Still Thankful

Thankful Thursday...

I just can't believe who God brings to my dental chair. I have this man (my dad's age) who comes in every 3 months to get his teeth cleaned. He flirts a lot with me and I just laugh when he says off the wall things to me. He told me that he drives 40 minutes just to see me. He always says, "If you weren't married..." He talked about going down to Florida after his appointment to 80-85 degree weather to play golf and wine and dine. (We are supposed to get 10 inches of snow tonight.) He always asks me the questions so that he can "open" and I can "talk" while cleaning his teeth. Todays question was quite challenging, well not really. The question wasn't different, but my response was VERY different.

"Angie, if could change anything about your life, what would you change? Do you have any regrets?" I should tell you that I am pretty sure he is not a Christian. Okay, I took a deep breath... It only took me about 5 seconds to respond. I said, "Well, I would have sought God before I made any decisions." IT'S SO TRUE! I AM SEEKING HIM NOW! You guys, you don't know me, but this was not something I would have said not too long ago. I meant it from the bottom of my heart. My heart beat fast and honestly, I got nervous before I said it but felt such a sense of peace after I did. You know what? I have NO idea how he responded to my answer! Can you believe it?

Anyway... I am thankful that God is making me more bold and unafraid of telling people about Him and how much He means to me and how He is it! All I want to do in my life anymore is Glorify my God! This man doesn't tempt me in the least, but all I know is that my God is irresistible!

Oh, and I'm thankful for one more thing tonight... Boots!
Nice warm, cozy ones!
Keep warm!
Love,
Angie xoxo

I'm Running

Marvelous Light
by Charlie Hall

I once was fatherless,
a stranger with no hope;
Your kindness wakened me,
Awakened me, from my sleep

Your love it beckons deeply,
a call to come and die.
By grace now I will come
And take this life, take your life.

Sin has lost it's power,
death has lost it's sting.
From the grave you've risen
VICTORIOUSLY!

Into marvelous light I'm running,
Out of darkness, out of shame.
By the cross you are the truth,
You are the life, you are the way

My dead heart now is beating,
My deepest stains now clean.
Your breath fills up my lungs.
Now I'm free. now I'm free!

Lift my hands and spin around,
See the light that i have found.
Oh the marvelous light
Marvelous light

Lift my hands and spin
See the light within...

My Dad

Dear Dad,

Tomorrow is the 3rd Anniversary of the day you went to be with Jesus. It was a sad day for all of us, but it was especially sad for me because I so wanted to be there with my other siblings to send you off. I was there just days before and I helped you into bed that last time. I was there when you talked with your only brother, Uncle Harry for the last time, and I was there with Mom when she told you that the wallpaper was coming off the wall and she asked you to scratch her back. (She was trying with all of her might to give you a reason to hang on for one more day.) I was there when the pharmacist came over to drop off chocolate for all of us. I remember lifting you up when you fell down because you were just too weak to hold yourself up any longer. I was honored to help you go to the bathroom. I'll never forget when I made you listen to one of my favorite songs on my iPod, "Come Home Running", by Chris Tomlin. I wanted you to know that it was okay with me that you had to go. His arms were open wide! You were going to be with Jesus! I was doing my very first Beth Moore Bible study, "Believing God' and I shared some of the things I had been learning with you. I was sure you knew Jesus, and you had faith. You didn't talk a lot about it. You lived His love by example. I still admire that about you. You were such a servant to your wife and you took your marriage vows so seriously. It's hard for any of your daughters to appreciate our husbands like we should because you set the standard so high, perhaps too high. I'm not sure, but you did it your way! Thank you for loving Mom the way you did! I'll never forget the time we were all there celebrating your 50th Wedding Anniversary and while the whole family was gathered, you needed to tell us that you wanted us to always get together and stay close. In these 3 years, I've watched Mom suffer. She is so lost and misses you like crazy. She still doesn't know how to live alone. She's trying, and I know she's exhausted. She'd give anything to be with you. She found a new church, Dad and I am so happy for her! She's tried everything and she is starting to realize that what she really needs is Jesus. We are all trying to give her extra grace, we really are. Your baby, "Goose" is having a hard time right now. She doesn't want to disappoint you because she promised to take care of Mom. She needs a lot of prayers right now.

When Mom and I were driving together last week, we heard the song that was playing as we were leaving the church that day. I still get the chills when I hear it, "I Can Only Imagine". I asked Mom how she thinks she would really react when she sees the face of God and she said she thinks she would be speechless. I wonder how it was for you?





I miss you and I'll always love you!
Your Daddy's girl,
Annie xoxo

p.s. I hope you liked the party we threw for you. The band was just perfect!

God doesn't show favoritism

Check out these twins. Lee (& Mary) and Lincoln (& me). These guys just happened to wear the same outfits to a wedding and the two of us girls just happened to be wearing the same colored dresses! Is that a twin thing?


Since I work tomorrow I decided to do my Monday morning Cover to Cover reading of the Bible chronologically post tonight. Thank you so much, Bev for facilitating this! Anyone is free to jump in if you like! I can't tell you how much I am enjoying this. Everything is starting, just starting to make sense to me. I am learning so much.

The book of Genesis is one that is really hard to put down. It's so exciting and it's definitely a love story that was written so long ago and the fact that it is TRUE definitely makes it my favorite!

I loved the romance in Genesis Ch. 24 when Abraham prays for his son Isaac. He prayed to God and Rebekah appeared. He loved her and was comforted after the loss of his mother! I loved this sweet story. It reminded me that I need to start praying for my kids' spouses and for God to bring them Godly people. Earlier in my life I never went to God first! It's so important! Now that thought lingers...

My husband is a twin. He was born first. I am always fascinated with stories about twins. It seems they usually have opposite personalities. (Correct me if I am wrong.) That was definitely true for Isaac's twins' Esua and Jacob. It is also true of Lincoln and Lee. I found it so amazing that there has been favoritism shown since way back then. I guess it's natural, but it's a hard pill to swallow. My husband's twin brother is a hemophiliac so his parents always had to pay close attention to his health. They just couldn't do the same things. Lincoln once told me that he couldn't learn to ride a bike until he was older because, "What about Lee"? Lincoln has always had a big heart and a lot of compassion for his brother! I couldn't believe how Rebekah betrayed her husband so her favorite son, Jacob could get the blessing (greatest inheritance & leadership) after his father died. She really loved him more! I was happy to finally read in Ch 33 when Jacob met Esau they had such a nice exchange... they hugged! AND.. . how earlier God had met with him face to face and in verse 28... Then the man said, "Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with men and have overcome. This is starting to make sense to me! There was so much conflict between the brothers before and now such a happy ending to it all.

There was more favoritsm between Joseph and his brothers in Ch 37 and they went as far as wanting to have him killed and they sold him to the Ishmaelites. But I was so glad to read where The LORD was with Joseph and he prospered!

I am so relieved that I have never felt like my parents didn't love me. I am even more relieved that our Lord and Savior does NOT show favoritism! He loves us all the same!

Thank you, God!
I love you, Lord!
Angie xoxo

p.s. Thank you for your Word!

The Glory Goes to God

I sure wish I could sing this song!



Happy Sunday! I feel a little funny whenever I get one of these awards. I just write from my heart on this blog. I've met so many wonderful Christian women and have been inspired by all of you. My faith has grown stronger since I first started this blog. Every friend I've met has always pointed straight to Jesus. He deserves all of the Glory for this. I know that on my own I am not a kind or loving person. It's only with His help. I was so touched to get this award from Kat. She was my first blog friend and was so sweet to help me set up my blog. She actually invited me to call her one night to get it figured out. I couldn't believe a total stranger could be so kind and generous! She showed me how to add the "100 Things about me". She didn't even correct me to tell me that I should wait to do it on my 100th post. I had no idea. Thank you, Kat!





I also got these sweet awards from Janel and Kat I am so humbled to have you give me these. You are both very loving and I've been blessed by you. This community of women is a gift that I don't take lightly!


I cannot write this post without mentioning the fact that I would be the happiest and Glorify God the most if I always showed this kind of grace and loving-kindness to my husband and family. I am getting convicted as I type this. If I could, I'd pass it on to them. Since this blog is for my sisters in Christ I will pass it on to all of my friends here! I am so serious. I'd be honored if you would accept these gifts from me and pass them on to whoever you think deserves them the most. You are all so kind and loving!

All my love,
Angie xoxo

The Bright Side

This is why I love my music...


I pray you are having a blessed day!
Thank you, God for bringing me to the bright side of the road this afternoon!
All my love,
Angie xoxo

Not one?

It's THANKFUL THURSDAY...


I am thankful for my friends. Period. I should just stop there. But... I need to tell you that there are people out there who don't have a friend. It saddens me so much. Yesterday I had a patient in the chair (I am a dental hygienist if you didn't already know). Every single time he comes to the office he has his Bible under his arm. When I asked him what he was reading he told me he was reading Daniel. Oh my goodness! That's "my" study! A group of 11 women come to my house to do the in-depth study every other week! He told me he was in Chapter 4 and I knew what it was about! I am still floored. Anyway... he told me he was going to go out for breakfast after his appointment and like a dummy I asked him who he was going with? He told me he was going by himself and that he does not have one friend! Not one? It was almost as if he wanted me to know. He is not married. Both of his parents have passed away and he has one sister who is a widow. How does this dental hygienist with the big mouth respond? I was at a loss. I offered him suggestions as to how to get in a small group, or a golf league or something else. He seemed hopeless. My heart still aches for this guy. But... he has Jesus! He has Jesus! As I polished his teeth and finished flossing I prayed for him (with a lump in my throat). That's all I knew to do.

So... I am thankful for my friends.

Just a little while ago I was reading the LPM blog and sweet Amanda wrote another great post today. She was talking about Titus women and the advice they had given along the way. Here's how it goes...

Titus 2:3-5 says, "Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God."

Girls, there are a lot of women who don't have a Titus woman in their life! Some of us didn't grow up in homes where this kind of example was taught. We either didn't have mothers or grandmothers, or the mothers we did have didn't know this truth. So, I am going to first pray for myself that I will be a Titus woman (mother,aunt, sister or friend) to someone who needs one. Then... I am going to pray for any women who desperately needs a woman like this in her life that God will bring her someone.

I'm so grateful for this blog. You all don't even know that you are a Titus woman and you might not even know who you are mentoring! I want to thank you so much! I'm on my knees.
I'm Praising Him tonight! He is so good!
Love,
Angie xoxo

It's a Decision

I've never heard this song before tonight... this is a kids' version but the words are amazing!


Tonight's message was great at New Community...

Jesus gave us a simple invitation to change the world. The first step in His plan was to follow Him. In His Word He mentions following many more times than He talks about believing in Him. It is way more difficult to follow someone than use our own map because we have to give up our control. If we follow someone we have to simply go exactly where they go. We have to see Him and submit to His will, not our own!

Matthew 4:18-20
As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." At once they left their nets and followed him.

This is so true... "Believers" will not impact the world, but "Followers" of Jesus will! It's a decision we have to make moment to moment. Will we follow Him into everything we have to face, in our marriages, finances, jobs and health? It really is a decision we must make. I want to follow Him.

Jesus said that following Him will cost you your life.

Luke Chapter 4:25-27 Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them he said: "If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters—yes, even his own life—he cannot be my disciple. And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.

He tells us that we have to lose our life to find it and we can only serve one God! He doesn't want us to follow Him unless we are willing to give up everything for Him!

I'm deciding to follow Him and I'm not turning back!
In His Amazing Love,
Angie xoxo

p.s. On 1/25/08 I added this beautiful song I heard this morning:

Job... I Love His Word

I am so humbled by God and what He is doing in my life. It's such a blessing to have this group of women to read the Word Cover to Cover with and hear their insights along the way. This is the first time I have ever read the book of Job. I knew basically what it was about but never read it for myself.

Of the entire book of Job I especially loved the last chaper where Job replied to the LORD:
Job 42:2 "I know that you can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted."

And... I had always heard that Job lost everything in his life, but I never knew before today how it ended...

Job 42:10-12 After Job had prayed for his friends, the LORD made him prosperous again and gave him twice as much as he had before. All his brothers and sisters and everyone who had known him before came and ate with him in his house. They comforted and consoled him over all the trouble the LORD had brought upon him, and each one gave him a piece of silver and a gold ring.
The LORD blessed the latter part of Job's life more than the first...

PRAISE GOD!

I love the Word and I really don't know how anyone can live life without a relationship with God. I am going to pray for my family and friends who are lost. They can try it on their own, but eventually every knee will bow! We all need something to cling to and I am so honored to have been chosen by Him. He's all I need!

I'm praying for all of you!
Much Love in Him,
Angie xoxo

P.S. I am in North Carolina until tomorrow but I would love to have the perfect song. :)

Do they see the Fruit?

I heard a great message tonight at church. I don't want to forget...

We were talking about the reasons why people think Christians are arrogant.
We can say what we want, but in reality we are judged by our fruit. It's not arrogant, it's humbling. The Fruits of the Spirit. They should see love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. It's that simple.

We were also talking about the difference between tolerance and respect. Tolerance is the ability to put up with something or someone. Respecting someone means you can disagree with their ideas, but love them anyway. I don't want someone to just tolerate me, but I'd love it if they would respect me as a child of God. We all need to respect each other.

We all try to project an image to get people to love us. We want them to think we are a certain way and don't want them to know the "real" us. But the most loving people are full of truth and grace and have an inner beauty. ... Jesus Christ. He knows all of our strengths and weaknesses, our failures yet He loves us anyway. It's the most humbling kind of love. He wants to make us beautiful. I want them to see Christ's love and compassion when they look at me!

Do I think I am a good person? No... the light comes from God. We don't bring it on ourselves. It has nothing to do with us. I remember going to a counselor for years and was told I needed to learn to trust myself. But the truth is I should not trust myself... I can only trust God. It's a humbling love.

He is lovely...
Angie xoxo

Age Doesn't Matter

I've been reading on this blog for some time now. I have enjoyed all of the stories and I've learned SO much. There is something I've noticed along the way that I think is SO cool. Then last night I read something very interesting in the book of Job. The truth is this: Age does not matter to God! He has used women of all ages to inspire and teach me something every single day. Some of my favorite blogs are written by young women who are in college and I also love to read blogs written by women older than my parents! God is so amazing to bring us all together. We are family! He doesn't care how old we are. (Maybe this is on my mind because I will be turning another year older pretty soon.) I love hearing stories and insights written by singles, newly married, new parents, parents of teenagers, empty-nesters, grandparents and widows.

Job 32:6-9

6 So Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite said:
"I am young in years,
and you are old;
that is why I was fearful,
not daring to tell you what I know.

7 I thought, 'Age should speak;
advanced years should teach wisdom.'

8 But it is the spirit in a man, the breath of the Almighty, that gives him understanding.

9 It is not only the old who are wise,
not only the aged who understand what is right.

You ALL inspire me and I am grateful!
Thank you so much!
Your sister,
Angie xoxo

I feel special

I was so honored to be mentioned by Lisa at The Preacher's Wife and Nise at Thus Far The Lord Has Helped Me for this sweet award.

They describes the award this way:

So here's to all the blogs that you've discovered that you can't possibly live without. They make you laugh, cry, think and feel connected every time you read a post. They give you a thrill as you see them loading into your browser and you get an equally satisfying thrill when you see that they have commented on your blog.

I never would have thought I would meet so many amazing Christian women on this blog. I don't think a year ago I even knew what a "blog" was and now God has blessed me beyond measure here. The encouragement, acceptance and love that has been displayed is such a gift. People are always so quick to say how the internet is such a dangerous thing, but I'm telling you that God is working and He's on the move. I have this map on my sidebar that shows me where the people are coming from and I cannot believe how small our world has become. I've met so many people from all over the country and I can honestly say you have changed me. I see Christ in all of you!

Thank you for taking the time to visit me. I never feel judged, just loved so deeply by a bunch of wonderful Christian women!

I spend a lot of time visiting so many of your blogs. I just can't get enough. Your stories are so inspiring and I'd like to acknowledge just a few of them that I know others would love to visit and be blessed almost as much as I am...

Annie's Eyes, A Mountain Too High, Shonda's Journal and  My Life As Annie.

I am so grateful for my friend Lisa for introducing me to Beth Moore just a few years ago! Her love for Jesus makes me want to get in His Word as much as I can! Thank you Beth Moore and LPM! I cannot wait to meet you all at the Siesta Fiesta in August!

Much love to my friends in blogland!
Angie xoxo

God is so much bigger

I have this friend... No, not really. It's me. I have this problem. Quite often I wrestle with God. I fight with Him over some issues, mainly about a decision I made years ago. Back then I didn't seek Him first. I argue with God. But... I have learned so much about Him since then. (I find it amazing that our Cover to Cover reading of the Bible starts right off in the book of Job.) I've come to realize it's exhausting fighting with Him. Satan doesn't help matters!

I've read a lot about strongholds lately and have been thinking a lot about them. A stronghold pretends to be bigger than our God and steals our focus and controls us. Nothing else can satisfy what God can. In Beth Moore's book, "Praying God's Word" she reminds us, "nothing is bigger or more powerful than God! It's so true. He can do miracles today! He really can. I know what I need. I need to "Break Free" from myself. And maybe give myself a break!



If you wouldn't mind, please pray with me to just give it up to God, surrender my life over to Him and just obey Him today!

(I found these pictures from my pictures of South Africa. I had a little video clip that I wanted to share where the elephants were swimming, but I must have lost it. They were playing but it looked like they could hurt each other badly with their tusks. The other one was one of my favorites. We are small but have a huge God. We are in good hands when we are with our Daddy!)

In His Love,
Angie xoxo

Put it off long enough

Have you ever had one of those days where you just keep procrastinating? I have tried to get down to my exercise room to get on the elliptical machine but I don't feel like it. I'd like to say I deserve a day off, but the truth is, I didn't do it yesterday either. A friend invited me to go see a movie this afternoon and I dropped everything and went with her. I had a whole list of things I hoped to get accomplished but I didn't get a lot done. I guess I just needed one of those days to regroup. Okay, I've put it off long enough. I better get down there.

Happy Friday!
Love,
Angie xoxo
p.s. Maybe this song will get me motivated! If this doesn't, I don't know what will.
Thanks, Cece!

awkward

We started the second session of our Daniel Study this evening at my house. During our prayer time I realized how awkward I felt praying aloud. It seems as if everyone else is so much more comfortable than I am. I stumble on my words. I wish I didn't get so nervous. I found this picture of myself the other day and was reminded about that awkward stage as a little girl. I so wanted to fit in, but just look at those pigtails. And that was picture day! I know God doesn't care how eloquently my prayers come out. He knows my heart, right? It was just very awkward and I could feel my face getting red. I'm so glad I don't have to be perfect. God still loves me and I am pretty sure you do too!

By the way, thanks!
Love,
Angie xoxo

my favorite song this monday

This is why I love Jesus so much...

"Mercy Said No" by Cece Winans

Much love to all of you,
Angie xoxo

testimony

Angela Kay Karnowski (2-14-62)


Earlier today a dear friend of mine asked how I came to Christ? I began to reflect on my testimony. I didn't really think I had one until I thought about it. I was first baptized as a baby only a month after I was born way back in 1962. I didn't realize then how many seeds God had planted in my life since then. He has placed so many people in my life to point me straight to Him. I was brought up going to church. It took many years for me to realize how much I needed God in my life. It took a divorce to begin my journey with Him. I would never wish that on my worst enemy, but I swear to you that God meant it for good. I had no other choice but to fall in His loving arms. I wish I had a date on the calendar to celebrate when I came to Christ, but it was a gradual thing that God Himself orchestrated. He just kept nudging me for so many years. My friend, Pauline took me to buy my first Bible. I didn't even know how to read or understand it. I was a little upset that I had gone to church for all of those years and wasn't encouraged to read it. Now, so many years later I am so grateful. I want our relationship to grow deeper. He gives me reasons to continue to cling to Him every single day. I need Him more today than yesterday. I am still trying to understand how He can love me so much. I pray I will point as many people as I can to Him until the day He takes me home. He is great and deserves all of the glory in my life. He is my miracle.

I Love you, Jesus and it's true that there is no one else like You!

Your daughter,
Angie xoxo


Terry MacAlmon

Oops

I already need a do over... Oops!



Okay... I think I'm ready to get focused again. I hope you are doing better than me. I don't want to become obsessive. All I need is moderation and a little bit of focus... I can do all things through Christ!
Love,
Angie xoxo

soar on wings

We had such a nice New Years. We went to our friends' house and met some new friends and connected with some older ones. I have never brought in a new year this way. There were a lot of people there and right after the ball dropped on the t.v., our friend, Keith stood up on a chair and read this passage of scripture. Our Pastor, Craig Mayes was there as well and lead us all in prayer. None of us know what God has planned for us this year, but we cannot go wrong with Him in control. No matter what we'll face (in our jobs, health, finances and relationships) we will be able to... "soar on wings like eagles." He brings me so much comfort, hope and peace for 2008.
Thank you, Lord!

Isaiah 40:28-31

Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The LORD is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom.

He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.

Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;

but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.

In His Amazing Love,
Angie xoxo