{Ice, Ice, Ice cream!!}

Choices, Choices!

Good Choice.

Oops!

Give me sprinkles, Please!!!

I am getting really good at posting the same right picture twice . . .




Marble Slab. . . a dream come true.

{Auntie Misty}

I hope you guys are good in NWA! I have been thinking that you are probably at the least FROZEN SOLID!!!!

{To be a kid, again}

Capri Sun fixes everything!

{Fashion Show}

How about a BOB THE BUILDER HAT Fashion Show!

{Brrrrrr!}

Be safe! I am enjoying No school!

{Pray}

My heart is aching for the Beshears Family.

Pray for Brayden. He does have cancer.

Love, Tonia

{Once again}

I, once again, have changed to a background that is a little confusing to me. I have had a busy Sunday. I would love to take my boots off, but my socks dont match.
Love, Tonia

{We have it "made"}

Hello. My day has been filled with cheer and basketball. Lily had her pictures "made" and Clayton "made" a bunch of hoops!
I feel like I might be trying to get a cold, but I am still "making" it.

I hope you all go to church somewhere tomorrow! Have a great weekend!

Did I mention my parents are remodeling their kitchen. . . if you get my drift.
Love, Tonia

{Nesting}

I have been changing my background like crazy. Do you think I could be trying to "nest" here since I don't have a house. I am the type that does alot of furniture rearranging. My condition is starting to get serious. Although, I know I have had this background before . . . it seems fitting for my "sweet" theme.

Good Grief.
Tonia

{Bullet-Praying}

I am not so sure about this Background but it will work for today.

I kinda' have a heavy heart today. I just feel burdened. I have been praying for several people and I have started talking to God with bullets. Is that ridiculous? God knows what I mean. I don't have to (although I know I can) go on and on informing God when he can read my mind!!
It sorta' goes like this . . .

Me-"God these people are on my heart today . . .

Mr. Hobbs

• safety
• wisdom

Deana

• encouragement
• courage

Mom

• A Life Group
• peace

Etc.

And so on. It just helps me to focus and pray more effectively. I know God loves me and all my mumbo-jumbo, but this way I can get it all in.

If it helps me be intention I will do it.

Talk Later.

Love, Tonia

{Good Parenting Stuff-Over there}

I am good! I have been very very productive at work today. Not alot of time to Blog. So sad. If you have time zip over to http://sahmissionary.blogspot.com/ and read her post for the day. She is much more informative than I could even begin to be today.

Love, Tonia

Have you sent that card to your childs Sunday School teacher yet?

Hug and kiss your kids today and ask them, "What is one thing that happened at school today that made you laugh?" Mine always have funny answers!

{In the country}

Well, we are now residing at my Moms in a camper until the house is complete.
No cable.
No computer.
No nothing that I can find!!!

I am going to make it.
I am strong.
I am grateful.
I am alive!
My family is together!
I will post some pics soon. Its kind-of a funny sight.
Love, Tonia

{Cheers from me, too}

After reading LPM Blog, I was so so struck by what Melissa was saying.
Cheers to the doer!
http://livingproofministries.blogspot.com/


Hey Ladies, It's Melissa! Have I mentioned how amazing you all were in giving so many tips for my budget? I will report more about this soon! For now, I came across this lengthy quote by Theodore Roosevelt, the twenty-sixth American President, and for some reason it brought tears to my eyes. There is a good chance you have already heard it or read it but I think it is worth reading multiple times. It goes like this:
“It is not the critic who counts: not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes up short again and again, because there is no effort without effort or shortcoming, but who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who spends himself for a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows, in the end, the triumph of high achievement, and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with these cold and timid souls who knew neither victory nor defeat.” (1910)
In truth I know very little about the life of Theodore Roosevelt and actually am not even sure of the precise context of this quote but I think the gist of what he is saying is pretty clear. And I think it has a general message that could apply to many situations. Now, I realize I am a little boyish in the sense that I love battle imagery. If you’re an all pink lady, this quote may not be for you. For those of you who are still with me here, the reason I love this quote is because it reminds me a lot of the criticism that sometimes fills our pews. You see, I spent a lot of my time in college and graduate school critiquing the methods of various bible teachers, pastors, and writers. Criticism is the name of the game in most academic institutions and rightly so. It is quite appropriate in those contexts. The difficult thing about studying the Bible in an academic institution is that it invades your entire life…I mean you can’t even escape your field of study when you are sitting at church trying to get a breath of fresh air. This makes for an interesting dilemma. As I would sit through various sermons I would think to myself, “Oh no! Gasp, a topical sermon, but wait, I only approve of expository preaching.”…“Did he/she teach that text appropriately?” “Was that even in the right context?” “Well, he/she obviously has never read this passage”… “Is this worship song really fit to be sung in these hallowed corridors?”
Now I am not saying that these are bad questions to be asking per se, but simply explaining my personal situation. Well, interestingly, it was about that time that I got so fearful to even lead a small group Bible Study in fear that I would pronounce something wrong or spread heresy. And God forbid, that someone would say I just wasn’t a very good teacher/leader. I had apparently sat with my arms crossed during one too many sermons. You see, the more I sat under teachers, pastors, and worship leaders with the goal of sizing them up, the more fearful/timid I was becoming to even serve in a very small ministry capacity.
The Lord has done a great work to change my heart over the years. He has done it through His Word. Frankly, I think I was becoming a modern-day Pharisee. The first time I became fearful of who I was going to become was when I was at a church in Grad school and immediately after the sermon a man (who apparently took great pride in having been to Seminary) rushed up to the Pastor and “proved” to him that he preached one of his points wrongly. The dude didn’t even thank the Pastor for his wonderful message. Nothing. Just criticized him for something so trivial and silly. I was for sure “dumber”. Yet wiser. Because I saw a vision of whom I could become. I mean, easy for this dude to sit back and wait for the Pastor to slip while this faithful man had to get up and preach in front of thousands of people. He had prepared all week for a man to immediately rush up to him with a pointed finger in the biblical text. Sounds like something you would hear Jesus condemning in the Gospels, doesn’t it?
I have come to realize what a miracle it is for the Lord to use us in spite of our weaknesses. We are going to make mistakes and dang it, we may even teach a passage of Scripture a tiny tiny little bit out of context at some point. Not because we want to or because we are maliciously trying to lead people astray, but because we are simply human. I am all for being trained to study the Bible. It’s the biggest passion in my life, but the truth is, we still just see through a mirror dimly. We don’t see fully yet. The truth is we may study and study and study, and then get something slightly wrong. Or think about this- maybe we are teaching a Sunday school class and we got all the doctrine/theology down perfectly, but our delivery wasn’t smooth. In fact, it sounded terrible. Well, the glorious thing is that the Lord uses the truth we taught anyway. And maybe we’ll improve the eloquence of our delivery the next time. I love it. I really do. Our fears of not getting it all right should never keep us from serving faithfully.
I just want to give a shout out- a toast of sorts- to all of you women who will serve tomorrow morning in your various congregations in spite of your fear of not being perfect and polished. You are putting yourself out there for the sake of the body of Christ- you may be bloody and bruised, but you’re in the ring, right? Sorry about the sports metaphor, pink ladies…lucky for you- I am done ranting.
CHEERS to “the doer, not the mere critic- the man who actually does the work, even if roughly and imperfectly, not the man who only talks or writes about how it ought to be done” (Roosevelt, 1891). For, “Criticism is necessary and useful; it is often indispensable; but it can never take the place of action, or be even a poor substitute for it. The function of the mere critic is of very subordinate usefulness. It is the doer of deeds who actually counts in the battle for life, and not the man who looks on and says how the fight ought to be fought, without himself sharing the stress and the danger.” (Roosevelt, 1894)


Man that's good stuff. I love her passion.
Love, Tonia
Challenge for the week: Do you know your child's Sunday School Teacher? Does he/she work? Do they have kids of their own? Find out and send them a card this week! Say thank you for the investment they are making in YOUR child's life.

{Diet Coke & Batman}

I have spent the majority of my morning looking for Buddy's Batman Lego "Guy". I have looked, looked, and looked. I don't have any caffeine in the house. Its so so so cold outside. But I think this M.I.A. Batman and withdraw is about to get the best of me. I am going to Sonic.

Talk Later.

Tonia

{2009 Prayer Challenge}

Rae is all the buzzzzz . . .

As most of you know Rae has been my mentor or accountability partner for several years. At some point were had a discussion about prayer. I think we were talking about being certain we pray for the person we say "I will pray for you" to. Very, very, important thing to follow through.

One of my most favorite thing to do is pray for someone and send them a card to tell them I did so.

Rae, of course, challenged me to do a little better.

She says, "Tonia, why don't you tell them specifically what you prayed for them about?" So instead of "I prayed to for you today" I say what I prayed about. I think it is just another way of being INTENTIONAL (one of my most favorite words).

In 2009, I would love to pray for you specifically about 2 things. Any 2 things at all. Nothing is unimportant. Nothing is trivial. You tell me. I will do it.

Prayer is powerful, especially when it is done together. . . .

Here are my two:

1. I want to lead someone to Christ in 2009.

Are you thinking, only 1, read page 203-One month to Live.

2. More action, less words. Everyday quite time.

Just let me know . . . we can all do this together.

Love, Tonia

{Beth Moore}

I enjoy listening to Beth M. every chance I get. She is so expressive and passionate about God's word and I think that is what makes her interesting to me.

Last night she was talking about how Christians sometimes confess over and over for the same sin. Now, I never really thought of it, but she was saying how that is us being unbelieving. We ask. He forgives. He forgets. I think that is the hard part for us pea-brained humans to get a grasp on it the "forgetting part." It was just a nice reminder of how indescribably great and awesome God is.

Love, Tonia

{2009 Year Verse}

"Tell me where you want me to go and I will go there. May every fiber of my being unite in reverence to your name." Psalm 86:11

I read Psalm 86 often, but this verse has just been a prayer of mine for quite some time.

I still want to know yours . . .

{Year Verse}

I haven't chose a "Year Verse" yet. I am praying and meditating today. I will let you know.
My prayer, "God, Grow me and Show me."

What is yours?

{My Sweets}

My joy. My blessings. My gifts from God.
My Sweet Treats.

{A Mr. Hobbs Special}

Mr. Hobbs gave Lily her own special "spa day" complete with mani-pedi.

She was on top of the world.

{8 boys, 1 girl. . .again}

These guys and a gal are nothing but Fun!

{Police}

K-9 Cop Remy

Meet Remy. He lives with us. He comes to the door "at attention" everytime he hears Mr. Hobbs voice or phone ring. Man, who can compete with that ? . . . not me.

{8 boys, 1 girl}

We tried . . . . .

and tried . . . .

and tried . . .

and tried . . .

to get a really good picture of ALL the cousins.

{Uh-Oh}

This is what happens sometimes at my house. And what do I do?

Laugh & Take Pictures!

{Pizza! Pizza!}

Fun with Cousins!

{My little dress up girl}

Nana Mary made her this doctors coat complete with her own little nurse hat.

Yummy Precious!

{Oh be still my heart . . . }

Over Christmas break Lily and Carson took a nap together. Ahhhh. I am glad I had my camera ready. Buddy is a little snuggler!

{Quite Eve.}

We fixed dinner (Mr. Hobbs had to help). I just wasn't sure what I was doing with green peas and boiled chicken. . . I bet you wished you were dinner guest with the sounds of that, huh?

Did homework.

Played.

Gave baths.

Brushed teeth.

. . . . and then I watched that trashy Bachelor show. Crazy me.

Love, Tonia

{At school. . .}

Well, I dropped all the kids off at school this morning. I am okay. I just miss them.
Love, Tonia
P.S. We were on time.

{Kind Greenwood People}

Can I tell you about one of my more embarrassing moments? Why it came to mind I am not sure, but it did.
Anyways, one morning, I was running late taking the kids to school (as I usually am) and we missed "the ladies" (as we usually do). Clayton willingly got out of the car on his own. Lily wouldn't budge. It went like this:
Me-Go ahead sweetheart, you are going to have a great day!
Lily-No, mom I cant.
Me-I bet you will do a craft. Mrs. Mickle is going to miss you.
Lily-No we won't. I just want to go back home.
Me-Go ahead Clayton, I'll handle Sis.
Lily-Mom will you walk me in?
Me-Sis, I cant Mom isn't wearing shoes. I am barefooted!
Meantime, kind and sweet girl I went to high school with seen me and came to the car! She says, "Hey so good to see you! What's wrong with your little girl?"
Me-Well, she wants me to walk her in and I didn't wear shoes!!! She offers me hers. . . I think for a second and accept! OH MY GOODNESS! Yes, I did. Sure did. I proudly walked my little Lily in gracing her husbands flip flops every step of the way!

Wow, cant believe I just typed that. A little humor at my expense.
Love, Tonia

{Mystery Solved}

I now have Katie on my blog roll! Thank you Mischelle! I feel much better!

{Katie Holland}

Does anybody have her link on their blog roll? I was just trying to find it?

{Sick Feeling}

I just read Shannon's latest post and reminded me of how I forgot to share my feelings. I dread, really dread, sending my kids back to school. I have enjoyed their little faces so so much this holiday. I am really teary about it. Everybody together is just right. Mr. Hobbs has been on vacation too, so all of us has been able to go to sleep and wake up together. Eat three meals together, play games, and actually talk for long periods of time. School, Work, Life. . .seems to be really bugging me right now. Why cant we just stay home, eat, and play Candy Land forever?
You?

{Maybe was right!}

I didn't make the broc salad. Instead I made (drum roll, please) . . . breakfast. Biscuits and gravy, bacon and eggs. Organic eggs (New Years Resolution). Speaking of which I haven't shared. I am just going to simply try to ad in more healthy choices and buy organic as much as I can afford to. Simple. And hey if I happen to lose a little weight in the process that certainly wouldn't be a bad thing either.
Also, if I don't get me USB out of storage, purchase an i-phone, or a computer I can simply put my memory card into, I am going to go crazy. My blog post are not very hearty without pics of something happening. . . I will try to resolve soon.
Love, Tonia

Oh, and by the way, I am so glad this thing has spellcheck on it!! I am embarrassed for me!! Forgive me Mrs. Tarver.

{Broc Salad}

You know the Broccoli Salad with nuts, onions, and I am not sure exactly what else . . . I am going to make that tonight. Maybe.
Love, Tonia

{Happy New Year!!}

Dont ya' just love the New Year? All fresh and crisp. Have a great day!
Love, Tonia