Overflowing with Gratitude

"Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness." Col 2:7

Welcome To Pigtails and Photography

Hey! Thank you so much for stopping by my blog today! One of these days I'll share with you exactly how I came up my name. I'm super excited about sharing my new hobby with you!

"The heaviness of being successful was replaced by the lightness of being a beginner again — less sure about everything. It freed me to enter one of the most creative periods of my life." ~Steve Jobs

Love,

Pigtails

Come Boldly #2

I started each morning this week in my devotional, Come Boldly (week 2 in particular). The day that spoke to me most was Friday, about praying definite prayers instead of vague ones.  He brought up the point that healing often comes to people who don't even pray, so how do we know if it is truly an answer to prayer if we aren't specific? I'm not sure I've ever honestly prayed to God for a specific thing and know beyond a shadow of doubt that it was Him who answered it. It's usually when I'm on the other side of it that I give Him the credit. I'm way too vague and it's time for that to change.

On another note... Somebody brought up a good question this week. Do I treat my husband the way I would want my daughter-in-law to treat my son? Maybe when I don't feel loved the way I think I deserve to be loved it is because that's how he saw his mother being loved by his dad. I need to have compassion for him (and his mother) during those times. What kind of a role model am I being? Is it too late? I hope not!

And yet another... Instead of Googling my questions and concerns for immediate/ instant gratification I would be better off going to God in prayer and learn the gift of patience. I have a love-hate relationship with this computer!

We see a lot of movies in the Winter when it's gloomy here in Michigan. We saw two this weekend. After seeing, Her yesterday I was forced to see the reality of online relationships and just how unrealistic they are in real life. Crazy! We also saw the new Meryl Streep and Julia Roberts movie, August: Osage County and that brought up a lot of old stuff. Although it was very hard to watch, I related more than I wished I did.

"Whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith." ~Matthew 21:22

I hope you will join me in trying to pray specific prayers, so God can show off.

some of my favorite music

Beauty & Love

"There is nothing more rare, note more beautiful, than a woman (or man) being unapologetically herself (or himself); comfortable in her (or his) perfect imperfection. To me, that is the true essence of beauty." ~Steve Maraboli

I seriously love these two more than I can express!

Come Boldly #1

This year I am going to be reading and spending time daily in a devotional called, Come Boldly: Timeless Daily Encouragements on Prayer. Some friends are reading the Bible together chronologically as well as reading this book. I've decided that I'm going to be sharing what lingers for me mainly from the book.

I didn't learn anything new this first week, although there were some very good reminders. First of all, we are not of this world, but we are in it. As we all know, this is not Heaven. Things aren't supposed to be easy or perfect. We are here for a reason and I believe it is because God wants to be Glorified through us and He wants us to trust Him with every part of our lives. We are supposed to be different. I've struggled with that a lot these past few years because honestly, sometimes I think Christians seem a little weird. It's hard to explain, but I guess after reading this week I am reminded that it is supposed to be that way. I shouldn't be worried about how others see me, so I have decided that from now on I'm going to embrace the weirdness.

I also read where we are supposed to be at God's disposal. I've never thought about it that way, but I believe it's true. I'm not sure I can say with sincerity that when I pray the Lord's Prayer, "Thy Kingdom Come, Thy will be done," I'm willing to obey Him wholeheartedly. I am only willing to do what He asks of me if I think it sounds reasonable through my eyes. I know that's completely wrong.

"Come straight to God. Do not bother other people. Lay all questions naked before Him, and He will make it plain to you what is His will." I can't tell you how often when I am looking for direction and guidance that I still go straight to a friend. I usually go to God only when my friends are unavailable and too often, only after I make it clear to them that they have disappointed me.

Each day's reading begins with a relevant Bible verse straight from His Word. If anything I share does not make sense to you, please feel free to ask me to show you where the truth can be found. I will get back with you as soon as possible. I am looking forward to spending this year getting back on track. If you want to join me, I'd be honored to order you the book and we can read it together.  I promise, His Word is life-changing!

Sincerely,
angie

p.s. Look at my view from where I was writing this post! ;)

Lesson on Empathy

A very wise 28 year-old shared this with me this morning via my inbox.  And I'm so glad she did.

Empathy: Fuels connection. Feeling WITH people. It's a vulnerable choice.

Sympathy: Drives disconnection.

I would love to be more empathetic in 2014.

"I don't even know what to say right now. I'm just so glad you told me."

2014 Strengthening My Roots

With the beginning of a new year comes goals. It's easy for me to make them in some areas, such as physically: I want to get back on track eating better. Financially: I want to spend less and save more. I want to simplify my life. It felt so good to give away several bags of clothes recently, so that's a start. I want to improve our marriage so it will grow and become stronger and better than it was last year.

I've had a more difficult time when it comes to my Spiritual life and deciding what to do this year. Satan would love for me to leave God on the top shelf and follow his ways, but I. Know. Better. This morning a song popped up on a music site and I immediately claimed it as my song for this year.  You wouldn't believe the peace it brings me. I want a stronger, deeper relationship with the Only One who does not change in the midst of whatever comes in 2014. I am ready and excited!



Tree by Justin Rizzo

Unmovable, unshakable
Let my roots go down deep
Unmovable, unshakable
In You

I want to be like a tree
Planted by the streams
Of living water
This will be my song God
This will be my prayer
Until the end, until the end


"Blessed is the one 
who does not walk in step with the wicked
or stand in the way that sinners take
or sit in the company of mockers,
but whose delight is in the law of the LORD,
and who meditates on his law day and night.
That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither-
whatever they do prospers." ~Psalm 1:1-3