Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Tuesday's ~ In Other Words




Today I'm joining my sister in Christ, Michelle on this "Tuesday's In Other Words." I like the quote she has chosen because it is true for each of us. There are some things that just HAVE to be worked out between GOD and ourselves.






I seem to always talk about losing Brent, and I worry that it makes others uncomfortable.. but this is my cross, it's what I must bear, it's where I am. With that said, this quote kind of sums up my testimony. I know that I struggled with GOD after we lost Brent. I battled anger and trust issues. I had to forget EVERYTHING I had been taught about GOD and find HIM again for myself. GOD is to be trusted when our world falls apart around us. HE is to be trusted when we're DESPERATE for HIM to take "our cup" from us. HE is to be TRUSTED when we feel we can trust no more.

As humans we battle pride, greed, selfishness... the list can go on and on. When things are "good" in our lives it's VERY EASY to fall into a rut and grow cold in our relationship with GOD. HOWEVER, it is in those valleys, those dark and scary places that we LEARN that our GOD CAN be trusted. We come to KNOW HIM as our ROCK, our SHELTER, our STRONG TOWER. Our GOD us unshakable. HE'S IMMOVABLE.. HE CANNOT, HE WILL NOT STUMBLE OR FAIL. HE LOVES us with an everlasting love... HE drew us to HIMSELF when we were unlovable. HE STILL DOES. These are lessons that other humans could not teach me. I had to learn these things on my own. I'm reminded of a passage from the book of Job.


Job 42:5 (New Living Translation)

5 I had only heard about you before,
but now I have seen you with my own eyes.








Yes, as much as some lessons hurt, and as badly as we might want to share them with others... I'm SO THANKFUL for the things the LORD will teach us when we're all alone - with HIM.




Okay, before I sign off I wanted to share an idea for a new meme. I'm thinking of calling it "Soapbox Sunday." It'll be a time when we can pull out those trusty ole soapboxes and share what's on our hearts. I've really enjoyed the "memes" and have noticed there's not a lot to do on Sunday. (At least not that I've found) This theme can be made as quick and easy as you'd like, or as long and informative as you wanna make it. Let me know what you think? Check back on Sunday and leave a comment if you want to participate. We can hop to each other's blogs via the comment section. If it takes off I'll see about getting a "Mr. Linky." If not.. we'll, I babble all week long to myself.. one more day sure won't kill me. LOL!!


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14 comments:

Unknown said...

Parallel journies my friend! Parallel. Thank you for sharing your heart. I also fear at times the sharing is too much when it comes to this loss... but to have walked through "the valley of the shadow of death" and not testify does not seem to be within me. Thank you for sharing and participating today. It is a beautiful tribute to our God to find our pain so revealing and so humbling all at the same time. May He bless you today with sweet memories and truth. We celebrated my son's 20th birthday this week - and all I can say is "The Joy of the Lord is my strength" and I am just wondering if he ate angel food cake!!! Okay.. so enough of me being funny. Is your Brent one of the three in the picture at the top of your page? I want to tell you I had to do a serious double take... I almost thought it was Justin around age 12... Our God is so amazing. Thanks again for sharing.

Unknown said...

Under labels or posts there are pics of J in the posts "Remembering Justin" and "The Best Valentine's Day Ever!"


Okay... so I am going to bed now, too... because I am just tired!

Shari said...

I like what you wrote - "God can be trusted when our world falls apart." I think that people don't usually understand the truth to that until life does start falling apart. I know of Christians that don't really need Him, and they have no need to trust Him. They are in control and making their life successful. It's hard to be thankful for the hardships, but I've noticed - that is when I grow closer to Him and have to trust Him.

Soapbox Sunday sounds very interesting. I'll come over and check it out. I think I already know what I'm going to write about.

Denise said...

You have such a precious heart, bless you.

lori said...

Your words are just so powerful....because you LIVE them...
You just confirmed again that there are times when NOTHING, NO ONE on this earth can bring us HOPE or PEACE or FREEDOM...only HE can....

We want that CUP to pass, knowing just as Jesus did...."His will must be done."
(big sigh)
You ladies are really ministering this morning...
wow! power in words....
hugs,
lori

Miriam Pauline said...

(((hugs))) Blessings to you for sharing your journey.

twinklemom said...

What a wonderful tribute dear Sister adn God Bless you for the strength that you show sharing your heart with us! *HUGS*

Kim@Seasons of My Heart said...

I have something special for you...check out my blog.

Susan said...

Oh Tonya,

No, I'll never EVER get tired of hearing about your precious Brent, and all God did IN and THROUGH your lives.

There is a scripture that came to mind as I was reading this post, and I believe God wants to remind you of this:

"You are the light of the world~
like a city on a mountain, GLOWING in the night for all to see"...Matt. 5:14

Tonya, this is what God calls all believers to be, and that is what I saw when I meet you years ago. A "BRIGHT light" shinning in so much darkness.

Everywhere you went, and all through your journey with Brent, never ONCE did that light go out.

God used your light to help refuel mine, and I'll forever give thanks for that.

So blessed God met you where you were and has used all you have endured to only bring MORE glory and honor to HIM.

Thanking God for you once more♥

Kelley said...

Hi Tonya,
I have written a post for the In Other Words meme today. It took me forever!!! I don't know that I am on the same level as most of the other bloggers but I thought I would give it a try! BTW~I am so touched by how you keep Brent alive in your memories and writings, please don't feel that you can't do that! Susan hit the nail on the head when she said you are like a light on a hill!!! Keep Shining girlfriend!

I will go directly to You Tube and check out our man Coffey! We are still singing that song around here~I LOVE it!

Have a Happy Tuesday!

Kelley

Milk Mama said...

I was just thinking of this today. I was wondering if I write on my blog or blog on my myspace about missing my brother if that was getting too.. I don't know... annoying or constant... but that's my cross to bear. I miss my brother. Very much!!! I know you miss Brent more. You can talk about your son as much as you want!!!

I've tagged you for a game of "Meme" on my blog. :)

--Sarah

Pamela (His maidservant) said...

What a blessing reading your post! It is in the pain that we sometimes grow nearer to God. I also like your "Soapbox Sundays"-boy could we have fun with that!!
In His Graces~Pamela

Stephanie said...

I have always loved that you are so willing to use your pain to illustrate your walk with God. Anyone who is desiring to know Him on a deeper level will be inspired, not made uncomfortable as you write about Brent. So, keep it up, Girlfriend!
Love YOU!
Stephanie

P.S. I think I am more faithful at commenting on blogs than I am blogging! Hehe!!

Tracy Berta-daughter to the King, wife, mother, speaker, writer said...

What an encouragement you are, Tanya! Thank you for sharing your heart so intimately!

I am giving away a great book by Max Lucado this week. Stop by to win!