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Ajith on Responding to Personal Attacks
(From March 2006) Ajith on Responding to Personal Attacks I received another amazing prayer request update from missionary (& theologian & author & pastor) Ajith Fernando. (If you are not familiar with Ajith, I urge you to get to know him and consider praying for and supporting his ministry with Youth for Christ. I have found him to be one of the most thoughtful, godly, wise, caring, humble ministers to the gospel. Ever.) He attached this article on Responding to Persecution and I thought it might be a blessing to you … so here it is! Blessings to you all – Off to Maryland this morning – Your friend, Tara…
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Ajith on Responding to Personal Attacks
(From March 2006) Ajith on Responding to Personal Attacks I received another amazing prayer request update from missionary (& theologian & author & pastor) Ajith Fernando. (If you are not familiar with Ajith, I urge you to get to know him and consider praying for and supporting his ministry with Youth for Christ. I have found him to be one of the most thoughtful, godly, wise, caring, humble ministers to the gospel. Ever.) He attached this article on Responding to Persecution and I thought it might be a blessing to you … so here it is! Blessings to you all – Off to Maryland this morning – Your friend, Tara…
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The Heaviness of Sin and the Hope for Forgiveness
(Originally posted in 2005–I’m out of Internet contact for a few days!) The Heaviness of Sin & The Hope of Forgiveness Last night I had to have a serious talk with my husband, Fred. I had known for a long time that I needed to confess some things to him–but I was dreading it and didn’t want to face up to the blackness of my wicked heart. So I avoided the conversation and grew more burdened and depressed with each passing day. I had a hard time worshipping God. My time in the Word grew shorter and shorter. I felt disconnected from my husband and friends. (Wonder why?!) And I…
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So what do you do when …
(From December 2005) So what do you do when … Let’s pretend that it’s the week before Christmas and you are gingerly stepping out of your comfort zone to try to be hospitable and relational by having people over to your home. You do your best. You strive to bless. But it’s a little shaky – you try to be relaxed and happy, but you really have no confidence that you CAN love well. The morning of the ‘weekend of three parties,’ you are falsely and unjustly accused. And you know that the accusation has been broadcasted to others. And no matter how sorry the person may be, your reputation…
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So what do you do when …
(From December 2005) So what do you do when … Let’s pretend that it’s the week before Christmas and you are gingerly stepping out of your comfort zone to try to be hospitable and relational by having people over to your home. You do your best. You strive to bless. But it’s a little shaky – you try to be relaxed and happy, but you really have no confidence that you CAN love well. The morning of the ‘weekend of three parties,’ you are falsely and unjustly accused. And you know that the accusation has been broadcasted to others. And no matter how sorry the person may be, your reputation…
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When to be silent? When to counsel?
(From June 2005) When to be silent? When to counsel? I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how I interact with friends and acquaintances. Specifically, when might it be the most God-honoring and loving thing to do to remain silent (supportive, encouraging, loving–but ‘non-confrontational’), and when it is that I might be called to gently speak Truth (counsel the Word). Let me give you an example … I’m having lunch with a friend and it is obvious that she is bitter. I mean really angry, grouchy, judgmental, complaining–mad. As she shares her story, there is no mention of God, other than in disdainful and complaining ways. (“God is sure great…
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Mentally ill? “Normal”?
Solo Femininity just posted a beautiful article about mental illness and what is “normal.” I thought it might particularly bless some of you who (like me) struggle with depression and have a family history of people who define themselves by their “mental illnesses.” (You know … I think I’m very nervous to head into all of these family dynamics over the course of the next seven days. This article was a sweet reminder and encouragement by a truly gifted and godly woman.) 4:00AM now. I’m going to try to get a couple of hours of sleep. Love, Tara B.
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Redemptive Love Makes a Difference
Last Sunday, our church was blessed to receive a message from Dr. David A. Baer of Overseas Council International (sorry I couldn’t find a link for you!). He preached on Isaiah 2 and encouraged us all that as we believe God’s Word, we simply cannot be pessimistic. Because, although at times we will grieve in this life–ultimately, one day, God will have His way. I took two pages of notes on his sermon and I won’t type them all in for you now, but here are just a few nuggets that I keep mulling on and praying over as I go through my (busy!) week: – The gospel makes a…
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Trying to stay on top of the SPAM comments …
Just a quick note to let you all know that I am TRYING to stay on top of (and DELETE!) all of the icky SPAM comments that keep sneaking onto this blog. (I hate SPAM!!!) Today I was up before 5:00 and thought, “Cool! I’ll be so on time/early today!” But instead, I just spent 45 minutes trying to delete and block all of the SPAMMERS. (!!) Anyway–please know that I am aware of the problem and trying to eradicate it. Hope your week is off to a better start than all this. Blech. Happy Monday! Yours, Tara B.
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Our Summer …
Dancing … Swimming … Reading … Fourth of July with (Spiritual) “Grandpa & Grandma” Mizell … Oh! The riches of a simple life. I am praying for a quiet heart. Asking God to help me to do the task before me this day. With joy. With gratitude. And asking Him to bless you with an assurance of His saving grace! Yours, Tara B.
