Turn your car around

The sweetest five year-old boy stopped me in my tracks yesterday about this time. I was doing what I have done for over 30 years; I was teaching him proper home care, tooth brushing instructions. Since he was obviously having a difficult time, I asked him to have his mom and dad check his teeth after brushing to make sure he was doing a good job.  It was then that he told me his mom and dad were "aborsed."

"Excuse me?"

"My mom and dad are aborsed."

My heart instantly broke for this little guy...

He. Couldn't. Even. Pronounce. The. Word. Divorced.

I have to tell you that even after all of these years I still cannot hear that word without cringing. Lives are being torn apart and I fear what is happening to these poor innocent children. They have no security and think packing for Mom's house and Dad's house is normal. They didn't make the decision. I'm sure no one asked them if it was okay with them.

My job as a dental hygienist is more than teaching a kid how to remove plaque that causes cavities and gum disease. At this stage of the game it is all about one simple word... Compassion. I have learned to be so much more compassionate for all of God's children, but especially kids. I used to get frustrated when I saw that amount of debris on a patient's teeth, but it's a lot easier when I see the bigger picture.

If you are one of the few people stumbling around and happened to click on this blog, please say a prayer for couples to do the hard work and make good choices before marrying... and the even harder work to keep it together afterwards. The greatest gift you can give your children is to love each other; we've heard that a zillion times.

This song popped on my playlist this morning and I don't think it was a coincidence. I guess I needed to hear it, too.I am reminded that there are always two sides to every story.



Hold Me by K.T. Oslin

When I left here this morning
I was bound and determined
I was never gonna come back
Never, never I was running
I was running from you darling
I was running from my job
I was running from the kid in me
He never knows when to stop
Got as far as the edge of town
Then I turned my car around
And headed back to you
(Husband says, "Wife, what do you think?" Wife says, "It's very interesting. Before we talk about your day let's talk about mine.")
When I left here this morning
I was bound and determined
I was never gonna come back
Never, never, I was running
I was running from you darling
I was running from my job
I was running from some wrinkles
No cream will stop
Got as far as the edge of town
Then I turned my car around
And I headed back to you
Come here and hold me, tighter
Tell me tomorrow will be brighter
Kiss me, kiss me a little harder
Don't kiss like we're married
Kiss me like we're lovers
We looked at each other
and started to grin
This morning it was over
This evening we'll start it all over again
Come here and hold me, hold me tighter
Won't ou tell me tomorrow'll be brighter
Won't you kiss me, kiss me a little harder
Honey don't kiss me like we're married
Kiss me like we're lovers and hold me
Hold me, hold me.


"So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have. I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of this body, because I know that I will soon put it aside, as our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me. And I will make every effort to see that after my departure you will always be able to remember these things." ~2 Peter 1:12-15

Driving through my hometown

Since we sold our cottage last December I haven't had the need to drive through my hometown of Fenton. This afternoon I had to go to Linden (just past Fenton) to drop off something for my friend. I took the opportunity to drive by the cottage (nope; no regrets about selling it). I noticed right away that the driveway had grass growing all through the driveway. I remember stressing when it seemed impossible to keep up with as the grass kept growing through the little rocks. ;) This probably sounds crazy to you and... this little tidbit of information has absolutely nothing to do with this blog post, but for some reason I felt the need to get it down on paper. I struggle with perfectionism and it was a subtle little reminder to get a grip. Whew!

Anyway...

I also decided that since I don't drive through Fenton very often, I'd take the opportunity to stop by  St. John's Catholic Church and visit the cemetery. Every now and then, it feels like the first time I heard the news that I lost these family members. Seeing Vic's, Mom's and Dad's names written on the stones was surreal. I thought about how much I wished we had one for our brother, Dave. I know people do different things with their loved ones' ashes these days, but I must be old-fashioned; it just seems more real when I see their names, as well as the year they were born and the year they passed. It's getting more difficult to remember all of the dates.  When I looked at my parents' birthdates, I couldn't believe how young they were when they started having children. I cannot imagine starting a family as an 18-year-old. The older I get the more I appreciate how well our parents did parenting us when they were just kids themselves. 

A sweet girl in the rectory unlocked the doors of the main church for me so I could light some candles. I know it doesn't do anything to pray to people but for some reason when I walk in the doors of that church it feels right to pray to our family... and to Jesus for our family. I also know that lighting candles doesn't do anything (or does it?!), but I instantly felt a sense of Peace as I lit three of them. I lit them in honor of some family members going through some "stuff." I like how we pray for "special intentions." That's where you don't get specific, but the people who need prayer know the meaning. It's pretty nice for private people who don't feel comfortable sharing. 

It was a gorgeous afternoon. Since I just got home from vacation I had a ton of catching up to do, but it was nice to take a little time on my own to reflect on what is really important... first. I believe so much in the power of Prayer. I really don't know how people go through life not believing in God and His promises. I am so Grateful for my Faith and the family that God gave to me.

"For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name." ~Ephesians 3:14-15

I hope you take time out of your busy day to stop and smell the roses and to thank God for your many Blessings!
Love,
Angie

He is everything // Can't live without Him

I find it extremely easy to have Faith when things are going well.  This evening I'm praying for some people who are having a tough time.

If you are like me and are struggling to understand maybe this will help. Have you heard this amazing Prayer by Anne Graham Lotz? It's sure to encourage you to turn to the Only One who can give comfort in a very crazy, broken world.



So much Love,
By Faith, Angie xoxo

Summer 2015 memories!

Happy Thankful Thursday!

I/we couldn't be more grateful for the generous and loving friends God has brought in our lives. We appreciate them more and more every year!

I'm incredibly Blessed on so many levels. I Pray you have people in your life who make you laugh until your stomach hurts!