October 25th, 2011

http://shannonmillerlifestyle.com/my-journey/giving-encouragement

In a world that can be full of stress and dissapointment there are always oppertunities to encourage others. I believe so much in the power of encouragement, and I know that a little goes a long way.

My latest article at SML/My Journey talks about encouraging others and the many ways it can help you get from one journey to another in life.

As always I look forward to hearing from you and reading your comments.

Encourage someone today!

Therefore encourage (admonish, exhort) one another and edify (strengthen and build up) one another, just as you are doing.
1 Thessalonians 5:11

Blessings,

Tammy

October 21st, 2011

The photograph above is a priceless one to me. I took it one morning when Nick was sitting in his recliner reading his Bible. He was so engulfed in what he was reading, he was unaware that I even took the picture.

Nick spent a lot of time in that burgundy recliner. I don't know why, but since losing him, we just would not or could not sit in it again. It took me a while to do it, but I finally let it go and now a very sweet lady and her husband are enjoying it. That makes me happy!

That chair was often a place where Nick found rest and comfort when he was weak and weary both physically and emotionally. I would see him sitting there many times just praying.

Then today as I was standing at the kitchen sink and I looked up and saw the empty space where that chair once was, the first thing that came to my mind was this sweet picture of Nick reading his Bible.

It's funny how you don't aways see the lessons in things until God is ready for you too. I smiled when I thought of how that recliner was kind of like Nick's altar, even when he wasn't able to go to church, it didn't stop him from sitting there praying or reading scriptures.

I thought God doesn't care where I choose to pray or read my Bible at. He just yearns for me to do it! He wants to spend that one on one time with me through prayer and through His word. It is always nice to have that quiet place, where there are no distractions and you can really just pour your heart out, but often times we do not have the convenience of doing that. Many times I find myself praying right in the midst of all the chaos. My favorite time to pray has become my morning walks, sometimes it's with the praise and worship music blaring on my iPod, and sometimes it's just me laying it all out to my Heavenly Father.

The memory of Nick praying from his chair reminds me that there are no limitations, guidelines or rules that should stop me from praying or spending time in God's word.

Prayer offers us the chance to express our thankfulness, our faith, our love and our hopes to God and through His word we are able to find guidance, peace, assurance and strength. Find your time and place to pray and spend some time reading His word, no matter where or when it is, God will be there!

Some have been to the mountain. I have been to my knees by the side of my bed.

~Robert Brault

Many Blessings,

Tammy

October 16th, 2011

Everything in this life is a gift: "Every good and perfect gift is from a above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like the shifting shadows." James 1:17. I know I recently referred to this verse in another blog I posted. It seems to keep circling back as reminder to me lately.

It's funny how we can receive a gift from someone and we instantly become so excited, thankful and joyful. Wouldn't those same emotions be great to pour out into each of our days? Excited to see what God has in store for us, thankful for the opportunities that He presents us with, and joyful to be able to experience it all.

I know that many days in life are just plain difficult. Believe me, I will celebrate the day this roller-coaster of emotions I am on finally slows down. You have to make that choice of how you are going to live through those trying days. I am not saying don't cry, yell, scream, or whatever you need to do to release the plethora of emotions that can build up inside of you...but also try not to become dependent on the negative for too long. You have to be able to mix in some positive stuff! Many days it is tough to find that balance in my own life, but at the very least, I want to try.

One of the most encouraging things that comes with each new day is it offers us the chance to begin again. Psalm 30:5 tells us "For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime;weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning."

So maybe you have a bad day today, tomorrow you will have a fresh, new start. The bad days I have make me so much more thankful for the good ones. Find something today that makes you excited, thankful or joyful and praise the Lord for giving you that gift.

Every evening I turn my worries over to God. He's going to be up all night anyway. ~Mary C. Crowley

Blessings Always,

Tammy

October 11th, 2011

http://shannonmillerlifestyle.com/my-journey/caretaking-and-the-holidays

The holidays are quickly approaching. This time of year can become very hectic and sometimes overwhelming, especially for caretakers. In my recent article "Caretaking and the Holidays" I share a little of my own story along with some tips on how to make it a little easier on yourself and your family.

I look forward to reading your stories and comments. Thank you for your continued support!

Blessings,

Tammy

REPOST: October 6th, 2011 (Some Encouragement)

Lately, my path seems to have many friends on it that are hurting, coping with the loss of a loved one, surviving a terminal illness, taking care of someone who is, making a living for their family. So many other things that seem to be stealing their joy. Knowing that many of you struggling are reading this blog, my heart's desire is to try and offer you words of hope and encouragement through my own story.

I can only speak from the experiences I have had. One of things that will forever be etched in my heart is the vision I have of a man with terminal cancer, harnessed in a full back brace, rarely without pain, testifying to the goodness of the Lord in his life.

When I am asked to speak and share my story this is a glimpse of what I tell:

"It was bizarre to me how this story of a 52-year old man with stage four cancer could bring out such a spirit of love and encouragement. It was definitely one of God’s biggest blessings in disguise. The Lord had empowered my husband to live a life that inspired others. I was glad to simply be able to share it as it grew into a life that reached beyond physical pain, daily doctor’s visits, chemo, and radiation. Though limited by time, we were not limited by the number of lives that that our King of Kings would have us touch."

I share this particular part of my story because it revealed to me that, no matter how bad the emotional or physical pain can be, or how limited our time is, there are always blessings in disguise! They may not be what we are expecting, and we may have to go through the fire to get to them, but God always provides for His children,and His plan for us is always bigger and better.

When I look back, I think about clinging to the Lord for that daily strength, I always picture me holding onto Him, like a child does to their parent, so tightly and with so much love and hope, and in return He holds me even tighter and with more love than I could ever imagine. Although I say "when I look back," I am sill clinging, and I always will.

Part of your story is being written through your struggles, and you never know who may will inspire or encourage along the way. I am reminded of that saying "God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things." He is using you!

John 16:33“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Blessings Always,

Tammy

October 4, 2011

This weeks article: http://shannonmillerlifestyle.com/my-journey/prioritizing-your-new-life

Life can be so very challenging these days. Everything from finances to taking care of the kids! It can become overwhelming at times.

I never was a big "make a list" person, but that has definitely changed. Something as simple as making a list and prioritizing things can help you feel less scattered and more focused no matter what your life circumstance is.

Living in chaos and confusion over the many things that you have to conquer in life is not healthy for you physically, emotionally or spiritually. When we allow "things" to weigh us down, we become stressed, anxious, and can lose our joy.

Learning to live in a more organized enviroment can provide you with sense of freedom and peace. Make that to-do list and don't be afraid to show it who is the boss!

Life is like a mirror, if you frown at it, it frowns back; if you smile, it returns the greeting.--Unknown

Blessings,

Tammy