YES on 1!

18 years…

It’s been 18 years (nearly to the day) since I walked into that clinic. Not many days go by that I don’t think about what I did… that I don’t think about what she would have looked like. Would she have my hair, my dimples, my freckles. She has a name. Cynthia. And I ended her life.

Why?

Because it wasn't convenient for me at the time. It was going to ruin the rest of my life ahead of me. Because the father and I weren't even together. He left me for another girl. What would I do with a baby, in college? I mean I had a full scholarship. I couldn't lose that. I had too much ahead of me in life to have this baby interfere with that. I wouldn't be able to provide for this baby. I wasn't going to put the responsibility on my parents either. I mean they were pastors for goodness sake. What would the church think of them. Of me? I was a pastor’s kid. The shame would be unbearable. Abortion was the only option. That’s what I told myself.

$250 dollars. That’s all it took. No questions asked. No counseling provided. No one to tell me what effects this would have on my physical body. No one told me that I would be at higher risk of breast cancer, infertility, depression or suicide. And I have certainly suffered from the last two. And there was absolutely no counseling offered to me of what affects mentally and emotionally it would have on me. Just a piece of paper given to me to explain what the procedure would do. And a piece of paper of after-care procedures to take home with me. And it was done. I can still recall the cold room and table. And the sound. I will never forget the sound. I will never forget her.

I was 18 years old then. I lost my college scholarship, fell into promiscuity, I walked away from God for many years, I suffered with the depression, occasional thoughts of suicide and physical female issues to which I attribute to my abortion. 18 years have passed …. And EVERYDAY I regret my decision. She had a voice and I silenced it. I didn't give her the opportunity to live. I've had years of torment inside of me. I've been through counseling, classes and MUCH prayer. I know I’m forgiven. Some days are still harder than others. I am redeemed. He has set me free. And I am here today only by and through His grace!

So why today? Why am I choosing to share my story with you today?

Because on tomorrow, Nov. 4^th, you have an opportunity to have your voice heard. Amendment 1 will provide our state a chance to be neutral on the issue of abortion. It doesn't take away a woman’s right. This amendment will actually allow women to BE INFORMED. Right now, in the state of TN, abortion clinics are not required to be licensed. They are not inspected and have no regulations placed on them. But you better believe that if you go to a tattoo parlor, a nail salon or even a Vet clinic they are regulated by the state and are full inspected. Why would we as a state WANT our women to go into a clinic that is not required to be inspected and regulated? How is that FOR the women of TN? How is that safe for the women of TN?

Please do your own research voters. Be informed! Don’t be deceived by the No on 1 ads. This won’t overturn the right for women to have an abortion, but it will require them to be fully informed. It will give the voters of TN the right to decide what they want. I’m pleading with you, VOTE YES ON 1!

Some other great articles/blogs to read:

• http://sheilaharperblog.com/
• http://bound4life.com/blog/2014/10/31/stop-hiding-the-truth-brent-boles-amendment-1-tn/
• http://www.yeson1tn.org/

#Yeson1

#WearTOMS

So, I absolutely LOVE the TOMS shoes. Not only because they are adorable and super comfy... but because they are a shoe with purpose! Surely you've heard of them, right? If not, check this out here, www.toms.com.  And check out my beloved Pinterest Board of TOMS here, http://pinterest.com/sonya_wiley/weartoms/.


These, by far, are my favoritest ones. Yea! GO VOLS!!

Right now, they (TOMS) are partnering with another great organization, Autism United www.autismunited.org. Here are some details about this offer to win a FREE pair. Good luck! 

Would you like to WIN a pair of TOMS shoes?? Here's your chance!

Starting on September 5, Madame Deals Media is launching a fun Pin It To Win It contest called #WearTOMS on Pinterest! We're looking to increase Autism awareness through Autism United.

What can you WIN?

6 winners that enter this contest will win a pair of TOMS. You could WIN the shoes you choose! Winner can pick out any TOMS shoe from the fall collection.

We're looking for where TOMS can take you and how you can spread autism awareness. What does that look like to you? Pin it on your Pinterest board and show us! Let your creativity flow.
How to Enter:

1. Follow Autism United on Pinterest

2. Create a new board on Pinterest and name it #WearTOMS. Add a description of the inspiration for your board.

3. Re-pin as many TOMS shoe styles as you want on your new board (Re-pin from the Autism United Pinterest site and add whatever else you'd like to show how you #wearTOMS and could spread Autism Awareness.

4. When your board is complete, submit your link here as a form of entry. Submissions must be received no later than 9/23, 11:59 pm EST.

(If you are not familiar with Pinterest, you can find visual instructions here).

We'd love for you to also follow our sponsor, Autism United on Google+ for more great information.

Here's how the winners will be determined - We will have 6 winners. 3 bloggers and 3 readers from these categories:

1. Most creative board - pair of Toms

2. Most re-pins of their board - pair of Toms

3. Best board that incorporates Autism Awareness

About the Sponsor

Autism United, while trying to bring awareness to the world about Autism, has created a shop where you can find resources at a discounted rate by using a coupon.  These offers are usually special offers provided to Autism United to share with its readers.

One of their featured merchants in the Autism United shop is TOMS. The well known company, founded by Blake MyCoskie, allows them to work together to help each other grow. TOMS is an amazing company and is built on a one for one model that has put over 1 million pairs of shoes on children in need. So whether your looking for a TOMS Shoes sale or just shopping for shoes check for a TOMS Promo Code in their shop!

Boards will be judged based on uniqueness, creativity, and adherence to the contest guidelines. You can submit as many boards as you'd like. Winners will be selected and notified via email by 9/26. This promotion is open to US residents only. If you'd like more information, please see official contest and giveaway guidelines.

 

Happy Mother's Day!

Some days I miss my mother, Lanakila.  Here's a photo of her. Wasn't she beautiful? :)  I regret not knowing 

her better.  I wish I would have asked more questions... talked to her more... learned more about my Hawaiian roots.  I wish I were close to her siblings.  I am definitely looking forward to seeing her again in Heaven!  What a glorious day it will be to see my Savior, Jesus, and all of my loved ones that have gone on before us.  I hope I get the chance to talk with her more about our family.

I am certainly grateful and thankful that God sent me my sister/mom, Loni Dobbins.  She raised my sister & I even when she didn't birth us and didn't have to.  She's loves us unconditionally, she's sacrificed so much for us... for her family.  She's my rock, she's my mom, she's my best friend!  I'm so grateful to have her!  I love her more than words can say.  I couldn't have asked for a better mom and home to grow up in. She and my dad taught me to love as Christ loved. They built my foundation of faith.  And for that alone, I could never thank them enough!

I'm also blessed to be the Mommy to 4 beautiful children.  Taylor (15), Kiara (12), Bella (5) and Alyssa (3).  I am honored that God saw me fit to raise these beauties!  I love them with all my heart.  I pray that they will always know how much my heart beats for them.  

So ready for VACATION

Vacation Countdown Clock Generator


Our family vacation cannot get here sooner! I am so ready to hit the beach for a week and do ABSOLUTELY nothing! Lol! 


Yes, I know I have 4 kids. Yes, I know it's  Memorial Day week when we will be there & it's probably going to be crazy packed. Yes, I know the kids are going to want to do this and do that. But I promise you this... I WILL REST! Daggummit.


Last year we went to Disney World. See... here we are. Aren't we a beautiful family?! Yes, I know.  (p.s. I do adore our shirts. Bought the iron on transfers from Esty - however, I would totally recommend the embroidered versions instead. Our shirts didn't hold up well after the first wash.)

And while Disney World was a great trip and we made TONS of memories (especially being with PawPaw! Gah- I miss him terribly!)... I DO NOT want a busy vacation this year.  I felt like I needed a vacation from our vacation when we got back from Disney. Whew! I have informed my husband, my sister & parents - who are also going to Daytona with us this year - that I do not want any agenda for our vacation. I want to go and be as lazy as possible. Haha! 


Between church/ministry, work, home life, kids, kids sports, pets, etc. - this Mama is tired and deserves a break!


So watch out Daytona Beach... Mama's coming to town... to rest. Ha! Therefore you probably need not watch out... just make sure there's a spot on the beach for me... and plenty of sun... and no sand fleas. Thank you. That is all.

<3 Sonya 

I Can’t Think Straight!

Seriously, some days... okay, who am I kidding EVERY DAY I feel like this... I can't think straight! Today is really one of those days. I received an email devotion from Proverbs 31 Ministries today that spoke right to me! Thank you Lord. :)  Read about it HERE. Enjoy!

<3 Sonya

We made it passed the Seven Year Itch! {fist pump}

Today Chris and I celebrate 7 years of marriage! :) I believe that Chris and I have a good healthy marriage. Don't get me wrong, it definitely has had it's ups and downs just like any other marriage.  But I believe the #1 reason our marriage stays strong and healthy is our relationship with & love for Jesus Christ.  We may not always say the right thing to each other, do the right things, make the right decisions... but at the center of our love for each other is our love for God.  I can honestly say that God is what holds this marriage together. 
I was blessed to meet Chris "again" for the first time in October of 2004. It's funny, our families actually grew up together. In fact, his Dad & brothers were great friends with my Dad & his brothers.  Chris' grandpa would bring him to my Dad's church when he was younger. I remember making fun of him because he never spoke to anyone. We also went to the same high school, but we never spoke to each other. He was a Freshman and I was a Senior.  Seriously? Why would I talk to him, right? Lol!!  It's funny how God has our life in his hands and he molds it for us, even when we can't see it? 
Without giving all the details, our paths were brought together by very broken roads. Chris' first wife passed away from Leukemia and I had a failed marriage with my 1st daughter's father. When Chris & I were "brought together" we never would have dreamed that we would change the way we looked at each other and quickly fall in love.
I'm so thankful that I have a strong man of God to walk with me in this life. Chris prays for and lifts our family up to God everyday. He helps me when I'm weak. He tells me I'm beautiful when I'm feeling no where near that. He is an amazing father to our kids. He puts me and our family before himself. He really does complete me. 


I may not know it all, have never claimed to. But this it what works for us. Being believers in Christ, Chris & I believe & live by this order for our life, for our family. 
#1 - God. He HAS to be the center of life! If you love God with all of your heart, have a real relationship with Him, he will lead you & keep you. Relationships don't come from visiting church every now and then... or even being faithful to every Sunday & Wednesday service. A real relationship with God takes time and effort. Spend time in his Word. Know him. Love him. 
#2 - Your spouse. Only comes 2nd to Christ. Love your spouse. Honor your spouse. Respect your spouse. Encourage & lift them up in prayer daily. Tell them everyday in words and in your actions just how much they mean to you. Don't neglect the little things that made you first fall in love with them. Do not allow any form of temptation come between you and your relationship with your spouse. This includes your job, the success of your job, ministry, friends... not even your kids! Yes, you LOVE your kids, but they do not come before your spouse.
#3 - Family.  I love my kids. I do. So much some times that it hurts. I hurt when they hurt, I'm happy when they are happy. I support & participate in the things that interest them. My children light up my life. I try to tell my kids multiple times a day how much I love them so they will never forget! Family also includes your mom, dad, sister, brother, cousin, and so on. Love the family that God has given you. Whether born into and blessed into, LOVE your family. 
#4 - Ministry. Growing up a PK (preacher's kid) sometimes you grow hard-hearted towards ministry. You think the ministry means more to your parents than you do. Ministry is what we as believers are all called to do. The Bible tells us that we are to go into all of the nations and preach the gospel. It is definitely an important piece of the puzzle to winning lost souls to the kingdom of God. While doing the ministry though, we cannot forsake the first 3 steps above. Ministry is apart of Chris, it's a part of me. But, it does not and cannot overcome us. 
And that's it... everything else after #4 can fall into line how ever they come. Love God, Love your spouse, Love your family, and Love the ministry that God has placed you in.


I love you CHRISTOPHER WILEY. I am so thankful to have you and honored to be your wife of seven years and MANY more to come!
<3 Sonya

 

Fight Like A Girl

So... here I am again...   I. HATE. CANCER.


Kiara (my oldest daughter) came home a couple of days ago talking about a little girl she knows from school that has cancer, Mary Keith.  Kiara talked about how all of her friends are doing different things to help raise awareness for their friend.  Today, practically everyone in the school wore shorts with crazy knee socks and sneakers because that was one of Mary's favorite outfits to wear.  And also today the  White House Dixie Youth/USFA Baseball and Softball and Doug's BP Gas Station in White House, TN began selling shirts donated by Think Ink.  

The shirts are only $10 and all proceeds will go to Mary and her family.  While I don't know this family personally, I have so proud of our community for coming together for this family.  I hear that News Channel 5 will be interviewing her on tomorrow and that News Channel 2 will be at the WH City Park for the Opening Night Parade.  Everyone will be there wearing their shirts in honor of Mary. :) 
Continuing to lift Mary and her family up to the Father. I know that he is the only one we can turn to.


(Read here for another article on Mary's story)


I also saw a post today from a friend who's grandfather was told today that he has cancer and that it is terminal.  So sad to hear. Praying for that family! 


Cancer is awful.  I pray that one day VERY soon they will find a cure for this horrible disease that seems to have no mercy on anyone.  I am praying for these 2 and many others who are in the fight of their life to beat this STUPID disease called cancer.


The pain of my father in law's death and loss to cancer is still very fresh in my mind.  I think about him often throughout the day.  He wasn't perfect (none of us are) but he LOVED his family and he knew how to show it.  And I see so much of him in my husband.  I continue to pray for God's peace and comfort for my husband, my mother in law and our whole family.  Father, I pray that you wrap us in your arms. AMEN!

The day after

We buried my father in law yesterday.  Seemed so surreal.  Couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day though.  Everything was just as he wanted it. 


I woke up this morning hoping that the last few days we just walked through were all just a dream... then reality hit me.  Time to get up and try to get back to some kind of normal routine... for my kids' sake.  


My heart still aches.  I miss my father in law tremendously.  I hurt... for my husband, my kids, for my mother in law, my sisters in law, Grandma and all of our family and friends that were so close to him.  While I am thankful that Larry is no longer hurting, not in any pain any longer... I still wish he were here with us. 


I am SO thankful to our wonderful family and friends that have been pitching in and helping us over the last few weeks.  My sister, Maryann, for watching my babies several times for us, just so that we could have a break.  Feeding them and taking them places.  She was a lifesaver! :)  My mom & dad, who called or texted me pretty much daily to lift me up and just check on me!  I love them!!  For coordinating food for the family and also helping with the kids.  They are my rocks!  Always there for me!  For my pastors, Todd & Rachel, and our church family for being there for us. For bringing food to our family and checking up on us daily.  We are so blessed to have them as our pastors & friends.  Emily, for skipping school for us to watch my girls. ;) I love you girl. Thanks for always being available to look after them.  And there are so many others!  THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts.  Your kind words, your prayers, the wonderful food you prepared for us or went and picked up for us at the last minute -Aunt Kellye ;)... will never be in vain!  Our father above sees the love you shared and your reward will be great.  Thank you Thank you Thank you!!!


Gotta get my Wife & Mommy cap on and get this crazy messy house in order.  Seems like it hasn't been touched in over 3 weeks.  Oh, and some groceries.  Gotta go get some groceries.  Don't remember the last time I let us run out of milk.  Lol!  I did manage to get some laundry washed... washed, not put up.  Lol!  Currently my couch is housing our clean laundry. And that's ok, for now! At least it's clean.  


Praying for the next days, months and years that the emotions of not having our "PawPaw" come back around.  Praying for God's continued strength.