Archive for January, 2008
01-31-2008
Hola Amigos!
Yep, it happened, I am writing your from the wisdom (or lack thereof), of a 40 year old! I begged for a motorcycle, but Brett knowing I would just take off and leave him with 4 kids opted for a different surprise and took me to paradise, also known as Nuevo Vallarta , Mexico . I know many of you reading this frequent trips to inner cities, Honduras and mission trips to the likes thereof, yeah- this was nothing like that and yes you have permission to hate me for a minute! Okay, minute is up, you have to love me again!
Brett, and our travel agent, Julie, made all the arrangements so I had no idea what I was stepping into. It truly was beyond my wildest dreams and all that I could mutter was this is “CRAZY AMAZING INSANE!” Brett surmised that I liked it. What I have always loved most especially about Mexico, I mean in addition to, the sand, beach, sun, mountains, fantastic weather, being on vacation… is the PEOPLE! The nicest in the world.
As I curled up on my lounge chair the first day, feet nestled in the sand, I read and re-read Shane Claiborne’s awesome book, Irresistible Revolution. I know I have mentioned it before, but it bears mentioning again, and if you still haven’t read it – I highly recommend a beach somewhere, no just kidding, just order it already! As I am thumbing through the pages of Shane prolifically talking about the American slavery to Mammon, I was being spoon fed diet coke and lime by Benjamin, who I nicknamed Benji. Benji would come and check on me and we would visit. We talked about family, life, fun and work. After I soared the Pacific Ocean going 70 MPH on a jet ski he came to see how it went. I read on where Shane talked about living with the sisters of Charity (and Mother Teresa), in Calcutta , and his work with the homeless while Benji asked me if I wanted a fresh towel (I know ridiculous)! Juanita came by trying to sell me a huge blanket. I couldn’t have fit it in the suitcase, but it sure was pretty. She would visit periodically and I asked how it was going. During the end of the day she came by to tell me that she had not sold even one blanket. My heart hurt for her. She had been working so hard. I saw the despair in her eyes. I found some money and took it to her. I told her it was for good luck. She returned 20 minutes later and told me that she had sold two blankets. She kissed me on my cheek and held my hair in her hand and said, “Gracias mi Amiga, Gracias!” I was again overwhelmed with the beautiful nature and spirit of the Mexican people. Deep down I longed that I might have some Mexican genealogy in me, but my Irish skin now the color of a Sundia (watermelon in espanol) told otherwise! I continued reading Shane’s book inspiring me to want to give away everything I had and move to Mexico and live a simpler life. Brooke could braid hair on the beach, Joshua, Jac and Luke could make seashell necklaces. I could hang out with Juanita and Benji~ Life would be great! I would live with Reckless Abandon, and adopt a lifestyle such as the salt of the earth, the holiest people I had ever met. Now, how could I convince Brett?
The following day Brett surprised me with a motorcycle trip into Puerto Vallarta . Remember my dream of owning my own… We easily rented the bikes and were on our way on the busy cobblestone streets. Not, part of my fantasy, was the challenge of cab-coasters almost hitting us at every corner, or a bus, or a group of people who don’t know I am not yet a skilled motorist. We headed for a less trafficy area and ended up lost on a mountain top of houses, with the narrowest of streets I have ever seen. We made a wrong turn (not just one, but this was bad), and had to find a way to turn around. I was in a tight spot and the slickness of the cobblestone and the too sharp of a rev of the gas sent me sprawling onto the cobblestone. My pride was devastated, my body was a little better off, there was some blood and scraps and I re-broke the same finger I have been trying to heal for a year. If when you see me next it appears I am making an obscene jester, please forgive me, I can’t bend that finger! So, with my thrill of a motorcycle ride, or ever having one, now scrapped (Dwain, I still want to ride on yours!), we headed back to tell the rental man, Mario- that I had scratched his motorcycle. I knew we would have to pay, but was not sure how much. Mario pitched a fit (motorcycle people are passionate, I get that), but then he said it would be more money than we had in life-savings. He didn’t have a credit card machine, we offered him all the cash we had, he threatened to call the policia and in the end he had Brett take him to Wal-mart and buy him a NEW expensive sound system. I’m not sure how that will help his paint job, but he seemed to think it would. He totally had Brett, hook line and sinker. I was so upset. “He is TOTALLY playing you I said! We don’t have that kind of money! Let him call the policia!” Brett, unraveled by my tantrum, did what Mario asked and bought him what he requested. I totally thought we lost, and there is a competitive streak in me that was not happy. So now with my hurt my pride from the bike accident, the hurt my finger and the defeat from Mario I was glum. I sulked in the car, as Shane’s voice came into my mind, thoughts from the book Irresistible Revolution came to life. Give it away, all of it! Wasn’t I just moments before ready to give everything away and live a simpler life? Wasn’t I the bible toting, theology studying chic who wanted to be like that Jesus guy that was homeless! Grrrrr. I missed it and Brett totally got it. He did the right thing, and I read about doing the right thing. I love how God has such a great sense of humor with me. I want to live a holy life, and I am vicariously living one through the person I married! Brett hadn’t even read the Irresistible Revolution and yet he just gave w/out reason, without sense – the way Jesus does things! Although, my dream of moving to Mexico in the land of the perfect place was a bit shattered, I was reminded that we will always have Benji’s, Juanita’s and Mario’s in our lives. It was easy for me to love Benji and Juanita; the tougher ones to love are the Mario’s. Brett loved Mario-unconditionally. The way God does, and calls us to, not when it’s easy to love, but when it’s hard! I have a lot to learn! Hopefully more wisdom will come with age. I may be off to a slow start, but if I should have to suffer through such lessons in the likes of Mexico , well so be it!
I really did take this picture; this was the view from our room! I know CRAZY AMAZING INSANE!
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01-14-2008
Dear Spiritually Fit Friends,
This past weekend I was deeply honored to facilitate a CORE leaders retreat for my friends at St. Thomas More. It was held at a retreat center in Boulder City , where the Hoover Dam is. The facility was originally built as the hospital for the dam workers. Many of the retreat participants (younger than I, and who can stay up late), visited the Morgue in the dark of night. Part of me wishes I could have stayed awake and another part is glad I didn’t. We attended Mass at the local church, St. Anthony’s on our first evening and the youth leader, Steven Dwyer, gave us a brief history lesson telling us that the alter in the church was made out of the concrete used to build the Hoover Dam- yeah, not going anywhere! Not missing a beat, my new friend Erlantz jumped in; “Now that’s a dam alter!” I know there is supposed to be reverence in church, but I busted out laughing!
The retreat theme was SPIRIT LED, and was based on Matt 4:1-11. (We coined it Matt 4-1-1)! This story has been quite pertinent to me, especially since in this scripture the spirit leads Jesus into the desert. Previously, when I reflected on that scripture I had thought of Satan in relation to the desert, but it was clear that upon Jesus’ baptism by the Holy Spirit; it was indeed THE SPIRIT who led him. Often, I don’t mind following the spirit when it involves somewhere I want to go. I would readily follow the spirit into the ocean front beaches of Mexico any day, but I hesitate when the spirit calls me into the desert. The thought of Satan taunting Jesus never sat well with me either, but in delving deeper into the scripture it is Jesus’ victory over Satan’s attempts that should encourage and inspire me. Again, the model – of Jesus, Follow me… Trust Me…!
Once again, as has been consistent with anytime I have been fortunate enough to spend time with my brothers and sister in this incredible community, I was blessed. Too often, we hear of the negatives in our world, and I am guilty of giving into the gloom and doom, such as focusing on the fear of Satan vs. the FAITH of Jesus. The leaders of this community are the epitome of hope. A diverse group of people, all committed to Adoring God, loving one another, and following HIM, in service using their God given charisms. It is a great reminder that what remains…what perseveres, what is alive and well in our world is FAITH, HOPE AND LOVE –May you be willing to trust HIM today by being SPIRIT LED - wherever HE takes you!
Together in Him!
Tammy
Picture attached is my mini-me who turned two this week. Looks like I won’t have to worry about the legacy of Spiritual Fitness Ministry!
This link will take you to a beautiful video highlighting autism sent to me by my dear friend Elizabeth Ogilvie. Thanks for sharing it with us!
http://www.whatkindofworlddoyouwant.com/videos/view/id/408214
Happy MLK day!
P.S. Thank you for many of your reviews on Jac’s book, Jac and I are deeply honored by your outpouring of love.
Blog entry: January 14, 2008
I was blessed with the opportunity to travel to Amarillo , Texas this past weekend and present a workshop to approx. 250 amazing women and teens. It was an incredible event honoring the sacred sisterhood we, as women, are blessed to share in. In my talk, I highlighted 7 points:
W: Willingness (being open; risk)
I: Invitation (reaching out)
T: Testimony (sharing our stories)
N: Need (for one another, and time together in small groups)
E: Expectations: (sometimes less is more)
S: Sacrifice: (Mother Teresa; selflessness in an often “me centered culture”)
S: Service: (Wash Each Other’s Feet; learn to be a grateful receiver)
Yes, Be a WITNESS - Think about what that looks like in your life for a moment; How are you a witness to your family, friends, community? How are you called to be a witness? What does your life speak as a witness?
The event closed with the fun song “Love is All Around”, and it most certainly was. It was a celebration in every sense of the word.
It was also a homecoming for me. Even though our family only lived in Amarillo for a short time, it will always be home to us. We were welcomed with open arms and humbled by the generosity of true hospitality in every sense of the word. It was compounded when a group of women who had adopted me when we first moved there, threw a surprise birthday party for me. Although a little early, I am turning that 2 plus 2 with an 0 on the end this month!!! I can only say that if the rest of the year is anything like the start of it, then truly the best is yet to come! I was reminded of the sacred fellowship of sisterhood that truly is a gift from God; miles may separate, but hearts are stronger than miles. I am forever blessed with loving women in my life, who accept me as I am, in all my imperfections and love me unconditionally – again, how great is our GOD to give me such a gift!
I was hoping to be able to share my Jac book with the women over the weekend, but sadly my order did not arrive on time; however I arrived home to boxes of books, so if anyone is interested… see the attachment!
I pray you are healthy and holy and finding ways to serve God though all the gifts and wounds He has blessed you with. Thank you for blessing my life, and for being His witness!
Together in HIM,
Tammy
Linda- our host & fellow speaker: Jess- the musician: Me, &: Madonna- the inviter/organizer!
Me and my Friend Mary- otherwise known as the Red Hot Mama’s! ha, Who needs Botox when Lips look so good, tee hee!
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01-01-2008
Resolve to New Resolutions ~ in 2008!
The New Year marks a time of new beginning; a time when we feel the freedom to start anew, a time of re-motivating ourselves in wanting to do better. We often associate the season with resolutions; lose weight, exercise more, quit smoking/ drinking etc. -all ambitious goals, no doubt. Yet, many times our motivation quickly turns to frustration when we find ourselves struggling to achieve our own intentions. Perhaps, the concept of ‘our own intentions are, in part, the problem. We have yet to consult Jesus in our decision making process; had we even considered His will for us? In addition to consulting with our Creator, we can also ask better questions. Instead of asking ‘why’ we can’t seem to master these same resolutions year after year; we can ask the Lord; “What are you calling me to resolve; How might I grow closer to you through this? Where do you need me to serve?” So many resolutions are focused on the physical, our temple, again this is a worthwhile goal, but it is only one part of our soul that requires nourishing, seeking ways to devote more time to our mind and spirit is equally as important.
The concept of new beginnings; awakenings; surrendering; is something our faith embraces; it is an opportunity for spiritual conversion when we allow ourselves to slow down, reflect and intentionally seek God. As Catholics, the first day of the year is a holy day in honor and celebration of Mary. Her example helps us in aligning our own goals. Mary, who trusted, listened, obeyed, surrendered, accepted and loved. It is no coincidence this day also marks the universal day for Prayer for Peace. If we could all resolve to trust God in all things; listen more and talk less, love our neighbor more fully, then our resolutions can be realized in a whole new way - a spiritual one. We can resolve to do less (busyness) and do more listening (prayer). We can do less dieting and more fasting from arguing, envy, and greed. We can commit to more spiritual exercise and less television, or computer games.
We can have a whole new attitude regarding resolutions this year as we resolve to surrender to His will. May 2008 be a time continued spiritual growth for us all; in mind, body, and spirit.
New Year Blessings to you and your loved ones,
In Him,
Tammy
P.S. Thank you again for all of your support of Special Angel. Many of you have honored me by telling me you ordered copies. Jac and I look forward to hearing your reviews!
Also, our friend Jessica has enlisted Jac on U-TUBE! The following link is of Jess singing Jac’s song at His First Communion Mass. It starts with Fr. Mark’s, all too true, comments about my own inability to sing. I wrote the words to the song and Jessica wrote all the music- thankfully Jessica has been kissed by God in that department!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89WRhRxqceI
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