Cover to Cover... he hears our prayers

Yes, it's another Monday and time to let you know about our chronological readings Cover to Cover of the Bible with the girls.
This is what lingers for me this week...

Psalm 40
I waited patiently for the LORD;
he turned to me and heard my cry.

He lifted me out of the slimy pit,
out of the mud and mire;
he set my feet on a rock
and gave me a firm place to stand.

He put a new song in my mouth,
a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear
and put their trust in the LORD.


I am sure most of you who read this blog know about Beth Moore and how much she has inspired me to get into God's Word. I have been blessed by so many of her books. Get Out of that Pit was one I read and passed on to a friend. If you have not read it, you should. She also talked about it on Life Today on Wednesdays with Beth.



2 Samuel 22:7
In my distress I called to the LORD;
I called out to my God.
From his temple he heard my voice;
my cry came to his ears.

God helped me in the most difficult time of my life while going through my (Pit) divorce. He was with me through it all. I had to surrender my life to Him so I could get some kind of peace beyond my understanding. This past year he has been there for me more than ever. Whenever my life seems to go smoothly He gives me reason to need Him once again.

Psalm 86:11-13
Teach me your way, O LORD,
and I will walk in your truth;
give me an undivided heart,
that I may fear your name.

I will praise you, O Lord my God, with all my heart;
I will glorify your name forever.

When I look around at everyone I know, they are all going through something. I pray He gives you reason to need Him. He hears us when we pray! I know that for sure!

All my love and gratitude for His Word,
Angie xoxo

p.s. There is so much more in our readings and I look forward to reading your insights each week.

megzies

I remember years ago when Meghan used to call me "Mommy" until she got teased by her friend, Kristen. I am grateful today for a daughter who still calls me when it feels like it's just the two of us against the world. I'm so glad she has the best friends in the whole world who are there for her when I can't be. I'd give anything to jump on a plane today to give her a hug and tell her everything is going to be okay! God blessed me beyond measure to have a daughter who loves me and lets me in her life!


This is the longest video... but it's the best song!

Much love to everyone, especially my Megzies!
Mom

With God we are never alone

FC Liverpool - You'll Never Walk Alone

When you walk through a storm
Keep your chin up high
And don't be afraid of the dark.
At the end of the storm
Is a golden sky
And the sweet silver song of a lark.

Walk on through the wind,
Walk on through the rain,
Tho' your dreams be tossed and blown.Walk on, walk on
With hope in your heart
And you'll never walk alone,
You'll never walk alone.


A very special friend of mine sent this to me today and I just loved it! When we go through life it's great to know we are never ever alone with God. I Praise Him for all the friends He has put in my life!

Much love,
Angie xoxo

final brag session

I am too excited not to share this today. I am so happy for my son, John who has given his all in lacrosse this year and received an amazing award. It is such an honor for him to receive. Again, I hope one day he gives God all of the credit for his talent. For today I have this verse on the tip of my tongue...

1 Chronicles 29:13 
Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name.

Much love to you all this Saturday!
Angie xoxo

Thankful Thursday... Holy Spirit

This Thursday I am Thankful for the Holy Spirit. Last night during our church service we were studying Acts 5:1-11 where Ananias and Sapphira lie. I've always had a problem with lying. I can't stand it. I'd love to say I have never lied, but the truth is I have. As a Christian I know better.

I am thankful for the Holy Spirit and how He convicts me more and more every day.

John 16:7-8 (NLT)
But in fact, it is best for you that I go away, because if I don’t, the Advocate (The Holy Spirit) won’t come. If I do go away, then I will send him to you. And when he comes, he will convict the world of its sin, and of God’s righteousness, and of the coming judgment.

Hebrews 12:14
Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.

1 Peter 1:15-16
But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy."

I want the Holy Spirit to dwell in me and actually want Him to convict me when I am blending in with the world. I want to be different and have a pure heart. The nice thing about the Holy Spirit is He works in each person's heart differently. He works on my husband's heart and takes the responsibility off me to make him who I want him to be. I want to be full of His Spirit so there is no room for me. I want more of Him and less of 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.

I'm so Thankful that He comes to convict and not condemn me.
I hope your day is fruitful!
In His Perfect Love,
Angie xoxo

now I know

I just finished my last session of Beth Moore's Daniel study this evening. I was facilitating a group of women but unfortunately had to miss the last session to attend a funeral. It was kind of sweet watching it by myself. I have to tell you Beth cleared up something that I had been wondering about for probably my whole life. I was afraid to ask anyone to answer this question and I'm sure I've read it along the way but had a hard time believing it until tonight! How appropriate that I'd "get it" on the 10th Anniversary of the day my sister went to be with Jesus. God is so good that I am deeply touched right now.

I'm sure you already know this. I'm a little embarrassed to tell you, but I have the desire to share it because there could be one more person out there who is in my shoes...

I didn't know without a shadow of doubt that we will recognize our loved ones who have gone before us when we are in Heaven. I just didn't know for sure! Beth kind of said it in passing but it took me by surprise. It is such a gift to me as I think of a lot of people but especially my sister and my dad. I don't have words to tell you what this means to me!

Thanks for listening!
Love,
Angie xoxo

ten years ago today

This is an old picture. My oldest sister, Vic is the one in the navy tee shirt.

Today is Earth Day which means it's also the 10th Anniversary of the day my sister lost her battle with breast cancer. It's hard to believe it's been 10 years since I've heard her laugh or seen her smile. I can still hear her voice which is such a gift. Today I have a candle burning for her and I have these verses on my mind. She planned her own funeral and wanted this read since it meant so much to her! I miss her so much especially today! For all of you who have sisters, give them a call and tell them how much you love them!

Matthew 5:1-10

The Beatitudes

Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them saying:

"Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.



Thank you, Jesus for giving me Vic for the time she was here. How sweet it is to be loved by you!
Angie xoxo

Monday Morning... music

Good Morning, Friends!

Yes, it's another Monday so it's time for another recap of what lingers for me in our Cover to Cover readings of the Bible. I can't tell you how reading my Bible chronologically helps give me such a better understanding. I am so blessed by reading it this way and encouraged to keep up with it by all of you who are reading along side of me. If you want to start feel free to do it with us.


This week we are in 1 Samuel. I wish I had more time to tell you what lingers, but can't since I work today. Here are just a few thoughts.

1 Samuel 15:10-11
Then the word of the LORD came to Samuel: "I am grieved that I have made Saul king, because he has turned away from me and has not carried out my instructions." Samuel was troubled, and he cried out to the LORD all that night.
May the Lord never grieve for choosing me to do anything for Him.

1 Samuel 16:7
But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."
I am so glad God is not obsessed with my outward appearance and only cares about my character! Say no more... I want a heart like David's!

1 Samuel 16:15-16
Saul's attendants said to him, "See, an evil spirit from God is tormenting you. Let our lord command his servants here to search for someone who can play the harp. He will play when the evil spirit from God comes upon you, and you will feel better."
If this is the first time you have read my blog you probably don't know how music feeds my soul. I cannot imagine my life without it ! It can totally change my mood!

I love 1 Samuel chapter 17 and the story of David and Goliath!

I look forward to reading all of the insights you have gotten from our readings. I wish I had time to find the perfect song to go along with this post, but maybe I'll add one later. Have a great week.
Love,
Angie xoxo



Update: Thank you, Karen for helping me. This is the perfect song!

I'm a proud mother

Bear with me while brag just a bit about my son. :)

Yesterday was the final game of the season for Michigan State University's Lacrosse team. They played against the #1 rated University of Michigan. It was an exciting game but unfortunately MSU fell short. I seriously felt like a celebrity at the game. People noticed me taking pictures and asked if I had a son playing. They wanted to know what his number was? I told them #4. They asked what year of college he is in? I told them he is a Junior. Where he went to high school? I told them Clarkston High School. How tall is he? He's 5'9''. What position does he play? Defensive Midfield. They made comments saying how fast he is! Then they started asking me rules of the game. Uh oh! I still don't understand them completely. A lot of those parents had young boys who played in games throughout the day. It was a big deal for them to talk to someone whose son plays at the college level. I was embarrassed but as proud as I could be of my son. He hustled like crazy and made some great plays.

Thank you for sharing in my excitement this afternoon!
I hope you are all enjoying your Sunday!
Much Love,
Angie xoxo

p.s. Did you play the MSU fight song??

Thankful Thursday... just wait

To be honest, I've been in a bad mood most of this Thankful Thursday. It's difficult to think about what I am grateful for when I am mad. I don't have anything serious to be upset about especially considering my evening.

I was meeting my husband for dinner at a little place near our home. On my drive to the restaurant I was praying to God to give me clarity as far as what He wants me to do with my life. I asked God to reveal Himself to me...

The restaurant we went to is rarely busy, but tonight was a different story. The parking lot was packed. We thought it was a good sign and were sure people were finally catching on. When we entered the restaurant there was a table serving about a dozen people. The waitress suggested we quickly put our order in ahead of the group. (Apparently they all drove separately hence the full parking lot.)

As I glanced over to the group I couldn't help but notice a girl I haven't seen in about 10 years! She was in my divorce recovery "singles" group. It took me about 5 seconds to remember her story and the anger she had regarding her ex-husband. I couldn't remember her name for the life of me. I have been in her house! I noticed the whole table looked like the group I was a part of not too long ago. I put myself in their shoes for the entire meal. Oh, do I remember those days!  I bet they were going through the motions.  I am assuming they didn't want to be there. It was as if they were missing their other half and were trying to gear up for a good time but really wanted to be home (with their spouse) and not with these strangers. They couldn't believe their lives had come to this.  I wonder if they felt out of sorts?    They were all together, yet probably felt alone. There weren't a lot of conversations. Anyway, my heart ached for them.

I feel badly because it upset me so much watching them that it ruined my dinner. I was sick to my stomach. And worse than that, I never even went over to say hello to this old friend... (who was obviously still hurting after all of those years). I am praying for forgiveness as I type this.

Then I thought of this song that ministered to me WAY before I ever heard any Christian music.



God never gave up on me! I was never alone.

I'm not sure what I can do right now besides pray for these heart broken men and women and be grateful to God this Thursday evening for the precious gift He gave me by hand picking my second husband of almost 7 years. I take him for granted too many times. Not tonight. I am thankful for not being one of those asking for "separate checks".

James 1:17

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

He revealed Himself to me this evening... and I'm not mad anymore!
In His Love,
Angie xoxo

Peace for my sisters

DeNaze

Mary



Please also pray for my sisters, Mary and DeNaze today!
I'm sure they can use some peace.
Believing God for huge things,
Angie xoxo

Make Me a Channel of your Peace

Prayer request

Zack with his dad (Carl)... and coach!


Please pray for my nephew, Zack today. He is having a rough time these days.
Thank you so much!
With His Love and Compassion,
Angie xoxo


The Lord's Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy Name.
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done,
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
As we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
But deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
and the power,
and the glory,
for ever and ever.

Cover to Cover...See

Hey, girlfriends!
Tomorrow is Monday so it's time for another Cover to Cover recap of our chronological readings of the Bible. This week there was a lot to read and I could write a lot about what lingers, but I will just mention a few things.

I loved reading about Ruth and her mother-in-law, Naomi. I heard someone do a talk about this story and after reading it was reminded about Naomi being called "bitter" by herself. The speaker talked about the names we call ourselves. "Don't call me Angie, call me_____." I could put a lot of adjectives in the space that would not Glorify God. In those times when my self-esteem could be a little shaky I want to remember to call myself... loved by God just the way I am!

In the book of 1 Samuel I loved how Hannah prayed so hard for a son and promised to give him to the Lord for all of the days of his life. She kept her word and gave Samuel to the LORD.

I'm excited about this next part...
My daughter has lived in New York for almost a year. She's grown up so much. I've noticed how much better she is doing especially when it comes to the healing of her heart that was broken by an old boyfriend. She is so much healthier now and I keep telling her to trust the fact that God is in control of her life. I think she is starting to believe it. I think she is starting to believe Him! I pray she is. If it's okay with you, I think I will dedicate the verse below to my little girl, Meghan! Yes, she will be 23 years old in June!

1 Samuel 12:16
"Now then, stand still and SEE this great thing the LORD is about to do before your eyes!



I am enjoying our readings so much. If you want to read more insights on this week's readings go visit Bev and the girls.
Have a great week!
Love,
Angie xoxo

I have ONE chance

I love Patty's idea of God Stops. I hope my blog is about God and what He does in my life every single day. My 2:00 patient yesterday was my God Stop for this week. Somehow God brought a guy in my chair and we had the best conversation. He and I were talking (Well, since I was cleaning his teeth I was doing most of the talking.) about the church my husband and I attend and comparing it to his. (I was brought up in the same one he attends.) He is very happy with his and we both agreed we are worshiping the same God. I was not trying to convince him otherwise. He asked what I liked about my church and I told him I enjoy reading the Bible for myself and the music. We were talking about my favorite subject... music. Before long I offered to come up with a list of my favorite contemporary Christian songs and he is anxious to get introduced to this unknown area to him. I still remember when I heard them for the first time and what an impact they had on me. Oh, the music...

As I was thinking about which songs I would recommend he listen to something hit me like a ton of bricks. (The Holy Spirit) I thought about the fact that I heard the Bible through various songs over the years. Then I read those songs in the Bible. Does this make sense? It was kind of backwards. I heard the artists sing to me, then I read about them in my Bible later. I am going to spend some time thinking about my all-time favorites. If anyone has any suggestions I would appreciate them. This may be my only chance to give him my favorite gift... the gift of music and pray it feeds his soul like it does mine! This morning I listened to my iPod as if it were the first time I heard many of these songs. This one brought me to tears this morning. It's my honor to share Him with anyone and everyone!

You are My King (Amazing Love)

I’m forgiven because You were forsaken
I’m accepted, You were condemned
I’m alive and well, Your Spirit is within me
Because You died and rose again

I’m forgiven because You were forsaken
I’m accepted, You were condemned
I’m alive and well, Your Spirit is within me
Because You died and rose again

Amazing love, how can it be
That You, my King, would die for me?
Amazing love, I know it’s true
It’s my joy to honor You
In all I do, To honor You

I’m forgiven because You were forsaken
I’m accepted, You were condemned
I’m alive and well, Your Spirit is within me
Because You died and rose again

You are my King
You are my King
Jesus, You are my King
You are my King

Amazing love, how can it be
That You, my King, would die for me?
Amazing love, I know it’s true
It’s my joy to honor You
In all I do, To honor You

In all I do, To honor You,
In all I do, Let me honor You.



I think I will give him a Bible so he can read for himself when I give him the list of my favorite songs. God has stopped me again and I am forever grateful this Friday!

Happy Friday!
Angie xoxo

even when I didn't know

I want to follow Him every morning...
...and every evening.


Psalm 139:23
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.

This past weekend I was looking up some of my favorite music from high school. We were trying to come up with a list of our favorite love songs. The Commodores were definitely on my list back in the late 70's and early 80's. For some reason I don't remember ever hearing this song that was on the c.d. (album) I listened to over and over again. I could probably tell you by memory every other song on it. Back then God was not a part of my life. I didn't seek Him. I didn't think I needed Him. I was just fine on my own, thank you very much. I knew He loved me, but had no idea what that looked like or how much I'd grow to love Him and need Him today.

Today I want to dedicate this song to all of us who have children who need to know God is there and loves them dearly even when they don't think they need Him. I pray our children seek Him in all of their decisions.



God is so good!
He is Love...
Angie xoxo

Cover to Cover... Judges

The weeks are flying by and today is another Monday so that means it's time to think about what lingers from our Cover to Cover readings of the Bible chronologically.

This week we are reading Judges. Here are of the main things that stood out to me.


Judges 2:10-11
After that whole generation had been gathered to their fathers, another generation grew up, who knew neither the LORD nor what he had done for Israel. Then the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the LORD and served the Baals.

Lord, I hope my kids know that the only way I can have true joy in life is by what You have done and continue to do in my life. I have seen you do miracles, so please help me remember to always give You the credit and the glory. They will not know this if I don't tell them.

Judges 17:6
In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as he saw fit.

Lord, thank you for being the boss over me. My life would be utter chaos if I didn't have You and I did what I saw fit. Help me to keep believing this and trust that Your ways are better than mine! I am grateful that I have You!

I look forward to your insights. I hope you all have a great week!
Love,
Angie

Chris' Desire

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY BROTHER, CHRIS!
I am so proud to be his sister. He inspires me. He LOVES God and he LOVES God's people so much that he wants to lay his life down for his friends (and family). I wish he had a blog because he has so many stories to share. I cannot begin to tell you all he has done ... In Jesus' name! I wish all of you could sit and enjoy a cup of coffee with my big brother. This is his song, so it's perfect for him today! This is his desire...



I love you, Tina!
Annie xoxo

Thankful Thursday ...acceptance

Gary & Dominique



My sister and I are complete opposites. We always have been and frankly, we are okay with that. As we age, I think we are really more alike than different. Anyway, I remember one day having a conversation about the kinds of people she hung out with compared with my friends. She used to be what we called, "A partier". My siblings used to think of excuses about why they had to skip school and I had perfect attendance. Go figure. Only God knows why we were so different. My sister and I were talking about how people end up in certain circles. She told me how most fall into popular, athletic, smart etc. groups. She said she was accepted by the kids who smoked and didn't have to be good at anything or look a certain way. The funeral we attended this morning was full of similar people. I saw a lot of tattoos. I am NOT judging anyone, I just noticed a lot of them. Gary was obviously a guy who beat to his own drummer. He had so many friends from all walks of life. He was loved by so many!

I thought about something. Last week I talked about how thankful I was that he was baptized again recently. God orchestrated the neatest time for him. He did a lot of finish carpenter work and the group of guys he worked with invited him to church. No coincidence. He spent the past 6-8 months asking many questions until he was ready to accept Jesus as his personal Savior a month ago.

Gary was a musician. I heard he had been in 15 different rock and roll bands. Most or all of them were there today. His best friend sung this song...


You know, as I reflect on today I can't help but think about the many lives Gary touched. I am a little sad that God took him before he had the chance to share his new relationship with Jesus with all of his friends. I know he inspired many through his music. He wanted to teach anyone to play the guitar. They played 2 songs he taped. One was called, "Baby's Eyes"... that he dedicated to his daughter. There was not a dry eye in the place. He also sang another one about rainbows. The priest commented on the fact that it was the first time he heard anyone sing at their own funeral. That's Gary. I know he would have encouraged many of his friends to make Jesus their Savior since he was such a passionate guy.

...Then I thought about it for a little bit longer. God could have taken Gary right away at the time he fell down the stairs. He was not breathing until his friend gave him CPR. He was able to hang on for three more days until his family had to make the most difficult decision to stop life support. During those long days, the Buckner family was surrounded by the Pastor of his new church and the music Pastor. The family said they never left his side and were there to offer comfort and prayers like the family had never experienced. It was a sweet time for the parents who would have never had this opportunity if he had gone immediately. It was a gift Gary got to share with his parents and his brothers and sisters. His mother told me Gary had not told them about being born again because he probably feared they would judge him since he was brought up with a different religion. His parents had just seen him a couple of days before the accident and just knew he was different. They said his face even looked different and he was peaceful and calm. They had the best time they had had in years. The Pastor told his parents they all loved Gary and his Spirit.

Gary was Christ to all of his friends. He loved and accepted anyone and everyone. He was also Christ to his family. I think when all is said and done, his parents will remember and be comforted. They will know without a shadow of doubt their son is in the hands of God. He couldn't be in any better hands. I have to believe his life was sacrificed so his parents could meet a God who loves them dearly. Please, Lord let them have eyes to see You. God is so good and that's what I want to believe on this THANKFUL THURSDAY!



Jesus spent time with ALL kinds of people and I am inspired by Him. He didn't just hang around people who were the same or who believed in Him. I think as Christians it is easier to spend our time with people who have our same beliefs. We are called to love everyone! I pray we can be that kind of people. Please join me in prayer for us, Siestas!
Love,
Angie xoxo

Just because...

Please if you can, pray for the Buckner family who will be gathering together these next few days to celebrate the life of their son, Gary. I'm believing God will show up big-time! Please pray also for peace within families.

Especially grateful this afternoon.
Love,
Angie xoxo