My name is Tara Tomes, and I am the Activities Associate to our Activities Ministry.

I have been married to my husband, William Aaron Tomes, for almost 4 years. I was born and raised in Pontotoc, Mississippi, and moved to Texas right after Aaron and I got married in 2018.

I am a cat mom to two cats, Lilo and Tsumi. Aaron and I bought our first home in August 2022, and we love being homeowners. God has truly blessed us in our marriage, and I am always amazed looking back at all the things God has brought us through. When I’m not here at the church, I love to be outdoors, hike, workout, read, and spend time with family.

Growing up had its challenges since my parents divorced when I was 5 years old, but they did keep my sister and I in the church. When I was younger, I said the prayer to ask Jesus into my heart and was baptized. I knew that God loved me and believed Jesus died for me.

Starting when I was 8 years old, my parents began to fight for custody over my sister and I, which continued for 8 years. That was a very difficult thing to go through as a child. Knowing that God was present and walking with me through it all was the one thing that got me through it.

After graduating High school in 2014, I attended Itawamba Community College. I got really involved in the choir and show choir at the school. I met my husband in 2015 while in show choir, and the rest is history. My husband’s family has had one of the greatest impacts on my life. I truly believe God used them to lead me on the right path and encourage me in my spiritual walk with the Lord.

In 2016 I discovered my love for fitness. Working out became a great way for me to deal with stress, and plus I really enjoyed challenging myself. I started working out on my own, and my love for working out only grew. I decided in 2019 to start studying to be certified as a personal trainer. I got my certification through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). After receiving my certification, I began teaching group fitness classes at the gym I worked at.

My love for fitness and connecting with people through fitness has grown over the years. I love building strong connections with people and being able to help others when it comes to living a healthy lifestyle.  I never thought that God would use my love for working out and make it such a big part of my life when it comes to my career. It’s a great reminder that God uses us where we are, and He has made it very evident that this is where he wants me.

God continues to amaze me.

One of my biggest prayers through my life has been “Lord, if this is what I need please open the door wide, and if not please close this door and make it obvious. I want to bring you glory with every decision I make.” God has never disappointed me with that prayer, and my only hope is to continue to bring God glory with everything I do.