Beyond the Choice Promo

At first it was a thought, how could we at Life Choices Center, get the message out to women who are hurting because of the "choice" they made? To let them know that they aren't alone and that there is hope, beyond the choice. It was then, Karen, (she the support services director), the ladies of “Beyond the Choice” abortion recovery program and myself talked about getting a DVD made. I knew just the person who could help, my husband Danny, he had started the church's video ministry several years ago and in the past did wedding videos. I asked and he said he would help.

Danny, thank you for all the time you put into this project. For being the cameraman, director and editor, I know God was smiling and will bless for your excellent work.

Thank you to all the women who bravely stepped out of the dark and trusted God. May God bless you for sharing your secret sin.

So, my friends, I give all my praise God and present to you…Beyond the Choice

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.

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?

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.

In Memory of Lilly

There are things in my life I love to remember. Like, when my dad would kiss me good-night before he went to bed or my mom’s sweet smile and tender words of encouragement. Remembering can bring a smile to your face or it can bring tears to your eyes. Looking back often takes you to the times when we have seen God's faithfulness.

On March 27, 2009 “Beyond the Choice” abortion recovery program held a memorial service. We offer this service to give women who have gone through the program the opportunity to openly acknowledge and grieve their children.

As I prepared for this special event, it took me back to the day I had finally accepted my abortion as my child. Stepping back and as I gazed at the table, it reminded me of the day that he was called by his name, a day he became a person to the world. There in the center stood a large white candle, symbolizing Jesus Christ, and placed around it were smaller candles representing the children lost to abortion. Off to the right stood a tall glass vase were I had placed three long-stemmed red roses in memory of the children and as a reminder of God’s forgiveness through the blood of Jesus.

Soon everyone had arrived. They took their seats and the room filled with the sound of small talk. I believe it was to hide the feelings that would soon surface. I waited a few minutes to let everyone feel at ease before I walked over to light the candle in the center of the table. The room became silent. We opened in prayer. I thanked them for coming every week to the Bible study and for pressing through the hard stuff but most of all, for trusting God. I ended with this verse:

Psalm 34:5-6,8 (NLT)
5Those who look to him for help will be radiant with
joy; no shadow of shame will darken their
faces. 6In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord
listened; he saved me from all my
troubles.

8 Taste and see that the Lord is
good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge
in him!

Now it was time for each of us who had lost a child through abortion to light a small candle off the larger one. I went first. As I picked up the candle, my emotions came to the surface and I began to wonder: what kind of person would my child have been today? What might his voice have sounded like as he spoke my name or told me that he loved me? The feeling was bittersweet as I whispered his name…Christian Daniel. I then walked over to my chair, sat down, and wiped the tears that were flowing from my eyes.

A few moments later a young woman, who never got to hold her child because of her “right to choose", walked over to the table. She reached down, picked up a small candle, and lit it in memory of her daughter…Lilly. After a few moments of silence, she read Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 telling us that these words gave her comfort after her abortion. Her eyes began to tear up as she spoke about how much this study had helped her.
She thanked me for introducing her to Jesus and she said “You’ll never know how much you helped me.” Then her friend, who had called the abortion clinic to make the appointment, went over to the table and lit a candle for Lilly, too. She said that she will always be grateful for the truth that was revealed to her and the forgiveness through Jesus Christ that she had received.

On that day I saw God bless two young ladies, who had been bound by the lies of Satan, and set them free in an instant by sharing their secret. I watched the tears of sorrow and shame become tears of joy. They were set free!

As we said our good-byes and they walked away, I knew they had... tasted the Lord and that He is good.

Yes to God...Chapter 1

This is the first week of “Yes to God” bible study with Lelia,our host. I’ve missed you guys in the last study and I’m looking forward to seeing where God will take us as we read “An Untroubled Heart” by Micca Campbell.

Highlighted in blue has been taken from the book.

The first chapter caught me off guard. As I started to read Micca’s story about the tragic death of her husband, it took me back to the day that my mom’s bathrobe caught on fire. She was making her morning tea when her sleeve touched the open flame on the stove. By the time she (at 88 years old) could put out the fire 90% of her body was covered with 3 degree burns. She went home to the Lord seven hours later in the hospital with her five daughters standing at her bedside singing "Amazing Grace."

Shortly after her death, I began to question my faith. I remember screaming at God “How could you let this happen to such a faithful servant of yours?” Soon after that tragic event I received my Proverbs 31 magazine, which I read from cover to cover. In the magazine there was a story about a young wife and mother who lost her husband in a fire accident. By the end of the article, I could barely see with my eyes as tears screamed down my face but my heart could clearly see the faithfulness of God.

Micca, if you’re reading this I want to say …Thank you for sharing your story, it gave me hope.

So, my prayer is as I journey through the pages in the upcoming weeks, the statement found on the front cover of the book… finding a faith that is stronger then all my fears, will take root in my heart.

I need help

I've been asked to share my views on why I'm pro-life with students of the Women's Wellness class at our University on April 21. During my conversation with the teacher,I mentioned I would be willing to share my story but I had to included my Saviour,Lord Jesus Christ, because my healing came from Him. To my surprise, she didn't have a problem with it. I couldn't believe it! God has completely orchestrated this meeting. This will be the first time that I've share my story with a group outside of the church walls.

So this is where I'm asking for your help. I would like to use power point(part of the time) which I have no clue in how that works but I have a friend helping me in that area. I would like to put in cartoons,images, short video,or whatever else to keep their attention along with statics. Where would I find those things on the web? I will have about hour and 20 mintues in front of the class. This generation is soooo visual.

Any suggestions will greatly be appreciated.

Please pray that my story(God's Story) will not just be heard but will touch their hearts and bring change!

THANKS!!!!