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Cultivating Hearts for Jesus For HIS namesake |
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Reviews |
Cultivated
Heart Reviews
“I
have really enjoyed this study. I also have been so blessed to have met
you! You do have such a wonderful gift from our Father in creating these studies.
I know God has touched many many lives through you! It's so
inspiring to see such joy and love you have for the Lord and the care and
concern you have for his children. Thank you for being so open and
vulnerable to us. Love from a sister in Christ who is cultivating
her heart!”
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“This is awesome! I thank God
for you all the time. I love you and all God is doing through you in the
bible study. God is so good. I love this study!”
Karen H.
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“It
is inspired. You are the real deal.”
Jill B.
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Tanya
B
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Daybreak
Reviews
“I have enjoyed several of
Lea
Houston
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Resting
in His Reality
As
Yvonne
Cypress,
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Tell It Well "Tell It Well" has changed my life! My heart has
longed to tell people about Jesus, but I've been hesitant to do so. As
a new believer, I felt inadequate and certain that I would say the
wrong things. In all honesty, I also feared rejection
and criticism. What if I came across as a religious fanatic
or someone challenged my limited knowledge of scripture? "Tell It Well" has given me new confidence in this
area. Among other things, I learned that help is
available. If I allow the Holy Spirit to communicate through
me, the right words will naturally flow out. I also learned that it is
not necessary to memorize the Bible - - something I am not very
good at doing. For me, I have found that it works best
to share the general idea of the story using my own
casual "conversational" words. Most important,
I have learned that all I can do is sow seeds and pray that they
land on fertile ground. The rest is up to the Lord. The first time I storied a portion of the Bible was during "Tell
It Well". I shared a story from ACTs with my 6-year-old daughter
using words that she could easily understand. At the end of the
story, she complimented me saying, "Mommy, I really liked that
story!" What a blessing! "Tell It Well" has
changed my life because it has motivated and equipped me to follow in
the disciples footsteps by going out and telling the world about Jesus. Donna M. Blum
(42) Omaha, NE Community
Group Tara Rye is a gifted teacher and writer. I had the privilege of
studying "Tell It Well" under her. It was a great study,
written in Tara's enlightening style. it gave
me a totally new insight into the dedication and zeal of these committed
apostles, some willing to die to spread the Word. I came away each week
amazed at how much more she showed me from her depth and knowledge of these
passages than what I had read. Marjorie McNulty (60's) Omaha, NE Women's Bible Study Jesus said to go and make disciples of all men. But most of us, myself
included, have no idea how to do that, or even what it looks like. If and when we do get questioned about our faith, we have a
tendency to shy away or we want to refer them to a pastor or a bible
teacher…and change the conversation back to something we know or feel
comfortable sharing. Is the
problem that we don’t know our faith or is it that we fear that we
might say something wrong? When people speak they tell what they know. When going through Tara Rye’s
study on the book of Acts, I read the same chapter in 5 different
translations then answered some truly thought provoking questions. I really knew, understood and
remembered what I was learning. I
now have a comfort level in the book of Acts and therefore I am able to Tell it Well. Beth Hansen (46) Omaha, NE In Home Small Group Study Tell It Well helped me to look at the Word in a
fresh new way. Wow! God never stopped amazing me with fresh new insight
through this study by having the various versions of the bible in the study.
What a blessing to see more into the love and mind of Christ and what purpose
He had in mind to tell it well through everyday people like me. Deanna
Woeppel (60's) Omaha,
NE Women's
Bible Study I really like
the depth we went into for each chapter, seeing many translations and study
to go along. I was able to get so much out of our discussions and the
speaking. Sarah
O'Connor (27) Omaha, NE Marketplace
Bible Study This study is
very applicable to today! I have learned so much through God speaking through
Tara, and would highly recommend to anyone wanting to get over any fear of
telling Biblical truths to others! Omaha, NE Marketplace
Bible Study Reading the
passages over of the Bible over and over allows for my mind to shut down and
allow for the spirit to open up. Kristen
Livingston Omaha, NE
(40's) In Home Small
Group Study Dear
sweet sister- Omaha,
NE (40's) In
Home Small Group Study Experiencing Tell it Well has challenged me in new ways.
This Bible study is a unique way to study the Word and share God's
Word. Storying the Word of God has made it
come alive to my kids and others. I believe Jesus used this technique
to appeal to our senses and is a great model for us to use. Kim Schieman Omaha, NE Open Door
Mission I was
impacted by how God used me to share chapter 8 in Acts. Just knowing that no
matter what I was God still can use me to reach others. Bret T. (38) Omaha, NE Open Door
Mission (Bret
storied Acts in class and when he finished the entire class was in awe of
God. I don't think any of them thought one of them could do it and when he
did it, it proved to them that they could do anything. I have Bret's storying on video.) This Bible
study helped bring a fuller understanding of scripture. Eric Wheelock
(man, 36) Omaha, NE Community
Group It was
educational and awesome to study the Bible with and share with others. Kelly Blum
(man, 42) Omaha, NE Community
Group This study
was word and application. It allows the reader to make changes as you allow
the Holy Spirit to work in one's life. I learned so much in reading the
different versions of scripture. I really did have to be intentional about
this. I loved the personal stories that directly related to the passage. Lot's of prayer and love went into this study and it is
very evident. Tracy Bingham
(49) Omaha, NE Community
Group It let me
know how to deal with my inner spirit on how people feel about my actions.
Being accountable for my actions with others. Rubin T. (?) Omaha, NE Open Door
Mission Tara when you
tell Acts Bible story I have a great understanding of the Bible. Before I had
no understanding of the Bible. I didn't know how to apply the Bible to my
life. Today because of you I read something out of the Bible every day. I
also have greater understanding. Reading the Bible tells me how great God
loves me and I'm never alone because He is always there with me no matter
what I'm going through. I am not alone. Thank GOD! Michelle W.
(41) Omaha, NE Open Door
Mission We really
love all the Biblical storying we have gotten from
Tara Rye. It is very uplifting and I love every bit of it. Thanks for all the
socializing it has brought to both Curt and I. Curt &
Teresa Valentine (69, 65) Omaha, NE Community
Group It was a very
complete, well thought-out curriculum with great pertinent testimonies weaved
through the lessons. The storying was a new dynamic
and proved to me to be a powerful way to communicate God's Word! Andy Bingham
(61) Omaha, NE Community
Group I really enjoy Tell it well because it stretches me to think
and rethink the same passage. Once I have learned it, I have confidence to
share with others what I have learned. I love to share the good news of
Jesus. I love knowing a natural way to tell others. I am blessed
and my life is richer because of the study. Sabrina Wright (30) Omaha, NE In home Bible study “Tell
it Well” by Linda Thorson My words will
never adequately describe the range of emotions I experienced in the
“Tell it Well” study taught be Tara Rye. I smile as I write
because Tara has been my teacher and spiritual mentor for many years now, and
I never would have guessed the upcoming Bible study would increase my faith
and trustworthiness like never before. Naturally, when someone is asked to
step from their comfort zone and do something completely uncomfortable and
foreign, the reaction is typically negative. And so it was for myself and the majority of the wonderful women of God
alongside me. Alarm bells
sounded as terror gripped me from within. Nauseating fear and angst followed
as we listened to Tara’s opening remarks as she outlined her
expectations for the fall semester. “Each small group of women will
read their assigned verses for 3-4 minutes, and then a volunteer from each group
will come to the front of the room and story-tell these verses back to the
class.” “No
way! Not me! I screamed from inside! I refuse to do this when I know I
can’t remember that many verses! I won’t be humiliated in front
of the class! Within moments, my mind was made up. I’m bowing out and
switching to another Bible study class. Not surprisingly, every other woman
appeared as paralyzed and shocked as I was, and ready to bolt through the
nearest door! With my head
hanging I sauntered to the car with a mission to accomplish. Get a hold of
Tara and politely bow out. As words began to spew from my mouth, Tara
patiently listened. I sat motionless as Tara encouraged me to remain in the
class. She promised I would only have to story-tell if I decided to do so.
Relieved, I hung up the phone assured that day would never come. Sunday
morning I waltzed into church feeling joy and gladness, delighting in the
freedom I felt. The burden was gone! It wasn’t long before I realized
the Lord was speaking directly to me as Dr. Dodd began his sermon.
Undoubtedly, the title could have read; To Linda, with love… Shock and awe
best describes how I felt as I listened to Curt so eloquently speak the Word
of God. He spoke about trusting, walking in fear, pride, and faithfulness. He
challenged us to step out and glorify God. I thought my heart would break
from anguish and guilt. Obviously, God knew what I needed to hear.
Unbelievably; ... I decided to listen! I marched myself out the church door
and triumphantly called Tara. “I will be story-telling this week!! As Thursday
arrived, I praised God for His Spirit of peace and thanksgiving. I was ready
to glorify God. As I took my turn at the front of the class I felt rest and
confidence, assured Spirit God was in surely in charge. The holy expression
of His Spirit within was spilled in glorious wonder. Clearly, the Counselor
had spoken. My heart was delirious with joy as I silently praised His holy
Name! Remarkably, I
began to thirst for more and embraced the opportunity to story-tell again
before Tara’s study was complete. At semester’s end, I passed
through the door for the last time pondering this pivotal experience.
“God is preparing you,” said the ladies. God’s peace
overcame me as I walked to the car rejoicing His goodness, particularly the
driving force of His saving grace that is teaching me complete obedience,
trust, and unfaltering faithfulness in Jesus Christ. I assumed my story-telling days were
finished. Imagine the look on my face as I read the e-mail from Tara inviting
me to story Acts 7 at the ODM…not the 24 verses I’d done in
class, no, no… “You will story-tell ALL of Acts 7 to the people
at Open Door Mission!” …..Story-tell all 60 verses of Acts
7?!!.... preferably with few notes??!” “You have got to be
kidding, Tara! I don’t
recall a season in my life when I’ve had such agonizing fear and
distress, with the exception of the onset of our son’s mental illness.
Never! Immediately, I began to agonize about the months ahead. Lot’s of time to learn Acts 7, but too many days to
worry and fret! At last the date was set, and I thought I am going to crumble
from frustration. Our son and his wife were coming to town that Wednesday
staying for the entire weekend. Dinners were planned, and everyone was pumped
for the tail-gate on Saturday for the NU-Texas football rivalry. Also, this
was the weekend of my first speaking engagement scheduled for Friday night.
Realizing my focus was not where it needed to be, a thought struck me like
lightening! I have reason to renege!
J Expecting
compassion from Tara, I joyfully picked up the phone… only to hear what
I should have expected from my no
nonsense teacher. She didn’t give me an out! Nothing! Frustration
consumed me again! Days later I
received an email from Tara. “This is not supposed to cause you such
worry and distress. If it is, you shouldn’t be doing it.” I
humbly e-mailed Tara admitting my angst and stress, and politely declined the
invitation~ J My Dear, Dear
Tara…she just wouldn’t go away… Lord in heaven, I was about
to receive one of the firmest, fiery, determined, resolute emails I had ever
received! (YOU ARE MISSING OUT ON
GOD BEING GLORIFIED!!) “This can’t be, not again. More guilt,
guilt, guilt!!! “That’s
it,” I said, “The timing is bad, the
weekend is worse, but okay, okay! I will do it!!!” Praise God
for His sensitivity! Tara had been so consumed with her writing, teaching,
doctorate, meeting several deadlines, and raising two beautiful children,
that she innocently forgot to tell me Acts 7…. was going to be
delayed!! Relief and gratitude oozed from within. Thank you, Jesus for at
least changing the date! J I studied
Acts 7 day and night. I read Stephan’s speech from various Bibles and
commentaries trying to understand why he discussed the history of Israel
instead of defending himself to the Jewish Sanhedrin. I begged to understand,
praying for God’s wisdom, and pleading for revelation... Slowly but
surely, Jesus poured His glorious understanding… But, I
thought November would never arrive! All I could think of was getting through
60 verses. I was convinced I needed a miracle. I know my limitations!! J Sincerely,…
I will remember this day as one of the most memorable experiences of my life.
Standing in God’s strength, I boldly began to testify as Stephan did so
many years ago. I felt God’s indwelling, and I marveled His loving
abundance as the Spirit was completely unleashed. With passion and fervor,
Jesus within poured His wisdom surpassing my wildest expectations. As
Stephan’s speech came to a close, the students were asked to share what
they learned. Heartfelt words spilled from their hearts blessing me
profoundly. I believe God was honoring my new found faithfulness. What a
wonderful morning for teachers and students alike. Truly, there is nothing like
witnessing the goodness and glory of our great Lord and Savior! I humbly
thank Tara Rye for her fierce love and dedication to Christ Jesus that
provided an unforgettable journey so faith and obedience would surely
increase for the glory of God~
What a gift,
what a treasure, what an opportunity we have to teach others the art of
story-telling. One day, I will likely forget how I sinfully worried myself to
death. However, I will remember God’s grace that carried me through.
Forever, I will praise Him for teaching me implicit trust, Forever, I will
honor Him for deepening my roots as I earnestly strive to never doubt again. Thank you,
Tara for this thought provoking, challenging, life altering study, I thank
you for insisting I persevere! Upon reflection, there is nothing in recent
memory that has tested my will like this powerful study. I journeyed from
fear and frustration, to trust and obedience as Jesus called me to step
out…..so that He could gently step in! I love you Jesus! J Linda Thorson
(50's) Women's Bible
Study Omaha, NE (I
have video of Linda's telling at the ODM! It was amazing! It is very long
because of the length of scripture, but it was so powerful that women and men
at the mission were moved to tears.) Hey Tara,
Just wanted to touch base with you. Ironically, I was opening up my yahoo to email you and saw your email. I will definitely pray for them. That will be a pretty intense meeting from what is briefly described. What is HS stand for?
I was just reading in Hebrew 12 and 13 this morning, which is pretty powerful stuff. 13:1-3 talks about entertaining strangers. Just three days ago, this nice old lady named Lou (short for Louise) just could not stop talking to me at the grocery store. I remember thinking that there is a reason she is talking to me. She is probably lonely, but was so nice. It probably meant the world to her that I, a stranger, would stop to talk to her for a few minutes. I would do it anytime as I have in the past, but this time it felt special. I have a soft spot for the elderly and they seem drawn to me too. She started talking to me about how things are getting so expensive. The only thing that seemed odd was that she told me where she lived and to come over to make preserves. I hope she doesn't tell everyone where she lives. Then a friend of mind mis-text me the next day that her friend, a guy, named Lou and his renters are out of food. :( Then in Hebrews 13:16 is talks about not forgetting to share and to do good. So I emailed her to see if I can offer them some food. I know that I do not have a job and that I am pretty much broke, but I still have a lot to give even if it is a small amount. I hope I am not reading into things too much, but this is how it is for me all the time lately. Things will happen and then revelations will be confirmed when I read or hear the word of God. I think if anything it gets me to think differently which is outward thinking to help people rather than thinking inwardly about all of my needs. Also 13:7-9 was good too. My soon to be ex (who belives in God) has been telling me just to be careful with this church thing because people can interpret things differently or make you belive certain things which aren't of God. Although I understand the concern and do feel their are false teachers out there, I don't feel that way with you and with Calvary. I get such a sense of peace with it. I know that everything we talk about comes straight from the word of God and it's so powerful for me personally. He ended up wanting to pray with me that night after he prayed..which was awesome and not typical!
I know that Jesus is my savior and what he has done for me in my mind, but I don't think I truly felt how magnificant that was in my heart until this week. I was praying and crying of course realizing how much he loves us and how profound it is that he can love millions upon millions of people all at the same time and that all he wants is to know Him. But for me, it was so profound that I actually heard thunder while at the end of my prayer. Maybe it was coincidence, but I don't feel like it was.
I was watching Kenneth Copeland this morning and they were talking about how Peter said we have been redeemed and its not with silver and its not with gold but with the precious blood of the Lord Jesus Christ..that God said this is my man, this how much he's worth to me. The price Jesus paid for us far exceeds anything that we can imagine. Having Jesus in my life is better than having any carnal fleshly thing in my life (still working on that daily). I love what God has done for me and how he is working in my life. I LOVE that I get to meet such wonderful people such as yourself. I really liked hearing that today and that I was able to understand what they were talking about because we are studying that in our bible study with Acts. I am learning so much and just love the study sessions. I may not vocalize what I am reading because for me it's hard to put it into words even though I feel and know it in my heart, but I am taking it all in. I'm new to all of this, but am so excited to learn and do so much more. I get so many revelations all the time, that its awesome and I love it. I think I wasn't really listening or understanding before an earthquake shook me to my core, which is when God truly revealed Himself to me and I accepted him, and let Him take hold of my life. Since then, it has been a wonderful whirlwind and I'm so thankful! I hope I didn't ramble too much, just wanted you to share that with you and to let you know that I'm so glad we met and that I enjoy our time learning together. I get teary eyed thinking about how when I was at my lowest, I was re-aquanted with Sara and how she reached out to me when she hesitated about giving me scripture not realizing that I was already reading and listening to Kenneth Copeland at that time and how it all came together. God truly does come to the aid when you need it the most and like you said weeks ago, it usually happens during an earthquake in your life. You know, the friends that I have who are dear to me and are christian cannot give to me what this group and calvary does. The pastor talked last week about not being a closet christian. When I was out with them a few weeks ago, I brought it up a little and got instant push back. They do not want to talk about it. It really saddens me, but makes me VERY greatful that I have this strong group of women to study the bible with. You are making an impact in my life ... and I want you to know that I appreciate that! ( If you can't tell I like to talk) :)
As for the speaker, I think I will be able to go. I just need to check the calendar with what my kids have going on. I was just thinking that morning before you emailed that I don't have anything to go to - I had the Women's Overnight and the Set me free fear thing last week, but nothing else, so I hope I can make it work to go hear him speak. I think it will be great!
Have a great day! ~ Terra Vincent In Home Bible
Study
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