Where have I been????

Yes, missing in action would be one way to put it. I chose to be away from the computer as much as possible over the summer and absolutely loved it. I've spent a lot of time at the pool, reading, crocheting and just enjoying life. My daily bible reading (reading the bible in a year) I am still really enjoy it. I must say I am so proud of myself for sticking to it. I guess I have let life get in the way in the past and I am making it a priority. It is amazing how much you can learn when you read through it all.

I have recently acquired a new job during the day which I was ecstatic about. I have been working evenings for ten years mostly to allow myself to be home for my girls. Now that the youngest is in middle school I have been wanting to get back to no more working weekends and holidays. I was hired right on the spot at a home health care business as a scheduler. The job is wonderful and the owner is an absolute wonderful christian woman. It was a true blessing from God to get this job. A friend from work heard about the job and gave me the number to call. I have in the mean time been prayerfully asking God to provide me a way to be home more for my family. To build my resume back up I started working a temp job. I went on an interview a friend told me about previously mentioned and within 10 minutes I was hired. Couldn't believe it!!! The owner was even laughing and shaking her head she never hires anyone that quickly. I must say God is the answer to prayer and he works in his own way. Over 500 people applied for this job previous to my coming in to interview. That, my friends is a powerful God. So I have been working both jobs just for now just to help pay off bills quicker and have extra for Christmas.
I am so happy, and so is my family. I pray I can stop by more and say hello and provide a nugget of Godly moments more often.

Going from 25 hrs a week working to about 52 hours is quite a difference. I am learning to juggle laundry, grocery shopping and housework so my computer time is down to nil. I pray your lives have felt the blessings of our mighty God.

Blessings to all, Angie

Word Filled Wednesday Proverbs 31:26

Word filled Wednesday is here again, this time I picked a verse that speaks volumes to me as a woman. Women are known for their gift of gab. Yeah, I love to chat. I am learning to listen more too, and I pray I am getting better at that. My words can bring good or harm, wisdom or foolishness, encouragement or destruction and the list goes on.

There is one thing that I am so grateful to God for and that is his word. Through reading his word I am armed with his wisdom. I was at work the other day and a coworker was telling me about what her frustrations were regarding her soon to be fiance. I got all giddy inside as I listened to her and was able to unfold the words written in my heart the Lord has given me. It is amazing to see the light bulb in her eyes with me sharing my weekness in the same area and how my sin was revealed and now I have a different mindset with God's word written on my heart about it.

I got to share my weekness in sin in the same area and how through God's strength I can change it. I revealed how that sin looks in God's eyes. But all this wasn't done with finger pointing, it was done in a quiet, gentle and faithful way with God using his wisdom and putting them on my tongue. She later approached me and said she learned so much from me. I was so honored that God used me in that moment.

Now if I could just slow down enough in every circumstance to apply this to my life with my daughters, husband, siblings, etc. Not that I don't mind you, but in those trying moments when you feel the heat rising in your raw emotions. That moment is when I need to recite the verse the most. I pray God can use me more for his vessel for his glory and his infinite wisdom!

I pray you find this verse written in your heart forever more.
Blessings, Angie

Completing him Summer Challenge hosted by Women Living Well

I am a firm believer in doing all you can to improve your marriage. In fact, since my studying the Word more intimately and spending time with God, I must say it has transformed me on a daily basis. I want to honor God in every aspect of my life and marriage along with being a mother, friend, employee, coworker, etc. My marriage is important to be and I want to glorify and serve my heavenly father through the wife I am to my husband.

I am a huge fan of Women Living Well Blog. Here you will find a summer long "Completing him Challenge June 7 - August 9. Here is a video that tells more about it~




Let's see what awesome changes we can make with ourselves with God's help that can transform our marriage!

Blessings, Angie

Proverbs 22-24

Today I read Proverbs 22-24. I am just amazed at how much information is in Proverbs. I need to get some flash cards and write some down that I have highlighted and underlined.

Yesterday I had found a verse that I could relate to a lot. It wasn't until today's reading that my "aha" moment came when I read in Proverbs 24 a verse that struck home.

Yesterdays verse:

Proverbs 20:22
Do not say, "I'll pay you back for this wrong!" Wait for the LORD, and he will deliver you.

Today's verse:

Proverbs 24:17
Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when he stumbles, do not let your heart rejoice,
or the LORD will see and disapprove and turn his wrath away from him.

I have fallen so guilty in the second verse. Here I think I am glorifying God by celebrating someone getting their due and in reality I am self gloating so to speak.

How often do we fall prey to this when someone has been fired from a job, or their hours cut from work? Do you feel this when a your child made the team and another hasn't? You could make the list longer with anything in your life.

How awful I must seem to God when I do this. Reading this truly changed my whole mind set and it convicted me on so many levels. Would I want someone to gloat and feel malicious pleasure in God taking care of my wrongs? Absolutely not. My heart has officially changed, it definitely wasn't in the right place in those circumstances. I don't want God disapproving of my actions and heart. I will rejoice in the Good that God does and thank him for being there, and not in my enemy's stumblings. There may be a day I may need that person for help, or they need mine.

So today I am grateful for God is his almighty wisdom that he shares with me. His words are the true bread of life, I surely need them every day. The One Year Chronological Bible journey has truly been a blessing in my life. May your day be filled with peace knowing God is always there!

Blessings, Angie

Word Filled Wednesday

The women at Internet Cafe Devotions has a great new way of sharing scripture through photos! Please stop over at their site if you would like to participate!

The scripture for this Wednesday is ~

Proverbs 27:19

As water reflects a face, so a man's heart reflects the man.

I talked a little about the heart a couple posts ago so this is so neat to be able to tie this together. God wants you to store wisdom, love and his words in our hearts. So let all those things that you store in your heart reflect out to the world to see! Glorify our Father showing who you are through him by reflecting what is inside your heart.

Do you want others to know who God is who may not know him well? Let them see through you in your actions and words who your loving Father is. Do I reflect God every day? Nope, not by my power for sure, but with God's help I surely can. I pray that if someone needs Jesus today, they can see him through me. I want to be his vessel and I pray that I die to self and submit to God so that I can reflect more of his ways than mine.

Look in the mirror... who do you see? Do you see yourself or do you see Jesus? I know I need to work on that one for sure! Thank you God I can rely on you to do more work on my heart and spirit, because everyday I certainly fall short doing it alone.

blessings, Angie

Proverbs 16-19

I have read Proverbs 16-19 today. In this past year I have reflected I have a marriage that I see is in great need of work, or should I say I need work. Communication is our down fall. I have no problem communicating, it is the way I communicate. I am an overall happy person, very optimistic, married to a glass half full man. I guess I get irritated when he doesn't see things my way ( ya'll can laugh here). So God has put strongly on my heart that he is in charge of changing and teaching my husband not me, and I need to concentrate how I react to circumstances. I didn't realize this before but I put higher standards on my family than I do myself. This is so painful to realize. Therefore I tend to nag. Ugh, I hate that word, it is not a part of my character. At least not the character trait I want to show blue ribbon prize in!

Proverbs 19:13
... and a quarrelsome wife is like a constant dripping.

Proverbs 17:14
Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.

Proverbs 18:2
A fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his own opinions.

Proverbs 18:13
He who answers before listening-that is his folly and his shame.

So this is how I look to my husband and my daughters at times when I think I am right all the time, when "I think" I know why he said or why he did... I feel so awful. I want to be the wife that supports, loves, understands and makes him a better man, not bring him down and point out his faults on a daily basis. And the same for my daughters as well. So here are some Proverbs that I am trying to be a more of a reflection of...

Proverbs 15:13
A happy heart makes the face cheerful....

Proverbs 15:30
A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones.

Proverbs 16:24
Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.

Proverbs 17: 27
A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is eventemptered.

Proverbs 31:11-12
Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.
She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.

I pray that God not only writes these on my heart but carves them with his strongest tool for this very hard clay pot! There are so many other verses out that that relate to the tongue and thoughts so feel free to share yours that are written on your heart in times of weakness!

Blessings, Angie

My nutrition from Proverbs 1-4

Something I found very interesting in these verses is the emphasis on the word heart. Now when we think of wisdom and understanding and commands we think of storing them in our~ head, that is where knowledge goes isn't it???? Well ladies, I learned that what we receive from God needs to be stored in your heart. Wow, what a concept!!!! Look at all these verses I found in Proverbs 1-4 that refer to the heart:

Proverbs 2:1-2
My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding...

Proverbs 2 9:-10
Then you will understand what is right and just and fair - every good path. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.

Proverbs 3: 1
My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart...
Proverbs 3:3
Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.

Proverbs 3:5 ( a favorite of many)
Trust in the Lord with all you heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

Proverbs 4:4
"Lay hold of my words with all your heart; keep my commands and you will live..."

Proverbs 4:20-21
My son, pay attention to what I say; listen closely to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart...

Proverbs 4:23 ( This kind of ties it all together)
Above all else, guard you heart, for it is the wellspring of life.

This truly got me thinking, if I am to store all these gifts from God in my heart, then surely I must guard my heart and make it precious and have no change of heart. You often hear the saying that people feel with their hearts, speak from their heart, wear their heart on their sleeve, pour their heart out, etc. I think these are positive attributes really. If I store wisdom, God's commands, understanding, God's word, love, faithfulness then I guess I would want to put them where others can see to be an example and bring Him glory. A true mark of being God's child. I feel great knowing that my heart has a lot of worth because God made it so!

Blessings to all, Angie

Good Morning Girls Group

I have started my second week of being a part of a group called the Good Morning Girls . It is an opportunity I am so excited about. I yearn for closer connections to other women of faith and having a daily Monday through Friday connection through email is just amazing.

In short it is a group of ladies that email each other about what they learned in their daily bible reading. Encouragement, prayers and learning from others has been the bountiful blessings I have received in just my first week. It is such a great idea for sure, we all need accountability and wisdom in the word and what better way to do it than with some other ladies.

My group is from all over the United States which is awesome. Do you have a bible study you meet with or an online bible study you take part in? I highly encourage you do to so! It is life changing and what I enjoy most about it is that you get more than your once a week fill up at church service. Fuel for the soul they say and I truly believe your soul needs fed just as much as your tummy! You can never over feed your soul. Who ever heard I need to go on a soul diet??? Does my soul make my butt look big???? ( sorry if this offends anyone) You know you've said it a time or two or thought it. (wink, wink)

I think I will start sharing my "Aha" moments from my scripture reading like I do with my Good Morning Girls group. What a better way to pound it in my head more, lol. Don't we all need that good swift kick once in awhile from the word? Amen to that!

Until next time,
blessings to all~ Angie

Why the Birds Sing when it Rains

After a couple days of rain, I watched a robin in its happy moment feeding on worm after worm. It got me thinking~ I often hear the birds sing more when it is raining. Now to us in our lives when it "rains" in our lives we grumble, stress out and worry if we can handle it all.

The birds know that with rain, worms come from the ground! A sure blessing for them. So I thought "Are they singing their praises to the Lord for the blessing they are about to receive?" What a concept!

Matthew 6:26
Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in
barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more
valuable than they?

The birds sing praises to God because they are thanking him for providing for them. So when it rains in your life you can know that God will provide all you need to get through what ever it is you need. You will find strength in the worms God gives you after the rain, it will surely feed your soul for sure. So remember to praise God during the storm in your life because you know God brings good out of even the worst of circumstances.

Blessings, Angie

My theme for my life is now....

I have never thought of having a theme for my life before. I was just here for the ride, but don't give me any surprises, I like to know what is going on at all times. ( Am I sounding familiar to anyone) Since being a part of iThrive , I have started to evaluate my life more and how I react to circumstances and how that not only changes the kind of life I live but the theme in which I chose to live at the time. It is kind of like a mission statement for your life.

On this journey through iChoose a question was asked what would my theme for my life be right now? Well let me tell you I came up with so many words that flashed before me. Not only am I trying to figure out my calling ( waiting for God's timing and voice to tell me), I am also trying to better my marriage and make it more Christ centered, be a mom that God wants me to be for my daughters, etc. etc..... I knew a written memorized paragraph for a theme was down right silly and much too cluttered for my mind. I needed to see the similarities with all my desires of my heart. After some thought, the word that floated down on my nose like a feather, I came up with SURRENDER.

Sitting here quietly, the word just so smoothly comes out of my mouth. I find peace in my spirit about the word SURRENDER. Isn't that what Jesus wants from all of us? To SURRENDER our burdens, wants, desires, hurts, pains, and allow our yoke to be taken by him? Let us look in Matthew~

Matthew 11:29-30

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I
am gentle and humble in
heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
For my yoke is easy and my
burden is light.

What I read here that I see so clearly now is that when I take the yoke of Jesus instead of my own, I feel a great weight lifted AND Jesus clearly says here to LEARN from him because he is gentle and humble in heart and through that learning I will find rest for my soul. I don't know about you but this is exactly what God's word does for me. I find rest, clarity and peace in my heart through the clutter of my life I couldn't see before I surrendered my yoke for Jesus'. My heart is so glad in this SURRENDER.

Will you take a chance and just reflect on your life with prayer? Give God everything you have and let him hand you a new yoke, his yoke, a yoke that you feel less burden and more rest. You can now walk through life uplifted instead of weighed down by your troubles, worries, fears and sins. I pray you can find a new sense of who God is in your life. Feel him close today by drawing nearer to him.

My surrender isn't easy and I still work on it every day because it is hard, but I know it will get easier because I chose to come to the Lord every day with this faint and sinful heart "work on me God, mold me, just like an iron smith".

I am so glad you stopped by today I pray your theme will come clear to you, and that your walk with God is something you look forward to everyday you awaken!

Blessings, Angie

Exciting FREE new journey from iBloom

I have been an iBloom Website fan for a few months now. I absolutely love their iBloom Radio program. They offer so much inspiration for your Christ centered life. I just recently won the drawing for a one year membership to their iThrive life coaching program. I absolutely love it!

iBloom now offers a completely free life changing 40 day journey called iChoose2. iChoose2 is a "40 day journey, you'll receive a daily email with your iChoose2 Statement for the day and a corresponding challenge. This is an opportunity for YOU to focus on yourself and become the woman you long to be." ~Founder Kelly Thorne. I encourage you to take this challenge and step out into faith and join this free oppertunity to see a glimpse what iBloom is all about. I promise you won't be dissapointed at all. Who doesn't want to improve their life?
On the side bar to the right are many different programs that iBloom offers for life coaching. I will share from time to time my journey through the iThrive program. I know my life is going to change. My life coach Betsy Ringer is incredible and has so much passion when working with women and helping them find thier life purpose and so much more. I look forward to the year ahead on my journey.

May your day be blessed!
Angie

Exemplify Online Magazine

If you are like me, you love to read, and there is nothing better to read that encouragement in your walk with God. The 1st online conference I attended through A Woman Inspired ( you can find the link to the right) was so wonderful. I was so motivated to draw deeper in my relationship with the Lord and it was incredible how those speakers spoke of many facets of your life that was so spiritually meaningful. I learned so much about understanding how to apply scripture in my daily life and uncovering the meaning and impact it can make.

It was through this online conference that the speaker Kristen Schiffman spoke about being a weary woman. If you visit her site Exemplify Online you will find a wealth of great articles that can be sent to you everyday. They create an online magazine once a month that is absolutely wonderful. The May issue just came out and you can find it HERE . You can read previous months as well. Exemplify Onlines' mission is "to encourage women to live lives to Glorify Christ" it can't get any better than that! She has also spoke more on weariness on AWI radio show that you can download available on the site as well and you can find them HERE . These are one of the many shows that I listen to on my ipod when I am multitasking around the house.

I encourage you today to visit this great site, put it in your favorites, maybe even sign up for the newsletter on articles that are life changing. The more resources in our lives that point us to the word of God, the better.

May your day be filled with encouragement, love and joy!
Blessings, Angie

The Benefits of Memorizing Scripture

Okay all, I have a BIG, HUGE, GIGANTICO (my silly made up word)confession~ my memory stinks. Just ask my hubby! He will spit out in the evening what he would like me to do for him the next day (bills, phone calls etc.) And do you think I can remember everything? NOPE, NADA, ZILCH! It is horrible because when he comes home, he asks did you yadda yadda and I say "Oh, I am so sorry, I FORGOT!" Let me tell you something, those words come out of my mouth so much. My girls even joke about me not remembering. Though I can remember every transgression against me~ another topic and another day.

It makes me think, do I prioritize my memory? Do I subconsciencly rate what I need to remember? How aweful of me to do so! The things my hubby asks of me are very important tasks that need to be handled, so why do I forget some of them? But when it comes to being hurt, spoken badly to or actions that hurt against me I keep score! How sinful of me, yuck.

Right now I am reading a 90 day guide to living the Proverbs 31 Life by Donna Partow titled "Becoming the Woman God wants me to be". Through the course of the weeks you are encourage to memorize Proverbs 31:10-30. WOW I said to myself, there is no way! My mind turned to mushy fear. I could go through the other exercises and just not do the memorizations, I thought. But why? I wouldn't get all that God has to offer me by not participating. Why proclaim my failure without even trying? So I managed to change my heart about the matter and I can successfully tell you I memorized the first two verses within the week given to do so. I found myself going over the verses in the car or during a quick quiet time. I am being transformed by not just reading his word every day, but also by memorizing scripture.

Psalm 119 spells out so perfectly what God's word does, how to use it and apply it and what it does for your life! I am so excited about this journey to learn the verses by heart in Proverbs 31. I know that I want to continue to memorize God's word. In every facet of your life, if you can fill your mind and heart with scripture, there dwells God!!! It is a great way to pray to the Lord also when words just don't come to mind what you want to say to him. Scripture is so helpful and powerful in times of needful prayer for oneself or others.

I encourage you, even if memory isn't your strong attribute, challenge yourself with a verse that is close to your heart and means so much to you. It can be your mission statement of your life or whatever you are going through at the time.

God has put it on my heart that I need to become more of a Proverbs 31 woman and by stamping it in my heart and mind it is going deaper than skin deap, it is going spiritually deap. Amen to that hubby says!

Dear God, I pray that I have hidden your word in my heart, that I may not sin against you. (Psalm 119:11) Praise be to you, Oh Lord; teach me your decrees. With my lips I recount all the laws that come from your mouth (Psalm 119:13) I pray you continue to open and renew my mind for your words so that I can plant them there. I long to be blessed by your words and commands so that I can be made new after my sinful heart repents of things that are not of importance. Help me to let go of things that are of great weight on my heart that I cling to in my memory bank that are sinful and do not bring you glory. I pray that you continue to give me understanding, and I will keep your law and obey it will all my heart. (Psalm 119:34) In Jesus' name, Amen.

Blessings, Angie

Putting God First and Last in your Day

Isaiah 44:6

This is what the Lord says-
Israel's King and Redeemer, the
Lord Almighty:
I am the FIRST and I am the LAST;
apart from me there is no God

What is so amazing is God is just that, AMAZING. Whenever I need guidance, the truth, and discipline he is there ready to give it.
As said here in Isaiah, God is first and last. Now this doesn't mean putting him last of course. Begin your day with the Lord. Fill your day with God in the morning even it is a few minutes. Your day is changed when you fill your cup with his words and wisdom and come to him in prayer. God can truly guide your day, change your attitude and help in times when you need him the most. Your life and circumstances, the family and friends, your work and encounters are nothing without putting God in all of it. So why not start of your day allowing him to enter in the beginning of your day and be sure before your fall asleep at night putting him in the Last part of your day to praise him and thank him for all he does, is and always will be ~ FIRST and LAST and constant!

Isaiah 2:3

...He will teach us his ways,
so that we may walk in his paths."

John 4:13-14

"Whoever drinks the water I give him will never
thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in
him a spring of water welling up to eternal life."

Dear God, help me to remember to continue to start my day with you and end it with you in praises. You are the water that quenches the thirst I have for love, acceptance, forgiveness and strength. May I fill my cup everyday with your powerful words and let them be my guide every day. In precious Jesus name, I pray, AMEN.
Angie

Giving God the Glory

As I was praying the other night, I was reflecting on the reading I had done during the course of the day. If you know me, I like to have my nose in a book or my hands in something crafty. Anyway, the reading centered on giving God praise and glory in everything in your life.

This made me think of an anology of an artist/painter or writer. When Van Gough painted all his paintings, did his paints or brushes get the credit? Does your favorite writer get praise for his work or is it the pencil, pen or keyboard? These might be silly questions but when you think of yourself as the vessel for God to do good works, it is God who deserves praise and glory. The paint brush can't paint unless a hand holds it and moves it in sweeping motions with colors of the rainbow. The pencil cannot write by itself. I like to think of God using me (the paint brush) and being the creator of my life, he provides everything in the painting (my life)and he takes his time. So when the brush creates something beautiful in your life it isn't you who created it, it is God the Creator.

Colossians 1:16

For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him.

Psalm 139:9

If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.

Psalm 139:13-14

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know full well.

Psalm 139:15-16

When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

When I read these verses I truly know that not only did God create me, he holds me with his hand to guide me through the life he has already written out for me. So it is the Lord who deserves the credit for all that is in my life. He wrote every moment of my life, provides everything I need for those moments and we are to praise him for that because in good times and in bad HE IS THERE!

Thank you God for being the creator of my life, thank you for making me aware that my life is not my own. I am your creation for your purpose. Please remind me every day that I am your paintbrush, your pencil, your precious child that only wants you in control of the life you have written out for me for your Glory. I praise you for knowing what I need everyday and providing it with your mighty hand and love. Amen.

Have a blessed weekend everyone! ~Angie

Filling in the Gaps

I have just discovered some things about myself lately. If I am doing something I often do many things at once. I don't know if this is a good or bad thing. It might be the women in me, for we like to multitask, don't we ladies? Lately my multitasking has been in the form of putting two earbuds in attached to an Ipod while I do things around the house. My husband just recently got me one because my MP3 decided its life of 5 years was enough.

Well, I discovered a new world (I know I need to catch up)! Podcasts are just so awesome! You know what ladies, they are free as well! I myself are drawn to the Christian ones and especially podcasts that are offered on CWI (Christian Womens Affiliate) . You can sign up to be a member or find them through itunes. I find alot of topics that can relate to my life and fill my day with encouraging words. There are even daily scripture readings on itunes.

So the next time you dread cleaning that room or even that closet in your Spring cleaning mode, reach for the ipod and keep Satan's two cents out of your head and listen to God's word and others who help you improve your life with God's word! So multitask today and see how great you feel after a great message through God's word. You just might get something done too!

Proverbs 19:20

Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise.

Psalm 119:105

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.

I find that when I start the day with reading my Bible my day is different,how I act the rest of the day is different and how I respond is more of a reflection of Christ. Not all the time friends, we all fall short don't we, but it sure guides me and directs my heart daily. Be encouraged, inspired and uplifted in God's words wether through the Bible one moment and your radio or ipod the next! Fill in the gaps of your day with Him who provides exactly what you need for today!

Blessings, Angie

Peace and Order

Today I wanted to work on one of my monthly goals for April. I am sure that Spring time is a common time to feel the need to Spring clean! Well my Spring cleaning involves my house yes indeed, but these are behind closed doors issues. Such as the cabinets under my island and counter tops in my kitchen. Walking in my kitchen you don't see or sense the disorder but if you open up a door oh my goodness what disorder!

My life, my spirit can look like these places indeed. So I was inspired to let God take care of the inside of my heart, spirit and life and prune away while I pruned what I have control over and that is my stuff in my house.

I just love my kitchen, it is so full of many cupboards and doors for storage! Yes I store other items besides kitchen gadgets in them. So does my Spirit have the same? Do I store or have things in my life that are useless and are collecting dust? Yes! Yes! And Yes! Amen to the fact that God is there to help and he is so happy to oblige. But friends you must ask! When you ask a revelation happens, you admit that #1 you need it, and #2 you give it to God who is the only one that can do it. Give God up in prayer a request and deny your ability to do it. Whew!

When I carried, ahem, 3 large garbage bags of stuff out of my kitchen by opening up 5 doors, what could God do with my life and spirit? I have yet to see because I am sure it is a lifelong journey! But I am so thankful of the weight that has lifted just with my cupboards. I know that my life needs order and that my house is part of that. I found a verse today that Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians when writing about Orderly Worship. And God's voice spoke to me clearly. How are we to worship God fully and with all that we are when we have stuff in our lives that keeps us from it?

1 Corinthians 14:33
For God is not a God of disorder but of peace.

When I have order in my life, I have a sense of peace. No it doesn't happen everyday but when we seek God, we seek all he offers through his word. So peace can prevail when we turn to God to prune our lives, listen to HIS voice and allow HIS Holy Spirit to permeate through all we do even when we clean our kitchen cupboards!

Happy Spring Cleaning! ~ And Spiritual cleaning!

Blessings, Angie

In times of conflict and struggle...

Proverbs 17:1 Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting with strife.

Proverbs 17:14 Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.

I don't know how you all feel about raising preteen and teenage daughters. I for one feel so overwhelmed sometimes. My head hurts with wondering what the right voice of reason is when there is conflict with me directly or with each other. Especially since my girls feel the need to scream or yell when they feel unheard. Double ouch with my head!

You can hear me saying "Drop it" many times during the course of a day and asking "Will it matter 5 years from now?" I like to think I have these one liners that are as creative as theirs sometimes. You know that Mom in you that wants to feel you have scored that one point! I want so much to make my daughters think and ponder what my words mean.

Since reading the Bible on a daily basis, I have found some scripture that I find helpful and encouraging. We all need encouraging in every stage of parenthood and for me this stage is so much more challenging than potty training. Some days I felt so drained and I literally felt my body shut down, no thoughts because brain doesn't function when hurting, and my heart felt so hurt. My husband and I have really struggled through my oldest choices of lying, deceit, manipulation, hurtful words and actions, and how it affects the family. You could say it has felt as though my house was shaken like a Cracker Jack box.

I have felt so alone and have felt embarrassed by not having more of an influence on my daughter's decisions. Just last year after she completed her two year confirmation through church I thought God would have changed her heart. During this time until recently I have not put in as much of a relationship with my Father in Heaven as he desires of me. I have not prayed as I should have, not looked in HIS word for guidance, and have sacrificed an amazingly intimate relationship with God to feel LOST. I know, why you ask? Because like many, I thought I could handle it without prayer and guidance.

God has tapped me from behind on my shoulder, oops I shouldn't put Him there! I now decide today to put Him in front of me so I can see him, follow him and praise Him. I need to seek Him for advice, follow after His heart and praise Him even in these times. Gosh it is so hard to hand it all over, but it is so much harder to do it alone.

1 Peter 5:6-7
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

1 Peter 5:10
And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.

There are so many promises that God just wants you to know, believe and put on your heart. Put on God's armor today (his word, his Holy Spirit) and you my friend can get through even the toughest of times. In time it will make you stronger and have more empathy for those who endure the same hardships.

My dear Father, God, I want to praise you for your steadfast love and strength and your sincere patience with me in my journey to become more dependant on you. Thank you so much for your arms I do feel around me in my times of need. I praise you for the blessings my life has and my family. May I be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer. (Romans 12:12) Amen

Good Friday

I have had so much fun with reading the Bible, especially being a part of a blog bible study. One that I truly enjoy is Wendy Pope from the Proverbs 31 Ministries , she is hosting a vlog (video blog) through the One Year Chronological Bible, the daily postings of what to read you can find here . She has encouraged me to look up meanings of words to getting a deeper meaning of a verse and a clearer understanding. I just love looking up words! Now I am a dictionary junky!

Which brings me to Good Friday. Today my heart aches for the pain and forsaken feelings Jesus felt this day over 2,000 years ago. So when I hear "good" it is hard for me to feel good. But in the same breathe, what Jesus sacrificed and endured for us was for our good, our souls and for the relationship we have in him and our father God. So I had my self a field trip to my dictionary to look up the word good. Friends let me just tell you when I looked up good, it screamed Jesus! Let me share with you what I found per Websters New World Dictionary:

Good:
better, best
having the proper qualities
beneficial
real
honorable
virtuous, devout, kind, dutiful
worth, benefit
able to endure (wow on this one)
worth
able to pay or give (wow this one especially)
to repay or replace (OMG)
to fulfill
to succeed

Now, I don't know about you but I have a better appreciation for why and how today was named "Good Friday". I don't feel sadness I feel saved, loved and so precious in God's eyes. His son Jesus is all this! What he DID was Good, was for the Good of mankind, and how can I not deny good to be a part of how I feel about today.

Thank you God for your message today. I pray in your Holy Name that I remember these words that define good, have them on my heart and use them to better who I am and who I reflect as a child of God. Amen

Enjoy your Easter and the gift of everlasting life!
hugs, Angie

April Fools Day

This is Spring Break time and it makes me go back to my younger years. We never went to Florida, nor went on any kind of vacation growing up. I did however, love to stay at my grandparents house. It always seemed to fall around April 1st: April fools day. Waking up in my grandparents home, I knew my grampa would have something silly up his sleeve. He was such a loving and kind man who so loved to laugh. His laugh and smile linger in my mind today, oh how I miss him so.

It got me thinking...Fools day. Hmmm....as I have been plunging into daily scripture readings, there are so many references to fools, foolishness, and fool in the Bible. God is not afraid to tell us what fools do, think or act like and how it impacts your life and HIM!

Proverbs 28:26
He who trust in himself is a fool,
but he who walks in wisdom is kept safe.

1 Corinthians 4:10
We are fools for Christ,
but you are so wise in Christ!

Proverbs 14:8
The wisdom of the prudent is to give
thought to their ways,
but the folly of fools is deception.

1 Corinthians 3:18-19
Do not deceive yourselves. If any one of you thinks he is wise by the standards of this age, he should become a "fool" so that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God's sight.

This is just a few of the many scripture I have looked up from the reference in the back of my Bible. Notice that foolishness is lack of wisdom and the lack of wisdom is the lack of God in your life. Psalms and Proverbs is loaded to references to foolishness and wisdom. Now look at the benefits of wisdom!

Colossians 2:2-3
My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

James 1:5
If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.

Psalm 111:10
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise.

I could give you so much more but I surely encourage you to look in your bible for the treasure hunt of God's wisdom.

May this day bring no folly or foolishness but celebration of the life you have in Christ through his wisdom~

blessings, Angie

God is calling, will I pick up.........

I know not many will read this but that is okay. These words are mostly between my Heavenly Father and myself and a few followers. Thank you again for your support! I love to read all your words in your blogs I find so very encouraging in my walk in Christ.

As I have mentioned before I feel God's calling in my heart and have yet to figure what it is. As surely as the grays in my hair I find at times, teehee, that voice in my heart has brought me to my knees in prayer, all with tears and thanksgiving. I am overwhelmed God is pulling me and yet I feel so honored for his stamp in my life to feel I could make a difference. I prayed for His way, not mine, His path, not mine and mostly how to get there..........

One day about a month ago I was listening to my Christian radio station in my car, I heard a segment from Proverbs 31 Ministries and loved it. I wrote down the website at the stop light girls, hold on! When I got home I logged on and was changed. I have read Proverbs 31 before and was like wow what a blessed woman, how could I be like her?

Through the Proverbs 31 Ministries website you can find many women with websites/blogs that just magnify what the ministry is all about. I have started to read the Bible everyday instead of just once in a while, and I pray more. I grew up not going to church, believed in God, didn't know God intimately and sadly never saw my parents read from the Bible. I didn't start attending church or read a bible until I had married my wonderful husband Tom. It changed my life, wow I couldn't get enough! Fast forward 16 years later and I attended an Extraordinary Women conference last October. I felt the tickle of God then because I was in awe the impact these women had on thousands of women every day! The question: Could I do that? Could I be used by God as well? Now here I sit today, God has put these experiences in my life, he has dialed in and I am answering. I was scared, did I have enough life experience? What could I offer?

I attended my first online conference at A Woman Inspired last week. I was so encouraged by the message those 20 speakers said. You should see my notes!!! I highly recommend attending one of them to be uplifted and encouraged as well! I now walk with a heart of reflection of Christ. This bag I carry around is filled with sunshine that pours out through all the holes to others because I just can't keep it in.

I tell you right now I have asked God to put in my life what I need, and I trust him. I love to give, I love to serve my God because it feels so good. Being a sensitive gal, I can cry at the little tugs at the heart, you know those instances girls!! I have been crocheting prayer shawls, I just love it. Our church has a chapter and those ladies are so fun and I find their spirit of giving magnifying! I feel this tug makes me so happy, my heart sings at the thought of helping others see God, feel his Holy Spirit change them. So when I look back on the last six months, I think "God, wow you were there, guiding ME, your daughter, on a journey she didn't even know she was on till now. I am so drawn to ministry for women, it captivates me because it is making a difference, it is taking the "me" out of this world and putting GOD there. How wonderful! I read about the She Speaks Conference , and thought wow another call, nudge, a tickle from God so to speak. Well I was captivated by their mission: To help women like myself discover their calling, how to figure it all out and encourage, inspire, and lead you in the direction you need to go with great learning tools through the word of God. Wow, sign me up!!!! Can you hear the brakes????? I did! Negative thought: "It is too far away, what are you going to do with your girls?", "How can you afford to go?", " You may have a calling from God, but is it really big enough, or are you important enough to go?" So many of Satan's lies entered in my mind, so I prayed some more. Yesterdays reading from my bible was:

Psalm 37:1-6

Trust in the Lord and do good,
dwell in the land and enjoy safe
pasture.

Delight yourself in the Lord
and he will give you the desires of
your heart.

Commit your way to the Lord;
trust in him and he will do this:
He will make your righteousness shine
like the dawn,
the justice of your cause like the
noonday sun.

I wept, because it was God wrapping me in His arms and letting me know to trust HIM, let HIM, and let HIS desires be my desires and he will bless them, he will pave the way. He will in time let me know what it is he wants this "God's girl Angie" to do for HIM and it will shine like the dawn. Ladies, I asked the words to come out through my heart today. I pray they make a difference to someone out there.

The big reason for this post today is because Lysa Terkeurst from Proverbs 31 Ministry is hosting a give away for a She Speaks Conference Scholarship. Wow another tickle from God! Yes, my first thought was, "How in the world are they going to pick me out of all those women screaming, "pick me, pick me"? Well again it is a prayer my ladies, if it is God's will, then He will provide a way. I truly trust that as I knock down Satan's lies that enter my head. God will reign in my life and so will his mission for my life. If it is not this year, then God will provide for another. I truly cannot afford to go so I prayerfully ask the judges who read this to hear my heart. I know God will provide the means to pay for travel expenses if blessed with the scholarship.

For those of you out there that have a tickle in your heart, you hear the Lord calling please consider going to this conference. It is held in Concord, North Carolina July 30 - August 1. Prayerfully consider how it will change your life as a woman of Christ. Trust HIM as your navigator, I know I am so amazed by the power His word has had in my life and the people He has put there.

Pull for me, teehee, I mean pray for me that I may be blessed with this scholarship. It is so hard to be selfish with this request, but I know that is ultimately for the Glory of God and how much more could I ask for?

I didn't believe simple women like myself could have a calling, big or small, now I know God made us all disciples for HIM. What part can you be for the body of Christ?

Blessings to all!
Angie

Being filled with the Spirit

I must say, this online conference is so wonderful. I have been filled with God's message for three days now and it is like going to church three days in a row. You know how great you feel after you walk out of that building, you want to grab someone and tell them about Jesus and share the love HE gives all of us.

The speakers have been amazing. The conference is "Get Revived" and that is exactly what it is doing. I am writing down scripture passages that are speaking to me. It is amazing how the word of God can speak so clearly. There is so much knowledge in HIS words, comfort and grace! Everything you need is in the Lord's words. How can anyone not hear God speak.

I encourage you to open the bible everyday. Since I have done that it has empowered my life so much. I have started a bible study in which you read the bible in a year. It takes 15-20 minutes of your day. Spending time with the Lord, absorbing his presence and seeking his will for my life has been a great journey. Walking with the Lord can be hard too because he points out your disobedience, prunes you and convicts you. Through that, God listens to your repentant heart and celebrates the growth and love that abounds in His presence, and you become a better person because of it.

A great website to go to read the bible in a year is http://oneyearbibleonline.com/oneyearweeklychrono.php?version=51&startmmdd=0101
There are many others out there, and that is one option. It so nice to be given daily scripture to read and learn from the word every day.

I pray God will become a part of your everyday life by reading his word and letting it penetrate your heart and soul to be more in the image of HIM! Pray for the Lord to guide you in your journey with HIM.

hugs, angie

I am so excited

Revelation 1:3
Blessed is the one who reads the words of his prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.

Starting tomorrow I will be attending a women's conference. But get this, it is totally online, so I can enjoy it totally in the comforts of my home! You can see the link button to the right there to check out what I am talking about. The best thing is it is so affordable~ $12.95!!! So I will be listening to countless speakers through the entire week. I am ready for the spirit of the Lord within these women to move my spirit, change my life and enrich my faith in the HIM!

If you missed out on this next weeks' online conference, there are previous conferences you can purchase for $9.95. There are many different topics to choose from that can relate to your life.

I have started a bible study that involves reading the Bible in a year. I love it and look forward to it every day. It is like a gift from God waiting to be unwrapped every day in His word. I get my highlighter ready and use it to catch those verses that really impact me that day. Now wouldn't that be a hoot if I eventually highlighted the entire thing! I know not every verse is highlight worth but many verses do. You never know when you have an issue in life that needs some scripture help.

I pray your weekend is enriching, powerful and peaceful, and you are surrounded by the love of your family and God's!

Angie

Psalm 32:8

If ever you need words of encouragement or words to live by always read Psalms or Proverb's. The "middle of the Bible" really "talks" to me on many occasions.

Within the last year I have closed my business which entailed selling handmade items (primitive dolls, etc.) to shops around the country. With many shops going out of business due to a sagging economy doors have closed for good. I think I was ready myself because it truly took many hours away from my family.

I lost a dear nephew (17 yrs old) in a car accident this last summer. My stay at home mom "best friend" that I did business with has moved on to a day job. No lunches together or fun day trips here and there, or even a great chic flick movie day. My life has changed. Through change, which is a great way to say God is pruning, I am reflecting on how these changes have affecting my daily life, my new purpose so to say.

I am happy to report that through the loss of my nephew last summer, I put my family 1st again above many things it did not before. You don't know how long they are on this earth. Closing my business did free up a lot of time. My house thanks me too because it is kept up so much better.

I even worked part time at a restaurant in the evenings which made no time at all with creating during the day to spend with my family. I would stand up eating while hot gluing or eat while sewing. Now that is over I am so glad that a new opportunity has come in my life. TIME!!! What do I do with my time?

Besides getting more into reading my bible I have felt the need in my life to serve. It is like this quiet voice of God is telling me to go in this direction. This new light in my life has brought much joy. I have enjoyed a new life project making prayer shawls. My girlfriend who is working days now is doing in home health care. I gave her a shawl a few days ago in a pretty bag with a card of encouragement and letting them know I will be praying for them. She has the special task of listening to her call of that special someone she shall give it to. I have requested she take a photo of the special lady with the shawl on so that I may think and pray for her when I see her photo. It brings much joy to hear the voice of God in doing this.

I would love to serve in bigger ways someday, but we will see where God takes me. I do have a passion for helping others. I went to my first Women's Conference this last fall called Extraordinary Women's Conference. It changed my life. I would love to reach out like those speakers and authors. I don't know if that is God's plan for me, I will continue to pray for guidance. There are classes of instruction on DVD that is offered. They cost alot so my hesitation is my hold back right now. I will again, pray for God to provide what I shall do. Which brings me to
Psalm 32:8. I read this in my daily emailed devotional and it spoke so loudly to me. I pray it has great deep meaning for you as well. Blessings all! ~Angie

Psalm 32:8
I will instruct you and teach you in the
way you should go;
I will counsel you and watch over you.

Most popular verse of 2009

I was playing around on different websites, and was led to biblegateway.com . On that website it posted the 25 most popular read verses in the bible. The #1 was, drum role please.... 1 Corinthians 13 which talks about LOVE and what LOVE is....

1 Corinthians 13
Love
1 If I speak in the tongues[a] of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames,[b] but have not love, I gain nothing.
4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. 11When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. 12Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love

It got me thinking, surely everyone knows what love is right??? But I must say when you read this you do see a bad reflection in the mirror when it comes to showing loves to others, all others. You too can read this, absorb it, and come to the conclusion everyone needs help in what love truly is. By definition I see God. God is LOVE. How do you rank? I bet not as well as Jesus and our Father in Heaven, not as long as we are sinners here on Earth, but we can surely try. With knowing what it is you are held accountable.

I pray for wisdom and strength when showing others love, true love, the love that God happily and joyfully gives each and every one of us.

Just plant the seed

Going to church today was different, good different of course! We had a Jewish Christian speak today instead of our pastor. He told an incredible story growing up Jewish, until he met his wife. When he went to her church he asked another church member how would one approach and talk to someone who is Jewish and share the gospel of Christ? Now granted this was a long time ago!!!! So the reaction he got was stunning. He was told we don't say anything.

Can you imagine dying without knowing Christ? His parents shunned him and refused to see him after becoming a believer in Jesus. You could tell it broke his heart to tell the story even though told for many years. His Dad died knowing and finding Christ 4 days before entering heaven because someone else beside his son talked to him. They planted the seed, God did the rest.

His mother still lives, refuses to see her son, even after over 20 years. He has a mission ministry called The Apple of His Eye. Their mission is to present the Gospel to Jews and Gentiles who are facing Christ-less eternity. His story touched my heart because through his yearning to save his family, it brought him to found this mission ministry so that someone else's mother, father, aunt, uncle, sister, brother or friend may be saved. Even a perfect stranger!

We truly are not strangers to anyone really, we are all brothers and sisters in Christ! Someone may not accept that day after your words spoken, but your seed planted will be watered by your prayers, support and God's power! I have not had the opportunity to plant the seed (at least not by my awareness). But I can only imagine the uplift of my own spirit to feel God's presence in that moment. We can lead by example which may change some one's life too. Just remember, people like to watch other people. What are you doing/saying today that someone else is watching or listening to? Your child, neighbor, friend, coworker, boss, the list goes on.

1 Corinthians 3:9
For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's building.

Paul also talked about this in 1 Corinthians 3

How he planted the seed along with Apollos watering in Corinth, but God made it grow!!! So don't be scared, for you are God's servant to do His task, speak the word of Christ and he will make it grow from there!
I don't know about you, but I pray for God to be in my garden of life!

Blessings to all, Angie

I have lost it!

Don't be too alarmed, I haven't lost my mind but feel like I have! LOL. Actually I have lost my cell phone. I am not a freak to texting or using it all the time. I just fear someone else getting a hold of it and using it as their own.

I know I need to call my provider and report it lost so that can't happen. I even used my house phone and called my cell phone # embarassing amount of times hoping to hear it ring. Even went outside in the complete dark to my car and held my ear inside the car to hopefully hear my awesome little jingle. To no avail it wasn't even heard in the trunk or sticking my head in the coat closet.

Jesus I know would stop anything to find you and me if we were lost, according to the Bible he would leave the flock to find the one sheep that is lost. How reasuring is that! We all get lost in some point in our lives. Wether it is in the beginning in our walk with God or years into it. We all fall short of the glory of God. That is why we need Jesus. I may give up trying to find my phone if it seems helpless but knowing that is not an option for Jesus with the children of God that is a glorious blessing to all!

See how just simple everyday things in life can teach you about our wonderful Father in Heaven? I know I have more worth than a cell phone, even the bill it brings every month! Praise God today for his little reminder He is always there, no search team required, and He listens after the first ring!

Blessings, angie

And the journey begins..........

I have Friday off, yeah! My youngest daughter wants to start cheer leading classes. Which is making me so happy. I am elated one of my daughters wants to be a part of something outside school. I usually always work Friday evenings so this is such a nice change of pace.

So this makes me think of growth for my daughter. It is a big step for her to involve in something where she will know no one else there. It is always scary starting something new. I myself can relate, starting something new means making a commitment and putting it in stone. Alas, me doing this personal journey blog would be my big step. It is more than just the blog, it is truly a journey to involve God more in my everyday life, thoughts and actions, and even my words. I want to be more disciplined in opening my bible and praying for the message God wants me to learn and have it help me in my day. Wanting it is not enough, making the time and making that daily appointment is what really matters.

I know God has so much for me to learn and I look forward to growing closer to Him. I will also post other blogs, websites, and written material that speaks to my soul I find inspiring and growth provoking!

"No eye has seen,
No ear has heard,
no mind has conceived
what God has prepared for those
who love him" 1 Cor 2:9

Wow, to think that what growth God has in mind for me is not even comparable to what I could ever think!

Blessings, Angie