my goal?

I didn't even know what a blog was until 2007. I can pinpoint when God did the miracle in my life... in my marriage... in my heart. I haven't been the same person since back then. I spent the first year or so here writing random stuff that was on my heart. I was on fire for God and saw His hand in all aspects of my life. I was thirsty for His Word and was spending a lot of time searching for just the right verse to go along with where I was or what I saw in my life. It was exciting! I loved searching for just the right song to go along with the posts. I learned how to find other Christian blogs by clicking on names that showed up on Beth Moore's blog and quickly met a lot of new friends. We had a common bond. It was Jesus. It seemed so many women were seeking God's wisdom and seeking Him in their lives just like me. It's hard to explain the connections I found via a blog. This blog! I never would have believed it if I didn't experience it for myself. It's been amazing. It really has been awesome! I met so many of them face to face and became very close to a few of the women. I am still close with them.

Then I started getting a little burned out.

I wasn't getting quite as excited about the conferences and had almost come to a place where I could guess ahead of time what the speaker might say. I don't know if it was satan or what, but I began to wonder if the reason I was so on fire was that I just needed "hobby". I didn't have other interests and I was bored (but had God and these new friends). That's what satan wanted me to believe. He didn't like this new person he saw. This changed person.

Back then my work situation was different. My boss was mentally preparing to sell his practice and retire. Business was slow and I had a lot of time on my hands. We had too many hygienists for the patient-load. Did I use God to fill the void in my life? Was He just a hobby to fill my time since I was a new empty-nester and basically didn't have a life?

Fast forward to my new boss and this business management company he hired to "teach us how to better serve our patients. " (And help our boss pay for his new purchase.) Just yesterday at our day long meeting we were asked about our "goals". My old boss and the new one both answered the question similarly. They both wanted to raise their family and treat their patients to the best of their ability and be able to retire with enough money to live comfortably. They started going around the room asking the rest of the staff. I was nervous about them getting to me! They told us they find it strange that most of the women in the dental offices they work with have no idea about their goals. At what age do I plan to retire and what is my plan to make it happen?

As I was riding my bike this evening with my iPod on softly (with my favorite Christian playlist) I began to think about my goals. What are they? Do I even know? All of a sudden (the Holy Spirit) I vaguely remembered updating the "about me" section on here. I can't remember exactly what prompted me to write that my goal was to make it NOT about me. What would they have said if I told them my goal was to make my life NOT about me? I know I want to be intentional about serving others more than myself. If I died tomorrow I would be content. There is no dollar value I can put on this goal and that's okay with me!

I believe all the time I spent seeking God, He was preparing me for this season of my life. He was not just a time-filler or a hobby. He was preparing me for my future. I have no idea what it will look like, but I know He is with me every step of the way. He was my life. He is still my life. I just need a little spark to get the fire going strong again.

I'm grateful to have this space to work it all out.
In Love,
Angie xoxo



Thank you, my friend Sylvia for this song today!

For Kate and her Mom

God deserves the Glory for my friend, Kate! She experienced a true miracle in her mother's life!

We are SO grateful!

Love you, Kate!

xoxo

"all day a song has been running through my head - we sing it at my church, Woodlawn - "You are Great, You do miracles so great" - so b/w singing and praising and thanking God, I just wanted to give everyone the latest good news about my Mom

when my brother Tim and I got there today, she was sitting up in a chair - talking - responding to commands - improving by leaps and bounds every day - so much so, that they came to talk to me about discharge plans! wow

she'll be in ICU several more days - then for some time, to a regular room - then for up to 100 days to skilled nursing care - which will be in the local area - easier for all of us to visit

every day is a gift - my Mom seems to be mostly comfortable - the only thing she has "complained" about is a headache - for which they gave her Tylenol - they are showing me how to help in her healing and rehab

of course prayer is the main thing b/c God is our healer

thank you for continuing to pray

love,
kate"

thankful for so much

127). that we weren't home when the tree fell on our house
128). that no one was hurt
129). that it's only stuff
130). that I had my kids home this weekend
131). wedding celebrations

132). celebrating Mom and Meghan's birthday

133). the miracle my friend, Kate saw first-hand

134). that my kids are happy

135). the "String of Pearls"

136). that we have insurance to cover the damages

137). the compliment on our ballroom dancing ... :)

138). my. family!

a long way to go, but...

"Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus (Phil 3:13-14).

As crazy as it sounds, I'm celebrating a little progress today!



Don't ever forget to thank God for the smallest move in the right direction... especially when obedience is HARD.

With Love,
Angie xoxo

thanks

I want to thank so many of you who sent me messages and e-mails expressing your concern for me and my decision to close my blog to the public. I feel blessed by every single one of you and have opened it up again. Who would have thought I'd have anything to say that would make someone want to read? It must be a God-thing!



Have a great weekend!
Love to you all,
Angie xoxo

Low to High

Since my son, John has been home he has kept me very active. I have thoroughly enjoyed our walks, bike rides, basketball, golf and especially tennis. I taught him how to play years ago and now he has passed me up big-time! Apparently I have forgotten how to get topspin on my ball. Yesterday I was reminded of what my tennis instructor told me years ago. "Angie, you have to keep your racquet low and brush up on the ball. You must go "low to high" and follow through! I kept telling myself to remember "low to high" and it really worked! Right in the middle of my tennis match God convicted me. He reminded me that when I am struggling (in life) and am frustrated by the outcome of certain situations I must remember to go "low to high". The lower (like, face-down in prayer) I go, the higher and better my life will go! I have a long way to go, but I'm getting better.

I also need to keep my eye on the ball...



Loving the subtle lessons,
Angie xoxo

don't ever give up

Because I want to Praise first in a very loud voice...

98). that You are capable of making dead relationships come back to life
99). that people change, but You never do
100). that although some Christians seem phony You know the difference
101). that our kids will always love both of us
102). that God, You are stronger and more powerful than Satan
103). that You can change a woman's heart and bring her back to You
104). that You are the most wise counselor of all
105). that You give us another chance
106). that You will be with us in every season
107). that You understand when we are confused
108). that we can have fun and still be a Christian
109). that You accept us the way we are
110). that all Christians aren't weird
111). that I am not my mother
112). that You aren't a bit surprised with all that is going on
113). that You know what You are doing
114). that in all things You know what is best and You'll work it out
115). that You forgive us and teach us how to forgive each other
116). that You'll allow us to make mistakes
117). that when You seem distant You aren't
118). that You think we are beautiful even when we don't feel it
119). that after Winter comes Spring
120). that a heart of stone can be softened
121). that music feeds my soul in a special way
122). that You are worth the wait
123). that You hear our prayers
124). that when we are scared You calm the storm
125). that You still love us when we are unlovable
126). that You never give up on us

Lord, I pray for all marriages today. Help us to be kind and gentle to one another. Lord, Satan wants us to give up and see the negative in our spouses. Please help us only see the good in them. Help us remember why we fell in love way back then. Help us to apply what Your Word teaches us! Help us to take responsibility when we are wrong. Help us to get down on our knees and pray together for our marriages! Thank You for never giving up on us. ~In Jesus, name. Amen.

Click here to hear my song today! I encourage You to listen to the very end of it.

Much love,
Angie xoxo