I realize this is the page of the site where I introduce myself and my blog to my readers.

To be honest, I have put off writing this description for at least two weeks at this point.

It is not that I dislike talking about myself. I would like to think if you read a post or two you would see that I try to use this space, my space, on the web to be transparent with my reader, to share what God is teaching me and to be encourage others who can relate to my “Present Tense.”

In a conversation with a friend at the pool this afternoon, I finally was able to realize why this introduction has been so difficult for me. I usually introduce myself to people based upon what I feel we may already have in common. . .

If it is a pastor my husband used to work with, a friend of his from high school, or someone he has failed to introduce me to - I am Wally’s wife.

If it is teacher at my daughters’ elementary or high schools, one of their friend’s parents, or even one of their peers - I am Riley’s, Piper’s and Eliza’s mom.

If it is a lady wrangling toddlers at the park - I am a weekday preschool director who was once a MOPs table leader.

If it is an old friend from college, an adult who sat in through my Sunday school class as a teenager, or a new family visiting our church - I am a minister’s wife, a Sunday school teacher still and a ladies’ Bible study leader too.

Like most women, I wear a large variety of hats- some of those hats seem to look and fit better on me than others. But no matter the hat and its implied stereotype, I am first and foremost a work-in-progress. I am developing and becoming in all of those areas, all of those relationships.

My “Present Tense” is the place where I process and write about my relationship with Him. That relationship was made possible through the redemptive work of Jesus on the cross. By His death and resurrection, I am saved from my sin and its consequences. I am saved to this relationship with Him, so to serve His people and to grow in godliness.

By the way, if Wally doesn’t introduce me to someone, it is for good reason. Early in our relationship we agreed that if one of us didn’t know the name of someone we were talking to, the other would come to the “rescue.” For example, I would lightly tease him for not introducing me and then say something like, “My name is Tara. Please tell me your name?” Then we both learn the identity of the mystery person.

Tara