Last Tuesday, the wonderful Karen Watson (Tyndale Publishers) and I had dinner before attending Michelle Shocklee’s book signing in downtown Franklin. The evening was pure pleasure—catching up with Karen and supporting and celebrating Michelle and her new book.
The Women of Oak Ridge is out in the world and is truly a must read for historical fiction lovers—the real history of Oak Ridge Tennessee, the depth of characters, a captivating plot. I highly recommend it.
Move a week ahead…
Today is a Tuesday, which means it’s a Gram Tam (and Papa Joe) day, which I love (but gracious, do Joe and I sleep well on Tuesday and Thursday nights!). Here are our grands, almost 3 and 2 years old. They are a handful but so precious, and growing way too fast. These pics pretty much capture their personalities.
They’ll be here shortly, so I need to get things set up and lunch started. But first…
In the midst of your busy Tuesday—and in this world full of gut wrenching tragedy and incredible heartfelt blessing—here are verses that have brought me such comfort in the last week…
“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am… Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 14:1-3, 16:33b (NLT)
Jesus is our Rock, our Redeemer, an ever present help in time of need. He’s our Shelter, our Comforter, the King of the Universe through whom all things were made and hold together. He’s our Champion. He’s for you. Whether you’ve turned to him as Savior and Lord or not, he’s for you. And even after we’ve bowed the knee to him and confessed our sins and have accepted his saving grace, he still pursues us, wanting to deepen the relationship, wanting us to know the Father more and more and more.
Almost a decade ago, a Bible teacher and good friend challenged me to spend as much time in the Word of God as I did watching Netflix or the news or scrolling through social media. That brought awareness, then conviction, then repentance, then life-renewing change—the Creator of the Universe meeting me at every turn—and I’ll be forever grateful.
Whatever life has you doing today, let’s boldly speak the name of Jesus with a depth of love that can only come from his heart. And if you’re not in a Bible study yet this fall, please check out Bible Study Fellowship (BSF). We’ve just started EXILE AND RETURN, which promises to be another powerful study.
In-person gatherings are available as well online. YES, THERE ARE ONLINE GROUPS, which I’m part of this year. I’m betting there’s room for you in both.
Blessings on your week, my friends,
Tammy
Tamera Alexander
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🙌 Yes, BSF is a wonderful choice! Our group started last week, and we are going to discuss Ezekiel tomorrow. I thoroughly recommend this study that promises hope to us exiles here on earth and God’s promise to return earth to its original perfect creation.
So well said, Lauraine. Amen and I’m grateful we’re in BSF “together” this year. My online group—that has Robin (Lee Hatcher) is in, too, as well as two other dear friends, Sunni Jeffers and Janet Ulbright, what fun—met last night. We already have such a cohesive group. Amazing how the bond of Christ ties you closely together so quickly.
Thank you for these comforting scriptures, so helpful at this time. We have a new pastor at our church as of July 1st. She had a four week Bible study during August based on Adam Hamilton’s “Why?” that focused on many situations we face in life.
As a blessing in our family, our granddaughter started her freshman year in college August 16th at VCU in Richmond, VA. She celebrated her 18th birthday Sept. 1st. Enjoy your grands. They grow up so fast.
Betty, that sounds like it was a good sermon series by her. I’m currently in a Wednesday morning class entitled Systematic Theology and it’s so good. Last week was all about God—his sovereignty and power and also his “permissive will.” Meaning we live (as you well know) in a fallen world which comes with consequences. Just as my own sin costs others, so others’ sin often costs me. Aren’t we grateful that this world is not our forever home? Thank you, Lord, for ransoming us so that we can be forever with you. And Betty, I look forward to meeting your dear husband at Home, too. Bless you, friend.
And oh yes, I am soaking up the moments with these grands. They’re growing so quickly. Congrats on your granddaughter turning 18 and starting VCU. Praying for her and her road ahead.
Blessings to you, Tammy, for always making me feel so good. Thank you for remembering that Tom is in his heavenly home.
I always enjoy our exchanges, my friend. Hugs from my corner of Nashville.
Those sweet babies are just too precious! I love seeing them!
Thanks, dear friend. Your 4,698 grandchildren are precious too! 🤣
Haha! Just saw this. Too funny. But sometimes it seems like that many! 😉