Tonja's Gatherings – Page 111 – A Christian Blogger from Dothan, AL

General

NO MANTLE?…NO PROBLEM!

December 4, 2009 by tonja No Comments

So, you don’t have a mantle to hang your stocking? Well, here are some clever and unusual ways to hang them so that Santa will be sure to find them!

I LOVE everything about this bedroom!

this one is from Ballard Designs, I think.

Reading time: 1 min

General

CHRISTMAS PENMANSHIP

December 3, 2009 by tonja No Comments

Christmas is all around us…even in the most mundane of things! I found these images quite clever. Have a great day!

Reading time: 1 min

General

This big yellow spot is sitting right on top of the Creek House! This means that I will not be leaving my house today! Since all my Christmas decor is sitting in big boxes in the foyer…I think I have my day pretty well planned!
Hope it’s dry where you are. And, if you are near me…stay in and stay safe and dry!

Reading time: 1 min

General

TRUER THAN WHAT I FEEL

November 30, 2009 by tonja No Comments

I’m having a little crisis of faith tonight. It’s OK. I know all the right things that I am supposed to remember at a time like this. I know that God ‘s Word is truer than anything that I feel. I know there are up and downs in life…in everyone’s life. I know God cares about what makes me sad. And, I know that there is someone who would say to me, “You shouldn’t be sad, look at all the wonderful things in your life.” And, you know what? They would be right.

But, knowing those words…even knowing their validity, doesn’t do a thing to change the fact that I am not happy with some of the things that are happening around me and to me and to the people I love. And, God understands that. He KNOWS my heart.

Nothing major has happened. Nothing that would even concern anyone other than a close few. But, the fact is…I just don’t think life is fair sometimes. I feel like sometimes it rains only on me and mine. And, I feel the sky over us is dark and gloomy. Yes, that about sums it up…that’s how I feel. Maybe not true, but the way I feel.

But, Praise God!, I know that feelings change. I know that things will get better. I know that things will work out…or they won’t…but either way, we’ll get through. And go on. And be happy.

See, I believe. I KNOW. Even when I don’t FEEL like praising God, and thanking Him, or even talking to Him…..HE DOESN’T CHANGE. He is the constant. His words are always true. His promises are always kept. Whether I am happy with the world or sad with the world, the fact is…He is still in charge. So, if I feel sad, He cares. If I am happy, He cares. And, His promises are true even if I can’t recall them at the moment.

I know also that God has control of my life. He has because I gave it to Him. And, while I may at times act as if I have forgotten that fact…HE WILL NEVER FORGET! And, while that does not give me license to act any way I choose…when I do have weak moments, He will gently remind me just WHO HE IS…He will comfort me, He will strengthen me, and He will fill me with joy.

He said,”I will let you laugh again; you will raise the roof with sounds of joy.” Job 8:21

****************************************

It is funny how I can sit down and write (for the world to see) my truest feelings. And, in my attempt not leave the wrong impression, I end up writing the words that I needed to hear. Because I would never want to leave the impression that I, even for a moment, did not trust Almighty God, I write the truest things that I know. The things I needed to hear tonight.

God is amazing. He can work in everything! Even this blog post….hope it helped you too!

Reading time: 2 min

General

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT #1

November 29, 2009 by tonja No Comments

Christmas is upon us. And, you may be like I am and feeling the pressure. Stuff to do, places to go, food to cook, shopping to do, etc., etc., etc.

Here are a few words of wisdom for you….You are right in the middle of it…It’s here…ready or not…

This is what you find when you walk out your door…Although, at times, it can feel like this while you’re INSIDE your home as well…

Don’t fret…you’re on the road to…

Just…

And, remember…

There is no reason for this…
You know that you should …

It’s necessary to…

And…

And remember…

Never forget these…

And, really…

Follow the instructions…

Always…

You are NOT…

Commit this to memory…