see the handwriting on the wall. I've learned that when I begin to feel what God feels, something so contrary to my natural feelings, something dramatic is bound to happen. And it may be embarrassing.

I immediately began to resist because I could feel God working on my spirit and I started arguing with God in my mind. 'Oh, no, God, please, no.' I looked up at the ceiling as if I could stare straight through it into heaven and said, 'Don't make me witness to this man. Not right here and now. Please. I'll do anything. Put me on the same plane, but don't make me get up here and witness to this man in front of this gawking audience. Please, Lord!'

There I sat in the blue vinyl chair begging His Highness, 'Please don't make me witness to this man. Not now. I'll do it on the plane.' Then I heard it....'I don't want you to witness to him. I want you to brush his hair.'

The words were so clear, my heart leapt into my throat, and my thoughts spun like a top. Do I witness to the man or brush his hair? No-brainer. I looked straight back up at the ceiling and said, 'God, as I live and breathe, I want you to know I am ready to witness to this man. I'm on this Lord. I'm your girl! You've never seen a woman witness to a man faster in your life. What difference does it make if his hair is a mess if he is not redeemed? I am going to witness to this man.'

Again, as clearly as I've ever heard an audible word, God seemed to write this statement across the wall of my mind. 'That is not what I said, Beth. I don't want you to witness to him. I want you to go brush his hair.'

I looked up at God and quipped, 'I don't have a hairbrush. It's in my suitcase on the plane. How am I supposed to brush his hair without a hairbrush?'

God was so insistent that I almost involuntary began to walk toward him as these thoughts came to me from God's word: 'I will thoroughly furnish you unto all good works.' (2 Timothy 3:17)

I stumbled over to the wheelchair thinking I could use one myself. Even as I retell this story, my pulse quickens and I feel those same butterflies. I knelt down in front of the man and asked as demurely as possible, 'Sir, may I have the pleasure of brushing your hair?'

He looked back at me and said, 'What did you say?'

'May I have the pleasure of brushing your hair?'

To which he responded in volume ten, 'Little lady, if you expect me to hear you, you're going to have to talk louder than that.'

At this point, I took a deep breath and blurted out, 'SIR, MAY I HAVE THE PLEASURE OF BRUSHING YOUR HAIR?' At which point every eye in the place darted right at me. I was the only thing in the room looking more peculiar than old Mr. Long Locks. Face crimson and forehead breaking out in a sweat, I watched him look up at me with absolute shock on his face, and say, 'If you really want to.'

Are you kidding? Of course I didn't want to. But God didn't seem interested in my personal preference right about then. He pressed on my heart until I could utter the words, 'Yes, sir, I would be pleased. But I have one little problem. I don't have a hairbrush.'

'I have one in my bag,' he responded.

I went around to the back of that wheelchair, and I got on my hands and knees and unzipped the stranger's old carry-on, hardly believing what I was doing. I stood up and started brushing the old man's hair. It was perfectly clean, but it was tangled and matted. I don't do many things well, but must admit I've had notable experience untangling knotted hair mothering two little girls. Like I'd done with either Amanda or Melissa in such a condition, I began brushing at the very bottom of the strands, remembering to take my time not to pull. A miraculous thing happened to me as I started brushing that old man's hair. Everybody else in the room disappeared. There was no one alive for those moments except that old man and me. I brushed and I brushed and I brushed until every tangle was out of that hair. I know this sounds so strange, but I've never felt that kind of love for another soul in my entire life. I believe with all my heart, I - for that few minutes - felt a portion of the very love of God. That He had overtaken my heart for a little while like someone renting a room and making Himself at home for a short while.

The emotions were so strong and so pure that I knew they had to be God's. His hair was finally as soft and smooth as an infant's.

I slipped the brush back in the bag and went around the chair to face him. I got back down on my knees, put my hands on his knee and said, 'Sir, do you know my Jesus?

He said, 'Yes, I do'

Well, that figures, I thought.

He explained, 'I've known Him since I married my bride. She wouldn't marry me until I got to know the Savior.' He said, 'You see, the problem is, I haven't seen my bride in months. I've had open-heart surgery, and she's been too ill to come see me. I was sitting here thinking to myself, what a mess I must be for my bride.'

Only God knows how often He allows us to be part of a divine moment when we're completely unaware of the significance. This, on the other hand, was one of those rare encounters when I knew God had intervened in details only He could have known. It was a God moment, and I'll never forget it.

Our time came to board, and we were not on the same plane.. I was deeply ashamed of how I'd acted earlier and would have been so proud to have accompanied him on that aircraft.

I still had a few minutes, and as I gathered my things to board, the airline hostess returned from the corridor, tears streaming down her cheeks. She said, 'That old man's sitting on the plane, sobbing. Why did you do that? What made you do that?'

I said, 'Do you know Jesus? He can be the bossiest thing!'

And we got to share.

I learned something about God that day. He knows if you're exhausted, you're hungry, you're serving in the wrong place or it is time to move on but you feel too responsible to budge. He knows if you're hurting or feeling rejected. He knows if you're sick or drowning under a wave of temptation. Or He knows if you just need your hair brushed. He sees you as an individual. Tell Him your need!

I got on my own flight, sobs choking my throat, wondering how many opportunities just like that one had I missed along the way .. all because I didn't want people to think I was strange.

God didn't send me to that old man. He sent that old man to me.

~~'Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain!'~~



hugs........
love...............
blessings............
.::Tam::.

**However, as it is written: "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him" 1 Corinthians 2:9**

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Please Pray.........

for Michael! He has a bad chest cold... His levels are still high... and he is still on the prednizone.
Please Please Pray!
Thank You!
hugs........
love..........
blessings.........
.::Tam::.
**Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. Romans 12:12**