Friday, December 26, 2008

Christmas Break

I am really enjoying my Christmas break, and I hope you are as well. I had a really nice Christmas with friends and family. Today, instead of talking about what I am doing, I think I would prefer to share with you about one of our Mercy graduates from just six months ago who is already making a difference in the lives of other people. I was absolutely amazed by this young woman as I read her story and thought that I just had to share it with you, so here goes.

Hi Nancy!

I’ve been keeping up to date with all that’s happening with Mercy! I love all of the blogs because it’s awesome to see all that God is doing in other’s lives through this ministry. In 5 days, I will have graduated Mercy 6 months ago from the St. Louis home! I’m blown away every time I even think about what God has done in and through my life. I recently spoke at my church and shared my testimony of what God has done in my life! (see picture to the left) Man, I can’t even begin to tell you how amazing it was! I have always hated speaking in front of others. In fact, I spent my entire life trying to not be seen or heard, I just wanted to be invisible and die. God has taken those feelings and turned them around! I’ve been given the opportunity to speak at two chapel services coming up specifically on self-injury. I have also been working with an eighth grade class every Wednesday and youth on Sunday nights. I have been totally blessed with these opportunities to not only show who God is to these young teens but also to learn how to have fun again…they are truly blessing me in ways I can’t even express. (see picture on right) This year started out as a year of death. I came into the program January 10, 2008, dead! Honestly that’s all I can say…I hated life, God, and myself. It’s been a year of transformation, realization, growth, and relearning how to love life, God and myself again! It has not been an easy year - in fact, probably the hardest, but I can definitely say it’s been the greatest and most needed! The opportunities that God has placed in front on me are huge. Sometimes I think, “There’s no way I can do that,” but in that moment I remember that, no, I can’t do it, but He can through me! Thank you for the amazing woman of God that you truly are! Thank you for giving me the opportunity to learn who God really is! I hope you have an awesome holiday!



Love,
Tammy




P.S. Oh yes, I also forgot to mention the fact that I had the opportunity to go back to school, FREE!! I received a complete scholarship to pursue a career in baking and pastry. I finished my semester this week with a 4.0 GPA! God is restoring my memory and I'm seeing the results! In my past I have abused simple things like knives, alcohol and food and was able to use these items, this semester, in the way they were made to be used in the culinary field. I'm growing so much and am amazed with God daily! Alright, that's it...ha! Just wanted to share that!

1 comments:

Amy Beth @ Ministry So Fabulous! said...

Nancy! I'm so glad to find your blog -- I had no idea that you were writing!

I started blogging exactly a year ago and have l-o-v-e-d it! I was originally going to just write about Starlite, but it eventually became more of writing about my day-to-day life.

Can't wait to read more -- love and miss you!

amy beth