Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Catching up.. (AGAIN) O:-)

Hello, Sweet Friends...


Man, you guys NEVER cease to AMAZE me! I was truly blown AWAY by your sweet thoughts and words of encouragement over the holidays. (And or course, all the comments/emails/text messages since then)


It was really hard this year... I don't know if it's the time that's passed, or just part of the grieving process, but I had A LOT more of the really HARD memories (kind of like "flashbacks") than I have the previous two Christmases. (Yes, it's only been two years, but 3 Christmases... didn't want to confuse anyone with my statement... Now that I think of it, I'm probably the only person on earth that can get turned around so quickly.. HA!!)


At any rate, GOD IS GOOD and we had a nice Christmas after all. Even WITH the virus that lingered in our home for over a week. LOL!!! Our poor Gabe had it TWICE! I was actually the ONLY person here that DIDN'T get it. ;-)


Now, to "fess up" about my absence here....

See, I'm a bit of a procrastinator.. I'm actually A LOT MORE than "just a bit" but I don't think there's a term for it. Hehehe.. O:-)


SOOOO... I kept myself busy as not to think... well, in keeping myself "busy" (which wasn't really much more than just spending LOTS of time with the hubby and boys) I just found myself avoiding the computer altogether. THEN.... as I found myself becoming MORE and MORE behind, the harder it was to jump back in and just DO IT!


All of that to say that the "dark clouds" have lifted (you know, other than those breakdowns that you don't see coming). There's been LOTS of LAUGHTER and roughhousing as well as a few sighs (when the holidays were over and we had to start back to school) HA!!


GOD has DEFINITELY been our STRENGTH AND OUR JOY! I learned a lesson about HIM along those lines during the holiday season that I can't wait to share with you! (Don't worry, I won't do it in this post.. I don't wanna keep you ALL day!) O:-)


I've truly thought about you all hundreds of times and have MISSED "hanging out" with you here. (And at YOUR places as well) I HOPE to try to jump back in tomorrow and just start blabbing again. I mean, today I felt like you guys deserved some sort of explanation about where I've been and what we've been up to.


Oh, before I go, I want to say THANK YOU for the many prayers you've lifted for me and my family during the holidays. (The term, "Thank You," seems so small compared to the gratitude I feel towards you all) I truly cannot say how much your love and support has meant to us! (((HUGS)))


Alrighty, I guess that's it for me today... I'll be back to my regular rambling soon. (HOPEFULLY, tomorrow!) ;-)


14 comments:

Sheryl said...

Just want to say that it's great to hear from you!!

Pam D said...

Welcome back, Tonya. And I can say that, even without the burden of grief, it can be hard to sit back down and do a post when you've let a little time slip by. There are so MANY things to say, and it would take SO long to say them all. Too many pictures, too many events, and it all just gets jumbled. So lay it all down and know that God had you right where He wanted you. And contrary to the "popular belief" that the first year of grieving is the hardest, I would think that each year has its own unique challenges. May God give you exactly what you need to get over each hurdle and find your joy.
Love you!

Melanie said...

Hey, Tonya! It's so good to hear from you!

So thankful for God's presence in your lives thru the holidays! I prayed for and thought of you all many times.

Looking forward to hearing more from you soon!

He & Me + 3 said...

So glad to hear from you!

Unknown said...

Tonya - hugs and love!

Glad you are back :)

Love,
Jill

Anonymous said...

You were so very missed! Great to have you back on-line.

Dawn said...

Hey You!

Glad to hear ya again! I think of you often, and if I am doing that...well, that means I am praying too!

Love,
Dawn

Special K said...

So good to hear from you again!!! I am excited to see you 'back' I have missed your uplifting and encouraging posts...

prayers are going up on your behalf...thank you for the reminder that HE is INDEED our strength AND our JOY!

I tend to leave out the joy part...I get so focused on what I need...that I don't stop to bask in His joy!!!

Paula V said...

I'm glad the clouds have lifted and you had a nice Christmas. I know what you mean about avoiding the computer and avoiding certain things that may come even remotely to stirring emotions.
Love,
Paula

Beth E. said...

Tonya,
I sure have missed you! I was afraid I was bugging you with my comments and emails, so I tried not to send too many. HOWEVER, I have constantly been thinking of you and PRAYING for you and your precious family!

I can't imagine the gamut of emotions you go through...not just during the holidays, but everyday. I don't want you to doubt for one minute the amazing strength and courage that you have, and how your testimony has touched us all.

You are a blessing to me, and I am so HAPPY to hear that you are doing better. :o)

Love you...
Beth

valerie said...

I think of you often Tonya.
I can't wait to read what God taught you recently.
Glad you're back!

Jennifer said...

So glad to hear from you - will looking forward to more "ramblings" in the days ahead and getting to know you more. What a wonderful thing "the dark clouds have lifted"!! Praising the Lord for days filled with joy amidst the grief!

Will be back to visit...

Reba said...

So glad to see you post. I have missed you!

Let us know how we can pray.

Lots of hugs your way.

Anonymous said...

You needed to deal with that time the best you could and I can't think of a better way than spending more time with your hubby and boys and less time on here. You always need to do what's best for you!
May the Lord wrap His loving arms around you! Know I'm praying so at this end!
Nahum 1:7 The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.
Prayer Bears
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