Our Arizona Christmas....

Isnt this a beautiful tree!!? Look at all those gifts!

Well........... as you can tell from the title of this post... we are in Arizona! We are spending our Christmas with Ken's family. It has been wonderful seeing them all!!!
The weather has been great! A bit rainy today.. but didnt seem to stop the guys from going golfing... :)
Patrick got to go to his first real live Basketball Game. Grandpa Carlton took him to see Arizona Wildcats vs Kansas Jayhawks. Patrick had a GREAT time!
Today is laundry day for me.... need to get our clothes ready for our trip tomorrow to go see Ken's grandparents in LasVegas.
The boys got all kinds of goodies for Christmas ... happy campers are they!
Grandma and Grandpa spoiled them pretty good!
So far this has been a great trip... the drive was good. Well... for me and the boys we just rode... Ken did all the "driving" but we did make two stops to sleep. I'm just not a good "trip driver".... makes me nervous.... so Ken has to do all the driving. We stayed in very nice Hotels... in very nice suites.... got good sleep and back on the road until we made it here! Ken kept calling out the temperature as we got closer ... and it got warmer. We left -6* and got here to 70*
Well.... I need to get back to my laundry. I'm crocheting while I tend to laundry... working on creating a teddy bear. Its my own pattern.... so I hope it comes out nice... I would like to use it for a toy drive charity I want to donate to... and to make for my grandbabies for next Christmas.
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"...And now, Lord, what do I wait for and expect? My hope and expectation are in You..."
Psalm 39: 7
Our hope and expectation should only be in the Lord. He is the only one in this world that is stable and sure. Everything else is on shaky ground. It’s sometimes hard to have hope, while everything around us seems to crumble, or is uncertain. The Lord is our pillar. He is our fortress. He cannot be shaken, and can be trusted completely. If you have days of feeling lost ... lost hope... in maybe the simplest of things... to what seem to be the most complicated... put your hope in Jesus. He won’t let you down. When hope is placed in Jesus Christ we have more meaning to our lives!

God Bless!!!

hugs and love,
.::Tam::.

**A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.
~ Proverbs 15:1**

Merry Christmas....

Loving Father, help us remember the birth of Jesus, that we may share in the song of the angels, the gladness of the shepherds, and the worship of the wise men.
Close the door of hate and open the door of love all over the world. Let kindness come with every gift and good desires with every greeting. Deliver us from evil by the blessing which Christ brings, and teach us to be merry with clear hearts.
May the Christmas morning make us happy to be Thy children, and the Christmas evening bring us to our beds with grateful thoughts, forgiving and forgiven, for Jesus’ sake. Amen.

“Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:10-11)
The first Christmas gift was also the best—a Savior. Through Jesus’ birth and death and resurrection, He reconciled God and man. We no longer have to stagger under the burden of guilt and shame. Our hearts can be clear, because Jesus paid the penalty for our sins. We can be forgiven if we repent and believe in Him.
God’s love overcomes hatred and evil, and enables us to love one another. His kindness to us inspires us to be kind to one another. When we are grateful for His forgiveness, we are moved to forgive others. This spirit of love and kindness and forgiveness lasts not only for the Christmas season, but all life long for those who have accepted God’s gift.
This year as you give gifts to others, remember God’s greatest gift of all—Jesus. His love allows us to “share in the song of the angels, the gladness of the shepherds, and the worship of the wise men.”

Huge Hugs

Lots of Love

Bountiful Blessings,

.::Tam::.

**Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel, which means...God is with us.
~ Matthew 1:23**

Another year coming to an end...

People important to you, people unimportant to you, cross your life, touch it with love and carelessness, and move on. There are people that leave you, and you breathe a sigh of relief, and you wonder why you ever came in contact with them. There are people who leave, and you breathe a sigh of remorse, and wonder why they had to go and leave such a gaping hole.
Children leave parents, friends leave friends, acquaintances move on. You think on the many who have moved into your life with hazy memory. You look on those present and wonder.
I believe in God’s master plan for our lives.
People move in and out of each other’s lives, and each leaves his mark on the other. You find you are made up of bits and pieces of all who have touched your life, and you are more because of it, and you would be less if they had not touched you.
Pray to God that you can accept the bits and pieces in humility and wonder, and never question, and never regret.


Show and Share:

Knitted Stockings for my younger boys! It was time they had handmade 'mommy' stockings.

12 point round beanie for one of my granddaughters.

Gift set of bookmark with books... beanie with crossword puzzle books.

Family Gift set ........ Regular beanie...Snowman beanie... CoffeeCup Cozie... and a Pineapple scarf

PeanutBaby buddy toy.... for my youngest grandson.

My updated design for Coffee Cup Cozies. My boys call these CoffeeCup Coats. hehehee

This is a little tote purse for a little girl that Michael was Secret Santa to in his class! Its a knitted sleeve cover for a little canvas tote bag. So the bag is lined by the canvas tote.

God Bless you all.............. have a wonderfully Merry Christmas!!!

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

**I cried out to the Lord, and He answered me from His holy mountain.
~ Psalm 3:4**

Freebie Friday........

CAKE MIX COOKIES

1 box any flavor cake mix

2 eggs

1 stick margarine or butter

Cream Margarine, add eggs and mix well. Stir in cake mix, add additional ingredients (chocolate chips, crushed candy bar etc.) Bake in a 350 degree oven on ungreased cookie sheet for approximately 8 to 10 mins. Great for a quick gift giving idea. Easy for kids to mix and they are delicious!

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Greater love has no one than this that he lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:3

When I was growing up there were many heroes to admire, such as Wonder Woman, Superman, and Lassie, the dog wonder. There was always someone to look up to, whether they were a family member, teacher, or a great fiction character. The people who we admired inspired us to be better, reach higher, and to achieve the impossible. Today, however, I can’t help but wonder, “Where have all the heroes gone?

Standing in line the other day with the end of my Christmas shopping...I was glancing at all the tabloids.... so many of those Hollywood stars have become heros in so many eyes.. and to see the sad stories of their drug filled... abusive lives... with constant run ins with the law .. is just heartbreaking.

I found myself questioning again, “Where have all the heroes gone? Isn’t there anyone we can look up to anymore?”You’ve probably experienced the same kind of let down at some point in your life. Perhaps it was a family member, a friend, or even a Christian leader who disappointed you and led to question, “Is there anyone I can truly trust?” Yesterday while reading a news story.. I was lead to a related older story....A family had been stranded on a rural, snow-covered road in Oregon after spending Thanksgiving with family. The father, attempting to save his family, set out on foot to look for help. The mother and her two young daughters stayed behind. To survive the cold, she burned all four tires, including the spare in the trunk of the car. She nibbled Thanksgiving leftovers and sustained her daughters with breast milk.Days later, an airplane flying above saw the father’s footprints in the snow and landed to investigate. They found and rescued the mother and the two young girls. Immediately a search began in the snow-covered mountains for the missing father, but they were too late. The cruel winter weather had claimed his life while he desperately tried to save the lives of his family.

I sat there and said to myself, “There’s a hero. Anyone who loves another in such a way that they are willing to give their own life to save another is a hero.” I also thought about those two little girls who will never have to question if there are any heroes left in the world. Their father will always be their hero.

You and I have been loved in the same way. We, too, have a hero. His name is Jesus Christ. Knowing that we live in a fallen, broken world, Christ left His heavenly home and all the comforts there. He took off His royal crown and laid aside His position to come and rescue us from sin and death. Why? Because of His love for us. In Christ’s heart you and I were worth dying for. Jesus willingly gave His life so that we may live. There is no greater love than that!

In this world people may disappoint us from time to time, but remember: We’ll always have the love of our heavenly Father, the greatest hero of all.

Dear Lord, thank You for loving me enough to lay down Your life so that I may have life as God intended. Teach me to live worthy of Your sacrifice. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Have a Fantastic Friday and a wonderful weekend

hugs....love...and blessings,

.::Tam::.

**Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.
~ Proverbs 4:23**

Snowy Tuesday Morning...........

God's blanket..................... isnt it beautiful?!
You know... for being only 6* this morning... I think because there wasn't any wind... it was rather nice out. The drive to school was slow and careful.... but fun to watch the snow fly at the windshield. The snow fall was a big reminder to me this morning that GOD is in control... control of ALL! This week... I have been a bit of a frustrated child stomping her feet because she didn't get her way.... I'm frustrated because although Michael's protein levels are High... the edema has shown itself....he has aches and pains and the doctors say he is in relapse.... I know without a doubt in my head or my heart that he is healed... all these signs and tests are tricks and lies from Satan. I know God has healed Michael. So some of my frustration is ... I know many will look at me as if I have lost my mind... and why has God left me only the one feeling this way? I mean... Praise God... He has given us doctors and medicines to help .... I am so thankful for the 10 extra years I got with my daddy because of doctors... their knowledge and medicines. But for some reason... this is so different for me. I totally trust that God has healed Michael. And if Michael is healed... why has God not stopped us from starting Michael on prednizone? Why did God not show everyone else Michael is fine through the blood tests last week? Am I crazy? Is my heart so full of WANT for Michael to be healed I have convinced myself it to be true? Was I suppose to insist on my feelings before hand and didnt? All this lead me to researching about being frustrated with God.... or being down right angry at Him. Maybe some of you are more than just frustrated and confused.
Have you ever shaken your fist at God over His answer to your prayers, or lack of answers?Have you grown angry with Him over the injustices in your life? If so, you’ll probably be able to know where the prophet Habakkuk was coming from. Gosh.. he lived roughly 600 years before Christ..... right? His book of the Bible starts right off with this complaint: “How long, O Lord, must I call for help, but you do not listen? Or cry out to you, “Violence!” but you do not save me. Why do you make me look at injustice? Why do you tolerate wrong?” (Hab.1:2-3). God answered Habakkuk by telling him to be patient and to watch..... that He will do amazing things and bring in justice....but only in His timing.
Passionate....honest.....gut-level....even angry prayers have been recorded through out the Bible. Habakkuk wasn’t the only one to complain. Moses....Gideon...and Elijah all questioned God. Job even cursed the day God made him and said, “I loathe my very life; therefore I will give free rein to my complaint and speak out in the bitterness of my soul. I will say to God, ‘Do not condemn me, but tell me what charges you have against me. Does it please you to oppress me, to spurn the work of your hands...?’” (Job 10:1-3). In his anguish, Job accused God of afflicting people for no reason (Job 9:17), overwhelming them with misery (Job 9:18), not caring about injustice (Job 9:22, 24), and laughing at the pain of the innocent (Job 9:22).
Of course these accusations are not the case.... but it is true that is how we often feel in times of severe suffering or testing. God knows our deepest thoughts and feelings, so it’s nonsense to think we can hide them from Him. Better to come clean with how we really feel, get it off our chest in prayer, and hopefully clear the way to hear and receive God’s reply or comfort. I’ve complained to God in the past for allowing my loved ones to die or fall deep into sin, for allowing things to be taken from me, for allowing my reputation to be unfairly tarnished, for allowing physical suffering in my body, or for not allowing what I felt I deserved. I have found the best thing I can do is honestly take these feelings to God where they can be traded for His perspective and His comforting assurance. Though God may not always change my circumstances the way I want Him to, He can and does change my perspective on those circumstances and enables me to endure them. God listens when we complain about injustice. He hates seeing the unrighteous prosper, mostly when it’s at the hands of the innocent, as much as we do. He understands when we feel shortchanged or opposed. Read through the gospel accounts of Jesus’ life and you’ll be see just how much Jesus can relate to undeserved opposition. Be honest before God in prayer today. While holding a degree of holy respect for Him and thankfulness for His saving grace, pour out the good, the bad and the ugly of your feelings. Just like Habakkuk, Job and others discovered, God can handle your intense emotions and questions. Though He rarely explains Himself fully to us – perhaps because we can’t fully understand this side of eternity – He does flood us with His power, love and peace when we come humbly and honestly before Him and pour out our heart.
Man is my heart full too............... guess I need to start getting things off my chest.

Dear Lord, it’s hard for me to understand Your ways. It’s hard for me to overlook offenses. It’s hard for me to deal graciously with the difficult situations or people in my life, and sometimes I grow more frustrated with You for allowing them into my life. But I don’t want to be a bitter or miserable person. I dont want to be upset with you or anyone. I want to do as you command... Love you with all my heart .... my soul and my mind ...and to love my neighbors as I do myself. Help me to see through Your eyes, and to endure all that You allow into my life, with Your grace. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Well........... with that said........... its time for a little show and share. I had participated in a Secret Santa swap... and this is what my Secret Santa Partner sent me.......... Isnt she beautiful? I just love her! I couldnt have gotten anything better! Thank you Sissie... from the bottom of my heart................ She's perfect!

Okay kids.... you know the routine............ I'm off to get some crocheting done before I have to trudge the snow to get my babies from school.

You all have a GREAT day!

Stay warm.

hugs... love and blessings,

.::Tam::.

**“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6 **

Prayers Please...

Well....... the doctors have officially labeled Michael in relapse. He's been put back on prednizone with the expectations of remission.

I prayed hard for this not to be the answer... that God would heal my baby completely. And I know I had so many of you... my wonderful cyber friends... and family praying right along with me... but I could never shake the feeling I was alone. In the end.. God said, "not today Tammy" So... we move forward with the instructions from the doctors and continue to pray for Michael... that the prednizone does its job and he will be back in remission. I have to be honest and tell you all... I'm quite sad at this decision. I haven't lost my love and trust for my Father in heaven.... but as any child who doesn't get there wish... I'm just really bummed.... and still left feeling alone. All the signs were there... the high protein levels... the edema... upset tummy... but I never let that move me.... I was so confident that God was going to just heal him. I'm still confident... I guess I wasnt expecting it to not be today.

It certainly didnt help me feel any better that there is still this DUMB family issue going on. An invitation to the boys basketball game and Christmas programs was completely ignored AGAIN. So.. guess you could say... yesterday .. wasnt one of my better days. Forgive my venting... but I know thats what friends and family are for..... and I thank you for being here!

Yesterday while driving the boys to school.... as we saw the sun rise... we noticed how first of all beautiful it was... how the sky took on a yellow orange glow... the clouds seem to be so clearly defined with the sun outlining them.... but we also noticed our own shadow. As we drove .. the van cast a shadow on the field next to us. It was so neat to see how one minute the shadow was right next to us... the next... it had drifted off far into the recently harvested corn field. We would be huge.. right next to ourselves... and tiny... far away. We played with the shadow all the way to school. After dropping the boys off... the ride home.... I thought of nothing but our fun all the way to school. This morning as we took our drive ... even thought the sun was up... the clouds had it covered enough... that it wasnt casting a shadow of the van. But we did get to enjoy a Beautiful moon this morning. With the sun hidden... we were able to see it so clearly and almost close enough to touch. Well.. my ride home this morning... was filled with thoughts of yesterdays ride and this mornings ride. So much that God shows us and we ignore. So many lessons He tries to teach us .. .but we dont really listen. He tries to show us He is ALWAYS right there with us.......... no matter what... and we just wont turn around and look.

The shadows from the van............... the van is God! We are the shadow. The van stays firm... the shadow travels near and far. Do you see this? God never changes... we do. We walk close to Him one minute and then let satan and the world pull us away. If we walk long enough at a distance... its harder to find our way back. Its okay to trip and fall once in a while... but dont walk away from God.................... Stay Close!!! He and only He will lead you through a life of joy.... here and after.

The sight of the moon............ God is the sun.......... we're the moon. With the sun being hidden by the clouds.. all thats seen is the moon... clear and bold. Can you see where I'm going with this one? We hide God from ourselves or others and all that is seen is us. The sun comes out... and although the moon isn't as bold and clear... you can still see it..... you can now almost see right though it. The sun shines right through it while defining the outline of it. You dont lose sight of the moon.. you see it with the sun! We let God shine through us... imagine what others will see!!!! Imagine what we can do with God in us. The peace.. the joy... the love... the confident dreams of walking the golden streets of Heaven one day. Walk with God in this life on earth ... and you'll walk with Him forever in heaven. Let Him shine through you...onto others!

I do hope what I'm trying to write is making sense............ My head is full of things I want to share... while satan is trying to cloud my head with doubts... worry and frustration.

God is everywhere.. He is always with us... through our good days and out tough days.

Well............ my crochet projects arent going to crochet themselves.... so ... I'm off to create carefully placed knots in yarn that will resemble a stocking cap! :)

have a terrific today and a wonderful weekend.

hugs....love and blessings to you all!!!

.::Tam::.

**So be strong and courageous, all you who put your hope in the Lord!
~ Psalm 31:24**

Gifts...........

what do you do with them?
You get a gift from someone... do you like it? do you want it? do you use it? As I was taking pictures of the fun stuff I have made lately... it dawned on me that all these things here were made with yarn my Aunt had given me while visiting for Thanksgiving. I was really rather proud of myself.... I was getting use of a gift. The best part... I turned the gift I got into gifts for others............. wow.. huh?

This is a beanie I made for one of my granddaughters......... I think I will add a flower to it.

This is a Baby Blanket made for the Elementary School Librarian's new grandbaby. Michael jumped in the van after school on Friday... and with excitement told me that Mrs. Madsen is a new Grandma. Well.. he didn't ask... but I knew that if he had a gift to give her when they went back to school after the weekend... he would be tickled. So... yup... with yarn gifted to me... 4.5 hours of my time... Michael and David took this gift.

This is a SeaShell Scarf... I made from yet more yarn gifted to me by my Aunt.

Sea Shell Scarf

Remember in a previous post ... I shared a Pineapple Scarf.............. that one and this one ... both from gifted yarn.

Pineapple Scarf

While in prayer this morning.... I kept interrupting myself with thoughts of how cool it was that I had made so many gifts for others through the gift of yarn that was given me. I was starting to get frustrated with myself when I realized God was trying to show me something. Yes.. I was proud of myself for using the gift I was given. And God was also. What He wanted to know is.... do I use the gifts He gives me?

The gift of life. "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Rom. 6:23).

The gift of spiritual understanding. "And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true" (1 John 5:20).

The gift of faith. "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast" (Eph. 2:8-9).
The gift of grace. "I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ" (1 Cor. 1:4).
The gift of Healing. "Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves. I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father." (John 14:11-12)

I could go on and on... but I think you get the picture. All these gifts and many more.... what do we do with them? Do we like them? Do we want them? Do we use them?

He gives these things to all of us. What we chose to do with them is up to us. How sad that we tuck our Father's gifts away and not enjoy them. I mean think about it... if I made a blanket for someone ... and they simply tucked it away in a closet of other blankets.. never to use it... I would be sad. I want them to use it.. use it till it falls apart. That's what the gift was intended for. Now think about this for a minute... Many will go to hell because they don't want the free gift of eternal life. Many will live their lives sick and die because they wont use the gift of healing. Many will live their lives in fear... with worry because they don't like to use the gift of faith by being patient.

So as I continued to pray............. I prayed knowing I have these gifts... I took them out of the closet I had tucked them away in ......... and Prayed that God would help me learn more about them.. and use them properly... and to His Glory.

God is good................. He DOES answer prayers!!!

hugs... love and blessings,

.::Tam::.

**But I am trusting you, O Lord, saying, "You are my God!"
Psalm 31:14 **

Storm the Gates of Heaven .....

with prayer for Michael.... Please!
For the last 3 years we have been fighting Satan over this issue of Michael being diagnosed with Nephrotic Syndrome. Satan is at it again... Michael's protein levels are very high (not good)... and he's shown signs of edema....(not good) The lies and evil tricks Satan has been placing in our way with Michael's health has been a rollercoaster ride I haven't had any fun on. I'm Done and I'm getting off!
Satan ... your lies and tricks will work NO MORE! I wont be caught in your web of distraction and destruction!!! My Father in Heaven.. Lord our God ... is where the TRUTH is........ and I will stand firm there!!
The Truth is ... God heals. The Truth is ...... God did not make Michael sick. The Truth is...God answers prayers... The Truth is... we are God's Children... Not Satans friends!
God wants us to pray to him for help.
In Luke 18:1 Jesus told his disciples that they "should always pray and not give up." and then Jesus asked "...will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night?"
Pray to God from your heart for healing. Don't stop. Don't give up. God wants us to ask him for help. He loves us.
Over 1/4 of the Gospel is about the healing ministry of Jesus Christ. Jesus taught his disciples how to pray and heal. He sent them to carry on his work. Wouldn't Jesus want his followers (us) to pray for healing today?
The Bible actually gives us some directions on how to pray for healing. In James 5:14-15 we are told: "Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15) And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven." and in James 5:16 we are asked to "confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed." and then told that "The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." In Mark 11:23-25 Jesus further instructs to forgive when we pray "I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, `Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. 24) Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. 25) And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins."
In Matthew 17:19-20 when he said "I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, `Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."
So............. I'm reaching out to all my cyber friends/brothers and sisters.
Please................. Prayer for healing over Michael.
Dont just say it... Do it ... and dont stop!
Thank you and God Bless you all!
Huge cyber Hugs............

.::Tam::.

**Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep His promise. Hebrews 10:23**

Faith... Fun...& Freebies.......

"By Faith the people passed through the Red Sea as on dry land…” Hebrews 11:29

I love the Word of God…and how it is truly alive and active when we choose to get into it and allow it to transform our hearts. But this particular scripture has been humorous to me. I thought, “For crying out loud, how much faith could it take to cross the Red Sea? You’ve already seen God’s might by way of parting it! The Egyptians are CHASING YOU, the only common sense thing to do is RUN ACROSS the sea through the path that God has created…or be slain by the Egyptians, or taken captive again! What kind of faith does it take to cross in those circumstances?” Like I said... I found it to be funny... until God made it real to me by relating it to my life. This past year God has called me to *step out* in a variety of ways in my life. This has been uncomfortable. Family issues... health issues with my son... *well and even myself at points*... and financial issues. I had a choice to make. I either had to stay where I was, or cross the Sea. To stay where I was and am means that I am not being an obedient child. There’s a grand reward in obedience. I know that crossing the sea is the way to go. I know its best for me.... I attempt to cross several times... but still seem to never make it all the way across.
Put yourself in the place of the Israelites. Picture yourself standing by the Red Sea. The Egyptians are hot on your trail. Moses raises the staff and the waters part. You’re standing on the shore looking at that. You have to run down a hill to the bottom of the sea..... Can you imagine how high the walls of water would be on each side of you? What about the noise of the wind holding the water back? You’d be thinking, “If I run into this....will the waters stay back until I get across? Can I make it before the waters come crashing back in?” “By faith the people passed through the Red Sea as on dry land.” Even when God is offering deliverance or a good path, it still takes faith to accept it! God is so faithful to us. He doesn’t stand on the other side of the sea shouting, “Hurry up and run!” He gently and lovingly stands by our side...takes our hand, and says..... “Beloved....don’t be afraid. I will not leave you nor forsake you, I have summoned you by name, you are mine. When you walk through the waters I will be with you, they will not sweep over you, for I am the Lord your God and I love you…together, let's cross the sea” (adapted from Isaiah 43). Is God calling you to “step out”? It could be getting more involved at church...a new ministry...a new job...learning to leave your worries to Him... sharing God with others...moving to a new area....any number of things. You know what it is... are you ready to cross that Sea with Faith.

Dear Lord....I seek You. Help me not to fear, but to be strong and courageous, standing on the promise that You will not leave me nor forsake me. Together we'll cross the sea. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Show and Share time...........
Well.......... check this out. While visiting Family over the Thanksgiving weekend.... I shared the 12 point round afghan pattern with my Aunt.. she had the idea of it already in her head.. and had attempted it once or twice.. but seemed to feel she was missing something in getting it completed. So after a few minutes of giving her some instructions.. it all fell into place.... and with that............. she let her creative talent take over. She made this lovely Poinsettia Tree Skirt for her daughter from that pattern. Isn't is just beautiful?!!
Coffee Cup Candle Cozy ornament
This comes from a pattern from a sweet lady on C'ville..... pinsandneedles.(freebie #1) Isn't this just too cute... if I do say so myself?!

Pineapple Scarf..........

This pattern came from another talented lady.... mylittlecitygirl (freebie #2)

I had only a bit of this yellow yarn and thought I was only going to be able to get a few pineapples done to practice the pattern... but before I knew it.... I had 6 pineapples done ... yarn gone ... and scarf a good length to actually be a gift. Thank you Alla for the pattern.

These next 2 pics are 12 point round dish cloths drawn up around a 3oz. jar candles. With all the crocheting...sharing of ideas and patterns with my Aunt... I came away with this idea for a gift. Now wouldn't this be a nice little gift for a teacher?

Well................thats it for me today.... I'm off to crochet and knit till my fingers are numb!

Have a Fantastic Friday... and a Wonderful Weekend!

God Bless you all......

Hugs & Love,

.::Tam::.

**Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O Lord, do not abandon those who search for you.
~ Psalm 9:10**

What God gives you...

There was a quote made in the movie Evan Almighty that we had watched this last weekend while on our Thanksgiving vacation.... it really made me think. God was talking to Evan’s wife and said, “Let me ask you something. If someone prays for patience, you think God gives them patience? Or does he give them the opportunity to be patient? If he prayed for courage, does God give him courage, or does he give him opportunities to be courageous? If someone prayed for the family to be closer, do you think God zaps them with warm fuzzy feelings, or does he give them opportunities to love each other?”
For my own added thoughts... if someone asks God for more Faith in Him... do you think He gives them Faith ... or does He provide a situation in their life for them to choose to believe His Word... to know in their hearts before they see it with their eyes. If we ask God for more trust... does He just give us trust... or does He place something in our lives that as disheartening as it is... it creates a decision time for us to Trust our Father in heaven and believe He knows what is best for us.
What God gives me...
Patience.... a family issue that to me has gone on WAY TOO LONG. But God has work to do... and I need to continue to be patient and wait on Him.
Courage.... Michael's protein levels are back up ... top of the chart. God is giving me an opportuntiy to be brave.
Closer family.... Though the family issue here at home... God gave us the opportunity to love family we don't normally visit. Which created a closer ... bigger family.
Faith.... I know in my heart before I see with my eyes.... changed hearts will come to my family here that will allow us to reconcile and forgive.
Trust.... with Michael's levels being high.... I am giving the opportunity to trust God with all my heart and soul ... that because He is a loving Father... He will take care of Michael and not let anything bad happen to him.... even though that may mean a little pain and discomfort in the short term. If I trust God with my own life... I have to trust Him with my son's.
Thankfulness.... through all this............ I am so very thankful that God loves me enough... that He would take time to lay out these lessons so individually just for me... to help me learn. My lessons are not anywhere near the same as lessons for anyone else. That alone should show us how much God loves us. He doesn't group lessons together and teach a class... He teaches us one on one. With all that we have done to and with our lives... He still has time to spend with us individually. Hmmm...... we should do the same for Him. Going to church is the best thing you can do for yourself to learn and be with others. But what about one on one time with God?
Try thanking Him for your trials............ you may be surprised at what He does with that.

Show and Share time......
This is just a couple beanies I made. One is about the size for small child/toddler (camouflage). The other is a preemie size (pink/purple stripe). I'm working on sizing right now with beanies... so that I'm ready for my added Challenge next year. :)

Have a wonderful Wednesday!
hugs... love... blessings,
.::Tam::.

Prayers for my family and Michael would be appreciated!

**O my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge.
~ Psalm 62:8**

Learn how to be happy....

Praise the Lord............. What a Blessed Thanksgiving day and weekend!!!

“Happy Thanksgiving!” people wish me repeatedly this last week. Seems like everyone wishes for happiness. Everybody wants some. Many people pretend to have it …yet few seem to truly possess it. Why is happiness so hard to find?
The fourth chapter of Philippians. Look up and read verses six through thirteen.
Check out verse six, Paul gives three clear instructions for finding lasting happiness and contentment. He says:
1) do not worry about anything
2) pray about everything
3) thank God for everything
What if today we took this instruction to heart and put it into practice? What if today we decided not to worry about anything? What if when we found ourselves worrying, we stopped and handed the situation over to God in prayer? What if we then thanked Him for taking care of the issue? In fact, what if we spent most of our mental free time today thinking about what good care our awesome God takes of us? What would happen then?
Paul says in verse seven, if we begin to live this way we will experience amazing peace – a kind of peace we can’t even imagine. Peace that makes no earthly sense! This kind of peace is so powerful that it has a protective function on our hearts and minds – which only makes it easier for us to stop worrying and be thankful. That sounds like a state of happiness to me!
In verse eight Paul shares what to think about instead of our worries – whatever is good, true, honorable, pure, lovely, praise worthy, and right. Many things can fall into these categories, but Christ covers them all! This is not just “positive thinking,” this is “spiritual thinking.”
Further down in Philippians 4:10-13, From behind bars Paul says, “I’ve learned how to get along happily whether I have much or little … I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little" (Phil. 4:11-12). Did you catch that? Paul learned how to be happy and content. It didn’t just happen once he reached his goals. So happy contentedness is not something that comes once our waistlines have slimmed, our wrinkles are erased, our houses are organized, our children are successful, our bosses have thanked us, or our husbands dote on us. Instead it is learned as we become prayerful and thankful, as we practice spiritual thinking and as we trust totally in Christ despite our circumstances.
I can’t think of a better time to start practicing Paul’s process of prayer, thankfulness, and “spiritual thinking” than this Thanksgiving.
I know for me... This Thanksgiving day and weekend were more than could have imagined to be thankful for. Happy? Yes.......... I was very HAPPY! Thankful? Beyond words! Blessed? More than I could have even asked for.

Dear Lord, I’m turning over all my fears and problems to You to handle today. I can’t fix a single thing by worrying about it - but you can fix anything because nothing is impossible for You! Thank You for my blessings, big and small. Thank You for Your loving care for me. Thank You for being in charge of my day and my life. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

This is a picture of our wonderful Thanksgiving dinner being prepared and set out.
Thats my sweet Uncle Lou in the back.... double checking my Ham to make sure its done just right. Or maybe he's wondering what the world I have in there... hehhehee.... Oh wait... did I see him snitch a taste? I love you Uncle Lou!
This year... Thanksgiving took on a new meaning for me. With the big family *issue* that is going on right now... I really felt I needed to be with other family that ....... well..... I'll just say it.... *wanted me*
So... Ken.. being the most wonderful supportive husband ever.. packed the van and drove us 5 hours to see my Aunt, Uncle and Cousins. We arrived first thing Thanksgiving morning in time spend the morning preparing our Thanksgiving meal. My cousin was able to get the Fellowship Hall/Kitchen at her church for us to have our Thanksgiving. It worked out great... no stress at all.... we prepared the food right there all morning in the kitchen.... we set the food out buffet style for all to fill their plates.... ate till we could pop... visited for quite some time... and clean up was fairly easy due to the church having two dishwashers. We packed up leftovers for each of us to take with us ... and since Ken got us a lovely suite .. it had a nice kitchen for us to have leftovers in.
I went on this trip with a bit of a selfish attitude... that the trip was for me. To be close to family..... feel loved and wanted. I came home from this trip with God showing me that this trip wasnt ALL about me. He showed me that my Aunt, Uncle and cousins needed us as much as I need them. *what satan plans for destruction... God turns to love and healing* This family issue here at home is what satan has been using to destroy me and my family... God took that and completely changed it. Yes.. the *issue* is still there............ but that too will be shown to all of us as a blessing in it... but for now.. we get the blessings from it. Its amazing what simply loving one another can do. I felt so much peace while on this trip. And I have to say... the life that came back to my Aunt while we were there was just amazing. Not to mention the sparkle in my Uncles eye. From the day we arrived to the day we left... it was like two different people. Thank you GOD! Ken and the boys had a great time. Ken was able to just relax for once... and the boys were able to love and enjoy family they hadnt seen in a year. We're already talking about another trip after the New Year.
I learned a great lesson in happiness and thankfulness this Thanksgiving.
Well...............you all know me... time to get back to work.... I have lots of crocheting and knitting to do. Christmas is getting closer and I have gifts to get done.
Have a Magnificent Monday.

Hugs......... Love............ Blessings,
.::Tam::.

Philippians 4:6-9, “Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.”