Tonia's Times
Monday, August 8, 2011
A few thoughts...
Friday, April 15, 2011
Roger
I meet a new friend last Saturday named Roger. Nice guy, a bit odd. Roger is a door to door sales man (I did not know they still existed!) to sell a Kerby vacuum that both vacuum and shampoo your carpets.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Progress...
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Reflection
"For most of my life I have struggled to find God, to know God, to love God. I have tried hard to follow the guidelines of the spiritual life – pray always, work for others, read the Scriptures – and to avoid the many temptations to dissipate myself. I have failed many times but always tried again, even when I was close to despair.
Now I wonder whether I have sufficiently realized that during all this time God has been trying to find me, to know me, and to love me. The question is not “How am I to find God?” but “How am I to let myself be found by him?” The question is not “How am I to know God?” but “How am I to let myself be known by God?” And, finally, the question is not “How am I to love God?” but “How am I to let myself be loved by God?” God is looking into the distance for me, trying to find me, and longing to bring me home.
In all three parables which Jesus tells in response to the question of why he eats with sinners, he puts the emphasis on God’s initiative. God is the shepherd who goes looking for his lost sheep. God is the woman who lights a lamp, sweeps out the house, and searches everywhere for her lost coin until she has found it. God is the father who watches and waits for his children, runs out to meet them, embraces them, pleads with them, begs and urges them to come home.
It might sound strange, but God wants to find me as much as, if not more than, I want to find God. Yes, God needs me as much as I need God. God is not the patriarch who stays home, doesn’t move, and expects his children to come to him, apologize for their aberrant behavior, beg for forgiveness, and promise to do better. To the contrary, he leaves the house, ignoring his dignity by running towards them, prays no head to apologies and promises of change, and brings them to the table richly prepared for them.
I am beginning now to see how radically the character of my spiritual journey will change when I no longer think of God as hiding out and making it as difficult as possible for me to find him, but, instead, as the one who is looking for me while I am doing the hiding."
Henri Nouwen
The Return of the Prodigal Son, 100-101
Saturday, February 5, 2011
My mom....
Monday, January 10, 2011
A long time coming..
- It is all about how you look at things. Chose to look at the bad or good it's all in your outlook. A positive attitude goes a LONG ways. As my mom always says "someone has it a lose worse then you" and she is right. Before surgery someone has it a lot worse then me and still someone has it a lot worse then me. Look at what you have not what you don't have and be blessed for the simple things in life like walking, driving and going up stairs on your own.
- I have the best people in my life that have helped out! My mom is still up here to take care of me so I can live at home and not in a nursing home. This has turned not only my life upside down but also my roommates life upside down and I am thankful for all of her help and support. Also but not last the boyfriend has been more then amazing with all of this. He has made me smile though all the tears and pushes me to work harder. He has stood by my side every step of the way and for that I am thankful.
- I learned that I am a lot stronger of a person then what I ever thought I was. With that means trusting people. From going down the stairs in a stair chair b/c I could not walk out of my house, from being lifted from bed to bed by a blanket (yea it's kinda scary!), to standing on feet that feel like they are burning under you, and when someone says they got you - they do. All of the needles, and hoses whenever I went to the hospital I hoped that it would never have to be me when it is you it sucks but you can get through it with a lot of work and trust.
- Also, showering and washing your hair everyday is not needed. :)
Sunday, December 19, 2010
It a wonderful time of the year...
After much begging, I (Tonia) was able to write this year’s Christmas letter. I hope this letter finds your family and friends well! The Pals family has had a wonderful 2010, and I am as eager to tell you about it as you are to read about it, so let’s get this party started!
After Thanksgiving, Mom and Dad headed down south to their new winter home in Mission, Texas and fully enjoy retirement. They were blessed that I came down for Christmas and Brother Wade came down in mid-January. When family and friends were not visiting Mom and Dad enjoyed playing cards, doing woodworking, swimming, and going down to Mexico. Mom learned how to make fused glass jewelry and stained-glass steppingstones. Put your order in early! Dad made a fantastic oak clothes hamper that he always puts his dirty clothes in!
Grandma (Mary’s Mom Elsie) turns 90 this December so the whole family got together the Saturday after Thanksgiving. It was a fantastic day celebrating a wonderful woman’s life with family. Mom and Dad headed south right after the party and are hoping to return this year for Christmas, weather permitting.
The summer was filled with time at the lake house after Mom and Dad returned at the end of April. Mom is slowly working on all the projects she has put off for years. She has a pile of dirt that is almost done!
Brother Wade found himself in Florida this spring to stand up in a good friend’s wedding. Wade also had back surgery at the end of July and was off work for three months – way too long if you ask him! He has had a great recovery and is feeling much better.
I had a great year! I am still working at the Catholic Church as a high school youth minister. After UNI had a fantastic win over KU, I headed down to St. Louis to cheer on my Panthers in the oh-so Sweet 16! This summer I headed down to Panama City, Florida for a week on the beach with a good high school friend and came back with a fantastic tan! This December I head down to New Orleans for the High School Youth Ministry conferences! I am looking forward to a tad bit warmer weather.
Blessings to all of you and your family this Christmas season! Feel free to come down to south Texas to see Mom and Dad this winter if you get tired of the cold. They have a fantastic guest room waiting for you!
Love,
The Pals Family (Ray (Mike), Mary, Tonia, and Wade Pals)