Life Through My Eyes

You Are Saved for a Purpose - Pastor Rick's Daily Hope

2018-10-16T16:52:00.001-05:00

There’s an amazing paradox to God’s grace. It’s absolutely free to all
who come to Jesus in faith. Yet the grace of God is the costliest gift
we’ll ever receive.

It cost God’s Son his life.

So in light of what Jesus has done for us, how should we respond? We
must be grateful. One way we can show our gratitude to God is by making
our lives count.

You can’t really understand the grace of God and the price he paid to
make it available to you while living how you want to live, ignoring
the commands of Jesus, or wasting your life on things that don’t matter.
The Bible says it this way: “Don’t you see that you can’t live
however you please, squandering what God paid such a high price for? . .
. So let people see God in and through your body” (1 Corinthians 6:20 The Message).

After the failed assassination attempt against President Ronald
Reagan, I remember him saying, “I have a new sense that I was spared for
a purpose and that all my time belonged to God after that.”

We all should have the same sense of purpose. Because of what Jesus
did for us on the cross, we were spared for a reason: to make a
difference with our lives. Jesus didn’t die on the cross so we could go
on living any way we like. He made us for a purpose—and he redeemed us
for a purpose, too. He wants us to fulfill that purpose.

The Bible says in 1 Peter 4:10, “Each of you should use whatever
gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s
grace in its various forms” (NIV). You were given spiritual gifts,
abilities, education, and relationships for a reason—to help other
people and tell them about Jesus.

God saved you so he can use you.

You Are Saved for a Purpose - Pastor Rick's Daily Hope

Warren, Rick. "You Are Saved for a Purpose." Daily Hope. 16 October 2018. 16 October 2018. https://pastorrick.com/you-are-saved-for-a-purpose/.

Power Your Potential at the WAM Women's Conference

2015-09-20T15:56:00.001-05:00

Power Your Potential at the WAM Women's Conference

16 Natural Remedies for Muscle Spasms

2015-09-18T12:00:00.001-05:00

http://omtimes.com/

The 7 Best Natural Muscle Relaxers

2015-09-18T11:56:00.001-05:00

http://www.healthline.com/health/pain-relief/best-natural-muscle-relaxers

Better to Worse to BETTER Revelation

2015-01-21T17:14:00.001-06:00

Matthew 12:43-45 NLT

“When an evil spirit leaves a person, it goes into the desert, seeking rest but finding none. Then it says, ‘I will return to the person I came from.’ So it returns and finds its former home empty, swept, and in order. Then the spirit finds seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they all enter the person and live there. And so that person is worse off than before. That will be the experience of this evil generation.”

I often hear from others that when they give their lives, hearts, and struggles to God - finally laying it down - that things get better but only for a little while and after that short while, things seem to get worse; worse than even what they were before. This scripture makes it even more clear for me for why that happens. There is a continuous attack on our identity, purpose, and will. It swings hard over and over, getting stronger and more forceful, more vengeful, with each swing, hoping to ultimately conquer its victim. I believe the moral of this scripture is to NOT GIVE UP, KEEP SWINGING BACK, AND STAND FIRM IN YOUR FAITH AND KNOWLEDGE OF WHO YOUR GOD IS! We will win because God has already won!

----------------------------------

Mark 4:3-9, 14-20 NLT

“Listen! A farmer went out to plant some seed. As he scattered it across his field, some of the seed fell on a footpath, and the birds came and ate it. Other seed fell on shallow soil with underlying rock. The seed sprouted quickly because the soil was shallow. But the plant soon wilted under the hot sun, and since it didn’t have deep roots, it died. Other seed fell among thorns that grew up and choked out the tender plants so they produced no grain. Still other seeds fell on fertile soil, and they sprouted, grew, and produced a crop that was thirty, sixty, and even a hundred times as much as had been planted!” Then he said, “Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.” The farmer plants seed by taking God’s word to others. The seed that fell on the footpath represents those who hear the message, only to have Satan come at once and take it away. The seed on the rocky soil represents those who hear the message and immediately receive it with joy. But since they don’t have deep roots, they don’t last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God’s word. The seed that fell among the thorns represents others who hear God’s word, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life, the lure of wealth, and the desire for other things, so no fruit is produced. And the seed that fell on good soil represents those who hear and accept God’s word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted!”

11 Proven Health Benefits of Garlic

2015-01-07T18:09:00.002-06:00

“Let food be thy medicine, and medicine be thy food.”

Those are famous words from the ancient Greek physician Hippocrates, often called the father of Western medicine. He actually used to prescribe garlic to treat a variety of medical conditions.Well… modern science has recently confirmed many of these beneficial health effects.

Here are 11 health benefits of garlic that are supported by human research studies.

1. Garlic Contains a Compound Called Allicin, Which Has Potent Medicinal Properties
2. Garlic Is Highly Nutritious, But Has Very Few Calories

A 1 ounce (28 grams) serving of garlic contains (3):

Manganese: 23% of the RDA.
Vitamin B6: 17% of the RDA.
Vitamin C: 15% of the RDA.
Selenium: 6% of the RDA.
Fiber: 1 gram.
Decent amounts of Calcium, Copper, Potassium, Phosphorus, Iron and Vitamin B1.

Garlic also contains trace amounts of various other nutrients. In fact, it contains a little bit of almost everything we need. This is coming with 42 calories, with 1.8 grams of protein and 9 grams of carbs.

3. Garlic Can Combat Sickness, Including the Common Cold
4. Garlic Can Reduce Blood Pressure
5. Garlic Improves Cholesterol Levels, Which May Lower The Risk of Heart Disease
6. Garlic Contains Antioxidants That May Help Prevent Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia
7. Garlic May Help You Live Longer
8. Athletic Performance Can be Improved With Garlic Supplementation
9. Garlic Can Help Detoxify Heavy Metals in the Body
10. Garlic May Improve Bone Health
11. Garlic Is Easy to Include In Your Diet and Tastes Absolutely Delicious

Leech, Joe. "11 Proven Health Benefits of Garlic." Authority Nutrition. Web. 7 January 2015. http://authoritynutrition.com/11-proven-health-benefits-of-garlic/.

I Was On The News!!

2014-11-14T15:06:00.001-06:00

As many of you know, I was in a near-fatal car crash in 2005 with an 18-wheeler merely two weeks after my high school graduation from McKinney North. The crash and impact were so severe that it caused my neck to break, damaged my C6 spinal cord, and ultimately resulted in me becoming paralyzed.

We don't always understand why things happen and can spend our entire lives wondering, questioning, and reliving moments. Or we can embrace our past and present experiences, learn from them, and help others along the way. We have all been through unique and extraordinary events -- some of intense depth, pain, and struggle and others of amazing greatness and honor. We are all on a journey of understanding and purpose and all have something to offer this world.

In 2009, I started sharing my story - a story of perseverance from bullying, recreational drug and alcohol use, and extreme loss; forgiveness; self-discovery; and purpose. One of the organizations that I align with and share my story through is Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). I was presented an opportunity this week to serve as a guest speaker at this year's Dallas and Tarrant County Joint DWI Task Force Press Conference (11/12/2014) held in Grand Prairie. The mission was to encourage responsibility during this holiday season and present recent updates to DWI offense handling.

Courtesy: @GrandPrairiePD

NBC 5 DFW: Holiday DWI Crackdown

2014-11-14T14:55:00.000-06:00

NBC 5 DFW

"Leaders from Dallas and Tarrant Counties are joining forces to send a simple message- don’t drink and drive. A press conference in Grand Prairie multiple law enforcement agencies, a totaled vehicle from a DWI crash, and a survivor, who said a wrong choice changed her life forever."

Video: http://www.nbcdfw.com/video/#!/news/local/Holiday-DWI-Crackdown/282481601.

Lee, Christine. "Holiday DWI Crackdown." NBC 5 DFW. 12 November 2014. Web. 14 November 2014. http://www.nbcdfw.com/video/#!/news/local/Holiday-DWI-Crackdown/282481601.

STAR TELEGRAM: Police to pay special attention to drunken drivers this holiday season

2014-11-14T14:50:00.000-06:00

GRAND PRAIRIE — Drunken drivers beware.

Law officers will be out in force this holiday season and looking for such impaired drivers, officials from Tarrant and Dallas counties said Wednesday.

Prosecutors, police, deputies, medical personnel and politicians are all on the same page, said Richard Alpert, Tarrant County assistant district attorney. Those who get pulled over on suspicion of driving drunk will be taken off the streets, they will have their blood drawn even if they refuse to submit to a test, and they will be prosecuted, Alpert said.

Alpert said he expects more than 150 drunken driving arrests in Tarrant County during the holiday season. He said that if people really want to avoid becoming a statistic, they can follow his example.

“I’m not on the roads between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. during the holidays,” Alpert said at a news conference in Grand Prairie. “I leave those roads to the police.”

Most of the people officers expect to arrest are repeat offenders or will have blood-alcohol levels nearly twice the legal limit, which is 0.08, Alpert said.

Tarrant County Commisioner Andy Nguyen also cautioned motorists to designate a sober driver or stay at home during the holiday season.

“The holidays should be a time for rejoicing,” he said, “not for mourning.”
Grand Prairie Police Chief Steve Dye said those who get caught drinking and driving can expect to spend about $10,000 by the time they complete the court process.

“We are all paying for it,” Dye said. “Drunk driving costs an average insurance customer an additional $800 on their yearly insurance premium.”

Jason Derscheied, executive director of Mothers Against Drunk Driving, said the period between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day is the most dangerous time for those trying to avoid being involved in a collision with an impaired driver.

Near the end of the news conference, Tonya Winchester pulled her wheelchair up to the microphone and said a drunken driver cost her the use of much of her body. Almost a decade ago she was drinking with friends and handed her car keys to a friend who had been drinking but was confident he could drive.

The friend ran a stop sign and an 18-wheeler crashed into her jeep at 40 mph, said Winchester, now 27.

“I woke up two weeks later in a hospital unable to feel, speak or breathe,” Winchester said. “I broke my neck and was told that I would be paralyzed for the rest of my life.”

But that’s not what bothers her most, Winchester said.

“The hardest part of my injury is having to watch the people I love suffer through my decision with me,” she said. “Every decision we make has meaning. My message is to encourage you to think before any decision you make and be responsible.”

Mitch Mitchell, 817-390-7752 Twitter: @mitchmitchel3 THANKS FOR SHARING MY STORY!

http://www.star-telegram.com/2014/11/12/6283310/police-to-pay-special-attention.html?sp=/99/189/228/231/

Read more here: http://www.star-telegram.com/2014/11/12/6283310/police-to-pay-special-attention.html?sp=/99/189/228/231/#storylink=cpy

Mitchell, Mitch. "Police to pay special attention to drunken drivers this holiday season." Star Telegram: Crime And Safety. 13 November 2014. Web. 14 November 2014.

http://www.star-telegram.com/2014/11/12/6283310/police-to-pay-special-attention.html?sp=/99/189/228/231.

DALLAS MORNING NEWS: DWI enforcers on holiday alert in Dallas and Tarrant counties

2014-11-14T14:45:00.000-06:00

GRAND PRAIRIE — Tonya Winchester was trying to avoid driving drunk one night while celebrating her graduation from McKinney North High School in 2005. But the friend to whom she handed her keys wasn’t as thoughtful.

An 18-wheeler slammed into the passenger side of Winchester’s car after her friend — who had also been drinking — barreled through a stop sign into State Highway 5 in McKinney. Winchester woke up in a hospital two weeks later unable to speak, move or breathe.

The 27-year-old Winchester, who remains paralyzed below her chest, shared her story as a cautionary tale Wednesday during an annual news conference to announce ramped-up DWI enforcement for the holiday season in Dallas and Tarrant counties. Officials from both counties said they hope their efforts will deter people from drunken driving during a festive time of the year.

“We’ve got to break the cycle,” Grand Prairie Police Chief Steve Dye said. “As a society, we must collectively send a message that driving while intoxicated is no longer acceptable.”

Officials say their plans will include a no-refusal initiative, which means officers will seek warrants to obtain
blood samples from anyone under suspicion of DWI who refuses to provide the specimens voluntarily.

Prosecutors, magistrate judges, nurses and lab workers are available to police departments around the clock to process arrestees.

Dye said no-refusal initiatives, which have become commonplace around holidays, eliminate the burdensome process that most officers go through during DWI arrests.

Richard Alpert, Tarrant County assistant district attorney, said anyone arrested on a DWI charge would face the full consequences of the law. He expects about 150 cases during the holidays in his county.

He advised people to come up with a plan to avoid driving drunk or becoming a victim of drunken drivers. He said he stays off the roadways between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. “What I’m hoping for is that the community will get the message that those who consider putting themselves and others at risk will understand that this is not the place to do it,” he said.

Dallas County had 49 alcohol-related traffic fatalities in 2013. Tarrant County recorded 24. That included the four pedestrians killed by 16-year-old Ethan Couch of Burleson, who had a blood alcohol level three times the legal limit for adults. Alpert prosecuted the Couch case, which infamously ended in probation for the “affluenza” teen, sparking national outrage. But Alpert said intoxication manslaughter case filings have dropped “surprisingly” recently.

Still, officials said DWI crashes hurt everyone by raising area insurance rate rates. Dallas County Commissioner Elba Garcia, who organizes the annual news conference, said people shouldn’t be afraid to be a “party pooper” by stopping someone from drinking and driving, possibly preventing a life-altering accident.

That certainly rang true for Winchester. In some ways, she has moved on with her life. She studies social work at the University of North Texas. She and her boyfriend celebrated their 12th anniversary recently. And she volunteers for Meals on Wheels and mentors another wheelchair user in McKinney.

Still, the once hard-partying Winchester said she sees herself as not just a victim, but an offender.

“The hardest part of my injury is watching those I love suffer the consequences of my actions alongside of me,” she said. “Day in and day out, their bodies grinding away in my care. All the people that I ran to, that I would party with — they aren’t in my life today.

“But you know who is? My family.”

http://www.dallasnews.com/news/metro/20141112-dwi-enforcers-on-holiday-alert-in-dallas-and-tarrant-counties.ece.

Hallman, Tristan. "DWI Enforcers on Holiday Alert in Dallas and Tarrant Counties." The Dallas Morning News. 13 November 2014. Web. 14 November 2014. http://www.dallasnews.com/news/metro/20141112-dwi-enforcers-on-holiday-alert-in-dallas-and-tarrant-counties.ece.

GREAT JOB TRISTAN!

November Speeches

2014-11-10T16:38:00.000-06:00

November 12, 2014 - Speaking at the Dallas County & Tarrant County Joint DWI Press Conference at 10:00 am located at the Grand Prairie Police Headquarters (1525 Arkansas Lane, Grand Prairie, TX 75052).

November 18, 2014 - Speaking at MADD's Adult VIP at 6:00 pm located at the Salvation Army (600 S. Wilson Creek Parkway, McKinney, Texas 75069.

October Speeches

2014-10-13T16:32:00.000-05:00

October 18, 2014 - Speaking to MYLIFE teens at 12:00 pm located at the McKinney YMCA.

October 21, 2014 - Speaking at MADD's Adult VIP at 6:00 pm located at the Salvation Army (600 S. Wilson Creek Parkway, McKinney, Texas 75069.

October 30, 2014 - Speaking for MADD at Winfree Academy at 11:00 pm and 1:00 pm located at
1661 Gateway Blvd. Richardson, Texas 75080.

August Speeches

2014-08-11T16:26:00.000-05:00

August 16, 2014 - Speaking to MYLIFE teens at 12:00 pm located at the McKinney YMCA.

August 20, 2014 - Speaking at MADD's Plano Teen VIP at 6:30 pm located at 900 E. 15th Street, Plano, Texas 75074.

Prayers and A Birthday Wish for Danny Nickerson

2014-07-25T11:47:00.001-05:00

Let's do this! Wish Danny Nickerson a "happy birthday!"

July Speeches

2014-07-04T10:00:00.000-05:00

July 15, 2014 - Speaking at MADD's Adult VIP at 6:00 pm located at the Salvation Army (600 S. Wilson Creek Parkway, McKinney, Texas 75069.

Inspiration

2014-06-29T17:19:00.001-05:00

Amen! EVERY new day is a blessing! We are here not for ourselves but for the world around us. There are so many problems in the world; so many hurting. We were created to make a difference. Let's not let another day go by wasted. Let's live with purpose!

#YouAreHereForAReason #Believe #Livewithpurpose #EveryDay #EverySecond

6 Toxic Behaviors That Push People Away

2014-06-27T16:51:00.002-05:00

The 6 most toxic behaviors:

1. Taking everything personally

In the powerful little book The Four Agreements, Don Miguel Ruiz talks about the importance of taking nothing personally. I teach this in my coaching programs and my book Breakdown, Breakthrough as well, and there is so much pushback. “Really, Kathy – don’t take anything personally?” People are toxic to be around when they believe that everything that happens in life is a direct assault on them or is in some way all about them. The reality is that what people say and do to you is much more about them, than you. People’s reactions to you are about their filters, and their perspectives, wounds and experiences. Whether people think you’re amazing, or believe you’re the worst, again, it’s more about them. I’m not saying we should be narcissists and ignore all feedback. I am saying that so much hurt, disappointment and sadness in our lives comes from our taking things personally when it’s far more productive and healthy to let go of others’ good or bad opinion of you, and to operate with your own heart, intuition and wisdom as your guide. So yes – don’t take anything personally.

2. Obsessing about negative thoughts

It’s very hard to be around people who can’t or won’t let go of negativity – when they dwell on and speak incessantly about the terrible things that could happen and have happened, the slights they’ve suffered, and the unfairness of life. These people stubbornly refuse to see the positive side of life and the positive lessons from what’s transpiring. Pessimism is one thing – but remaining perpetually locked in negative thoughts is another. Only seeing the negative, and operating from a view that everything is negative and against you, is a skewed way of thinking and living, and you can change that.

3. Treating yourself like a victim

Another toxic behavior is non-stop complaining that fuels your sense of victimization. Believing you’re a victim, that you have no power to exert and no influence on the direction of your life, is a toxic stance that keeps you stuck and small. Working as a therapist with people who’ve suffered terrible trauma in their lives but found the courage to turn it all around, I know that we have access to far more power, authority, and influence over our lives than we initially believe. When you stop whining, and refuse to see yourself as a hapless victim of fate, chance or discrimination, then you’ll find that you are more powerful than you realized, but only if you choose to accept that reality.

4. Cruelty - lacking in empathy or putting yourself in others shoes

One of the most toxic and damaging behaviors – cruelty – stems from a total lack of empathy, concern or compassion for others. We see it every day online and in the media – people being devastatingly cruel and destructive to others just because they can. They tear people down online but in a cowardly way, using their anonymity as a weapon. Cruelty, backstabbing, and ripping someone to shreds is toxic, and it hurts you as well as your target.
I had a powerful learning experience about this a few years ago. I came into the house one day in a nasty mood, and shared a mean, sniping comment to my husband about the way a neighbor was parenting her child through one of his problem phases. In less than 24 hours, that very same issue the parent was dealing with came home to roost in my house, with my child. It was as if the Universe sent me the message that, “Ah, if you want to be cruel and demeaning about someone, we’ll give you the same experience you’ve judged so negatively, so you can learn some compassion.” And I did.
If you find yourself backstabbing and tearing someone else down, stop in your tracks. Dig deep and find compassion in your heart, and realize that we’re all the same.

5. Excessive reactivity

An inability to manage your emotions is toxic to everyone around you. We all know these people – men and women who explode over the smallest hiccup or problem. Yelling at the bank teller for the long line, screaming at your assistant for the power point error he made, or losing it with your child for spilling milk on the floor. If you find that you’re overly reactive, losing it at every turn, you need some outside assistance to help you gain control over your emotions and understand what’s at the root of your emotionality. There’s more to it that appears on the surface. An outside perspective – and a new kind of support – is critical.

6. Needing constant validation

Finally, people who constantly strive for validation and self-esteem by obsessing about achieving outward measures of success, are exhausting to be around. Those men and women who get caught up in the need to prove their worth over and over, and constantly want to “win” over their colleagues or peers, are toxic and draining.
Overly-attaching to how things have to look and be, and to achieving certain milestones and accomplishments rather than going with life in a more flexible, easy manner, can wear you out and bring everyone else around you down . There is a bigger picture to your life, and it’s not about what you achieve or fail at today. It’s about the journey, the process, the path - what you’re learning and applying, how you’re helping others, and the growing process you allow yourself to engage in.
Stop stressing over the particular outcomes like, “I need that promotion now!” or “My house has to be bigger and more beautiful than my neighbor’s.” Your desperate need to prove your success and build your self-esteem through outer measures of success is (sadly) apparent to everyone but you, and it’s pushing away the very happiness outcomes you’re longing for.

For the article, please visit here.

Caprino, Cathy. "6 Toxic Behaviors That Push People Away: How To Recognize Them In Yourself and Change Them." Linked in. 20 June 2014. Web. 27 June 2014. http://www.linkedin.com/today/post/article/20140620200646-17850276-6-toxic-behaviors-that-push-people-away-how-to-recognize-them-in-yourself-and-change-them?_mSplash=1.

"Multiplied" by Needtobreathe

2014-06-23T12:25:00.000-05:00

Amazing song that captures it all - my love for the Lord! Oh my God! Your love is absolutely amazing and utterly indescribable! Who am I without you or your love? I prais4e you my God and your purpose!

#LoverofHispresence #IHaveSurrendered #Thankful #Blessings #Love #God #Hallelujah

Your love is like radiant diamonds
Bursting inside us we cannot contain
Your love will surely come find us
Like blazing wild fires singing Your name

God of mercy sweet love of mine
I have surrendered to Your design
May this offering stretch across the skies
And these Halleluiahs be multiplied

WATCH THE VIDEO!! http://youtu.be/fGF-MGGLpB0

Read more: Needtobreathe - Multiplied Lyrics | MetroLyrics
Needtobreathe. Youtube. 13 June 2014. Web. 23 June 2014. http://youtu.be/fGF-MGGLpB0.

9th Anniversary of My Car Crash

2014-06-16T17:43:00.000-05:00

Today is the 9th anniversary of my car crash & the beginning of a life with purpose. It is through tasting death and loss that I truly learned the value of life and all abilities. How great it is to be alive! How great it is to be able to feel, move, see, hear, think, and speak! How blessed we are! Oh my God! I cry out to you with thanksgiving! THANK YOU FATHER FOR LIFE!!!!!!!!!

#Livewithpurpose #EveryDay

Writings On The Wall:

My Mom: My daughter has come a LONG WAY in all aspects OF HER new life. Today, 9 years ago was her car accident (still can't believe it happened to her and our family). Don't take life for granted. You never know how it can change in an instant! We've been blessed to have her another year! She was found on pavement not breathing, God breathed life back in to her, He was not done with her! She's a living testimony of faith, prayer, perseverance, determination, finding meaning and true purpose in life. We would not have made it without God's guidance and strength, so never give up on a miracle, not even a tiny one.

My Sister: I'm so blessed to have you, sister. Things could be worse and such a loss for all of us to not have you. I love you!

- U have come a long way in 9 yrs love! I'm glad God saved u!
- So glad God sent his angels to save you! You're a great person and we love you!
- God has used something so tragic to speak to people and he uses you everyday for his kingdom work. I love you and I am so proud of you
- Praise God! He's already using you in a mighty way! The awesome thing is that He's not even close to done...honored to call you friend!
- I watched you. I was there. You were so hurt. I can't believe you recovered and who you are now. We love you so much and are so proud of you.
- You are wonderful!
- Amazing.
- :)
- God is great! You show me that in so many ways.
- Love you Tonya! Ur such an inspiration to others. Keep up the positive motivation that u give. God was by ur side that day and has never left! Keep striving! Keep living! Keep loving!
- You're such an inspiration to many. I love your positivity!!! Love you sweet thing.
- God was there!
- GOD BLESS YOU SWEETY , YOU ARE TRULY AMAZING ,YOU HAVE COME ALNOG WAYS AND YOU ARE BEAUTYFUL INSIDEOUT WE LOVE AND ALWAYS IN MY PRAYS!!!!!!!!!!
- I'm so blessed to have met you- you are an inspiration:)
- Love you Tonya!
- Tonya you are such an amazing person. God has a purpose for everything.u R such a strong person. I admire you. You have never gave up. Ur a fighter!
- You are an amazing woman Tonya and anyone who has the privilege of knowing you is truly blessed :)
- I think of you often Missy and thanks a zillion for the Father's Day card! You sure know how to brighten my Day!
- You are an inspiration to so many!!!
- I was very blessed the day u came into my life love ya girl
- Was telling a volunteer about you today! Keep on keeping on!
- Oh God Bless you, Tonya. We rejoiced when you came home. He has moved in great and wonderful ways because of your life.
- You are a inspiration sweet lady!!! I'm blessed to call you a friend!!
- So powerful!
- You are such a blessing!
- We love you soooo much!!
- You are an amazing woman Tonya & such an inspiration to others! God has blessed us all with the gift of "You". Gods been there all along & will always be. Never give up!
- What a blessing you are. Your testimony, your life, is an inspiration to those watching - a picture of God's deliverance and purpose played out in you. I've loved getting to know you. May God continue to give you the boldness to share your story -- and comfort and peace in those moments you may struggle. Love you
- You are awesome sweetie!!! God Bless You
- You are blessed and have been an inspiration to so many people. I want to thank you for what you do and believe this is your calling.
- Praise God for His kindness and love!!
- My anniversary of my accident was last week 6/12/08. After that accident I am now paralyzed from the neck down and require a ventilator to breathe. Your description of life after near-death experience is so beautifully put and accurate. God bless you my friend.
- May God continue to bless you, my love to all of you
- Bless sweet lady
- glad your still here and making a difference
- You are an inspiration for all of us
- You are an amazing person! Your out look on life and your spirit in outstanding! XXOO
- You've always been inspiring to me, Tonya.
- I would just like for my friends to know Tonya is an excellent example for all of us, words cannot describe how much I look up to her dearly and how much she has made me realize that EVERY SINGLE DAY we have on this earth is a gift from God. Tonya, I love you girly and I cannot wait to celebrate your 9th Anniversary of finding God's Purpose for you. I felt like I had to share this, because so many of us get so self centered at time, and we complain about nonsense. I have never heard anything but positivity come out of you and you truly do inspire me. Thank you for sharing your story with those around you at at speaking events, I hope by now you have realized how much light you radiate to this world and I am so glad you are spreading it. I am very blessed to have met you. See you soon girl!!!

Happy Father's Day!

2014-06-15T19:40:00.000-05:00

Today, I honor and thank all Fathers. Our identities & the family system are both under great attack in today's world and so I commend you for being there for your children and providing confirmation in your child's identity - who they are and who they were created to be. God bless all of you!

"It is a wise father who knows his own child" (William Shakespeare).

We honor all the single Mothers also and pray for God to steadily bless you with strength, resources, and wisdom! #Fathersday #SingleMoms #Pray #Blessings #Strength #Wisdom

I am very grateful for my Dad and proud of the man he is! You are a TOP POP DAD, ALWAYS! I LOVE YOU SO MUCH and enjoyed spending the day with you! Church and then a Father's Day/Birthday celebration dinner at Billy's Dad's - smoked brisket, creamed corn, bbq beans, Mom's potato salad, yeast rolls, & 2 chocolate cakes! Yumz!! And Happy birthday to Daniel!

Inspiration

2014-06-10T16:26:00.000-05:00

"Come close to God, and God will come close to you" (James 4:8a NLT). Hallelujah! "Make your life a mission, not an intermission" -Author unknown "Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect" -Mark Twain #Inspiration #Faith #Believe #GodIsFaithful

June Speeches

2014-06-01T18:45:00.000-05:00

June 2, 2014 - Speaking at MADD's Teen VIP at 7:00 pm located at the Allen Courthouse (301 Century Parkway, Allen, TX 75013).

June 17, 2014 - Speaking at MADD's Adult VIP at 6:00 pm located at the Salvation Army (600 S. Wilson Creek Parkway, McKinney, Texas 75069.

June 26, 2014 - Speaking to students at the PCI Health Training Center in Dallas at 10:30 am and 1:00 pm.

June 28, 2014 - Speaking to MYLIFE teens at 1:00 pm located at the McKinney YMCA.

Happy Mother's Day!

2014-05-14T16:46:00.000-05:00

This Mother's Day was an amazing day spent with my 2 Moms. It began at Covenant Church with an awesome worship service & also where my Mom was awarded as a "TOP MOM!" Then we had a wonderful lunch at Dos Charros & rented a redbox. I can never thank you enough Mom for your sacrifice every day in caring for me. You mean so much to me. You have my heart Mom! You too Second Mom.

My Top Mom Submission:

Where do I even begin?
Not a single word I could ever speak could begin to explain how amazing my Mom is and how she truly goes above and beyond in every way. She is an extraordinary mother, wife, sister, daughter, friend, caregiver, and woman of God.
I was in a car crash 9 years ago with an 18-wheeler and almost died. In fact, I did die four times but God breathed life back into me and I'm forever grateful that He did because it is through such life that I learned how incredibly blessed I am, how much God loves me, and how much my family loves me. I was in inpatient recovery hospitalization for 5 months (in 4 different hospitals) and my Mom was with me every step of the way, every day. Nearly every night, she stayed in the cot next to my hospital bed and every day, she was persistently advocating, motivating, praying, and speaking life over me and still does to this day. In a place and state full of despair and can'ts, she reminded me that I still have a purpose and to keep my faith. When it was time to come home from the hospital, my loving Mom quit her job of nearly 25 years to become my full-time caregiver, a tremendous sacrifice. She released all of who she was and wanted to be - completely dropped it - to take care of me. She not only cooked and cleaned the house but now also dressed and undressed me, cleaned me when I messed on myself, bathed me, fed me, changed my catheters, turned me in the bed at night to prevent pressure sores (as did my Dad and boyfriend), and all the other many little (and big) things that able-bodied persons and families could not even imagine. She does and does and does for me and others until she can do no more and then, hunched over from exhaustion and grimacing from aching feet, still asks if there is anything else she can do. She is an absolute blessing. Her heart and spirit radiates and captivates the world around her. She gives and serves so much to those in need but hardly ever takes time for herself. I began my response in saying that words cannot express the kind of woman that my Mom is and I conclude with that same declaration. My Mom is so special, so deserving, so wonderful of a person and I just want her to know how much her love and sacrifice means to me. It is through her sacrifice and love that God revealed Himself to me and helped me to truly understand His love and who He is. "Greater love has no man than he who lays down his life." She lays down her life every day.

THANK YOU COVENANT CHURCH MCKINNEY!

May Speeches

2014-05-01T09:32:00.000-05:00

May 1, 2014 - Speaking at Carter High School to the juniors and seniors for DATE at 10:30 am.

May 20, 2014 - Speaking at MADD's Adult VIP at 6:00 pm located at the Salvation Army (600 S. Wilson Creek Parkway, McKinney, Texas 75069.

April Speeches

2014-04-02T11:24:00.001-05:00

April 1, 2014 - Speaking to probation officers at Frank Crowley Court Building in Dallas from 3:00-4:30 pm. After speaking, the court and probation officers presented me with a wonderful "thank you" basket, card, and love offering. It was so unexpected and thoughtful that it made me cry :)

April 3, 2014 - Acting as a "Human Book" at UNT's 2014 Human Library event, hosted by Diane Wahl, from 2:00-4:00 pm located in Denton, Texas at UNT in the Willis Library Forum. Scattered around the room will be groups of four chairs. There will be a “book” seated at each group of four chairs, so that there are three chairs left for readers. When readers come in the entrance, they stop at a check out desk and decide which book they want to read. We’ll send them to the book they have checked out with a check out slip so the book will know they have been checked out. A book can have up to three readers at once. Reading a book is basically a conversation between the book and the readers who have "checked" the book out. My book title will be "Please Don't Drink and Drive."

April 4, 2014 - Speaking to Celina High School at 10:00 am.

April 5, 2014 - Speaking to at-risk teens through MYLIFE at the YMCA in McKinney, Texas.

April 7, 2014 - Speaking to Collin College's nursing students at the Collin Higher Education Center (CHEC) at 10:00 am.

April 15, 2014 - Speaking at MADD's Adult VIP at 6:00 pm located at the Salvation Army (600 S. Wilson Creek Parkway, McKinney, Texas 75069.