Facebook vs Blogging

I've been thinking a lot about Facebook and Blogging. I enjoy both for different reasons. Obviously I like blogging or I wouldn't have written over 400 posts.

I am an empty-nester with too much time on my hands. It's a strange transition, you know. I tried to be the best mom. I loved making chocolate chip cookies for my kids when they came home from school. I have fond memories of carpooling and sporting events. I miss my kids sitting at the kitchen table doing their homework. As I type this I am grateful to have been able to stay home with them instead of working full-time, especially since I was a single mom for a long time. But my job is over. So now what? I think my priorities are changing. I am at the point where I would be okay to sell everything and travel. I don't need any more stuff. I could be content with my laptop, iPod and a few clothes. Well, and some highlights in my hair. When I was younger I used to hear people talk that way and had a hard time believing them. I thought they were a little weird. Now I love the simple life. I used to be obsessive about trying to make the perfect home. Now it just doesn't matter. I have been reminded this week (by a book I am reading by Dr. Laura... don't laugh) that I need to remember to make sure I am still making our home nice for my husband. I need a second wind... to show him love and respect! He deserves to be my #1 priority!

I love my job, but I don't live for it! I love the one-on-one conversations with my patients. Believe it or not, I even enjoy cleaning teeth. God keeps bringing people to me who need Him. I've gotten a lot more bold in the past few years, especially since I've surrounded myself with so many Christian women who aren't afraid to give credit where credit is due.

Back to the topic of this post. Sorry for the detour. I recently started with FB. I'm excited to be reunited with some old neighbors from when I was a kid. Our whole group is back in touch. So cool. I've been able to connect with a lot of my family who lives all over the country. So many of my nieces and nephews are on there. I never thought the day would come when both of my kids would let me be their friend and their friends are even sending me friend requests. All of my brothers and sisters and some of Lincoln's are as well as many cousins. And many of my blog Siestas...and some patients? Where do they find the time? Oh, and my mom too, although I think she forgets how to use it. But... I've noticed that once I say hello and get caught up there is no need for it. I've heard of many who get their feelings hurt because of comments taken the wrong way. Lately I notice I don't call people as much because I've talked with them via FB and that's not good. I do enjoy reading the status updates to feel more connected. I enjoyed the many birthday wishes, but got my feelings hurt because my husband didn't post a "Happy Birthday". How pathetic of me to allow my feelings to get hurt? He lives with me for goodness sakes!

All this to say I like blogging better. I get to read what's going on in people's hearts. I'm worried that many who used to write have decided FB is easier. It may be easier but not better in my opinion. I realize I need to keep it in perspective and not allow it to get in the way of my marriage! I just enjoy blogging more than t.v. I haven't visited many of the blogs I used to read and can honestly say I miss them. Keep writing about Jesus, friends. Your blogs bless me!

Could it be a case of this...?

Love,
Angie xoxo

A way to remember

This morning before I lifted my head off my pillow I tried to recite my Scripture memory verses. It SO helps to have them written on a photo. I couldn't remember Proverbs 14:1 (the one about building my house instead of tearing it down). I thought about the picture and it came right back to me. It's probably the most important one I've had to learn so far! I remembered the verse I am in the process of memorizing right now and couldn't remember the photo, so I decided to change it. I am SUCH a water person. When I think of the beach I can't help but Praise God for the opportunity to sit on a chair looking out at His magnificent artwork...in the middle of Winter! It is excellent and praiseworthy! I want to have His Word etched in my mind forever! If you are having a difficult time remembering your verses you may want to use this little trick. It's so easy!

Have a great weekend!
Love,
Angie xoxo

Love in Action

I just got home from New Community and had to jot down a few things I want to remember about Love and 1 John Chapter 3. I'm certain the message was just for me. I find it so strange how He works sometimes? God spoke His message to me through someone. Tonight it was through our Pastor.

He asked us two questions.
1). Who have I had a difficult time loving these days?
2). What do I think God wants me to do this week to improve our relationship?

A specific person came to mind immediately. I'm praying about the second question.

If I had my own Bible with me I would have underlined these verses...

This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. (1 John 3:16, 18)

And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us. (1 John 3:23)

I've known my love language has been "Acts of Service" for a long time. I didn't realize it's Biblical! I loved the book, The Five Love Languages. In his book, Dr Gary Chapman told us we often feel most comfortable giving others our love language. Mine is not the same as the person who came to mind. I dusted off an old book the other day by another author I used to adore. Although she is a little rough around the edges, she is right on! I bought it several years ago but don't remember reading it. I've only read a couple of chapters and only have one word to explain how it's hitting me. "OUCH". I'm getting convicted over and over again and don't believe it was an accident a friend suggested I read it.

As I ponder the second question, this song came to mind. A lot of other people must love it too, since it's been viewed 10,453,095 times! I better keep Believing God. Keep Loving. Keep Praying!



Love,
Angie xoxo

The veil

Here are some verses that have been lingering in my readings this week...

"The LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend..." (Exodus 33:11)

I can't imagine being Moses, the one the Lord spoke to face to face. When I think about my relationships with friends, I can't imagine if it were just through facebook, text messages, phone calls, letters, or e-mails. It's so much more meaningful to have a relationship face to face. The Lord spoke to him like a friend! That really is amazing!

The LORD replied, "My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest."

Then Moses said to him, "If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. (Exodus 33:14-15)

I love how he was determined that if His presence didn't go with him, he just didn't want to go. I want to be that closely connected to God that I don't want to go it alone. If He is not a part of my life, I don't want to live. It really is that simple.

When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the Testimony in his hands, he was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the LORD.
(Exodus 34:29)

I think this verse is so true. I think people radiate His love. I notice that when I come across people who seem warm, happy and content, they usually have God in their life. It's obvious to me, but they are probably unaware. I can see it in their eyes!

But whenever he entered the LORD's presence to speak with him, he removed the veil until he came out. And when he came out and told the Israelites what he had been commanded, they saw that his face was radiant. Then Moses would put the veil back over his face until he went in to speak with the LORD. (Exodus 34:34-25)

He removed his veil when He spoke to the Lord. I find that when I don't hide from God (by telling Him honestly what's bothering me), He seems closer to me. It seems like a lot of people go through life with a veil, protecting themselves, covering up their true feelings. I hope when it's just between them and God, they can strip down and be honest with Him. I am still learning to communicate clearly. I have few friends who I allow to get close enough to me that I remove my veil. I pray we all have at least one friend we risk letting see us for who we really are. A true friend will know anyway!

I still love this song...



Have a great week!
Love,
Angie xoxo

Memory verse #4

Here's my new verse for the Siesta Memory Team.
Happy Valentine's Day!
February 15, 2009...
February 1, 2009...
January 15, 2009...
January 1, 2009...



My favorite song, for my birthday!


Love,
Angie xoxo

He is a bridge

The last time I was in New York visiting Meghan, we ran across the Brooklyn Bridge. She ran it again this past weekend. I was reminded about a story I heard our pastor telling us about the song, Bridge Over Troubled Water. He suggested whenever we hear the word "I" we replace is with Jesus. As I sit here missing my daughter, it sure helps to hear this song. After all, Jesus is like a bridge over troubled waters.

When you're weary, feeling small,

When tears are in your eyes, I will dry them all;
I'm on your side. when times get rough
And friends just can't be found,
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down.
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down.

When you're down and out,
When you're on the street,
When evening falls so hard
I will comfort you.
I'll take your part.
When darkness comes
And pains is all around,
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down.
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down.

Grateful for music to my soul!
Much love,
Angie xoxo

Manna

This week I ran out of coffee. I like to buy Starbucks for home so I won't be tempted to buy it when I'm out. I'm thinking Dave Ramsey would be proud. Anyway, I bought BOLD. I have no idea why I did it. At first it tasted way too strong, but since I got a whole pound, I decided I better learn to like it. I must have too much time on my hands. I got to thinking about back when I didn't drink coffee. I decided I wanted to be "mature" like my older husband, so I had to drink coffee. But I had to drink it with cream. Then before I knew it I decided sugar made it taste better...then flavored cream! I used to like it weak. Now bold? It's the strongest coffee they make! I can't help but compare it to my walk with God. Anyway, there is a point to this story. I like my God Bold! What does this have to do with my weekly readings of the Bible you ask? Absolutely nothing... :)

Moses said to the LORD, "O Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue." The LORD said to him, "Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the LORD ? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say."

But Moses said, "O Lord, please send someone else to do it." (Exodus 4:10-13)

When I read about Moses asking God for help in getting the people to believe the LORD, I couldn't help thinking I feel a lot like Moses when I am trying to either write a blog post or talk to someone to share my faith and testimony. My words are far from eloquent. I want to tell them where God has brought me over the years since He invaded my life. I want to tell them God can be trusted and give them hope. I am not a good story or joke teller. I'll hear a cute joke and am sure I'll remember it to share with someone else. Then, when it comes time to tell it I freeze. I can only remember the punch line. The details in the middle get totally lost. People laugh, but there is no way they could possibly understand it the way I tell the story. I love that He promises He will help me and teach me what to say! And... I'd be lying if I didn't admit that sometimes I wish He would send someone else to do it for me!

Then the LORD said to Moses, "I will rain down bread from heaven for you. The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day. In this way I will test them and see whether they will follow my instructions. (Exodus 16:4)

The people of Israel called the bread manna... (Exodus 16:31)

He gives us just enough of Himself everyday to see how we'll do. It's not enough to go to church once a week to get filled up. I need another (bold) dose of Him on Wednesdays. I need to be in His Word every day in my quiet time with just the two of us. If I get a huge dose of Him and think that will be enough, I'll be starving the next day. Consider eating a huge Thanksgiving dinner and expecting it to sustain us for a whole week or sometimes longer! I'd rather just graze. Graze in Him daily. They say that's the healthier way to live. I'm Believing God to give me just enough every day.




With love from His student,
Angie xoxo

I want more. ;)

Hey, Friends!

I had a conversation with someone close to me almost a week ago and I can't stop thinking about it. She asked why I question my faith so much on my blog (and in life in general). She wondered why I can't just have "blind faith". She reminded me that everything has worked out just fine in my life and I should just trust that in the future everything will still be okay. I told her that I am trying to build my faith in case I get the dreaded diagnosis my sister and dad received.

What I didn't tell her was this... There's so much more. I know I believe in God, but I have a deep desire to know Him and Believe Him. I want to trust Him in the big things and the small details. I believe He wants to have a relationship with me ...and you. He wants to be involved in the day to day events in our lives. He wants us to talk to Him when we are freaking out about this or that. I love how Beth Moore says we should "tell on people" to Him. I get so tempted to gossip. I know it isn't right. Our secrets are safe with Him.

I want to know Him in a way I wasn't able to know my own father. I knew him, but I didn't know him as well as I could have. He was a quiet man and I regret not having more time alone with him to appreciate him more. My sister told me my dad heard this song on the radio and it made him tear up at the thought that his kids would feel this way. He never heard the words, "I love you" from his parents. Isn't that sad? I don't want to miss out on having a relationship with God.

"My determined purpose is that I may know Him that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His Person..." (Philippeans 3:10-Amplified version)

I guess what I'm trying to say is "blind faith" is just not enough. I need a relationship. There... I feel better!
Have a great weekend! Tell your kids you love them!
Love,
Angie xoxo

Oh, so sweet!

My friend sent this to me this morning. Oh my goodness. It really is a Wonderful World. I'm praying God reveals Himself to each of us in some small way today and makes us grateful.

It's another freezing day is Michigan. Make it a good one no matter where you are!
Love,
Angie xoxo

Baylis Animal Hospital... Happy Birthday!

God is SO good! Today's devotional in Walk With God was titled, "Representing Jesus". It was very appropriate for this First Anniversary of the opening of Baylis Animal Hospital.

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men." (Colossians 3:23)

This has been quite a year for us. With a humble heart, we are very excited for the success. (Remember how he was voted the best Vet in Ortonville?) God has brought many animals to my husband's hospital and many people who trust him to take care of their pets! We are grateful. Very grateful! I pray God continues to get every single bit of the credit. It is only by the Grace of God. My prayer is that my husband continues to represent Jesus in the coming year!

With gratitude and love,
Angie xoxo

Thank Goodness for Mondays :)

1 Corinthians 6:12
"Everything is permissible for me"—but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible for me"—but I will not be mastered by anything. (1 Corinthians 6:12)



Needless to say, I'm taking those leftover Brownies to work this morning.
It's a new day!

Happy Monday!
Love,
Angie xoxo

Scripture Memory verse #3

I am going to start out by testing myself on my first two verses. I know I choose simple verses, but I want them to stick in my brain in those times I need them most either today or in the future. It's difficult to decide on the scripture to memorize, but when I saw this today I knew it was for me. I don't always like the power I have in my relationship with my husband. It seems that when "I" am good then "we" are good. It's in my own hands... When I take every thought captive to make them obedient to Christ, He won't disappoint me. I don't want to be a fool!

"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)

"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)

"The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down." (Proverbs 14:1)

His Word continues to bless me and is music to my soul!



Have a great Sunday!
Love,
Angie xoxo

Project 365... #4 (not too exciting)

This year is going so fast. I cannot believe it's already February 1st! My week was not very exciting as you can see by my pictures. Some days I was searching... :)

Monday I signed up for unlimited yoga visits.
Tuesday I was grateful the sun was shining on the newly fallen snow.
Wednesday's New Community was my highlight. It felt kind of awkward taking a picture of the video screen as our pastor gave his message.
Thursday I begged the girls at work to let me take their picture. They were so sweet!
Friday we all remembered it had been 4 years since we lost our dad.
Saturday Linc and I almost bought a new couch and loveseat at Costco or a new television for downstairs. We rented the truck then decided we didn't feel right spending the money on something we didn't "need"! We had fun in the meantime!!

Well, that's about it! Have a great week, friends!
Love,
Angie xoxo