Experiencing God 2009

I just finished the first week of a Bible study called, Experiencing God by Henry Blackaby. Amazing! I already learned I need to shift the way I am looking at my life. Instead of asking God what He wants me to do, I'm supposed to look to see where He is at work and join Him.

The mission trip we took to West Virginia comes to mind. I had always wanted to go on one, but said, "Someday" ...many times. I'll never forget the day after church when God spoke to me through our friend, Mark. When I told him I wanted to go on a mission trip he said to listen to the Holy Spirit. If I was getting a nudge, I should pay attention to it. I had a very difficult time trying to convince my family, but they eventually got on board. I don't think they'll ever forget that week! My faith was tested many times. The thought of raising money was about more than I could handle. I didn't want to ask anyone to help fund our "vacation". I had told my kids I wanted to take them on a family vacation to St. John to go snorkeling on the beach. Switching gears to convince them that we should do this instead was no easy task. I also dealt with "What will people think?" At the time I thought only weird Bible thumping people went on mission trips. I even stretched the truth (okay, lied) to a neighbor who asked me about my summer vacation plans. She called me out on it right away and told me she heard we were going on a mission trip. I was immediately convicted that I should not be embarrassed about what God was doing in our lives!

Obeying God and listening to the Holy Spirit at work blessed me and my family more than words can describe. I realized I didn't have to dream up something to do for Him, I just had to look for where He was already working and join Him.




By faith...
Angie xoxo

Thankful Thursday... Life is Good

For some reason I haven't had anything to say for almost a week. I think that video on being miserable was lingering a little too long! And... I've been thinking a lot about the amount of time I spend on the computer and frankly, I'm a little burned out!

There could be more to this. I think somewhere deep down I'm a little sad that John will be moving out of state pretty soon. There's something about a mother wanting her children to stay in the nest, knowing that it's my job to help them fly out of it... and even healthy. I'm trying to come to grips with the whole idea. You already know my daughter lives in NYC, so that means I'll have to get on a plane to see both of them.

Anyway, it's Thursday for a couple more hours and I was thinking about all I have to be thankful for this week.



We played our first round of the season. Life is good even with a nasty swing!


Lincoln's new clubs. I didn't get a good picture of him. I just got one of him buffing them after each and every shot! I tried to get a video of his swing, but had the camera turned sideways so it didn't look right.


John would be very mad at me if he knew I posted this picture. :)


This is my Praise Report! My daughter shared this song with me the other night! It was the best part of my week! God is doing some huge things in her heart! I'm more than grateful!

I have so much to be thankful for and I wouldn't want to miss the opportunity to share it here! We don't take any of it for granted! God is SO good!

Love,
Angie xoxo

Too funny ... or NOT... :)

...and Ouch!

Have fun this weekend! Do something that makes you laugh until your stomach hurts!
I hope this helped get you started!
Love,
Angie xoxo

Tonight

I love my Wednesday nights at New Community. I was tempted to skip out tonight, but God definitely wanted me there to hear an important message. I especially needed to hear 3 John 1:11... "Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God".

If I do not bless those around me (by accepting them and telling them who they are in God's eyes...and mine--how much He believes in them...and I do) it shows them I don't have my eyes on Jesus. The ONLY thing that kills relationships is PRIDE and selfishness. Everyone loves to be first. If I want to improve my relationships, I must die to myself and keep looking for Him in every conflict.

I'm grateful that He brings us back to Him.
With Love,
Angie xoxo

Thanks in advance...

Isaiah 40:28-31

Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The LORD is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom.

He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.

Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;

but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.



Please join me in prayer for my sister's family. Their son, Zach had a couple of grand mal seizures. They need to feel God's presence while they figure out the details.

Thanks so much!
Love,
Angie xoxo

Focus

You were running a good race. Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth? (Galations 5:7)

It's Monday and time to get back on track! I think I'll start by getting some new running shoes! I'm not running away, I'm running to Him ...this time! I need to focus on the only One who matters! Sometimes I forget we are on the same team!

Have a great day!
Angie xoxo

This is why I'm memorizing Scripture.

Thank you, John Piper!
Love,
Angie xoxo