News from the Nest - January 2024
News from the Nest - January 2024
Hear from Toni, Robbie, and the Eagles Nest Staff
As I've thought about today I wanted to take some time to write you, friend, and share the gratitude that has made my heart full.
In Lamentations 3:22 it says, "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end." And this verse is whispering to my heart in such a sweet way today.
This morning (Saturday, January 20th) we had another Eagles Nest graduation. We had four men graduate their program and two additional men graduate from Servant Leadership Training. Graduations, as a whole, have always been so good for our hearts. Back at Dunklin all those years ago, Brother Mickey Evans and Hugh Murrow would always refer to them as 'pay day' and honestly, Robbie and I feel exactly the same way. To watch the transformation of a man culminate to the day he graduates is such a special thing to witness. They smile and they laugh and sometimes they even cry but they are always, always so grateful. This kind of gratitude will absolutely change lives if they will let it!
But that wasn't all! Today we also saw two women graduate from The Well! It is the very first graduation since The Well opened its doors on May 3, 2023. Oh my goodness, talk about laughing and crying! These two women shared their stories of where God brought them from and where they are hoping to go and it was beautiful. They could not get over how God redeemed them and restored their lives. Again, the transformation would grab your heart. Seeing these girls during their first days and then being with them today... well, they are completely different women! And the gratitude they felt will also change their lives if they will let it!
As I've sat and considered this incredibly sweet graduation, I was thinking just how full my heart is! Then I also remembered that tomorrow, January 21st, Robbie and I will celebrate our 29th wedding anniversary. How in the world can that be? We have had such an amazing life together and Jesus has watched over every single detail. He has given us two amazing children. These two have both married and brought two more amazing people into our family. Then Hannah and Zach blessed us with a beautiful granddaughter in June of '22 and Shiloh just lights up the room. And as I type Hannah is busy growing Baby Boy Nalls and he will join our family in June. I'm sure Shiloh won't mind sharing her birth month! I sure do hope I can teach them about a gratitude that will change their lives if they let it.
So seriously, when I say that today my heart is full, I really mean it. I love Jesus and I have had a front row seat watching Him do what He does best! He's a redeemer, a restorer and a faithful friend. I cannot imagine a life without Him. I pray today that you, too, feel gratitude and know that your heavenly Father adores you. Gratitude can also change your life, if you'll let it. One Thanksgiving day about 10 years ago God spoke to me (literally as I was climbing out of bed) and He said; "Toni, I am who I say I am. I will do what I say I will do. I am a promise keeper." He has proven that to me over and over again.
We are sending many prayers your way and we are so grateful for you and your friendship,
Toni, Robbie and the Eagles Nest Staff
Quotes For Your Journey
“When we focus on our gratitude, the tide of disappointment goes out and the tide of love rushes in.”
“Appreciation is a wonderful thing. It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well.”
"When I started counting my blessings, my whole life turned around." Willie Nelson
“He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has.”
“The heart that gives thanks is a happy one, for we cannot feel thankful and unhappy at the same time.”
“Piglet noticed that even though he had a Very Small Heart, it could hold a rather large amount of Gratitude.” A.A. Milne