Since we moved to Texas I have been blessed with the opportunity to dig into the Bible in ways I just hadn't before and I've learned things about God that solidified what I knew or introduced me to the truth and its been a very humbling and eye opening experience that I'm grateful for. I knew God and got to know him really well in college but in the midst of having children I really missed that time daily digging into the bible, it connects you to God and the Holy Spirit in such intrinsic ways, its pretty awesome.
A few weeks ago, its actually probably been closer to a month or so ago in church they showed a video about tithing, about giving sacrificially and Believing God and his promise to meet you in the sacrifice. For me, it is easy to believe that God will work through or for someone else but in my life when the rubber meets the road its hard to believe that he will come through, especially when you are looking at the stuff ahead. Which is a long story and I will explain more later, because this post isn't about me. I want to talk about a dear friend and her journey thus far.
I met Laura Michelle Reed while we were both going to Colorado Christian University we had both just transferred there and were both in Women's Choir, and we even took some of the same Theology classes. I got to know her pretty well on our choir tours, but after school we each went our own ways and I've occasionally seen her pop up on my Facebook. I love her heart for Africa and her heart to serve. It breaks my heart the pain she has been experiencing and I'm so glad that I have been able to see God work through her story right now and I'm excited to see what he has in store for her in the future.
The reason I felt like I should share is I feel convicted of the fact that I prayed and lifted her up with full faith that God would come through, that God would somehow provide her with what she needed, to get back to herself and be pain free. All to often though I doubt his work right here, I don't Believe him even though I know his promises are true and even though I know that as soon as I ask God has answered and put into motion all that needs to be done for that answer.
Then it hit me when I read her blog post on the Huffington Post a few days ago. This really hit home with me.
Laura said, "I called Emily, and she began to affirm me. I had no idea just how serious she was about the fight. Before I knew it, Emily's entire hometown was fighting the fight with me. Servers were giving their tips. Friends were going door to door. Office Max was donating cards to pass out. Where was I? Sitting on my floor crying. I don't understand it all, and I don't think I ever will, but I am blown away by the power unity. I am blown away by the power of love and the power of sacrifice. Do I wish to be in pain? Definitely not. But I am so thankful for the way I have seen both Christians and non-Christians come together to reach a common goal and purpose. I am thankful for the timing of the situation. I was in a place in my walk with God where I needed to see something big happen. I don't think I expected to see it this way, but He is mysterious, and I am thankful no matter what."
*you can read the rest here Community and Faith in the Face of Hardship
That's it...I don't wish to be where I'm at but that's the truth and in the grand scheme of things its where we are supposed to be. God has a plan and its in motion but we cant always see the evidence of it like in this situation with Laura you can go to her page on Facebook or Operation Laura and watch how people all around the world are contributing and how God is working, providing what Laura needs. Today Laura has her surgery to become pain free, Praise God!! But you or I may not be able to see it working like in Laura's case it may be more subtle or behind the scenes. In those moments when you cant see and you are wondering why, or when. Call on God or that friend that will listen that will encourage or even fight and fight hard for you. There are times we are called to be still, because there is someone else who is called to fight. What an amazing fight Emily Fox has fought for Laura its beautiful to see and I'm honored to be a part of.
Always remember that God is there, he hears you. A great reminder of that is Daniel, God took care of Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah when they were first taken to Babylon (Daniel 1) , God set them apart, and hurled them forward in his huge plan in Babylon. He delivered them from the fiery furnace, Daniel 3, and he closed the mouths of the Lions in Daniel 6. Not to mention all the times God gave Daniel wisdom to interpret dreams.
Trust God and Believe God as hard as it may be sometimes but when the time is necessary call on your friends to pray and intercede and fight for you when you cant.
Pray for Laura help if you can and please spread the word!
Blessings to you and yours until we meet again. Thanks for reading :)
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
God goes before
I'm constantly reminded of this fact and I could give you lots of examples just in the last few years of how God proves this. I was reminded yet again this morning in my bible study, our God is AMAZING!! I'm just going to say if any of you have the opportunity to join a bible study with ladies or men of different ages I encourage it. There is something so beautiful about soaking up truths about Jesus among such a great cloud of witnesses. While I was listening to all there wonderful stories about how God has orchestrated things in there lives I was reminded about one of the most recent examples in our lives.
When Daniel started running again several years ago he would joke that he wanted to qualify for Boston, he kept saying that, that's on his bucket list. I'm pretty sure we talked about it hundreds of times. In May 2010 some ladies at our church invited him to run the Colfax relay from that point on he was hooked.
The next May he signed up to ran the Colfax half, he trained so hard during his training he got plantar fasciitis and bruised his arch on his right foot, he was out for 6 weeks. The Sunday of the race it was a cool misty morning and they had re-routed the runners through the downtown fire station. As he was running through the fire station another runner fell and when she did she hit Daniel's leg and he fell. He was on track to hit his PR, all of the sudden he realized that not only was he not going to hit his PR but he was in so much pain. He couldn't carry J who was only 8 months old, thankfully all it took was a trip to the chiropractor to get him back on track. We started to look for a marathon for him to run. We found one in Dallas and signed him up. He was training, he had a nutritionist, everything was looking good for his marathon. He was so excited to be pursuing his Boston hopes. We were planning on moving from Colorado to Texas, we were pregnant with C and we figured that by marathon time in December we would be in Texas.
God had other plans...we moved out of our apartment and in with some friends, as his marathon quickly approached we started to make plans to go down to Texas. A few weeks before the marathon our car started leaking oil, and things fell through with our place to stay so Daniel went by himself. He ran a good race, it was in the mid 40's and pouring down rain. He finished his very first marathon in 4:09, well over his desired pace but he finished and did a great job! After he finally made it home on the bus, we celebrated! He had two Smashburgers, was in warm clothes and was able to stretch, he was in his happy place but determined in so many ways to dominate his Boston qualifying PR in December 2012.
At the end of March 2012 we welcomed our baby C into the world and Daniel got his long awaited for job in Texas. 2 weeks later we packed up our things and moved from Lakewood Colorado to our home in Texas today. Later that year we kicked the marathon planning and training into high gear as we pursued Boston, as soon as registration opened he was registered. We knew we had it, Daniel was so confident we booked a hotel just a few blocks from the start line. It was all set up, he started the race on pace and we were tracking him in the hotel room and he was on track to hit his time!! Me, J and C were so excited, we headed out to be at the finish line in time to see him cross, but we were running late then we were at the wrong finish line!! AHH we missed both of his marathon finishes. the weirdest part was that at the 15k they stopped updating me with his time. When he finished we couldn't pull up his final time, we couldn't even find him on the race website. He crossed the line at 3:06:12!! you wont find proof of that and for months he went round and round with the marathon and there was nothing he could do, his Boston Qualifying time was no where to be found. What was going on???
Then on April 15, 2013 while I was watching tv during nap time, I saw something so tragic happen, there was a bombing...at the Boston Marathon?! I was floored, speechless, my heart went out to each and everyone of the people affected. I know that my husband would have moved hells half acre to be there if there was any way for him to prove he qualified. I still cant believe the events that unfolded that day.
As the Dallas Marathon approaches again this year we will be there, my boys and I will be at the finish line cheering on my husband as he crosses the finish line. I know that God goes before us, and I'm thankful in so many ways that we weren't in Boston that day and my heart goes out to those who were. Run strong, trust God and when things don't make sense give it time. Some how it always makes sense in the end. Remember whenever you are running a timed race that you want a record of to get two timing chips. :) How in the world other than God can someone who registers for a race and runs it doesn't even show up as registering?? There is literally no proof that he even registered.
How great is our God that he is mindful of us, of our comings and goings?
For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord - Joshua 29:11
Go in peace and know that nothing is too big for our God, that God knows where you are, and where you are going. Praying for peace and gratitude this November. For I will praise him in the good and the not so good. Joy in all things
Blessings Brothers and Sisters :)
When Daniel started running again several years ago he would joke that he wanted to qualify for Boston, he kept saying that, that's on his bucket list. I'm pretty sure we talked about it hundreds of times. In May 2010 some ladies at our church invited him to run the Colfax relay from that point on he was hooked.
The next May he signed up to ran the Colfax half, he trained so hard during his training he got plantar fasciitis and bruised his arch on his right foot, he was out for 6 weeks. The Sunday of the race it was a cool misty morning and they had re-routed the runners through the downtown fire station. As he was running through the fire station another runner fell and when she did she hit Daniel's leg and he fell. He was on track to hit his PR, all of the sudden he realized that not only was he not going to hit his PR but he was in so much pain. He couldn't carry J who was only 8 months old, thankfully all it took was a trip to the chiropractor to get him back on track. We started to look for a marathon for him to run. We found one in Dallas and signed him up. He was training, he had a nutritionist, everything was looking good for his marathon. He was so excited to be pursuing his Boston hopes. We were planning on moving from Colorado to Texas, we were pregnant with C and we figured that by marathon time in December we would be in Texas.
God had other plans...we moved out of our apartment and in with some friends, as his marathon quickly approached we started to make plans to go down to Texas. A few weeks before the marathon our car started leaking oil, and things fell through with our place to stay so Daniel went by himself. He ran a good race, it was in the mid 40's and pouring down rain. He finished his very first marathon in 4:09, well over his desired pace but he finished and did a great job! After he finally made it home on the bus, we celebrated! He had two Smashburgers, was in warm clothes and was able to stretch, he was in his happy place but determined in so many ways to dominate his Boston qualifying PR in December 2012.
At the end of March 2012 we welcomed our baby C into the world and Daniel got his long awaited for job in Texas. 2 weeks later we packed up our things and moved from Lakewood Colorado to our home in Texas today. Later that year we kicked the marathon planning and training into high gear as we pursued Boston, as soon as registration opened he was registered. We knew we had it, Daniel was so confident we booked a hotel just a few blocks from the start line. It was all set up, he started the race on pace and we were tracking him in the hotel room and he was on track to hit his time!! Me, J and C were so excited, we headed out to be at the finish line in time to see him cross, but we were running late then we were at the wrong finish line!! AHH we missed both of his marathon finishes. the weirdest part was that at the 15k they stopped updating me with his time. When he finished we couldn't pull up his final time, we couldn't even find him on the race website. He crossed the line at 3:06:12!! you wont find proof of that and for months he went round and round with the marathon and there was nothing he could do, his Boston Qualifying time was no where to be found. What was going on???
Then on April 15, 2013 while I was watching tv during nap time, I saw something so tragic happen, there was a bombing...at the Boston Marathon?! I was floored, speechless, my heart went out to each and everyone of the people affected. I know that my husband would have moved hells half acre to be there if there was any way for him to prove he qualified. I still cant believe the events that unfolded that day.
As the Dallas Marathon approaches again this year we will be there, my boys and I will be at the finish line cheering on my husband as he crosses the finish line. I know that God goes before us, and I'm thankful in so many ways that we weren't in Boston that day and my heart goes out to those who were. Run strong, trust God and when things don't make sense give it time. Some how it always makes sense in the end. Remember whenever you are running a timed race that you want a record of to get two timing chips. :) How in the world other than God can someone who registers for a race and runs it doesn't even show up as registering?? There is literally no proof that he even registered.
How great is our God that he is mindful of us, of our comings and goings?
For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord - Joshua 29:11
Go in peace and know that nothing is too big for our God, that God knows where you are, and where you are going. Praying for peace and gratitude this November. For I will praise him in the good and the not so good. Joy in all things
Blessings Brothers and Sisters :)
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
little reminders
Sometimes when we look back on our past its painful, but other times it is an awesome reminder of God's faithfulness. This past week I was reminded of God's faithfulness in finding our church. while we lived in Colorado we had an amazing church, we felt at home, we were so blessed.
When we moved to Texas we were so excited to be closer to family and just to start over, with a new job, new friendships, new adventures, we were and still are so excited to see what God has in store for us while we are here in Texas.
This last Friday at playgroup one of my sweet new friends asked about how we had come to go to our church, First Baptist Arlington. We had visited a couple times with my grandparents and weren't that impressed so when we moved here my grandma kept persistently reminding me that we should go check out First Baptist. Finally one Sunday, Daniel reluctantly gave into my persistence and we decided to go ahead and give it another chance. I cannot describe to you how thankful I am that we listened to that. That Sunday we were blown away by FBC Arlington and the way they approached God's leading and direction in their church. We immediately wanted to join. We felt at home, we knew we were where we were supposed to be.
Our kiddos loved going to Sunday school and learning about Jesus, God is blessing us through this church every single day. I'm honored to say I serve alongside all these wonderful other believers who are out looking and searching for how they are being called to influence this world, and the people they come in contact with daily.
I was also reminded about how blessed I am to live where I live, not only do we have a great neighborhood, a great school, but our neighbors are literally the best. They have welcomed us since the days we first moved in. One of our neighbors blesses me and brings me joy each time I see her, she has ministered to me as a young mom of two boys in so many great and powerful ways over the last 19 months. I know there is a special place for her in heaven, and I'm so very thankful to know her, she is the reason we found our Sunday school class, she came over and watched the boys so I could study, or run errands, or she would just come over so I could have some adult conversation. Amazing.
Another God story in the midst of this one finding our church, our neighborhood, our neighbors, but we found the best Sunday school class ever. I only recently realized how special our Sunday school class was, and I'm thankful to be a part of something different. Our Sunday school class is full of the coolest people, they come from all walks of life, different countries, but we are all young, married and most of us have children. The greatest thing is we serve together, we praise Jesus together, and we just live life together. We are there to lift each other up in prayer, praise when there is an answer to prayers, weep when there is loss. We talk about our marriages, how to keep God the center of our marriage how to keep our families God focused. We are able to include our children in our service projects, but we are also able to serve our community as couples without wondering who is caring for our children or worrying about them getting into something. Our Sunday school class has enabled us to continue to be God's hands and feet even in the tough years of pre-school parenting.
I'm thankful for these reminders, its such a blessing to look over this past 19 months and see just a small glimpse of the blessing that God has brought to us.
Thank you for reading, I hope that today you are able to just soak up the greatness of a gift that may seem insignificant but can turn out to have a huge impact on your life.
Blessings until we meet again.
Angela
When we moved to Texas we were so excited to be closer to family and just to start over, with a new job, new friendships, new adventures, we were and still are so excited to see what God has in store for us while we are here in Texas.
This last Friday at playgroup one of my sweet new friends asked about how we had come to go to our church, First Baptist Arlington. We had visited a couple times with my grandparents and weren't that impressed so when we moved here my grandma kept persistently reminding me that we should go check out First Baptist. Finally one Sunday, Daniel reluctantly gave into my persistence and we decided to go ahead and give it another chance. I cannot describe to you how thankful I am that we listened to that. That Sunday we were blown away by FBC Arlington and the way they approached God's leading and direction in their church. We immediately wanted to join. We felt at home, we knew we were where we were supposed to be.
Our kiddos loved going to Sunday school and learning about Jesus, God is blessing us through this church every single day. I'm honored to say I serve alongside all these wonderful other believers who are out looking and searching for how they are being called to influence this world, and the people they come in contact with daily.
I was also reminded about how blessed I am to live where I live, not only do we have a great neighborhood, a great school, but our neighbors are literally the best. They have welcomed us since the days we first moved in. One of our neighbors blesses me and brings me joy each time I see her, she has ministered to me as a young mom of two boys in so many great and powerful ways over the last 19 months. I know there is a special place for her in heaven, and I'm so very thankful to know her, she is the reason we found our Sunday school class, she came over and watched the boys so I could study, or run errands, or she would just come over so I could have some adult conversation. Amazing.
Another God story in the midst of this one finding our church, our neighborhood, our neighbors, but we found the best Sunday school class ever. I only recently realized how special our Sunday school class was, and I'm thankful to be a part of something different. Our Sunday school class is full of the coolest people, they come from all walks of life, different countries, but we are all young, married and most of us have children. The greatest thing is we serve together, we praise Jesus together, and we just live life together. We are there to lift each other up in prayer, praise when there is an answer to prayers, weep when there is loss. We talk about our marriages, how to keep God the center of our marriage how to keep our families God focused. We are able to include our children in our service projects, but we are also able to serve our community as couples without wondering who is caring for our children or worrying about them getting into something. Our Sunday school class has enabled us to continue to be God's hands and feet even in the tough years of pre-school parenting.
I'm thankful for these reminders, its such a blessing to look over this past 19 months and see just a small glimpse of the blessing that God has brought to us.
Thank you for reading, I hope that today you are able to just soak up the greatness of a gift that may seem insignificant but can turn out to have a huge impact on your life.
Blessings until we meet again.
Angela
Saturday, October 19, 2013
Fear
Well it looks as though I will write a blog post once a month. oops :) Today I want to talk to you about fear. Fear plays such a huge role in my life, and I'm not sure why I let it get in the way of so many aspects of my life which is beyond frustrating to me. But sometimes fear/anxiety/worry is paralyzing, and that makes me want to scream. Because I know that God has my back, I KNOW that God has equipped me to overcome. Why doesn't that overcome my fear? I think the better question is Why wont I let it overcome my fear? because in fear I'm "comfortable" "safe" NOT TRUE. I have let those lies and whispers get way to close to me.
I have always looked at fear/anxiety/worry in such a negative light. I have felt that those butterflies in my stomach when I'm so close to pushing and stretching my boundaries go crazy and instead of embracing them. I all to often turn and RUN the other way. I flee from it, even though I know beyond a shadow of a doubt something great, amazing and beautiful is on the other side of it. I often wonder how much greatness I have missed out on because, it is so easy to just run instead of facing fear, uncomfortable, anxiety.
I really wish I could say that I have left this in my past, that in some miraculous way God has delivered me from it. Not so, but I have seen that God continues to work with me through this. I know that who I am today, is a direct result of becoming a wife, the blessing of becoming a mother, graduating college. Standing up for myself and my beliefs despite criticism and very hurtful words from those who were the closest to me.
One way I see God equipping me to not only face my fears, and confront my fears but to conquer them is with my two precious boys. J and C do things on a daily basis that stretch me out of my comfort zone. There is one day though that is still just a vivid in my memory as the day it happened. I was reminded of this awesome God Story yesterday when I went in my room to find J not only not sleeping, and not even in the same room I left him in to nap. He was going through my jewelry box, where I don't only keep jewelry but keepsakes. One thing you will find in there is three small red rocks.
We were living in Lakewood, CO with friends, in the transition between Colorado and Texas, I was 8 months pregnant with C and J was 19 months and very curious. J and I were home and I decided to take a shower, I left J in the bathroom with me thinking oh he will be fine,. When I looked out of the shower to check on him he was gone, again this was fairly normal, I figured he just went to find a different toy. a few minutes later J came back in the bathroom and gave me two small red rocks. I said, "Oh thank you." and he ran off at first I didn't think much about it then it hit me like a ton of bricks. OH MY GOSH where did he get those rocks. I grabbed a towel and ran out of the bathroom to find him. As I go down the hallway I look out the window in the living room and I see my precious baby boy running back to the house from outside, where he found his rocks. There was snow on the ground, he had a huge grin on his face he was so proud of himself. I had forgot to even check that the front door was locked, because surely he wont leave the house. I have seen my response to fear change since we welcomed our boys into the world, in some ways, some fears are easier to face. I can handle those because I know I have to. I know there are two little boys depending on me to do everything I can to save them, to protect them. They don't care, they depend on me.
My fears sometimes are debilitating, and paralyzing, but I know they are worth facing. I also know that I can face them because the Holy Sprit is living in me, he gives me courage, strength, peace, comfort,
Isaiah 41:10
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous hand.
1 Peter 5:7
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Philippians 4:6
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
May we all go in peace, May God be with you until we meet again!
I have always looked at fear/anxiety/worry in such a negative light. I have felt that those butterflies in my stomach when I'm so close to pushing and stretching my boundaries go crazy and instead of embracing them. I all to often turn and RUN the other way. I flee from it, even though I know beyond a shadow of a doubt something great, amazing and beautiful is on the other side of it. I often wonder how much greatness I have missed out on because, it is so easy to just run instead of facing fear, uncomfortable, anxiety.
I really wish I could say that I have left this in my past, that in some miraculous way God has delivered me from it. Not so, but I have seen that God continues to work with me through this. I know that who I am today, is a direct result of becoming a wife, the blessing of becoming a mother, graduating college. Standing up for myself and my beliefs despite criticism and very hurtful words from those who were the closest to me.
One way I see God equipping me to not only face my fears, and confront my fears but to conquer them is with my two precious boys. J and C do things on a daily basis that stretch me out of my comfort zone. There is one day though that is still just a vivid in my memory as the day it happened. I was reminded of this awesome God Story yesterday when I went in my room to find J not only not sleeping, and not even in the same room I left him in to nap. He was going through my jewelry box, where I don't only keep jewelry but keepsakes. One thing you will find in there is three small red rocks.
We were living in Lakewood, CO with friends, in the transition between Colorado and Texas, I was 8 months pregnant with C and J was 19 months and very curious. J and I were home and I decided to take a shower, I left J in the bathroom with me thinking oh he will be fine,. When I looked out of the shower to check on him he was gone, again this was fairly normal, I figured he just went to find a different toy. a few minutes later J came back in the bathroom and gave me two small red rocks. I said, "Oh thank you." and he ran off at first I didn't think much about it then it hit me like a ton of bricks. OH MY GOSH where did he get those rocks. I grabbed a towel and ran out of the bathroom to find him. As I go down the hallway I look out the window in the living room and I see my precious baby boy running back to the house from outside, where he found his rocks. There was snow on the ground, he had a huge grin on his face he was so proud of himself. I had forgot to even check that the front door was locked, because surely he wont leave the house. I have seen my response to fear change since we welcomed our boys into the world, in some ways, some fears are easier to face. I can handle those because I know I have to. I know there are two little boys depending on me to do everything I can to save them, to protect them. They don't care, they depend on me.
My fears sometimes are debilitating, and paralyzing, but I know they are worth facing. I also know that I can face them because the Holy Sprit is living in me, he gives me courage, strength, peace, comfort,
Isaiah 41:10
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous hand.
1 Peter 5:7
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Philippians 4:6
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
May we all go in peace, May God be with you until we meet again!
Monday, September 16, 2013
Patience: The story of our mower...
So I know now why I haven't ever written a blog before. Its amazing how fast time flies by I wrote this post a few weeks ago and life just got in the way :) I still enjoy this story, Sorry for such a gap in posts I'm hoping to stay on top of it a bit more now and post more regularly. You just have to embrace the craziness that life is with a young family. Anyhow, here it is, I hope it blesses you as much as it has us.
Ok so I know...a mower seriously?! but yes, you know what it started today again despite all odds. This mower has been "dying" since we first moved into our house. It is actually a source of joy in our house because it just keeps going, despite the muffler hanging on by one tiny screw and as hubby mows the gas tank just shakes, not to mention the ritual my hubby has to go through to get this poor thing started. However, I know the first thing we both do on mow days is pray it starts just this one more time.
I have offered to replace this mower several times but we have both agreed to drive it til it drops. So each time we wonder if today is going to be the day. So far that day has not come although I think it will be soon. Today though as I was helping my hubs work on this "little lawn mower that could" I was reminded of what we just spoke about in Sunday school.
We have been studying James, Wow, most of this book has hit me where it counts and for that I'm grateful and very humbled. We studied James 5 a few weeks ago, the part that hit me hardest was patience. Oh man. I mean I have my moments where I look like an expert on Patience, others I try really hard the rest of the time I ask for forgiveness and rely heavily on the grace given by my wonderful savior. My hubby would say the same thing, he will often admit how much he struggles with patience. Today he showed me how God patiently waits and works with us. You should see how he took the time to do each of his things that helps this mower start, and as the grass got thicker he would walk backwards and ease the mower towards it. Then he would just give it a second to "catch its breath" so it could conquer what lied ahead. What a beautiful representation of what our God does for each of us!
I could just see how God often does this with us, he walks with us ever so patiently, guiding us, helping us. We don't often see it, or go willingly, we are often very unsure but he eases us forward toward the greater things he has in store.
Our mower died...when we went to get our new one our oldest said, "we get a new one so someone else can use the old one" oh that boy. I know my hubby sighed in relief but is also kind of sad to see it go. But trust me he isn't, I know he actually looks forward to mowing now. However I'm thankful for the lesson this mower showed me such a practical picture of James 5.
That's my God Story for now. Hope your week is off to a great start
Ok so I know...a mower seriously?! but yes, you know what it started today again despite all odds. This mower has been "dying" since we first moved into our house. It is actually a source of joy in our house because it just keeps going, despite the muffler hanging on by one tiny screw and as hubby mows the gas tank just shakes, not to mention the ritual my hubby has to go through to get this poor thing started. However, I know the first thing we both do on mow days is pray it starts just this one more time.
I have offered to replace this mower several times but we have both agreed to drive it til it drops. So each time we wonder if today is going to be the day. So far that day has not come although I think it will be soon. Today though as I was helping my hubs work on this "little lawn mower that could" I was reminded of what we just spoke about in Sunday school.
We have been studying James, Wow, most of this book has hit me where it counts and for that I'm grateful and very humbled. We studied James 5 a few weeks ago, the part that hit me hardest was patience. Oh man. I mean I have my moments where I look like an expert on Patience, others I try really hard the rest of the time I ask for forgiveness and rely heavily on the grace given by my wonderful savior. My hubby would say the same thing, he will often admit how much he struggles with patience. Today he showed me how God patiently waits and works with us. You should see how he took the time to do each of his things that helps this mower start, and as the grass got thicker he would walk backwards and ease the mower towards it. Then he would just give it a second to "catch its breath" so it could conquer what lied ahead. What a beautiful representation of what our God does for each of us!
I could just see how God often does this with us, he walks with us ever so patiently, guiding us, helping us. We don't often see it, or go willingly, we are often very unsure but he eases us forward toward the greater things he has in store.
Our mower died...when we went to get our new one our oldest said, "we get a new one so someone else can use the old one" oh that boy. I know my hubby sighed in relief but is also kind of sad to see it go. But trust me he isn't, I know he actually looks forward to mowing now. However I'm thankful for the lesson this mower showed me such a practical picture of James 5.
That's my God Story for now. Hope your week is off to a great start
Monday, August 5, 2013
sweet reminders from our sweet boy
Ever since the day we found out we were pregnant with our
first child he has been a huge blessing to us. I’m so thankful that God’s
timing is perfect, I can say that ever since about 6 months after we were
married we wanted to have a baby. Just before our 2 year anniversary we found
out we were expecting and even then we had our doubts about being ready to be
parents. I remember thinking, “oh my gosh this little person will be living
with us for the next 18 years.” Those fears subsided by joy and amazement at
how things just went so smoothly. We were so blessed and we never realized just
how blessed we were with a smooth healthy pregnancy. Our baby J fit so smoothly
into our lives. We thought why do all these people say parenting is so tough.
From the day we had J and brought him home from the hospital we were just in
love with this sweet baby boy. We couldn’t believe he was here, happy and healthy.
He is such a great little boy he has always been “easy” he is just an easy
going little guy, he just rolls with things. Our first year with J just flew by
it was a blast, getting to know him and figuring out how everything in this
parenting thing worked. However, that whole first year we thought about how
cool it would be to have our second to give J a little brother or sister. We
always wanted to have our kids close together.
A few weeks after J’s first birthday we found out we were expecting
again. We were excited and of course J had no idea what was coming. The crazy
thing about parenting is just when you think you’re doing a pretty good job
life gives you one of those, epic fail moments. Then you seriously doubt how
good of a job you’re doing yet alone why you decided to become parents in the
first place.
The
time you don’t follow the very important instructions on the carseat label that
says, “do not set the carseat on an
uneven elevated surface.” This of course ends with the carseat falling off the
couch with the most precious gift you’ve been given inside. But thankfully he’s
buckled up safely in the five point harness. Or when you are moving across town
and you haven’t given this same sweet boy enough notice, so when mommy and
daddy are in separate cars and hes stuck in the back seat with his crib and 90%
of his things surrounding him, thoroughly freaked out. Not even food helped
until we unpacked and got his stuff put together in his new room. There are so
many mistakes we make as parents, like how do you explain to a 18 month old
thoroughly enough that when that baby who’s making mommy’s belly grow will turn
your perfect you centered world upside down? Our little J and C are our
greatest blessings and our greatest challenges. They surprise us daily and no
matter what happens at the end of the day everything in our world seems right.
That is when I’m most thankful for “mommy brain” because the good times always
make the bad seemingly disappear.
All
this to say this past year has been tough our little C was a huge challenge, he
has added a whole new dimension to parenthood that J never did. C has kept us humble
and on our toes since before he was born. So this past Sunday when I woke up
with a head cold and my husband passed up his hot breakfast, and then offered
to take the boys to church so I could rest my heart was blessed beyond belief.
He reminds me every day why I married him but this weekend he really ministered
to me. As my hubby loaded the boys up whom DID NOT want to leave without mommy,
he told me to rest and that they would see me soon. So I got my necessary oreos
and Gatorade and went back to our room to rest. As I got in a nap in a quiet
home and a shower ALL BY MYSELF! I thanked God for the gift I have in my two
boys and my husband who made all this possible. Without him I wouldn’t have any
of this. Then I went to the kitchen to start lunch for my sweet guys who just
aren’t the same when they are hungry. J
Shortly after that I heard the garage door open and I went out to help. I opened
J’s door to get him out, and he said, “mommy are you feeling better?” I said,
“yes, sweet boy I am” and he said, “I prayed to Jesus that you would feel
better.” Oh be still my heart, I cannot describe the joy that simple statement
brought to me. Throughout the day he reminded us about his prayer and how Jesus made his mommy feel better. Our life is far from perfect, in fact most of the times its messy, in fact this morning as I'm writing this C is "cleaning" off the coffee table and J is crying because C is eating the rainsins J spilt all over the floor trying to keep them away from him. In the midst of all the chaos that ensues in our lives of toddlers and preschoolers, we end each day with a bath, a story, quiet time, prayers and the hope that tomorrow will be better than today.
Dear friends take heart, you are doing a great job! We all are! your house isn't going to be clean all the time, your kiddos wont get along, you wont know how to respond, but one day they will remind you that you are doing a great job. You got this! Lets just remind each other of that. Thanks for reading friends! we are working on Daniel's stories so we will continue sharing his amazing God Stories!
Lots of love and blessings.
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
Daniel: Part One
Today we start with my hubby's story. We are going to break it up in chunks because there is lots to tell!
Daniel:
Who would have ever thought that my life would end up as it has today? I didn’t think I would ever be this happy and I didn’t think I would ever be able to experience God in the ways I have in my life time. I have so many things to be thankful for. My life hasn’t been easy but everything I have experienced has been worth it. My life has been full of God stories and blessings ever since the day my parents got married and tried to have children. My parents tried for years to have children when the doctors told my mom that she wouldn’t be able to have children. That is when my parents decided to adopt my sister. A few months after her adoption my mom and dad found out they were pregnant. I was their miracle baby, the son my mom feared she would never have and would never be able to provide for my dad.
Daniel:
Who would have ever thought that my life would end up as it has today? I didn’t think I would ever be this happy and I didn’t think I would ever be able to experience God in the ways I have in my life time. I have so many things to be thankful for. My life hasn’t been easy but everything I have experienced has been worth it. My life has been full of God stories and blessings ever since the day my parents got married and tried to have children. My parents tried for years to have children when the doctors told my mom that she wouldn’t be able to have children. That is when my parents decided to adopt my sister. A few months after her adoption my mom and dad found out they were pregnant. I was their miracle baby, the son my mom feared she would never have and would never be able to provide for my dad.
My dad
is a pastor and we lived in Missouri on a farm. I saw my dad work really hard
my whole life, we were up at dawn working on the farm. A farm turned out to be
the perfect place for me. When I was little the doctors thought I had ADD,
after speaking with several doctors they told my mom to just keep me busy,
that’s what they did. Boy they kept me busy, we worked long hard hours on the
farm, but from what it instilled in me I’m so thankful. I saw my dad preach,
take care of my mom and our family and follow God fully. It was my parents who
taught me how to trust God fully and follow him no matter how hard that may be.
In 1975 dad got a call with the opportunity to preach in Oregon. It was amazing
to see my parents rally together and do what they had to do to fulfill that
call. My dad leased the farm and sold enough livestock to move out to the coast
and live off of for a month. We loaded up everything we owned and moved to
Oregon. I saw my dad step out on his faith, when we arrived in Oregon
everything began falling into place. That rocked my world and on Sunday
February 13, 1975 I accepted Christ into my life and asked him to be my savior.
On the following Sunday I was baptized, the Missionary Baptist way, in running
water. In very, very frigid cold water, I can still feel the goose bumps and
chills from that water, and I will never forget. We lived in Oregon for five
years and we saw God work in great ways throughout those five years. God
blessed us in powerful ways. It was incredible to see him work through that
little church. I know there were many times when my parents weren’t sure how
they were going to make it on dad’s small paycheck from the church, but we
always saw God provide. We never missed a meal in fact while we were there we
had some of the most incredible seafood I have ever had. Every once in a while
I still crave some of that fresh seafood.
In 1980
we moved back to our farm in Missouri, and my dad began preaching at a local church in Missouri and he also worked
at the university. This was a tough stretch for our family. Our garden thrived,
the church was doing great, it was during this time that some things went down
in our family that caused me to question how my dad, who had so much faith
before could make the decisions that he was making. I questioned my parents,
their decisions, how my family handled things and since they were who I saw God
through I questioned and doubted God. It was during this time that I was in
high school. Oh my, I was not a good kid in high school; it is incredible that
I didn’t get in more trouble than I did. Nonetheless, my senior year in high
school I met Janice.
Right after graduation I began
working at an engineering firm, nine months later Janice and I got married, and
while I was working at the engineering firm I began pursing my construction
management degree. Five years into my career in drilling and five years into
our marriage we were blessed with our sweet daughter, Tiffany. She is my pride
and joy I love her with all of my heart and the first several months of her
life were some of the coolest times I ever got to spend with her I learned a
lot during that time with her. A year after our daughter was born in October of
1990 Tiffany and I were leaving Janice’s dads house, we were on East Division
Street behind Union Hall in Springfield, Mo. I stopped to look for Tiffany’s
pacifier because she had dropped it and would not let me go any further until
she had it. While I was looking for her pacifier I heard something so I looked
up and saw this little boy jumping up and down screaming trying to wake up his
grandpa. They weren’t very far from us so I ran over to see what was going on
and to see if I could help. When I got over there I began to assess the
situation, it looked as if his grandfather had, had a heart attack he was blue
and unresponsive, I checked his pulse and I thought he was going to die. I told
the little boy to go call 911 and I began CPR. When the boy returned he asked
if there was any way he could help me, while I did the chest compressions he
was able to do the breathing. After a little bit I checked his pulse again and
he had a regular pulse again. Praise Jesus!! A few seconds later he started coughing and he
began breathing, about that time the paramedics had arrived and they took over.
The last seven years I worked for the engineering company I
became a driller because we needed the money, I didn’t want to but I did. That’s when my drinking habit started slowly;
I would drink to go to sleep, because I had to say good night to my baby girl
over the phone when I was traveling. In 1994 I was on the road for 100 days straight.
Then in 1995 Janice and I separated this was when Tiffany was six years old.
Over these next two years my alcohol and drug abuse got worse. The weekends I
had Tiffany were the toughest because at the end of the weekend I had to take Tiffany
back to Janice at the house I built for us. Toward the end of my career at Engineering
company I had a $300 a week habit I would use meth in the mornings to get going
and alcohol at night to feel numb and go to sleep. It was about this time that
some good christian friends of mine that I had kind of lost touch with, called
me and invited me over for some home cooked food. I love food, and I hadn’t had
a hot home cooked meal in weeks and possibly months so of course I agreed. At
the end of our first dinner they asked me if I wanted to come back the next two
weeks. I said, “of course this food is AMAZING.” On the third week they asked
if it was ok if they prayed for me, I agreed after all I grew up believing in
God so I thought what the heck. However, this was one of the most anointed
prayers I have ever heard, it blew me away. At that point God broke me it was a
surreal feeling, I asked for forgiveness and I asked him to take it all away,
all of the addictions. I was broken there in their living room, but had so much
peace. I left their house feeling whole, I felt like a new man, with a new
mission. I went home and flushed the rest of my meth down the toilet and poured
out all the alcohol. Then I locked myself in my home and went through the
stages of detoxification, I have never felt anything like that before in my
life, there were times that I didn’t think I would make it through the next
minute let alone survive being drug free. Every time I felt as though I was
going to die I would just pray and that peace I felt in my friend’s living room
came back. I could feel God wrap his arms around me and give me the strength to
make it through. I have no idea how I made it besides God. I told God that it
had to be me and him. I’m a living testament to the fact that our God is a
healer and he miraculously healed me. I
have talked to doctors and rehab facilities and they have said that I should
not have survived that on my own. All that to say if you are where I was please
seek help, don’t give up, you are worth it. I have no signs that I have ever
been addicted to these things. That is unheard of especially with meth. In fact
I have spoke to doctors and they have said that you don’t quit meth; it’s
something that people struggle with and then die. I have never gone back; in
fact even the smell of alcohol turns my stomach now.
Thanks for reading!
*just to let you know names have been changed! :)
Thanks for reading!
*just to let you know names have been changed! :)
Monday, July 29, 2013
God Stories...the beginning
We have sat down to share our stories many times, we just couldn't figure out the best way to go about it. We have started a book several times but we just cant seem to finish it...I mean how do you complete a book about all the things that God has done in your life when he continues to work every day?
So I began to think what better way than to write a blog?! Then not only can you read how God works in our lives but you can share your God stories too!!!
The whole idea for writing and sharing God Stories came several years ago when I met an amazing man who had an incredible story (little did I know this amazing man would one day be my husband) we loved talking and getting to know one another. As we got to know each other he started telling me his story, he told me about how God had worked in his life, and how when he looks back on his story there is no doubt in his mind that God is not only real but ever present a
nd active in his life. I was blown away and I told him that we had to share this with others.
So we sat down and I started writing, we sat out a timeline and got everything together but for some reason a book just wouldn't come together. Time just kept moving forward and his story sat on the back burner with us thinking about it every once in a while.
A lot has changed since we originally sat down and compiled his stories, now we have some incredible stories of how God worked in our lives and how we see him moving every day. We are now married with two amazing boys, living life as a family of four, approaching our 6th anniversary in December.
So here we are now....over the next several weeks/months/years we will share Daniel's Stories, then my (Angela's) stories...then we will share our stories. After we share a few we want you to join in to share your stories of hope, your stories of the ways that God has worked in your life. Our world needs hope and we need reminders of how great God is and that he is in control, that he loves us, and that he is here with us.
We are excited for our journey together! Come join us
So I began to think what better way than to write a blog?! Then not only can you read how God works in our lives but you can share your God stories too!!!
The whole idea for writing and sharing God Stories came several years ago when I met an amazing man who had an incredible story (little did I know this amazing man would one day be my husband) we loved talking and getting to know one another. As we got to know each other he started telling me his story, he told me about how God had worked in his life, and how when he looks back on his story there is no doubt in his mind that God is not only real but ever present a
So we sat down and I started writing, we sat out a timeline and got everything together but for some reason a book just wouldn't come together. Time just kept moving forward and his story sat on the back burner with us thinking about it every once in a while.
A lot has changed since we originally sat down and compiled his stories, now we have some incredible stories of how God worked in our lives and how we see him moving every day. We are now married with two amazing boys, living life as a family of four, approaching our 6th anniversary in December.
So here we are now....over the next several weeks/months/years we will share Daniel's Stories, then my (Angela's) stories...then we will share our stories. After we share a few we want you to join in to share your stories of hope, your stories of the ways that God has worked in your life. Our world needs hope and we need reminders of how great God is and that he is in control, that he loves us, and that he is here with us.
We are excited for our journey together! Come join us
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