We are halfway through our cover to cover readings of the Bible chronologically, so I don't dare miss out on sharing this week's lingerings. It may be a good time to join Bev and the girls?
This week's readings brought a new challenge for me. I had a very difficult time believing what I was reading. Yes, doubt set in big-time! I want to believe but it's been hard. I'm talking about the story of Jonah. Especially these verses... (Maybe you know the story.)
But the LORD provided a great fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was inside the fish three days and three nights (Jonah 1:17).
And this one... And the LORD commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land (Jonah 2:10).
But, I loved his prayer...
Jonah's Prayer
From inside the fish Jonah prayed to the LORD his God. He said: "In my distress I called to the LORD, and he answered me. From the depths of the grave I called for help, and you listened to my cry. (Jonah 2:1-2)
I guess I am not supposed to understand...
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; (Proverbs 3:5)
There's one thing I know for sure... I need Him in my life more today than yesterday! I am choosing to Believe God and His promises! I pray you join me in Believing! This song says it all...
It's Thursday for about 20 more minutes, so I have to hurry to tell you what I am thankful for today! I am thankful that I am officially on vacation! I have a lot on my plate and hope I am not spreading myself too thinly! I'm going to sip on a cup of coffee in the morning and plan my week. I hope to spend time with good friends, family and a few books I've been meaning to read.
I am mostly looking forward to spending some good, quality (uninterrupted) time with God. I read a post written by Beth Moore's daughter, Melissaand I can't get it out of my mind.... "It is like John Bunyan said, 'This book will keep you from sin, or sin will keep you from this book”. It seems for some reason or another God has been a little distant and I've kept Him in a box on the top shelf lately. (Just being honest.) I need more of Him in my life! I can't wait to take some long walks and bike rides with Him and my iPod with my Praise and Worship music.
I'll be missing in action for a little while. I pray you are all doing well and enjoying this beautiful summer weather! I'll look forward to catching up with you soon! All my Love, Angie xoxo
Wow. Another week has gone by and it's time for me to share what I've learned in our chronological reading of the Bible from cover to cover with Bev and the girls. Last week I told you how discouraged I was, being unable to keep everything straight and I must tell you this week has been the same. We have been in 2 Kings and I've been struggling. I am still not quitting!
This is what lingers...
2 Chronicles 20:15
He said: "Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the LORD says to you: 'Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's.
This spoke to me, being reminded once again that my battles are not mine, but God's. He is in charge of EVERY detail of my life and knows the plans He has for me! What a relief that I don't have to worry or do everything perfect. He is the Only One who can be Perfect and Holy!
The readings reminded me that families have a whole lot of generational sin. Some hit closer to home than others for me. I was so touched by a dear friend of mine who told me her husband sat their kids down, admitting to a sin in his family that he wants to stop here once and for all! It was not easy by any stretch of the imagination, but I admire him for being a real man. I'm sure it makes God happy as well!
I pray you hear this as if it were the first time...
Psalm 91:2 I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust."
I am so glad we have a God who knows exactly what He is doing and in His perfect timing. He does not call us to trust men, but to trust Him. Praise God. I never tire of hearing God speak to me through this song and I pray you are Blessed by it today! Have a great week, Angie xoxo
This Thursday I am Thankful for the last message my favorite Pastor gave us at New Community last night before he leaves to start a church in New York City (Communitas). His message was awesome as usual and brought excitement and tears. It'll be sad to see him go, but I couldn't respect him more for recklessly abandoning everything to follow Jesus.
Craig longs to be able to say this...
Acts 20:22-24
"And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to (New York) Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace.
He encouraged us to do the same! He reminded us to take ONE surrender at a time. Jesus is all that matters and I before I die I want my life to matter and do all I can right here where I am planted!
My Glorious
I'm also Thankful that I am going to visit my brother and sister-in-law in Racine this weekend! I better go get packed before I miss my bus! Much love to you all! Ang xoxo
We are reading through the Bible chronologically as you may have noticed. I was very discouraged this week as I kept getting confused and distracted by so many different people and names I couldn't even pronounce. I really wanted to quit reading altogether.
I was too tired after work last night to read my friends' insights so I waited until this morning while I was fresh with a cup of coffee. When I heard this verse a light bulb went on. It sounds funny to even say, since God is light in the darkness.
2 Chronicles 15:2 "...The LORD is with you when you are with him. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will forsake you."
He is a gentleman.
Honestly, I have been a little confused and distracted in my marriage this week as well. I have allowed some little things to annoy the you know what out of me. Satan had a hold on me and was trying to make me want to quit trying in my marriage, too!
God gave me a song this morning and I have to tell you, it changed my attitude. I'm back on track and am so grateful as I type this to you! I pray this song Blesses you like it did me today!
"But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul." (Deuteronomy 4:29)
My husband just left to go to the store to buy light bulbs. I am not kidding!
I want to be closer to the LORD and my husband!
Dear Satan, I am not quitting! In His Love, Angie xoxo
Tomorrow is Monday and that means it's time to share our insights on the cover to cover readings of the Bible chronologically. If anyone wants to join us, we'd love to have you!
It's my daughter, Meghan's 23rd Birthday tomorrow!!! She was born on Father's Day in 1985. It has been a pure joy to have her in my life for all of those years. I can't believe this, but she is turning the same age I was when I had her. It has been an honor and privilege to be her mother. She has been so easy to parent. She was the first miracle of God I saw with my own eyes. I remember a moment when I was in the drive through line at the bank when I looked over at her with tears in my eyes in awe of what God had given me. I'll never forget that as long as I live.
Meghan has made me more than proud. I could go on and on about her but I think you'd think I was over the top! I'm just crazy about her and miss her so much living in New York City. Thank God for video chats. This afternoon we were able to talk through the computer and I could see her cute little mannerisms.
Meghan shares my love for music. I asked her what her favorite song was and she told me, "Walls" by Tom Petty. I decided I'd share it with you! She has such a big heart! I believe God loves her so much and He's the Only One who is capable of crushing down walls with His Love! I also need to remember all things are possible, even crushing down walls ...with God!
Oh, here is my favorite verse of this week's readings...
Not to us, O LORD, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness. (Psalm 115:1)
God deserves every single bit of the Glory and I am so thankful for His grace and especially for my daughter today! Please pray God Blesses her this year more than ever and places people in her path who can show her His Love like she's never seen before!
My mom with sweet Patsy Clairmont last year... I think it was just the beginning! :)
I have to be honest, I don't like change. It would be obvious if you knew I've lived in the same house for 22 years. I was reflecting on the fact that I've lived here almost half of my life!
Anyway, according to the dictionary, HOPE means... "A feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen. It's grounds for believing something good will happen." FAITH means... "Complete trust or confidence in something or someone."
My brother sent me an e-mail asking me to lift our mom up in prayers again and for us all to kick it up a notch about her mission trip to Hondouras.
This is part of what his note told me...
"Apparently Satan is getting irritated at Mom's new found Faith in the Lord and the thoughts of losing one of his longtime friends has him on the offensive. The costs of the trip, already going up because of the gas prices, are cloudy at best and the leader of the trip is dragging his feet buying the tickets, waiting for a few folks to pay their deposit. In doing this, he is costing everyone more money. This isn't sitting real well with some of the team members and you know how important team unity is on a trip like this. I told her not to worry, God will provide.
Mom also had a MRI on her wrist that has been hurting for a while (month or two?). The doctor thinks she has some little known disease that is restricting blood flow to her bones, causing her the pain. She may need surgery. Hmmm.
On the positive side, she has been going to the trainer now for 5 days. How awesome is that. Working out with the ball and walking the treadmill, amongst other things. He has her up to walking 30 minutes. Said she only stopped twice to get her heart rate down a little. She is really trying to get physically prepared for this trip. I hope she continues and is able to go. I have seen Satan's wrench in things. Our only hope is God Himself. That His will be done. I would love to see her go. I think we would see a miracle happen."
According to God's Word about Love in 1 Cor 13:7 ... "It always protects, always trusts, always HOPES, always perseveres."
And... in Hebrews 11:1... "Now FAITH is being sure of what we HOPE for and certain of what we do not see."
Girls, I have seen such a change in my mom since we went to the Women of Faith Conference almost one year ago and it's amazing! She has HOPE in God! I am going to ask you to please pray By FAITH for my mother and this trip of a lifetime. I am going to expect everything to work out and for God to do what only He can do to make this happen! I'm HOPING He will change her life forever! Satan wants her to quit, but she is not giving up! Maybe I do like change?
I am humbled beyond words by your love and compassion! If you want to encourage her or support her financially you can e-mail me at Abaylis@comcast.net.
OUR SMALL GROUP (Keith & Sandy are in the center.)
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
A Time for Everything
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.
These weeks are FLYING by! It's time once again for me to share insights on what has been lingering on our Cover to Cover readings of the Bible chronologically! I'm so excited when I see familiar verses. Everyone has probably heard this one! One thing about Michigan is we have four seasons.
It's only appropriate to share these verses today as we send some of our closest friends off to New York City to follow God and start a new church. Our friends, Keith and Sandy have been in our lives for a season. Honestly, a good part of the season was Winter... in our marriage. It was one icy, bitter cold Winter at that. We spent many, many Friday nights with our good friends rolling up our sleeves and working on some hard stuff! These friends of ours are the perfect picture of a Christian marriage. Not that their marriage is perfect or they are perfect, but they strive to "work" on the tough stuff and it's ALL about doing it God's way according to the Bible. They shared their story with us and helped us more than they will ever know. We shared many tears, some passionate conversations and frankly, a lot of times I had to listen to some things that were difficult to hear. But I knew they were right and it was a safe place! These two people are "one". That's all I can say. I will never forget how they prayed Lincoln and I would one day be helping others with their marriages. So, as we helped them celebrate today at their farewell party it was 97 degrees and hot! I'm not kidding! God is so good. It's Summer most days in our marriage, but thanks to Keith and Sandy I think (know) we will be able to survive another Winter when it comes! We promised them we will do our best to save 100 marriages while they are gone.
Oh, how I pray you have a small group of Christian friends who will turn your eyes to heaven and can model a marriage that can survive the seasons. Please pray for our friends as they continue to chase after God, and please pray for us to step up to the plate and do what it takes to Glorify God in whatever way He choses.
Proverbs 31 20 She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.
Can I tell you a story?
My mother is going on a Mission Trip to Hondouras in August! Most of you probably don't realize what a big deal this is. I'll try to explain it as succinctly as possible...
My mother has had a lot of losses in her life. Besides losing her mother at age 12 (and living with guilt as she thought she was indirectly responsible), she has lost her parents, all of her brothers and sisters as well as her firstborn daughter (my sister to breast cancer) and most recently her husband, my dad (from cancer)! She is an insulin dependent diabetic, has had a cancerous tumor removed from her lung and had triple bypass heart surgery (at which time she was in a coma for 2-1/2 weeks) as well as other medical problems. Her doctors still cannot believe she recovered from her surgery! Oh, did I tell you she stopped breathing for a couple of minutes when I was alone at the hospital? She has battled weight issues her whole life, too! Anyway, one might think she is a time bomb. I'm exhausted just telling you this much of the story!
Here is the cool part. You have to realize why this mission trip is so amazing! It seems like yesterday when my brother and his family went on their mission trips and my family did as well. When we had to write our letters asking for prayers and financial support my parents had the attitude of, "Oh, so you are asking people to pay for your vacation?" (And a lot of other comments). I must admit, that was the most difficult part of going on those trips as I hate asking for money. But I remember someone explaining that others would love to be able to go on a mission trip but can't for many reasons. If they commit to praying and/or contributing they feel they are a part of it. So, fast forward to my mom going on this trip. She is determined to go! She has done a full circle since the days we went on our trips! She is by far the oldest person going on this medical mission trip. She told me today she is a little nervous because it will be 100 degrees with no air conditioning. She's excited that she heard they may have a fan!
I am convinced it is no coincidence that God did not take her home after her heart surgery. I don't think she was ready for God back then. I knew He must have more work for her to do because she should not have survived! There is no doubt God had big plans for my mom. He wanted her to Himself. She had to surrender to Him because she had no other choice but to cling to Him after losing my dad. God brought her to a new church that is a miracle in itself ... and now this!
She is so embarrassed about asking for financial support, but wants to go so badly she is determined to pay for it all herself. My mom does not have a lot of money and it will be a huge sacrifice trying to pay for it let alone being totally out of her comfort zone not to mention all of her health issues! I'm telling myself it is only for a week. It's only for a week!
I would love to bless my mom with a little help towards her trip. If you feel led to pray for her or contribute just a couple of dollars I would appreciate it. NO pressure. Only if you feel led. I am not going to tell her. I just want to send her a check. (I can give you my address.) I think it would be neat if you would leave her some words of encouragement or a prayer in a comment to me and I will print them out and send them to her! Thank you!
It's been so much fun watching my mom change before my eyes! She is trusting Him with her life! This is a miracle! She's giving her life to Him!
"I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands." (Psalm 63:4)
"The LORD's right hand is lifted high; the LORD's right hand has done mighty things!" (Psalm 118:16) "When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: 'Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last." (Revelation 1:17) Did you know the word "hand" is in the Bible 1409 times?
This Thankful Thursday I am thankful for my hands. I found this plaque of my right hand. I made it in 1969 as a Christmas gift for my parents. It got me thinking about hands. With them I was able to play catch with my son this evening and have a great conversation with him. It was such a gift! These same hands held my daughter for the first time (and my son) and it was the best day of my life. With these hands I am able to clean teeth and meet so many amazing people. My left hand is decorated with a beautiful wedding ring from my husband to remind me of my commitment to him and God. On my right hand I wear a ring that reminds me of where God brought me.
When things in life seem bigger than God we have to remember we are in good hands (and so are our children)! I pray we can be His hands and feet and glorify Him with them everyday. The thing I love is that He'll never let go!
"Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends.... I have called you friends..." (John 15:13, 15).
Dear friends,
I just wanted to thank you all so much for sharing your stories and helping me yesterday! Your words of encouragement and prayers have helped more than you will ever know. It's strange how I may never lay eyes on most of you this side of Heaven, but you have blessed me and my family so much! I wish I had words to express my gratitude.
In this week's Cover to Cover reading of the Bible chronologically we are reading Proverbs and it's full of wisdom and God knows I need more. This week I am only going to add one...
Proverbs 12:25
An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up.
I am coming to you all this Sunday in hopes that you can help me.
I was chatting with my sister last night and she brought up a question that honestly, I had no idea how to answer. Her son who is 8 years old has Tourette's Syndrome. She said she is struggling with how to answer him when he asks why God gave it to him? She told me he prays every night for God to take it away and doesn't understand why God doesn't listen to his prayers.
This morning I woke up wondering how I would respond to that question if he were my son. I wished I could just open my Bible and know exactly where to go to find the answer to why God would allow this in a way to make an 8 year old understand. I believe it's in there, but I just don't know where to go. The one thing I know for sure is that God is loving and compassionate and not cruel. He is right here in the middle of all of this and He cares and wants to wrap His arms around this boy!
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight" (Proverbs 3:5-6).
"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." (Romans 8:28)
Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." (Matthew 19:26)
The truth is, I have NO idea how to communicate this to my sister or my nephew.
I come to you today asking how you would respond to an 8 year old boy? I am feeling a bit insecure in that by now I should have an answer on the tip of my tongue but I don't. How would you talk with your son?
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing your wisdom and kind words for my little sister! In His Love, Angie xoxo
