P.S.

p.s. I'm also Thankful that last week this time I was watching Nicol Sponberg sing this song...



I'm Blessed!

Thankful Thursday... find your dream

This Thursday I am Thankful for... my job!
After 24 years, I can honestly say I still love being a dental hygienist. Each patient God brings to my chair is unique and special. I love the one on one relationships I have with them.

Kids don't always know what they want to do with their lives and sometimes they need direction and guidance. I wish I were like this nun, full of wisdom. I know in my heart that it's God who reveals our true passions. I'm praying today for anyone who is searching and I pray they find someone in their lives who can mentor them during these confusing times.



I hope you are Thankful for something huge this Thursday!
I better get back to work!
Love,
Angie xoxo

I doubt I'll be able to speak

God took me (and my husband, Bless his heart) out of my comfort zone this past Sunday. I had met a girl and her two precious daughters at the Selah concert last week. She told me that if I love Praise and Worship music I should go to her church. Well, I woke up Sunday morning and decided to go down to Detroit.

We Praised and Worshiped for about an hour and a half. We sang, danced and shouted to the Lord. In the past I had heard one of my favorite Bible teachers talk about Praising God for answered prayer. She had talked about the way people can yell and cheer for a sports team, yet when it comes time to Praise God, we are quiet and ever- so proper. She encouraged us to give Him some real Praise! Well, let me just tell you that the members of the church we visited knew how to give Him some Praise! I felt like I was not only at the Superbowl Game, but my team had won... and they were the underdog! The band played, the choir sang and we danced and clapped our hands until they literally hurt.

Then I was convicted by God...

I am WAY more comfortable giving God my Prayer requests than I am Praising Him. Can you believe that? I was waiting anxiously for the message so I could get fed. It was all about me! I am embarrassed to even type this.

The message was unbelievable and I wrote notes like never before. The Pastor talked about our assignments (to turn people's heart toward Christ) and the fact that God, through the Holy Spirit will equip us with the power to make an impact on the world if we spend time with Him and have an intimate relationship with Him first. He also reminded me that my assignment starts in the home, with my husband. He told us to pray for supernatural power to love and serve our spouses.

We felt so welcome in their church! I almost cried when total strangers came up to us to hug us. I'll never forget the boy about 13 years old who stopped me to shake my hand as we walked out of the church. I had a lump in my throat and could hardly speak! God is being magnified in that Church and in those families!

I realized during the 3 hour service that God created us all different and loves us wherever we are. There is no right or wrong way to worship Him. Some feel more comfortable in the quietness and others have to jump up and down. I am thinking I am a bit more reserved and quiet. That's okay. I wonder how it will be when I see Jesus one day? Will I be able to speak at all? I can't imagine not needing Prayer requests anymore... just worshiping Him. I better start living a life of gratitude today!



Thanks for listening!
Love,
Angie xoxo

Cover to Cover... He RUNS

Hey friends!

It's time to share what has been lingering in our readings of the Bible cover to cover chronologically. These weeks are flying by! This is what has been lingering...

"...But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him." (Luke 15:20)

The parable of the lost son touches me deeply. I have personal reasons for liking this verse at this time of my life. I have a lot of friends whose children seem lost and parents would give anything for their kids to "get it" since we love them so much! Time is wasting and it's important to us that our children know God and have a relationship with Him. Kids get pulled in so many different directions these days and can get off track easily. It's our job as parents to plant seeds in our children's lives so they learn to trust God completely and know how He feels about them.

You can read the whole story here.

When his child was far off, first his father saw him which implies that he was looking for him. His father must have been been looking for his son for days. If he saw him from way off, it seems that he may have been looking regularly and for a long time. God has the means to drag us back to him, but he is a gentleman and doesn't want to take us against our will. But he is looking every day and waiting. When the father finally sees him off in the distance, he doesn't wait with folded arms to scorn and punish his son when he finally comes back. He RUNS to his son. The son doesn't deserve this, but the father's love is such that he cannot help but run!

I love how he is a gentleman and waits for us to come back home to Him! He is SO good and loves us more than we can comprehend! That's what has been lingering not only this week, but in this season of my life! I'm praying for our children and loved ones!


Have a great week!
In His Love,
Angie xoxo

Do you know what Selah means?

I have so much to do right now, but can't seem to stay focused. I cannot get last night out of my mind. I saw Selah and Nicol Sponberg perform. I felt as if they were singing just to me. There could have been a million distractions in that room, but none would spoil my time with God through these precious people's music. I know for sure that music fills my soul in a different way than a lot other people. I had such a hard time sitting down and being calm like the rest of the people there. I would have been the distraction if I stood up with my arms high like I wanted! You'll be happy to know I stayed sitting while my heart was about to explode.

In my Stepping Up Bible study this week, Beth Moore talked about the Psalms and the songs. She encouraged us to listen to the words of the songs we sing. Really listen. Last night I listened alright. Wow! When they played the song I posted, I heard it like never before. I am so Blessed! I'll never forget the lessons I learned through my divorce many years ago. They led me to Him! I invite you to listen, pause and reflect with me...



If Selah comes anywhere near your hometown you would be Blessed to see them. Go here for their schedule.
Have a good weekend!
Love,
Angie xoxo

Thankful Thursday...one word

Jesus...







You can have all this world... Give me Jesus...
Amen

With Love,
Angie xoxo

In honor of...

my sister, Victoria Ann (who would be 54 years old this Friday), please make sure you have your mammogram scheduled if you haven't already done so. I just had mine this morning. I was glad to answer the question presented by the nurse with a "Yes"... "Is this just a routine mammogram, Mrs. Baylis"? Praise God!

Also, please keep my mom in your prayers this week, as I'm sure she'll be thinking about her firstborn daughter.

I'm praying for all of you who have been touched by breast cancer in any way...





Much love,
Angie xoxo

***Updated note from my mom on Friday, Oct 24th...

"OH, ANNIE. THAT TRIBUTE TO VIC IS JUST BEAUTIFUL. ISN'T IT REMARKABLE THAT IT SEEMS LIKE YESTERDAY THAT SHE WAS BORN. I STILL CAN'T BELIEVE SHE IS GONE. I DON'T KNOW IF YOU EVER HEARD THAT WHEN I CAME OUT OF THE DELIVERY ROOM WITH HER IN MY ARMS, DADDY SAID, "SHE LOOKS LIKE A LOBSTER" I WAS SO UPSET WITH HIM BECAUSE I THOUGHT SHE WAS THE MOST BEAUTIFUL BABY THAT I HAD EVER SEEN. BUT SHE WAS KINDA RED......

I CAN'T BELIEVE IT HAS BEEN L0 YEARS...I MISS HER TODAY AS MUCH AS I DID WHEN SHE WENT TO BE WITH GOD. SOMETIMES I GET A LITTLE BIT JEALOUS WHEN I THINK THAT vIC AND YOUR DAD ARE TOGETHER AND


THAT HE SEES HER ALL THE TIME. SHE HAD SUCH A WONDERFUL DISPOSITION, SO LOUD, SO FUNNY AND SO MUCH OF OUR FAMILY. I WOULD JUST LOVE TO HEAR HER PLAYING THE PIANO AND SINGING. LIKE MEGAN SAID ON HER 6 YEAR OLD TRIP. " I NEED MY MOM, I JUST WANT TO SMELL HER. THATS WHAT I WOULD LIKE TO DO TOO. I AM SO FORTUNATE TO HAVE ALL OF YOU, BUT TODAY AND TOMORROW I WILL STILL HAVE TO BE SAD FOR HER. I LOVE YOU ANNIE"

Joy

For some reason this movie (The Bucket List) came up twice today in different conversations, then when I was looking for another video it came up again. I think God wanted me to learn a little bit about Joy...

Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for JOY and be glad all our days. (Psalm 90:14)

For you make me glad by your deeds, O LORD; I sing for JOY at the works of your hands.(Psalm 92:4)

When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought JOY to my soul.(Psalm 94:19)

I hope you are finding the Joy in your life!
Joy in Him.
Love,
Angie xoxo

Cover to Cover...Are you Martha or Mary?

This song by George Winston helps me relax when I am entertaining...

I've heard the story about Martha and Mary many times, but for some reason I never seem to "get it" in the depths of my soul. Hopefully by writing about it here for the whole world to see, I will make a much needed change. For any of you who don't know the story, it goes like this...

At the Home of Martha and Mary

As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!"

"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her." (Luke 10:38-42)

You see, I am a lot like Martha. I can almost hear God Himself saying, "Angie, Angie, you are so worried about your house being perfect, preparing the perfect meal and worrying about what others think, that you miss out on so many opportunities to welcome friends in your home. And when you do finally invite them, you are so distracted that you aren't able to fully engage and enjoy your company! These are your friends and family and they love you! I have given you a beautiful home, enough money to buy food to offer them, yet you don't because you are too nervous and get freaked out! Have you forgotten you don't need the approval of man, just me? I want so much more for you. I want you to welcome my people in your home and share my love. If you just relax and rest in me, everything will be fine."

And I can't overlook what we read this week about forgiveness...

Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?"
Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. (Matthew 18:21-22)

One more thing... We read in Mark 9:23-24 about Jesus healing the boy with an Evil Spirit.
" 'If you can'?" said Jesus. "Everything is possible for him who believes."
Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!"

We also read Luke chapter 11 where Jesus teaches us to pray the Lord's Prayer.

As I am reading His Word I Pray I do more than tell you how much I enjoyed it. I Pray my life is changed forever...

He replied, "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it." (Luke 11:28)

Our Cover to Cover readings with Bev and the girls are life-changing, especially when we choose to obey!
Love,
Angie xoxo

A walk to remember...

I took this picture (of my brother-in-law and nephew) yesterday at the Cider Mill. It made me think about the gift of father/son (or daughter) relationships. Some of my best memories of my father were when we ran an errand together and it was just the two of us in the car. My dad was a quiet man and it seemed that when there was a lot of chaos, he sat quietly in the background. When I called my parents, my dad was always quick to pass the phone off to my mom. I remember giving him a hard time saying, "No, Dad... I want to talk to you!" I could always tell when he was home alone because that was the only time he was actually quite chatty. He'd tell me a long story about a project he was working on or all about his garden. I regret those times when I was in a hurry and didn't have as much patience as I would have liked.

This picture made me feel badly for sons (and daughters) who lose their earthly father at a young age. I know one son in particular who would give anything to hear his father tell him how proud he is of the man he has become. Some guys never get the chance to hear those words. I'm thanking God right now for bringing other men in their lives to tell them the words they long to hear! If you are wishing you could go on just one more walk with a loved one right now, know there is someone in Michigan having cider and donuts, Praying for you and hoping you know how proud He is of you!



I hope you are having a great Saturday!
Much love,
Angie xoxo

Vulnerable Post

Whew... I've needed to do this post for a couple of weeks.

I haven't been able to shake a conversation I had with someone whose belief system is completely the opposite of mine. This guy believes in several gods, not just one God. Money is a god to him and he wasn't afraid to tell me! He explained his belief that we put too much emphasis on relationships...

It seems that on several occasions my faith has been challenged. Tonight at church our pastor had an interview with someone who doesn't believe in God. Does not believe in Heaven. Thinks God is..."make-believe". He brought up some good points! He made me think...

I can think of at least two other conversations I have had lately with people who feel just as strongly about their belief system as I do in mine. I've also heard people say they are freaked out by the way Christians say things like, "Saved" and "Born-again"... words that used to scare me not too long ago. And that Christians are just hypocrites! Tonight's church service troubled me. I have always been comfortable with my faith. I've been confident that the Bible is the truth. Why is this happening? I wish this kind of stuff could just roll off me. I couldn't wait to get in the car and listen to my praise and worship music. Oh, and another thing... I was talking with a friend of mine recently who hasn't had access to any of her worship music for the past couple of months. If I didn't have my music would my faith be watered down and weak? It's a scary thought!

The truth is... I don't know why, but I believe. That's all I can say. I don't need to be convinced. I believe the Bible is 100% truth. I just do! I can't explain it, but my faith cannot be challenged.

Will you please pray for me? I need the Holy Spirit to fill me with some peace.
I hope this post wasn't too authentic! I still love Jesus and need Him more than my next breath!

In His Love,
Angie xoxo

Cover to Cover... in Tribeca with Meghan

Hey, Girlfriends!
It's Monday and I just got back home from New York where I spent the weekend with my daughter at her new apartment in Tribeca. It was absolutely beautiful! I honestly think I could live in New York. We had such a nice time together. We ate at fabulous restaurants and walked so much! My legs are still sore. We ran across the Brooklyn Bridge yesterday, too! She lives so close to Battery Park overlooking the Hudson River. We could see the Statue of Liberty! The best part was spending time with Meghan!

I was also able to see my good friend, Sandy who moved there this past Summer! We had a great time together! We also had brunch with Meghan's friend, Sarah and her mom.

Believe it or not, I did my Cover to Cover readings. I am loving this so much that I just didn't want to miss out this week. But, the only problem is the wrap up! There were so many things I read that made me cringe and get convicted. I loved Matthew chapter 6. A lot of what I read is still lingering... especially the part about not judging others, loving my enemies, turning the other cheek, forgiving so I can be forgiven, praying for those who mistreat me, giving to others, doing unto others as I would have them do to me... and MY MOUTH.

Also...

"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, 'Brother, let me take the speck out of your eye,' when you yourself fail to see the plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye. (Matthew 6:41-42)

And...

"No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thornbushes, or grapes from briers. The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks. (Matthew 6:43-45)

When I think of fruit, I always think of the Fruit of the Spirit... Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Gentleness, Faithfulness and Self-Control.

I loved people watching in New York and thinking about this song...


Have a great week no matter where you are!
In His Love,
Angie xoxo

"all girls are... even if..."

First of all, I want to thank you all for those special prayers yesterday! I am grateful beyond words!

I'm so excited that tomorrow I'm going to be visiting my daughter in New York! She moved to a new apartment, and I can't wait to see it. There's something about a mom needing to know where her daughter is sleeping at night. It's hard to explain, but I'm sure you understand! And... I'm hoping she takes me to her office so I can see where she sits at her desk and works. The last time I went there she didn't want to take me and said, "Mom's don't really go to work with their kids." I laughed and agreed that she was probably right, but I am hoping this time I'll get a chance to check it out!

I asked her if she wants to see any plays while I am there and she told me she just wants to do some shopping, take walks, eat some nice meals together and hopefully watch some of our favorite movies. I just love how I found my favorite one online tonight.

If you have never seen this movie, it's called, A Little Princess. If you fast forward this starting at the 5:15 mark, you'll see my favorite part. Actually, it's all great! I'm hoping you feel beautiful and loved by Him tonight!

I can't believe I am on this computer when I should be packing!
You all enjoy your weekend!

Much love,
Angie xoxo

Prayer works...

I come to you with a special prayer request for someone who is extremely private. I can't go into any details, but there is only one more thing I can do, and it's ask you to pray for this friend who will need extra prayers these next few days!

Thank you!

In His Love,
Angie xoxo

walking through the neighborhood...

It's my day off and I just got home from a walk through my neighborhood without my iPod. I know some of you can't imagine I could do such a thing. Let me just tell you, I highly recommend you try a walk in silence once in awhile. So nice!

Anyway, I got to thinking about an upcoming vote our neighborhood is having regarding a decision to either fix our roads or make a nature walkway in the woods behind our homes. In my opinion, I thought it was a "no-brainer". Our roads are overdue to be fixed. You only have to drive through the neighborhood once to notice they totally need resurfacing. It would probably help our property values. They've tried to patch them too many times and are an eye sore, not to mention the damage to our cars! There are cracks and holes everywhere. Our long cold Winters here in Michigan along with the changing seasons are hard on our roads. Anywhere you drive these days, you see construction. Trust me on this one! Who doesn't want to ride down a nice new, beautiful, smooth road as opposed to a bumpy one? (I would even vote to get matching mailboxes. I know, I have issues!)

I talked with neighbors with opposing views...

The first guy I talked with recently was very passionate about the roads (like me) and reminded me to go to the meeting in October to vote. I told him I'd see him there. The second guy at a different party told me he thought it was a much better idea to have the walkway, especially since he has kids who would enjoy the walkway and frankly, our bad roads slow drivers down! He likes them the way they are! Hmmm...

As I thought about it this afternoon I think I like our roads the way they are. They remind me of my life. Instead of a perfectly smooth journey through life that "looks" nice to strangers driving by, they don't know the real story and the truth that each of those bumps along the way have a story and are what made me the woman I am today. All of my cracks and imperfections force me to slow down, cherish my life and make me grateful. Knowing me, I'd be speeding through because I tend to be in a hurry most of the time anyway! They keep me obeying Him. Without them I honestly believe I wouldn't have learned that I need God in my life. They got my attention. He got my attention! One more thing, those holes cannot be filled with anything but God. We try to stuff anything and everything else in the void, but Only God can fix, heal and satisfy!

Whatever the outcome, I am glad God helped me realize today that there are always two ways to look at things.


I loved my walk with Him today!
Love,
Angie xox0

Cover to Cover...Blessed

Are you kidding? I am supposed to write down what has been lingering in my Cover to Cover chronological readings of the Bible? I could write the never-ending post today, but I like to narrow it down to what really hits me smack dab in the middle of my heart. This week I felt like I read the Bible for the first time.

There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world. (John 1:6-9)

I want to share His Light, His Hope with anyone who crosses my path. There is so much darkness in this world and it seems to be getting worse every day! So many people try to find hope in other things besides God and it's scary!

From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. (John 1:16-17)

When I think about all of the Blessings I have received in my life, nothing has meant as much as the Love I have received from Christ. He died for me... and for you! There is not one person this side of Heaven who is willing to die for me! He has given me one blessing after another and I don't take Him for granted!

The other thing that really spoke to me this week was the fact that right after John baptized Jesus He was tempted by Satan for 40 days. (Click on those words and read it for yourself!) He kept saying to Him... "If you are the Son of God..." And each time Jesus was tempted, it didn't work, ... so the devil finally left him! He was tempted too! There is a battle going on today and it's against the enemy not each other! I have seen it SO many times when Satan gets worried that he has lost one of his followers, so he tries extra hard to cause doubt in a newly baptized person or in the life of someone doing good for God's Kingdom. He won't win!

I cannot do this post without adding The Beatitudes. Before my sister passed away back in 1998 from Breast Cancer she planned her own funeral. It meant the world to her to have these verses read to all of the people who mattered most to her in her life. As I read them today, I know that Blessed Am I... for I am Loved beyond measure!

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.

"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matthew 5:1-12)

I'm ready! Much love,
Angie xoxo

Rest in Him...it's okay.

Sometimes I wonder how many of us are wide awake at 3:00 in the morning? I had dinner with some loved ones tonight. They watch a lot more news than I do and explained a lot of the issues I've chosen to avoid concerning our government. It's a scary world out there. I don't have to tell you these times are so uncertain. If I let my imagination go wild, I can get into a worry frenzy and it really does intensify in the middle of the night. I am especially concerned about our kids, who are just out of college or about to finish in the near future. What will happen?

I need to be still and know that God has it all under control. What would Jesus have to say at a time like this? I bet He would tell us to keep trusting Him and we will be okay if we stay close to Him and His Word.

Matthew 6:27
Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?

Some of you have other concerns that keep you up at night. I recommend you be still and listen to Him. You'll be okay.
He promises...

I hope you all have a restful sleep tonight!
Love,
Angie xoxo