On my knees in 2008

Luke 3:21-22
When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: "You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased."

Happy New Year, friends!

Today is the last day of 2007 and it just seems natural to look back at all God has done in my life this year and wonder what He has in store for me next year. I am so very grateful!

It's been a lazy day around here. I took my daughter to the airport to go home this morning, helped get my son get ready for his "gathering" with his friends at college tonight. (I'm making his party sound sweet, right?) I put the Christmas decorations away and tried to get the house in a little bit of order. My husband has been getting some things done as well.

It seems the conversation around this time of year is always about resolutions. I usually don't even try to resolve to do anything because I have failed so many times. I am grateful for the do-overs God gives me every day! But for some reason something (The Holy Spirit) has been tugging on my heart lately. I want to go into 2008 learning to be more mature in my prayer life. I know I can only find true security with God being the center of my life. I think He wants me on my knees more and face down! I want to seek Him more this next year! I am going to start at the beginning of the Bible.  I've never read it from the beginning to end.

I am so grateful for God bringing you in my path! I will pray for you, my sisters in Christ, that God is always the center of your life and that you persevere in prayer with me! I want to please Him and I know you do too!

All my love in 2008,
angie xoxo

Music

Psalm 32:6-8

Therefore let everyone who is godly pray to you
while you may be found;
surely when the mighty waters rise,
they will not reach him.

You are my hiding place;
you will protect me from trouble
and surround me with songs of deliverance.
Selah

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

God speaks so clearly to me through music. I am so very grateful for it today! It's my favorite way to worship our Lord and Savior! I am one blessed girl!
Much love,
Angie xoxo

p.s. What is your favorite song?

I'm honored

Just a quick post to tell you that I went to one of our CHRISTmas services today because I was ushering. We will go as a family tomorrow. It was wonderful as you can imagine. I don't know if you remember me telling you that I love the part of our service where the pastor lights a candle, then we we all light each other's candles and the whole church goes from darkness to light. Well, we did it again, but this time since I was an usher I was in charge of lighting the first candle of each row of people. I was so emotional because God used me to light so many candles and I felt overwhelmed. I had to fight the tears. I am so honored to serve in a small way in our Church. God is so good to me! All of the glory goes to Him alone!




John 8:12
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."

I pray you have a wonderful CHRISTmas!
So much love,
Angie xoxo

My present = Her presence

I am SO excited for my favorite gift to arrive tonight at about 8:30pm.
She'll be home for Christmas!
We'll celebrate her home...

Merry Christmas!
Much love and hugs...
Angie xoxo

The best gift

Women of Faith Study Bible


I am excited yet nervous about a gift I am going to give a friend of mine. She was brought up in a religion that did not encourage reading the Bible. (I was just like her not long ago.) This has been a tough year for my friend and her family and I listened to the Holy Spirit's promptings to share this Bible with her. I have to admit that of all of the gifts I bought this year, I am most excited to give this one. I am going to drop it off at her house today. I'm a little nervous though, that she will not be as excited as I am. She is an avid reader, but she has never read the best love story ever written. What happens after she receives this gift is up to God. I pray she is open to hearing what He has to say!

Merry Christmas!
Angie xoxo
p.s. Please pray for my friend who could be another siesta!

Thursday before Christmas

I am so Thankful for this beautiful song this Thursday! I listened to it at least five times today! I am thankful that I am done working until next year! I am thankful that my daughter comes home tomorrow night and the holidays can begin. I am MOST thankful for everything God has done for me this year! I am not sure if I'll be able to post for awhile. I want to cherish my family!
I love my sweet siestas!
Merry Christmas to every single one of you!
Angie xoxo

Merry Christmas from Michigan

This is the next best way to enjoy the BooMamma Christmas Tour of homes. I wanted to wish you all a very Merry Christmas. It's just one week from tomorrow! I also want to tell you that my life has been blessed because of everyone who stops by here!


We got a ton of snow this past weekend but it's cozy inside with a cup of hot chocolate.

Here is our Christmas tree without the gifts.

I just love this little perfume that I got from our family in West Virginia on our mission trip. I had one of the best weeks of my life back in 2004.

Here is the ornament I got for my husband the year we got engaged. (1999)


Thanks for stopping by for this quick visit!
So much love,
Angie xoxo

Need to slow down, too?

In case we are not busy enough right now and we don't have enough snow to shovel, I thought I'd give you one more task to complete this week before Christmas. My sister-in-law tagged me last night. I better do it because I hate to admit this to my friends, but I was in such a hurry the other day that I made a peanut butter and ketchup sandwich because I was on the run. The squeezable ketchup looks a lot like jelly. I better slow down...

1. List 12 random things about yourself that has to do with Christmas.
2. Please refer to it as a 'hoopla'.

3. You have to specifically tag people when you're done. None of this"if you're reading this, consider yourself tagged" stuff is allowed...then nobody ends up actually doing it. The number of people who you tag is really up to you -- but the more, the merrier to get this 'hoopla' circulating through the blogosphere.
4. Please try and do it as quickly as possible. The Christmas season will be over before we know it and I'd like to get as many people involved as possible.

Let me think... these are not in any particular order, just random thoughts...

1- I don't like to share my kids with their dad, but know I have to.
2- I love the tree skirt my good friend's mother made us for a wedding gift in 1984.
3- My family celebrates Christmas on Christmas Eve.
4- My mother always made Polish cabbage rolls and boiled potatoes for Christmas Eve dinner. (I just looked up how to spell "Glumpkie" and I couldn't find it.)
5- I love to hear all of the Christmas carols, but for some reason the song, "The Gift" by Garth Brooks touches me deeply.
6- I love to see everyone's ornaments on their tree and hear the stories behind them.
7- We go to church on Christmas Eve and I love how during the service our pastor lights the first candle and we all light each other's candles and the whole church is lit up after total darkness.
8-We always send out Christmas cards with pictures. The first one I took, my daughter had to hold up my son when he was tiny.
9- I don't shop early.
10- The only cookies I must have are peanut butter buckeyes.
11- My favorite Christmas gift was a video that my kids gave me that they made in one of their high school classes. (They both made one.)
12- I love that I know the true meaning of Christmas and am so grateful for the gift God gave us! Jesus is all I need every single day of my life!
Listen to this sweet song...


Please pray for these girls from Thailand. I only know the names of the four girls in the front row, but God knows all of them by name! The four in the front are, Nabee, Meemeu, Arnong, Lamduan. If you want more info on them, visit Bev's blog.

I am going to have to break the rules this time and just ask anyone who wants to do it to join us. As much as I didn't want to have to think today, I am glad I just slooooooooowed down a little bit to appreciate this most special time! Anyone feel like joining me?

In His Love,
Angie xoxo

Big Day for the Baylis'

I'm so Thankful this Thursday that they put up the sign for my husband's new office today! It looks great! I am not trying to advertise, just share the excitement with my friends out in blog land! He will be opening in January. He's been doing a lot of house calls this past month. His clients have been so supportive and we are so grateful!

Is there a verse that would be appropriate?
Let's try this one...

Jeremiah 29:11
11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

We give God all of the glory and praise!
Thank you for all of your prayers.
Much love,
Angie xoxo

Chris hair

My brother told me that if he had his own blog, he'd want this to be his opening song (below) whenever anyone would visit his site. I thought, since this has become somewhat a Karnowski family blog, I would add this song in honor of my amazing brother. I couldn't do it without adding this great picture of him. When I took it a couple of years ago we were making "the board" for my father's funeral. We were joking about which pictures we would want on our board when that time comes. We were having some fun with it. It's the real Chris in the morning. (Please don't be mad at me, Tina!)

The most awesome thing we would really remember about my brother is his desire to be used by God. His testimony is so good and he just shared it with me the last time I went to Wisconsin to visit him and his family. I enjoy hearing people's testimony and his is truly special because it is his! I am grateful that we each have our own story and God is the center of it all.



I appreciate all of the stories I've read through this blog. They have all blessed me so much! Thank you for sharing them with me!
Much love,
Annie xoxo

p.s. It's my desire, too!

She won

Because He Lives

God sent His Son - they called Him Jesus,
He came to love, heal and forgive;
He lived and died to buy my pardon,
An empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives.

Because He lives I can face tomorrow,
Because He lives all fear is gone;
Because I know He holds the future
And life is worth the living just because He lives.

How sweet to hold a newborn baby
And feel the pride and joy he gives;
But greater still the calm assurance:
This child can face uncertain days because Christ lives.

And then one day I'll cross the river,
I'll fight life's final war with pain;
And then, as death gives way to victory,
I'll see the lights of glory - and I'll know He lives.

Today I went to a funeral for a patient who passed away after her battle with cancer. It is my understanding that she called it a "war" with cancer. (I had never heard it called that.) She went home to be with Jesus. The funeral was beautiful. It was the first one I have attended in a Bible believing church or the first one since I really "get it". Donna was loved by so many friends and family. Her faith was so obvious to everyone who talked about her. She was a Godly wife... I heard that over and over again. I heard this was her favorite song, especially during these past couple of weeks. I just heard this song for the first time recently and I've listened to it so many times since then. Donna was such an inspiration to me as well as so many! I'm glad she's with Jesus tonight!

I am so honored to have my relationship with Jesus.

Love,
Angie xoxo

He's awesome

You probably don't remember, but my computer crashed this past summer. I was SO bummed because I lost most of my data (pictures, music and ADDRESS BOOK). My i-pod still works and it had some of my addresses in it (but definitely not all of them). We really do have an Awesome God because I was able to find them! My Christmas cards will be in the mail tomorrow and I am SO excited!

It made me think of this verse...

Romans 8:28 ... (I am still in awe that God helped me remember this familiar verse. It seems like yesterday when I didn't own a Bible, now this evening I am able to think of it off the top of my head. Thank you, Lord.)
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

And then I remembered this...
Matthew 19:26... Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."


I'm going to sleep well tonight...I hope you do too!
Merry Christmas!
Angie xoxo

no worries

God is so funny! I just have to tell you what happened. I wanted to post something about my problem with worrying about entertaining. Our friends invited us to go see a play with them tonight. Since they bought the tickets we thought we should buy dinner. After all, it's the least we can do. Plus I think they are on to my not wanting to entertain. They keep asking us when we are going to have them over?

So, tonight's the night. I bought the food (although I went to this great store and bought the sides), got a new candle to make the house smell "homey" (and pretend I am not stressed out). But the truth is... I am! I don't know how I lost my confidence in entertaining. Actually the more I think about it I've always had a problem with it. I think it's a gene because I remember my mother stressing out before entertaining. So... what to do about it? I know, be a Mary... not a Martha. What I've learned is that the more nervous I am the more times I really do mess up!

I want to be different this time. I want to be more relaxed. I think I'll put on some of my good praise and worship music and clean the house. These are friends we're having over. They are good friends. They would not like it if they knew I was going to stress out all day.

I usually like to add a song to my entry and I looked up a song from the play we are going to see and this is what I came up with. We are going to see "The Lion King" and guess what song I found? Yep, God is so funny!

Only with God can we have days with no worries!


Have a stress-free day in whatever you are doing!
Love,
Angie xoxo

given grace

Please if you have a second (after you listen to this song), jump over to my sister-in-law, Stacey's blog and read her post from yesterday! She and my brother have a prayer request that would mean so much to them. It's not life or death (or is it?) but it holds a special place in their hearts!

Thank you very much!
Have a great weekend, dear siestas!
I love you all,
Angie xoxo

sweet patients make me smile

It's Thankful Thursday.

I have a thirty minute drive home from work. I drove in silence today. Usually I listen to the radio or make a phone call (I know, I am very careful). As I reflected on the day I was full of joy. Part of it was that it's Thursday and I don't work on Fridays. But there was more. I was thinking about all of the patients I saw today! I have to admit... I LOVE them and I love my job. I love the one on one relationships I have with them. Today was one of those days when I truly enjoyed every single one of them. I also love how I get to use my hands. It's probably difficult for you to understand, but I really do enjoy it. I've been doing this for 23 years and I never dread going to work and the fact that I get paid for it is just a bonus.

I am blessed to work with some amazing girls. I admit, sometimes we feel like sisters and we are definitely family. We have to give each other a lot of grace. We are all very different, but I think we really have a bond and I love all of them in their own way. My boss is also a friend and a great guy to work for.

I learn so much from my patients and consider them friends. I look forward to seeing them every 3 or 6 months. I am surprised when they remember my family and ask how they are doing. We laugh together, cry together and I am so blessed to know them. God is so good to me and He gave me a job that is very rewarding.

I am so Thankful!
In His Grip,
Angie xoxo

My friend

I have this friend...(wink). Her daughter had a relationship with a guy that ended over a year ago. I should mention that this guy broke her daughter's heart. For some reason whenever her daughter seems to start moving ahead and getting over him, the guy makes a reason to communicate with her. He is clearly over her and is even dating another girl. So, why would he do this to her? He gives her crumbs and immediately her mind starts going a million miles an hour trying to analyze the situation. My friend gets so frustrated with this boy. She wishes he would just leave her daughter alone. She knows, all she can do is give her daughter to God and pray for healing. Will you please pray for my friend's daughter? She wants to get over him, she really does. And please pray for my friend who needs wisdom to guide her and point her straight to the only one who can heal her heart and bring her someone who will treat her like a queen!

My friend thanks you from the bottom of her heart!
xoxo

For Patricia

Good evening, sisters (and brothers) in Christ,

My sister, Patricia helped me get my husband's Animal Hospital on the number one spot when people do a google search. (It wasn't easy!) She helped me do it without me having to delete my blog. She and I were so excited when it worked! The next day she e-mailed me asking me to post this song to my blog as a little thank you to her. I've never heard of her before I just posted this. She is my sister's all-time favorite singer and she cried when she died. She asked us to watch it to the end.

The Great Mahalia Jackson - "The Lord's Prayer"

So, there you go Patricia... THANK YOU so much!
By the way... it is absolutely beautiful! It is a great addition to my blog!
I love you,
Annie
xoxo
p.s. I would have posted it for you even if you didn't help me!

THE TREE

Our Christmas Tree

This weekend we decorated for Christmas. We decided to use our artificial tree after going back and forth. We love the real one that smells good and is just plain... the real thing. But we decided we could save a little money by using the artificial one. I whined for a little while, but now I'm okay. My husband put on the colored lights although I prefer plain white ones. The first thing my husband did (while I wasn't looking) was put on stuffed animals from "Rudolf's island of misfit toys". I thought since the kids are gone we can finally have a "pretty" tree. Instead, we decorated it with all of the familiar ornaments that we've collected over the years. I love seeing the ones that date back from when the kids were in pre-school. Then, we used to buy them one from whatever they were into that year. I placed the one of a church that I gave my husband the year we were engaged. I also saw the one from when my son first started playing lacrosse. Then, I saw the one from Sigma Kappa (my daughter's sorority)! So much has happened through the years. I have an ornament from the year my sister passed away... and my father... and one from a little gift of perfume that I got from a family whose home we fixed up in West Virginia on our first mission trip.

I never really gave the tree very much thought. Until today...

While we were at church this morning the pastor was talking about the tree. THE TREE. The one that Jesus hung on and he reminded us how Jesus was born to die on that tree.

I pray I never take the tree for granted again. Whether it's real or artificial, decorated pretty or traditional or silly. I will walk by our tree every day. I will turn on the lights. I'll notice the ornaments and the angel on top. I will not look at it the same. I will smile and remember how much Jesus had to sacrifice for me... and for you! He's the best gift I have ever received! I'm a different person because of that tree.

I love our tree!
In His Love,
Angie xoxo

no one deserves it more...

I'm so happy for my sister! Today she was notified that she won a contest that entitles her to go to Kentucky to see Wynonna Judd's Christmas concert on December 18th. She will get to meet her and she gets 6 tickets! You must understand something. My sister LOVES her more than any other musician. (She compared it to me meeting and going to lunch with Beth Moore.) I will never forget the summer when she (and I) listened to one of her c.d.s (actually it was probably an album or tape) over and over and over again.

She had to send in an essay about her favorite Christmas memory. I have not read it and didn't even know she wrote it until today. She told me Wynonna will read it during her concert!

I would love to join her, but it looks like all of the tickets are accounted for. That's one of the joys of being in a big family! I could not be happier for my sister, DeNaze! No one deserves it more than her! She is probably the most generous person I know!


When I hear her sing the above song, it makes me want to think of some way to get there!
I'm so excited for her!
Thank you for sharing in the excitement!
Praise God for being SO good!
Love,
Angie xoxo

12-4-07 ***UPDATE***
My sister gave me permission to add this. It's the essay that won her the tickets to "meet and greet" Wynonna . Apparently the concert is sold out so she will only get 2 front row tickets. The plan is for her to take her daughter, Rebekkah! I can't think of anyone more appropriate to take...


"Family traditions are wonderful, I know because I grew up in a large
family that had many, especially during the holidays. When I raised my
daughter as a single parent, though, I often worked as a nurse's aide
on Christmas Eve or Christmas day, which used to sadden me. We had
very few Christmas traditions as she grew up except that we were
always with family. One year she was with my brother and his boys on
Christmas morning. Because it was impromptu, he didn't have a stocking
for her. He managed to produce an old black tube sock on which he
wrote her name in glitter and filled with candy. Over the years, she
had different stockings because of different reasons, of course, that
one being her favorite. Traditions are nice, they provide a certain
stability and memories, of course. But honestly, I have learned that
the one constant in life is change and being flexible and appreciating
what little you may have is the only way to get through life. People
have died in our life, babies were born, nothing stays the same and as
long as we realize this, we make the most of every day. That is the
tradition I have tried to instill in my daughter. Live and love, each
day, as if it were Christmas."

Pray Like a Child

Eph 6:18-20

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.

Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

Last night I heard a message on prayer at our church. I heard something new that I hadn't understood until it was explained this way. I don't ever want to have to learn it again.

When I am praying...

Instead of just praying for God's will in a situation I want to ask Him for what I want like a child. When we were children and the ice cream truck came into our neighborhood, we wanted an ice cream cone. We asked, even begged our father (or mother) for one. We asked passionately! We really wanted that ice cream cone. We didn't ask our parents if it was their will for us to have it. We need to pray to God that way. We have to tell Him our desires. He understands. "This is my desire...". I know He can do anything. Our God is huge and is able! It is ultimately His choice how he answers our prayers. He may have something better for us. But I want to be obedient to God...and pray face down like a child. I also want to remember to keep praying!

All of my sisters here probably already know this, but I heard it in a new way and was excited to share it with you!

Happy Thankful Thursday!

Love,
angie xoxo

mom & dad

These two kids got married and stayed together "until death do us part". Today is the Anniversary of when they got married back in 1953. They were together for 51 years until my dad went home to be with the Lord almost 3 years ago. They had 7 children in a little over 10 years! Please if you can, pray for my mom today that she will find comfort and peace as she remembers everything about my dad!

Much love,
Annie xoxo

It's a Matter of Trust

Warning: A long post...

This blog has been so much fun since I started it. I've met so many wonderful people. I've read some very inspiring stories. People have shared their lives with me. I spend a lot of time either thinking about a great post or reading one of yours.

I've come to realize something. How could it be that I spend so much time on this, yet still wake up in the middle of the night feeling like someone is sitting on my chest? Am I really authentic? Am I just piggy-back riding all of your relationships with God? Doesn't having God in my life mean I will be at peace and trust Him that my life will be okay no matter what? Don't I always ask Him for His will to be done, not mine?

A couple of verses have been on my mind these past couple of days. One I heard on T.V. and the other I read somewhere. They made me stop in my tracks as if I heard them for the first time. One is the simplest verse that almost any christian can recite. You know it...

John 3:16. "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
He would have done it if I was the only person on this earth. He would have done it if I was the only person on this earth. Yes, I've heard that many times... But have I really believed it? Or have I thought it was for all of us? I think my relationship with Christ needs to be deeper than it is. It's about me. It's about my personal relationship with God. He loves me that much!

The other one... the one that I tried to think about in the middle of the night was this...
Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;

Psalm 28:7 The LORD is my strength and my shield;
my heart trusts in him, and I am helped...


Do you really trust me, Angie? Do you really trust me, Angie? I want to trust Him, yet I always seem to try to trust myself, not God. I really do know it in my head, but there is a problem getting the message to my heart. In the depths of my heart, (especially in the middle of the night) I still remember how in my first marriage trust was an issue. It was basically destroyed. He worked in an office with several women and is now married to one of them. Now, (14 years later) it's time for my new husband to hire women to work for him in his new office. I am freaking out! There... I said it! Maybe my heart isn't as healed as I thought it was because I am trying to trust myself and learn to trust my husband. My head knows he is a faithful husband, but my heart doesn't know for sure. I better trust God!

I feel better just getting this off my chest.
I appreciate your prayers.
Love,
Angie xoxo

His Music Feeds my Soul

If you've read any of my posts, you'll quickly learn my love for music. I can't explain it... Music can take me back. I remember exactly where I was when I heard certain songs. As a teenager I fell asleep listening to the radio every night. Every occasion has a song. I had really never known who David Phelps was until today. This song is absolutely amazing and brought me to tears! It's my prayer tonight.

Psalm 100:2
Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.

Psalm 107:22
Let them sacrifice thank offerings and tell of his works with songs of joy.

Psalm 126:2
Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, "The LORD has done great things for them."


It feeds my soul... "Just as I Am."
Angie xoxo

You gotta laugh

Here is one of the family photos taken this morning. (The only one that was decent enough to post.) I have to tell you that it just plain didn't work out! We didn't like what we were wearing. I hated my hair. Meghan hated her sweater. We traded sweaters half-way through the ordeal. The photographer clearly didn't like the collar on my sweater. She said it looked like it was messed up, but that was the "look" I wanted. Lincoln didn't like his weight. John had a pimple that showed up today. We asked her to please take one picture with my camera just for the Christmas cards. We couldn't find one we all liked. We had them taken in her basement. We wanted them taken outside, but it was freezing out! I look like I am taller than Lincoln. We were all laughing nervously because it was so awkward and unnatural. When Meghan was all ready for the pictures, the girl took one look at her and said she could go to the bathroom and "freshen up"if she wanted. What? It was just the cold that came on yesterday. She looked like she didn't feel well. John's knees were killing him while posing. Knees were cracking... Lincoln hurt his shoulder while twisting into position. The girl said that Lincoln looked familiar and asked what he does for a living. Out of nowhere he said he was an actor. What? She didn't get his joke. (Neither did I.) We were so stiff! You must admit, we don't look our best! Oh well.

How can I try to make this spiritual? I can't think of any way except for the fact that God loves us just the way we are. He doesn't need us to come to Him all dressed up looking perfect. If we just relax and be at peace with Him, we are beautiful in His eyes. It was funny!

Please laugh with us...
Love,
Angie xoxo

better is one day

This blog has been making me crazy today! If you saw my last post, (I just deleted it since my type-A personality couldn't take it any longer), you'd notice how confusing it was to read. I'm not sure what the problem was. I even went to the Apple store to ask for help. Now I must post in Firefox. I hope this works.

This song makes me happy! I'm exhausted from a long day of shopping. It started at 5:15 this morning when I went with my husband to try to get some T.V.s for his office... and they were sold out by the time we got there. Just a minute ago he told me Target is having ANOTHER sale tomorrow starting early. I said so sweetly, "No, thanks!" Maybe I will feel different tomorrow, but for now I just want to relax and listen to this song.

I hope everyone had a nice day!
I LOVE having my kids home...even if they are both out with their friends!
Much love,
Angie xoxo

We'll Gather Together

The Karnowski Family (3 Years ago)... celebrating in Spirit this year!

Happy Thanksgiving! Hopefully we will celebrate with our families and give thanks to God for all of our blessings. Some of us will only be together in Spirit. Wherever you are today, I hope you take some time out of the busyness to really, really thank God for loving us every single day! I am thanking Him for the blessings you give me through this blog.

We gather together to ask the Lord’s blessing;
He chastens and hastens His will to make known.
The wicked oppressing now cease from distressing.
Sing praises to His Name; He forgets not His own.

Beside us to guide us, our God with us joining,
Ordaining, maintaining His kingdom divine;
So from the beginning the fight we were winning;
Thou, Lord, were at our side, all glory be Thine!

We all do extol Thee, Thou Leader triumphant,
And pray that Thou still our Defender will be.
Let Thy congregation escape tribulation;
Thy Name be ever praised! O Lord, make us free!

Pecan Pie & Prayer Partners & Slogan

A nice story.......

Last night I had a little argument discussion with one of my sisters. We have a large family and we are scattered all around this country. Let me think, we have these states covered... Michigan, New York, Wisconsin, North Carolina and California. We have several nieces and nephews, too! My sister had a good idea to do a gift exchange this Christmas to "make us all feel connected." We would have to send a $15.00 gift to someone. I told her I thought the idea was silly. I said it would probably cost more to send the gift. Plus, we've tried this before and unfortunately someone doesn't get a gift for whatever reason... Anyway, my sister was a little bummed that I decided to opt out of the exchange.

I talked with her this morning. She called me early asking for my pecan pie recipe. When I asked her if she was still mad at me she said she wasn't. Good. Then she told me that she and another sister talked about the idea of exchanging names to be "Pen-Pals" over the next year. I told her it was a great idea! I went on to tell her what I call that...

Prayer Partners...

I'm so THANKFUL for the ways God continues to work in hearts all around our world and especially my family!
I hope all of my siestas have a Prayer Partner as well!

I wish I could smell the food cooking in everyone's houses today! I better get baking my pecan pie!
Love you-
Angie xoxo

P.S. My blog siesta came up with the BEST slogan for Thanksgiving! She gave me permission to pass this on...

"Let’s keep Thanksgiving pure, remembering Who has given us such amazing gifts as Christ Himself, and keep the holiday unadulterated with peripheral things. Here’s my (Annie's) slogan for the campaign."

Thanksgiving - It Looks Good on You.

Thank you so much!

A Beautiful Prayer

It’s only for a moment you are mine to hold
The plans that heaven has for you
Will all too soon unfold
So many different prayers I’ll pray
For all that you might do
But most of all I’ll want to know
You’re walking in the truth
And If I never told you
I want you to know
As I watch you grow

I pray that God would fill your heart with dreams
And that faith gives you the courage
To dare to do great things
I’m here for you whatever this life brings
So let my love give you roots
And help you find your wings

May passion be the wind
That leads you through your days
And may conviction keep you strong
Guide you on your way
May there be many moments
That make your life so sweet
Oh, but more than memories

I pray that God would fill your heart with dreams
And that faith gives you the courage
To dare to do great things
I’m here for you whatever this life brings
So let my love give you roots
And help you find your wings

It’s not living if you don’t reach for the sky
I’ll have tears as you take off
But I’ll cheer as you fly

I pray that God would fill your heart with dreams
And that faith gives you the courage
To dare to do great things
I’m here for you whatever this life brings
So let my love give you roots
And help you find your wings


Something God took me over to Heather's blog this morning. Being the week of THANKSgiving I wanted to add this song to my blog. Heather is such an inspiration to all who are battling cancer. She is amazing. You will be blessed by reading her blog. As a parent, I can't help but pray this song over my kids!

Much love,
Angie xoxo

Y'all I am so happy!

Pretending I am from the south...

Y'all, I am so happy now!
The poor girls I work with had to listen to me complain about my hair ALL day long! First, the salon told me my stylist (the owner) was very busy and probably couldn't see me until Saturday. They changed their mind and told me they could do it this evening! My friend, Sheila was nice enough to take my last patient so I could rush over to my appointment. My stylist was so sweet and told me it would be easy to fix. She said she would never do anything to my hair that she couldn't fix. She didn't act weird at all. I am back to my old self. She didn't charge me a dime!

Thank you SO much for encouraging me to "march back in there". I thought I'd just have to get comfortable with it. I really thought I had to learn to be less self-centered. I feel SO much better! Once again, my siestas were here to pray for me.
Thank you so so so much!

I'm so thankful and it's only Monday!
:)
Love,
Angie xoxo

Today's lesson

I hate to admit that I have a problem with hair dressers.  I'm sorry if this offends anyone.  The problem is I think they actually have fun making people get out of their comfort zone and push their "styles" on others.  They get joy out of making us look "different".  I am a little bitter and it's Sunday.  I got my hair cut and colored on Friday and I still haven't gotten used to it.  I'm dreading going to work tomorrow.  (Not to mention that my cheeks are burnt from the chemicals.)  My hair was highlighted blonde and now I am definitely a brunette (She called it Auburn... I call it purple.) 

I've been trying to figure out why this bugs me so much.  This is what I came up with.  I'm just happier with lighter hair.  Light vs. Dark... Good vs. Evil... High vs. Low...  Happy vs. Sad... Hot vs. Cold... Black vs. White... etc.  Did I mention I am a little (a lot) bitter?   

I don't like it!  I like looking the same.  I didn't agree to this change. I don't recognize myself when I look in the mirror.  We are scheduled for our first family portrait on Friday.  Is this Satan?   This is just the start of the holiday season.  We have many events planned between now and New Years.  I am not due to get my hair done again until after the first of the year.  What's a girl to do? 

God and I had a meeting while I was on a run today.  God said, "Angie, I thought you asked me to make you different?"  He's right.  I don't want to be the same Angie.   I don't want to look in the mirror and see the old Angie.  I want to be better than I was before.  This has nothing to do with me.  Maybe God wants me to have a little lesson in humility.  Perhaps I didn't learn it the last several times I had hair disasters.  Maybe He wants me out of my comfort zone.  Maybe He wants me to focus on Him and not myself.  I want people see Jesus... not Angie.  I love my purple hair... It's all how you look at it.



I better smile...

Thank you, God for this lesson I didn't ask for.  

I love you.

Angie

  

 

Second Chance...Again

Romans 7:20
Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.

I really want to be obedient to God, but sometimes I just plain don't obey Him. That's all I can say. I wanted to do something during my Bible study to resolve, like Daniel and his friends. I did okay for a couple of weeks, but then... for some reason, I quit. I thought it might be a good idea to write about it so I will be accountable to you...and God. I wanted to be aware of the over-indulgence that we face. It's everywhere. It really is. I wanted to be different. But, I keep doing what I didn't want to.

We serve a God who forgives. He forgives me and He forgives you, too! I want a new beginning right this minute.
I love how He is the God of second chances...
He is the "head lifter"... I just love that... especially now.
I am a mess without Him...



He is so amazing...
Angie xoxo

A few of my gang

This friday I want to share some of my favorite people with you! Its times like these that I appreciate people in my life who are so encouraging and supportive. I am so blessed and grateful.

Tom & Patty... these friends are definitely a gift from God... always have been. ! We were up north at their cottage. They call it... "the cottage". They are very generous and oh, so loving!

My sister-in-law, Stacey (Given Grace). Yes, in a very cool store in Chicago.

Meg, Christy, Paula & Hannah. These girls are prayer warriors and a gift I never take for granted! We have a lot of fun together, too! Aren't they so cute?
Our "couples" small group. God saved our marriage with the help of these wonderful people!

My blog siesta, Annie did a great post yesterday and it reminded me how important it is to have a good buddy system! It's so nice to know we don't have to do life alone!
Have a great weekend!
Love,
Angie

Oops... Thankful... Friday!

I'm thankful for YOU this Thursday...Oops, I guess it is Friday! :)
I love my siestas!
You bless me more than you will ever know!
I feel loved!

Angie xoxoxo

Pride?

Hi everyone!

I have been away for a little while because, well, things have been a little crazy around here. I had a fun weekend with my family. I went to Chicago with my sister-in-laws. It was a lot of fun! But... that's not what I want to talk about.

I'll try to get right to the point. I think I told you that my husband is opening his own practice. He was planning on being ready by the first of the year and is busy getting everything coordinated. He's basically... running around like a chicken with his head cut off. Am I allowed to say that on this blog? Oh well, it's true. I'm still trying to avoid letting the stress get to "us".

Anyway... I set up a website for him so patients can find him via the internet. I made a page on iweb. It's very easy and it gets his name out there and shows his phone number, etc. So that's a good thing!

Okay... this is the part that I am struggling with. I have a sister who is an "expert" at the computer. Working on the computer is her job. It pays her bills. She knows how to make her website be the first to show up on top when a search is being done. She was helping me last night to get my husband's to show up because we wanted it to work quickly so his patients can find him.

For some reason when a search is done typing in his name, my blog shows up from the time it was his birthday. Sorry, I am rambling, but the point I am trying to make is this... My sister suggested that I delete my whole blog for awhile and change it to his! So he can use MY blog to get his name out there. I DON'T WANT TO DO THAT! I LOVE my blog and all of the friends I have met along the way... and, I'm just sorry, but I cannot do that. This is a christian blog and I want to keep it that way! I hope it doesn't mean that I am being selfish or that my pride is getting in the way.

I hope this is NOT the case..."I AM AND THERE IS NONE BESIDES ME!"

So... I am not going anywhere! I love you, siestas! You probably don't even know this, but you are part of the miracle of my life and my marriage! Thanks!
Much love,
Angie xoxo

p.s. If you want to check out my husband's website you can. But... I think I will be deleting it soon. What do you think? It's on my sidebar if you want to check it out and give me some feedback. It's pretty obvious to find.

So Thankful this Thursday

I cannot tell you guys how much I appreciate you sharing Bible verses with me this week. I do not know where my life would be if I didn't have His Word and the love and support of my sisters in Christ! (Abby, Kim, Jackie, Jill, Jean and many more!) I am more grateful today than I was yesterday!

Psalm 34

1 I will extol the LORD at all times;
his praise will always be on my lips.

2My soul will boast in the LORD;
let the afflicted hear and rejoice.

3 Glorify the LORD with me;
let us exalt his name together.

4 I sought the LORD, and he answered me;
he delivered me from all my fears.

5 Those who look to him are radiant;
their faces are never covered with shame.

6 This poor man called, and the LORD heard him;
he saved him out of all his troubles.

22 The LORD redeems his servants;
no one will be condemned who takes refuge in him.
Thanks, Fran & Shonda

There is a book, "A Wise Woman" by Erin Thiele that is chock full of ways to be a better wife. It has loads of Scripture and I have a copy by my nightstand.
Thanks, Annie


1 Corinthians 10:13 (NRSV)

No testing has overtaken you that is not common to everyone. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tested beyond your strength, but with the testing he will also provide the way out so that you may be able to endure it.

Psalm 56:3-4
When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust, I will not be afraid.

Isaiah 41:10
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Philippians 4:6-7 and 13
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Thanks, Kat

Hebrews 10:36 helped me:

"You need to persevere, so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised"
Thanks, Jen

I will be praying!
2 Cor 5:7
7We live by faith, not by sight.

Eph 5:21-33
21Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.
Thanks, Jenny

Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Thanks, Chris

I Thank God for every single one of you... now I can go and have a good day at work!
Love you,
Angie xox

Thank you so much

Thank you for all of your prayers and support! You are the best!
I am blessed by your friendship!

He's more than enough for me,
Angie
xoxo

Heavy Duty Prayer Request

Hey Siestas!

Today was a big day in the life of my husband (and me). I cannot get too specific on this blog, but will you PLEASE keep us in your prayers tonight? This involves my husband and his job. He is starting a new business and things will be getting pretty stressful for us starting... TODAY and TOMORROW and these next several months! I want to keep believing God to do HUGE things in our lives. I want to be a supportive wife. I want to be a supportive wife. I WANT to be a supportive wife!

If anyone can think of any scriptures that might help me be a good wife during a stressful season for my husband and myself I would be MOST appreciative! I don't mean to be such a drama queen, but right now I am one! Please forgive me!

Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

It is such a comfort to know I have a team of prayer warriors from all over this country... and beyond! I am so blessed. THANK YOU!

Holy Spirit come and fill this place...
I Love You,
Angie xoxo

A Fresh Word Tonight

Feeling especially grateful tonight for His Word...

Proverbs 12:25
An anxious heart weighs a man down,
but a kind word cheers him up.

Love you-
Angie xoxo

Part of His World

When I saw a friend's daughter dressed in her Halloween costume the other day, I was reminded of a movie I love. Yes, it's The Little Mermaid. When I was working out this morning, guess what song came on my i-pod? This one! Listen to the words. The Holy Spirit is amazing...

This Daniel study is really getting to me. If you've done the study, you'll remember this clearly... "I am, and there is none besides me." I want to be different. I don't want to have the Babylonian mentality. I want more than this world can offer! The "stuff" I collect doesn't mean anything. I want to be in the sun... SON. I want to be part of His world!

He's all I need!
Love,
Angie

p.s. I know, I am way too child-like... but I'm okay with it!
:)

Happy Halloween

Call me crazy, but as we walked around town watching all of the little kids, I couldn't help but remember what seems like yesterday! Thanks for letting me share another picture of my kids (...a long time ago!). I know, I have issues! My kids never really liked trick or treating... especially John!

I hope you all had a fun Halloween. It didn't rain until after trick or treating was over! Yay!

Then... I went to see the best movie... I highly recommend it! It's called "BELLA". You must see it! I wrote down the first line of the movie. " If you want to make God laugh, tell Him your plans." Okay, I better not spoil the movie.

Love,
Angie

She Has Called Me Friend

This morning before I left for work I jumped on here for just a second and found that my friend, Kat gave me this sweet award! This is such an honor, especially coming from Kat! She is the sweetest girl you'll meet. She is so generous and loving and always leaves me the sweetest comments!

I want to pass this on to Jean, Shonda, Holly and Tonja! I'd really like to pass this on to everyone because I consider all of you friends and I look forward to meeting you all in person... hopefully at the Siesta Fiesta next August! I think this is just a taste of what God feels for us! Praise Him! Please listen to a great song...


I have been blessed beyond measure by all of you!
Love,
Angie xoxo