Saturday, October 30, 2010
Upcoming Speeches
Time: 12:00 pm
Place: Collin College's Spring Creek Campus (Living Legends Conference Center)
Address: 2800 E Spring Creek Parkway Plano, TX
Audience: Collin College students and faculty, the community
Date: November 4, 2010
Time: 10:30 am
Place: Collin Higher Education Center
Address: 3452 Spur 399 McKinney, TX 75069
Audience: Nursing students
Friday, October 29, 2010
Last 2 Games
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
October 25, 2010
Yesterday was also mine and Billy's anniversary! Billy and I celebrated 8 years together. We actually decided to start celebrating on Saturday, October 23rd. We ate at Chili's and rented the movie "Killers" with Ashton Kutcher. It was surprisingly very good. On Monday after I spoke at Blue Ridge HS, we went out to eat at IHOP with my Mom. We celebrated the rest of the night watching the Cowboys unfortunately fall apart... But atleast we have the Rangers doing well!


Sunday, October 24, 2010
Red Ribbon Week
Red Ribbon Week is the oldest and largest drug prevention campaign in the country ... Red Ribbon Week serves as a vehicle for communities and individuals to take a stand for the hopes and dreams of our children through a commitment to drug prevention and education and a personal commitment to live drug free lives with the ultimate goal being the creation of drug free America (Imdrugfree.com).
This is usually MADD's most busy time of the year. I'm dissappointed that my own city, McKinney did not request presentations from MADD. This is a serious issue that needs addressed especially to young people.
Just Say No!

"Red Ribbon Week." Imdrugfree.com. Preventionpartners.com, 2009. Web. http://www.imdrugfree.com/.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
World Series Here We Come!
Christmas List: Andrus Shirt!
Friday, October 22, 2010
Injured Rutgers player Eric LeGrand may benefit from new advances in spinal cord research
"The first embryonic stem cell treatment for a human in this country was administered Oct. 11 to a patient partially paralyzed with a spinal cord injury in Atlanta. Millions of embryonic stem cells were injected into the patient’s spinal cord, with the hope that he or she could recover some of their damaged nervous system."
Augenstein, Seth. "Injured Rutgers player Eric LeGrand may benefit from new advances in spinal cord research." The Star-Ledger. New Jersey Local News. 21 October 2010. http://www.nj.com/rutgersfootball/index.ssf/2010/10/injured_rutgers_player_eric_le_1.html.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Surviving and Living with Mesothelioma
Because of the latent nature of the disease, victims do not begin experiencing mesothelioma symptoms until at least two decades after being exposed. The diagnosis comes as a complete surprise. In most cases, the cancer spreads unnoticed. By the time individuals seek medical attention, and the physician reaches a conclusive diagnosis, the cancer is already in advanced stages. The discussion often turns to palliative care and quality of life, rather than surviving and living with mesothelioma.
Living Examples
Surviving and living with mesothelioma is possible. Some patients are surviving fourteen years after the initial diagnosis. Survival largely depends on the will of the patient to continuing living, and the willingness to learn as much as possible about the disease and all available treatment options-both traditional and alternative.
Belle McGuckin is diagnosed in 1998. At the time, her physician gives her little hope of surviving and living with mesothelioma. Like many health care professionals, the discussion turns to palliative care. In an interview with WebMD, “McGuckin, her family and friends refused to give up hope. They researched the disease -- of which local doctors knew little -- searched the Internet for information, and subsequently contacted lawyers, doctors and research centers”.
Beth found a physician with the skill and knowledge to remove the mesothelium and the lung that was affected by mesothelioma. Relatively pain free, Beth continues to live a good quality of life at the time of the interview. It is years since one doctor gave her the fatal prognosis. Beth took the proactive approach and sought out treatment options most people do not take the time to consider.
Paul Kraus is another example of someone who chose living and surviving with mesothelioma. Faced with a grim prognosis, Paul begins searching for answers and different treatment options that are right for him. He begins immediately by changing his lifestyle, especially his eating habits. Paul’s opts to forego any traditional treatment options for peritoneal mesothelioma.
For example, Paul chooses ozone therapy. After much research, he learns that oxygenated cancer cells do not survive well. The therapy cycles his blood to be oxygenated and returns it to his system. Paul’s approach is to give the body tools to promote healing, in all aspects of life. While some may think his approach to cancer is radical, no one can deny that he is one of the longest surviving individuals living with mesothelioma.
Johnson, Alex. "Surviving and Living with Mesothelioma." Message to Tonya Winchester. 8 October 2010. E-mail.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Nix Reunion
Lord, I just pray that they will lean on you and know that you are with them. I don't know if they are saved but I pray for their salvation and a mighty strengthening of their faith. May they find comfort in you. May their pain and lonliness disappear. I pray for them to find peace. In Jesus' name, Amen.
*Pictures to come.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Answering the Holy Spirit
Please keep him in your prayers. His name is Mark Smith.
Friday, September 24, 2010
Ephesians
Living as Children of Light
Ephesians 4:17-32
So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more.
You, however, did not come to know Christ that way. Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. "In your anger do not sin:" Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
"Ephesians 4 (New International Version)." Biblegateway.com. 24 September 2010. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+4&version=NIV.
The Armor of God
Ephesians 6:10-18
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
"Ephesians 6 (New International Version)." Biblegateway.com. 24 September 2010. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+6&version=NIV.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Nanny is in TOWN!
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Happy Birthday!
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Happy 25th Anniversary to My PARENTS :)
I love you Mom & Dad!
Monday, September 20, 2010
Happy Birthday!

Sunday, September 19, 2010
Tacha is Coming to Town!

7 Things You Should Always Buy Generic
1. Pain relievers and other over-the-counter medications
Acetaminophen — the active ingredient in Tylenol — is available in many generic products. Note that the generics aren't similar: they're identical. Why would you ever pay more for an identical product? This also applies to everything from cold medicine to eye drops — virtually every over-the-counter medication. The labels are right there — read them.
Name-Brand Acetaminophen: $10.99
Store-Brand Acetaminophen: $6.99
Difference: $4.00 (57 percent)
2. Water
Although I should certainly be used to it by now, I can't get over the fact that people go to the store to buy something in a bottle that they could be getting nearly free in their kitchen sink. But even if you can convince me that bottled water is worth the money, you'll have a heck of time convincing me that the gallon jug from Crystal Springs is noticeably better than the one from Publix. And if you're really concerned about water quality and/or taste — why aren't you buying a filter and making your own bottled water? I just don't get this entire concept.
Name-Brand Water: $1.25
Store-Brand Water: $.85
Difference: $.40 (48 percent)
3. Milk
I'm sure there are connoisseurs of moo-juice that could distinguish name-brand milk from store-brand — but I'm not quite sure how they'd do it. Bouquet? Finish? Sounds like a bunch of bull to me.
Name-Brand Milk: $5.45
Store-Brand Milk: $3.39
Difference: $2.06 (60 percent)
4. Margarine
It's already a substitute for butter. Is it really going to negatively impact your quality of life to substitute the substitute?
Name-Brand Margarine: $1.79
Store-Brand Margarine: $1.19
Difference: $.60 (50%)
5. Bleach
You're taking a cup of chlorine and adding it to gallons of water in your washing machine. How could any TV commercial possibly convince you that a brand name will make your clothes come out better?
Name-Brand Bleach: $2.25
Store-Brand Bleach: $1.67
Difference: $.58 (35 percent)
6. Cleaning Products
Many — if not most — cleaning products are already overpriced substitutes for stuff you already have around the house. Two of the most popular news stories we've ever done were Household Products Vinegar Can Replace and Do-It-Yourself Laundry Detergent. But let's assume that you have a fetish for spray bottles and insist on buying ready-to-use cleaning products: is the name brand getting your counter that much cleaner?
Name-Brand Cleaner with Bleach: $3.29
Store-Brand Cleaner with Bleach: $2.39
Difference: $.90 (38 percent)
7. Spices
Think your job is hard? Imagine if your career entailed convincing the public that your company's salt — the most basic of ingredients — was better than some other company's salt. The whole idea is preposterous. And yet, there they sit, side by side, with nothing but their labels and their prices to set them apart. And where spices are concerned, that's just the beginning — can you tell your oregano from mine?
Name-Brand Oregano: $5.48/oz.
Store-Brand Oregano: $1.24/oz.
Difference: $4.24 (342 percent)
I'm going to stop this exercise here. Not because I couldn't go on — I could turn this into a book — but those are all the specific prices that I wrote down while we were shooting the above story. There are literally hundreds — if not thousands — of examples of people routinely swapping hard-earned cash for something virtually worthless: a name brand. It happens in the grocery store, it happens in the clothing store and it happens at the car dealer. It happens everywhere.
Am I saying that name-brands are never worth the money? Of course not. I can tell the difference between Dunkin Donuts coffee and store-brand — that's why I pay extra for it. But I certainly can't tell the difference between brands of oregano, bleach, orange juice, bananas, cheese, spaghetti, flour, sugar and a plethora of other products.
Paying extra for name brands that don't offer higher quality in return is nothing less than stupid. If you can use that money to instead build a $342,000 nest-egg, you absolutely should. Even if you don't need the money, maybe you should still refuse to do what the commercials tell you and donate the difference to charity. In either case, the world ends up a better place.
Johnson, Stacy. "7 Things You Should Always Buy Generic." MoneyTalksNews. 11 September 2010. Yahoo! Web. 19 September 2010.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
September 15
Your hands shaped me and made me. Job 10:8 (NIV)
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Today is Billy's 26th birthday!
We took Billy out to eat at his favorite Tex-Mex Restaurant, Jalepeno Tree!
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
September 7
Friday, September 3, 2010
Today is my best friend Kristen's 26th birthday!
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
God Says You Are Capable
You have a right now to go directly to God; you have direct access. You don't have to pray through anybody else. You don't have to confess through anybody else. You don't have to go through anyone else to have fellowship with God. The Bible teaches that you have a direct line now.
In addition, God says you have been gifted for ministry to serve other people. Every Christian is a minister. That doesn’t mean every Christian is a pastor, rather minister. Anytime you're using your talents and gifts to help others you're ministering.
Notice the Bible verse above says, “He saved us for His holy work.” You are saved to serve. Why did God save you? So you could serve Him.
You may be thinking, “How do I know what my ministry is?” You look at your talents, your gifts, and your abilities. You look at how God shaped you. God wants you to use those talents and gifts to help other people. Every time you do that, that's called ministry: nothing fancy, scary or supernatural about it. It's just helping others.
Can you minister in a sales office? Yes, you can. Can you minister as an accountant? Yes, you can. Can you minister driving a truck? Sure! Anytime you're helping other people in His name, you're ministering.
In fact, God says you're necessary in the church. You're a necessary part of this family. Look at it this way, if I don't use my talents -- you get cheated. If you don't use your talents – I get cheated. Everybody else in the congregation gets cheated.
We're all important; we're all necessary to do our part as we fit together.Warren, Rick. "God Says You Are Capable." Purpose Driven Connection. 1 September 2010.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Today is My Birthday!
Tacha surprised me and flew in for my birthday with was the best birthday gift and surprise ever! I started crying! Last night, I had some friends over and we grilled out. We had hotdogs, bratwursts, corn casserole, potato casserole, baked beans, pita chips and hummus, and cupcakes that my friend Nadiyah made!
Sunday, August 15, 2010
MADD Adult VIP
August 15, 2010
My friend Kelly and her husband felt God calling them to be missionaries and start a pastoral strengthening ministry in Costa Rica about a year ago. They plan to leave next Monday. She has been wanting me to check her church out for months so we finally did. She has also been my massage therapist for 3+ years. I'm going to miss her! Please keep her, her husband Steve, and their ministry in your prayers.
I also found out that the pastor of my church is transferring to another church. So we are most likely going to start looking for a new church close to home. Any suggestions?
Saturday, August 14, 2010
God's Wrath Against Mankind
Romans 1:18-32
18The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, 19since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. 20For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. 21For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools 23and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles.
24Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. 25They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen.
26Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts . . .
28Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done. 29They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, 30slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; 31they are senseless, faithless, heartless, ruthless. 32Although they know God's righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
God made you for a specific ministry
God formed every creature on this planet with a special area of expertise. Some animals run, some hop, some swim, some burrow, and some fly. Each has a particular role to play based on the way they were shaped by God. The same is true with humans. Each of us is uniquely designed, or "shaped," to do certain things.
Before architects design any new building they first ask, "What will be its purpose? How will it be used?" The intended function always determines the form of the building.
Before God created you, he decided what role he wanted you to play on earth. He planned exactly how he wanted you to serve him, and then he shaped you for those tasks. You are the way you are because you were made for a specific ministry.
The Bible says, "We are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works" (Ephesians 2:10 NIV). Our English word "poem" comes from this Greek word translated "workmanship." You're God's handcrafted work of art. You're not an assembly-line product, mass-produced without thought. You're a custom designed, one-of-a-kind, original masterpiece.
God deliberately shaped and formed you to serve him in a way that makes your ministry unique. He carefully mixed the DNA recipe that created you. David praised God for this incredible personal attention to detail God gave in designing each of us: "You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother's womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous" (Psalm 139:13-14 NLT).
Not only did God shape you before your birth, he planned every day of your life to support his shaping process. David continues, "Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed" (Psalm 139:16 NLT).
This means nothing that happens in your life is insignificant. God uses all of it to mold you for your ministry to others and shape you for your service to him.
God never wastes anything. He would not give you abilities, interests, talents, gifts, personality, and life experiences unless he intended to use them for his glory.
Warren, Rick. "God made you for a specific ministry." Daily Hope. Purpose Driven Connection, 19 July 2010. Web. 24 July 2010.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Mom's Birthday!
Today is my Mom's 51st Birthday! Happy Birthday Mom! Thank you for all you do for me. Thank you for being there for me when no one else is! I love you!Friday, July 16, 2010
Dad's Birthday!
Today is my Dad's 51st Birthday! Yay! Happy Birthday Dad! I love you! Thanks for being such an awesome provider and loving father!My parents recently bought a used travel trailer to camp in occassionally and for my Dad to take to his deer lease in the Winter months. This weekend, they camped at a park on Lake Lavon. Tacha and I went up there today. Dad opened his cards and gifts. We bought Dad a polo shirt, sunglasses, and a Walmart giftcard. Then, we played Yahtzee! I haven't played that game in a long time! It was fun. Dad won ... and we didn't even let him!
Billy came with me and Tacha the next day to Lake Lavon. We had an interesting day...


Saturday, July 10, 2010
Drivers Could See Stricter DWI Laws In Texas: Texas leads the nation in the number of alcohol-related deaths.
DALLAS, TX - In an instant, Tonya Winchester's life changed when she handed her keys to a drunk driver, who ran a red light and collided with a semi-truck.
"It was just devastating. I woke up and couldn't walk," the McKinney woman, said.
Winchester was 17 and a new high school graduate when she was paralyzed from the chest down. The anti-drunk driving advocate wonders why Texas isn't doing more to get drunks off the road."
I feel like it should have already happened. I just don't understand what lawmakers are waiting on?"
But, there is renewed optimism that the wait could be over for advocates who have pushed for stricter laws against drunk driving. This week anti-drunk driving officials urged lawmakers to approve ignition interlock devices for first-time offenders. About 12 states already use the bold tactic to punish offenders.
Advocates are also calling on the legislature to approve sobriety checkpoints, which officials say have proven effective in 39 states. Some fear the checkpoints infringe on law-abiding drivers."
What those studies show is that with sobriety checkpoints there is a 20 percent decline in deaths. In Texas, that would be about 200 people every year," Bill Lewis, with Mothers Against Drunk Driving, said.
Lewis testified at hearings in Austin this week. It is the first time in more than a decade the lawmakers have held committee hearings mid-session. He says the measures to reduce drunk driving are clear cut, if lawmakers will act."
We don't have to guess at this like this is a hunch. We do know what stops drunk driving."
As for Winchester, the 25-year old shares her story with anyone who will listen, hoping to change hearts and minds. This time, she hopes lawmakers in Austin are listening."
We do need change to stop this tragedy," Winchester said.
Tongish, Dawn. "Drivers Could See Stricter DWI Laws In Texas." The 33 News. 9 July 2010. Web. 10 July 2010. http://www.the33tv.com/news/kdaf-drunk-driving-proposals-texas-story,0,6101190.story.
Click link to watch a video of the broadcasting.