Author: Tammy M Cardwell

Why Church? Stability in Unstable Times

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We all go through hard times, some being worse than others. One thing we all need during those times is stability.

One particular time, for me, was more devastating than any other before or since. I felt like every natural thing I’d built my life on was coming apart, and that its foundation was crumbling. At that point, all I could rely on was God.

It would have been easy to back away from church right then, to draw into myself and give in to the pain and fear. Instead, I did two very important things. I kept one (ONLY one!) very close, mature friend up on what was going on so that I had her prayers, encouragement, wisdom and support, and I stayed active in church. When many others would have run away from the church, I ran to it.

My problems didn’t disappear when I walked through those doors, but as I served Him in my appointed ministry, and as I soaked in the sermon, I found true peace. I seriously understood the Psalmist’s words, “For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand.” In truth, church services, during that time, always ended too early for me.

Different denominations use different words, but we call the room where we worship the sanctuary, and that’s what it was for me – in every sense. I found sanctuary there, protection, refuge, comfort, peace…stability.

I learned many things during those horror-filled months, and this is one of them. The church, if you are truly an active part of it, offers stability in unstable times.

Celebrating Jesus!

Tammy C

Why Church? Introduction

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For years, I worked in my family’s sporting goods store, and I got to know our customers. I remember one in particular telling me, “I don’t need church. I can get closer to God on the lake.”

These words sound good; I know from personal experience just how close to God you can feel when you’re surrounded by His glorious creation. The problem is that getting with God on the lake only gives Him part of what He wants from us, and gives us only part of what He wants us to have. Church attendance is about much more than we see at first glance.

As is true for pretty much everyone, there was a time when it was easy for me to not go to church. The more I learned about walking with God, though, and the importance and value of doing things His way, the harder I worked at getting there.

It was challenging at first. Setting aside my pillow on Sunday morning was as hard for me as setting aside sugar is hard for a diabetic. I did it, though, and have spent decades reaping the rewards. I love church, and don’t want to see anyone miss out.

So I’ve come to answer the question, “Tammy, why do you see church attendance as so important?” It will take a series of posts to get there, and they’ll be my personal answer (as opposed to the learned, theological answers you could read elsewhere online), but it is an answer I’m ready to give. Part 1 is on the way.

Celebrating Jesus!

Tammy C

Forever Begins Now

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In worship tonight,we sang a song rejoicing in the fact that we get to worship God forever. As I knelt there, loving on Him, I heard the Spirit say, “Forever begins now.”
Forever begins NOW, my friends! Don’t wait until you get to Heaven to give Him your praise, to honor Him with your worship, to fellowship with the One who loves you most. Make a point of getting into His presence daily and you’ll get a daily taste of Heaven. 
Celebrating Jesus!

Tammy C

Focus

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My husband doesn’t sleep much and watches TV constantly. Consequently, I have a white noise app on my phone to help me sleep and I’m happy to report that, when I focus on it, pretty much everything else fades away. If, however, I get up for some reason and hear the TV, I have to actively turn my attention back to the white noise or whatever is currently playing will irritate me until I go ask him to turn it down. 

It’s the same way with God’s voice. We are surrounded by noise, by myriad voices, sounds, songs… God is in that mix, but unlike everything else He won’t yell to get our attention-most of the time. If we are to hear God, we must tune the rest out-or at least turn it down-and focus on Him so we can truly hear Him. 

We tune the rest out when we pray, when we turn our concentrated attention on Him just as I turn my attention to the white noise. Spend enough time in prayer, getting to know His voice, and you eventually become like the mother who can instantly recognize her child’s cry in a room full of bawling babies. 

Focus on Him, strive to always stay sensitive to Him, and you will learn to instantly recognize that “still, small voice” when He speaks. 

The next step, of course, and often more challenging, is to do what He says. 

Celebrating Jesus!

Tammy C