Thursday, October 25, 2007

THANKFUL THURSDAY

“At times when our own light goes out and it is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us. ” - Albert Schweitzer (1875-1965)

I think Thankful Thursday will always be my favorite day to post. I have so much to be thankful for, but really don't we all? There are many places I could go with this topic today, but after I read this quote I received in a daily devotional, I decided to dedicate today to a very special friend.

Today I would like to thank the Lord for Tonya Nason. Over 2 years ago, we meet through Caringbridge. For those of you that are not familiar, this website was set up to keep loved ones and friends informed during illnesses, treatment, and difficult times. It is a great place to give and receive support, comfort, and prayer from many people.

I am not exactly sure how I stumbled on to her son’s (Brent) site, but it was one of those "ah ha" moments for me. She was so BOLD in her faith for the Lord, so passionate about her love for Jesus, and her humor during the most difficult days of her life, captured my heart! During that time in my life, Jordan had just completed his radiation treatments for a brain tumor, and was on a 3-month check-up routine. Brent and Jordan were both patients at St. Jude Hospital in Memphis. When I met Tonya, I was in a real dry place in my walk with Jesus. My candle was burning dimly until it was reignited by Tonya's passion. Yes, like the quote above so perfectly expresses, her spark rekindled my faith, my zeal, and excitement for Jesus again.

I am just so grateful that I found such a wonderful friend in Tonya, and had the chance to share a time with her amazing son Brent, who is now sitting at the feet of Jesus. I learned so much as I watched them fight their battles so bravely. Yet despite all of this, Tonya continued to encourage me and hundreds of others, as she became so transparent in her walk with Jesus.

I would like to end with a poem I recently found, and I want to dedicate this to my friend Tonya on this Thankful Thursday.


As we walk our path of life,
We meet people everyday.
Most are simply met by chance.
But, some are sent our way.

These become special friends
Whose bond we can't explain;
The ones who understand us
And share our joy and pain.

Their love contains no boundaries.
So, even when we are apart.
Their presence enhances us
With a warmth felt in the heart.

This love becomes a passageway,
When even the miles disappear.
And so, these friends, God sends our way,
Remain forever near.


Proverbs 17:17 says "A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need." (NLT)

Thank you Tonya Nason for being that friend to me!

16 comments:

Roo said...

your blog is beautiful! i LOVE the picture on your blog header. :)

shalom!

Chocolate and Coffee said...

Thanks for visiting my blog. I love your site!

Blessings to you!

Toknowhim said...

Thanks for stopping by my blog today. What a beautiful mom you are with your 5 boys. I have 3 boys. I don't know your story, but I do see a grateful heart a little from reading your post.

Blessings, and see you around in blogville.

Diane Viere said...

O.K., trying to type while wiping the tears from my eyes....if there are any mispelled words....it's your fault! What a beautifully meaningful tribute to your friend(s) and Brent. I cannot imagine the pain of losing a child...and to be able to suffer through a long illness and loss with such grace.....is really amazing! May that family be blessed with a special blessing from above.

So glad I stopped by today--you have a wonderful blog.

Diane

Diane Viere said...

P.S.

And how could I forget....anything by Twila Paris moves me! Great music.

Diane

Ms. Kathleen said...

That is just so sweet. Friends are such good gifts from God.

Hugs!

Denise said...

May you be sweetly blessed.

Anonymous said...

What an awesome post to bless my heart this Thankful Thursday!! I wanted to also thank you for visiting my little writer's nook. God bless you, dear sister in Christ.

hugs,
Vicki

Anonymous said...

Dearest Sweetest Susan - What an amazing and beautiful tribute to your VERY dear friend. Of course, your timing is impecible too! You two both share so much and what is extra special is that you each treasure your friendship, on every level, to the extent that you do. Also wonderful, is the support and strength that you gather from each other, you so very generously share with others. What rare and beautiful gems you and Tonya both are:) With hugs, love and wishes for many more years of sisterhood - Love, Randy

Tea with Tiffany said...

Oh my, back. You have quite heart. A beautiful one.

I am already captured by Tonya and Brent. I'll have to check the sites out.

My brother had cancer as a child. He was 3, I was 17. It was a hard, life-changing time for me. I learned a lot. Wish I knew the power of prayer then. I wasn't walking in Christ then. But I do see how this experience has shaped who I am.

BTW My favorite tea is English Breakfast with cream and sugar. Or half and half and Stevia. Thanks for asking.

And thanks for being so encouraging!

TexasTanya said...

What a special blessing. Thank you so much for sharing.

Mary said...

Thanks for stopping by my place. It takes me awhile to get around to everyone. I like to hit as many as I can. What a great post. Your heart shines out and ministers to those who read it. I love TT too. Thanks for sharing. Blessings on your weekend.

Heather said...

How beautiful is the body of Christ...Lifting one another up, relighting dying embers, holding us close. Such sweet thanksgiving.

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful tribute! Tonya is such a sweet, special woman of God, and I know you two have a "divine" friendship! =)
Thanks for sharing her with me. I have benefited greatly from her encouragement and faithfulness!
Love, Krisitn

Anonymous said...

Susan, This is such a beautiful post. It honors your friend and God as well. Thank you.

Crystal said...

What beautiful post and dedication to your friend! Thank you for sharing it and joining in with this week's Thankful Thursday!
Sorry it's taken me so long to get here!

Blessings