Have you ever?

Have you ever had someone who spoke words that gave you hope?
This morning during my time with God he reminded me of a woman who I will call Doreen. She was a client of mine back when I worked in a nail salon. Every 4th week Doreen would come to the salon to relax and get pampered. Our conversation would start out with "how have you been?" or "do you have any plans for the weekend?" After a few minutes of listening politely to what had been going on in her life, I would then begin to complain about my family life. Like how miserable I was being married and how my daughter wouldn't listen to me at all. When I now think about all the nasty things I would say (while I proclaimed I was a christian)it must have made her sick at heart. She had a relationship with Jesus. Many times she would speak truth to me. I didn't not realize then but I now know that she was planting seeds.
My life has changed so much since our talks at the salon. My husband and I have been married for 20 years and my relationship with my daughter has been renewed. I haven't seen Doreen for quite sometime but I am very thankful for the words that she spoke to me. For encouraging me to read my bible, spend time with God and go to church even when I didn't feel like it. I know that she prayed for my family and me. That we would find the hope and contentment only God could give us.
So, when someone who feels that life is unfair begins to share their story with me, I listen and pray. I ask God to give me the words that He wants me to speak to her. To encourage her to press on and not give up because you never know when that blessing is about to happen.

Inner Beauty

II Corinthians 4:16

Yes, as I look into the mirror I can see it, I'm getting older. Everyday I take a step closer looking like a wiser woman. Wasn't it just yesterday that I could apply my make-up without watching it move from here to there? I also remember the times in my life that when I arose in the morning I could move without any pain.
I once knew a woman who wasn't concerned about getting older. Yet she was always working on herself, making sure that every morning was spend with the Lord. Her conversations with God seemed to go on for hours at least that's how it appeared to me as a young girl. I saw passed the wrinkles and the tried old body as I would look at her. And there I would see her willingness and faithfulness to seek His Kingdom first. I realize now that is what made her the beauty she was.
God, give me the longing to seek You everyday. To be faithful and willing to allow You to press me on all sides so that I will have that inner beauty that my mother displayed. Amen
II Corinthians 4:16

My Calling?

I am sorry it has taken me so long to write.I'm not even sure if anyone has been reading my blog. But this whole writing adventure scares me. Have you ever felt God calling you to do something but your not sure you can do it? Well that is where I am right now with this writing thing. I have never been to good with poetic or big descriptive words. If I can be completely honest with you I'm a terrible speller. Oh I forgot I can use spellcheck. I do have a desire to put my thoughts on paper and I have been told that's half the battle. I also know that God will give me the resources. OK , I think I will give it a try and trust God.

Got Faith?

I never thought much about the word faith,I guess it just has been apart of my life for sometime. So during my time with the Lord this morning he led me right to the word "faith". Faith in the Webster dictionary means: a firm belief in something for which there is no proof.
I thought I can relate to that,I had a marriage that was doomed,ready to end and hopeless. I didn't want this marriage to end in divorce too. I had experienced seeing the pain in my son's eyes as he watched his Dad leave so many years ago. Our life was turned upside down on that September evening as we watched him drive away.
I didn't want it to happen again, not in this marriage. So, that is were faith came in I had no proof that my marriage was going to last. Our marriage was about what I wanted and (for my husband) it was about what he wanted.Then one day when I was crying out to God, He softly whispered" I Am going thorough you to get to him." Did you caught that? God was asking me if I would let Him change me from the inside out. It took longer then I had hope to see that change in my husband but I often wonder what would have happen if I had stop because there was no proof. We have been married now for 20 years and I am looking forward to the next 50:)

This is all new to me

Tammy Rude is a wife,mother and women's leader who is living a restored, Christ-centered life.

Tammy speaks with transparency using lessons learned through her struggles with marriage,motherhood,depression, and ultimately through her victory by God's redeeming power. She enthusiastically presents practical Bible-centered solutions to the problems every woman and family face.Her tender yet firm style challenges listeners to lay down excuses and confront personal obstacles in the power available to them from God through Christ.

Tammy's perspective that each woman is God's masterpiece resonates throughout her speaking as she unravels her difficult life experiences to reveal evidences of the ever-present hand of God...the presence that exists in each person's life...and how everyone can recognize and embrace the Holy Spirit's guidance to live as God's masterpiece.

Tammy's acting gift of immersing herself into character enables her ability to portray significant women of the Bile in engaging dramatic monologues. "The Woman at the Well" is a repeatedly requested performance the always leaves the audience breathless.

Speaking Schedule

February 23, 2012/ time 11:00-noon

BlogTalk radio with Lisa Shaws Ministries

March 9,2012
Endicott, New York
Monologue performance for Life Choices Center
Banquet at Union Center Christian Church

April 19, 2012
Fundraiser for Broome County Right to Life

May 10, 2012
SisterTime Ministries in Johnson, New York

June 9, 2012
Liberty Free Methodist Church
Liberty, New York

July 7, 2012
Aglow Ministries