Four Years and The Dance

This Friday will be four years since my father lost his battle to cancer, yet won his place in Heaven. It seems that no matter how much time passes, I still wish I had just one more chance to see my dad. I'm not exactly sure what I'd say to him. I'd probably want to thank him for loving my mom the way he did. My parents modeled a marriage that provided security. I knew he'd never leave her. I feel so badly for all of the broken families today. (I'm praying for healing, especially in the lives of the our children.) It is SO true that the best gift a father can give his children is to love their mother.

I thought I was doing okay until I heard this song. I remember in high school before going to the prom we would practice dancing in the living room. He always got annoyed that I had a hard time "following" his lead. It worked out so much better when I'd let him be in charge.

The same is true of my father in Heaven. My life goes so much smoother when I just let Him take the lead! If you wouldn't mind, please keep my mother in your prayers this week. My whole family thanks you!

Much love,
Angie xoxo

Project 365...#3

Monday we went to the Detroit auto show. Scary the few people in attendance!
Tuesday I watched the Inauguration at the ski shop while buying my new skiis.
Wednesday I used my picture from cross country skiing with Linda yesterday.
Thursday I worked so took a picture of our wedding. Notice Kristen in the background. The guy taking the pictures didn't snap one of just the two of us. I'm still upset! :)
Friday we had dinner with newly engaged, Caroline & Arie.
Saturday nothing exciting happened so I took the picture of my necklace.
Sunday we went to see the snow and ice carving exhibition in Frankenmuth. Amazing!!

I've learned that on days I work it is difficult to take a photo, so sorry if I'm cheating! I'm going to run out of random pictures soon!

This is really a lot of fun!
Have a nice week and I hope you have many photo opportunities!
Love,
Angie xoxo

Reading His Word... The test

I am reading the Bible chronologically again this year with some of my friends. We are reading a different version than Karen and the girls, so it may not make sense. I want to share what stood out to me this time around.

I love how the LORD said to Abraham in Genesis 17:14, "Is anything too hard for the LORD? I will return to you at the appointed time next year and Sarah will have a son." There is nothing too hard for Him. He can do anything He wants and He will. I love how we can trust Him. He won't play any games with us. He is a man of His Word. That's so hard to imagine when we are surrounded by people who don't. What kind of world would it be if everyone said what they meant?



On the other hand...
"When they reached the place God had told him about, Abraham built an altar there and arranged the wood on it. He bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. Then he reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son." (Genesis 22:9-10) After reading those details I just couldn't imagine I would be able to sacrifice one of my kids even for God. I couldn't do it! I tried to imagine myself bounding one of mine. I'd be out of my mind! I just couldn't do what Abraham did. I must not be sold out to Him. I am just being honest. When tested, he proved he would do anything the LORD asked. Thank God you probably already know how the story continues. In verse 12 He said, "Do not lay a hand on the boy," he said. "Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son." I wonder if I will ever trust God with my life that much? Sacrifice Meghan or John for God? I just don't think so! I'd rather die! His faith in God still amazes me. All I can say today is I'm glad He hasn't asked me to do anything so difficult. I cannot fathom the idea. No way!

So, I want to be able to trust Him, yet He can't trust me to do what He asks? Hmmm...I just realized something. My relationship with God is exactly the same as my relationships with people in my life. I can't expect something from others that I'm not willing to do myself. Lord, forgive me for being such a taker! I pray one day I'll be completely sold out for Him! I'm glad He still loves me while I try to work this out! I love my kids more today. Go hug yours if you can! Have a good week!

Love,
Angie xoxo

In His Hands

I borrowed this from my friend, Kat's blog. I had to add it to my post because this happened right outside my daughter's apartment. It happened a little over a week ago, but I can't get it out of my mind! God is amazing...


Still shaking my head...
Love,
Angie xoxo

It's All Right

I just have to jot down this little story. You may want to jump to the next blog to read because this one could bore you to tears...

I was at yoga this morning. My two month membership is about to expire so I didn't want to miss today. The type of class I went to is called Hot Vinyasa. I like it because the heat is cranked up and it feels like a good workout. My instructor is amazing. She takes us through many poses then lets us go through them on our own. The music is inspiring and I love how we flow through the poses. It's kind of like ballet dancing. It makes me feel feminine. It's hard to explain. Anyway... Since I've been doing this for a couple of months I can hardly call myself a beginner. I "should" be able to remember the routines and put them all together. I am fine when I follow the instructor. I am quite proud of myself, actually. But when it comes time for me to do the "on your own" part I cannot do it. I have a mental block. I forget where we are and am paralyzed. I basically can't be trusted on my own. This morning I was frustrated like no other. Yoga is supposed to be all about no judgement, relaxing and breathing. It's about going at your own pace and not comparing yourself to others. Hmmm...

I've been thinking about it all afternoon. It reminds me of my walk with God. I am fine when I follow Him. I need Him and the Holy Spirit to guide me every step of the way. I simply cannot be trusted on my own. That's why I need His Word and to saturate myself in Him. I need His direction. Every time I try to go it alone I get myself in trouble.

I looked up the word "follow" in my Bible and found 415 references. God's Word talks a lot about following. This was my favorite...

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." (John 8:12)

So I guess... It's alright... I'm grateful to have someone I trust to lead me where is best!
Have fun following Him this weekend
Love,
Angie xoxo

Breathe...

"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." (Matthew 6:34)

Is it just me, or do you need to be reminded of this verse today? I came in the coffee shop this afternoon with a nervous stomach ache. The chocolate chip cookie and cup of tea didn't help. I know God is asking me if I really trust Him with my life. I'd love to say confidently I believe Him. But what if...? Or what if...? I had a patient this morning who told me he is getting laid off tomorrow. He told me he isn't worried in the least and knows God will take care of him like He has in the past. I believe he was telling me the truth. They weren't just words and he wasn't trying to convince himself. Does God know I need to be desperate for Him or I won't need Him in my life? Does He know I will put Him back up there on the shelf until I need Him desperately? I know I'm supposed to want Him to test me. I don't want to fail Him.

I'm not sure if any of this makes sense to you. I am sure of one thing. I need Him more today than yesterday! I am going to just give these worries to Him. I'm going to breathe and keep believing Him for the utterly impossible. It's true... I'm desperate for Him!



Have a good afternoon!
Love,
Angie xoxo

p.s.
I WANT to be DESPERATE for God. He is the Only One who can REALLY help anyway. I (we) don't need to worry about tomorrow. He is jealous for me and wants me to totally rely on Him. I must say that I know that I know that I know that I know I'll be okay no matter what! Just needed you to know! It's my desire to want more of Him and less of me (and other people). I love you, my little sister! :)

A hug goodbye

A good friend of mine shared something with me that changed me forever. Lisa and I were talking about the various ways people hug. She has studied this topic and even has names for them. I don't know where she learned about them, but after our conversation I have not hugged someone without thinking about it. I invite you to really think about it the next time someone hugs you! What do you notice?

I enjoyed watching the television coverage today of the Inauguration of President Barack Obama. I especially enjoyed watching them say goodbye to the former President and Mrs. Bush. It appeared to be a warm hug. I was watching closely!

God Bless and Hugs,
Angie
xoxo

Projeect 365... #3

Monday ~ I took a picture of Lincoln helping with dishes.
Tuesday~ I had to search Meghan's room for something and came across some special stuff.
Wednesday~ One of my favorite patients came in and when I told her I am taking a picture every day this year she let me take her picture! Thanks, Suzanne! :)
Thursday~ It was very cold!
Friday~ We went up to our friends' cottage in upper Michigan! We decided we must have fun with outdoor activities if we have to live in this state! I tried snowshoeing for the first time! Our friends are very generous with their cottage! We made a lot of great memories this weekend!



I'm grateful for our special friends!
Love,
Angie

My 2nd Memory Verse

Well, I think I have my first one down. I can't tell you how much I've enjoyed this. I said it to myself so many times during these past two weeks. I especially loved saying it when I woke up at 3:00 in the morning, driving in the car, in the shower, when I was upset with my husband and during my yoga meditation time. I think I'm ready for my second verse.

Scripture Memory verse #1
"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 5:5)

Scripture Memory verse #2

"We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." (2 Cor 10:5)

In an article written by Dr. Caroline Leaf Controlling Toxic Thoughts and Emotions, she puts it perfectly...

"Faith-based emotions are love, joy, peace, happiness, kindness, gentleness, self-control, forgiveness and patience. These produce good attitudes and thoughts.

Fear-based emotions include hate, anxiety, anger, hostility, resentment, frustration, impatience and irritation. These produce toxic attitudes and create a chemical reaction in the body that can alter behavior.

Fear is the root of stress. Scripture says, “God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power and love and of a sound mind” (2 Tim. 1:7). Fear-based thinking blocks the flow of healthy chemicals and releases toxic chemicals that put you into stress."

I totally believe stress contributes to many of the problems we face in life. I need to take every thought captive to God... I want to fearlessly fear Him!
He will never let me go. He won't let you go either!



Much love,
Angie

Project 365...#2

Hey, Everyone! I found some days this week were difficult to take pictures, especially if I worked that day. I couldn't take a picture of my patients! I had a hard time with my son leaving to go back to school for his last semester at MSU. You would think I'd be used to the idea by now, but reality set in for me. John is hoping to leave Michigan this Spring for graduate school and most of you know my daughter lives in New York. It is still an adjustment for this Mom. I know it is the natural progression and I'm happy they are both secure enough to leave the nest! I'd appreciate some prayers if you don't mind! :)

Have a great day!
Love,
Angie xoxo

For the Millionth time

I'm needing a little Peace and Joy tonight. I also need to listen and surrender it all again! I know this is just between me and God, but chances are someone else out there could stand to hear Cece sing this song!


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)

His Daughter,
Angie xoxo

Sometimes I forget...

God is who He says He is.
God can do what He says He can do...
I am who God says I am. **
I can do all things through Christ. **
God's Word is alive and active in me.

I'm Believing God.

"I am a this not a that."
~by Beth Moore in Believing God.




Hoping you remember!
Angie xoxo

Project 365 ... #1

Here is my first week of random photos. I wonder if I can find Bible verses to go along with each day?

1). Took pics of my Christmas Cards. (1 John 4:7)
2). Started reading the Bible Chronologically again. I hope to memorize and meditate on 24 Scripture verses this year! (Psalm 1:2)
3). I saw two movies in one day. They were both good. I can't believe I sat in a theater for almost 5 hours! (Deuteronomy 4:29)
4). My sister, DeNaze and I found this little treasure at my mom's house and have been passing it back and forth for awhile now. On Christmas Day I found it in my box of laundry detergent! I found it again here. :) (Deuteronomy 7:6)

This should be a lot of fun!
Have a good week!
Love,
Angie xoxo

Photo Every Day

I just decided to join some friends for Project 365. Sara is hosting it!
I will be taking one photo each day for the year 2009 and posting it.

If you want to participate in this with me, here are the details:

1. Grab the code on my sidebar and put it on your own sidebar.
2. Sunday will be 365 day. So, on Sundays, post your pictures from the week. You can post them as a slide show or individually with a description for each. The original post said to post your picture every day, but I didn't think I would be able to follow through with that....hence Sundays!
3. Leave me a comment so I know you have posted and can visit to see your pics!!!
4. Don't let this become a chore!! This should be fun! If you miss some days......it's okay!!!

If you need more help go to this site.

I want to have more FUN in 2009 so I think this should do the trick!
Love,
Angie xoxo

My 1st Memory Verse

"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 5:5)

I chose this verse to memorize because I have learned that often times hurt people hurt people.

Grateful for His Word,

Angie xoxo

Cover to Cover...is done!

Satan tried really hard to get me to quit reading the Bible Cover to Cover. I'm not sure if anyone noticed, but I didn't do my final post. I read the last week of reading but was not in a good place. I think it all began when I received an "Anonymous" comment on one of my posts. I tried to shake it but honestly, I couldn't. Satan used someone who didn't have the courage to put their name on the comment. I took it personally. That was just the beginning. I haven't been able to fully understand what happened since then. It was not good. I was telling a friend of mine how I felt when I needed God the most is when He seemed the most distant. I wanted to Believe Him but I couldn't. She told me something I hope to never forget: She said that God hasn't changed, it was me who changed. I was the one who was distancing myself from Him. I was in the middle of a war. Confusion and doubt overtook me. I had several situations that caused me to get on my knees. I. Didn't. When my faith was tested I failed miserably. I am still begging forgiveness. Satan wanted me to believe SO many lies. It is embarrassing to admit this to you, but I can't be fake on here and pretend things are perfect when they are definitely not.

I was going to write a final post for the year and it was going to be this: "THE END".

I had never read through the Bible cover to cover. My excuse for finishing the blog was because of the commitment I had made last year this time. There were so many opportunities to quit but something wouldn't let me. I now know without a shadow of doubt it was God Himself. There was so much I didn't understand and skipped over a lot but still learned SO much. So many times I felt inferior to the other women who seemed to "get it" and I felt there was a club of sorts and I just didn't seem to fit in. I didn't have any deep insights and the verses that lingered were the familiar ones that most have known since childhood. I decided I am going to buy a new chronological Bible tomorrow and read through it again with Karen.

In the final week of reading I had to read Hebrews 11. In there were the words that define the title of my blog. It came from my first ever Bible study, "Believing God". I find Him so amazing that during my most difficult week is when He chose to have me read these words.
By faith...

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. (Hebrews 11:1)

By faith... I decided I will pick myself up AGAIN and Believe God to do the utterly impossible in my life. I am going to make a commitment to memorize some Scripture verses this year with a lot of the Siestas on Beth Moore's blog. This is something new for me. I need Him more this year than last and I hope to have some Scriptures ready when I am tested next time.



Happy New Year!
Love,
Angie xoxo