Encouragement

I’m Out Visiting Today In Blogville!

Posted on by Tammy

Happy Monday, Blog friends!

I’ve been out and about lately on the wonderful world of Blogville.  One of my writing pieces is up today.

This piece is written for all of my friends who are adoptive parents or, who like me–wanted more children, but could not have them.  Though the one I do have is super special!  Love that girl 🙂 !

My friend Kim de Blecourt writes over at Nourished Hearts, where she shares about adoption.  Her heart to see every orphan in a home is very passionate.  Her book, “Until We All Come Home” is out now.  Check it out!

Come on over and see what I’ve been up to by clicking here!

I’m just so honored and TICKLED PINK to be her very first guest post!  WooHoo!

Thanks, Kim!

…and that’s all I have to say about that!

Tammy

Nope, I’m Not Dreaming, This Time!

Posted on by Tammy



As I sit here on vacation feeling the ocean breeze blow across my face, I close my eyes and lean my head back over the top of my short little beach chair.  The heat of the Caribbean sun warms my face so much that it nearly lulls me to sleep.  In the background, I can hear the waves lapping up at water’s edge and every once in a while they make it up to my feet.  The water is cool and crisp and feels ever so exhilarating and refreshing as it makes it’s way up and over my foot and up my ankle.  I feel as though I could sit here for ever as the sounds of the waves crashing up the shore then receding back into the ocean are rhythmic and lulling.  Sitting here today, there are no worries or burdens to ponder.  There are no phones, no televisions, or voices.  I have found a beach spot where I’m somewhat secluded, just me, my little beach chair and…



I ENJOYED EVERY MINUTE OF BEACH TIME LAST WEEK!
NO, REALLY – I DID!

What a view!
That’s what I’m talking about!
Two girlfriend’s toes!
My two little friends, posing!
NOT my friend..boo!

 So, what do you do when friends call and say, “Hey, we have room at our villa in St. Thomas – c’mon down!”

You throw together swimsuits, snorkel gear, and – oh yeah – maybe a pair of undies or two – and get to the airport, that’s what you do!

Thanks to dear, longtime friends, we were able to leave dreary Ohio winter and sit oceanside for a spur of the moment relaxing vacation.  Nothing suits either hubby or I better than sitting at the shore’s edge and enjoying the ocean and everything with it.  The sun, surf and sand.  Ya just can’t get any better than the shores we were hanging on this week.

Though it was meant to be a great getaway with no thinking or working, I couldn’t help thinking of the wonder of God’s artistic creativity at or in the ocean.  Sitting calmly and watching each wave ride in to the shore over and over has an effect on me that I just can’t explain.  I’m amazed at the colors of the ocean as you look across the surface for as far as you can see.  Being in the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean is neat as you can stand in water knee to thigh deep and look down to see the neatest colors, sizes and shapes of fish and sea creatures.  Sitting on a pretty empty beach, it allows you the opportunity to just sit and be quiet and ponder.  The verse that came to me sitting there was, “Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10

We may not be able to be at the ocean each day, but we can still rest in the verse above.  There is definitely comfort knowing that no matter what may come our way, we need to trust that God is God.  For me, this may sometimes be easier said than done because I tend to get into God’s way more than I would like to admit!  Yet, I must be honest and admit that I can sometimes mess up something with all my “help” to God!

How about you?  Do you find yourself taking over circumstances that you might have done a little better had you taken the time to “be still and know God is God?”  Tell me what you think.

Since I can’t pop on down to the ocean every day, I think I will try to remember the photo in my mind when things get a little stressed.  Once I remember that photo, I will remind myself of the calmness and peace of being still.  Truthfully, being calm and peace-filled just tickles me pink!

…and that’s all I have to say about that!

Tammy



The Journey to Shrink My Booty!

Posted on by Tammy

Deciding to go on a vegan food plan was a no brainer for me.  I’m just not a huge fan of meat, never was.  Don’t believe me, read my post from August 26th then you will get it!

The first few days were great.  It’s still summer so produce in Ohio is good and plentiful.  I’ve actually had a ball bringing home nothing but fruits and veggies!  A dream come true for me.  I’ve been playing in the kitchen with new recipes I’m developing and having a blast.

The hubby is a carnivore for sure, loves any kind of meat.  However, he has decided that this would be good for him to do as well.  He’s not strictly following the plan like I am, but it’s not bothering me when he adds a little stuff here and there to his own food.

I’ve made a decision to go without any animal products (ie, nothing with a face or a mom) and no white poison (white flour, white sugar, white rice, white pasta, salt).  Wait.  WHAT?  No White Sugar?  What about my sweet tea?  No white flour/pasta – are you kidding me?  Pasta is my life! Oh, then here comes the kicker…no salt?

Oh. My. Goodness.

I never realized how much I salted food, or how much was used in my cooking.  I just never knew how MUCH I WAS ADDICTED TO SALT.

I did real well the first few days as I said above.  Then day six hit me.  Like a drug addict craving the fix, I wanted anything with salt.  Oh, who am I kidding, I just wanted to put some in my palm and lick it off slowly to savor that sodium deliciousness…slowly going into a salt high!

As sick as that may sound, I did this as a kid often!  I also loved crushed ice in a cup with salt sprinkled on it, then I would just crunch and enjoy the salted ice chunks until my cup was empty (or my Mom or Dad caught me and took it!).  But my favorite way to eat salt is with a side of green onions or radishes to dip into my little salt pile on my plate.  Yum – Yum!

Great news though.  I’ve made it to day 12.  I have not cooked with salt or added salt to anything.  The mental crave has seemingly diminished to the point of unnoticeable.  Would I like to have some salt today?  Uh, duh, I am still breathing you know, so YES!  Will I?  No!

I’m actually starting to feel the difference physically.  Also dropping 11 pounds in 12 days is certainly a little bouquet of goodness wouldn’t you think?

As I continue on this journey of better care of the “temple” God has given me, will you walk along beside me?  I would like to ask a favor…would you pray for me and hold me accountable?  I’ll keep you posted from time to time as the “Journey to Shrink My Booty” continues.

In return, are you going through a rough patch at this time?  If so, I would love the opportunity to walk along beside you as well.  I will pray for you and check in on you.  I would love to be a source of encouragement for you along your journey, whatever that may be right now.  Let me know below or you can privately e-mail me at t.karasek@yahoo.com.  I would love to be there for you.

Oh – one more thing…I haven’t totally conquered this salt/sugar thing just quite yet.  So if I come around you, you just might want to hide your salt shaker and sweet tea!   Just sayin’…

….and that’s all I have to say about that!

Tammy