Looking Ahead to 2021

So 2021 is here… does life get better now? Looking at our country I would say- No. No it does not.

As a Christian looking at the world around me I see lots of hopelessness, confusion and darkness. My country seems to be taring itself apart and is more divided now than it has been in a long, long time. Everyone has their opinion, political belief and party. And they try to force all those around them to follow their train of thought. No longer can you believe politically what you want. You have to fall in line, or be called intolerant. The media(social or otherwise) on both sides has an angle and don’t even brother to try to actually report the news factually. You can’t believe a word you hear or read. And all around you is hate, anger and mistrust disguised as wisdom, superiority and self-sacrifice.

If 2020 taught us anything it is that this world(this country) is full of sin and it’s consequence death. I’m not here to get in a political debate with you about the merits of wearing or not wearing a mask, of white privilege, or any other pressing concern of today. Because in the end those are just worries for today and not the root of the real problem. The root of humanity’s problem is and has always been sin. We’re born sinners and can’t do anything but sin.

We lie, manipulate the truth, murder, steal, riot, complain and do so many unspeakable things to each other in the dark. (And now a days we do it in the open because who cares! It’s my life right?) With each of these sinful acts we destroy and kill. Our world around us reflexes it. And now what has always been there is just out in the open and celebrated. There is nothing new under the sun.

Gee Tally, why so doom and gloom? But I’m not doom and gloom. As an American I am sad beyond measure for my country. I love my nation and my people. Like the prophet Jeremiah I weep for them and pray for them. But my allegiance is not to this nation or her leaders or even her people. I am a sojourner passing through. A stranger in a strange land. Because I know that no political party, trending movement or vaccine is going to save me. My hope is found in Christ alone.

Looking ahead to 2021 I have no idea what is going to happen. I can’t tell you, but I do know God is good. He is so good He sent His one and only Son to die in our place. Taking our sin and judgment upon Himself. He paid the price for sin that we might have life and have it more abundantly. This world is heading towards the end(there’s no stopping it) and as it does evil will only become stronger and stronger. There is no other name given under heaven by which you can be saved. No president, doctor, religious figure or friend, who can give you a hope and future. There is only Christ.

My hope and prayer for you this year as an individual is that you would come to know Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior. That you would confess your sin and hopelessness and repent. Acknowledging that what Christ did on the cross for you is the only way for reconciliation and salvation. Abandon all trust and hope in this world and what it offers. Cling wholly to Jesus. By grace alone, through faith alone in Christ alone.

If you have any questions about this please feel free to contact me via my social media accounts or email. Or for the fastest response leave a comment down below.

Lots of love,

Tally

Christmas 2020

Merry Christmas 2020

O Lord, you are my God;
    I will exalt you; I will praise your name,
for you have done wonderful things,
    plans formed of old, faithful and sure. Isaiah 25:1

The Bible is God’s holy word is replete with examples of God’s faithfulness. From the beginning God spoke of a coming Savior who would crush Satan’s head freeing the elect from the power of sin and death. History is God’s story of redemption and love. But who is this Messiah? Is He to be ignored? Is He to be admired? Or is He to be worshiped?

“But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.” Galatians 4:4

“26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed[b] to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!”[c] 29 But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. 30 And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High.” Luke 1

The Savior, fully God and fully man, born of a virgin, by the power of the Holy Spirit and without sin. He is the Son of God.

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made. 4 In him was life,[a] and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” John 1

Jesus the Son of God is eternal and the creator of all things.

“15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by[f] him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. 19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.” Colossians 1

“18 For Christ also suffered[a] once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit,” 1Peter 3:18

He came to earth to be a ransom for sin to give His life to redeem men from every tribe and tongue. For we were dead in our sins and trespasses alienated from God. We were His enemies deserving eternal death.

“2 And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— 3 among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body[a] and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.[b] 4 But[c] God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—“ Ephesians 2

14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son[a] from the Father, full of grace and truth.

In the fullness of time God sent forth His son Jesus who is Christ the Lord.

“2 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when[a] Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed,[b] who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.[c]

8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest,
    and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” John 2

Merry Christmas to all!

It’s Okay Being Just Okay

Soapbox Warning!! If you’re not in for a rant don’t read.

Ya know I love blogging and watching YouTube videos. But sometimes it gets kinda irritating. It comes to some place where I feel like the pressure of, “You should listen to me because I have a YouTube channel and am therefore know more about life than you.” Or I should say, that I notice when I spend so much time watching a particular channel or reading a particular post I feel like I need whatever it is they have. Or whatever I have isn’t enough for that insta life.

Now I know what you’re about to say, “But Tally you’re berating your own blog then. Because you’ve promoted products on your site.” True and I also get the commercial side of these influencers. That for many of them this is how they make money. Totally get it and I am in no why saying they’re evil for doing it. Not what I am saying at all.

So what am I saying?

That it’s okay to be you. You don’t need the next beauty trick, the next trend, the next fad, or whatever. The truth is this world will never ever satisfy! Like ever.

Have you ever bought something because you just had to have it, but then like three weeks later you notice you haven’t even used it yet? As humans we are constantly looking for something to satisfy us, to give us purpose. It’s how we’re hard wired. But if nothing in this world will fill that void what are we to do? If no career, partner, shirt, lipstick, food, or goal will ever completely satisfy us, what do we do? Go crazy?

No way!!

We need to stop looking on earth for the answer, because it isn’t there. As humans our preprogrammed void is God shaped. He created us to constantly be searching. To be searching for Him. And take a deep breath guys, because God isn’t hiding some behind distance star where we can’t find Him. He has revealed Himself. He has told us in the Bible(His Word) how we can come to Him, through His Son, Jesus Christ.

Oh great Tally has gone all religious on us. Good! If I knew the secret to the universe, to ultimate satisfaction and kept it to myself what would that make me? A jerk. And that’s putting it mildly. If I never promote anything else on this blog but the saving and cleansing work of Jesus Christ, than so be it. Guys this world is scary and frankly it is getting scarier all the time. That’s because this world is passing and filled with the sins of men. So if this world is passing and even while it’s here it won’t(can’t) give us what we need. Why do we hesitate? Don’t hesitate. Please if you have any questions about my faith or what a relationship with Christ looks like leave a comment, send an email, or DM me on any of my social sites. I’ll get off the soapbox now.

Lots of love,

Tally

Two Empty Sweaters

With seven days off to be with my whole family the Christmas season was looking bright and care free. But life rarely turns out so simple and carefree. To start with my parents 16 yr. old yorkie took a turn for the worst the week before Christmas and they eventually made the decision to put her down. She’d lived a long and good life and it was time. Still her sudden change of health came, if not at a surprise than at least at a fast.

Everyone was of course sad for her lose, but we never dreamed that just two days later my sister’s three old Havanese, Dot would bolt from the house. After a five hour search through the dark, cold Illinois night we eventually had to wait till morning to search again. (I ended up getting an awful had cold because of the fridge temps) By morning we searched again for hours and found no sign. Flyers went up along with Facebook pages and ads in the newspaper. As of this writing(seven days later) Dot is still missing. There’s a small chance she’ll be found and returned to my sister, but that chance gets smaller everyday.

Bella and Dot…

My parents(since my youngest sister still lives with them) went from having three dogs to just the one in less than a week. I know they’re just dogs and they don’t live forever, but these darling fur-babies grab hold of your heart, don’t they? We may never know what became of Dot, or where she ran too, but I do know that God is in charge of even this. It hurts and it sucks, but He loves Dot even more than we do(He created her after all) and He knows exactly where she is and who she’s with.

Anyway if you guys can be please praying, especially for my sister. Two sweet puppy Christmas sweaters went unworn this year and it tares at my heart.

Lots of love,

Tally

Carry On

Ever feel like life’s thrown you a curveball? And then like three more one after another? Yeah that’s I feel, which bring to mind my Mom’s infamous quote, ‘It won’t always be this way.” If it’s going good, give thanks and enjoy it because it won’t always be this way.  If it’s rough give thanks and hold on, because it won’t always be this way. One thing about life is it’s always changing.

In the past couple of months some pretty amazing things have happened; like I became an aunt! But also some crummy things; like my car, my dream car, died.

Sometimes the changeableness of life is exciting; you never know what will happen tomorrow. Other times it’s frightening and disheartening; I really don’t know what’s going to happen tomorrow. That’s when I give thanks or should try to. 

Yes life is never the same but God is immutable- His promises are everlasting and there is no shadow if turning with Him.

I don’t know how your life is changing, but I do know hat God is the same yesterday, today and forever. That nothing surprises or startles Him, or causes Him to rethink the game plan. That a relationship with Him through faith in Jesus Christ is hope. And that without Him there is no hope.

When times get difficult or just plain overwhelming, I struggle to lay my worries down at the cross. Which is basically me saying I don’t trust God to handle it. But when I finally let go of my own schemes and plotting and numerous escape plans doomed to fail; I’m stunned to realize that no matter what happens as a child of God is for His glory and my ultimate good. And that’s very comforting.

Lots of loves,

Tally

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Being Single

I’ve been planning on writing this post for awhile and it seems very apropos to write it now. (Happy Valentines Day!)

Let me first say that I have finally (finally as in the last couple of months) come to the realization that I like where I am right now. Personally I don’t think I’m ready to date. I’m enjoying life as a very single 22 year old, who’s spreading her wings for the first time.

Does this mean if Mr. Right (or just a normal guy) asked me out I’d say no? No, I don’t think so (I mean it depends on the guy) But the pressure, the hunt for a dude if you will, isn’t there anymore. And it’s such a relief! 

There are times I get lonely and I would like a friend who I can be my complete self with. (Not that I don’t have family and friends I love being around) I think there’s a desire in most all of us to want a companion to share life with. But I’m learning to love who I am right now and to wait where God has me. 

There are times when you can’t understand why you cannot do what you want to do. When God brings a time of waiting, and appears to be unresponsive, don’t fill it with busyness, just wait.

-Oswald Chambers

My Mom always told me, but it wasn’t until recently it sunk in,  “That life won’t always be this way.” In the end I want what God has in store for me, because whatever (or whoever) is so much better than what my imagination can come up with.

Lots of loves,

Tally

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Reflections and a Holy God

Taking a more personal turn, I was just laying here sitting how completely clueless I can be. How clueless we can all be. 

Let me explain. It’s been extremely cold here the past week (which most of you know)  and we have gotten a crap ton of a snow. But it’s been too cold to actually enjoy and play in the snow. And because of the cold I’m probably gonna have to replace my car’s battery and the pipes in my kitchen froze (but thankfully they’ve thawed and nothing burst) and I’ve had a headache every night this week because of the weather- Basically I have been counting every little inconvenience, every little thing as a personal attack. And I was wondering why I felt so miserable.

Well after the pipes unfroze I realized how ungrateful my attitude has been. How selfish I’ve been… And God didn’t waver or move. He was and is faithful. God hasn’t left us simply because life has become inconvenient. Maybe He’s trying to get our attention. For me it was getting my attention off of me and back on Him. He never said life would be perfect as Christian (in fact He said the opposite. We should expect worse) But He did say He’d never leave us nor forsake us.

Instead of listing things that are troublesome list God’s attributes and what He has done. God is faithful; He’s provided me the money to get a new battery. God is gracious and merciful; He saved me, a wretched sinner, from my own sin by sending His Son to die. His goodness is overflowing; my work commute consists of a flight of stairs and I work with some amazing women. God is all powerful; not only does He hold my very atoms together but those of the entire universe as well.

And the list could go on and on and on and on and on. When You look at your life through God all you see is Him.

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Philippians 4:8

“Have you been asking God what He is going to do? He will never tell you. God does not tell you what He is going to do- He reveals to you who He is… Believe God is always the God you know Him to be when you are nearest to Him. Then think how unnecessary and disrespectful worry is!” Oswald Chambers

Lots of loves,

Tally

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A Little More About Me

It’s that time again! Time to share and share alike. (I know how much you guys love sharing) This time around I thought I’d share a bit about my testimony.

I was born into a second generation Christian family. My mom’s dad was a pastor and my dad’s dad the head deacon. That being said I have attended church all my life and grew up hearing the Bible and Gospel preached pretty much daily. 

When I was four or five my mom shared with me the Gospel and though I’m not sure I understood everything, I knew I needed Christ as my Savior and asked Him to become Lord of my life.

People say it’s hard for kids who grew up “Christian” to really know if they’re saved or not. And for a long time I believed them and constantly doubted whether I was really saved or just riding on my parents’ coattails.

Me at fifteen or sixteen.

At fifteen I went through a really hard patch in my life where I was convinced I wasn’t doing something right. I knew I couldn’t work my way to Heaven but I felt like I had to do something to make God happy. Like He was always disappointed in me. And how could I really be saved if God was constantly disappointed in me? Aren’t Christians supposed to please God?

Can you see what’s wrong with my thinking? I was basing a lot on my emotions and I was focused solely on me! God taught me in Ephesians 2:8-10 that salvation is something He does and I am His masterpiece that He made. 

It really takes the focus off myself and puts it back on God, who sent His Son to die for me.

 

“For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.”

 

As a third generation Christian I don’t need a “aha!” moment because the Bible says if we believe on the Lord Jesus Christ we will be saved. That there is no other name under Heaven by which we can be saved and if we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Anyway I hope you enjoyed this and I would love to hear a bit about your testimony, please leave it in the comments below. Along with any questions you might have.

Acts 16:31, Acts 4:12 and 1 John 1:9

Lots of loves,

Tally

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