Merry Christmas! xoxo

Merry Christmas, friends!
This song is my gift to you! (Thanks, Travis Cottrell!)

Much love,
Angie xoxo

Cover to Cover... Rejoice...Rejoice!

It's early Saturday morning and we have 3 people all wanting to use this laptop at the same time, so I decided I better sneak on here to do my Cover to Cover wrap up while everyone is sleeping! This week's readings were great. I say that every week! Thank you, Bev for hosting this!!!!

First of all...

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

Amen... that could be the end of this post. That's why I can honestly say that if I could only have one book all I would need is my Bible. I'd be okay anywhere. I am SO grateful God planted me where I am free to have access to His Word.

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:4-7)

I love when He repeats things in His Word. I guess He wants us to Rejoice! His peace will guard my heart and mind.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. (Phil 4:8-9)

Whenever I am in a funk, or am down or negative, I hope these verses come to mind in the coming year. I have learned that sometimes I can control what comes out of my mouth (with the help of the Holy Spirit), but it's my thought life that needs improvement! I hope I am putting into practice all I am learning. I want His Word to change me!

But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. (1 Timothy 6:6-7)

We know it... But do we know it? When I get tempted to get more "stuff" (especially during the holidays)?? He is all I need to be content... He's all I need! We can't take it with us. It's one of those sayings I've heard, but didn't know it was biblical. I have known a lot of wealthy people who do not know the real meaning of contentment. I Pray I remember this if there is a time when I lose it all.

I'm SO Blessed by His Word, especially today!
Love,
Angie xoxo


Merry CHRISTmas! You have all blessed me this year and I am SO grateful God didn't make a mistake by introducing me to everyone here on this blog. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being an inspiration and for always pointing me to Jesus!

Angie's 2008 Highlights

Here are just a few of the highlights of this year!
Love to all of you,
Angie xoxo

A Great song!

I. LOVE. THIS. SONG.

I listened to it over and over and over again today in my car. It's called Light of the Stable by Selah. It's so easy to sing with ...and I can pretend I'm one of them. It's on their Christmas c.d. I highly recommend you get yourself a copy!


Hail, hail to the newborn King
Let our voices sing Him our praises
Hail, hail to the guiding Light
That brought us tonight to our Savior

Halle, hallelujah
Halle, hallelujah
Halle, hallelujah
Halle, hallelujah

Come now, let it shine so bright
To the knowing Light of the stable
Kneel close to the Child so dear
Cast aside your fear and be thankful

Hail, hail to the newborn King
Let our voices sing Him our praises
Hail, hail to the guiding Light
That brought us tonight to our Savior

Hail, hail to the newborn King
Let our voices sing Him our praises
Hail, hail to the guiding Light
That brought us tonight to our Savior

Love,
Angie xoxo

Cover to Cover...perfect unity

This has been a busy week around here. We had four Christmas parties the last four nights. It's a lot of fun getting together with friends and family but I have to admit it's a bit exhausting. I am one who needs my sleep or I get a little cranky. I mean very cranky! When I am tired I tend to say things I regret later and overreact to things that don't normally bother me. I am not always the easiest person to live with, especially if I am on overload. If I can offer any advice these next couple of weeks, I suggest you get your rest and keep your focus on the real meaning of Christmas, Jesus! It was no accident, as I sit here preparing for this week's cover to cover, that I came across these verses in Ephesians and Colossians.

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. (Ephesians 4:2-3)

"In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold... Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. ...Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. (Ephesians 4:26-32)

Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. (Colossians 3:12-14)

I'm SO grateful for another chance...



Much Love,
Angie xoxo

Trusting God

Please pray for all the people in Michigan who are concerned about their jobs ...and don't know Jesus.



Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (Philippians 4:6)

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." (Deuteronomy 31:6)

Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you. (Psalm 9:10)

When I am afraid, I will trust in you. (Psalm 56:3)

I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust." (Psalm 91:2)

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; (Proverbs 3:5)

If I lost everything in the world and just had His Word I know I would be fine. Just fine. So would you! Our God can be trusted. I'm praying for the lost tonight who don't have God in their life and are worried about their future.

In His Unfailing Love,
Angie xoxo

Christmas fun...

My friend, Kristen tagged me awhile ago and since I have a minute, I think I will try to answer these fun Christmas questions. Thanks, Kristen!

1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate?
I only like Egg Nog while we are decorating the tree. That along with my favorite Oreo cookies covered in white chocolate. It's a family tradition. Normally I love Hot Chocolate better...especially Peppermint Hot Chocolate at this time of year.

2.Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree?
He didn't wrap the big things. Now he does and he separates them and puts them on a chair with the person's stocking.

3. Colored lights on house/tree or white?
White all the way with me. My husband and I have gone back and forth on this one and I think he's finally coming my way. He usually likes colored or all blue lights and he likes a white tree. I like a traditional green tree. We've started to use an artificial one these past few years. I know, that's probably against the rules.

4. Do you hang mistletoe?
No... but I do wear Rosy Mistletoe-sies toenail polish. Does that count?

5.When do you put your decorations up?
I don't have any set time. I would like to put them up the day after Thanksgiving, but my daughter and I go shopping because we love chaos. So, it's usually the following weekend.

6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)?
It has been our Crabmeat Appetizers. Ask me if you want the recipe.

7. Favorite holiday memory as a child?
Cutting down our Christmas tree. I have an old video to remember. I wish I could post it here. It would have made "Funniest Home Videos" for sure! This is an adult memory... My sister knew I wasn't into "country" decorations when they were "in" and she gave me a (tacky) plaque that said, "Beary Christmas". It has been passed back and forth from family members for years! I wanted to put in her casket when she passed away, but somehow couldn't do it. Now I treasure it!

8.When and how did you learn the truth about Santa?
I have no idea. I don't remember!

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve?
Yes, and ironically it is ALWAYS pajamas!

10. How do you decorate your Christmas tree?
I love all of the ornaments from memories we've made and especially the ones the kids made.

11. Snow. Love it or dread it?
Love the first snow. It really is beautiful. I start dreading it soon after Christmas. I wish I were a snow bird and fly south for the Winter. I need sunlight!

12. Can you ice skate?
Since you asked... I am pretty good. Don't ask me to show off or I'll hurt myself! I will never forget when we lived on a lake and my dad made us the BEST skating rinks ever! You'd be jealous if you saw them. SO much fun!

13. Do you remember your favorite gift?
My favorite gifts were when my kids were in high school in a media class. They made a video for us with pictures, video clips and they talked and told us how much they loved us. They gave it to their dad and me and I've never cried so much in my life!

14. What is the most important thing about the holidays to you?
Keeping our focus on Jesus and the real meaning! Going to church, being with family and of course sharing a meal together!

15. What is your favorite holiday dessert?
I love Peanut Butter Buckeyes. I need to make some soon!

16. What is your favorite holiday tradition?
Going to church together on Christmas Eve and coming back to my house for Cabbage Rolls. Don't tell my mom, but I don't love them, I just love the tradition and the smell in the house.

17. What tops your Christmas tree?
An angel.

18. Which do you prefer giving or receiving?
I love to give presents but I have an insecurity problem with wanting to find the perfect gift. I stress out too much. I'd lie if I didn't tell you I also like to receive gifts. Oh, this is a good time to tell the whole world that I really don't like the "white elephant" game. I hate to hurt the person's feelings if I don't want their gift. It's all about stealing someone's gift if you are the last to choose. I hate trying to pretend I like something when it is just plain weird! Sometimes I wonder if people buy the gifts for shock value. "Let's see how excited she gets over this Pet Rock!" Not really. Most are very nice gifts. I just don't like the whole stealing thing. I'd like it better if we choose, keep and say, "Thank You"!

19. What is your favorite Christmas song?
Too hard to choose. I love "The Gift" by Garth Brooks. I also love "The Lord's Prayer" by Johnny Mathis. It was the first Christmas album I ever owned. I also love "Silent Night". I don't know. I love all of them. Never heard one I didn't like! Wait... that's not true... I don't like The Hippo Song.

20. Candy Canes. Yum or Yuck?
Yum! I like to have one every year just for old time's sake.

21. What do you want for Christmas?
I want to give money to someone whose children believe in Santa, yet their parents can't afford to buy them anything.

22. Do you attend an annual Christmas party?
Yes, we have several annual parties. We are so blessed! I feel badly for people who don't have any to look forward to. By the last one, I admit I am ready to be done with them. Our New Year's are often very quiet.

23. Do you dress up for Christmas Eve or wear PJ's?
Hmmm... I try to look nice for the Christmas Eve service, then come home and get comfy!

24. Do you own a Santa hat?
Nope.

25. Who do you normally spend Christmas with?
Christmas Eve with my family. Christmas Day we spend with my husband's family every other year. This is a good time to tell you that I STILL don't like to share Christmas Day with my kids' dad. I don't like when they leave after we open gifts. It's still hard after all of these years. I get this uncomfortable feeling in my stomach and I just don't like it.

What song do you want to add to the end of this post?





"Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
(2 Corinthians 9:6-7)

Now I get to tag 5 people...
I don't want to stress anyone out, so do it if you have time!
Love you all,
Angie xoxo

2008 Tree

I love a tree with white lights!
I love how He is light in a dark world!




Praying for Peace...
Love,
Angie xoxo

Brace yourself

It must be the weather. Today is my day off and I was planning to get a lot of my Christmas shopping done and it is raining here in Michigan. It's raining! Not snowing. Raining. Since I am procrastinating I decided to jot down a little post. It has been on my mind for awhile. Actually for years. I should have added it to my 100 Things About Me post. If you don't mind, I'd like to get it off my chest.

I cannot stand when people write "Xmas". It just bothers me. Is life getting so busy that we don't have time to write out the whole word? Do we really need to abbreviate it? I finally decided to look up the meaning of the whole "X" thing. Click here if you are curious. It is quite interesting. Even after reading the definition, I must tell you it still bothers me! From now on, I think I may just start writing "Tmas", since the "T' looks more like the cross. I am not singling one person out who recently sent me an e-mail. I am talking about everyone. I've seen it everywhere. Maybe it's just me.

Changing the subject...
It seems every day I learn about more and more people losing their jobs, losing their homes, losing their insurance, having health concerns, struggling in their marriages, worrying about their kids, dealing with elderly parents, feelings of rejection, loneliness and other situations that are just plain hard. Sometimes I have to just stop in my tracks. I was talking with one of my colleagues yesterday about how much more difficult it is to talk with our patients these days. So many are hurting and don't want to talk about it. We used to be able to have easier conversations. People are concerned. They come in the chair with an attitude. We have no idea what is troubling them. When someone is nasty, I decided yesterday to just pray for them. They must be struggling. I just want to look them straight in the eye and tell them that everything will be okay if they can just grasp the love of Jesus. They will be okay and can breath easier if they just know Him. I'd give anything if it were okay to have them listen to this song on my iPod while I am cleaning their teeth. I would want them to listen to this song to the end...



If you don't know it today, He loves you so!
I better go put on my rain boots and work on my list!
Angie xoxo

Cover to Cover... By faith...Hope does not disappoint.

I LOVE the book of Romans. If any of you have never read the Bible, I would suggest you look up Romans and read it soon. My favorite verses were again difficult to choose this week in our cover to cover readings.

Did you know you get to Heaven by faith and not by works?
This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. (Romans 3:22-24)

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. (Romans 5:1-5)

I will never forget the time I was separated from my husband and my nephew, Alex called and recited this verse... "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) I had no idea what His purpose was back then. I have such a better understanding today. God uses every difficulty to transform me to make me more like Jesus.

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. (Romans 8:37)

Thank you for your prayers regarding my last post. Today I had coffee with my new friend and God showed up. I asked Him to use me and I could feel His presence. I was once again grateful for how far He has brought me through the years and I never thought I would be thanking Him for the sufferings around Christmas back in 1993. I'm grateful I was desperate for Him. He has a plan, friends and I know it in the depths of my soul. All we need to do is trust Him with our lives and in those difficult seasons. We are more than conquerors. More.



By faith...
Angie xoxo

Thankful Thursday... He's on her side

God is taking me out of my comfort zone this weekend by asking me to talk with a new friend who needs nothing short of holding her hand and pointing her to Jesus. I pray I can be gentle and give her encouragement to make it through the most traumatic time of her life. I want her to know that hope can ONLY be found in Jesus Christ. It is critical that I have the right words to share. Will you please pray for me... and for my new friend? It's so like God to have me talk with her around the same time of year that I heard words from my ex-husband that no woman wants to hear.



Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)

Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
Love,
Angie xoxo

p.s. I'm SO honored He would ask...

She runs like a...

I wish I had something profound to write about this video. All I can say is it made me crack up!! I needed a good laugh. You may not think it's funny, but I've watched it SO many times I can't even count! It reminded me of the time my softball coach told my mother I would be such a better player if I didn't run like a... GIRL! It bothered me at the time, but I think I'm finally okay with it! Um... Would it be better if I ran like a guy? Hmmm... I wonder why no one wants to run with me??



Maybe I should stick with something else...?
Have a good night!
Angie xoxo

Cover to Cover...following Aruba

THANKSGIVING 2008


Early this morning we arrived home from Aruba where our family spent Thanksgiving. We were grateful for our time together. We heard it had rained for a week solid before we got there. God blessed us with beautiful sunshine for our entire vacation! We came home to Winter Wonderland! We listened to Christmas music all the way home from the airport!

Honestly, I read some of the readings I had downloaded from our Cover to Cover from my iPod. Note to self: Don't ever leave home without your Bible!

I had a lot of time to think (and listen to my music) while sitting on a chair looking at this...


Some of the verses that stood out were as follows...

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. (1 Corinthians 13:4-8)

We all know these verses well. They are read at weddings and funerals. I was asked to read them at my sister's funeral. A pastor once asked us to replace the word, "love" with our name. Wouldn't it be great if these words were true of us?

Angie is patient.
Angie is kind.
Angie does not envy.
Angie does not boast.
Angie is not proud.
Angie is not rude.
Angie is not self-seeking.
Angie is not easily angered.
Angie does not keep record of wrongs.
Angie does not delight in evil, but rejoices with truth.
Angie always protects.
Angie always trusts.
Angie always hopes.
Angie always perseveres.
Angie never fails.

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. (1 Cor 13:13)

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)


He is the best friend we could ever need...
With His Love,
Angie xoxo


(Our Slideshow)