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!
:)