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The Word gave life to everything that was created, and His life brought light to everyone. – John 1:4 (NLT)
Adrift
It’s late afternoon. Our journey starts in the Charleston Harbor. It’s a beautiful day. Our passage awaits.
Jon and I settle into a comfortable spot. Introductions are made, and without further delay, The Pride, ready to burst from her moorings, is released. The riggings are pulled and sails are cast to fly off into the gentle breezes. The Pride stretches out to find the ancient rhythm of the sea.
Adrift in the salty waters of the harbor, we watch the shoreline slowly recede from our view. As the land starts to fade, the stress rolls away like the waters that pass beneath us. For I am here with my love. He sits beside me and smiles. We drift along the careless wind, easily, happily, in love. Our day on the sea is a birthday present for both of us.
My handsome husband assists the crew with the sails and I watch his strong arms tugging on the ropes. Knowing that he is loving every moment at sea as much as I.
We have visitors. The dolphins are here to play. They glide through the waters catching the last rays of light, frolicking and singing their songs to us. I wonder if they are as curious about us as we are about them. How I long to reach out and touch their silky smooth bodies and let them know they’ve made a friend.
The clanking of the riggings against the mask seems to have made time stand still, the gentle ringing has suspended time as if in a dream, a dream that we never want to wake from. For this drifting paradise that my love and I share is so timeless. So wonderful.
The sun starts to slink down into the city, out of view. Charleston’s skyline is center stage. The sky becomes an explosion of color as the blues fade to purple, magenta, orange, and then a fiery red. Nature at it’s best. The clouds try to capture it’s magnificent beauty, holding on to the moment, attempting to steal one more glance of God’s awesome work. But the sun waits for no one, and slips away.
The breeze blows across my face, smoothing the lines of stress until they fade away like the sun. My lungs fill with the salty fresh air and are reborn. The gentle knocking of the waters on the bow sing to my heart. He feels it too. I can see the lightness it brings to his soul. His eyes dance with the rhythm of the waves.
We watch as our boat makes a turn and we start heading back. How we long to stay here with our new friends, adrift in paradise. For the wind has learned our names, and the sails have captured our hearts.
(Charleston, SC trip April 2006)
Women of Faith Conference
What words can I use to describe such an experience! The Women of Faith Conference was the most awesome thing I’ve ever been to. My husband says I’m in the doghouse for saying that because it includes our wedding (oops!), but I don’t know that I can explain how incredible it really was.
Patti, Denise and Sonya
I was able to go to the conference in Tampa at the St Pete Forum Arena, with two friends, who I dearly love, on August 15-16, 2008 . The Pre-Conference on Friday, included Anita Renfroe, Patsy Clairmont, and Jan Silvious, along with the Women of Faith Worship Team. On Saturday, the packed arena hosted Sandi Patti, Sheila Walsh, Marilyn Meberg, Allison Allen, and Louise DuArt, as well as vocalists Natalie Grant and Nicole C. Mullen, who brought down the house. We also had a special guest, Steve Arterburn, the creator of Women of Faith.
They each brought their own unique talents and giftings to the spotlight. They shared humorous stories and heart-wrenching struggles, laying their hearts wide open. At times, our sides hurt from laughing so hard, and yet, our souls wept. We were drawn into the lives of these amazing women who taught us that God can bring you through anything. Learning about our emotions, the importance of wisdom, the power of prayer and how to focus our lives on God were life lessons to treasure.
Sheila Walsh
The praise and worship experience was beyond compare. Nicole C. Mullen and her group of teens that share the stage, rocked the rafters with joy. Natalie Grant’s powerful voice filled the room with a heavenly voice only God’s great skill could create. One of everyone’s favorite songs was “His Eye is On the Sparrow,” which Natalie did as an encore, without music and without a dry eye. Sandi Patti and Sheila Walsh not only shared their testimonies, but sang like beautiful angels.
And some men might be thinking – how can such a large group of women be in the same room and co-exist without conflict? The answer, of course is God. Never have I seen women come together so easily with grace and love. Though we were from different backgrounds, faiths and ideals, we shared a common ground as we worshiped together. The beauty of listening to 14,000 women lift their voices together in song was truly amazing. Tears streamed down my face as we all sang “How Great is Our God,” acappella (without music). It felt as though heaven opened up and God’s grace and love shown upon us like sunshine.
The experience was only made more sweet by sharing it with my two girlfriends. Our husbands couldn’t get a word in edge-wise when we got home, as we recounted our stories and laughter. I feel incredibly blessed to have been apart of such a magnificent weekend, and can’t wait to do it again. I encourage all women to find out more information about Women of Faith and become a part of it. It will change your life.
(Check out www.womenoffaith.com for more information.)
Exercise Prayer
One of my first of the year commitments was to get in shape. Jon and I joined the YMCA and started working out. We did pretty good at getting a regular routine going. When summer hit however, our schedules got turned upside with the addition of our kiddos full time for 6 weeks. Somehow, we never did get around to going to the Y, and our routine was lost.
I didn’t know just how much I missed going to the Y until I returned yesterday. My work schedule had become a hopeless path of endless hours of work and stress. I finally broke down and decided I needed a workout and headed for class.
My favorite activity at the Y is Pilates, with my favorite instructor, Meredith. Every Tuesday and Thursday morning, between the hours of 9:30 – 10:30am, I can escape in a cocoon of joy. Meredith is an amazing lady, who takes her faith seriously. And thanks to the Y, she can not only play Christian music during our class, but she offers prayer when class is over. I admire Meredith for “taking her faith to the street” as it were, sharing Christ (even if just through music in the background) with those that enter her world.
When I began going to Pilates, my body was out of shape and it let me know it. But as I started to stretch those muscles something amazing happened. I found an environment of spiritual fulfillment. In that simple workout room, with the lights off and sunlight streaming through the windows, with soft music in the background praising my Lord and Savior, I found a place that I could share time with God. As my body twists and stretches, in my mind I praise Him, talk with Him, laugh with Him and share with Him. One move in particular always makes me smile, as we raise our hands up high and stretch towards the ceiling, I always feel like a child reaching up to my Heavenly Father, asking Him to “Pick me up!” And His arms embrace me with love.
By the time class is over, those that would like to, can stay and pray with Meredith. After spending time with my Lord alone, now I join other women like myself in a circle, and we lift each other up in prayer. Meredith begins our prayer, and with the voice of an angel, and the heart of one as well, she sweetly thanks God for all the blessings He bestows upon us. She lifts each woman up as a precious offering, asking His grace and provision over each of us and our families. The prayer passes around the circle, as those that want, lift their voice in prayer. The Holy Spirit is there within that small circle and cradles us in comfort.
Yesterday, as I stood in the circle, the walls came tumbling down. The barriers of stress and worry that had been built around me, crumbled. The emotions poured through me and rained down my cheeks. The Holy Spirit cleansed me and welcomed me back into my circle of joy.
I thank God for my time with Him every day, whether it’s at home in my quiet time, driving in my car singing praise songs, or in a small workout room at the YMCA. Our God is so great.
Soil Test
Have you ever noticed the soil in a well tended garden? You can tell whether a garden is cared for by the condition of the soil. A garden must be prepared by turning the soil, getting rid of all impurities and debris such as rocks and weeds. The soil must be cared for, and given time, a transformation happens. The dirt that once held rocks and weeds is now rich and dark, ready for planting.
I think our hearts are a lot like that soil. When left unworked, it can lay dormant, the darkness of sin and evil can settle in and harden our hearts, so that no good thing can be planted there.
“The Lord told the people of Judah and Jerusalem, ‘Plow up the hard ground of your hearts! Do not waste your good seed among the thorns. O people of Judah and Jerusalem, surrender your pride and power. Change your hearts before the Lord…” (Jeremiah 4:3-4)
If our hearts are hardened, we cannot plant good seed. With sin embedded like thorny vines, our hearts cannot seek the goodness that God can bring us. Greed, idolatry, impure thoughts, selfishness, hatred; all these things choke our hearts like weeds. Only through seeking forgiveness can we till the soil.
How is the soil in your garden? Do you have rich, fertile soil for God to plant His goodness? Or is it time to take the plow to it?
The Best Offer Around (Isaiah 55)
A man stands on the street corner. He is not peddling wares, but something far greater. He knows his product well, is familiar with every line, every truth, every nuance. He’s waiting for a crowd to gather, for he wants all to hear his words, his promises and proclamations. As the crowd builds, he lifts his voice and says, “Is anyone thirsty? Come, and drink.”
The people stop and begin to listen.
“Come, and drink, even if you have no money.. it’s all free.”
The hot and tired crowd edges closer. The day has been long, and their money short. “Free?” they say, “Nothing is free.”
The man says, “Why spend your money on food that does not give you strength? Why pay for food that does you no good?”
The crowd is really curious now. What does this man know that they do not? “Free” has a good sounds to it. Certainly, this is too good to be true.
The man says, “Listen to me, and you will eat what is good. Listen to me, and you will enjoy the finest foods.”
Everyone is pressing in, ready to learn his secret. What can his scheme be? Looking at this plain man before them, how can he have knowledge of such things? He looks no different than they are in simple clothes and worn sandals. The crowd begins to shout questions, their curiosity is overwhelming.
As the noise builds, he shouts, “Come to me with your ears wide open. Listen to me, and you will find life. Seek the Lord while you can find him. Call on Him now while He is near.”
Someone recognizes the man. He is Isaiah, the prophet. Isaiah is not selling food or drink; what he speaks of is not for sale. The drink he speaks of is the water of life, salvation through Christ Jesus. The food, is the Word of God, free nourishment for the soul. Jesus said, “those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.” (John 4:14).
The most precious gift in life is free. We only need to seek Him, know Him, and believe.
Turning 39
What an awful sounding number. It’s on the precipice of something bigger. That next number could sound even worse. If I let it.
I’m not going to let numbers bother me. I feel good. I am blessed.
I have a wonderful husband that is my handsome soulmate. He’s my guardian and protector, companion and friend. It amazes me how close we are, how easy the conversations, and sometimes even our thoughts and words come at the same time. He completes me. He balances my idiosyncrasies, and keeps my world from spinning out of control. The best, is that he walks the same path as me with Jesus. Our priorities are clear: God first, our relationship second, and then everything else. Every day with him is a blessing.
My family is awesome. Two beautiful children came into my life and changed it forever. They keep me young and silly. What more could I ask for? My sunshine, Kailey, is ever-giggling, ever-loving. My tall one, Brandt, is turning into a fine young man. I am blessed and enjoy each day I have with them.
My friends. They are savored like a fine wine. Some are sweet and crisp like a springtime breeze, others are robust and full of promise, some are sparkling, some have a lingering tenderness that warms my heart. All are loved beyond measure for the compassion and honesty they bring to the table. I am blessed.
My job amazes me every day. To be a part of such a wonderful team of fellow Christ-Followers, each striving to fulfill a desire to build a kingdom for God. Blessings abound each and every day, with every task, every co-worker, every opportunity to change a life. To become a blessing to others, is a blessing in itself.
Last but certainly not least. My Alpha and Omega. The Leader of my life. My life was forever changed the day Jesus came into my heart. My Savior walks with me every day. I grow closer to Him with each prayer. The time spent in His Word embellishes my life. The tug of His loving spirit, makes my heart overflow. His grace and love is beyond compare. My soul wants to sing of His righteousness and beauty. My Savior left the comforts of heaven, walked on this earth, spread His light into the world, and died for me. For me. I am truly blessed.
39 is just a number.
The Lord’s Day
Today is the Lord’s Day, so we decided to sit around the computer this morning and praise God, for He is worthy of all praise!
Sonya says: He is majestic, wonderful, strong and powerful.
Brandt’s says:
We serve the Lord because He is great. When Jesus came to earth He served us, not us serving Him.
Kailey says:
Jesus is wonderful because He is the king of everything. He is the person who always is with us wherever we go.
Sonya says:
I love Jesus because he is patient and kind, and He understand when we are troubled. He helps us when we are down, and lifts us up.
Jon says: Jesus rocks!
Brandt says: Think of who you are and then think of Jesus. Remember He is the one that is part of you.
Kailey says: Jesus is the great one and He is the King of our life. Whenever we are sad, He will cheer us up to where we are always happy with Him. He is always with us.
Sonya says: He is my rock and salvation. My strength and my sword. I love Him for all that He has done for us and all that He continues to do.
Jon says: My Lord is magnificent, beautiful and joyous!
Kailey says: The Lord is everything we need in our life.
Brandt says: Just keep praising the Lord!
Getting Started
5 years ago
by sonya
in Uncategorized
Family and Friends:
Welcome to our new website. It has taken a lot of work, and there is still a lot to do, but it’s getting there. Obviously, Jon has been a tremendous help with this, because none of this would have happened without his help. If it were not for him, you would be seeing a cute little message that says “server not found.”
My idea for the website was for the Tyler family to have a place to show off our creativity, to glorify God, and have a central place for family and friends to check out what’s new with the Tyler clan. When it’s done, we’ll have pictures posted in a gallery, there will be a blog site for us storytellers, and Brandt and Kailey will have their own page too. I want the kids to have a place to write their stories and post their artwork. So please bear with us during “construction” and keep checking back. We’re excited and hope that you will like it.
Love, Sonya
I'm SO glad that […]
3 years ago