Sunday, September 23, 2012


A Tender Compassion

A tender compassion from God’s own heart
Pours through mine when it’s torn apart.
Cleansing comfort in the Father’s love;
Perfect comfort from up above.

His perfect loves casts out all my fear;
Inviting me close; inviting me near!
Convincing my soul there is nothing to hide,
All of my pain in Him I confide!

He wraps His arms around my soul
Hugging it tight, making it whole;
Reviving my life with His tender touch,
He reminds me He loves me!  Oh! So much!

His Spirit whispers my hurts in His ear;
He touches my face, wipes every tear.
He holds my heart in His very hand;
He lifts me up and helps me to stand!

His tender compassion is new every day;
Renewing my life in every way!
God of all comfort giving endurance;
Easing my burden; bringing assurance!

He calls me to come; to lean and to rest;
All of my heart in Him to invest!
His yoke is easy!  His burden is light!
Look!  A healed heart!  What a beautiful sight!

Yes, a tender compassion from God’s own heart
Pours through mine when it’s torn apart.
Cleansing comfort in the Father’s grace!
Perfect comfort when I seek His face!


By Tamara L. Vanderdasson
Written: October 2, 2008

Thursday, September 6, 2012

The Jesus Convention

I have, like many others, I guess, been thinking a lot about politics these days.  Both parties have had their big conventions.  With only about 65 days left till the big presidential vote, there is a lot to think about.  The funny thing is, this past week, I haven't been thinking about the election much at all.  I don't want to talk about who to vote for, or who is right and who is wrong, or about who said what or did what deplorable thing, or about any such things as that.

I only want to talk about who I should be supporting; of who my allegiance is to; of who I am going to follow this year, and in the years to come.  I support Christ!  I believe in Him!  I will follow Him!  I want Him to reign in this world, in this country, in each and every heart and soul that populates this planet!  I think that is on God's heart as well!  (John 3:15; 1 Timothy 2:1-6)

This past Sunday, the pastor talked about his 5 year old son who happened to see a snippet of the national convention.  He saw a sign on TV that read, "We Believe In Mitt!"  This 5 year old boy said, "Dad, shouldn't we believe in Jesus?"  Who can say it better than that?  Really.  Think about it.

It is awfully easy to get caught up in this world and it's politics and it's why's and wherefore's.  It is easy to get distracted and busy and on a soap box that has little to do with God's purposes. (Sometimes, even, my soapbox might be 'godly', but my tone and purpose and judgment and attack might be way off of God's plan.)  I think it is always better to be kind than to be right.  (quote by Ann Lamott)

 It is easy to hold banners that everyone else is holding and yell for a better America.  It is easy to get discouraged at how things have been in this country the past several years.  Is is easy to yearn for something better and to attribute the possibility of a better America to a party, or candidate, or law, or program, or....!

But the truth is that the world won't be better until it embraces Jesus Christ.  America won't be better until we embrace Jesus Christ.  The communities won't be better until they embrace Jesus Christ.  The churches won't be better until they embrace Jesus Christ.  Families won't be better until they embrace Jesus Christ.  People won't be better until they embrace Jesus Christ.  I won't be better unless I embrace Jesus Christ.

Nothing will be better or right until Jesus is the center of it all; until He holds the place in individual hearts.  Until communities and families are built on Him as the foundation.  Until countries give their allegiance to Him.

How can such a grand scale transformation happen?  Does it seem impossible and improbable?  Well, nothing is impossible with God.  And with faith, we can move mountains! (even with faith as small as a mustard seed!)  (Matthew 17:20)  And without faith, it is impossible to please God!  (Hebrews 11:6)  And someday, really, EVERY knee will bow.  (Philippians 2)

I have a desire for all to know Him...for everyone to carry a banner that says, "I believe in Christ!"  Imagine...a city-wide convention, or a national convention, or a world convention, where everyone would be supporting Jesus, and carrying their banners for Jesus and showing their signs and spilling out the love of Jesus to everyone and each other!  Imagine billions of people all at once recognizing Him as Lord, glorifying and praising and worshiping Him!  (I think it will happen when every knee bows, and I can't wait!)

But meanwhile, in my own little family and community, all I know is that I, as a Christ-follower, have a responsibility to reflect and shine and show Christ to those around me.  If I can carry my banner for Jesus and celebrate Him in every instance in my life, showing Him my complete allegiance, and influence those around me to shine for Him and carry their banners and celebrate and glorify Him and give Him allegiance, then I am doing what God asks of me.

And truly, I am happy to do it!

It may be un'conventional' (pun intended) and politically incorrect (yes, pun intended again) to wave a banner for Jesus, the Lord, the Savior for all people, God's One and Only Son!  But the more of us that gather to His 'convention' and take on His purpose, and wave the banner with His name emblazoned on it,  the more impact He will have through us; the more visual Jesus becomes to a spiritually failing planet and nation, and the more glory that goes to Jesus!  I am all for that!

Who's with me?

Sunday, September 2, 2012


YOUR STORY!

Since my foolishness reveals Your purpose;
Shows Your wisdom for all to see;
May my purpose be as Yours;
May I learn from Your piety!

Since my weakness reveals Your power;
Shows You in the strength of Your might;
May I stand within Your strength;
Hold Your ground and fight Your fight!

Since my emptiness shows Your fullness;
And all You are is then revealed;
May I ever be Your child;
Full of You and Spirit sealed!

Since my humility shows Your Glory;
Removes myself entirely;
May my pride be non-existent;
May I always have bended knee!

Since less of me means more of You;
All of You I so profess!
Empty, foolish, humble, weak;
Yet completely Yours – Divinely blessed!

May my life be Your reflection;
Your purpose, plan, strength and glory!
May all I do show all You are;
May my life be Your story!

By Tamara Vanderdasson
Written:  April 9, 2009

(Heb. 5:7-8; Phil 2:8; 1 Peter 4:1; 1 Cor. 1:18-31)