Out of Nowhere

I was happy to find my parent's 50th Wedding Anniversary Video today when I was looking for something else. I had hid it on myself but found it with some important papers. I was anxious to watch it again. We had gone to many of their friends and family and had them wish Mom and Dad a Happy 50th (in 2003). I'm so glad we went all out to celebrate their anniversary.

I found these letters written by my dad to my kids as well. I don't think they would mind if I shared them. I love seeing his handwriting (click on them to enlarge).

"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." ~Matthew 5:4

Scriptures for Sisters & Nieces

I came here this morning to write a post about what has lingered during our readings and I glanced over at my "About Me." I was convicted immediately because this week has been ALL about me (exactly the opposite of my goal!). I hate to admit it but God has been on a shelf. And this week I had some women in my house who noticed the books on my shelf and asked which church I attend. I'm embarrassed to say I think they think I'm someone I'm not.

I could spend my time blogging about these next few pictures, but instead I should spend my time meditating on His Word. 

The LORD came and stood there, calling as at the other times, "Samuel! Samuel! Then Samuel said, "Speak, for your servant is listening." (1 Samuel 3:10)

Lord, please forgive me for being so self-absorbed. Thank you for bringing this to my attention at the beginning of the week. Thank you for taking care of each of the pictures above. Help me to be a better listener.  In Jesus' name.

this thankful Thursday is super calm

I seriously took this picture this morning! It's Deer Lake and is NOT a pond. It's  rarely this calm.

I was going to add to my list of what I'm most grateful for this week, but I have decided otherwise. My life is going so well that I am going to get out of myself and pray for others instead. Will you pray with me?

Let's see. I am actually thinking as I'm typing...

For some boys that will have their dad on their hearts tomorrow on his birthday.  He has been gone since November 21, 2011.

For a sister who is going to college in her forties. That she will continue to have Faith and that her brain will function at maximum capacity.

For marriages. I always pray for marriages because they are so darn hard.  We need God to help us learn what it is He is trying to teach us.

For a friend who is concerned about her health. She finally opened up to me about it the other night although she is very private. *For a "special intention" like they used to say at our church.

For a sister who helped another get a job. I pray she gets extra Blessed because of it and I pray the girl who got the job is able to focus and do her best.

For a deep desire for us to get closer to God, especially when things are going well.

For our children. That they will find peace and passion in their jobs and feel fulfilled and confident that they are making the world a better place because of their presence.

For all of the lonely elderly people. I heard a statistic the other day that said people are most lonely in their seventies.

That women all over the world will be content and comfortable in their bodies; that they will look in the mirror and love what they see.

For men to feel the same way.

For husbands and wives to treat each other like they would their friends; or better.

That we won't feel like "stuff" will make us happy.

For someone who could really be a better listener.

For the woman who is too afraid to share her true feelings with another friend and feels the need to wear a mask.

That families will sit at the dinner table together and talk about the best part of their day.

That we can have cookies and milk without feeling guilty.

For the teenager who doesn't feel like she "belongs."

That someone will take a different route when driving, so they will see God's beauty from another perspective.

For the girl who feels ugly today; that another woman will give her that much needed compliment and a smile.

Lord, I thank You so much that when my life is calm I see your beauty crystal clear and I'm twice as grateful.

I would be honored to pray for you. What is on your heart today?

The Book of Judges

This week we were reading the book of Judges.  I really didn't understand what God wanted me to hear so I went to a book I was introduced to last year. It is called, "66 Love Letters" by Dr. Larry Crabb. In it he explains it in a way I can understand...

"My people never looked deeply into themselves to identify what they most deeply feared. They never realized that there's something worse than a difficult life, than feelings of inadequacy and insecurity, than discomfort and pain. The worst fear they faced was the loss of the blessings that were providing them with comfort and a sense of personal well-being. That's why they paid no attention to Me when life was pleasant. They took Me for granted when their lives were going well. And when life became painful, when their fear of lost blessings was realized, they returned to Me --not for relationship with Me, but only for the good life they believed was their greatest good." 

Judges was written so people would look deeply into themselves and see the need to repent. They never did.

Repent means:
1. to feel sorry, self-reproachful, or contrite for past conduct; regret or be conscience- stricken about a past action, attitude, etc. (often followed by of): He repented after his thoughtless act.
2. to feel such sorrow for sin or fault as to be disposed to change one's life for the better; be penitent.

"In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as he saw fit." (Judges 17:6)

I understand there is total chaos when everyone does as he pleases. I've seen it with my own eyes.

Lord, I thank You for The Holy Spirit that nudges me when I've done something wrong. Help me to quickly see my sin and turn back to You. I want to want You for more than a good life. Forgive me for the times I've put you on a shelf. I want a close relationship with You.  In Jesus' name.

Definitely not just a movie or a book.

Every year during Lent I feel the need to watch The Passion Of The Christ, so I can experience what He went through. For some reason it was more difficult to watch this year. I almost had to turn it off. Lately I have been in a bit of a funk, so it was exactly what I needed. During the movie I had a few thoughts I wanted to consider.

First of all, how on earth did the guys who inflicted the punishment on Him laugh the whole time? Did they? Or was it just in the movie? As a parent I remember how difficult it was to punish my children even if it was completely necessary. The laughing was really bothering me!

In the beginning was Jesus afraid of Satan? He looked scared. Again, was that just Hollywood? It got me thinking ---> Am I "scared" of Satan? If I'm being totally honest I would admit that I am. I'm even afraid to have _____ in the house because I can't be trusted with it! If I am a true follower of Christ I should be able to look him straight in the eyes and tell him to get the hell away from me.  I shouldn't be intimidated by him in the least or believe any of his obviously stupid lies.

Every time I watch it I cannot fathom watching my son or daughter endure that kind of pain. I don't know how mothers can watch their daughters give birth to their grandchildren. That's a whole other story. But I do know it's hard watching my children in any kind of pain or hardship. Hard is an understatement!

I am reminded again to love my enemies and to pray for them; for they know not what they do. I am inspired to want to be a better friend, sister, mother and wife. I want to lay down my life for them and get rid of the selfishness that comes so naturally. I also want to help others carry their burdens.

Although I've seen the movie many times I still hope it goes differently this time. I want the same ending, but a different journey. It's just too much.

I have failed miserably trying to give something up for Lent. For me I think I need to sacrifice something instead of trying to do extra loving acts of kindness but I rarely do.  After watching this movie I am  disappointed in myself that I can't even give up _______ when He gave up His life for me. It's not asking much.

Lord, Your story is not just another movie to enjoy (sort of; not really) on a Sunday night. Let it be life-changing for me and anyone who stumbles upon this blog.  Your Word is not just another book on the shelf either. Let it change us and let us never be the same when we hold it in our hands. Make it change our heart. In Jesus' name.

Another gift

Did you see it? The moon is absolutely beautiful tonight. I don't understand how someone could catch a glimpse of it without Believing God. I love how He got my attention on a Friday night when I least expected it. The best part is ---> I don't have to "get it."

Just A Glimpse by Israel Houghton

I don’t have to fully know
Just how far your love can go
To sing of your love for me
I don’t have to comprehend
How your mercy never ends
To sing of your mercy

All I need is
All I really need is
Just a glimpse of you
And I’m in awe
Just a glimpse of you
My God
Just a glimpse of you
And all I can do is worship

I don’t have to clearly see
How amazing grace can be
To sing of your grace for me
I don’t have to fully grasp
The measure of your holiness
To sing “holy, holy”



Thank You God, for another gift!

Do you know how much He loves you? Just look around! :)

Happy Thankful Thursday! This is what I'm most grateful for this week.

All my Love,
Angie

The Book of Joshua

Post #890. Wow. God woke me up early this morning. It's 6:20am and I've been up for an hour and already had my first cup of coffee. Well, actually it's quite cold because it's been sitting there while I read the book of Joshua. Last night as I was trying to quickly get this week's reading done I was wrestling with God. I wished we were reading the New Testament instead. It just feels more "warm and fuzzy" and honestly it's easier for me to understand and seems more relevant to my life in today's time. But I have a certain niece and sister who are counting on me to follow through with my commitment so I better be a "wo-man of my word."

The book of Joshua. God handpicked him to take over after Moses. After reading this book what I really think God wanted me to hear (and fully understand) was that He wants me to be a leader; He is always with me and with Him I can be strong and courageous. Actually, He wants me to be very courageous. He also wants me to follow Joshua's example of obedience. Joshua did exactly what God asked of him and everything worked out as planned.

Joshua 1:5-9. Do you think it might be a good idea for you to look it up in your own Bible so you can see it for yourself?

"No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.
“Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Just for fun I looked up the words "strong" and "courageous" in the dictionary.

Strong:

Having the power to move heavy weights or perform other physically demanding tasks. Marked by great physical power--having, showing, or able to exert great bodily or muscular power; vigorous -Solid; tough; not easily broken or injured; able to withstand violence; able to sustain attacks; not easily subdued or taken; as, a strong beam; a strong rock;

Courageous:

The ability to do something that frightens one. Strength in the face of pain or grief. Synonyms: bravery - valour - valor - pluck - gallantry - nerve-the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, pain, etc., without fear; bravery. The state or quality of mind or spirit that enables one to face danger, fear, or vicissitudes with self-possession, confidence, and resolution;

Turning 50 years old can play games with your mind. The grief process can also play a lot of games with your mind. But God wants me to step up to the plate and be a leader in the midst of it all. He promises to be with me and He will teach me what to do next. All I have to do is exactly what He asks of me and trust Him. But He knows it's going to be scary, so He has got to be my rock. He is the one thing that will never ever change. He gave me His Word. He wants you to be a leader too!

Lord, please keep me focused on you and your plan. Keep my eyes centered only on You. Do not let me get side-tracked by the little things that somehow seem more important than You. Help me to be the kind of leader You want me to be. In Jesus' mighty name.



I'm very glad I followed through with my readings this morning.
Have a great day!

I think I might change it to a Fabulous Friday instead of a Thankful Thursday. I'll be back tomorrow, Goose!
xoxo