Archive for the 'Dear Spiritually Fit Friends' Category

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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