Encore Young Stars

Many hugs, tears and goodbyes (for now) happened tonight. But that doesn't mean it's over, and that doesn't mean I don't love you.

Encore Theatrical Company Young Stars, you have a little bit of my heart to call your own.

Thank you.

Thank you for rarely being afraid.

Thank you for loving each other so fiercely.

Thank you for putting each other first so many times.

That's what it's all about.

I love you. I love you so much that my heart hurts right now. But I'm comforted in who you are, how you've grown as artists and in how you treat each other.

If I can leave you with anything, it would be to tell you that, beyond my love for you is Jesus' love for you. Sing for him, dance for him, share your story for him. When you captivate the audience with your story, let your every motivation to entertain be that you genuinely love them. All of them. And you want them to forget their troubles for a little while. Infiltrate your cast n crew with the love of Jesus.

If you don't know Jesus, I'll show you. He's awesome. He's my joy and my reason for singing. Truly. That's not just a saying. Well, it can be. But when you know Him for real, you really mean it.

And hey, I mean it when I say I genuinely love you so so so very much. Thank you for letting me be a piece of {enchanted} furniture in your precious and beautiful lives.

And thank you for signing the poster for me. It's going up in my new house in Georgia.

In Him, TK

If Your Presence Goes...

 "Give me words to speak."

"I can't think of anything worth sayin'."

In January 2008, the Kirk family (that time it was just two of us) boarded the turquoise space ship called Manley Baptist Church in Morristown, Tennessee under the leadership of Kevin Cook and Dr. Richard Emmert.  As a family who never was able to stay in one place longer than 9 months, The Kirk's were surprised to take on a full-time job as opposed to contract work.  God couldn't have designed this part of our lives more clearly, and we knew this is where he wanted us to be.

Coming out of 6 years of theatre (3.5 of which were biblical theatres), God prepared Justin and my heart to help Manley get into their new building, and to create worship environments that visually and audibly helped us all as a church family see, hear and feel His beauty and Presence.  Only we were told that this transition would be in 2010.

We thought our journey would end at Manley in 2010, but it certainly did not, and we were more than okay with that!  Manley had become home.  We were saddened by our loss with Kevin Cook, but were so blessed to have him in our lives in those couple of years.  I got the unworthy opportunity of being Worship Interim until (6 months later) we were relieved when the untouchable Michael Turner and his family came back into town.  And he even brought a heart full of gold with him in Kevin Jackson.  How blessed we have become!

We finally got into this new building, and I could not be happier.  My favorite time of the week is our 3+ hour rehearsals on Wednesdays, and our 4+ hour worship time together on Sundays.  What an incredible tech team, band, choir and praise team.  They have become my family.  We have even been meeting at our house for Small Groups, and have grown in our faith incredibly.

His old boss, Kevin, told him to always be open for where God is calling you next, so Justin kept an eye open.  Opportunities had come his way in the past, but God never gave us a peace about them.  Manley was where we were supposed to be.

Until the past few weeks.  This church called Crossroads kept coming up in our prayer life.  God kept telling me to get on my knees about this place.  He even told me to go get boxes (you know, the cardboard moving kind!!!).  He has sent us confirmation after confirmation.  Even when we disobediently think we did not hear Him right, he sends yet another confirmation.

So this weekend, we went down to Douglasville, Georgia (right near Atlanta) to meet the executive staff of Crossroads for a wonderful dinner.  Leaving the BBQ feast with a mind at ease and a basket full of Falcon and Braves gear and some peaches, we went to the hotel to rest for service the next day.

After service and some overwhelmingly incredible conversations, we did not even have to have any more details from any of our new friends at Crossroads.

God said go.

And the lyrics from Shane and Shane ease my spirit:

"If Your Presence goes, I don't wanna stay.  If Your Presence stays, I don't wanna go.  I need You."

If He leads you somewhere, that's where you go.  It doesn't mean anything about what you're leaving behind, and it doesn't mean anything about where you're going.  It's about where He's placed you and why.  Life is about Him.  Our work here is done.  Our work at Crossroads will one day be done even though we're not even there yet.  It may be 4 years, it may be 40.

I just pray that I'm always in His Will.

For such a time as this.

At Crossroads, Justin will take on a new role called the Creative Arts Architect.  He will program the adult worship experiences every week by giving creative direction to the worship leader and video/technical volunteers.  They have two morning services in their main worship center as well as one separate service for each middle school, elementary and preschool filled with dance, acting, singing and puppets fit to each age group.  There is childcare for newborns-2 years old.

Here is a video behind the 10-Year Crossroads journey as well as their website link:

X Story Crossroads Church 10 Year Documentary

Crossroads Church Website

A big thank you to Encore Theatrical Company for making us a part of your team, and for letting us participate as visionaries and volunteers.  I have grown in my craft so much as an actor and as a teacher.  Our love for you is deep and unforgettable.  We are grateful for our time with you.

Not only are we leaving ETC, but quite extraordinary timing happened yesterday.  While we were sitting at Yeah Burger, already decided on following God's call on us to Georgia, Mr. Ed Cunningham calls and tells us he is closing the Lakeway School of Ballet & Dance effective immediately.  They have yet to make a worthy profit, and have to shut the doors.  We are praying for our students to find even better teachers than us, and to keep growing in their skill, talent and reason for dancing.  Many of my students love the Lord, and I have had the privilege of teaching at a studio that allows me to use Christian music to tell stories through dance.  LSB&D, we love you and thank you for loving us so much more back.

Lastly, a big thank you to anyone who had photos or videos done with 29:11 Studios while we were here.  We are forever thankful for letting us be a part of your lives.

We love you, Motown, and are thankful we got to spend this time with you.  You are loved.

2911studios.zenfolio.com iTunes: Tara Kirk, 29:11 The Plan twitter: @tarabkirk All Photographs Copyright Tara Kirk 2010-2013

My Belize Journal Entry

July 6, 2013

As I lay in my mosquito netted, lower-bunk with purple plaid sheets, two fans on my sweaty (but showered) face, mosquito spray, two bottled waters filled with Zooma wonder, I am not ready to talk about the day.  I just don't know what to say or think yet...

Looking back at the day...

As we arrive in the Belize airport, we are greeting by a band, and get on the Hearts of Christ school bus, and take the 1.25 hour bumpy, paved ride to Roaring Creek.  Most houses aren't finished yet because they can't afford to build on all at once.  Many don't even have roofs.

Kids wait at the mission house gate so they can play with the Americans.  Some even come to just sit inside the grounds.

Missionaries Corie and Alicia (natives) drive Justin, Carla Jennings and me around the capital where the American Embassy is glamorous, and its workers have extraordinary homes.  We have a delicious dinner, practiced some music for church tomorrow morning, and then got ready for bed.

Preparing my heart for tomorrow.

'Til tomorrow,

TK

P.S.  I miss Will so much.

2911studios.zenfolio.com iTunes: Tara Kirk, 29:11 The Plan twitter: @tarabkirk All Photographs Copyright Tara Kirk 2010-2013

Living In La Gracia

Yes, that is an oven outdoors.  That is the majority of someone's living quarters.  And this is the trek up to her house:

Her house is the one-room we're walking towards.

 

All smiles because Hearts of Christ built them bunk beds, an outhouse... 

 a tank for fresh water...

because their water used to come from this...

If people can have smiles this big in Belize...

Where are you finding your joy?  They find it in Jesus.

Is your joy truly in Jesus?  Is he a part of your life, or is he your life?

Knowing the difference makes all the difference.

In Him, TK

2911studios.zenfolio.com iTunes: Tara Kirk, 29:11 The Plan twitter: @tarabkirk All Photographs Copyright Tara Kirk 2010-2013

What's it like in Belize?

Well, in some places, it's beautiful.  Take the Maya Ruins for example.  It's gorgeous to look at and climb.  You experience an incredible view of Belize and Guatemala from the top of the ruins.  You see nothing but jungle and just a few roads.

And I mean, few.

There are only two main roads in Belize.  They are paved.  Most other roads besides that of the couple of big cities?  Dirt and gravel.  It's tough on your vehicle to say the least.

The sky and natural settings are immaculate...

...while most of the houses and buildings you see are decrepit.

The heat is intense, and the money is sparse.  So drinking often comes out of a pouch instead of a bottle.

And at Hearts of Christ Children's Ministry, people come to the gates every single day, wanting the help of people who  know Jesus.

Only HOC is without a missionary/missionary family to live on their grounds to help these people.  The only exposure they are able to have with the people of Belize right now is through the sponsorships of these children.  By ministering to the children, HOC ministers to the whole family.  By giving an education and clothing to the children, the family has higher hopes of having a healthier state of living.  And most importantly, by HOC ministering to the children, the entire family gets to hear and see the gospel.

The most important part.

Visit: http://www.heartsofchristblog.blogspot.com

With love and In Him, TK

2911studios.zenfolio.com / twitter: @tarabkirk

Hearts of Christ Children's Ministry, Belize

Over a week ago, I was in Belize.  And on one of the first days there, I was approached by this little boy's face:

 Sweet, tiny little man of probably 5-6 years old, teeth that looked of wood, asked me if I had a sponsor for him.  Being my first trip with HOC, I did not know what to say as I didn't know the protocol for those who did not have sponsors.  My job was to make the snacks and take the pictures.

Children in Belize have to pay to go to school.  In a recent speech, I heard that about 49% of children can actually afford and go to school.  Out of that 49%, about 60% of them graduate.  Children are faced with the responsibility of making the money for their families, therefore school is not an option or not encouraged.  But through sponsorship, the family is loved on by families like yours, and school is an opportunity and encouragement.  Sponsorship covers their school tuition for a year as well as their uniform.  You can send the child Christmas gifts and letters too, if you desire.  Which you will.  More importantly, the gospel is shared, lives are changed and Jesus is a part of their lives.

Hearts of Christ gets sponsorships from everyday people like you and me.  But if they are out of sponsors, then these kids are simply and sadly left unhelped.  I know HOC would love to sponsor every single kid that comes to the Gate.  But if there is no money to give to the schools for the sponsorship, then it is monetarily impossible.

Throughout the next few weeks, I will be sharing stories through photographs about our life-changing trip to Belize.  Even though my bunk looked like this...

...we didn't wanna come back.  We weren't ready for America again.  It will never be the same.

"Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you."

Matthew 28:19-20 HCSB

In the meantime, contact me at contact@2911theplan.com  if you are interested in sponsoring with Hearts of Christ.  We'll get ya on board.  It's a one-time commitment, or you can make last through the years as the child you sponsor goes through school.

2911studios.zenfolio.com / twitter @tarabkirk

Being Everything for Everyone

Being everything for everyone isn't easy.  And I know a lot about busy.

As a stay-at-home mom, working 3 quarter-time jobs, going to school quarter-time, and doing steady volunteer/hobbies, and... oh yeah!  Being a wife (girls, you can't forget to be that!)...  Hey, I, of all people get it.  There's so much to do, and so little time to do it.

Everyone works in their own ways too.  I am, what books will consider, The Worker.  I can't ever let myself sit still, and if I do, I feel guilty about it unless it's my quiet time with God.

But recently I had a mom tell me I was her hero.  Haha!  Me!  What?  I am a jack of all trades, but have no time to be a master at one, so how could I be a hero?  Well of course, I took it as a joke, as I knew it was merely a kind exaggeration, but it still took a bit of my guilt away.  I feel guilty a lot because of how many things I am involved in, but after much prayer over a long period of time, I still find that I am right where God wants me.  In fact, a prophet spoke over me (and my hubby) about our busy-ness, and how it would continue... Busier than we've ever dreamed, I believe was his point, and that it was all in God's Will.

And still to this day, I find peace.  And I find purpose, even in a struggle that seems most often stagnant, considering.

So I encourage you today with my personal Arizona Chili Recipe.  What?  Did she just say that?  Yes, even a crazy, busy mom like me has time to make a meal that we can all eat on for a few days.  And on a crazy awesome budget!  When funds are low, there's nothing wrong than buying those cheap cans of beans, corn, rotel, and tomato sauce, mixing in some beef and fun spices, and living off of it for a few days.  (*Double tip--buy the bags of uncooked beans.  Even cheaper.  AND they make a cute display in a glass jar.)  My husband and I lived in Tucson for a while, and it was pretty much heaven (although we weren't there during monsoon season...)

Here it is, my ARIZONA CHILI:

Add a can of mixed corn, cooked and drained ground beef, tomato sauce and your favorite diced tomato-mix can to a large pot.

Then add some good ol' cheap cans of your favorite beans in with their juice.  (I highly suggest black beans and chili beans for this one.

Then add a little cayenne pepper, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder and minced onion flakes.

Let it get boiling hot, then simmer.  The longer it simmers, the better it tastes.  Lastly, put in a Spanish dish and top with some Mexican crumbling cheese (which lasts forever---worth the money), and you've got yourself a Tucson, Arizona home-cooked meal.  Maybe even a bag of Sante Fe rice would help hit the spot on an extra cold night.

 With love,

TK

2911studios.zenfolio.com wonxone.net iTunes: Won By One, Tara Kirk, 29:11 The Plan twitter: https://twitter.com/thetarakirk

Giving (And Even Getting!)

Wow. Someone just made my family homemade chicken tortilla soup and a side of beautiful bread. And it's only Tuesday!

Why is Tuesday so significant? Because Pastor spoke on giving Sunday, and I'm already learning a lesson. And in such a kind, gentle way. Isn't that our God?

Sunday we read about giving fully and freely. We also read about working hard and still finding poverty. The catch? Being stingy.

You may, like I, not even realize there are areas in your life that you are being stingy, but they're there. That's right, just when you think you've got it all figured out, you don't.

Take a look at all your financial, and even social, giving. Do you tend to put others first, or do you look out for your family first because, let's face it, times are tough.

Ask God to reveal to you your stingy ways, and he'll be gentle, in my experience, and give freely back... And sometimes, in very yummy ways.

My love, TK

Take a Seat

Take a seat. Learn and hear what God really wants you to know.

It's grace.

A word I've been hearing a lot lately.

SIMPLE RECAP:

Saturday night- revival at Harvest Outreach with guest speaker

Sunday morning- normal services at Manley Baptist

THE REAL DEAL:
Saturday night- intense, yet relaxing, encounter with God. BTW, the guest speaker was a prophet. Not Simon Baker in The Mentalist, but an empty vessel of a person whom God spoke through. How do I know? He read our (my husband and I) book. He did not speak specific people's names, but he touched on every aspect of our lives outside our home. He also spoke to the entire congregation about love. Not the conditional and disciplinary love we often give each other (even to our kids and family), but the kind of love that is full of one word--GRACE.

Sunday morning- our head worship leader confessed to our congregation that he and his wife, the night before, confessed to each other all their sins against each other and others throughout their 10-year marriage. Neither one of them felt mad at the other. The word he used? GRACE. And that morning? Guess what our congregation experienced--GRACE.  We worshiped in surrender, in adoration and whole-heartedly... even when the enemy tried to ruin the moment by taking out the mics.  We just sang that much louder.  Showed him... ;)

The spirit is always around us, always there, available at every single time we ask. But so often we forget that, above all else, God LOVES us. He is not mad at us. He does not want to constantly catch us in sin, and punish us as a result. Above all, he loves us. Does he want to help keep us on the right track? Yes. But I believe, even through the simplest glimpses like an incredible stripe of piercing white light in the midst of clouds in the sky, he is there, shining so bright, just waiting for us to accept his love, even when we find ourselves failing over and over.

That's all we have to do. To God, you are worth it. You may not see your worthiness. Maybe no one around you sees you that way. But I promise, God does. You who believe in and love him? You are worthy. You are righteous.

YOU ARE LOVED.

Image Copyright 29:11 Studios 2012
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twitter: https://twitter.com/thetarakirk

As you prepare for school next week, guys and gals (and even parents), take a second to give yourself a good, hard look in the mirror. Teens, I know you hate it when you hear someone say this, but I'VE BEEN THERE. I know what's about to happen. I am a public school kid, ok? Here are some things I wish I would have repeated to myself on a daily (or even hourly) basis:

-What you wear matters. You are the future church. You are a REPRESENTATIVE OF CHRIST! Don't let the hormones tell you your outfit isn't too bad inappropriate. If you feel you look hott in it? CHANGE. Change your outfit and your goal for going to school that day. Remember, you're not there to impress a guy or girl. You're there to get an education, and BE a Christ education.

 -What you post on facebook? Everyone sees. "Oh, it's no big deal. Me and my girlfriends were just playing around." Nope. That doesn't cut it, and I (and especially God) can see right through that load of crap. It may make you feel cute, loved or important because you make some guy fawn over you, but that kind of attitude is selfish because you are trying to find love and affection in the wrong place, and you're trying to hinder those boys that see you in pics like that. Don't be that girl who plays all innocent, but secretly wants all the boys to think she's sexy. YOU WERE CREATED FOR MORE THAN THAT!

-Your focus should be people. When you are working in groups together, (i.e., teams, labs, groups), think just as much or more about your relationships with these people as you do your high score. I am reminded of this famous movie where, the leading guy treated the leading girl like crap because she wasn't as good a dancer as her, and she had a miserable time. To this day, people think she was amazing, but she had the toughest experience of her life making that movie. Don't be so focused on goals that aren't as important to God as the person.

-Put on your armor. Even though your fellow Christian girls and guys SHOULD be clothing themselves with modesty as the bible COMMANDS us to, not everyone will, Christian or not. So you've gotta be prayed up every day before school. Put on your whole armor, and also pray a hedge of spiritual, mental and physical protection around you and all your family and friends. Pray for them by name. Your prayers are powerful, especially when coming from a repentant heart.

I am praying for you this week! Please email me (tk@2911theplan.com) or text me if you have specific prayers you need, my family and teens at Manley, LSB&D and Encore. I love you, and want you to succeed in the way that GOD wants you to, not the world!

Much love, TK

2911studios.zenfolio.com
wonxone.net
iTunes: Won By One, Tara Kirk, 29:11 The Plan
twitter: https://twitter.com/thetarakirk

I'm a Lover

Today I write as a lover. Sometimes we need to put ourselves in the view of what the Christians call, "the world." Christians take a "stand" by picketing for "sacred marriage." But how sacred do these same Christians consider marriage, while the Christian divorce rate is at 32%, and the non-Christian's rate is at 30% (according to Barna).

Notice how yelling at someone does nothing but either make them mad, turn them away, or both. Do we really want to turn those away from the church who we would like to see come to Christ most? When Jesus said in conclusion of one statement, the greatest of these is love, I think he was talking to us today. We live in a world, where, you either tolerate or hate. There is never any trace of give grace and love.

So today, instead of picket (tolerate or hate), choose the greatest commandment-- LOVE.

HINT: It comes by giving grace (and seeing that very large log in your own eye...)

All in love, TK 2911
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Whaddya Gonna Do Abowd It

I ran across these lyrics today. Hadn't heard them in a while. In a new place now where these words are more real. Maybe they will stir your spirit too. There are people like this everywhere who have never even heard the beautiful name of Jesus. Should we not give them the best news they'll ever hear?

Even people who have never heard the name or story of Jesus still know God is there. It is instilled in every human being whether recognized or not. God commands us that it is our job to take to them the gospel. If we did, they would not have questions like these...

From an outcast to God:

Disney's God Help the Outcast
Hunchback of Notre Dame


I don't know if You can hear me
Or if You're even there
I don't know if You will listen
To a humble prayer
They tell me I am just an outcast
I shouldn't speak to you
Still I seek Your face and wonder...
Were You once an outcast too?

God help the outcasts
Hungry from birth
Show them the mercy
They don't find on earth
The lost and forgotten
They look to You still
God help the outcasts
Or nobody will

I ask for nothing
I can get by
But I know so many
Less lucky than I
God help the outcast
The poor and downtrod
I thought we all were
The children of God

I don't know if there's a reason
Why some are blessed, some not
Why the few you seem to favor
They fear us, flee us
Try not to see us

God help the outcasts
The tattered the torn
Seeking an answer
To why they were born
Winds of misfortune
have blown them about
You made the outcast
Don't cast them out

The poor and unlucky
The weak and the odd
I thought we all were
The children of...

God


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twitter: twitter.com/tarakirk_2911

Change of Pace: New Year

Well, well, well. Welcome to The Near Year of 2011. And snow. Lots of snow. And loss of work because of the snow. But you don't hear me complaining. It's nice to have more time with the fam and that fun little baby. Lots have been happening here at my household including Toy Story. Lots and lots of Toy Story. I can quote them now. Moms, you know what I mean.

So what are your resolutions? Or have you just stopped making them because it is completely pointless because you never keep them passed February, right? Well, I almost didn't make mine from last year- to read the New Testament. I had to finish it the first week in January. I announced to the great world of facebook that I wouldn't be back until I did. It's amazing what a little encouragement that can do for ya. Sad, really. And once I got back on facebook, I realized I hardly missed it at all. Funny how that happens, eh?

I guess sometimes it's just healthy to step back from things you do on a daily basis. You just might find that they're taking up too much of your time, how small or large that time may be.

Happy New Year. Here's to The Old Testament. (I think I'll try it in The Message Remix...)

PS. http://www.2911studios.com is now open!

2911ThePlan.comiTunes.comfacebook group: 29:11 The Plantwitter: twitter.com/tarakirk_2911

To the Spiritual. To Me.

BTW, it's been a while. I know... :D

Once upon a time, you were considered a Man of God if you told people you were religious. Over time, and through much hypocrisy, people now tell others that they are spiritual instead, because that is what their faith is about. And now, I am starting to see the disgust in non-believers faces when we throw out such religious jargon such as this. I'm sure they don't even enjoy the label, non-believers.

What I want to say to you today is this: We are not to judge anyone. If you must judge, judge yourself only. You can't even judge your own spouse, sibling, cousin, mother, or father. You have no idea what their spiritual life is like.

Let us not become content in what we do. For example, when you finally find the perfect skin care line, after much hard work and a lot of searching, you become content with your beauty secret. And it becomes just that. Your little secret. Another example: The church has searched and searched for music to relate to people, and Contemporary Christian Music has come about. It took a lot of effort to get there. And it is reaching so so so many people. But now what? Do we become content in our search, and make it our little secret? Or do we begin a new search, and a new search, and a new one? Why do we become so sure of ourselves in the way we relate to the public?

I ask you this not to judge our Sunday morning worship sets. I absolutely love worshipping with my fellow believers on Sunday mornings, and I always enjoy it. I am a music fan. You give me just about any song, and as long as it has a good beat, and is not offensive, chances are, I am gonna relax and enjoy it.

If you are a fan of that country music song that talks about how special life is, and how you think your wife is just the sweetest, but you are afraid to let your pastor in on your secret favorite song, please. Come on. Our so-called spiritual life, and our regular, everyday life, are the same. How you treat people that know you're a Christian and those who don't... It's all the same. Jesus did not die on the cross just for us to rejoice only in the fact that He died on the cross. Get me? He died so that we might have life! Life!!! Not just enjoyment in that one event. He wants us to enjoy our spouse, and tell everyone just how much they mean to us. Hey, why not even sing a song about it? He wants us to enjoy our children, our jobs, our friendships. And if we so feel led to rejoice in those things, then rejoice in those things! If you are rejoicing in these things because they are personal accomplishments, then no. If you are rejoicing in these things because God has given them to you to enjoy? Then, by all means, yes! Tell the world about your loving family. Tell the world that Jesus lives. If you make them two separate parts of your life, you're not going to impact many. So many people miss out on church because they despise the hypocrisy in it all, and how none of it relates to real life.

Judge your own spiritual intentions constantly. Stay on the ball. Your ball. Not on anyone else's. How dangerous a place to be, judging others' spiritual lives.

IMPORTANT NOTE: I almost did not write this blog because by doing so, I criticize those criticizing. So what does that make me? So I say these things to you in conviction of my own judgement. May I live what I teach.

2911ThePlan.comiTunes.comfacebook group: 29:11 The Plantwitter: twitter.com/tarakirk_2911

The Cleaning Process: Dance, The Example

Sorry it's been so long, my peeps. I haven't been able to login to my blogger in quite some time...

So. What up? With me? Well, my dance classes are coming to a close as Recital 2010 is drawing near. A couple of my classes have been finished with their dance for two weeks now, which is one week ahead of goal. They have worked their buns off on memorization, and now it is time to make 'em look, sound and move like the gems and team they are. My other classes are notsumuch there, but if they pick it up and work hard the next 3 weeks, they'll rock it out in recital too. They have the potential, let's see if they have the drive.

I love this process, especially this part of the process... THE CLEANING PROCESS. I love it. The cleaning process is where we take the dancers as individuals, and make them look and sound like the whole. Get it? Working together to be one! Hmmm... Sounds like something we were assigned to do, as Christians, am I right?

So today I encourage you to work with one another, rather than against or close to. Let's not judge, diminish or put down one another for our lack of religious disagreements and misinterpretations of God's law. Let's live out in love and as imperfect people ourselves.

Here's to you and that goal!

Much love, Tara K

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Spring Break

Aaah. Spring Break. When you get back from your busy vaca schedule, do you ever feel like you need a vacation... again? Whew. I need myself a day off to regather myself and rest from my week of so-called resting. Don't get me wrong. I love and need that time of getaway, especially when it involves visiting family you only see a few times a year. Some of them, only once, depending on who can come visit you. But a day of vaca after vaca is just what ya need sometimes.

That got me to thinking about God's vacation days. Let's see. He's been around since, like, forever... so. How many days has He taken to rest? As far as I know, just the one, right? Surely He doesn't sit back and watch us squirm so He can zone and tune us out for a week or two per year... Right?

Vacation isn't the only thing that can wear us out. If you are not a church-goer, then you might just be tired of all the "say" that Christians have with no "do." And if you're a Christian, you may be burnt out on all the trivial things that you can get caught up in inside the church doors. No matter who you are, or what you're worn out from, here's a passage for you:

Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly.

-Matthew 11:28, The Message

Walk and talk with Him. Learn HIS way of doing things. Not the church's or the world's.

Rest up! Much love, Tara K

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Seasoned with Salt

Sometimes you may not have the right words to say. Sometimes you don't know just what to pray either. And sometimes it's hard just trying to figure out what to say to those whom we want to encourage, but don't know.

We have been given instructions. (How convenient.) ;)

Devote yourselves to prayer being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, [Paul and his messengers, which now you can insert your pastor and teachers here], too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly as I should. Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

Colossians 4:2-6

Just as a sports player follows his coach's playbook, we have been given our own.

In Him, Tara K

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The Giggles

Now I'm not sure I totally believe this statement, because you might be in a place where no laughter has come in your day, but there sure is, at least, a smile of hope.

I had a fabulous lunch today. Not because of a fancy place. Or because of a high-class, artsy dinner, which I do enjoy. Not because of the designer clothes I put on. No. None of that happened. It was in a cafeteria. It smelled just like an elementary school, as a matter of fact. Took me back.

But it was because of the company. Ever laughed so hard that you had a case of "The Giggles" that wouldn't go away once you got started with them? Yeah. The kind you get sitting in a room where you should be acting like a lady (or a fine young gentleman, perhaps in your case), and then someone farts really loud? For some reason, a fart is just funnier in those situations, isn't it?

I pray you're having a good day, and even that you get a case of "The Giggles." Although it is hard to see sometimes, there is light at the end of the tunnel, and the reason for that is the bright, shining Son.

Much love, Tara K

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Words Out of Their Mouth

Sometimes taking the words right out of someone's mouth (or album, for that matter) can be just like God saying them right to your face. Someone did that for me yesterday... and I don't even know if they knew it. Nah. I don't even think they did.

Now I'm gonna take the words right out of someone different's words, and relay them to you.

Hope it blesses you.

Tell me I’m forgiven and loved
‘Cause I hear it from the street corner preached, yes
On how God is love and how man can be clean
But my joy has been on holiday
And my peace has almost passed away
Tell me I’m forgiven and free

O I tried and tried to rectify my hopeless situation
But I bought the lie I still have work to do
Now I’m working nine to five like I can earn my own salvation
But there is no condemnation in You

O whisper to me now that it’s for real
‘Cause in the silence of these walls righteousness lost its appeal
Dirty deeds have done me in
O but that can’t stop the faithful friend
Giving mercy once again as You heal
Here it is I’m feeling it

O He died, He died to rectify my hopeless situation
And His blood commands my guilt to leave
Now on Calvary I stand
Empty pockets, open hands
O there is no condemnation for me

Child, you’re forgiven and loved
Child, you’re forgiven and loved
Child, you’re forgiven
And child, you are loved
Child, you’re forgiven and loved

-Jimmy Needham, Forgiven and Loved

Much love, Tara K

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The 1st Commandment with a Promise

Interested in the first commandment with a promise? Here it is:

Honor your father and mother. The promise? That it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth. Ephesians 6:1-3

How about that? Sounds easy enough. There's a little more to it...

Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. vs. 4

Be the godly example. Follow that godly example. You will not only be obeying an earthly father, but the heavenly one as well. And He will be pleased.

Much love, Tara K

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