tondalainspires Videos

I'm thankful to be back at swimming lessons with my faithful and outstanding coach - Coach V. Grown Women Swim is really helping me to overcome my swimming fears. Coach V often tells us, "the water is your friend." Today, I began to learn how to freestyle. #tondalainspires #pastorlearning2swim #never2old2learn #believenu #ucandoit

And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Phillipians 4:19 Why now is the question people ask regarding my swim journey. I am the second person swimming in the video. Here's my response: First, I have always had a desire to swim, but my mom feared that I would drown. That fear was relevant until I decided to face it after visiting someone in the hospital. Cathy was excited about going home. The family and I were thankful that she was eating and looking forward to embarking upon her healing journey. At the hospital, Cathy and I discussed fears. I told her about my swimming fears, and she told me about her fears of not getting better. Both of us agreed to face our fears. My beloved Cathy died months later. I cried. I thought we would encourage each other on our journey. To keep my promise to Cathy, myself, and God, I embarked upon a learning to swim journey. When I left the hospital from visiting Cathy, I said, "I'm doing this, Cathy! I'm going to learn how to swim. Lord, I will need your help because I'm soooo scared. But, I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." My eyes became teary as I left the parking garage. The scripture reminds us that God will supply all of our needs. What need do you want God to supply for you? Ask and you will receive. But the question is: Are you willing to do the tedious work for your request to be answered? Your why now might need to change to why not. #tondalainspires #ucandoit #believenu #grownwomenswim #never2old2learn

Pslam 34:4 I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. As you know, learning to swim has been a journey. Today, I am reflecting on the time it took to learn to front float. It wasn't a one-time lesson. Why not?? I was afraid to lie facedown in the water; therefore, I couldn't relax to float. Yes, I kept repeating Phillipians 4:13, but it still took me about 6 lessons to front float independently. I almost cried several times because I felt like a failure. As I reminisce, I realize each time I went to lessons was progress. Being consistent about facing your fears is the first step. Scripture and prayers help me to be present for lessons. It took a while to float, but I didn't give up. When we pray, our desires and needs may not be met instantly. However, we have to keep showing up. Your prayers will be answered because of presence, faith, determination, and trust. At times, God might reveal another way for you to accomplish your goal. For example, I needed a longer class time and supportive swim group. God sent my cousin to remind me about Grown Women Swim. Yes, God sends messengers to help us. The scripture is from Psalm 34. David wrote it after he was released from captivity. He begins the Psalm with - I will bless the Lord at all times. His praise will continually be in my mouth. David trusted God at all times - even when he was fearful. You see, being in fearful situations don't mean your heart won't beat faster, and your breaths won't get rapid. But I can tell you that the more you acknowledge your fears and talk through them with yourself, others, through research and with God, you will have a better chance at excelling at your FAITH over FEAR journey. Question to ponder: Who will you invite on your FAITH over FEAR journey? #tondalainspires #believenu #ucandoit #never2old2learn #grownwomenswim