Laughter and mourning…balancing life
Last Tuesday, the wonderful Karen Watson (Tyndale Publishers) and I had dinner before attending Michelle Shocklee’s book signing in downtown Franklin. The evening was pure pleasure—catching up with Karen and supporting and celebrating Michelle and her new book.
The Women of Oak Ridge is out in the world and is truly a must read for historical fiction lovers—the real history of Oak Ridge Tennessee, the depth of characters, a captivating plot. I highly recommend it.
In the hills of Tennessee, two women work at a Manhattan Project site during World War II and uncover truths that irrevocably change their lives in this captivating new story from award-winning Southern fiction author Michelle Shocklee.Move a week ahead…
Today is a Tuesday, which means it’s a Gram Tam (and Papa Joe) day, which I love (but gracious, do Joe and I sleep well on Tuesday and Thursday nights!). Here are our grands, almost 3 and 2 years old. They are a handful but so precious, and growing way too fast. These pics pretty much capture their personalities.
They’ll be here shortly, so I need to get things set up and lunch started. But first…
In the midst of your busy Tuesday—and in this world full of gut wrenching tragedy and incredible heartfelt blessing—here are verses that have brought me such comfort in the last week…
“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am… Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 14:1-3, 16:33b (NLT)
Jesus is our Rock, our Redeemer, an ever present help in time of need. He’s our Shelter, our Comforter, the King of the Universe through whom all things were made and hold together. He’s our Champion. He’s for you. Whether you’ve turned to him as Savior and Lord or not, he’s for you. And even after we’ve bowed the knee to him and confessed our sins and have accepted his saving grace, he still pursues us, wanting to deepen the relationship, wanting us to know the Father more and more and more.
Almost a decade ago, a Bible teacher and good friend challenged me to spend as much time in the Word of God as I did watching Netflix or the news or scrolling through social media. That brought awareness, then conviction, then repentance, then life-renewing change—the Creator of the Universe meeting me at every turn—and I’ll be forever grateful.
Whatever life has you doing today, let’s boldly speak the name of Jesus with a depth of love that can only come from his heart. And if you’re not in a Bible study yet this fall, please check out Bible Study Fellowship (BSF). We’ve just started EXILE AND RETURN, which promises to be another powerful study.
In-person gatherings are available as well online. YES, THERE ARE ONLINE GROUPS, which I’m part of this year. I’m betting there’s room for you in both.
TELL ME MORE ABOUT BSF / FIND A GROUP NEAR MEBlessings on your week, my friends,
Tammy
