Better is One Day in His House

I attended a one day conference for women yesterday. We sang the song "Better is One day in His House". See the lyrics after this post.

The chorus speaks of it being better to be one day in His (Jesus) courts and house than thousands elsewhere. Have you ever pondered on that thought. I have sung that song lots of times but not given it a whole lot of thought. Yesterday, I felt the Lord said, "Tara do you really mean that?" I thought about what my "elsewhere" could be. Emotion flooded over my soul. You see my elsewhere would be to be a mom.

Let me back up for a moment. My emotions were a little raw on the inside. You see as the conference started, the leader made the comment about every lady in the room being a mom. My flesh wanted to scream this was not advertised as a conference for MOMS. I immediately knew this was going to be a hindrance for me, if I didn't ask God to help me put that comment aside. I know that the leader was not thinking about this aspect and did not mean for that to be offensive. I knew it was my issue. And to be honest and real with you, I know that even though I very often feel alone with this issue that I am not. So I began to pray for any others who might be in the room who also have the hurt of not being able to have children. I didn't come a little over 2 hours to begin the conference feeling alienated. I came to be drawn closer to the most high King. I prayed asking God to bind the enemy from allowing this to rob me of the ways I could learn and grow from His word at the conference.

So back to my "elsewhere". I kinda laughed to myself that the Lord posed this question in my heart after already being frustrated with the leader's comment. To be honest if I had not brought ladies from my church I would have been tempted to leave before it really started. But I know the Lord wanted an answer from me. A sincere and honest answer. Would I rather spend one day with Him than thousands elsewhere? I can think of lots of elsewheres- can't you? I actually stopped singing and for a moment, thought about it. As I pictured my hubby and I with children- both biological and adopted children- we had a houseful. It was a happy scene in my mind. I felt for a moment time froze as I took in every detail of this scene. Then as the chorus began again- I began to sing........... truly sing with great conviction that I would rather spend one day in the King of Kings and Lord or Lords court and house than a thousand days in any elsewhere I could imagine. What about you?

By the way- the Lord did speak to me through several of the speakers and allowed me to move past the opening comments about everyone being a mother. I also am not having a pity party- I promise. I also know as a Minister of Childhood Education, God has given me the opportunity to mother many children spiritually. I am so thankful. In case you read this and wonder- I am at a great place in my life knowing I am not a mom. I really am. I haven't always been in a great spot with this but today I am. The Lord used the leader who opened the conference (who has a great heart and most likely doesn't realize the impact of her comments) to get me in a great place to be challenged by deciding one day or a thousand!

Love you much!
Mrs. Tara





How lovely is Your dwelling place, Oh Lord Almighty
My soul longs and even faints for You
For here my heart is satisfied, within Your presence
I sing beneath the shadow of Your wings

Better is one day in Your courts
Better is one day in Your house
Better is one day in Your courts
Than thousands elsewhere
(repeat)

One thing I ask, and I would seek, to see Your beauty,
To find You in the place Your glory dwells
My heart and flesh cry out,
For You the living God
Your Spirit's water for my soul
I've tasted and I've seen,
Come once again to me.
I will draw near to You.
I will draw near to You

One reason I love Cleveland, TN

When teenagers grow up in a small town they often can't wait to leave the small town USA behind and head to a bigger city.  Sometimes it is because of what all they think the bigger city has to offer- things they think their small town can not provide them.  In some areas this may be true.  But oh the things a small town can offer that many overlook.  I saw one of those things displayed this past week. 

I watched a small town come to pay respects to a 7 month old baby girl- some that didn't even know the family.  You see small town mean family.  It means you come together to help this grieving family in whatever ways you can.  I saw people wait hours to tell this family they were sorry for their loss, they are praying for them, and many more expressions of their kindness.  As amazed as I was at the many that came that night............nothing prepared me for what I saw on the day of her funeral. 

It wasn't the first time my eyes had beheld this scene since living here, but for some reason this past Wednesday it had a profound impact on me.  As I drove to the grave site, it wasn't the firefighters and firetrucks that were along the way- although it was touching.  The site I beheld that left me speechless was that every single car stopped and pulled off the rode.  Some may be thinking well for a few cars that is understandable.  It was not a few cars- it was many.  It was not a short distance either- it was miles.  Every single car, truck, semi- even a jogger, stopped to pay respect to this little girl and her family. 

I was trying so hard to hold it together- emotionally.  I mean after all I am suppose to right?  I had tried to limit my crying spells to my home - although every staff member at church was so sweet and sensitive as I too grieved this precious little buddy.  As the funeral processional approached the church- the tears flowed freely.  I was overcome with emotion that my little friend Delaney Claire would never run and play inside, I would never give her a lollipop or hear her say hello when she came to church.  The Lord gently and quietly whispered to me that she was seeing Jesus face to face and would run and play on streets of gold.  How thankful I am for His grace when my heart is so heavy and broken.  It is times like these I am thankful His grace is sufficient. 

Cleveland you may be growing and may not even be considered small town USA by some but please don't every change.  I love who you are and how you embrace everyone as family.  You are amazing!

Please don't stop praying for my little friend Delaney's family as they walk through very difficult days. 

Yes I'm Obsessed!

Well, if you know me personally, chances are you also realize I am obsessed with a mouse.  Not just any mouse, but a mouse who lives in Florida.  Yes- I am talking about Mickey Mouse! 

This love started many years ago when my grandparents, parents, aunt (10 years older than me), uncle (7 years older than me) and my younger sister headed out for Fort Wilderness at Disney World.  It is a memory that is very vivid from my childhood.  I remember the camper, the boat ride/boat parade and my family.  It would be several years before I would return but the love of that place and the memories were stamped on my heart forever. 

Many have asked, "Don't you get tired of going?"  To be honest, no I don't.  I can't get enough.  I am also asked if I ride the rides.  Yes, I do.  But my favorite are the shows and the parades.  I love it when I can go with my husband.  However, as strange as many find it- I am okay to go by myself too.  Often I have a conference in Orlando and he can't always attend.  Last year I needed a vacation and he couldn't go- so guess what- he told me to go and I did.  I had a blast. 

Here is one of my favorite things to see......

(picture taken by my husband from the Contemporary Resort )

This past week while visiting Disney World, we drove past the entrance to Fort Wilderness.  I got all misty eyed and emotional.  I looked at my husband and asked how in the world did my grandparents and parents ever afford to take us to Disney?  I now realize what a gift my inaugural trip was financially.  It not only began a love for the place but for the one who created it too. 

If you can dream it, you can do it!

Walt Disney

Stay tuned..... I am working on a post of my observations / suggestions for visiting Disney with your children!

A Weekend to Remember

Mike and I recently attended Family Life's conference for Married Couples (and engaged couples).  It is called A Weekend To Remember .  Thanks to our church - First Baptist Cleveland who gives this special time to the minister's at our church every other year.  Mike and I continue to go to this particular conference (although we could pick others), because it is always a great conference.  We have never been disappointed in the speakers, location, etc.  Family Life is a first class ministry who is committed to helping families keep Christ as the top priority in their lives. 
The conferences are located all over the United States.  We've been to a couple locations.  This year we decided to go to Charleston, South Carolina.  We just love this city.  On Friday we explored the city and here are some things we got to see:

Two Meeting Street Inn

This is where I really wanted to stay but they didn't have availability for the entire time we were in town! One day I am going to stay at this Bed and Breakfast!

Friday night before we went to the conference, we saw a couple get married in the gazebo at Battery Park.  This was their carriage!

We took a carriage ride but it was with quite a few couples!

I would most likely visit Battery Park a lot if I lived in Charleston!

Love it!

We saw families playing, photo sessions of a bride, children and about 16 members of a family- it was cute - they were all dressed alike.  The grandfather was just ready to get it over with. 

I love the homes in Charleston.

Homes we got to see on our carraige ride.  I highly recommend the Palmetto Carriage Company if you are in Charleston. 

I loved the Christmas decorations. 

The thing I look at the most is the gates, fences, lamps, etc.   I think this looks very enchanting!

Loved this gate........

but most of all loved what was inside the gate.  I could see myself sitting here to read.

Picture on South Battery.  While waiting on the Boat Parade we got to see lit up and with it's Christmas tree on.  It is a beautiful home. 

Yet another view of Battery Park!

Water view of Battery Park!

Favorite boat from the parade!

We also loved those on canoes and kayaks who came by first.  They came by yelling two things-

"Merry Christmas" and then would say "When we say row, you say Ho!"

So it was fun to hear Row, Ho, Row, Ho with all the others who had gathered to see the Boat Parade!

We also visited James Island County Park Festival of Lights at Folly Beach. It was AMAZING - so amazing that it will be a blog post all of it's own. 

So thankful for my hubby! I love him more and more each day.  I never knew 18 years ago (this month) when he asked me to marry him that it was possible to love him more than I did that day, but I do.  So thankful to God for the gift of this godly man.  I love you HB!

A Beautiful Place

I loved exploring Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge with my love this weekend!  God is amazing in how created so many different types of places. Have a great week!

One of my favorite gifts ever..............

Well this past week I celebrated my birthday.  I was overwhelmed with birthday wishes and blessings by cards, facebook well wishes, kiddos hugs and singing and all kinds of goodies.  My husband gave me one of my most favorite gifts ever (if you know me well- you know he gave me one of the best gifts I've been given in my life this past November- leave a comment if you think you know what that gift was- hint.....I am still using it)

Anyway................. I woke up to find a Kindle beside me! Woo Hoo!

I will always love a "real, live" book (so don't worry Mrs. Lynda!) However, I absolutely love it.  The first book I read on my kindle was Leota's Garden by Francine Rivers. 

I actually discovered tonight I could go to Christian Book Distributor's site and find all the Christian books that are free in their section and go to Amazon and look up the same books under Kindle and download those free too! I actually think I downloaded about 30 books tonight - very easily added since my awesome husband included 3G on my Kindle! So now I am all set for vacation in a few weeks.

Thank you to everyone who helped my day (and week) so special!

Happy Fourth of July

Happy July 4th!  I pray you have a great time celebrating Independence Day! We have a great privilege of living in a FREE country.  We are a blessed people.  I also remind you that we have the opportunity to be free spiritually as well- In John it tells us "if the Son sets you free, you are free indeed!"

The freedom this speaks of is the freedom from the bondage of sin.  John 3:16 tells us of this FREE gift - For God so loved the world that He sent His one and only Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life. 

I pray you can celebrate the Fourth of July as an American who has freedom but also as a Christian - who is free indeed!