| During
the spring of 1982, I felt the Lord was leading us to consider taking the
three children full-time. I couldn't see how this could work out, so I just
kept praying about it. After discussion with our pastor and some friends, it
became clearer that the Lord was leading us to take Tammy by herself. We
talked to her family about this, and they were very open to the idea because
her grandmother was getting older and it would be difficult for her father
to raise her alone. John and I, along with Tammy's father, contacted an
attorney and after a court hearing were given temporary custody of Tammy.
She moved in with us and started seventh grade that fall when school
started. There were a lot of adjustments, but not as many as you would
expect. Tammy was already accustomed to staying in our home and she already
knew we loved her. Her brother and sister spent many of their holiday
vacations with us. Tammy's older sister lived with us for two years while
she finished some of her education. |
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Tammy and "Ma" |
Tammy was with us only a month when her beloved grandmother, "Ma",
became seriously ill and was no longer able to take care of herself,
much less Tammy. Ma taught Tammy to memorize Psalm 23, which was Ma's
favorite part of the Bible. The Lord knew Tammy would need more help,
and we are thankful that He allowed us to be a part of her life. She has
truly been a joy and a blessing to both John and me! |
| In 1997, Tammy had a brief,
unsuccessful marriage. Tammy was devastated the marriage didn't work.
She was very upset about it and I wanted some way to encourage her
emotionally and spiritually. I wanted to do something other than send a
rose; after all, she worked in a flower shop and I wasn't sure a rose
would mean much to her. I wanted something special and with spiritual
"meat" to it. I thought about the money trees I used to see and wondered
why scriptures of encouragement couldn't be tied onto a plant? I had
been taught, when praying for people, to base my prayers on scripture. |
So, a new idea was
born---"Plant 'N Prayers"©. We have developed many unique gifts. Thirty
mini scrolls of scripture-based prayers are tied to the arrangement with
colorful ribbons, the recipient can read one scroll a day for a month.
We provide the sender of the gift a copy of the prayers so they can be
prayed for the recipient.
The first gift was given to someone who had just been through a divorce.
"Plant 'N Prayers"© have been given for various occasions such as Get
Well, Sympathy, Encouragement, Wedding, New Baby, Anniversary, Birthday,
Thank You, Graduation, Christmas, Valentine's Day, Mother's Day,
Father's Day, and other occasions. "Plant 'N Prayers"© have been sent to
46 of the 50 states and at least 4 other countries. We are like a
Christian gift service. Just give us a call and we will ship directly to
them for you. |
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God's word is very powerful. I have personally seen the verses touch
lives as they are read. Here are some of my favorite
Verses about God's word.
That's our "Plant
'N Prayers"© story. The Lord is faithful to lead and guide. I came up
with the name "Plant 'N Prayers"© one day during my morning walk. There
is no doubt in my mind that it came from the Lord. It would have taken
me hours, even days, to come up with an appropriate name. Yet this idea
came very clear and fast - we would be planting prayers in people lives! |
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