Words to live by.....

Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. ~ Hebrews 11:1



Bear ye one another's burdens......

1.Danny & I, for a healthy pregnancy & baby 2.Todd & Stacie Bostic 3.Trevor Glover, stomach issues: 9yr old 4.Andrew Smith, heart & lung issues: 6yr old 5.Kaye Rose, my mother, personal 6.Trisha Rose, my sister, relationship w/the Lord *If you have a prayer request that you would like added please message me on facebook*

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

OH MY GOODNESS!!!!!!!!!!!


It is official!!! I went to the Dr today & had blood work done.... I am pregnant! Yes, PREGNANT!!!! 4 weeks ~ due date is Aug 11. We are so very excited! I am just in aawww.... it has been a tough road to go down these last few years. For those of you that do not know, I had a tubal pregnancy in 2002 & have had many miscarriages since then. They have all be within the 1st 6 weeks. I know that we aren't there yet... but GOD IS GOOD, ALL THE TIME!!!! I have faith that this will be a healthy pregnancy & baby! It just feels different this time..... it feels good! I think as long as we get through December we will be A-OK.... so with that said, I am asking you all for prayers. Not just for myself, but for my whole family ~ the parents, in-laws, friends & everyone involved! I know that this is not just something that we have been praying about and hoping for but so have all of our friends & family! This is very much an answered prayer..... TY all! Love ya, I'm Out!

Monday, November 30, 2009

Last But Not Least........


Thanks to everyone that has followed me for the last 30 days! When I started this commitment, I had no idea where I was headed. I know that I am still not finished with my "Wild Ride" but I just want to share a few things with you that I have learned about myself in the last month....
  • I am way more sporadic than I ever thought I would be!
  • My life is WAY to full to share everything with you!
  • Jesus loves me! NO MATTER WHAT!!!!
  • The only opinion that matters is God's!
  • Change really can be good!
  • When I set my mind on a goal I can accomplish it!
  • I can do ALL things through Christ!
  • Sometime, being by yourself really isn't what you want! (ie. being broke down on the side of the road)
  • God's beauty is PRICELESS & can not be explained in words!
  • True Friends walk into your life when the rest of the world walks out!
  • Life isn't about what you get, it's about what you give!

I really have learned SO MUCH in the last month.... a journey I never thought I would take. Again, I thank all of you so very much for sticking with me & being understanding when I didn't wanna stick with it myself!

I love each and everyone of you.... I will continue to blog, I just don't know if it will be every night. Please keep commenting.... I love reading them all!

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Tomorrow we will be back in the gym. IDK if I will be doing the boot camp as I have been hurting for a few days now. (more on this at a later date.) I am excited to go back tho.... it's been 14 days tomorrow since I have even gone :-( & I will be back at Weight Watchers this week too. I will post my loss/gain lbs after I weigh in.

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I am asking for your prayers this evening & over the next few days. Not anything major, just a very much needed prayer for myself & my family.

For the last time (but def not the least time), I'm Out!

Sunday, November 29, 2009

Best For My Life



OK, I have NO IDEA what to blog about tonight, or even what to title my blog..... this "wild ride" really has NOT turned out the way I wanted it to. But then again, what ever really does???? The best for my life is not always what I want. God is putting together my puzzle. He is the ONLY one with the puzzle box top & therefor the ONLY one that knows what really & truly is BEST for me! I am so excited about the road that lies ahead of Danny & I. Many "possibilities" in our near future. I just ask you to pray for God's Will to be done & NOT mine! Really, that's about all I have for you tonight. IDK why I have less & less to blog about everyday, but I have a feeling that tomorrows will be pretty lengthy as it will be my #30! Yes, already..... I am amazed that I really have stuck with it! Not that I had alot to say sometimes.... & even tho I sometimes forgot.... But I still have managed not to miss a day! :-) Now, I just gotta make sure I do not miss tomorrow!!!! Good Night, I'm Out!

Saturday, November 28, 2009

Family Pictures

Well, today was finally family picture day.... I had so much fun! We got lots of great shots!!! Thank you so much Stacie for taking our pics! I am so greatful & thankful to have a friend like you.... We also did a few pics of Logan today & James & Faith had theirs done too. I will share just a few, then I am off to bed.....







I'm Out!

Friday, November 27, 2009

Black Friday....

The Biggest shopping day of the year.....

I LOVE black Friday!!!!!!!!! I am all about getting a deal! Some people call me CRAZY, others call me SMART..... you decide! I bought 5 jean/shirt outfits, 10 hoodies, a pajamas set, 2 board games, a Hannah Montana video game, books, Guitar Hero III, The Bee Movie & Boogie for PS2 all for $170.00!!!! Now, I call that smart! I search out them deals.... you know me... if there is a coupon for it I use it, if its on sale, I comp the ad at Wal-Mart, I use those CVS Bucks! It's so worth it to me.

I did decide NOT to get up @3:00 this morning. For the 1st time in YEARS, I slept in on Black Friday! I didn't even get out of bed until 10:00am.... it was so nice! & yet, I was still able to get just about everything on my list, plus more.

After shopping for a couple of hours, I ordered pizza & we had company. We had lots of fun watching movies, playing board games & even doing a little bit of Christmas decorating. Spent some very much needed quality time w the fam & now I am off to bed.

We are having our Christmas pics taken tomorrow. I am also hoping to get the rest of the Christmas stuff outta storage & perhaps..... cut down a real tree this year! Will my home look like Christmas next week??? or will it take us until Dec. 25th to get everything together???? I am so wondering that!!!!!!!!!

Can't wait to share awesome fam pics tomorrow... until then, I'm Out!

Thursday, November 26, 2009

Happy Thanksgivng!

Happy Thanksgiving!
For the 1st time, in about 6 years, we spent the day with Danny's Mom & Dad. It was really nice not having to be in a hurry to get somewhere (we live less than a mile away) & not having the hour + drive! As, I stated last night, we decided on Mexican Food for dinner today. It was delic!!! Beef & Chicken Fajitas, Mexican Rice, Tamales, Chips & Hot Sauce & even a Santa Fe Dressing..... it was all so good! For dessert Becki made a Pumpkin Pie & Cherry Pie & I made the Weight Watchers Cheesecake Muffins. Not a bit of it was remotely anything other than great! We had so much fun playing w Sydney too.... she really is getting SO BIG! Walking like she has been doing so for months.... she laughed, she cried, but mostly of all she ATE!!! I tell ya, that girl can put away some food!!! IDK where it goes....


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The Cowboy game was a good one! I'm sure I don't have to tell any of you that we won! I do wished it would have been a little more "interesting", if you know what I mean. It was a game that I have actually been wait to see for months... you see, Danny is & ALWAYS has been, a Raiders fan & I, of course, was born & raised, a Cowboy fan. Battle of the "Teams" today. Not that it was much of a "battle", tho.... I did really enjoy watching the Cowboys stomp the Raiders!

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I had plans to go shopping in the wee hours on the morning tomorrow... however, the Ohio trip, set us back a little... So, I thought, well.... I can still at least go to Wal-Mart & get a few things.... but after looking at the ads... there just isn't really anything worth getting up @3:00 for! So, with that said, for the 1st time in about 8 years I will NOT be fighting the crowds! I will miss it :-( but I think that the few little things that are on my list will still be there @12 or even 5 if that is when I decided to go. We do always put up the Christmas Tree on the day after Thanksgiving, but I don't know where I am gonna put one this year... my living room is already cramped! We have talked about going to cut down a tree... but IDK how far we will get on that tomorrow, either.

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I am so thankful to Jesus Christ for dying on the Cross for me & my family & friends...... without Him, I literally would be LOST! I thank God for my family.... my friends.... my life!!!! I am blessed beyond measure & I pray that you are too.

The bed is calling my name.... I'm Out!

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Rest is Best

Amidst my busy life... today I did nothing!!! Well, almost nothing.... I did go to Wal-Mart this evening to pick up a few last min things for tomorrow. Since I have been "fighting" whatever it is I am not wanting to catch, I decided rest would be best, so I decided to stay in bed most of the day!
Tomorrow we are spending Thanksgiving with Danny's family for the first time in about 5 years or so.... It's just gonna be us, his mom & dad, his brother & his wife & my Sydney Jane :-) I can't wait. We decided to do Mexican food instead of the traditional Thanksgiving dinner. Therefore, Danny & I are bringing the hot sauce & chips. I made homemade chips out of White Corn Tortillas & of course, we made the hot sauce too. I really think we need to go into business selling it... it's the BOMB!!! I also decided to try out a Weight Watchers recipe. Cheesecake Muffins.... we tried them, & they are delic! only 2 points with topping! I get to eat dessert tomorrow :-) & on that note, I hope everyone has a very blessed & happy Thanksgiving! Be safe in your travels & don't eat to much.... I'm Out!

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Nooma means breath or spirit

Today, of course, was another busy day.... After a short morning at home I left to take Timothy & Alli home. Since I was already in Mesquite, I decided to go ahead and do some Christmas shopping. Old Navy was our 1st stop & there I found kids jeans on sale for $10.00 & Thanksgiving & Christmas shirts for $3.00. Target was next, where I purchased undies for Hunter for $1.50 & 3 long sleeve shirts for Danny for $1.47.... I think I have found the sales today :-) .......Mardel's was our last stop before heading to the church (our Wednesday evening service was moved to tonight due to Thanksgiving). Books for $1.00, more shirts than ran between $1.99 - $3.25 & hoodies (that we had previously looked at originally marked $69.99, then marked down to $30.00). Today they were marked $10.00, however at the check out they ran up $1.50..... I know you think that I am kidding.... I have the receipt to prove it tho. YES, $70.00 hoodies for $1.50. Don't worry, there isn't any left, as I purchased all that they had... which happened to be 3, one for each member of my family! :-)

At church this evening, I had the privilege to teach class. Yes, I am a Sunday School teacher and a Youth Leader, but very rarely am I actually the one that teaches class. Usually, I am just on :stand-by". I decided to use one of the Nooma Videos. (If you do not know what this is, please look it up at www.nooma.com. Great life lesson videos.) Store was the name of the video I chose to use tonight. It is about learning to channel your anger.... WOW!!! Teaches how to use your anger for God's Glory. It was awesome.... kids were quite & paid attention. There was lots of class participation & very little distractions.... It was such a good class! I am so thankful that God still chooses to use me for His Work!!! Thank you Jesus!
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My back has been hurting for over a week now, my throat has hurt for 2 days.... I pray that I am not getting sick. Who wants to be sick over Thanksgiving? That won't be much fun.... not that being sick is much fun anyway. I am fighting it... but how long do you fight til you gotta give in? I don't wanna give in... I want to win the fight & the aches & pains to just GO AWAY!!!!
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To end, I received this in an email today & it touched me.... I had to share.......

The Wooden Bowl
A frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law, and four-year-old grandson. The old man's hands trembled, his eyesight was blurred, and his step faltered The family ate together at the table. But the elderly grandfather's shaky hands and Failing sight made eating difficult. Peas rolled off his spoon onto the floor. When he grasped the glass, milk spilled on the tablecloth. The son and daughter-in-law became irritated with the mess. 'We must do something about father,' said the son. 'I've had enough of his spilled milk, noisy eating, and food on the floor.' So the husband and wife set a small table in the corner. There, Grandfather ate alone while the rest of the family enjoyed dinner. Since Grandfather had broken a dish or two, his food was served in a wooden bowl. When the family glanced in Grandfather's direction, sometimes he had a tear in his eye as he sat alone. Still, the only words the couple had for him were sharp admonitions when he dropped a fork or spilled food. The four-year-old watched it all in silence. One evening before supper, the father noticed his son playing with wood scraps on the floor. He asked the child sweetly, 'What are you making?' Just as sweetly, the boy responded, 'Oh, I am making a little bowl for you and Mama to eat your food in when I grow up. ' The four-year-old smiled and went back to work. The words so struck the parents so that they were speechless. Then tears started to stream down their cheeks. Though no word was spoken, both knew what must be done. That evening the husband took Grandfather's hand and gently led him back to the family table. For the remainder of his days he ate every meal with the family. And for some reason, Neither husband nor wife seemed to care any longer when a fork was dropped, milk spilled, or the tablecloth soiled.
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On a positive note, I've learned that, no matter what happens, how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.

I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles four things: A rainy day, the elderly, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.

I've learned that making a 'living' is not the same thing as making a 'life..'

I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance. I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands. You need to be able to throw something back sometimes.

I've learned that if you pursue happiness, it will elude you but, if you focus on your family, your friends, the needs of others, your work and doing the very best you can, happiness will find you.

I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision. I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one.

I've learned that every day, you should reach out and touch someone. People love that human touch -- holding hands, a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back.

I've learned that I still have a lot to learn.
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I'm already in the bed, so I do believe that it's time for sleep!
I'm Out!

Monday, November 23, 2009

Exhausted


Again, I am so tried, I don't know when I will even catch up with myself..... Is everyday a busy day for everyone???? It just don't seem to stop for me.... go here, cook this, wash that, get gas,
go there, fix this, break that.... on and on and on and on..... NEVER stopping!!!

To be comptely honest with you, I don't think I will ever to get tell you about the "Wild Ride" that I went on last week... I get so worn out just thinking about it, that I don't even wanna begin. Maybe, someday.... MAYBE!!!

Today, I had 5 kiddos in the house.... it was fun, but I am glad things are finally starting to settle down. When you are used to just 1, 2 wears you out... much less 5. I also cooked dinner for 9 people this eveining. Seriously, I think TODAY was Thanksgiving! I was in the kitchen from 1:30-6:00. That is way to long for someone that doesn't care to cook!

As I type this, my eyes have decided that they are tired of being opened! I am so ready for sleep!!!! Tomorrow I will be taking Timothy & Alli home & then it will be just the 3 of us again in the house.... don't get me wrong, I love having everyone here. I love that the kids wanna be here, that they have fun here, that they miss being here.... but after the long drive just a few days ago & Thanksgiving coming up, I think it needs to just be us 3 for a couple of days. Oh & just an FYI for ya... I am in so much pain with my back. I have no idea as to what I did to it, but it is not getting any better.... acutally it is worse today than it has been since it started hurting! I pray that the pain goes away soon! Also, my throat is sore today... strep seems to be going around :-( I sure hope I am NOT catching it!!! My eyes just closed again & I am afraid that if I do not finish up now, I will forget to hit post.... so, I'm Out!!!!

Sunday, November 22, 2009

Life.....




What does your life look like????


(My Life)

Life can be really crazy..... for me, anyways. Mine has been so "abstract" lately that I wonder if it will ever slow down. I hate that I have been so busy that I don't have time to share it all with you yet.... I promise to get to it as soon as possible..... I do have ALOT that I want you to know. Like how beautiful Ohio is, or that deer like to just chill on the side of the Interstate, or how Dan Truman (the keyboardist from Diamond Rio) had dinner with me Thursday evening in Nashville. For real...... so much going on in my world. Oh, & btw, we bought Danny a truck today too........................

I know, CRAZY! Right? We are really excited about it tho..... it's been a long time coming. Hopefully, I can share pics tomorrow.

Timothy & Alli came home with us today and are staying til Tuesday. I wonder how tough it will be to get Hunter to do his make up work from Friday & still get tomorrows work done too.... that will be a CHALLENGE!

On a finishing note, Nicole called my life "Tonya's Wild Ride". Sounds about right to me, huh?

I can't figure out which one I am....

I think I have came to the conclusion, that without the Peace of Jesus Christ, I am the one on the left, but with the Joy that He has filled me with, no matter what is thrown my way, I am the one on the right. I can smile & laugh through anything that satan dishes my way.... it's just a "quick drop" on my roller coaster ride.....

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I love my van.... she is a beauty and runs awesome. Probably the best buy I have ever purchased!!! I do not regret at all going to Ohio & picking it up. I enjoyed the ride & can't wait til we get to go on our 1st family road trip.... I see it in our very near future.

I'm beat & can't wait for my head to hit the pillow....

I'm Out!

Saturday, November 21, 2009

Forgetful?

Tomorrows blog will be about how my week has gone.... I am so tired & exhausted that I just about forgot to blog. Thanks for being understanding... & I will get you all up to date just as soon as possible.

P.S. I absolutely love my van!!!!

I'm Out!

Friday, November 20, 2009

Road Trip

On the road going through Memphis. I got to have dinner with the keyboardist from Diamond Rio, Dan Truman. Pretty cool!!! I will share a pic tomorrow. I picked up a friend in Nashville.... Aaron, he is buying the limo from Dad &; yes, we know him.

More tomorrow about this adventure I am on...

I'm Out!

Thursday, November 19, 2009

LONG DAY!!!!

Sorry guys... its been a really LONG day!!!!!! I am still in Ohio...... will explain everything later.

God has def given me the time away.... LOL I will still look at this in a positive manner... I am where God has put me today! For a REASON!!!! So, I know I will be OK & will be taken care of.... It has been rough & hard but I will get through it!

I'm Out!

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

No Internet Tonight

I am at my Dad's tonight. My flight leaves at 8:50am tomorrow, so I gotta be at the airport at 6:30am. Off to Ohio! Woo Hoo!!!!

For some reason, the wireless router is down tonight so I am blogging from my phone. Not gonna be a long blog.

I had a great day helping Marsha & Nicole make necklace & earrings.... Can't wait til Saturday for the open house! Make sure you come check it out! I have the ad posted on my Facebook.

This time tomorrow night I will be sitting in a hotel room all by myself! Enjoying every minute of it!!!! I will take lots of pics of the drive back. Can not wait to pick my van up tomorrow!!!

I'm out!

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Faith, Hope & Love

Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. ~ Hebrews 11:1




That is my all time favorite scripture. My Faith is my everything! Without Faith, I have nothing! Faith is what gets me through.... through the day, through the hardships, through the pain.... through whatever I am facing at the time!!!! I know, no matter what happens, God is gonna take care of me. "If God brings you to it, He can bring you through it." That is so very true! I can ALWAYS depend on Him to make it OK. But remember, He never said it would be easy.... He actually tells us that there will be problems, but we are to "count it ALL joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience". ~ James 1:2-3



Hope is a belief in a positive outcome. "Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God." ~Psalm 146:5 I not only rely upon my faith to get me through, but I rely upon my hope too. God said He will never leave me nor forsake me. I know He will always be there.... but I HOPE that I never leave Him. What do you have if you don't have hope in anything? We hope everyday.... I hope we have a baby, I hope we have a good Thanksgiving, heck, I even hope that I get done with this blog soon, so I can go to bed. We hope for EVERYTHING!!!! NEVER loose sight of hope....


"And now abideth faith, hope, charity (love), these three; but the greatest of these is charity (love)." ~ 1 Corinthians 13:13 Love is not just an emotion, it's an action. You have to "put on" love. How do you put on love? You turn the other cheek, you bite your tongue, you humble yourself enough to make yourself last! In the end, does it really matter who has the last word, or who is better than you at something, or who does what, when, how, or why? No, it don't. "So, the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen." ~ Matthew 20:16 If I put others before me, I am pleasing Jesus. That is what I long for in life! To please my Savior. That is all that matters..... "For God so LOVED the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." ~ John 3:16 God loves us so much that He gave up is ONLY BEGOTTEN SON so that EVERYONE may have the opportunity to live with Him in heaven. (That doesn't mean everyone will, but everyone will have the chance.) "Love suffereth long, and is KIND, love envieth not, love vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things." ~ 1 Cortinthians 13:4-7 Now, go back and read that again but replace the word love with your name. Are you all of that? Am I all of that? Are you Love? Am I Love?

Without Him, I can do nothing
Without Him, I'd surely fail
Without Him, I would be drifting,
Like a ship without a sail....
Jesus, O Jesus
Do you know Him today?
Please don't turn Him away
Oh, Jesus, My Jesus
Without Him, how lost I would be.
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As for tonight's boot camp.... I was unable to participate. :-( However, I did still work out. I hurt my back somehow (probably all the working out & walking I have done in the last week). So, tonight they put me on the bicycle & in the sauna. I did 10 miles on the bike in 47 mins & relaxed in the sauna for 15. It was nice..... I am disappointed that I was unable to attend the class, but I am so proud of myself for going anyway! It would have been so easy for me to just stay home.... but I knew if I did that, then I wouldn't wanna go back. I will miss Thursday's weigh-in at Weight Watchers & Thursday's boot camp class, as I will be on my way back from Ohio, picking up our van. I will miss weigh-in & class, but I promise to get right back on schedule next week.... stay tuned for future updates :-)
I'm Out!

Monday, November 16, 2009

Lovin Life

I absolutely LOVE that!!!! Jesus said, "These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full". Are you full of joy today? God is on His throne & He is at work.... & I love that He is showing me bits & pieces of what He is doing in my life! I know He is working on me every hour & every minute of everyday. I have said it many times in the past few days & I will probably say it many many times in the future, but..... He's Still Working On Me! I feel it.... I see it.... I hear it..... I feel Him.... I see Him..... I hear Him.... How awesome, that Jesus has time for little ole me. To speak to me, to listen to me, to watch over me, to lead me! WOW!!! Do I let Him lead me? I pray, with every being that I have inside of me, that I do. I am really in love with life!!!!

I have a wonderful husband, that adores me; a child that I love unconditionally & I know he loves me too; a Mother that blesses me everytime I am with her; a Father that will ALWAYS take care of me; a Sister that I love beyond measure, Nephews & Nieces that I can not ever see myself living without..... a class full of Junior High kiddos that look up to me in every aspect of life..... TRUE FRIENDS, that I know will always be there for me & A SAVIOR, JESUS CHRIST.... that died on the Cross for me!

You know, its very humbling to think that even if I was the ONLY person in this world, Jesus STILL would have gone to the cross! I am so touched that He cares for ME that much! I DO NOT DESERVE IT.... but yet, He still blesses me each day..... cause He LOVES me. How AWESOME is that?

John 10:10, again Jesus is speaking: "The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." I know I have that abundant life! I feel it everyday! There are those out there that do try to steal it from me... but I will not allow satan the privileged to take my Joy away from me!

Thank you, Jesus, for loving me & for giving me that abundant life! I am lovin' every minute of it!!!!

Sunday, November 15, 2009

Transformers

I don't really know where this blog is gonna lead tonight, but I promised a special kiddo in my life that I would post this pic just for him!




Transformers are awesome! Now, I am not talking about the transformer toys.... I am talking about the True Christians.... the ones that are SOLD out to living for Christ. You see, there is a difference in being a Christian, and being TOTALLY SOLD OUT!



We are not to conform to this world.... we are to stand out, be a Peculiar People. 1 Peter 5:2 says WE are a CHOSEN GENERATION, a ROYAL PRIESTHOOD, an HOLY NATION, a PECULIAR PEOPLE, that ye should shew forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness and into His marvelous light. The world should be able to look at us and KNOW that we are God's Children.



There are so many Christians in this world that have just decided being saved is enough. Yes, having Jesus live inside of us, gives us our ticket to Heaven. But is that all we want? Or, do we want to please the Lord & gain those Heavenly Crowns, to lay at Jesus' feet? I don't wanna be a PEOPLE PLEASER.... I wanna be a JESUS PLEASER. So, Jesus, make me, shape me, & mold me into what YOU want me to be!
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We had the privilege to have The Latimer's sing at Liberty today. What an awesome couple! They blessed my heart beyond belief!




Danny & I were able to sit with them during lunch & what a hoot they are! They kept us laughing the whole time.... After lunch they sang for about 30 mins or so. One song, specifically touched me! I Bowed On My Knees ~ by Michael English. Awesome song!!! You can watch Michael sing it here. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=geQz0BI0y0w Please check it out... you will be blessed!

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We did not have evening services tonight, so I was able to go help out on a photo shoot. It was so fun!!! And, of course, I am giving some of them finishing touches with picnik.com. I am really excited to get to know my new friends! Thank you to the Moore's for allowing me to help out and spiff up your pics. Ya'll have already settled on that special place in my heart!


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Prayer Request:
Henery Lewis, of Lewis Cheverolet in Canton, TX, lost his son last night, due to a car wreck. Please keep the Lewis Family & Friend's in your prayers as they morn the loss of a son, brother, nephew, cousin, friend. I know the road ahead is a rough one.... May they feel the love of Jesus all around!

I'm Out!

Saturday, November 14, 2009

Motivation



Today was the walk-a-thon with the Teens. All the kids got sponsors and committed to walking to 10 miles. There were a total of 21 of us. 16 Teens & 5 Adults. We loaded up in the church van and took off to Purtis Creek. 5 miles, then lunch, & 5 more miles. It was a CHALLENGE!!!!! I can not tell you the last time that I set out to walk several miles & did it. I kept telling Danny.... "I will walk 10 miles today" & you know what.... I DID!!!!!!! I am so proud of all the kids for hanging in there, but I am also so proud of myself. I really didn't know if I had it in me. I was bound & determined tho that I would do it. At one point Danny tried to get me to ride in the van for a couple of mins, but I didn't want to. I wanted to push myself & see how far I could go..... I really still can not believe that I did it.... 10 MILES...... that really blows my mind! My feet ache.... I'm sure they will have blisters on them in the morning. My body aches, my head hurts, I am sun burnt. But you know what.... I did it & I could do it again tomorrow. Your body does what you tell it to do.... I did push myself, but it was all worth it!!!!!

I am really excited about this adventure that I am on. Never, in a million years, did I think that I would be getting myself into shape. I have always said I would go to the gym, but never have. I would eat healthy & lose weight.... but now I am working out & eating right.... I can not wait to see myself in 3 months, 6 months or even a year from now. He really is still working on me..... & I am so anxious to see the results!!!!! (btw, I will post pics on here so you can track the results also.)
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Before I sign off, I am asking for prayer for a very special family. Kyle & Keesa Pederson. Their daughter, Samantha, who is 5, was stepping off of the trampoline this afternoon & slipped. When she did, she fell on her arm & her face. They rushed her to the ER in GBC & then ended up transporting her to Athens for emergency surgery. It is just a broken arm & they did not have to put any pins it, however, she does have to stay the night in the hospital. Just lift them up to the Lord this evening & may they feel the POWER of JESUS working in their lives. Thank you!
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Tomorrow is Friends & Family day @ Church. I invite each & everyone of you, who would like to come. Liberty Baptist in Gun Barrel City, across from Vetoni's restaurant. Sunday School starts at 10:00 & service at 10:55. Lunch will be served directly after morning service & then there will be special singing to follow. We would love for you to join us. Good night & I'm out!

Friday, November 13, 2009

What Is Nap Time?

Do you know how long it has been since I have had a nap? Well, me neither! I was so looking forward to one today, when.......

Now, I really did think that I was gonna get to take a nap. It was 3:00 & everything that I needed to do for the day had already been done. Danny was home, playing on the computer. Hunter was done with all of his schoolwork & was playing the Wii. So I headed off to the bed. **Now, back to the phone ringing.**

Stacie: Hey, Tonya, do you think Danny will wanna bowl for Todd tonight? (Yes, this really was the 1st words she said to me.)

Tonya: Why, what's wrong?

Stacie: Well, Todd just had a seizure. Don't know how bad it is or if there is any injuries or not. I am on my way home now.

Tonya: Uuummmm..... well, I think we would rather be with ya'll, than bowl.

Stacie: Dad is calling I will call you right back.


A 15 second phone call.... just changed MY plans for the afternoon. You see, we didn't have ANY plans! For once, we were gonna do NOTHING! Now, today, I thought, I don't wanna sit at home & do nothing! I have been doing nothing all week. It's Friday & I wanna do something! But by 3:00p I had came to terms with the fact that we were not gonna do anything... & I was OK with that.
God had other plans!

I will tell you, this is NOT the 1st thing that went through my mind. All I could think about was.... what now?
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**Let's rewind a few years.... Todd has battled with seizures since he was a child. About 4 or 5 years ago, he had brain surgery to "fix" the problem. It helped somewhat. He was dealing with seizures on a daily basis... many, everyday! Today was the first one he has had in over 4 months! Praise the Lord!!!!!**
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It really can be such a "scary" place to be. I have never had anyone in my life go through this, so I had no idea what to expect. Now, I know he has had them in the past & everything would be OK... but what is the damage? Does this "rewind" time? Does he have to go to the Dr? I was so worried & to think of what was going through Stacie's mind.... I can not imagine!

She calls back.....

Stacie: They are transporting him to the ER.

Tonya: In Gun Barrel?

Stacie: Yeah, I don't know what's going on. That's all I know.

Tonya: Ok, we are headed your way.

The rest of the evening was spent with them in the ER & then back at their house for dinner. Todd is OK. He looks as if he got into a fight with a baseball bat & lost, but Praise Jesus, there are not internal injuries! The upped his meds til he can get in with his Dr. & that's it. Please, add them to your prayer list. Todd, Stacie & Logan Bostic. Thank you!

I'll end with this... I love my friends. No matter who you are, where you are, how long it has been since we last seen each other or if we talk everyday.... I love you!

A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. ~Proverbs 18:24

I LOVE MY FRIENDS!

Thursday, November 12, 2009

I WILL STICK WITH IT

Tonight's workout (day 2 of Boot Camp) really has me worn out! I have LOTS to blog about, however, I do NOT have the strength to do so.

We did sign the papers on the van today. It looks like I might be taking a trip to Ohio sometime next week. We will see.... more on this later.

I weighed in & actually gained 0.4lbs. It's ok tho.... I am not gonna beat myself up over it.

We signed Hunter up for basketball. I do not have details on this, but I do know that he will be doing the Cici's Pizza fundraiser to pay for it, for any of you that are interesed.

This is me tonight... I feel aweful!!!!!!! I WILL STICK WITH IT tho.... Gotta keep tellin myself that.... I WILL STICK WITH IT, I WILL STICK WITH IT, I WILL STICK WITH IT. Ok, I'm O~U~T! Good Night!

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Good Times



I was OK this morning... my underarms were still sore & my arms were heavy but this evening, my legs are killing me!!!! At one point tonight, I told someone, I am just one solid pain. I can't tell if there is a beginning & end to where the pain is.... I just hurt ALL OVER! It's all good, tho! I WILL be back in the gym tomorrow evening. I think we may even commit to a 6 month membership. I am super excited! I am gonna get into shape! So much in life is happeneing for the 1st time..... God really is still working on me! :-)

After church this evening, for the first time in MONTHS, the young adults went to eat ice cream together. It was really nice.... I miss the time that we used to spend together. Fellowship is something that I really enjoy & need! & we haven't had much of it lately. Everyone has just been really busy with life, & sometimes, I think that we get so wrapped up in our own little box that we forget what is going on outside of it.

I have also, in the last few days, found a few friends from my childhood. Some I have chatted with, some I haven't even said hello to yet. The memories that go along with those names, tho.... I can not believe there are so many people in my past, that I don't even think about & until this week, I have not thought about in many years! My first kiss, hanging with the girls in Girl Scouts, singing @ a nursing home together, chasing boys on the playground, then fighting over the boys we were chasing.... OMGoodnes.... I sure miss being a kid! No worries, No cares, No PROBLEMS! **A quick shout out to Kristi Tarpley, Westley Bell, Karen McDaniel, Tennile Beard, Danny Walker, Dawn Degman, Annie Degman, Stacy Degman (which btw tomorrow is Annie & Stacy's Birthday), Page Abney, Susan Ottoberry, Krissy Luker, Waylon Wittenberg, Steven Magee, Brandon Canady & Lacee Roberts.** (I know there is more but I am working on these first.) I haven't found/caught up with all of them, but I am searching & hoping that I touch base with each of them personally with in the next few weeks.


Til tomorrow, I'm out!

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

He's Still Working On Me

Well, my friends, today has been another fun filled, busy day.....

I was supposed to sign papers on the van today, however, it had to be put off until Thursday for various reasons... but by this time next week, our Kia Sedona will be on its way to Texas! :-)

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We had our 2nd lesson in art today. We are learning to paint with acrylic paints. We started on our 1st masterpiece! & it's on a canvas. Me.... I'm painting a real painting???? It blows my mind! Hunter & I both are so much more talented than I could have ever imagined!


(There is gonna be a bird sitting on the branch, that is why there is a hole there & I will be adding more leaves to mine, I just paint a little slower than Hunter does.)

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Tonight, Danny & I started our workout @ Complete Fitness in Kemp. Boot Camp.... That's what it is call & you know what.... rightfully so!!!!!!!!!!!!! I felt like I was in boot camp.... It was great tho. I pushed myself & I am so glad. :-) Tomorrow I probably will not be as happy. I am sore.... very sore!!! Even my underarms hurt. Yes, my underarms.... who would have thunk??? Certainly NOT ME! I didn't know that my underarms even had feelings..... much less that they could hurt!

In the end tho, it will ALL be worth it. I am looking forward to what God is doing my life & the life of my family & my friends. I pray that Jesus molds me, shapes me & makes me into what He wants me to be. He IS the potter & I AM the clay.....

He's Still Working On Me
There really outta be a sign upon my heart, don't judge me yet, there's an unfinished part, But I'll be perfect just according to His Plans, fashioned by the Master's Loving Hands! He's still working on me, to make me what I ought to be. It took Him just a week to make the Moon & the Stars, the Sun & the Earth & Jupiter & Mars. How loving & precious I must be.... He's still working on me! In the mirror of His Word reflections that I see make me wonder why He never gave up on me but He loves me as I am and helps me when I pray, remember He's the Potter, I'm the clay. ~Joel Hemphill

Monday, November 9, 2009

Praying for America

Do you pray for America?

We really need to. America was founded on Biblical principles.... but it seems now, we have just LOST our way! The 10 Commandments are being taken out of government buildings, we can't pray in school, & even the "In God We Trust" is being "hidden" on our money.... WHAT NEXT? I mean, seriously.... Come on people... WE HAVE TO WAKE UP!!!!! Our children are the future & if we don't do something about it.... what is the future gonna look like????


Tonight there was a Prayer service to Pray for Our Nation. It was very touching! I am so proud to be an American! We live in a nation that does NOT tell me who, where, when, why & how to worship.... I can worship in my car, in the church building or even in Wal-Mart, if I so choose to.... & according to the Constitution of the United States of America, the government can't to a thing about it!!!! I like that..... I hear all kinds of different information about judges ruling against the 10 commandment, trying to take "God" out of the pledge of allegiance, & even trying to put people in jail for praying to Jesus.... It's a bunch of junk!!!! According to the 1st amendment, it is UNCONSTITUTIONAL for any of this to happen!


What happened to Freedom of Speech? Separation of Church & State? or even America being a Free Nation? I JUST DON'T GET IT.


So, I ask each & everyone of you.... PLEASE join with many others across our great nation & PRAY!!!! That is our ONLY hope. We need to pray for America, our President, all the leaders in Washington & even our State Representatives. They all deserve our prayers!


Thank you all that support America as a Godly Nation!

Sunday, November 8, 2009

Who's Opinion Really Matters Anyway?



There are only 2 opinions that matter. Mine & God's! And in the end, my opinion don't even really matter, now does it?

Today's sermons were awesome. Our preacher is on a roll!!! For the past couple of weeks he has really hit the nail on the head with the "issues" going on in my life. Tonight's sermon was titled "Church Yourself". What a title.... humm... Church Yourself. I mean, he was speaking RIGHT AT ME!!! & boy, did I need to hear it.

I really am learning that God's opinion is the ONLY opinion that matters!!! It's really kinda hard to humble yourself to the point to were you just don't care what others are saying about you. & that's another thing.....


Learning to be humble is probably one of the toughest lessons I have EVER had to learn! BUT, also one of the BEST & most rewarding at the same time. Thank you Jesus, for taking me down that path & teaching me to humble myself before you, that YOU may be exalted!


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Today was a very special day.... My mother has been struggling with her salvation for a few months now. I truly believe that she is/was saved before today, however, she has been mislead in MANY different ways. You see, I grew up in church. My Daddy was a deacon in the church & my parents where best friends with the preacher & his wife. We have always been taught about the Lord, Jesus Christ. However, life happened, we moved, my parents got a divorce & we feel out of church. As the years past, I know that God was always there, IF we called on Him! About 3/4 years ago, I had the privilege to have my Mother become a member of Liberty (the church we go to). Somewhere, somehow, she lost her J~O~Y! I have watched her go from spunky & energetic to depressed & worn-out.... It's not fun watching this happen to your Mama! This morning, tho, was a life changing moment for her.... During the invitation she asked one of the ladies to pray with her. After singing the invitational song for 10mins it REALLY HIT ME!!!! Today is the day.... all I could do was pray for confirmation for her.... either to reassure her of her salvation or for salvation.... either way tho, Please, Jesus, take this burden off of her & give her confirmation! After my silent prayer, I realized the preacher was now praying with her & GOD HAD ALREADY ANSWERED MY PRAYER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My Mother now knows, WITHOUT A SHADOW OF A DOUBT.....


SHE IS A CHILD OF GOD!!!!!!

THANK YOU JESUS!!!!!


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Saturday, November 7, 2009

It's Chili in the Great Outdoors

Today was the Young Adult Chili Cook-Off.
We named ours "It's Chili in the Great Outdoors". What alot of fun it was. We really had a BLAST! There were 7 entries for the Best Chili & 5 entries for Best Dressed the Part. Unfortunately Danny & I didn't win either, but that's OK.... Aside from the 1st place winners, we were the only one's that didn't get to bring leftovers home. I think, it was pretty good! (thumbs up) We also were the only ones that didn't cook with beef or sausage. Although, most people EXPECTED us to use deer meat, we did surprise them. We used buffalo. Yes, I said buffalo. (FYI, you can buy buffalo at the Central Market in Dallas) We served it inside a 5 gallon bucket with a toilet lid on top of it.... Many different reactions!!!! I think there was only 1 person that didn't care for the idea. Over all, it was LOADS of fun & wonderful fellowship! Thank you Steve & Marsha for hosting at your home & thank you to Bro. Dennis, Mrs. Sharon, Bro. Joe, Mrs. Christine, Bro. James, Mrs. Lisa & Mrs. Maryann for judging. Can't wait til next year....