Friday, April 17, 2009

Morning Fog

James 4:14
How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is
like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone.

A few weeks ago we had a tragedy happen here in Binghamton. It even made national news; thirteen families lost their loved ones because of the rage that welled up inside of one man’s heart. Then shooting him self, leaving his family to mourn his death.

Death tried to make an appearance, once again in Binghamton, but this time it came to my home. On Friday night while everyone was sleeping, my husband Dan, got up to try to relieve the pain that had entered his chest. For two hours he convinced himself that the pain he was experiencing was indigestion. To him, a heart attack was out of the question. He was in great shape for a man of 54. He wasn’t overweight and he faithfully went to the gym 6 days a week. His routine consisted of 45 minutes of hard cardio, four times a week and weightlifting every other day, making sure to work each body part. Eating right has always been his way of life, its something he has done from the first day I met him. In fact, on the day we met, he had recently competed in a bodybuilding contest and won in his class. Do you see where I’m going with this? My husband appeared to be in excellent shape.

It was the next morning while we were having our coffee that he started to tell me what had happen, I immediately wanted him to call the doctor but he assured me that he felt fine and would call to make appointment on Monday. For the rest of the day he went about his daily routine and never complained. It wasn’t until 5:00 am on Easter morning that the pain was back and stayed with him until Monday that's when I called to make an appointment with our family doctor. Guess what he told me “Get him to the hospital.”

My husband had a heart attack!

Immediately, he went into surgery to correct the one artery that was completely clogged and another that was 7o% … we still can’t believe it. When speaking with the doctor after the surgery, I said “I can’t believe this has happened because he's in such great shape.” The doctor replied “Yes he is, but this is hereditary.

It’s only been a few days since my husband has been home and he is doing quite well, but I know things are about to change. God has started to rearrange our lives and I’m so excited to see where He will be placing all the pieces in order to glorify Him.

Life is a vapor.
I’m learning to be content in the morning fog, to sit quietly as it surrounds me. Our lives only last a short time here on earth before standing in the very presence of God but until then…I will enjoy the morning fog.

Tammy

Friday, April 3, 2009

Close to home...Binghamton

I'm not sure what I did to make this one big link,but you can click on it to read the article.

The world stopped for many in Binghamton, New York, I've lived in this small city for 21 years and when I was growing up,I was only about 25 minutes away.

At about 10:30 am, a man made the decision to walk into the American Civic Center in downtown Binghamton and opened fire on volunteers and workers. That act of violence killed fourteen and critically wounded four people.

Down the street about a block away, my daughter had her first experience in a lock down at the high school. When I heard that Binghamton High was locked down, I wasn't sure what this all meant except she was there and I was at home. For the first time,I was glad that Sydney had taken her cell phone to school. I have this thing about cell phones going to schools and churches. To me, its not the place to be texting when you should be listening. But today I was glad she had her phone. I might have to do some rethink on that rule, at least for school.

My daughter texted me a little after the first shootings had taken place to tell me she was fine. Later on, after several other messages, she said "and if something happens, I love you." Did I read that right? " "If something happens?!" At that moment my mother's words came back to me "Honey, give me a kiss good-bye because you never know." I'd think "What is she talking about, nothing going to happen." But she was right... you never know.

Everyday we get up and do what we do best...live our lives. Yet again, we see through a tragedy, our lives need to be lived as if this is our last day. We need not worry about the things that might need to be done or what brings us worldly pleasure. We must get up every morning and say "God, I want to do the things that bring You Glory and Praise."

Yesterday, my daughter, called on the name of Jesus. I wonder...How many other did the same?



Tammy

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Yes to God...Chapter 2




Welcome to another week to “Yes to God” bible study with Lelia as our host. I’m looking forward to seeing where God will take all of us as we read “An Untroubled Heart” by Micca Campbell.



Highlighted in blue is taken from the book


At the end of chapter two “the fear factor” there’s eight questions presented to build a strong foundation as we dig deeper into God’s Word. All of these questions really do get you thinker going, but for me, it was the simplest question that stood out.

“What fears do you have today?”

Well, let’s see. I fear the aging process. Without ever leaving upstate NY, I can have my very own tropical moment (menopause). Oh, I mustn’t forget the wrinkles, sagging skin, and one day having to wear those adult diapers (you’ve heard what happens when you cough) and will someday have my hair colored every four weeks instead of six because of the graying. I know what your thinking...“Come on Tammy, that’s so superficial, there’s got to be something more fearful then that.” “You’re right, there is, but I don’t like to talk about.”

When I talk about, or even think about what might happen I become fearful. In the last 16 years, I’ve worked hard to build this foundation. Reading the instructions and being so careful to follow every word. From the outside, everything appears to look good. But when I drop my daughter off at school, that’s when fear shows up. Right before my eyes, I see the enemy luring our youth into the world of pleasure. Every week, I meet with young ladies over at the Crisis Pregnancy Center and see the choices they are making. I see how television, magazines and music glamorize sex before marriage. The fear that my daughter will walk down the same road I did…scares me.

I need to stop right here and be honest. I’ve been sitting at my computer for the last hour typing and deleting. Typing and deleting because I’m afraid that I don’t have something clever or profound to say. English class never was one of my a favorite subject. The fear of being judged on my writing ability scares me. Since I’ve started writing on my blog, I've been blessed with new friends, who love the Lord like I do. During my weekly visit to all of your blogs, I’m blown a way as I read your thoughts. Your words flow so beautifully together.

I’m not sure why I’m telling you this but I do feel a lot better now.

I love all of you for taking the time to visit and when I make my rounds, know that I receive wisdom, knowledge and many blessings from reading your thoughts.

Tammy