This past weekend I was visiting a church in Wichita Falls, TX.  While I was there, I was blessed and inspired by the pastor’s message.  God reminded me of a powerful and wonderful truth!

I love Christmas and can’t believe it is only days away.  I have to be honest.  It’s easy for me to get caught up in the busyness of it all.  It’s easy to make Christmas about ALL the Wrong things.  Even good things, when put in the wrong priority, can become a burden at Christmas instead of a blessing. 

Christmas is not about me.  Not about my Christmas dinner menu.  Not about getting every gift bought and every present wrapped.

Christmas is about others.  It’s about giving love away.  I mean, isn’t that what God did when He gave us Jesus?  I know you’ve probably heard all of this before. So, here’s where I get to the point….

God has given me a burden to give the gift of love to my family, my friends & my community.  I just want to see them all enjoy a full and happy Christmas!

However, I know that, in many of their lives, making Christmas special would require a whole lot more than a Starbucks gift card!

I think about my kids.  They’ve, all three, written a number of Christmas lists over the past several weeks.  And it’s important to me that their Christmas is memorable and special.  That doesn’t mean I’ll be getting all the things on their wish lists.   In fact, what I’d really like to wrap up for them are gifts of kindness, character, respect, wisdom and godliness to open up on Christmas day.

Looking outside our home, I think of the family in need this Christmas.  I don’t know much about them but what I do know is that times are extremely tough for them right now.  If I could, I would wrap for them the gift of a secure future, peace, and hope.  I would give them the gift of constant provision and financial security.

I think of the cashier at a local store who will be missing her husband this Christmas day.  He has recently been deployed and will be away from his wife and kids while my family gets to celebrate together.  If I could wrap up the gift of comfort and joy, I would hand deliver it to her and to him wherever he is in the world.

I think of the family whose small son is struggling with cancer.  I would love more than anything to wrap up the gift of healing for him this Christmas and to give them a promise of hope.

I think of the broken relationships I am aware of around me.  While they may feel that their only option is to give up and walk away, I would love to give them a gift of restoration, renewed passion and a future.

I think of the husband that just lost his job and the heavy burden that weighs on him to provide for his family.  If I could reach in to my pocket and meet his family’s needs for the next six months, so that the burden could be lessened, I’d do it.  I’d like to wrap up the gift of confidence, peace and direction and put it under his tree.

See that’s the whole problem…I’m willing.  I’m just not able.

BUT I HAVE GOOD TIDINGS OF GREAT JOY!!!  Christ is willing AND able…  HE IS ABLE.

Do you believe it?  Have you considered it?  What ever it is that burdens you…HE IS ABLE!

He is able to do above all we could ever ask or think.

Ephesians 3:20-21 says,

 ²⁰ Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, ²¹ to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever!

Perhaps this Christmas finds you hurting…

You’re anxious about the growth and wellbeing of your kids…HE IS ABLE

You’re doing everything you can and it’s still not enough to meet your family’s needs…HE IS ABLE

Your loved ones are far away and the loneliness is suffocating…HE IS ABLE

Your child is sick and you are afraid…HE IS ABLE

Your marriage is hopeless…HE IS ABLE

You’ve lost your job and you can no longer provide for your family…HE IS ABLE

Who is this CHRIST who says He is able?

The prophet Isaiah said it best when he foretold of Christ’s birth.

Isaiah 9:6b “And His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”

Unwrap this truth and let it fill your life,

“And His name shall be called

Wonderful (inspiring delight, pleasure, or admiration; extremely good; marvelous)

Counselor (our advocate to God and giver of wisdom and truth)

Mighty God (possessing great and impressive power or strength)

Everlasting Father (never ending, One who gives care and protection)

The Prince of Peace (royal ruler, who gives freedom from disturbance; providing quiet and tranquility)”

This is who Jesus is – the gift of God Himself in human form. 

And guess what…He’s not only willing.  He’s able.

MY CUP OF TEA

Okay I’m switching gears but I want to tell you about a great Christmas stocking stuffer.  Lash Blast Mascara by Maybelline!  I began using this mascara about 2 years ago and I love it.  It’s under $10 and it doesn’t clump or goop up (Is goop a word?).  It works as good as more expensive department store brands if you ask me.  This mascara is not waterproof (I hate the work to get waterproof mascara off my lashes)but it stays on my lashes and keeps me from looking like a raccoon as the day wears on.

I think you’ll love it.  Comment on this week’s blog and you will be entered to win a tube of this great mascara. The winner will be announced tomorrow.

I pray you all have a Wonderful and very Merry Christmas!

Thank you, everyone, for your thoughts!  The winner of the Maybelline LashBlast mascara is…chosen by random generator…Tara Altenritter.  Tara, contact us with your mailing address so we can get your gift to you!  Congrats!

Black Friday…It’s named for the hope that retailers will end the year in the black instead of the red on their record books.  Yet, the name seems all the more fitting to describe the mood and behavior of so many who shopped on Black Friday.  There have been lots of stories in the news about Black Friday altercations.  No doubt tensions were high and I guess I witnessed it first hand.   I ventured out on Black Friday against my better judgment and happened upon an angry mother with two young children.  She was giving a Starbucks employee a piece of her mind for not pouring enough coffee in her cup.  She got so worked up she demanded to see the manager.    The employee behind the counter looked tired and frazzled and it seemed this complaint was about to do her in.

I began to get a little angry myself, at this ridiculous display.  In my mind I was thinking of how I would step in and take care of the situation.  I began running through options in my head:

A.  I would go over and tell the lady she was being ridiculous and making a fool of herself in front of her kids.  (I believe the others waiting would have deemed me the hero of the day and applauded my efforts since, by the look on everyone’s face, we all seemed to feel the same way about this lady.)

B.  I would go over and ignore the lady and talk directly to the frazzled employee.  I’d stand there and tell her although her day had been long and probably thankless, I appreciated her hard work.  

Or… I could go to the third option…This option is the one I call “other”.  It’s the option listed just after all of my options have been exhausted.

It’s like when you are filling out a form and A or B don’t fit so there is an “other” option.

  (Notice I didn’t say “c” because in situations where the word “other” is used, it is to describe something all together different from what’s stated in “a” and “b”. )

What I’ve learned is that God works in “other”.

When faced with everyday situations, I usually have a couple of ways I think I should handle a situation and then there’s God’s way.  It usually is quite different from what seems the obvious choice to me.

Let me give you an example. Several years ago my daughter, Abby, was being bullied at school.  When I heard about it, my blood pressure began to rise (call it a passion for justice) and I began to think of ways I would HANDLE the situation.  I would don my cape and TCB  – that means Take Care of Business.  I began to work through my options in my mind:

A. I would give this bully the evil eye when I saw her that would let her know I was on to her.

B. I would track down her parents and ask if they were aware that their girl is being hateful to others and offer them a book on parenting.

C. I would give Abby some good comebacks to really put this girl in her place next time she began bullying her.

Once I’d exhausted my ideas I was left with the option of  “other”.

I prayed and said, “God, I know you tell us not to seek vengeance.  I’m sure you also know that I don’t want to see Abby bullied in school.  If you don’t think any of my options are the best way to solve the situation…then I guess I want to hear yours.  What is it?”

His answer was a big resounding “OTHER” as I mentally saw it being checked in the box.

Guess what He said?

Love her. 

“Love her – this hoodlum child?  Love her?  God, I don’t even often see her.  How could I possibly show love to this girl?”  Why would I ever do something like that?!?!”

Have a sleepover. 

“Oh, God, that will never work. I would have to talk with her mom and I rarely see her mom at pick-up time.  What if her mother is as mean as she is?  Besides, what if Abby doesn’t like that idea!”

Silence.
“Okay, Lord, if you want her to come for a sleepover, there are some things to be worked out…

• Her mom will need to be there the same time I am at pick-up.
  
• Abby will have to be okay with this idea.

I left my concerns with God and moved forward that day with my plan.

Now, I’m not making this up.  When I approached the school door for pick-up I was shocked to find the bully’s mom right in front of me.  Before I could speak a word to her we both looked and saw the girls walking out together.   (Here’s where it gets really crazy.)  Abby pipes up and says,  “Mom, we had a talk today and we decided to be friends, can we have a sleepover?!?!

Cue Tammy…It was my turn to speak.  At first, I was tongue-tied, but I finally found my voice and said, “Well, since you mentioned it…” I turned to the girl’s mom and asked if it’d be okay for her daughter to sleep over.

She was a guest in our home that Friday night.   While she was over, we talked to her, showed interest in her and, for lack of a better word…just “loved” on her.  And guess what, Abby hasn’t been bullied since.

I know it’s a crazy story and this type of thing doesn’t happen everyday. The point I want to make is this.  As you are faced with frustrating situations and frustrating people this Christmas season, know that you can always choose the option “other”.   But remember, God’s option always involves love and loving others is not always our first choice.

It’s easy to say, “Let’s love each other.”  Especially when things are going our way.  But today’s blog is food for thought.  The next time you find your feathers ruffled, (long lines, heavy traffic, rude people, change of plans), as you’re thinking of how you will “handle” the situation…consider “other”.

Thinking back to the incident at Starbucks, I actually don’t know how things turned out.  While they were waiting on the manager, I was already heading out the door and on to my next “thing.”   I got into my car with “options” still running through my head.  As I thought, a still small voice said, “You could have tried love.”  It’s true.  I’ll never know what good it could’ve done.  But Love always “does good”.  Imagine the difference if we all would choose the option… “other”.

 My Cup of Tea

Today I want to share with you something I’ve used quite a bit lately.  Dry shampoo.  You know how you have those days where you don’t want to wash your hair but you are afraid of how it might look at the end of the day?  No body wants dirty looking hair.  Dry shampoo has actually given me a day of rest with hair washing.  It’s great!  I apply it right to the root of my hair mostly at my crown, temple and nape of the neck.  I let it dry for about 15-30 seconds and then comb through.  Another great use for dry shampoo is for body and lift.  There are many types of dry shampoo on the market and I’ve tried several.  I noticed that TreSemme’ does as good a job as any and it’s the least expensive I have found.  Those of you who comment on today’s blog will be entered into a drawing for your own TreSemme’ Dry Shampoo.

And the winner is…Kathy Matheny!!!  Chosen by random generator.  Kathy, please contact us with your mailing information and we’ll get your dry shampoo right out to you! 

 I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. (Eph 3:16-17) NLT

This weekend our family music ministry, Calling Levi, sang in Florida.  We left home Friday night at six, arrived in Florida on Saturday afternoon, set up, sang Sunday morning, left for home and arrived back on Monday morning at 8:00 am.  Talk about a crazy trip!

For over 20 years now I have traveled in music ministry in some form. (That would mean I started when I was three. Ha!) In fact, at home, I keep my toiletry bag packed at all times.  I’m ashamed to say that the suitcase I used for our summer tour is still sitting neatly in the corner on my bedroom floor filled with summer clothes.

Through the years I have stayed in countless host homes and hotels. It would be interesting to me to know how many.  All of this traveling affords us plenty of opportunities for hilarious stories we will someday share with our grandkids (many, many years from now)!  I have quite a few stories of host home experiences gone awry: awkward conversations, uncomfortable rollaway beds, dead squirrel in the closet.  I’m not making this stuff up!!!

That’s why the phrase “there’s no place like home” is all the more special to me.  I have done my best to make our home a haven for Mark and I and the kids. It has my signature on the decor and design. From paint colors, to wall art, to candle scents, my home speaks of who I am.  It’s a reflection of me in every way.

As much as someone might want to make me feel at home when I travel, it’s never like being at home. Their homes are just not like mine. When I walk into someone else’s home, I stand in the entry way and ask them where they’d like me to put my bags, I then wait for them to tell me what we’ll do next. I follow their cue in everything until it’s my time to leave.

God spoke to me during our trip this weekend through a passage in the Bible,

Ephesians 3:16-17 I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. (NLT)

Have I simply allowed Christ into my heart and life to stand at the door and await my cue?   Does he feel like a visitor?  This passage says to let him make my heart and life HIS home – His paint colors, His wall art, His candles, His signature.  I think you get the point.  If you’ve invited Christ into your life, into your heart, how do you treat His presence there?  Have you given him the “run of the house” or are you treating Him like a guest?  There’s a big difference.

I’ve been challenged by this illustration to allow Christ to “make His home” in me.  So that when people see me, they see His signature. His design.  How do we allow Christ to make our hearts His home?

• Get rid of the junk.  (You know – that stuff that’s hidden in the closets.  Things you don’t want to tackle.  Stuff you don’t want others to see. It’s gotta go.)
• Expect major renovations.  If my heart is to become His home, He will probably begin by tearing down walls, and restructuring the space as He sees fit.
• Remember to trust the Architect.  His resources are boundless.  He never skimps.  He only adorns our hearts and lives with the finest of blessings and goodness.  And He requires nothing from us but the willingness to let Him work.  The Bibles verse says He will make His home in your hearts AS YOU TRUST HIM.”

I can honestly say my heart is a work in progress.  The only time the construction slows is when I get in the way.  But I’ll tell you something…what I have found is this – When Christ is Lord, there’s no place like home!

MY CUP OF TEA -

I love coffee and I drink a bunch of it.  My husband, Mark, and I finish a pot each morning and are left wanting.  Okay, so I’m sure there’s plenty to say about too much coffee.  But it’s the truth in my home. We love coffee.  So, in the afternoon when the coffee pot is already in the dishwasher, I can still have a cup of coffee if I like.  My friend, Tara, turned me on to Starbucks  instant coffee.  And it’s actually great for being instant!  I don’t treat myself to it every day.  I just enjoy a cup when I’ve been in front of the computer too long or need a pick-me-up.  Those of you who comment on today’s blog will, of course, be entered to win a box of your own to try for yourself.  Hope you enjoy like I do.  It’s definitely my cup of tea.

AND THE WINNER IS…(I was supposed to announce the winner on Wednesday but I’ve been spending the past several days being Thankful!)  Lisa Kerns!  Congratulations! 

LEARN & LIVE

Worry.  There are a few exceptions to the rule but most of us worry.  I’ve heard it said that if a person worries it means they’re intelligent.  (I guess because they apparently know those things that are so important to worry about?)  Maybe I’ve given myself the green light to worry because it just shows that I am concerned about what is going on in the many facets of my life.  We worry about our kids, our careers, our friendships.  You name it, someone is probably worrying about it.

Whatever the case, in the Bible, we’re told not to worry.  So the other day, I was driving home from taking my oldest to school.  I was worrying about her.  She’s 11 now and on some days I have to fight to suppress the question, “Who are you? And what did you do with my little Abby- Jane? “  Don’t get me wrong.  Abby is a beautiful, sensitive girl.  I’m very proud of her.  But this was one of those days that I was worrying about Abby and the importance of her making the right choices in her life. 

As I drove, I began praying…somewhat frantically.   In my prayer I decided to quote a verse I memorized as a child.  I began,

“Lord you say in Your Word… ‘Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, let your request be made known unto God…and the peace of God which passes all understanding will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus’.” 

After I said it, I waited.  Didn’t feel any different.  I asked, “So, God? When does the peace which passes understanding actually hit me?”  “How long do I have to wait for the peace?”   “How long before I feel the worry go away?”

God didn’t shout down the answer to me that day although I would’ve welcomed it.  In fact, once I got out of the car, I was back to my to-do list and pushed the whole experience to the back of my mind.

Two mornings later, of all things, I opened up my devotion book and noticed that the verse under the introduction was THE VERY SAME verse I had quoted in my car.  I began reading it from my New Living Translation Bible.  Here’s what it said…

Don’t worry about anything.  (I’m trying.)

Instead, tell God about everything – (Oh, I’m good at that.)

Tell God what you need…(Check.)

AND THANK HIM FOR ALL HE’S DONE.  (Ooops!)

Wait!  I missed something very important when I quoted this passage in the car… “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, let your request be made known unto God…WITH THANKSGIVING.”  How could I have left out that whole phrase?  I’d forgotten it altogether – the part about GIVING THANKS!

So, here it was, God’s answer to my question in the car -

found in Philippians 4:6&7

 ⁶ Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.

⁷ 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.

My responsibility…

1. Don’t worry about anything;
2. Instead, pray about everything.
3. Tell God what you need, and
4. Thank Him for all He has done.

My frantic prayer in the car should have sounded a little more like this:

Lord, I’m really tempted to worry about Abby in this tumultuous time in her life.

Instead of worrying, I want to bring this concern to You.

I need You to do what I cannot.  I need You to protect and encourage Abby to make the choices that bring You honor.

God, Thank you for the beautiful, sensitive, kind daughter you gave me.

Thank you that my concerns for Abby are important to you.

Thank you that I can pray at any time and You will hear me and answer.

Thank you that You desire to work on my behalf.

Thank you that You have a purpose and a plan for her life.  Help me to see it too.

God’s Promise…

THEN you will experience God’s peace (and not just any peace) the kind of peace that exceeds your understanding.  – Sign Me up!

And HIS peace will guard your heart and your mind (from Worry) as you live in Christ Jesus.

I don’t know who needs to hear this today but  “person – whoever you are” God wants you to stop worrying.   Today, I am giving you God’s remedy for worry.  Perhaps you’ll give it a try.

I know for me…the more I learn…the more I live.

MY CUP OF TEA –

One thing that always helps me to breath deeply and let go of my worries is the smell of a good candle burning.  I would have to say, there’s nothing like a wonderful scent to fill your home after a hectic day.  Often, I’ll even light a candle on my desk while I work.  Some of the candles I enjoy are made by Slatkin & Co. for Bath & Body Works.  They have some amazing candles for every season!

And, guess what?  You knew it was coming…comment on my blog today and you will be entered to win a drawing for your own Slatkin & Co. candle to help you enjoy this Thanksgiving season!

AND THE WINNER of the Slatkin & Co. Candle is…  Kristin Brackin chosen by random generator.

Please e-mail us with your contact info so we can get your gift to you!

Prov 17:22 – A cheerful heart is good medicine. 

Just yesterday morning I knelt down in my bathroom to get something out from underneath the sink and my right knee started to ache with pain.   That’s when I was quickly reminded of what took place just a week ago.  I was traveling with our music ministry, Calling Levi,  in Mississippi.

After the concert, I decided to change for our two-hour trip to the airport.  I went to the van for my suitcase and headed back into the church building.  The pastor, my sister, and our scheduling coordinator, Sheri were waiting to open the door for me as I returned.  All I can tell you is that one minute I was looking at them standing at the door; and the next I was looking at the pavement.  My cell phone had gone sailing through the air while water began to soak my dress pants at the knee from the rain that just fell.  My hands were burning from breaking my fall and I lay there wondering,  “What in the world had just happened?!?”

Now, I can’t remember the last time I wiped out in public, or in private for that matter; but it didn’t take me long to realize I had an audience.  Six people got to see me gracefully slide across the pavement.   Note to self:  One doesn’t feel so fancy in their dress pants and fancy shirt when they’re laying face first on the ground.

Once everyone found out I was okay, it was hard for them not to laugh at the situation.  What is it about seeing someone fall that makes you want to laugh?  You know what?  I laughed too.  I bet, if we’d gotten it on camera, I could’ve a least submitted it to America’s Funniest Home Videos.  So, what’s the lesson here?  If you work at not taking yourself too seriously and try to laugh at the times when life throws you a curve ball…you’ll do much better when you find yourself on the pavement.

So my first thought for the day is “Don’t take yourself too seriously because when funny stuff happens to you, you’ll be the only one not laughing.”

Now, for a little medicine for the soul, check out this link but don’t forget to come back here.  I’ve got more to share with you!  (Just click on the picture below to view.)

Another reason not to take yourself too seriously is because it’ll give you acne!

Not long ago, I was sitting with a group of friends having dinner and we began to discuss the busy week ahead.  I listened for a while and could feel the anxiety begin to build inside of me.  I started to squirm in my chair and tried to turn my thoughts to butterflies and fluffy puppies, but to no avail!  Finally, I piped up and said, “Does anyone at this table care that I have adult-acne AND an ulcer!?!?”  (Of course, the ulcer was self-diagnosed.)

But as for the acne, it doesn’t hardly seem fair that I birthed and am raising three children. I attempt to understand and communicate with my spouse on a daily basis. I cook and clean, try to run a small business and still get acne!  What is up with that???  I tell my kids all the time that life is not fair, but this, my friend, is simply not fair!

So, since adult acne is a reality for many of us, I want to share something that I would call My Cup of Tea.  It’s called Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Anti-Blemish Cleanser.   All I can say is…I like it.  It works great at quickly drying out any breakouts and promotes clearer skin.  I always follow up with a good moisturizer to keep my skin soft.  (I’m sure we’ll talk about the moisturizer one of these days.)

Now, ideally, to reduce our stress and our odds of breaking out, we all should look for ways to reduce our stress – exercise, eat better, take time to breath deep, pray a lot, and try to find some down time…This cleanser won’t do all of that for you but it’s definitely my cup of tea!

You can try this too, by winning our drawing.  Simply comment on this blog to have your name entered to win a tube of Neutrogena Healthy Skin Cleanser!  We will draw a winner tomorrow morning.  It could be you!

AND THE WINNER IS!!!!!    Jackie Smith – your name was selected by a random generator because you were our tenth person to comment on the blog.  You’ve won a tube of Neutrogena Healthy Skin Cleanser!  Please e-mail us with your contact information so we can get your gift to you!

Welcome to Tammy On Tuesday. 

Today I’d like to share two things that are definitely My Cup of Tea but first I’ll share a Funny Family moment.

Funny Family:

I have three kids 11, 9 and 6; all unique in their own way.  I’m sure if you have children you can relate.  I love them dearly and they bring so much joy to my life.  Sometimes, though, it’s easy to get caught up in the many things on your to-do list and start to wondering if you’re doing a good enough job at being “mom”…wondering if you’re making a positive indelible impression on your kids.   Then, just when you least expect it, you have a moment that makes you smile to yourself, and you know that although you’re not perfect, by God’s grace, all your love and hopes and dreams for them are somehow sinking in.

Early one morning about a week ago, I was reading quietly in my living room and my 6 year old wandered in.  Half dazed, she curled up next to me and fell back to sleep.  When it was time for me to get up, I almost couldn’t bring myself to disturb her.  I got up and covered her in her blanket.  She barely noticed.

A bit later, the whole household was awake and going through their normal morning routine.  After checking backpacks and finding sweaters, I successfully got the kids out the door and breathed a sigh of relief.  Heading up to my room, I walked past the girls room and decided to peak in.  I noticed something special on Sophie’s bed.  While straightening her room that morning, she had tucked in her baby just as I had done with her in the early morning hours.  It just made me smile to see her display that motherly love to her baby doll.  Many days I tend to doubt that I’m making a difference, but that morning I realized, “Yes, I think it’s sinking in.”

My Cup of Tea:

To celebrate this lovely Fall weather, I would like to share with you an AMAZING and EASY recipe by Paula Deen.  First of all, who doesn’t love Paula Deen?   I have made this in lieu of chili over the past year and everyone raves.  I, of course, seldom mention it’s one of the easiest recipes I make.

I share this recipe today in honor of those of you out there that say you can’t cook.  This recipe is one of the easiest to follow and it will have your friends and family raving over your meal.  I promise you this recipe will be a hit and it’s great for this time of year.  YOU CANNOT LOSE!

Taco Soup by Paula Deen

From Paula’s Home Cooking/Lady and Sons Too! cookbook/Celebrates cookbook/Jan/Feb 2006 issue

Servings: 12 to 16 servings

Prep Time: 15 min

Cook Time: 8 hours in crock pot OR 1 hour stock pot method

Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

Jalapenos
Chopped green onions
Grated cheese
Sour cream
Corn chips
1   1-ounce package ranch salad dressing mix
1   1 1/4-ounce package taco seasoning mix
1/2 cup green olives, sliced (optional)
1   small can black olives, drained and sliced (optional)
2   4 1/2-ounce cans diced green chilies
1   14 1/2-ounce can tomatoes with chilies
1   14 1/2-ounce can diced tomatoes
1   14 1/2-ounce can mexican tomatoes
1   15 1/4-ounce can whole kernal corn, drained
1   15 1/2-ounce cans pink kidney beans
2   15-1/2 ounce cans pinto beans
2 cup diced onions
2 lb ground beef

Directions

Brown the ground beef and onions in a large skillet; drain the excess fat, then transfer the browned beef and onions to a large crockpot or a stockpot.  Add the beans, corn, green onions, tomatoes, chilies, olives, and seasonings, and cook on low setting all day (6 to 8 hours) if using a crockpot, or simmer over low heat for about 1 hour in a stockpot on the stove.  To serve, place a few corn chips in each bowl and ladle soup over them.  Top with sour cream, cheese, and jalapenos.    Recipe Courtesy of Paula Deen

Along with the Taco Soup, if you’re feeling “Harvesty” (my word…I use it all the time and I know it’s made up) try another trick.  I like to brew Apple Cinnamon Iced Tea.  My sister-in-law made this for Thanksgiving one year and we drank it all up in no time.  Now I make it for get-togethers and rarely have any left over.

 All you need is:

5 – Celestial Seasonings Apple Cinnamon Tea Bags

1  quart sauce pan

1 ¼ cup sugar

1 gallon pitcher,

Directions

Place 5 apple cinnamon tea bags in 1 quart sauce pan filled with cold water to ¼  inch from top of pan. Heat on high until water starts to boil.  Take off heat and let sit for 10 minutes on stove.  While the tea is sitting, put 1 ¼ cups sugar in gallon pitcher.  After 10 minutes, pour hot tea over the sugar in the pitcher and stir until sugar is melted.  Then add cold water to fill the pitcher stirring constantly.  Put in fridge to chill or serve over ice.  Serve with Taco Soup.  This is a favorite in my family.

I hope today I was able to lift your spirits with my Funny Family post and I also hope you’ll try today’s recipe and find that it’s your Cup of Tea.  If you do give it a try, let me know how you like it!

OUCH…that really hurts!  – friendship woes.

Proverbs 18:24 – A man that has friends must show himself friendly.

The Bible puts it plain and simple.  If you want good friends, you need to BE a good friend.

But what happens when you feel you’ve been misunderstood or misinterpreted.  Perhaps someone doesn’t WANT to be your friend and you don’t know why.

My husband has recently (within the past 2 years) received a call from God to be a pastor.  And what does that make me???  A pastors wife.  Now that’s a tall order! I’m eager to embrace this calling but in the past year, I have (more than ever) begun to ponder what other’s might be thinking of me.  Do they think I’m friendly?  Do they think I’m genuine?

Some know me.  Some don’t.  And some think they know me but don’t.   And even with the right intentions…I’ve come to the realization I’m going to be misunderstood and misinterpreted. 

Several months ago, I was faced with some tough criticisms.   I thought to myself, “Oh, I’ll fix it.  I’ll say ‘hi’ more.  I’ll smile more.  I’ll be better at sending birthday wishes and on and on.”  In this attempt to be “better” I found myself spinning my wheels.  Do you ever feel that way?  Misunderstood?  Misinterpreted?

It’s hard to hear sometimes that someone has made false assumptions and accusations.  What do you do with that?

Well, God has been really speaking to my heart about this specific issue in my life.  He’s been telling me, “Stop trying to please everyone.  Stop trying to be what YOU think people want you to be.  Don’t despair.  Don’t strive.  Just look to ME.”  In fact just a few days ago I read a devotional so applicable to this dilemma it was as if God Himself, called me on the phone to encourage me.  This is what He said:

From the devotional Jesus Calling:  October 12   “Beware of seeing yourself through other people’s eyes.  There are several dangers to this practice.  First of all, it is nearly impossible to discern what others actually think of you.  Moreover, their views of you are variable: subject to each viewer’s spiritual, emotional, and physical condition.  Your concern to please others dampens your desire to please Me, your Creator.  It is much more real to see yourself through MY eyes.  My gaze upon you is steady and sure, untainted by sin.  Through MY eyes you can see yourself as one who is deeply, eternally loved.  Rest in My loving gaze and you will receive deep PEACE.”

So what have I LEARNED in today’s Learn & Live post…

• You are going to have great friends in this life – love on ‘em!
• You’re going to have challenges as you cultivate new relationships with people but just because it’s hard and just because you may be misunderstood, don’t give up on them.
• You’re going to face the probability that you’ll have to be vulnerable in order to develop deep and lasting friendships.
• You’re going to be misunderstood and not everyone is going to be in your cheering section.
• You may need to give someone a break.  Could it be you’ve misunderstood or misinterpreted someone who deserves a second chance?

Today, as you go through your busy schedule, don’t forget to be a friend.  And more importantly don’t forget you have a friend…In Christ.

MY CUP OF TEA

You may have figured out from today’s post that one thing that I would consider “My Cup of Tea” is the devotional book, Jesus Calling.

And guess what?  You can own a copy too.  I am going to give away one copy of Jesus Calling.  You can enter the drawing by sharing your thoughts on today’s blog post.

AND THE WINNER OF A COPY OF JESUS CALLING IS…..(chosen by a random generator)  STEPHANIE MOROZ!  Thanks to everyone for sharing.  Hope you’ll keep your eye out for the next “Tammy On Tuesday”.

Welcome to Tammy on Tuesday.  So, I’ve been thinking about my first Tammy On Tuesday blog post.  I figured I would just share with you two items that are DEFINITELY “my cup of tea”.

When I say, “cup of tea” it means, I LOVE THIS STUFF!  Today I want to tell you about two things that I love:

This first one is for the ladies -

Maurice’s Dark Wash Denim Flex™ Jegging

Maurice's Dark Wash Denim Flex Jegging

If you don’t live near a Maurices (and I don’t), you can shop at www.maurices.com

Ladies, these jeggings are to die for.  I can’t remember how Stephanie and I ran across these.  But about a year ago, while traveling, we saw Maurices and decided to take a look inside.  There was a huge sale at the time and we both came out with a pair of Maurices Jeggings.  They are comfortable.  They look like jeans.  They are great for boots!  Here’s the most important detail:  You don’t feel like a sausage stuffing yourself into them –  having them cling in all the wrong places.  I now have 2 pairs and I wear them all the time!

Here I am sporting mine in a recent photo with my husband.

You need a pair.  I’m just sayin’

They come xs-xxl and here’s the Maurices description:  The jegging trend is still hot and this great pair is in a flattering, dark wash with a clean finish. Made from our denim flex fabric, you get a stretchy, comfortable fit with great style. The double needle contrast stitching is trendy without being too bold. A must-have staple for your wardrobe.

Features:

• 33″ inseam
• Faux zipper, pull-on button waist
• In store style #: 79026
• 82% cotton 17% polyester, 1% spandex
• Machine wash

These jeggings run $29.00 but the two pairs I’ve purchased in the last year were on sale.  Plus, often they offer free shipping.  NICE!

To this point, everyone that took my advice and purchased a pair of these for themselves loves the fit and feel.  In fact, Just a few months ago, we were doing the “Sisters” shoot you read about recently.  One of the sisters wore my jeggings for the shoot – long story.  Anyway, she fell in love with them.  She said she liked the way they looked on her and felt so comfortable.  I had to tell her where to get a pair.  We also bought a pair for my sister-in-law for Christmas.  She loves hers too!

So maybe you need to give these a try…especially with boot season upon us:

Maurices carries a ton of jeans so remember two things when you order your pair of jeggings:
Make sure they have the faux zipper

And are letter sized not number sized. 

That way you can ensure you get the right ones. 

By the way, I don’t get any kick-back for bragging on Maurice’s jeggings…I just love them and hope you do too.

Okay, on to something else that is definitely “my cup of tea” – this one is great for the whole family:

A while ago I came across Popcorn Indiana Popcorn.  I first tried this popcorn in Franklin, Tennessee about 2 years ago.  It was the Kettlecorn flavor and I pretty much ate the whole big bag by myself.  Now the product has made its way to our neck of the woods. Walgreens, Wal-Mart and quite a few other stores sell this brand.  It’s delightful.  I love it, I really do.

They have all different flavors but recently in a snack pack I found the flavor Sweet & Tangy BBQ.  Let me tell you this stuff is really good!   To find out more about Popcorn Indiana go to http://www.popcornindiana.com

I’m feeling generous.  If you comment on today’s blog and mention that you’d like to try Popcorn Indiana, I will enter your name in a drawing for a family sized bag of the popcorn.  The winner will receive a bag of Popcorn Indiana in the mail.  YAY!  Who doesn’t love free stuff?   (We will randomly draw and announce the winner tomorrow morning so don’t forget to check back.)

So that’s it for now.  These 2 things are definitely MY CUP OF TEA!  Hopefully you’ll agree.

WE HAVE A WINNER….drum roll…

Sue Sweeney is the winner of a bag of POPCORN INDIANA Popcorn!  We will be sending that out to you right away!   Please email us at info@luminosityonline.com with your mailing address!

For those who didn’t win today…don’t dispair!!!  You can always enter again on my next “My Cup of Tea”.  By the way, I’ve had five ladies tell me they are purchasing Maurice Jeggings!  I would love for those of you who try out Maurices Jeggings to e-mail a picture to me of you in your new jeggings!  I will blog about it and you can show off your new jeggings to the world.

Today we are introducing a new feature to our blog.  Tammy on Tuesday is a way for us to connect with you and share what’s going on in our lives, behind the scenes of Luminosity Photography & Design.   Consider it a snapshot of what life is like in my little world.  I will share on one of three different topics every Tuesday.
The topics are:
My Cup of Tea – Ever hear someone say, “Well, that’s just not my cup of tea…”?  I got to thinking about what IS my cup of tea.  My friends and family have always razzed me about the fact that I was born a salesman.  If I find something that I like, who ever I connect with that day gets the infomercial on it.  I can’t help it.  So, as an outlet, I’ve decided to list my favorite things here on our blog.  Ladies, I do not plan to disappoint.  I’ll tell you about my favorite makeup, hair products, books, foods, you name it.  If I love it…you’ll hear about it.

Learn & Live -  Okay, now I’m spinning off a phrase we often hear…”Live & Learn”.  Except, in my life, I have found, as I learn I live more!  These blog posts will reflect my faith in God and what I am learning as I grow in Him.  The LORD says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.” Psalm 32:8  Hence…Learn & Live.

Funny Family – In these posts I will talk about mom stuff.  I will share funny stories about my kids and talk about things I’m learning as a parent.  Stephanie and I have often said when it comes to our kids, we could write a book!  I’m guessing every mother can relate.

I hope you’ll check in on Tuesdays and even share your comments with me.  For now, WELCOME, and thanks for stopping by.

We are taking Luminosity to the next level to bring you quality images and a memorable experience!  We are excited to be offering even more products and options to our clients.
New pricing will be effective October 1, 2010