Together In Las Vegas June 2005

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This was last summer on the awards night for the Close To My Heart convention in Las Vegas at the hotel with the Eiffel Tower. We went to the top and saw the water show from the Bellagio - TRULY AMAZING! June 2005

Coming Home

My darling hubby returns today (with the darling boy) from a week long missions trip in Mexico. Our church (New Life Christian Center) has made this trip for many years; Dustin & Corey have participated for 3 of the past 4 years. Aside from the fact that I really missed him this week (especially since there were some ridiculous family problems) I can't wait for him to return. He comes back with a refreshed spirit ("helps" is one of his spiritual gifts) and a renewed desire to grow together deeper in the Lord. EXCITING STUFF! It makes my heart quicken to reflect on the times we spend together studying the Bible or praying. His prayers are so genuine and it melts my heart when he prays for each of our children by name, asking so specifically for God's intervention as each individually needs it.

Watching him take the reins of spiritual leadership for our family is something that is so foreign to the way I was brought up, but as I surrender my will to God's there is such an incredible peace that descends. Anyone I grew up with would laugh out loud and be disbelieving to know that that comment is truly from me. To be able to understand, much less proclaim in such a public forum, such thoughts and attitudes has been a difficult journey. I was such a "modern woman" when we were married that I vehemently refused to allow the word "obey" into our vows. I am so thankful that I now understand what it means to obey through the filter of God's Word. Not only am okay with it, but I long to have an obedient heart!

Anyway, coming home... Please keep us in your prayers during the next week as past years have proven that this upcoming week tends to be one filled with temptations and spiritual attack. Over the last year our marriage has been under fierce attack in very subtle ways which I believe means that we are on the cusp of breaking through to a new level relationally and into new ministries and areas of God's promise. (A good thing.)

So, I'm off, just a few more little details to attend to before he walks through the door. (Do I sound like a love sick teenager?)

In His love,
tonya renee

"A wife of noble character who can find?

She is worth far more than rubies.

Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.

She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life."

Proverbs 31:10-11

P.S. For my paper-crafting friends the REALLY good news is that with Dusty home this week I'll be able to get some scrapping things posted! (I think I figured out how to post a photo!)

Later - t

About Me

All About Me...

One of those funny things… whenever someone asks me to tell about myself I find myself at a loss for words. You know, I'm me. Nothing more, nothing less.

I'm a mom and a wife. And I love being those things. I'm an artist, or so my grandmother says - she's the one resposible for the name, by the way. When I was little she would sing it to me, "Oh, tonya-begonia, how I love you." Pretty silly, really. (But its always nice to know you're loved!)

Anyway, I'm doing this blog thingy for 2 reasons: 1. I love to write and since I needed to quit working a few years ago due to health problems I don't really have an outlet to do that. Not that I've felt like writing much for this past little spell. It is such an intimate thing to sit down and ask God for inspiration, trusting Him to give you the perfect words to encourage or inspire someone who needs it. And, because of the extreme turn in my physical well-being I didn't want to ask God for much... I kind of felt abandoned… but those are musings for another day.

And reason #2: I LOOOOOVE to scrapbook and make cards and to share it with others - again I love that I can show or give someone a little piece of my heart through the medium of paper. Pretty amazing stuff! (Now I just need to figure out how in the world you post photos!) I lead a Bible study that incorporates scrapping projects into the study and it is so amazing to see how God is using this… but, again, musings for another day…

Well, now you know a little about me and why I'm doing this; I hope you'll check back soon.

If there is a topic you would like me to write about, or a paper-crafting technique you would like instruction on, please post; I love the thought of having your ideas on hand and your questions answered (about scrapping/stamping, anyway!)

May God bless you deeply!

In Him,

tonya renee

Life verse: "For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth strengthening those who earnestly seek Him." 2 Chronicles 16:9