My name is Tara. I’m 25 years old.

I am not religious.. I love and follow Jesus Christ. Religion is a ritualistic tradition though, and I’m not into that. I want my life to show Who I belong to — Jesus. Let my life speak of how great is our God.

Visits to cities are nice once in a while, but I’m a country girl at heart, and I live in the farmland of Ohio.

I’m a homeschool graduate. I was homeschooled from 6th grade up through my high school graduation in 2002. I graduated from Edison Community College in May 2007 with my associate of arts and actually went back for the following year, taking more classes and working. Being back for fall and then spring wasn’t in my plans, but as it turns out, God had other plans than I did.

Aside from school, my interests include [but are not limited to] old movies, exceptionally good books, bike rides and hikes in God’s amazing creation, helping others, learning new things, missions, piano — my darlin’ yamaha, writing, babysitting, kids, old dead singers [as they're called around my house..], keeping in touch with friends & family, scrapbooking, etc. I also enjoy haunting antique shops.. the kind where you can find great old books and such for decent prices.

In the past, I have held a variety of volunteer positions, such as the 2-yr-old teacher for MOPS, Awana leader, and fill-in early childhood Sunday school teacher. Due to a move to a different church last year, I am still discovering my new places and ways to serve; it is so exciting to see where and what God has for me. Every other Sunday I have the opportunity to man one of the check-in kiosks for the children’s ministry at my church, and I am also involved with working in the nursery now.. April 5th marked my one-year anniversary at my new church, which is pretty exciting for me.

I worked as a tutor for math, english, and various computer programs [along with anything else I've been able to help out with... including ebay!] in the Learning Center at my college from August 2006 through August 2008. I was there through summer semester 2008 — they don’t usually hire you unless you’re either professional or a student, but they asked, so I went for it.. I so loved my job. Last summer I had a second job — I worked at a produce stand owned by my friend’s family, and that was always exciting. There is no end to the stories and experiences I gained from last summer, and I really, really loved it. I currently am working at Bath & Body Works, mostly during floorsets [which is when we rearrange the store] and much enjoying it. Also, I work for a family in Troy who has an Autistic son with Cerebral Palsy — I get to help him learn to ask for what he wants by signing. It’s a lot of fun, and it keeps me thinking of new and better ways to accomplish what we set out each day to do. And I’m always babysitting.

This past August, I had the opportunity to return to Nicaragua and meet the little boy that I sponsor. Having sponsored him for 3 years, I was SO excited to finally meet him face to face. There are no words to describe perfectly my thoughts and feelings on it all.

I am a descendant of Henry and Mattie Cook Anglin… I’m one of their great-granddaughters [in answer to one of the comments below].. the oldest grandchild of their youngest daughter.

Please.. feel free to comment. It still surprises me [probably always will!] to see that people actually read my blog, and I love to get your feedback. That is not my reason for writing though. I write what God gives me in my heart that I need to share. Thanks for reading, for your interest in what I have to say, and for your comments. [I do answer comments, but most of the time I do that either through email or by visiting your blog and commenting there.]

[last updated October 13th, 2009]