It has been many years since I first met Jesus Christ. We have come a long way together. How thankful I am 
for His patience. Over the decades I have learned many lessons from life. Some I learned the easy way, others…well, you know!
In 2009, Lessons By Heart was published. It is a sampling of the many things God has taught me through good times and bad.
The best lesson He taught me is who I am: a blood-bought daughter of the Living God. What I do can be defined as: a missionary cleverly disguised as a wife, the mother of 7, grandmother of 11, homemaker, author, and musician. I am an ordinary woman in love with a most extraordinary God!
My main passion is Jesus and His Word. He used life stories to teach spiritual truths. Following His example, I write living parables. Jesus can be found in any story, I’ve discovered.
I don’t claim to know it all, but like Michelangelo did, wish I could scribble “Ancora Imparo” on every page…”I am still learning;” for I am.
Thank you, Kara, for allowing me to use the beautiful photo!
(For the story about my guitar, “Grace,” see the page entitled, Grace – An Object Lesson.)
Thanks for stopping by!
God bless.
\o/
Praise Him!
Tami Benson can be contacted at batransformed1@yahoo.com.
*****
Your saints will extol you.
They will tell of the glory of your kingdom
and speak of your might,
so that all men may know of your mighty acts
and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
Psalms is 145:10-12
Lessons by Heart 
Hi there
Thanks for the follow! How have you been and how’s your blog doing?
I created a blogger tips group to connect with all my long last WordPress blogger friends, and to help all of us to learn from each other. I would love for you to share your knowledge in the group and connect with other bloggers. Here’s the link:
Blogger Tips Group
Finally, here’s a blog I thought you may find interesting:
The Ripple Effect of Blogging
Best regards,
Greta
Founder of Healthy Living
http://www.healthyliving894.com
Hey Sis! Haven’t heard from you in quite a bit! Hope everything is ok. Be blessed!
thanks for sharing your faith!
It’s my pleasure always. Thanks for stopping by!
\o/
Good Read thank you for sharing and Be Blessed. Blessings Always, Mtetar
Thank you for your kind comments. 🙂
\o/
You’re always welcome. Blessings Always, Mtetar
What a beautiful and inspiring blog! Thank you for spreading the love of Christ!
This is a comment I am giving to ALL the past WP Blogs I used to follow and the links I used to post because of your site. I am the Pastor of Oasis Bible Ministry and I have been away from WordPress for about a year to 14 months. Due to health and computer problems both, I had to quit for a while, but the Lord has been speaking to my heart to get back and do what HE asked me to do. So, I am in the process of doing a new blog, “For the Love of God” under the outreach of Oasis Bible Ministry.
I am sorry for not being able to let anyone know until now, but I do apologize as so many of you had visited and of course, through that, the Holy Spirit led me to your sites. One of the reasons, I am writing a letter as a form for all, is because I am going through the links I have from before and with your permission, posting them on my blog on a links page. Some of you may already be in the “Blogs I Follow” section, but since it only holds 50 and I like so many more, I thought it is only fitting to make a separate page for the rest of the blogs I like.
I believe in Body Ministry and gifts that the Holy Spirit equips everybody who calls Christ Jesus Lord, and therefore, it is only fitting to let others see what the Holy Spirit is doing in other areas of His Church. Please believe me; this is NOT an attempt to draw anyone back. That is between the person and the Lord. He called me to do what I do as He called each of you. I just have to do what He says, it is up to Him to draw people to His Word as He gifts me.
Again, sorry for the inconvenience of those who followed me and then ended up with a “blank gravatar” for I do sincerely apologize. But, I do sincerely pray God’s richest blessings on each of you AND if per chance, you do NOT want me to post your link, I will remove it per your wishes. Again, thanks AND again, God bless you!
Welcome back! So glad you’re doing better – and your computer is too!
May the Lord richly bless your labor of love for Him through your posts with a great harvest!
\o/
Such a great Blog, will be spending many hours here! Thanks!
Thanks, kind brother. Enjoy your visit! 🙂
\o/
Such a very well written bio. Thanks for sharing about your life and faith!
Steven
It’s my great honor to do so. Jesus changed everything in my life, for which I will be forever grateful!
\o/
And forever blessed. Keep on the path which is lit with the Light of life!
Steven
[…] error (and your request for forgiveness?) were both in the past, too. So should be your concern. Tami at Lessons by Heart talks about her view of this […]
Thank you for your kind words.
Senior Pastor
Equipping The Saints – Eph 4:12
equippingthesaints@outlook.com
http://gravatar.com/cchurchchurchblog
http://cchurchchurchblog.wordpress.com/
Thank you for following my blog. Our ministry is that of Ephesians 4:12, with the purpose of John 17:3. Please feel free to use any of my writings for your particular purpose. No credit needs to be give to me. I wish you will.
Senior Pastor
Equipping The Saints – Eph 4:12
equippingthesaints@outlook.com
http://gravatar.com/cchurchchurchblog
http://cchurchchurchblog.wordpress.com/
Your blog is very interesting; I am following it. Please consider following my blog. Blessings to you.
Senior Pastor
Equipping The Saints – Eph 4:12
equippingthesaints@outlook.com
http://gravatar.com/cchurchchurchblog
http://cchurchchurchblog.wordpress.com/
Yes, thank you, I will. 🙂
\o/
Spiritual food for thought: John 1:1-2
One of my favorites…it goes with my favorite title for the Lord: Emmanuel, God WITH us! Hallelujah!
\o/
You’ll really like John 1:10
[…] https://lessonsbyheart.wordpress.com/about/ […]
Hi Tami! I wanted to stop by and let you know I nominated your blog for the Sunshine Award! Thank you for the work that you do! If you chose to accept the award, you can find the instructions here: http://perezmemoir.wordpress.com/award/
Mary, thanks for your kind nomination. Due to time constraints I’ll have to pass. Next week will be spent with another friend who will be moving to heaven soon.
Man alive, they’re dropping like flies! Juanita will be the 7th friend/family member this year. I can’t wait until heaven when we don’t have to deal with death anymore!
\o/
Going through a similar walk, Tami. Praying when that time comes, the Lord will fill us with His grace to do what all is needed with the preparations. This is never an easy walk, is it? Another reason why I so appreciated the movie: Heaven Is For Real. Blessings to you Tami.
It’s really mostly just deciding what you want and moving it around until you get the effect that you want! Try it out sometime, it’s free! A whole lot easier than photoshop as far as I can tell, I can’t figure that out!
http://www.polyvore.com/
Thanks. That’s good to know. I’m working on a slide presentation for my little lady’s memorial service, and pulling my hair out trying to get the pictures just right. I’ll have to swing by and see if they can help!
o/
God bless you Tami!
PS– You were on my mind, when I was making this and I do hope that you enjoy it! If you want it just click on it and grab the url and paste it somewhere that you want it!
Wow! Thanks. I’ll do that.
How sweet of you to share your talents with me. I’m honored.
I’ll be back to the blogs (if you still want posts) next week sometime. I’ve been working – but my little lady moved to heaven and I’m unemployed again. WOOHOO!
\o/
Of course I still want posts! I have missed you! God bless!
Thanks…see you next week some time.
\o/
That’s beautiful! Did you paint the picture? Impressive. 😉
\o/
No, it is a place I go when I need a change of pace, where you can create montages (digital). Polyvore is the site. I use it sometimes to make posts for one of the blogs. I am glad you liked it! God bless you!
I’m still impressed – all this “techie” stuff…you do it so well. 😉
\o/
[…] This is Tami’s testimony: You can get to her blog HERE […]
Thank you again Tami for liking my posts on “God’s Word is Truth, Seeking After God’s Precepts and Courage. Sorry it has taken so long to thank you for stopping by. May the Lord bless you richly in your service for Him.
Mikey
Everyone seems to be just getting back into the swing of things after the summer. 🙂
\o/
Isn’t that amazing. God loves us so much. And He works in our moments, every, single day of our lives. He’s always with us. He never forsakes us. He loves us more than we can imagine.
He continually amazes me! 🙂
\o/
Your comment reminds me of a revelation God showed me:
One thing I have learned about God is that if I want Him to keep amazing me with His wonders, I have to keep myself humble to God. The Lord straightened me up a while back about being a “know it all.” A person who is a “know it all”, like I once was, is actually prideful and hardened against knowing anything more about God, especially when He is infinite. I was really closing myself out. Instead, I need to be more open by being humble. That way, I can continue to receive more from Him.
Yabsolutely – I had to learn the same lesson myself. I used to be a know-it-all, with all the answers, and strong opinions about people and what was wrong with them. It’s taken a couple of decades for the Lord to teach me the importance of grace – and that if my motive isn’t love I’m nothing more than an irritating noise and hot air. THAT was humbling! 😉
Thanks for your comments. You seem young to have figured out humility, grace, and love. I’m glad you’ve got a head start – especially as a preacher. Without it, your sheep will not fare well.
\o/
I believe there are a lot of people who figure it out early on. The part we’ve got to work on is growing in what we learn. And disobedience only makes bigger the gap between knowledge and revolution. You can quote a billion scriptures to someone and have it revealed to you that we both were once know-it-all’s, but the potentiality behind that statement is going to take time to revolutionize our lives. Children, when they’re young, never realize how much mommy loved them and took care of them. Only until they get older and are tried by a couple of things do they realize then “what love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the children of God.”
🙂
\o/
[…] And I will also mention this favourite blog (though her blog is declared ‘award free’ – so I’m not really giving her an award ) Lessons by Heart (https://lessonsbyheart.wordpress.com/about/) […]
Hi Tami, Great to get to know you. God’s amazing love helps us truly be the people we need to be. I’m going to check out your book. Looks really good!
Thanks, Holly!
\o/
Hello Tami! I look forward to really diving into your blog. Also, thank you for following my blog at Faith1st Ministries. I hope it has and will continue to be a major blessing in your life. May God richly bless you as you continue to write and blog. Please continue with us on this journey and remember to have Faith 1st because the “just shall live by his faith.” — Sebastian
That’s one of my favorite verses…all three times it shows up in the Bible!!!
Thanks for following. It is my earnest desire to equip the saints and make the name of Jesus known. 🙂
\o/
You’re so welcome Tami! It is one of mine as well. I believe it is an instruction of the the foundation of the Believer’s life and lifestyle. May God continue to lead you in your ministry…let me know if I can help in any way. Blessings!
I appreciate your kind offer. I’ll certainly take you up on that one day, no doubt!
\o/
Anytime!
Hello there my friend! I hope that all has been well with you and your family. I would like to let you know that I have nominated you for the Loyal Reader Award. I really appreciate the fact that you visit my page as much as you do and I would like to honor YOU with this award.
Please visit my page to see the award requirements and other information…along with the name of your blog page! Check it out on “Good Time Stories”.
Once again, congratulations on your award nomination. I am very proud of you and wish you all the best. Here’s to many, many more of your stories and articles on the future!
Thank you kindly sir! I’ll pass it on!
You’ve got a great blog. I enjoy reading. Write on, dear brother. I wouldn’t be reading if your posts weren’t feeding!
\o/
Tami I am truly blessed..and I am humbled by your prayer and acceptance of what God says to those prayers..
Hello Tami..how are you
Blessed! And you?
(I’ve been praying as you requested. I trust the Lord’s answer to prayers that are so aligned with His will have been Yes and Amen!)
\o/
Happy Holiday sister In Christ
Same to you! 🙂
\o/
Thanks for the visit sister..God bless you…
Thanks for the visit Woman of God
Thank you sister for all you wonderful comments..
Sister I hope God is blessing you and your family…
Thanks! He always does…even when it doesn’t seem like it. 🙂
\o/
Everything going well with your family?
Tami~~~ I have nominated you for an award. I am blessed to be in a family of loving, caring Christians and you are one that has made a positive impact on me!! Blessings! Above link to receive!!
Thank you so much for your nomination. It’s quite a family we have here, isn’t it?
\o/
😉 It is Tami!!
Hi Tami. How are you? I just wanted to let you know that following your recommendation I am currently reading ‘The Jesus I Never Knew’ by Philip Yancey. It’s a very good read so far – I am enjoying it! I hope all is well in your world.
Hi Steve. I’m so glad you’re enjoying his book. I’ve read several of Philip’s books. The one you’re reading is my favorite. It gave me a different perspective on many things.
May this be a wonder-full weekend for you and yours!
\o/
May God get the glory sister..
Hello!! Thanks for stopping by my blog. 🙂 Have a great day…Hugs Paula xx
Thank You…
Yes that I can resist all the temptation I am faced with..and to follow every word of God.
Will do!
\o/
How are you sister.
Trying to remember that it is more important to “be” than just “do!”
I really appreciate your checking, by the way.
How are things going in your neck of the woods? Is there anything specific I can pray for you today?
In His care,
\o/
Thank you for visiting my blog on this day. Be A Blessing because you’re Blessed. Mtetar
Thank you for stopping by here as well! 🙂
May the peace of God be yours today and always,
\o/
Amen! The same to you as well. Be A Blessing because you’re Blessed. Mtetar
How are you today my sister in Christ..
Much better. Thank you for your prayers! 🙂
\o/
[…] to Lessons by Heart who nominated me for this Lovely Blog award. Her posts are most encouraging and I read them just […]
Thanks for sharing sister..Keep fighting the good fight..
Tami would you like for me to pray for you..
I’ll never, ever turn down prayer! That would be awesome. It’s been a rough month…and not likely to improve in the near future!
Thank you so much for your kind offer!
\o/
How are you Sister tami
Thank you so much for asking. Today is my bro-in-law’s memorial. We will see my father-in-law today, who is dying of cancer and doesn’t want Jesus. Yesterday I visited with the dear friend (who gave me my guitar), who is also dying of cancer. He is fading fast – but at least I know I shall see him in the Sweet By and By.
In other words, considerably rumpled in spirit! But God is my faithful companion as I walk with these loved ones through the Valley of the Shadow. It’s a time of sadness, but of being comforted. He is so good to me.
May your weekend be wonder-full, your words to your congregation straight from the heart of God – and received by many, bringing healing, hope, and growth!
God bless,
Tami
\o/
Hello Tami, I just nominated you for the Very Inspiring Blog Award. You can pick it up on my blog. Thanks for sharing your life!
Tami,
Thank you for taking a look at my blog and especially your encouraging comments regarding “About His Eternal Word” and your thoughts on “The Beautiful Years”. My, what an awesome blog you have created and especially the content also. Like you my dear sister in Lord, my passion is Jesus and His Eternal Word. May the Lord truly bless and use your blog to bring those individuals to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, the only door, road and way to everlasting life. I will be coming back to read more of your writings.
His servant … Mikey
So glad to be of service to my Lord and King. Isn’t this an awesome opportunity to reach the world? I am so blessed to have found WordPress – and brothers and sisters world-wide!
\o/
Praise Jesus!
I know you have a boatload of awards, so no pressure to post on this one, but I just wanted to show you my appreciation for what you share. I nominated you for the One Lovely Blog Award.
http://especiallymade.wordpress.com/2013/05/31/whatever-is-lovely/
Thank you so much. It takes me forever to get them processed and passed out, though. I’ve still got one in my drafts file! I appreciate your thoughtfulness. 🙂
\o/
Nice to meet you dear big sister. Thanks a lot for your interest in my blog. God bless you much more 🙂
So glad you’re here. You’ve got a lot of good things to say on your own blog. Can’t wait to read more.
\o/
Great to know another sister in Christ 😀
Thank you on behalf of Daylight Tune Ministry for liking our poetry ‘One Day’, your future visits and likes. Hope our poetry bless you 🙂
It already has!
May the Lord give you much fruit for your labor. 🙂
\o/
Thank you 🙂
May God get the glory in all that we do…I am just a servant of the King of Kings
Thank you for your support..May God blessings flow in your life..
Thank YOU for your ministry! Sometimes His blessings flow in my life…through the words you’ve written. 🙂
\o/
We are so blessed to have the freedom to express our faith…
Yes we are. I’m doing my best to take advantage of this freedom to tell everyone about my Jesus. I’m thankful to have found so many others who are doing the same. Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
\o/
I hope you are having a blessed day…
Lovely blog full of Gods inspiring Word. It’s wonderful.
Row
Thank you!
\o/
I just nominated you for the ‘Super Sweet’ Blogging Award. Please see my latest post http://spiceymorsels.wordpress.com/2013/05/09/thank-you-for-the-super-sweet-blogging-award/
Awesome blog you got. Thanks for the follow. I’m following too because I really liked your article. It touched my heart and made me really think.
Thanks! Isn’t it fun to meet so many believers we might not have come across until heaven? 🙂
\o/
Thanks for the follow. I look forward to reading your posts! Blessings, always. Sue
🙂
\o/
You have been nominated for The Super Sweet Blogging Award. Check out my blog for details!
Toni,
I am honored to be selected by you for this award. Time is very limited, though, and so I will have to thank you and – alas – decline your gracious gift. Thank you for thinking of me.
\o/
I totally understand! It took me 3 days to notify everyone!!
I feel like a jerk when I turn down an award. I tried to meet the requirements of the first one – it’s still in my Drafts! What’s there took almost four hours – and I didn’t have a clue how to notify everyone (your name is on it, BTW!). 😉
Thanks for understanding.
\o/
Hi Tamara…..thanks for stopping by “Unwalled” and deciding to follow; I am truly honored. I pray that the Lord uses my posts to be a blessing in your life. May God bless you and the ministry he has entrusted to you……Kim
I stayed a while and poked around. I really like your point of view, and look forward to reading more. I’m honored to have you here as well. Perhaps we can serve to equip one another for ministry to the world at large!
\o/
Thanks Tamara……..sounds like a plan…..:)
Thank you for the visit..I hope you are being blessed today.
Minister Fowler
Music is a gift/talent God has placed in your life. It is not like a bad Father’s Day tie that children pick out for Dad kind of gift. It is beutiful and it fits you well. Wear it as a gift from your heavenly Father – a gift to a daughter He loves. As it brings you joy, give Him the glory and praise.
Thank you so much. Your kind words have reduced me to tears. A little healing from Abba, I think.
Grace and peace to you today.
\ 🙂 /
I’ve nominated you for a SUPER SWEET AWARD! You might want to check it out here —>http://christinajoneswriter.com/2013/05/01/a-very-sweet-award/
My pleasure..God is in control, not i
Thank you for the visit..May God bless you.
Minister Roderick Fowler
You’re welcome. Thank you for stopping by.
\o/
Thank you for allowing us a glimpse into your life and pointing us to the Truth you found and for the lessons you have learned (and I guess keep learning)… blessing to you 🙂
Oh, I hope to keep learning – I have such a long way to go. Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
Nice blog. Thanks for checking out my blog. God bless.
You’re welcome. Thanks for stopping by.
Thanks for visiting and sharing.
Thanks for stopping by!
Your post a couple minutes ago allowed me to find this – saw on fb but didn’t know how to get to it – ❤ thank you!
Welcome, Lorraine! Thanks for stopping by. Grace & peace to you, dear sister. \o/
Nice blog! Thank you for visiting mine! Grace and peace to you!
Thank you – you’re welcome – and grace and peace to you as well.
thanks for liking my post He winks: http://wp.me/pSasX-va
It would be nice to have a like button so we can “like” ur posts
What an adventure this has become. It’s a great opportunity to get to know more of the “family” before we get Home!:)
Can’t help you with the “like” button on your end, but do post your stuff on our Facebook!
Lovely blog, Tami. I know I’ll enjoy reading all of your lessons. Blessings, and thanks for stopping by my blog as well. Peg.
I love your “Praying Old Woman” picture, and the Zephaniah Scripture…one of my favorites.
I, too have experienced too many miracles to count. Over the coming weeks I’ll be telling those stories. God is so good!
Thanks, Tami! I look forward to reading more of your stories. I agree. God is good!
Tami, your blog looks SO GOOD! Nice job!! I love the template you’re using.
Again, congratulations on your book being completed. May there be many more!
Hello Friend,
Thank you for the up dates. Good to hear that you have received some feed back from your kids. Looks like they are not upset about the book.
God Bless you & yours, Barbara
Hey, Barbara! How are you and Jim doing? It’s been a little nutty lately. I’ll call next week and fill you in. Meanwhile, thought I’d let you know that Lessons by Heart is up and running again, thanks to Jesus and His timing!
Love you!
Tami
\o/