This Friday will be four years since my father lost his battle to cancer, yet won his place in Heaven. It seems that no matter how much time passes, I still wish I had just one more chance to see my dad. I'm not exactly sure what I'd say to him. I'd probably want to thank him for loving my mom the way he did. My parents modeled a marriage that provided security. I knew he'd never leave her. I feel so badly for all of the broken families today. (I'm praying for healing, especially in the lives of the our children.) It is SO true that the best gift a father can give his children is to love their mother.
I thought I was doing okay until I heard this song. I remember in high school before going to the prom we would practice dancing in the living room. He always got annoyed that I had a hard time "following" his lead. It worked out so much better when I'd let him be in charge.
The same is true of my father in Heaven. My life goes so much smoother when I just let Him take the lead! If you wouldn't mind, please keep my mother in your prayers this week. My whole family thanks you!
Monday we went to the Detroit auto show. Scary the few people in attendance! Tuesday I watched the Inauguration at the ski shop while buying my new skiis. Wednesday I used my picture from cross country skiing with Linda yesterday. Thursday I worked so took a picture of our wedding. Notice Kristen in the background. The guy taking the pictures didn't snap one of just the two of us. I'm still upset! :) Friday we had dinner with newly engaged, Caroline & Arie. Saturday nothing exciting happened so I took the picture of my necklace. Sunday we went to see the snow and ice carving exhibition in Frankenmuth. Amazing!!
I've learned that on days I work it is difficult to take a photo, so sorry if I'm cheating! I'm going to run out of random pictures soon!
This is really a lot of fun! Have a nice week and I hope you have many photo opportunities! Love, Angie xoxo
I am reading the Bible chronologically again this year with some of my friends. We are reading a different version than Karen and the girls, so it may not make sense. I want to share what stood out to me this time around.
I love how the LORD said to Abraham in Genesis 17:14, "Is anything too hard for the LORD? I will return to you at the appointed time next year and Sarah will have a son." There is nothing too hard for Him. He can do anything He wants and He will. I love how we can trust Him. He won't play any games with us. He is a man of His Word. That's so hard to imagine when we are surrounded by people who don't. What kind of world would it be if everyone said what they meant?
On the other hand... "When they reached the place God had told him about, Abraham built an altar there and arranged the wood on it. He bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. Then he reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son." (Genesis 22:9-10) After reading those details I just couldn't imagine I would be able to sacrifice one of my kids even for God. I couldn't do it! I tried to imagine myself bounding one of mine. I'd be out of my mind! I just couldn't do what Abraham did. I must not be sold out to Him. I am just being honest. When tested, he proved he would do anything the LORD asked. Thank God you probably already know how the story continues. In verse 12 He said, "Do not lay a hand on the boy," he said. "Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son." I wonder if I will ever trust God with my life that much? Sacrifice Meghan or John for God? I just don't think so! I'd rather die! His faith in God still amazes me. All I can say today is I'm glad He hasn't asked me to do anything so difficult. I cannot fathom the idea. No way!
So, I want to be able to trust Him, yet He can't trust me to do what He asks? Hmmm...I just realized something. My relationship with God is exactly the same as my relationships with people in my life. I can't expect something from others that I'm not willing to do myself. Lord, forgive me for being such a taker! I pray one day I'll be completely sold out for Him! I'm glad He still loves me while I try to work this out! I love my kids more today. Go hug yours if you can! Have a good week!
I borrowed this from my friend, Kat's blog. I had to add it to my post because this happened right outside my daughter's apartment. It happened a little over a week ago, but I can't get it out of my mind! God is amazing...
I just have to jot down this little story. You may want to jump to the next blog to read because this one could bore you to tears...
I was at yoga this morning. My two month membership is about to expire so I didn't want to miss today. The type of class I went to is called Hot Vinyasa. I like it because the heat is cranked up and it feels like a good workout. My instructor is amazing. She takes us through many poses then lets us go through them on our own. The music is inspiring and I love how we flow through the poses. It's kind of like ballet dancing. It makes me feel feminine. It's hard to explain. Anyway... Since I've been doing this for a couple of months I can hardly call myself a beginner. I "should" be able to remember the routines and put them all together. I am fine when I follow the instructor. I am quite proud of myself, actually. But when it comes time for me to do the "on your own" part I cannot do it. I have a mental block. I forget where we are and am paralyzed. I basically can't be trusted on my own. This morning I was frustrated like no other. Yoga is supposed to be all about no judgement, relaxing and breathing. It's about going at your own pace and not comparing yourself to others. Hmmm...
I've been thinking about it all afternoon. It reminds me of my walk with God. I am fine when I follow Him. I need Him and the Holy Spirit to guide me every step of the way. I simply cannot be trusted on my own. That's why I need His Word and to saturate myself in Him. I need His direction. Every time I try to go it alone I get myself in trouble.
I looked up the word "follow" in my Bible and found 415 references. God's Word talks a lot about following. This was my favorite...
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." (John 8:12)
So I guess... It's alright... I'm grateful to have someone I trust to lead me where is best! Have fun following Him this weekend Love, Angie xoxo
"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." (Matthew 6:34)
Is it just me, or do you need to be reminded of this verse today? I came in the coffee shop this afternoon with a nervous stomach ache. The chocolate chip cookie and cup of tea didn't help. I know God is asking me if I really trust Him with my life. I'd love to say confidently I believe Him. But what if...? Or what if...? I had a patient this morning who told me he is getting laid off tomorrow. He told me he isn't worried in the least and knows God will take care of him like He has in the past. I believe he was telling me the truth. They weren't just words and he wasn't trying to convince himself. Does God know I need to be desperate for Him or I won't need Him in my life? Does He know I will put Him back up there on the shelf until I need Him desperately? I know I'm supposed to want Him to test me. I don't want to fail Him.
I'm not sure if any of this makes sense to you. I am sure of one thing. I need Him more today than yesterday! I am going to just give these worries to Him. I'm going to breathe and keep believing Him for the utterly impossible. It's true... I'm desperate for Him!
Have a good afternoon! Love, Angie xoxo
p.s. I WANT to be DESPERATE for God. He is the Only One who can REALLY help anyway. I (we) don't need to worry about tomorrow. He is jealous for me and wants me to totally rely on Him. I must say that I know that I know that I know that I know I'll be okay no matter what! Just needed you to know! It's my desire to want more of Him and less of me (and other people). I love you, my little sister! :)
A good friend of mine shared something with me that changed me forever. Lisa and I were talking about the various ways people hug. She has studied this topic and even has names for them. I don't know where she learned about them, but after our conversation I have not hugged someone without thinking about it. I invite you to really think about it the next time someone hugs you! What do you notice?
I enjoyed watching the television coverage today of the Inauguration of President Barack Obama. I especially enjoyed watching them say goodbye to the former President and Mrs. Bush. It appeared to be a warm hug. I was watching closely!
