Posted on by Dr. Tammi Love · 2 Comments

Suddenly!

My family did something we’ve never done before. We started a garden in our backyard—nothing too major, just a few vegetables, some herbs, and a small fruit tree. With only a few weeks in, our garden has become more than we expected. It has become a sanctuary.

No matter when one of us arrives in our sacred place, we discover signs of gradual growth. Admittedly, gradual growth doesn’t always come with bells and whistles. Still, its existence is strong evidence of progress from what we knew was bare minimum. We notice leaves are standing upright, and for select plants, we see a budding of dainty flowers. And then suddenly, a miniature vegetable or fruit appears. Hallelujah!

God has a way of drawing us into spaces that allow for growth experiences, causing us to stand upright and do right. Even though the experiences seem to come out of nowhere, we know when they arrive, it’s been a ‘long time coming.’ Suddenly, we feel differently; we reflect differently; we become new people with new expectations. Growth becomes absolute. We resolve; we won’t settle for anything less. 

Try this: Dust off, Embrace, and Honor!

  1. Dust off your discernment so that you are spiritually awake and present for life-altering growth experiences.
  2. Embrace the great work God is establishing in you, being sure to guard every hint of progress.
  3. Honor your sacred moments of growth with sudden praise. Don’t hesitate to give God what is due Him!

God knows what He’s planted in you. He knows what will bloom. And it shall happen, suddenly.

“Yes indeed, it won’t be long now.” God’s Decree. “Things are going to happen so fast your head will swim, one thing fast on the heels of the other. You won’t be able to keep up. Everything will be happening at once—and everywhere you look, blessings! Blessings like wine pouring off the mountains and hills. – Amos 9:13

Posted on by Dr. Tammi Love · 2 Comments

Today Will Be Different

My youngest daughter loves to explore the adventures of life. She entered this life on the cusp of adventure. After hours of unforgettable labor, I delivered my baby girl with surprising evidence of an impossible predicament. To the naked eye, it appeared she would not be able to walk because of what we later learned was dysplasia of the hip. Yet her exuberant cry and the demanding aura of her presence supposed something different.

No matter what our situations look like, our doubting behavior, or the demons that harass us, we can present all of our predicaments to an everlasting God. And He settles them all, leaving nothing undone. What some cannot fathom or manipulate to fit into their limited understanding, God creates teaching moments to provide lessons for transformational living. What others are fearful of proclaiming or for those who are slow to offer Him praise, God presents tests to expose their heart. And to all who are watching and waiting for God’s incredible work, along an adventurous journey, He presents a stage for His miracles, signs, and wonders. Then He watches to see if we do anything different.

Sooner or later, in the comfortable responses we offer our predicaments, we must declare, “Today will be different.” No more doubting, disguising and destroying the notion that God’s way is best. Be different than those in the world living a lifestyle of bitterness and misery. Choose a lifestyle, believing God.  My husband and I experienced our promise-keeping, way-making God in the delivery room that day, sixteen years ago. We prayed relentlessly, laid our hands on our daughter, and repeated the promises God made to us back to Him. Then God answered us with a miracle. Our daughter’s condition was corrected in record time; her growth rate was not disturbed, nor was her mobility averted. We gave God praise with our lips through that journey, and we showed our gratitude with a devotion to His Way. God’s wonders continue to take center stage in both of our daughters’ imperfect lives, telling a story of the possibilities of God.

Try this: Challenge yourself at this moment, with all you are dealing with, to declare, “Today Will be Different!” Now live what you have professed. God is watching.

“But if I were you, I would appeal to God, I would lay my cause before him. He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted.” – Job 5:8-9

“Nothing is impossible for God.” – Luke 1:37

Posted on by Dr. Tammi Love · 2 Comments

Good People

I recently caught up with a friend on what was supposed to be a quick call. True to our usual “catching up,” the call lasted over an hour. Lots of laughter, exchanges of recent personal news, and sharing of opinions on current headlines filled our conversation. We had a good time! Before we hung up, we affirmed each other with simple words. And without fail, some hilarious comment escorted us off the call.

Good people, with good intentions, and good character are difficult to find. The moment you find them, no matter where or when, you treasure them. More often than not, the relationship that ensues helps mold each of you into your better selves, without pretense. Good people don’t have to profess to others that they’re good. It’s their lifestyle. They help to talk you out of your fears, and they bring you to tears with their continuous practice of letting you know you matter.

God orchestrates time and space to position good people, with good intentions, and good character along our paths. I treasure my good friend, our long-distance phone calls, and our occasional visits over the years. I also treasure the other good friends in my circle. We bring each other joy. Take an inventory of your circle and your heart. With each person occupying dominant space in your life, ask yourself two questions. Does that relationship produce joy in your heart? Or does the relationship disrupt your peace? Take the inventory, ask the questions, and brace yourself for the discovery. It’s worth it.

“Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice.”– Proverbs 27:9

“Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”– 1 Corinthians 15:33

Posted on by Dr. Tammi Love · 4 Comments

Seize the Moment

There is a family of hummingbirds living in a tree in my backyard. While sitting outside near the tree yesterday, one of the birds darted next to me, positioning itself between our blooming African Lily and me. The bird was beautiful, brightly colored, and fast. As quickly as it arrived, it was soon out of my sight. But before it left, it turned to me, wings buzzing, and allowed me the privilege to gaze at its beauty and wonder. The same bird later returned in my midst, this time behind me. My daughter alerted me to its presence, describing its actions as similar to our first encounter. Then as quickly as it arrived, it was suddenly gone from my presence.

We are not always given more than one opportunity to seize a moment. Sometimes God offers us one fleeting moment to complete a task, to uncover a revelation, to exercise courageous faith, or to proclaim His bountiful goodness with words from our mouth. As quickly as the moment comes, it can soon disappear from our presence.  Seizing the moments God provides is crucial. Now more than ever, we are challenged to become aware of how God moves in our midst, with both our natural and spiritual eyes. We must be capable of sensing Him in impossible circumstances and in uncertain situations that catch us off guard. And we must immediately recognize the privilege of being a witness to His miracles, signs, and wonders. God positions His greatness in our midst daily. Have you taken notice? Have you positioned yourself to seize transformational moments prepared just for you?

“So be careful to live your life wisely, not foolishly. Take advantage of every opportunity because these are evil times. Because of this, don’t be ignorant, but understand the Lord’s will.” – Ephesians 5:15-17

Posted on by Dr. Tammi Love · 2 Comments

Take Flight

Pleasing others used to be my daily practice. Making decisions based on what others thought of me or only doing what I thought others expected of me was a habit I found difficult to break. Over time I eventually realized I valued others’ opinions more than I appreciated my own. I recognized that I often settled for the promises of people and refused the still small voice of God to trust Him more. The day I came face to face with this truth marked a pivotal moment in my life. The moment awakened a sense of numb wings softly fluttering on the inside of me. They were waiting on my permission to be freed from their caged dwelling. By my own doing, I could deny myself life, or I could speak life. I could continue to trap and suppress my calling, or I could give way to my calling, allowing it to take flight and whisk me on a journey of faith that proves God, not to be a liar, but a promise keeper in ways that are inconceivable to people. Thankfully, I chose to speak life, permitted my wings to fly, and gave way to God’s calling.

Staying in communion with God alerts us to our callings, as well as to the people and places we are ordained to encounter, learn from, and influence. God develops discernment within us for His purposes, and He prepares us with life experiences and tools for what lies ahead. A willing servant of God is committed to the journey God lays out, concerned with winning His approval alone. Lean into God, take flight, and do God’s bidding to make Him smile!

“Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” – Galatians 1:10