The question I am not quite ready to answer...

The question asked of us tonight at Bible study:

"In your heart of hearts do you believe God is a 'Taker' or a 'Giver'?"

Think long and hard before you answer.

If I'm being totally honest, a lot of days I think He is a "Tester" but that wasn't one of the choices.



Changing the subject...

This past week while we were in Arizona, Meghan shared with me the first song she had on her playlist for the NYC marathon. She listened to this song as she ran across the bridge... (How Great is Our God). I wish I had words to express how happy this made me feel. She's on the right track!



She also shared this cool video with me of the race.  She was in the second wave of runners.

From a plane?

I'm grateful that I'm in an airplane writing this post.

I'm also grateful that...
I get to see my kids real soon.
Although reality is setting in about my mother being in Heaven this Thanksgiving, I'm still most happy that she's where she longed to be.
I'll be able to enjoy being away from my office for a few days.
That this isn't my first time flying like it is for the girl sitting next to me.
The beautiful view out of this window.
We can afford to get away, knowing there is someone taking care of things at home.

I could list a million things right now since I have my health, my family, my Faith and so much more than I could ever need!

If you read this post, please take a moment to thank God for just one of the many gifts He has given you.

Happy Thanksgiving!
Angie

Just look around, Angie!

I never tire of this video.
I'm thanking God today that...
I.
Believe.
How could I not?

my highlights of meghan's first NYC marathon

Knowing and appreciating all of the time and effort she put into this day!
Dinner with Meghan & Michael at an Italian restaurant to carb-load on Friday night.
Brunch with the Mehaffeys and Versascos on Saturday morning.
Having Saturday to hang out with Meghan.
The application for my iPhone that allowed me to track her every step of the way.
Finding her in the middle of 45,000 runners!
Seeing her looking great at mile 16.
Cheering for the people crying at mile 16.
Seeing her again (looking terrible) when she was almost at the finish line.
The song "Swim" on her iPod to help her get past the "wall".
Learning that it would have been impossible to actually see her cross the line, after I was feeling guilty for not being able to get up there.
Knowing this was a personal victory between her and God.  No one was supposed to be there at the end.
All of her supportive friends being there to cheer her on!
Seeing her fight back the tears when she finally got to meet all of us at the Starbucks where we gathered.
Learning afterwards that her ankle was okay after she rolled it on mile 14 (tripping on a Gatorade bottle).
Seeing the look on her face when the 2 flights of escalator to the restroom was out of order-- and she climbed it anyway!
The signs people made.
My favorite sign: "I want to be you when I grow up!"
Meghan's favorite sign: "You're going the wrong way!" Haha
Meghan telling me that someone said she looked really good when she was done... and they meant they liked her outfit! (This meant a lot to my fashion-savvy daughter!)
When somebody asked her if she'll do it again, she said to ask her in a week. (It's kind of like asking a mom if she wants to have another baby right after she delivered her first child.)
Beating her goal of under four hours. 3:50:36.
Runner #39517.
10,780 Place overall.
2006 Place for women.
400 Place for her age group.
Dinner at her favorite restaurant afterwards... Fig and Olive.
Being there on the day she will never forget for the rest of her life!

(Jack's Mannequin Swim)

You better believe I'm grateful!
~Angie

I believe in my daughter

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." ~2 Timothy 4:7 

Prayers will not be wasted on my little girl (25) this weekend as she runs the NYC marathon. Do you think I'm proud of her hard work and dedication? Of course--> I'm a mom so that goes without saying. :)

By faith... I believe she will finish! 

Angie 

walls of "protection"?

"Sometimes the wall we build around our hearts does a better job of keeping the pain in than keeping the pain out."  


My friend, Lisa said this right in the middle of our conversation last night. I don't know how many times I made her repeat it.  WOW...  It stopped me in my tracks. 

resting in His Love

My great-nephew Jacob with his mom, Rebekkah.

This has been a crazy week in so many ways.  When I heard this song this morning on my way to work, I was sure it was written for me.  I don't know what I'd do if it weren't for music.  Things have felt completely out of control and it's so comforting to know He will never leave me.

I can't believe I question Him and His plan.  It seems after God brings me through something I can give Him credit, but at the time I don't rely on Him like I should. I would have so much more Peace in it if I did.  He wants me to trust and cling to Him.   I'm glad He's the God of 2nd chances... and 3rd... and 4th.




I have looked you in the eyes
I have seen the tears you cried
I have heard you question why you are here

There is a reason, there’s a plan
There is a God Who understands
He’s got your life inside His hands
Have no fear
Cuz He says

In all your hurt and in all your pain
I’ll never leave, I won’t forsake
You’re my child and I’m your God
Come and rest in my love

I know this road is deep
And I know you’re tired and weak
But the God of perfect peace is right here

He is the shelter from the storm
He is the rock forth and secure
He is hope forever more
Have no fear
Cuz He says

In all your hurt and in all your pain
I’ll never leave, I won’t forsake
You’re my child and I’m your God
Come and rest in my love
When everything seems out of control
I’m holding on, I won’t let go
You’re my child and I’m your God
Come and rest in my love

There is hope tonight
There is everlasting life
Dry away your tears
Coz tomorrow is on the rise
Love will never fail
He will never fail
He says

In all your hurt and in all your pain
I’ll never leave, I won’t forsake
You’re my child and I’m your God
Come and rest in my love
When everything seems out of control
I’m holding on, I won’t let go
You’re my child and I’m your God
Come and rest in my love
In my love
In my love

"supposed"

This song has been on my mind since Sunday.

This empty-nester sometimes wonders what she's supposed to be doing with her life.

~Angie