Tag Archives: encouragment

Winter Gum Balls

Spiritual Encouragement, , , , , , , , , , , ,

What do you see when you look at this tree?

Some see an almost barren, winter gum ball tree.  A representation of the season that is not a favorite of mine.  All I have to do is mention “gum balls” and everyone knows it has no value other than its ability to produce a seed ball that can get in lawn mowers and shoot out at ankles causing a deep gash, depending on the distance and speed of its trajectory! And forget walking barefoot.

Yet others see a chance to recharge, a chance to rest in a way that will bring the beauty of spring and renewal. All the while still seeing the irritating gum balls.

Now look closely.

I saw something in this lonely looking tree that I have never seen before.  

Ever.  

And I have looked at that tree for over 35 years.

Yellow Birds.

Dozens of yellow birds, picking out the seeds from those dreaded gum balls!  I always wondered where my precious yellow birds went in the winter, and would wait patiently each spring to see my first one. Were they always in my front yard and I was too busy to see them?(That’s another post for another time!)

My “yellow bird” or American Goldfinch has come to mean a lot to me through the years.  To make a long story very short, this bird has become my own personal rainbow. https://yelobrd777.com/2015/03/10/whats-your-personal-rainbow/

I know that God is very personal, and “yellow bird” has shown up over and over when I have needed him too.  This day I described was no exception.

Except I wasn’t looking.  The most I have ever seen together.  My heart has been emotionally broken for several reasons of late and I have been praying for so many serious issues…on the very day they showed up!

Is your heart broken too?

What’s the big deal? It is just a coincidence.

I feel differently. It was if God reached down and gave me His love in a way in which I was not expecting on a cold, blustery day in January.  He reminded me that He was here with me and had not left nor forsaken me.  

And in an irritating gum ball tree that I thought had no purpose at all.  Looks like the birds thought differently.  

And the Father did too.  He uses all situations, no matter how uncomfortable, how frustrating, how misunderstood… for His glory and He builds my faith.

What is your yellow bird?

~Be Encouraged Today~

Tammy

A New Arrival

encouragement, Spiritual Encouragement, UNEXPECTED GIFT Book Series, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Finally. The second novel in the UNEXPECTED GIFT series has arrived.

“FICTION THAT ENCOURAGES.”

I wrote another book in between, “Seaside Change-A Novella, 30 Day Devotional and Discussion Guide.” Then, there were several bumps in the road the last three years with my Valley Fever illness, skin cancers and our global pandemic! But it is finally “live” on Amazon!! I have copies coming soon.

The first book in the series, “Peace in the Midst” came out before our first granddaughter was born in 2018. Now, our second granddaughter is about to be born and the second one is coming out! They are my inspiration.

I told my daughter-in-love that there is one more book in the series, she declined to be part of the inspiration. LOL

I have attached an “ad” that I finally paid for on FB since I could not get around the algorithm. Oh well, hopefully it will be worth the extra cost.

These books have been in my heart for over 28+ years. Many excuses were made to “not do it.” God’s timing is perfect and He has helped me through this process. I have learned to edit, proof, use tools in which to make myself a better writer.

I have been so fortunate to have teachers and friends who could help through the undertaking of writing; as well as a wonderful program I have used for grammar, punctuation, and even passive verbs..which have rocked my world! I taught special education children for years and we must have skipped that part of writing.

I have learned to format for different types of books, create and format covers with the help of my artist husband, who continues to paint the most wonderful canvas paintings. He listens as I try to explain what I am seeing in my head. He has gotten it perfect three times now. I am bragging on him!

Now, am I bragging on myself? I guess a bit. But, I also am encouraging those of you who have something on your heart that you know you are called to do.

Now is the time.

If this 61 year old gal just published her third book in three years, God will equip you to do what He calls you to do!

The series is based on John 16:33(AMP) It has spoke volumes to me since 2018. May it encourage you today.

“I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In this world you will have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.”[My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.]

~Be Encouraged Today~

Tammy

aka…T. W. Allgaier

Valley Fever Journey Chapter 4

Spiritual Encouragement, Valley Fever/Sweets Syndrome Journey, , , , ,

Today is October 12.  One year ago I had to go to the ER.  I was the sickest I had been in my entire life. Fever, coughing, pneumonia, pain.  I had blisters and lesions literally from head to toe.  I think every doctor in the hospital came to see the lady with all the strange skin nodules. 

I laid in the hospital ER for eight hours while they tried to figure out what was wrong with me and get me admitted. The daytime hospitalist was afraid to admit me, and I was going to leave, “come what may.”  The ER doctor begged me to stay, as he wanted to try to get me admitted by the evening hospitalist, so that he could get me to a larger hospital in a metropolitan area two hours away.  

He was able to do so and I was able to get to there within two days. He dedication to getting me to the hospital made all the difference. They tested me for so many things, TB included and I was in isolation because of it.  The ambulance ride at 3am wasn’t something I had on my bucket list, but I put it on so I could check it off!

Fast forward a year later.  I got a hair trim today and went shopping alone.  As I listened to my Gaither Vocal Band CDs (what I listened to in the hospital for the 11 days at Barnes), looked at the beautiful blue sky, drove my own car with the windows down, walked on my own without that walker I used for two months… tears flowed down my cheeks.

Valley Fever is a disease that will alway be a part of my life. Simply by breathing in a small, microscopic fungal spore that became a parasite in my body. My ID doctor said I was “at the wrong place and the wrong time.” It happens in the Southwest region of the country more than we know.

 My CT scan from last week did not show any shrinkage in the lesions, nodules or cavities… but that also means there was no growth.  I still have blood work to do, and hopefully it will show the disease is dormant, but even if it doesn’t, I am better.  I am more myself.  I don’t have severe fatigue every single day.  I am walking 2-3 miles most days. 

I just spent the day thanking the sweet Lord for another year of life.  A life that is far from perfect, but a life He has given me.  It all seems surreal in a way.  If I talked to you in those 13 days, I may literally not remember it.  Evidently, that did happen quite often.  

But I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your care, your prayers, your calls and texts.  Many of you still check on me and that is precious, I know so many of you are dealing with your own trials in life, and I don’t take that lightly.

I am reminded of this story and that fiery furnace from Daniel 3:16-18

“Even if” the nodules, lesions and cavities in my lung don’t shrink or go away,  “Even if” Valley Fever stays with me the rest of my life, “Even if” I have days that I am hurting and am fatigued….

I will still love the Lord and worship Him with my whole being. He is my peace, my grace, my heart, my salvation and my life.

I pray He is yours.

Even if.

Be Encouraged Today~

Tammy