Cover to Cover... crushing walls

Tomorrow is Monday and that means it's time to share our insights on the cover to cover readings of the Bible chronologically. If anyone wants to join us, we'd love to have you!

It's my daughter, Meghan's 23rd Birthday tomorrow!!! She was born on Father's Day in 1985. It has been a pure joy to have her in my life for all of those years. I can't believe this, but she is turning the same age I was when I had her. It has been an honor and privilege to be her mother. She has been so easy to parent. She was the first miracle of God I saw with my own eyes. I remember a moment when I was in the drive through line at the bank when I looked over at her with tears in my eyes in awe of what God had given me. I'll never forget that as long as I live.

Meghan has made me more than proud. I could go on and on about her but I think you'd think I was over the top! I'm just crazy about her and miss her so much living in New York City. Thank God for video chats. This afternoon we were able to talk through the computer and I could see her cute little mannerisms.

Meghan shares my love for music. I asked her what her favorite song was and she told me, "Walls" by Tom Petty. I decided I'd share it with you! She has such a big heart! I believe God loves her so much and He's the Only One who is capable of crushing down walls with His Love! I also need to remember all things are possible, even crushing down walls ...with God!

Oh, here is my favorite verse of this week's readings...

Not to us, O LORD,
not to us but to your name be the glory,
because of your love and faithfulness. (Psalm 115:1)

God deserves every single bit of the Glory and I am so thankful for His grace and especially for my daughter today! Please pray God Blesses her this year more than ever and places people in her path who can show her His Love like she's never seen before!




Happy Birthday, Meghan!
I love you!
Mom
xoxo

By faith... and hope

My mom with sweet Patsy Clairmont last year... I think it was just the beginning! :)

I have to be honest, I don't like change. It would be obvious if you knew I've lived in the same house for 22 years. I was reflecting on the fact that I've lived here almost half of my life!

Anyway, according to the dictionary, HOPE means... "A feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen. It's grounds for believing something good will happen." FAITH means... "Complete trust or confidence in something or someone."

My brother sent me an e-mail asking me to lift our mom up in prayers again and for us all to kick it up a notch about her mission trip to Hondouras.

This is part of what his note told me...

"Apparently Satan is getting irritated at Mom's new found Faith in the Lord and the thoughts of losing one of his longtime friends has him on the offensive.

The costs of the trip, already going up because of the gas prices, are cloudy at best and the leader of the trip is dragging his feet buying the tickets, waiting for a few folks to pay their deposit. In doing this, he is costing everyone more money. This isn't sitting real well with some of the team members and you know how important team unity is on a trip like this. I told her not to worry, God will provide.

Mom also had a MRI on her wrist that has been hurting for a while (month or two?). The doctor thinks she has some little known disease that is restricting blood flow to her bones, causing her the pain. She may need surgery. Hmmm.

On the positive side, she has been going to the trainer now for 5 days. How awesome is that. Working out with the ball and walking the treadmill, amongst other things. He has her up to walking 30 minutes. Said she only stopped twice to get her heart rate down a little. She is really trying to get physically prepared for this trip. I hope she continues and is able to go.
I have seen Satan's wrench in things. Our only hope is God Himself. That His will be done. I would love to see her go. I think we would see a miracle happen."

According to God's Word about Love in 1 Cor 13:7 ... "It always protects, always trusts, always HOPES, always perseveres."

And... in Hebrews 11:1... "Now FAITH is being sure of what we HOPE for and certain of what we do not see."

Girls, I have seen such a change in my mom since we went to the Women of Faith Conference almost one year ago and it's amazing! She has HOPE in God! I am going to ask you to please pray By FAITH for my mother and this trip of a lifetime. I am going to expect everything to work out and for God to do what only He can do to make this happen! I'm HOPING He will change her life forever! Satan wants her to quit, but she is not giving up!
Maybe I do like change?

I am humbled beyond words by your love and compassion! If you want to encourage her or support her financially you can e-mail me at Abaylis@comcast.net.

By Faith...
Ang xoxo

Cover to Cover... under heaven

OUR SMALL GROUP (Keith & Sandy are in the center.)

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

A Time for Everything

There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven:
a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,
a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.


These weeks are FLYING by! It's time once again for me to share insights on what has been lingering on our Cover to Cover readings of the Bible chronologically! I'm so excited when I see familiar verses. Everyone has probably heard this one! One thing about Michigan is we have four seasons.

It's only appropriate to share these verses today as we send some of our closest friends off to New York City to follow God and start a new church. Our friends, Keith and Sandy have been in our lives for a season. Honestly, a good part of the season was Winter... in our marriage. It was one icy, bitter cold Winter at that. We spent many, many Friday nights with our good friends rolling up our sleeves and working on some hard stuff! These friends of ours are the perfect picture of a Christian marriage. Not that their marriage is perfect or they are perfect, but they strive to "work" on the tough stuff and it's ALL about doing it God's way according to the Bible. They shared their story with us and helped us more than they will ever know. We shared many tears, some passionate conversations and frankly, a lot of times I had to listen to some things that were difficult to hear. But I knew they were right and it was a safe place! These two people are "one". That's all I can say. I will never forget how they prayed Lincoln and I would one day be helping others with their marriages. So, as we helped them celebrate today at their farewell party it was 97 degrees and hot! I'm not kidding! God is so good. It's Summer most days in our marriage, but thanks to Keith and Sandy I think (know) we will be able to survive another Winter when it comes! We promised them we will do our best to save 100 marriages while they are gone.

Oh, how I pray you have a small group of Christian friends who will turn your eyes to heaven and can model a marriage that can survive the seasons. Please pray for our friends as they continue to chase after God, and please pray for us to step up to the plate and do what it takes to Glorify God in whatever way He choses.

Love,
Ang xoxo

my mother, honduras?

Proverbs 31
20 She opens her arms to the poor
and extends her hands to the needy.

Can I tell you a story?

My mother is going on a Mission Trip to Hondouras in August! Most of you probably don't realize what a big deal this is. I'll try to explain it as succinctly as possible...

My mother has had a lot of losses in her life. Besides losing her mother at age 12 (and living with guilt as she thought she was indirectly responsible), she has lost her parents, all of her brothers and sisters as well as her firstborn daughter (my sister to breast cancer) and most recently her husband, my dad (from cancer)! She is an insulin dependent diabetic, has had a cancerous tumor removed from her lung and had triple bypass heart surgery (at which time she was in a coma for 2-1/2 weeks) as well as other medical problems. Her doctors still cannot believe she recovered from her surgery! Oh, did I tell you she stopped breathing for a couple of minutes when I was alone at the hospital? She has battled weight issues her whole life, too! Anyway, one might think she is a time bomb. I'm exhausted just telling you this much of the story!

Here is the cool part. You have to realize why this mission trip is so amazing! It seems like yesterday when my brother and his family went on their mission trips and my family did as well. When we had to write our letters asking for prayers and financial support my parents had the attitude of, "Oh, so you are asking people to pay for your vacation?" (And a lot of other comments). I must admit, that was the most difficult part of going on those trips as I hate asking for money. But I remember someone explaining that others would love to be able to go on a mission trip but can't for many reasons. If they commit to praying and/or contributing they feel they are a part of it. So, fast forward to my mom going on this trip. She is determined to go! She has done a full circle since the days we went on our trips! She is by far the oldest person going on this medical mission trip. She told me today she is a little nervous because it will be 100 degrees with no air conditioning. She's excited that she heard they may have a fan!

I am convinced it is no coincidence that God did not take her home after her heart surgery. I don't think she was ready for God back then. I knew He must have more work for her to do because she should not have survived! There is no doubt God had big plans for my mom. He wanted her to Himself. She had to surrender to Him because she had no other choice but to cling to Him after losing my dad. God brought her to a new church that is a miracle in itself ... and now this!

She is so embarrassed about asking for financial support, but wants to go so badly she is determined to pay for it all herself. My mom does not have a lot of money and it will be a huge sacrifice trying to pay for it let alone being totally out of her comfort zone not to mention all of her health issues! I'm telling myself it is only for a week. It's only for a week!

I would love to bless my mom with a little help towards her trip. If you feel led to pray for her or contribute just a couple of dollars I would appreciate it. NO pressure. Only if you feel led. I am not going to tell her. I just want to send her a check. (I can give you my address.) I think it would be neat if you would leave her some words of encouragement or a prayer in a comment to me and I will print them out and send them to her! Thank you!

It's been so much fun watching my mom change before my eyes! She is trusting Him with her life! This is a miracle! She's giving her life to Him!



His daughter,
Angie xoxo

Thankful Thursday... hands

"I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands." (Psalm 63:4)

"The LORD's right hand is lifted high; the LORD's right hand has done mighty things!" (Psalm 118:16)


"When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: 'Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last." (Revelation 1:17)

Did you know the word "hand" is in the Bible 1409 times?

This Thankful Thursday I am thankful for my hands. I found this plaque of my right hand. I made it in 1969 as a Christmas gift for my parents. It got me thinking about hands. With them I was able to play catch with my son this evening and have a great conversation with him. It was such a gift! These same hands held my daughter for the first time (and my son) and it was the best day of my life. With these hands I am able to clean teeth and meet so many amazing people. My left hand is decorated with a beautiful wedding ring from my husband to remind me of my commitment to him and God. On my right hand I wear a ring that reminds me of where God brought me.

When things in life seem bigger than God we have to remember we are in good hands (and so are our children)! I pray we can be His hands and feet and glorify Him with them everyday. The thing I love is that He'll never let go!


In His Grip,
Angie xoxo

wishing you could smell these...

"Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends.... I have called you friends..." (John 15:13, 15).

Dear friends,

I just wanted to thank you all so much for sharing your stories and helping me yesterday! Your words of encouragement and prayers have helped more than you will ever know. It's strange how I may never lay eyes on most of you this side of Heaven, but you have blessed me and my family so much! I wish I had words to express my gratitude.

Shalom ("Peace"), Sisters!
Angie xoxo

Cover to Cover...he wants to Believe

In this week's Cover to Cover reading of the Bible chronologically we are reading Proverbs and it's full of wisdom and God knows I need more. This week I am only going to add one...


Proverbs 12:25

An anxious heart weighs a man down,
but a kind word cheers him up.



I am coming to you all this Sunday in hopes that you can help me.

I was chatting with my sister last night and she brought up a question that honestly, I had no idea how to answer. Her son who is 8 years old has Tourette's Syndrome. She said she is struggling with how to answer him when he asks why God gave it to him? She told me he prays every night for God to take it away and doesn't understand why God doesn't listen to his prayers.

This morning I woke up wondering how I would respond to that question if he were my son. I wished I could just open my Bible and know exactly where to go to find the answer to why God would allow this in a way to make an 8 year old understand. I believe it's in there, but I just don't know where to go. The one thing I know for sure is that God is loving and compassionate and not cruel. He is right here in the middle of all of this and He cares and wants to wrap His arms around this boy!

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight" (Proverbs 3:5-6).

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28)

Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." (Matthew 19:26)

The truth is, I have NO idea how to communicate this to my sister or my nephew.

I come to you today asking how you would respond to an 8 year old boy? I am feeling a bit insecure in that by now I should have an answer on the tip of my tongue but I don't. How would you talk with your son?

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing your wisdom and kind words for my little sister!
In His Love,
Angie xoxo