I can't tell you

I can't tell you how many times I wake up in the middle of the night

reach to your side of the bed, to see if you are there.

I can't tell you how many times I go down to your office

hoping you are sitting in your chair.

I can't tell you how many times I'm cooking and look to the table

to see if you are there waiting for our meal to share.

I can't tell you how many times..............

I think of y ou and how much I still care.

I will always love you. 

~Terri

We are all like raindrops on a window pane

 

We are all like raindrops on a window

A huge family

Some big some small

some perfectly round

some a bit rigid

But we are all together

sharing this space

trying to hold on

Suddenly one of us falls

and leaves the group

It’s a part of this thing

we call life

It’s not fun

it’s not easy

but it’s God’s design

Pray for one another

lift each other up,

Especially the ones

That are left behind

Those that left us

are happy now

Those that remain

Are just trying

to survive the pain

~terri otterman

Why would I need a Savior

 Is seems more and more of my family and friends are leaving Facebook these days. It’s a tough decision,  I’ve deactivated for about 14 days because I have been attacked for my non-political faith based Posts. And if I do make a political post now and then, somehow it pushes a friend’s buttons! Not intended! I love my friends! I just have my ideas and feelings and we will not always Agree, and that’s okay. I’ve seen too many friendships torn because of all of this mess! Is it really worth losing friendships over? 

This year has been stressful for everyone, no matter what side of the fence you are on. But we should be able to share our thoughts without rebuttal, right? Well some people don’t feel that way. I’m sorry if I’ve posted something that some of you did not like. Believe me, it wasn’t intended. I’ve seen many, many posts that I did  not like, but I choose to keep scrolling and not create a negative discussion over it.  We all are entitled to our opinions! ❤️ We have all been hurt by politics and instances that have happened over the past 4 years. That’s  no reason to hurt each other any further. For the many deaths that have happened due to politics, rioting, whether during a peaceful Protests or not, in my opinion none are acceptable. I hurt for the many families that have felt these tragedies. 

Whether this election was done righteously or not, no one will ever know, except God. It’s over and we must move on. Where did Covid come from??? We may never know that either, but there is One who does know! We all have the right to our opinions. Social Media and the Media in general opinions should not be only “one-sided”. My goodness we live in the GREATEST country in the world and at least for now, we still have Freedom of Speech! God is the only One whose judgement we have to answer to. We all will come face to face with our Creator one day.  But for now, it’s up to us to search our hearts and share His love as much as possible. But, I do not believe that means we should not stand up for  what we believe. Are we perfect? I know I certainly am not. If I was, why would I need a Savior? And why would you?~Terri

Who Has your back?

 I recently have been exposed to a

dear friend who has Covid. I spent some time with her and her family over the past 7 days. I want to say that I am concerned, but I am not afraid. I know who my Protector is. I know my Healer by name! I know He has my back. I know His hands hold me close and He never leaves me. I am aware that being that close to someone is risky but my friend needed me. Isn’t that my duty as a Believer; to be there for her? So, this week I will pump extra Vitamin C, D3, and Immune supplements, into my body and those in my household. I  will hang low and take it easy the next 10 - 14 days and quarantine. It’s all good. We are strong! God is in control! LOVE is the key. 

According to John 15:17, Jesus commanded: “These things I command you, that ye may love one another.”

My word for 2021 is Love and I plan to share it with all whom my Lord puts in my path, as He directs! ❤️

Live Life

Negativity

puts you in a dark place

good things

bring peace and light

life blazes arrows 

too difficult to dodge, 

run,

lest you burn to death

a life lived in light’s path

is only mastered

as you thrust towards it

one brave step at a time

though a mystery

there’s only one way

to experience

what’s on the other side

go for it

find it

live life

as it’s meant to be lived!

~terriotterman

Genuine Friends are Hard to Find

 It seems many people, reach out, invite, and try to make friends and end up hurt. Rejection is the killer of confidence, the destroyer of trust and what seems like, the end to happiness. Or is it?

There comes a time in a person’s life when the asking stops, inviting ceases and caring ends. It doesn’t matter if they don’t fit in, or are not part of “the group, or if they even have friends.  They are content where and who they are and have become.

The Bible says: “ in order for a friend to have friends, he must be friendly. There is one friend that sticks closer than a brother.” Genuine  friends are hard to find. One thing is for sure, Jesus is and always will be our best friend! 

Are you having trouble finding true friendships? Try being a little more friendly. Are you sitting in the sidelines wishing you could join in? Ask God to bring the friends who are supposed to be in your life. Several years ago, I did and God brought some amazing women to my life. I believe, if you ask, He will for you too. Let’s Talk

Christmas Dreams

Beautiful 

Gleaming crystals 

Cold crisp air 

Snow caps 

In the distance 

Trees on top of cars

Shining lights 

Beauty all around

Love abounds

Beautiful songs ringing around our town. 

He is here

 When you seek me with all your heart that is when you will find me. 

God is everywhere right-omnipresent. Then why is it that sometimes it seems He is hiding? Why is it that some days we wonder where He is, and we can’t find Him? We can’t hear Him or see Him moving in the direction we feel he should be moving or we desire, so we feel He’s left our planet! While it might seem that way I can assure you He is right where he always has been; on His throne!

As we see our world in this amazing turmoil, as we see disruption, hatred and pure evil unfold before our very eyes, one thing we must remember, it’s not about us! It’s not about what we want, or what we feel should happen, it’s  about what God feels needs to be done!

 Sneeze - to make a sudden involuntary expulsion of air from the nose and mouth due to irritation of one's nostrils.

One of my pet peeves is to sneeze. I don't know why, but I do not like to sneeze. Even though I am opening up the chance for people to say "God Bless You" I despise sneezing nonetheless. It's involuntary! I didn't ask to sneeze. I didn't want to sneeze. I don't like to sneeze. Did I tell you that already? It's like I'm surrendering my will when I sneeze! I don't like to surrender my will!

Many times God asks us to surrender. Just as sneezing keeps my airways or nostrils clear of debris, likewise surrendering my will, can keep me from dangerous harmful repercussions. Many times what I want is not what God wants for my life. Unfortunately, I've found that out the hard way. As I soften and surrender, He always makes a better way for me. He opens doors that I never even thought of!

He loves me and cares about the most minute details of my life, and yours too. Will you surrender your will, your desires, your life to him today? Will you allow him total control of your situations and circumstances? His arms are wide open waiting to wrap them around you and your fears. He loves you more than you will ever know. ~ terriotterman

 

So I am baking this pie today and I posted a picture of it on the Internet.

I received several comments and one especially that said “It looks delicious”

My response was of course, thank you. But as I was about to respond more in depth this came to my mind, “but always remember, looks can be deceiving; what matters is what is on the inside!”

Isn’t that the truth? Everyone  knows the question “you can’t judge a book by its cover?” Right? And many times people think

They are buying a great vehicle and it turns out to be a lemon!

Likewise a person, male or female, can be quite becoming;  but spend one hour with them and oh my goodness you want to run. 

The Lord in  1 Samuel 16:7 says this: “Look not on his countenance, or upon the height of his stature,; because I have refused him. For the Lord sees not as man sees; for man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”

I’m not sure how the pie will taste, but I

can tell you it looks great! I guess we will find out soon enough. 

Let's Talk

~terriotterman

 

 Our daughter put me on an Exercise routine. The first week I thought I was going to die due to muscles I found that had been dormant for so long! I will say that its gotten easier and I am not in pain anymore. However, it is a challenge to meet the routine goals every day even though they are not that much really. But I push on because I have a goal. What goals are you trying to reach for your life today?

Hebrews 12:1-3

New International Version

12 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

In Hebrews 12:1-3 the Bible tells us that Peter persevered in his walk. He knew that people were watching him. He kept his eyes on Jesus and therefore was able to keep going.

I know our daughter, my Coach is watching. She subtly checks in to see if I am staying on course. Just what I need.

The Holy Spirit is like that too. When we veer away from God's plan for our lives and what He wants us to do, we are gently nudged back into perspective. I love that about Him.

What are your eyes focusing on these days? Are you reaching towards the goal you set for yourself?

There is plenty of room for you

Some days I spin round and round, trying to reach the next goal, the next rank, the next prize.

I find myself in a state of mind that even I cannot shake. It gets frustrating when I don't meet my own expectations. Isn't that how we are? Sometimes I am the hardest, most critical person of me. But why is this? Why are we not satisfied with who we are?

I was reading the other day that to consistently praise a child, or anyone, generically can do more damage than good. Let me explain the way I read the article or at least, my take on it.

If I tell my child over and over, "you are beautiful, you are smart, you did a great job" when he excels or not, isn't that just showing my love for him, especially if I truly mean it in my heart?

Well...maybe not. What the article writer was saying, is this, that kind of praise can be more damaging than saying, "Wow, I can see how hard you worked on this math and I am proud of you". In other words, if my son receives a "D" on his test and I only acknowledge an "A" as being acceptable,  when he receives a lower than acceptable grade, and I respond accordingly, he might feel less than amazing and like a failure. Make sense?

Growing up if we earned and A on our report card, we got maybe 50 cents, B - 25 and C 10. for D's nothing and F in trouble! If my siblings got straight A's and I earned B's and C's, or even a D, I did not receive as a much dough and it made me feel less successful! Nogt saying this is right or wrong, it was the way our parents knew, to make us try harder next time.

Even today, a clerk who works at a fast food restaurant, is often looked upon as less successful than a Bank Manager or CEO of a company. It is the way the world looks at success, and to me that is not the right way. Truth is, not everyone in this life can or will reach the top, whatever  or wherever the top might be. There is just not enough room.

I am so thankful that we have the assurance from our Lord that we are good enough and we will make it to the top. I am grateful that He tells me in His Word that I can do all things because He gives me the strength ( Phil. 4:13)

"The Lord will make you the head, not the tail. If you pay attention to the commands of the Lord your God that I give you this day and carefully follow them, you will always be at the top, never at the bottom." (Deut. 28:13)

The assuring hymn states;

"Just as I am, without one plea
But that Thy blood was shed for me
And that Thou bid'st me come to Thee
O Lamb of God, I come! I come"...

When I accept His invitation to follow Him, I am accepted, just as I am. I do not have to clean up and dress in my best attire. He takes me and you, in our muddy mess.  Every day he molds us, and makes us more like him. We do have to bend a bit, we do have to heed his instruction, we do have to do our part, but we do not have to be perfect. That is the best part.

Isnt that truly how we, as parents love our own children? we love and accept them with every imperfection, after every failure? Is seems,our love grows even stronger during their tough times, or at least mine does.
So now, when I am frustrated about where I am in this life, whether I am good enough, or if I'm going to reach my next goal, I can breathe knowing  I've already received the best prize of all.  I will spend eternity with my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ at the top, and there is plenty of room left for you too! ~Let's Talk

Just Rest

Our lives can become so busy, so cluttered, we forget about what is most important. Constantly we are being pulled in many directions, we barely have time to breathe. Suddenly chaos and frustration creep in and it becomes our new "normal". The older I get the less stress and the more peace I need. I find myself tired, weary and in need of rest. Sure I know that comes with age, so they say, but I have never been one to sit still.
God's example to us all in Genesis 2:2 is this, "so on the seventh day he rested from all his work". Even God rested!

Why is it so hard for us to find time to just be still? Why do we feel guilty if we take a "quiet moment" for ourselves?
Jesus said, "Come unto me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest".
He didn't say sit down an rest! He didn't say stop your world. He said "Come and I will give you rest." He knows that unless I'm forced, I won't stop, until it's too late and I am forced to.

So he beacons. He calls. He reaches out his hand. When we are unable to rest in ourselves, we can rest in him.

I urge you and me, to come, to be still, to rest. Take his hand. Sit at his feet. Call his name. Say it with me, "Jesus". He is waiting to hear your voice, to answer your call, and to give you rest. ~Let's Talk

A Big Ordeal

"Don't make a big ordeal". I can hear her say in my mind, as I've heard her say so many times before. "Just slow down, relax, be still, stop quivering". Over and over she'd say these things to me.  What my mother was really trying to say in her roundabout way was, stop, and smell the roses. She loved flowers.

As a little girl, I never could sit still, and that trait has stayed with me even into my mid-life. I am one that has to be doing something, if not physically, mentally. If my body is not moving my mind is rolling. I wonder how the kids are, what will I make for dinner, what's on tomorrow's agenda? It never ends! Sometimes I just want to unplug the brain, and turn off the motion switch. I just want to lay by the pool and listen to Classical Music for crying out loud! Honestly, some days I just want to run away, from me!

Ever feel that way?

How Could He?

How could he? I imagine Peter ,must have felt that way after he denied Christ the third time. He had to have just wanted to run and hide under a rock, or dig a deep hole and bury himself. The sorrow, the disappointment, the anger must have been unbearable, at least it would have been for me. Jesus foretold it, he heard him, he witnessed it. One of his closest friends, or so he thought, acting as though he'd never known him;  and during his greatest time of need.
 As Jesus hung on the cross, about to breathe his last breath, if you read between the lines, I'm sure he must have said,  "It's okay Peter, it's supposed to be this way. I still love you, everything is going to be okay."

 Luke 23:34 Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” And they divided His garments and cast lots.

 Have you ever hurt someone like that?  Does your mind race with the thought, will they ever forgive me?  If that person is till alive, please, go to them and ask for pardon. You might be surprised.


 Mark 11:25:  “And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses.

Do you pray? That sounds like a crazy question. It seems everyone prays at one time or another. So, that being said, if you do, do you pray with a clear conscience? As you ask God for favor, do you ask for forgiveness as well?
We are all sinners, let's face it, we were born that way. Our desires, our wants, our selves are usually top priority. We have Adam and Eve to thank for that, right? But does that mean we have to follow in their footsteps?

Christ's death gave us a better way. His sacrifice paid for all our wrongdoings. Do we then have pardon for the asking? Yes. But we must ask, and believe, and we must also forgive. ~Let's Talk

shorter than we think

life is short, much shorter than we think
it flies by each day, we barely have time to blink.
love big, pray hard, serve without regrets
you never know who you'll meet tomorrow or who will not be here yet.

Smile, hold hands, share a glass of tea
a hug, a whisper, and kind words,  are free.
remember the good times, make it a point to be glad
forget your hardships, they have a way of making you sad.

reach for the future and all it promises
forget the past, it's over, take time to live
every day is new, each moment a blessing, though some may be hard
know, that each experience gives wisdom to the heart

Grateful Forever

Ephesians 3:20 - "Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all we ask or think, according to the power that is within us, to Him be the glory in the church, and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever, Amen."

Have you ever asked God for something and thought to yourself, "He won't give me that." or "I don't deserve this."?
Have you ever thought "This is too big of a request", or "He can't heal me"? Or maybe "My disease is a result of my sin, I won't be healed", or "I am being selfish asking for this, He won't do it."?

I you answered  yes to any of these questions, I am here to tell you that nothing is too big for God, and your sin does not need to stand in the way. You can be forgiven, just ask.

I don't think I've ever really written this before, but I think it's time to do it.

For nearly 8 years, I was plagued with the desire to have another baby. My husband married me and my 4 children (from my previous marriage), and had no biological children of his own. We had a strong desire to have a baby together, one to call our own.

I went trough a Tubal Reversal , with no luck conceiving. We sat in various Counseling Sessions on fertility, and even to a couple Adoption Seminars. All were Expensive and had no guarantees!

I was hurt for a long time. My friends were having babies (most were younger than me), and while I was happy for them, I was sad for us.

One day, while walking downtown and seeing many strollers rolling the sidewalks, I was prompted in my heart to ask forgiveness. I needed forgiveness for being selfish. I asked God to take the desire away if it wasn't from Him. I literally, in my mind, got on my knees weeping and begging for a change of heart. That didn't happen, the desire was still strong, but I began to trust like never before.

 In as little as 2 weeks I received a text from a friend asking me to call her. When I did, her question was "Do you and Jim still want to adopt?" What do you think my answer was? "Yes, of course!" That evening I received a call from the expecting birth mother. We hit it off right away. Without  a doubt I knew this was from God! For 3 months, we talked, shared dinner, shopping, even hair appointments. In a short time we bonded and it was as if we were closer than sisters.

A few months later, our precious boy was born, while we watched in the delivery room. The delivering doctor happened to be my own Physician (because her husband got sick)! She allowed me to catch our baby boy, and my husband to cut the cord! 2 days later we left the hospital with our newborn son, and the rest is Heaven!

There are many other details to this story that define it as a Divine Appointment. Nothing can convince me otherwise. My God heard the cries of our hearts. Even though it wasn't exactly the way we thought it would be, the story of having our baby together came true.

Forever, we are grateful to our Birth Mother, for our Precious Baby Gift! There is nothing big enough that could repay her for this Selfless Act of Love. And to God, we give the glory,  for hearing our desires, and making a way to fulfill them. He blessed us in an amazing, miraculous way. He is ever faithful, and forever we are grateful.

So, when you pray and ask for the desires of your heart in Jesus' Name. When His Word is in line with your request, Believe! Don't let your faith waiver. Surrender with all you have and then some. And maybe, just maybe, one day, you will be holding the desire of your heart in your arms, as well.

Let's Talk.

Do You Need Refreshing?

I've made a vow to read the New Testament in a year, along with the Books of Psalms and Proverbs. It seems my days get busy and before I can blink an eye, the day is through. Have you ever wondered what your life would be like if God got so busy and forgot to check in on you, and your loved ones? If He was too busy to make sure all was okay? What if you put your baby to bed, and forgot to check on him for 24, 36 or even 48 hours? If we fail to check God's Word for direction; if we fail to call on Him for help during our busy days, what do you think would eventually happen? I can only imagine what my life would be like, and where I would end up if I didn't trust and rely on God to help me make it through. 30 years ago, I was too busy, and too distracted to realize I needed a Savior. It's not that I didn't know anything about Him. I was raised in a Catholic home, even attended Catholic school for 8 years. I knew He was the Son of God, I knew He died for me, and I knew about His many miracles. As I reached adulthood, I didn't see the need for Religious things. I didn't have time for church; I didn't even own a Bible. I was married, and enjoying my life. Every weekend involved partying, dancing and friends (at least I thought they were my friends), and much of what goes along with the lifestyle. Deep inside, I always believed there was more to life than what I had. My lonely heart began to wander and soon ended up entwined in the lies of this world. Little did I know, all along, Jesus was on watch for my soul. He kept me safe and one day, lifted me out of the nasty pit. He changed my way of thinking. He set my heart and mind on what was Real, what is True. He brought me to the place of refreshing, a new place of peace, joy and love, His love. Acts 3:19 it states "Therefore repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord." Do you need a refreshing deep down in your soul? Do you need rest from the hustle and bustle of your busy life? Deep down do you long for something more, something real, something true? In Matthew 7:7 Jesus said, "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you." It's that simple. If you want a life that is full of His peace, full of His joy, Full of His love, just ask. He is waiting for you to ask. His desire is for you to surrender your busy mixed up life, and allow Him to be your Savior! What are you waiting for? You don't have to go through another heartache, at least not alone. Let's talk.

Forgiven in His Eyes

I have made a few mistakes in my life, many to be exact, but Thank God, He has forgiven me. He has forgiven me and continues to love me anyway. His Word promises that nothing can separate me from His love. My sin and mistakes may have broken a few ties with others, and I might not be forgiven by those I hurt, but not so with God. In His eyes; they not only are forgiven, they are forgotten.

Romans 8:38-39 New Living Translation (NLT) 38 And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[a] neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. 39 No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. Forgiven and forgotten? Not so fast, I must do my part. I must ask His forgiveness and then remain faithful to Him. I must sip no more from the cup of sin.

When you reach the age that I am, you tend to "look back". You re-live your life, but in slow motion. If you are not careful, you will find yourself criticizing, rather than praising yourself, for all you have accomplished.

I encourage you, forget the past, look to the future. Let bygones be bygones. Press onward to all that this life has to offer. There's much more to accomplish, so much more to do.

So get on your best running shoes and run the race. If you are His, it's going to be an amazing win!

1 Corinthians 9:24 Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! Let's Talk

Forever Grateful

With September 11th just around the corner, we are reminded never to forget 911 and the great sacrifice many went through on that tragic day. For the good of our country, we must remember the thousand's of lives that were lost and saved. We are told never to forget Martin Luther King and how he lead the Civil Rights movement, and George Washington our first President, and our founding fathers for the many great things they have done for our country. And on and on I could go.

But what about the One that came to die so we could live? What about the baby lying in the manger who was sent to save the world? He is the One I want to remember as long as my nostrils breathe. He is the One I long to see when my body is deep in the grave.

1 John 4:9-10 New Living Translation (NLT) 9 God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. 10 This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins. When I was young, I didn't feel the need to have Him in my life. I was having a great time, living the life, until one day I realized I couldn't make it on my own. That day, I knelt at the altar, I poured my life and all that I was out to Him. I asked His forgiveness for my many faults. I surrendered! And He heard my cry. For that I am forever grateful.

I will never forget the tragedies of 911, and the ones that followed. It is important that we always keep the families of the lost in our hearts, minds and prayers. We owe them at least that. But more so, I will always be indebted to my Lord and Savior. He is the One who gave all just for me! He is the One, that even if I was the only one in need of a Savior, He'd do it all again. Thank you Lord. My love remains for you, always.
Let's talk