Gateways to joy

Thank you for new mercies every morning

2013-05-21T07:44:00.000-07:00

If you're anything like me, you may not have really focused on God's mercies before. Yes. You, like me, may know and realize that our Father is merciful. But I tell you there is nothing like knowing you are wretched. . . deserving of nothing, yet seeing God's merciful-compassion given to you time and time again.

I falter. I fall. I stumble, and I stop. But in spite of God has still been faithful to restoring new mercies to me each morning.

Please listen to this video and thank God for His mercies this morning.

xoxo, Angela

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Free Lifeway Ereaders and more

2013-05-18T14:39:00.002-07:00

I'm still here! It's been a while I know. I have a few things that I want to share with you all. Before I share Lifeway's ereader link with you, I want to tell you what the more in the title is all about.

1. The lovely Beth Moore is doing a biblestudy in June, and she is doing it from the other lovely: Priscilla Shirer. who has a new study out called, Gideon. If any of you are interested in joining the study here's the information. I will also post it here as I find out about it.

Y'all this study could not have come at a better time for me. I feel like Satan has been constantly attacking my family and me. Even worse I feel like I always rollover and allow him to defeat me. I'm not defeated. I know. But sometimes, it sure does feel like I am. I was so reminded of how defeated I am not last night when I listened to Beth Moore's video. Gosh I thank God for that woman.

Making me thank God even more is Lifeway Books. I was able to purchase my workbook last night, but after that I couldn't buy any more books. I had reached my budget limit. As circumstances would have it, this morning I found myself on Lifeway's site scrolling through the ereaders. . . wishing, hoping and longing to read some of the books.

One that really stood out to me was written by a blogger whom I'm very familiar with: Rene Swope. I thought, "Wow, I wish I could get this book."

Then I noticed the word "Free."
"Free, Lifeway has things that they give away for free?"

As I started scrolling through the list I saw where many were samplers, and I thought "oh, okay." However, I continued scrolling and found some very helpful reads.

Oh, yeah, Rene's book ended up costing me $0. Yep. It was free. Thanks Lifeway Christian Books!

Here's the list for you to check them out for yourself. Here is Lifeway's women blog too. I think this will be a regular stop for me. I really enjoyed it.

I've resolved within myself and with the Lord somethings. This is what made me go to Beth's blog last night and this is how I found out about the biblestudy and along the way I came across the video that I shared.

I am resolving to:

1. Listen to Beth Moore everyday for 1 year starting yesterday.
2. Read my Bible everyday starting yesterday (yes, this is the order that they came to me)
3. Pray for my marriage, kids, mom, family, life, and business everyday (I put for a year)
4. Do something positive for my family at least one thing everyday
5. Teach my kids a new concept on something everyday (?)
6. Exercise 3 days out of the week
7. Become precise and intentional with my business

These things may seem simple to you. You may do these things everyday. I don't anymore. Never in my life did I think I would be the Christian woman, mother, or wife who said she doesn't. But I don't, and I am lamenting . . . crying out for help!

I figured if I make my struggle public, I can give myself a bit of accountability. I tell you one thing. I am glad for many things in life. There is one thing, however, that I am most glad of and that is the fact that God's mercies are new every single morning.

What would we do if our God was not a merciful God?

xoxo,

Angela blog subscription | twitter | facebook

Meals by the week

2013-04-29T16:52:00.000-07:00

Meals by the week?

What is that?

Meals by the week is a company that prepares your meals based on the sales of your grocery store! They take the meal planning off of your plate.

Girls this is something you are certainly going to want to learn more about, if you are not already familiar with them, or services like these. Even if you decide not to use the the meals, just knowing this service is available is worth its weight in gold alone.

I hate giving my family fast food. And I feel guilty as heck when I do. However, as hard as I try we get off schedule; we get hungry when we are out and about, and I get tired. This situation usually results in everyone fending for themselves, making sandwhiches, us picking up fast food or take out, and me being grief stricken with guilt. If anyone knows how bad fast food is for you, I do.

Meals by the week service gives me a peace of mind because now I know maybe once a month I can plan a week off from cooking and know that we are still getting nutritious, flavorful good meals.

I remember a time when I would have felt guilty about considering such a thing. Me not preparing my own family meals! Handing that prized gift of a position and responsibility over to another? It was absurd. . . unheard of! Never would such a responsible wife and mother such as myself, ever consider such an atrocity!

All I can say is "season's change." My plan is to take the next couple of weeks to talk to the people over there, talk to my husband, of course, and look at the menus. After that I will come up with a plan and put it in action.

I'm not going to hand all of my meal preparations over to them of course, but I plan to certainly use them for those days when I just don't feel up to cooking.

The good part is we don't have to do fast food or take out on the rough days!

Meals by the week publish 18 different menus each week for grocery store chains such as Safeway, Hy-vee, Trader Joe's, Sprouts, and others. Better still, they publish a vegetarian and a 400 calorie menu.

Meals by the week offer family-friendly recipes and my favorite is that their menus are build based on real food.

I know some of you have families just as big as mine. No worries. Meals by the week can handle that. Their meals feed 2-16! Gotta love it man, gotta love it!

Check out their blog. When you get to it scroll down to their site map for some really cook tips such as "stocking your pantry," and how to "flatten a chicken."

xo, Angela blog subscription | twitter | facebook

Never too old to kiss mama

2013-04-01T23:52:00.004-07:00

With the dawning of Mother's Day, I reflect while looking at how my children have grown. Gone are the late night feedings, and them crying after me when I leave—constantly wanting to be by my side.

I miss those days.

I remember my Pastor's wife and other women at my church telling me, "Enjoy it Angela. The time goes by so fast."

Today, I sort of feel like I don't have a place with them. I know that I do. We talk all the time; they confide in me, still listen to me, but I can feel the change. Things are different.
While there is still closeness between us, I feel distant too.

The other night before going to bed I asked my 10 year-old son, Kramon, to come by my bed side, so I could kiss his jaws like I do every night before he goes to bed. He gave me a look like he'd never done before. I knew that look. It said, "Oh man Mom, no," but he came anyway.

"What's wrong, you think you're too old for me to kiss?" I asked.

"Yes ma'am." He replied

After staring at him for a few minutes, wondering where my baby boy had gone, I said to him, "Go tell Kennedy (19) and Kyle (16) to come here so I can kiss their jaws."

How funny he thought that was. With a gleam in his eyes, he sprouted to his feet, and ran to go get his brothers. Before departing though, he found it necessary to inform me that they would never let me kiss them on the jaw.

"Yes ma'am," said my 16 year-old when he entered the room.

"Kyle come give me a hug and let me kiss you on your jaw."

"Okay," he said as he bent down to embrace me and turn his face to the side.

"Ew," said the 10 year-old. "You're too big to let your mom kiss you." He exclaimed with loud laughter.

"Boy what are you talking about," said my 16 year-old, "You're never too big or too old to kiss or be kissed by your mother. That's my mother boy!" He said as he rubbed his little brother's head and walked out.

Next to enter was my 19 year-old, I asked him for the same thing to which he obliged. This was really funny to my 10 year-old. He fell to the floor holding his stomach laughing. Saying in his most comical voice, "Now you are way too old to have your mom kissing you. You are old. You are 19!"

To which my 19 year-old responded by picking him up, throwing his little brother over his shoulder walking out of my room. Faintly I could hear the older tell the younger, "That's my mom. We never get so old that we can't kiss our mother lil. boy."

Below is a poem I found while having my devotions. It fits perfectly with what I'm trying to say in this.

"Ilook at the shinny shaggy hair and round, blue-eyes; the small pink tongue struggling impatiently against tiny white teeth to form a word, to convey an exciting new-born thought; the broad little boy had covered with dirt, reaching to touch my cheek; and suddenly I realize the astounding responsibilities that are mine before that hand expands to a man's hand. O God, hold my son's hand while he crosses the danger- filled street to manhood." Susan L. Lenzkes

My next finding. . .

I found this article on Google when searching for, "What the Bible says about mother's." A friend actually told me to go there because he had found some very good articles to read.

The excerpt below explains motherhood to in a way that I had not heard before.

Let the article be a blessing to you today. Go read it and then pass it along.

The Bible never states that every woman should be a mother. However, it does say that those whom the Lord blesses to be mothers should take the responsibility seriously. Mothers have a unique and crucial role in the lives of their children. Motherhood is not a chore or unpleasant task. Just as a mother bears a child during pregnancy, and just as a mother feeds and cares for a child during infancy, so mothers also play an ongoing role in the lives of their children, whether they are adolescents, teenagers, young adults, or even adults with children of their own. While the role of motherhood must change and develop, the love, care, nurture, and encouragement a mother gives should never cease. Please go here to continue reading this article on mother's.

A complicated life doesn't mean a barren life

2013-03-28T07:40:00.001-07:00

"Can God still bring bud and blossom from the dry, brittle bones of my heart?"

This I wonder after reading Ann's post, "When you're feeling dry for Holy week."

That's how I feel.

Dry.

I wonder. "What fruit am I bearing?" She says, "Faith has to have fruit."

If her words are true, why is my life barren?

Do I need more faith so I can see more fruit?

Maybe. But more than anything I think I need to be more obedient. I think it is my obedience to my faith that will bring me the fruit I long to see in my life.

Her words makes me ponder all day. Talk to Him. When the heart longs to bring forth fruit it becomes obedient even searching for ways. This is when the shift in perspective changes.

Shall you or I continue in our sin that grace may abound?

The writer of Romans says, "God forbid."

"We have been planted together in the likeness of Christ death." And just like He has risen from the pit of hell, we have too.

Why do I live as if I have no hope? Why do I live as if you have not been adopted into His family?

I continue to believe the lie that Satan whisper's often. "You're not worthy. You are this and you are not that..."

We are worthy. I am worthy.

This Sunday we will celebrate just how worthy God thought we were in that Christ died for our sins. He didn't just die. He is risen!

Because Christ is risen we who have faith in Him should never have a barren life. Complicated? Most certainly, but not barren. We must always take inventory of the fruit that we're producing in our lives.

Sometimes I see a complicated life as a barren life and it just isn't so.

When Jesus prayed that the cup would pass Him in the garden, I would say His life was pretty complicated at that point. But barren? never

I remind myself that a complicated life doesn't mean my life is barren—fruitless.

"Can belief ever be barren?" Ann asks.

I say belief with obedience can never and will never be barren, complicated? Yes, but never barren.

********

Below is an activity that Ann Voskamp posted on her blog for Easter.

The reason I copied and pasted it here is to be sure you all see it. If some of you are like men you don't always follow the link and I didn't want you to miss out on this outstanding activity.

Isn't it the most awesomeness thing? That Ann Voskamp is just a work of art walking to me, honestly.

Three Bowls & a Crown of Thorns :

A Holy Week Activity

Three Bowls & a Crown of Thorns :

Items Needed:

1. Figs in a bowl
2. Almonds in a bowl
3. Toothpicks, tea or coffee stained in a bowl
4. a grapevine wreath, crowned-sized

Set the Three Bowls (figs, almonds, toothpicks) & a Crown of Thorns on a table during Holy Week.

1.Read of Jesus’ last miracle before His death: The Withering of the Fig Tree.

Share how Christ is looking for fruit in our lives of faith.

And the first fruit is to believe that Jesus Christ is our Saviour, that without Him, there is no fruit. Have a time of personal and family reflection: What are the fruits of the Spirit? How does my life bear each of the fruits of the Spirit?

2.Read the story of Aaron’s dry-as-death rod budding and blossoming and bearing fruit.

Give glory to God for doing miraculous work in your life, to bear unlikely faith, by His grace alone! Share God-glorifying stories of unexpected fruit!

3.Leave out the bowl of figs and almonds to eat throughout Holy Week

A literal reminder of what Christ seeks and how He surprisingly saves.

4.Set out the bowl of thorns {toothpicks stained with tea} and a grapevine wreath

Throughout Holy Week, as issues arise that beg repenting, slip a toothpick thorn into the grapevine wreath — and thank Him for His painful grace that He offers to bear fruit in our lives…

Without thy grace, we waste and wither away.

xo, Angela blog subscription | twitter | facebook

Where Moms create {by Lisa-Jo}

2012-12-13T14:09:00.000-08:00

You all have to watch this. It's a video created by Lisa-Jo, it is very touching. I'm amazed at how God uses the ordinary to inspire extraordinary. This has really uplifted my spirit and I hope it does the same for you. xo, Angela blog subscription | twitter | facebook

What I've been up to

2012-12-13T12:23:00.000-08:00

I have not forgotten about you. I can't.

I have been a stay-at-home mother for over 19 years, and for all of that time my family and I have lived off my husband's income. For so many of those years, I've wanted it to be the season where I earned an income but God didn't say the same. So working without monetary pay has been my lot.

I've not always been a happy camper about earning no money. Sometimes I feel like the kids and I go without so much. Those who don't have this lot quickly and so easily tell me how, "Life isn't about money or things."

"Easy for you to say," is what I often think.

I have been learning Photoshop, grapic design, blog designing and photography. I still have so much to learn! I have poured over learning Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Indesign, Adobe Illustrator and how to use my Nikon D3100. I am happy to say that I've made great strides.

I now know that photography and the editing of photos, "photo-design" is what I am called to do too. I love it! I am smitten and I have so many ideas.

Since many of you who follow me seem to be interested in what I am doing, please go to my photography {design} site to take a peek of my pictures. I would love nothing more than to share them with you.

My blog isn't all the way to finish, but you can view the images.

Also, if you would be so kind as to visit my Designsonascreen Facebook page and like it I would be very honored. I'm on Flickr too, but right now it is housing the same pictures that are on the other two sites, so I won't ask you to go there. However, if you want to look me up I'm Designsonascreen Collection Photostream {I think}.

I am also working on another blog: http://blogcoachingwithangie.com, where I will work with stay-at-home moms who want to learn about the art of blogging, or want to turn it into a business or even just blog to get an income.

I will keep this blog as it is my spiritual journal. I should be here more now since I'm getting things together in other areas. I really want to encourage you moms who are at home and desire extra money. I understand and I will not tell you it's wrong to have that want. What I will tell you is to learn to be content where you are, but don't stop working and striving to get better.

xo, Angela blog subscription | twitter | facebook

The whole book of Matthew & day 5 of praying for your husband

2012-11-12T11:47:00.000-08:00

I know I am way off schedule! So much has been going on here. Practically everyone but me has had the stomach virus in this dwelling of ours.

I will still try to get the prayers out consecutively, but if I don't please know that I am still praying and I hope that you are too.

I found these videos, thanks to Ann V. They are so cool. It is the entire book of Matthew on Youtube videos. The kids and I are about to watch them now.

Here's day 5 of the prayer:

Pray that your husband will be faithful to his wedding vows. Pray that he will have a desire to cultivate your relationship as a sign of his loyalty and commitment to you, and as a picture of Christ’s love for the Church. (Prov. 20:6 ; Gen. 2:24 )

"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear." ~ 1 John 4:18

How has your self-esteem been strengthened by your mates love?

xo, Angela
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A Woman's Emotions: praying for your husband {Day 4}

2012-10-22T22:55:00.000-07:00

Girls do you realize that not only are we created in the image of God, but our emotions are a part of God's imagine imprinted within us too?

As women who are pursuing worthiness and strength in Godly character, we need to grow in our understanding of our emotions which is no easy task because often times we aren't prepared to handle the different emotions we feel throughout the different stages of our lives.

Barbara Rainey says, "As a woman experiences various emotions, she needs to feel loved and accepted so she can face these times positively. This is not only critical for her emotional health, but also for impacting her children with positive emotional identities so they will grow up to be mature adults.

These emotions are a part of the image of God, and we should grow and mature when we experience them."

Let me ask you ladies, how are you controlling your emotions when it comes to dealing with your mate or children?

Pray:

Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you, guide you and direct you in how you are to handle your emotions in your marriage and family relationship.

Praying for your husband {Day 4}

"Pray that your husband will grow in leadership skills in your relationship—protecting and providing for you. Pray that he will lead you wisely and love you sacrificially, so that God will be glorified in your marriage." ~ Eph. 5:25-29; Col. 3:19

The story that was told, came from the book,'Moments Together For Couples.'

If you are a lady and would like to join our Facebook Group, {in}couraging you in your pursuit of Proverbs 31, just click on the highlighted text.

xo, Angela

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Truth demands a response: praying for your husband {Day 3}

2012-10-22T09:40:00.000-07:00

Isn't it horrible that we are on day 22 of this month, and I am only on day 3 of our prayers. Yikes!

I almost gave up, but I'm not going to. This is important to me and it is important for me to do for my husband.

I want to share something that I read this morning with you.

Truth Demands A Response:

"One foggy night, the captain of a large ship saw what appeared to be another ship's lights approaching in the distance. This other ship was on a course that would mean a head-on collision.

Quickly, the captain signaled to the approaching ship: 'Please change you course 10 degrees west.'

The reply came blinking back through the thick fog: 'You change your course 10 degrees east.'

Indignantly, the captain pulled rank and shot a message back to the other ship: 'I am a sea captain with 35 years of experience. Change your course 10 degrees west!'

Without hesitation, the signal flashed back: 'I am a seaman, fourth class. You change your course 10 degrees east!'

Engraged, the captain realied they were approaching each other quickly and would crash within minutes. So he blazed his final warning: 'I am a 50,000-ton freighter. Change your course 10 degrees west!'

A simple message winked back: 'I am a lighthouse. You change your course!'

Just like this capatian ladies, when we are confronted with truth we have to change our course. When we spend time with God reading and applying His Word we are spending time with the eternal truth.

God's Word isn't going to change; therefore, we have to change. We are the ones who must adjust our lives to walk in His truth.

So many of us spend our lives avoiding the turth of God's Word because we don't want to walk in it. I have just come to find out that in times in my life this is very true of me!

Christ said in John 8:31, "the truth shall make you free."

Herbert Agar who wrote in, 'A Time for Greatness,' "The truth that makes men free is for the most part the truth which men prefer not to hear." Could this be true of you?

Ladies, what is the Bible to you?

A collection of nice stories? The foundation of a conservative worldview? Or is it God's Word, "living and active and sharper than any two-edge sword?"

Is there anything keeping you from obeying God's Word in every area of your life—your business, your marriage, your family? Do you need to adjust the course on which you are heading today?

Day 3, prayers for your husband:

"Pray that your husband will be humble and quick to agree with God about his sin. Pray that his heart will be tender toward the voice of the Lord." ~ Ps. 51:2-4; Michah 6:8

Think about:

Is there a truth you have been avoiding in your life—an area of your relationship you have been unwilling to confront?

Pray that:

God's Word will be your guide in decision making and your rock in establishing family values and priorities.

The story that was told, came from the book,'Moments Together For Couples.'

If you are a lady and would like to join our Facebook Group, {in}couraging you in your pursuit of Proverbs 31, just click on the highlighted text.

xo, Angela blog subscription | twitter | facebook

Praying for your husband {Day 2}

2012-10-16T12:27:00.000-07:00

I have a lot to tell you, but before I get to chatting too much let me go ahead and give you the prayer for day 2 of our 31 Days journey to praying for our husband.

Day 2 prayer

Pray that your husband's relationship with God and His Word will bear fruit in his life. Pray that he will be a man of wisdom and understanding, fearing the Lord.

Here's the schedule for my Facebook Group {in}couraging you in your pursuit of Proverbs 31:

Monday: Discuss praying for our husbands
Wednesday: Discuss Ann Voskamp's book, 'One Thousand Gifts: A Dare To Live Fully Right Where You Are.
Friday: Discuss Proverbs 31. We are reading Proverbs 31:10-31

Tomorrow we will discuss Ann's book on our Facebook Group.

I made a little something to capture something that captured my heart and my mindseye. Something that really tugged at my heart. Something I had overlooked both times that I read the book. To me these very words describe the epitome of a worthy woman's heart:

Can you just see this grieving mother out there doing the next thing as Elisabeth Elliot use to say. Doing all that she knew to do to keep her life and the life of her family moving forward. I suppose it is quite possible that 'Footprints in the Sand,' was taking place here.

Remember girls where there is teaching there will be testing.

If you are a lady and would like to join our Facebook Group, {in}couraging you in your pursuit of Proverbs 31, just click on the highlighted text.

xo, Angela
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31 days of praying for your husband {day 1}

2012-10-09T07:55:00.000-07:00

Hi ladies!

I know. I know I am behind. I am actually eight days behind, but since I just thought of the idea on Saturday I am three days behind of my schedule.

Yesterday so much came up and I'll be honest I didn't pray for him at all :-( I know it's bad. I won't lie to you and pretend that it isn't. That's why I need to challenge myself in this way.

I want to share a bit with you about what I have noticed in really taking the time to pray for Kennedy.

I have noticed that when I take the time to focus on God and pray for my husband, the person that God does the work with is me. Do I see some changes in Kennedy? Often times I do, but I see a lot of changes in myself.

I seem to become softer. A lot more patient and understanding, very joyful within. Relaxed. I appreciate him anyway, but I appreciate him more and even see a bit of life from his perspective which I believe is how I am able to be more understanding.

Can I promise you will see some of the same things develop in your own heart and life? No.

But I will ask you to keep a journal so that you can begin noting your feelings and the changes you not only see in yourself but in him too. Also ladies, our children pick up a lot from their mamas. Try noting the changes (conscientiously or journaling) that you see in your children based on your own behavior toward your husband. You just might be surprised.

All righty now, here is today's prayer

Pray that your husband will grow spiritually and consider his accountability before the Lord.
Pray that he will guard his heart by developing spiritual disciplines. . . Bible reading, studying, prayer meditation, Scripture memorization and whatever else comes to mind.

Now what I plan on doing is incorporating all the prayers throughout the 31 days. What do I mean by that? I will not just pray this prayer today. Tomorrow I will pray this prayer along with the prayer for day 2.

So now you have it. Let's get started. Pray for him throughout your day. Pray for him while you're drive, folding clothes, cooking, listening to your child read, at the computer. If you can't get to your knees don't let that stop you. But try and remember to pray for him (preferably on your knees before you go to bed).

Okay laides. GO

xo, Angela
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31 days of praying for your husband

2012-10-06T19:10:00.001-07:00

For the next 31 days ladies I would like you to join me in praying for our husbands.

Bless your husband by praying for him!

The Apostle Paul instructed all Christians to pray for one another (Ephesians 6:18 ). This includes wives’ responsibility and privilege to pray for their husbands. Earnest prayer for your husband is good for him, for you and the spiritual health of your home (Proverbs 31:11-12 ).

Satan desires to destroy your husband, especially his character and his leadership in your relationship. Trust God through prayer as you daily surrender your husband and marriage to the Lord’s wise, loving care.

We will begin Day 1 Monday (10-8-2012 I know I'm a late bloomer)

Day 1

Pray that your husband will grow spiritually and consider his accountability before the Lord. Pray that he will guard his heart by developing spiritual disciplines—Bible reading and study, prayer, meditation, scripture memorization, etc. (2 Peter 3:18 ; Prov. 4:23 )

Day 2

Pray that your husband’s relationship with God and His Word will bear fruit in his life. Pray that he will be a man of wisdom and understanding, fearing the Lord. (Prov. 3:7 , 9:10 ; Ps. 112:1 )

Day 3

Pray that your husband will be humble and quick to agree with God about his sin. Pray that his heart will be tender toward the voice of the Lord. (Ps. 51:2-4 ; Micah 6:8 )

Day 4

Pray that your husband will grow in leadership skills in your relationship—protecting and providing for you. Pray that he will lead you wisely and love you sacrificially, so that God will be glorified in your marriage. (Eph. 5:25-29 ; Col. 3:19 )

Day 5

Pray that your husband will be faithful to his wedding vows. Pray that he will have a desire to cultivate your relationship as a sign of his loyalty and commitment to you, and as a picture of Christ’s love for the Church. (Prov. 20:6 ; Gen. 2:24 )

Day 6

Pray that your husband will love righteousness and hate wickedness, especially the evils of the culture. Pray that he will recognize and avoid wickedness in his own life, and if necessary, take a clear, strong stand against evil. (Prov. 27:12 ; John 17:15 ; 1 Cor. 10:12-13 )

Day 7

Pray that your husband will safeguard his heart against inappropriate relationships with the opposite sex. Pray that his heart will be pure and undivided in his commitment to you. (Prov. 6:23-24 , 26 ;Rom. 13:14 )

Day 8

Pray that your husband will work hard to provide for your family, to the best of his ability. Pray that the character qualities necessary for a successful career and ministry will be a growing part of his character—persistence, decisiveness, strength, an analytical mind, organizational skills, positive relationships with people, determination, etc. (Rom. 12:11 ; 1 Cor. 15:58 )

Day 9

Pray that your husband handle finances wisely, will have discernment concerning budgeting and investments, and will be a good steward of his money in regard to giving to the Lord’s work. Pray that money will not become a source of discord in your family. (Prov. 23:4-5 ; Rom. 12:13 ; Heb. 13:5 )

Day 10

Pray that your husband will cultivate strong integrity, and not compromise his convictions. Pray that his testimony will be genuine, that he will be honest in his business dealings, and will never do anything that he needs to hide from others. (Prov. 20:7 ; 1 Tim. 1:5 , 3:7 ; Eph. 6:10-12 )

Day 11

Pray that your husband will have a humble, teachable spirit and a servant’s heart before the Lord. Pray that he will listen to God and desire to do His will. (Prov. 15:33 ; Eph. 6:6 )

Day 12

Pray that your husband will yield his sexual drive to the Lord and practice self control. Pray that your sexual intimacy together will be fresh, positive, and a reflection of selfless love. (Prov. 5:15 , 18 ; 1 Cor. 7:3 ; Song of Solomon 7:10 )

Day 13

Pray that your husband use practical skills to build your family and make wise decisions for your welfare. Pray that he will serve unselfishly. (Gal. 5:13 ; Phil. 2:3-4 )

Day 14

Pray that your husband will speak words that build you and your family, and reflect a heart of love. Pray that he will not use filthy language. (Prov. 18:21 ; Eph. 4:29 )

Day 15

Pray that your husband will choose his friends wisely. Pray that God will bring him men who will encourage his accountability before God, and will not lead him into sin. (Prov. 13:20 ; Prov. 27:17 )

Day 16

Pray that your husband will choose healthy, God-honoring activities. Pray that he will not live in bondage to any questionable habits or hobbies, but that he will experience freedom in holiness as he yields to the Spirit’s control. (1 Cor. 6:12 , 10:31 ; 2 Tim. 2:4 )

Day 17

Pray that your husband will enjoy his manliness as he patterns his life after Christ and strong men in the faith. Pray for his physical, emotional, mental, social and spiritual strength. (Eph. 3:16 ; 1 Peter 2:21 ; 1 Cor. 10:11 )

Day 18

Pray that your husband will have an eternal perspective—living in light of eternity. Pray that he will reject materialism and temporal values and put God first in his life. (Matt. 6:33 ; Deut. 6:5 ; Eph. 5:16 ; Ps. 90:12 )

Day 19

Pray that your husband will be patient and a man of peace. Pray that he will not give in to anger, but will allow the Holy Spirit to control his responses. (Rom. 14:19 ; Ps. 34:14 )

Day 20

Pray that your husband will yield his mind and thoughts to the Lord. Pray that he will not entertain immoral or impure thoughts, and that he will resist the temptation to indulge in pornography. (Prov. 27:12 ; 2 Cor. 10:5 )

Day 21

Pray that your husband will learn how to relax in the Lord and, in his greatest times of stress, find joy and peace in his relationship with God. Pray that he will submit his schedule to the Lord. (Neh. 8:10 ;Prov. 17:22 ; Ps. 16:11 )

Day 22

Pray that your husband will practice forgiveness in your relationship and with others. Pray that he will recognize any roots of bitterness, and yield any resentment and unforgiving attitudes to the Lord. (Eph. 4:32 ; Heb. 12:15 )

Day 23

Pray that your husband will be a good father—disciplining his children wisely and loving them unconditionally. If he is not a father, pray that he will find a young man to mentor in the things of the Lord. (Eph. 6:4 ; Col. 3:21 ; 2 Tim. 2:1-2 )

Day 24

Pray that your husband will have a balanced life—that he will balance work and play. Pray that he will fear God, but also gain favor with people he knows at work and church. (Luke 2:52 ; Prov. 13:15 )

Day 25

Pray that your husband will be courageous in his stand against evil and injustice, and that he will stand for the truth. Pray that he will protect you and your family from Satan’s attacks. (Ps. 31:24 ; Eph. 6:13 ; Ps. 27:14 )

Day 26

Pray that your husband will discover and live his God-given purpose. Pray that he will offer all his dreams to the Lord, and pursue only those goals that will bring God glory and count for eternity. (Jer. 29:11 ; 1 Cor. 10:31 )

Day 27

Pray that your husband will understand the importance of taking care of his body—the temple of the Holy Spirit—for the glory of God. Pray that he will practice self-control by making wise food choices, and get sufficient exercise to stay healthy. (Rom. 12:1-2 ; 1 Cor. 6:19-20 , 9:27 )

Day 28

Pray that your husband will be a man of prayer. Pray that he will seek and pursue God in purposeful quiet times. (1 Thess. 5:17 ; Luke 22:46 ; James 5:16 )

Day 29

Pray that your husband will surrender his time and talents to the Lord. Pray that his spiritual gifts will be manifest in his career, at church, and in your home. (Eph. 5:15-16 ; 1 Cor. 12:4 , 7 )

Day 30

Pray that your husband will serve God and others with pure motives. Pray that he will obey the Lord from his heart, and glorify Him in everything. (1 Cor. 10:13 ; John 7:17-18 ; Col. 3:23-24 )

Day 31

Pray that your husband will recognize the lies of the Enemy in his life. Pray that his attitudes and actions will be guided by the truth as he brings his thoughts into captivity to the Word of God. (John 8:44 ; 2 Cor. 10:4-5 )/

Taken from Revive Our Hearts

(in)Couraging you to pursue the Proverbs 31 Woman Facebook Group

xo, Angela
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Words to encourage you woman

2012-10-05T05:09:00.002-07:00

Words of Wisdom:
As a woman, you are not automatically assigned the job of "chief worrier." Instead, fill your heart with trust, hope, and God's peace. You'll sleep so much better at night.

Matthew 6:25
Therefore I tell you, stop being perpetually uneasy (anxious and worried) about your life, what you shall eat or what you shall drink; or about your body, what you shall put on. Is not life greater (in quality) than food, and the body (far above and more excellent) than clothing? (Amplified Bible)

Karen Wolff, a guest writer for About.com, is host to a Christian Web site for women. Recently Karen launched a new ebook, A Change of Heart, filled with tips to help women learn how to channel their God-given gifts toward positive and lasting life changes. I asked Karen to share some of those tips with us, and together we've compiled them into this beautiful collection of quotes, Bible verses and words of wisdom for women. For more information visit Karen's Bio Page.

I found this to be very fitting.

xo, Angela

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Five Minute Friday: Welcome

2012-10-05T04:50:00.001-07:00

This was one of the scariest exercises for me. I suspect had Lisa-Jo not "welcomed" me I may not have done this. I've thought about participating in this exercise often. Every now and then I go to Lisa Jo's blog on Friday's to see if she's still doing it.

The five minute writing exercise that has scared me away for so long. Wow, when I got over there today I see how it has grown. "You scary-cat." I told myself. "This is something good for you."

I told myself, "Na, I'm not ready." But it was something about that word, "Welcome."

So here it is: My five minute writing exercise, unedited. This is what to mind when I saw the word "welcome." Now though, I wish that I had wrote how inviting I felt by the word. So much so, in fact that it inspired me and made me feel comfortable enough to move forward and give this a try.

Anyway, here's my exercise. And for my blog readers, this is a writing exercise that doesn't make sense. The thing is just to get writing. So if you don't understand or if it seems like "babble" that's ok. It is.

Welcome…

Go...

Welcome the word calms. Make one feel as if she belongs. It reminds me of a bit Southern Hospitality. A welcome smile and a glass of ice tea on a hot summer day, or maybe where you are a welcome smile with a cup of something hot to warm your insides is more fitting.

Wherever you are whoever you are, one thing is for certain a welcome given by word or deed can settle the most unlikely one. It can speak peace over the rage and unsettling of our souls.

Please know that wherever you are and whoever you are, you are always welcome here.

Stop ...

Let me just say this was so much fun and I think even a bit relaxing. I felt myself sigh and when I did I great relaxation came over me! Now I can't wait til next Friday.

To learn more about the Five Minute Friday prompt. How it got started, etc. visit Lisa-Jo

If you have a blog, why don't you participate. Just head over to Lisa-Jo once you are ready and link up. I would appreciate you emailing me to let me know you participated and I'll stop by :-)

xo, Angela

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(in)Couraging you to fear the Lord

2012-10-04T12:24:00.004-07:00

Yes, ladies. Today, I want to encourage you to fear the Lord.

Why?

"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding."~ Proverbs 9:10

What happens when a woman fears or reverences God?

First and foremost girls,when we reverence God we gain wisdom and knowledge of God's ways. We understand Him better. When we understand Him better by having His wisdom and knowledge, we move as we should, being less selfish and more selfless. All these things are pleasing to Him. If we are moving in ways that are pleasing to God, we will certainly please our husband's {particularly if he is a believer} and we will find ourselves caring for them, our children and our home in more of a selfless manner.

I believe this is why we see the skills of the woman in Proverbs 31 highlighted. It shows us what God does for the woman who fears Him—respects Him. We also see how God gives us our gifts to be a blessing to others and not just for our own benefit.

Read what her husband says about her in verse 29-31. He says, "Many daughters have done nobly, But you excel them all. Charm is deceitful beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised. Give her the product of her hands and let her works praise her in the gates."

Ladies this is her man talking about her. Praising her. The man who knew her, slept beside her. The man who knew her good, bad and ugly. It was this man who recognized that his wife was a woman who feared and reverence the Lord. And because of that reverence God blessed her with the gifts that we see her displaying in verses 10-27.

So what should we as Godly women strive for? We should make it a habit to pray and ask God to give us the fear and reverence for Him so that we will be able to carry out what He has for our lives.

Need some (in)Couragement as a woman is your struggles? Stop by our new Facebook Group and share your story with us so that we can pray for you. If you want to be silent that okay too, just message me and I can pray for you like that.
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Bless you ladies :-)

xo, Angela blog subscription | twitter | facebook

(in)Couraging you to let the character of your beauty shine: pursuing Proverbs 31 woman

2012-10-03T09:50:00.002-07:00

One mistake that I often made when I first became saved was to try and be what I thought the "Proverbs 31 Woman" was. Yes, I said, "mistake."

For the next month or so I will share with you what I am getting from reading Proverbs 31: 10-31. I shared yesterday that I am now a leader with the (in)Courage Community.

The group that I am co-leading with Wendi Lombardo is (in)Couraging you in your pursuit of Proverbs 31.

I use the word "pursuit" here because first I believe we are always "becoming" or "evolving" as long as we are on this side of heaven. Therefore, we are in pursuit of becoming the woman that God wants us to be.

What I loved discovering in this book last night and this morning is that although this woman {or this portrait of several women} is described as being an excellent wife and her worth is far above jewels. She is never thought of being "excellent" or "worthy" due to her outer appearance.

Her beauty is shone because of her character. She is a woman laced with skills and she is a woman of wisdom and great compassion.

So ladies, in helping you (and me) keep in line with the our groups mission. Let's look around our space today, beginning in our home, then going outwardly seize opportunities to be a woman of character. Let's let our husbands, children and our community see our beauty based on our character.

Let that be a goal that we strive for always, but particularly through this session of community let's try hard to remember that this is one of our goals.

Think of some practical ways you can let the beauty of your character shine today and share them with us on our Facebook group.

Here's an interesting article I found on jewels of the Bible.

Don't forget ladies, let's meet up today for discussion on the Facebook Group. See you then!

xo, Angela blog subscription | twitter | facebook

Ladies come join our (in) Courage Community!

2012-10-02T06:42:00.000-07:00

When I first began blogging in 2009, I had no idea that God was working even in those small details of my life. I certainly had no earthly idea that blogging and my online endeavors which included social media could ever be seen as a ministry.

After I first became saved and got married my number one desire was foreign missions. I longed to travel the world to tell people about Jesus. Back then I saw myself as the "Modern day Mother Teresa." My husband and I would apply to work with different mission organizations, but would always find the same thing happening. We would have to step away.

Time and time again the doors continue closing for us to travel. One of the biggest reasons we had to continue stepping away is because I had at least seven miscarriages and one ectopic pregnancy.

I was told by doctors that I would never get pregnant, and that if I did it was a 98 percent certainty that my pregnancies would result in either other ectopic pregnancies or more spontaneous abortions {my uterus would expel the fetus for unknown reasons}.

After much prayer and fasting...a few years later, God chose to honor my petition and give me my hearts desire. He gave me a baby boy {who is now 18}. Fifteen months later he blessed me with my first little girl and continued blessing us with one baby after another until we had reached the blessed number of seven.

Being that each of my pregnancies were considered high risk I was confided to not only the states, but to bed. I longed to do missionary work just as much as I longed to be a mother, but I gave up the desire realizing it would never come to fruition.

But God . . . He had other plans. Just like He gave me the desires of my heart and blessed me with my seven children. My Father eventually gave me the desires of my heart and allowed me to do missionary work. A new kind of missionary work. I get to travel around the world and meet the finest of people, particularly women. And I get to do this without having to leave the comforts of my home. Actually most of my foreign missionary work is done out of my home or the beloved of my life name Starbucks!

"Be careful what you pray for 'cause you just might get it ladies." My missionary assignment has been you! Yes! God gave me you! My online community.

The Internet for me, up to 2009, was mainly "all bad" in my mind. And missionary work from online? Who had ever heard of such a thing?

But God . . .

God is God. Only He can manifest this online thing and cause good to come from it. Once again I have learned to never underestimate the lengths that my Father will go, to answer my prayers.

Boy am I loved by Him. I didn't see my mission field all at once when I got online. Actually before I got to do any mission work, He allowed me to be ministered to.

One of the online communities that I instantly found myself gravitating to was (in)Courage. I've been an avid reader and follower of Sarah Mae and Ann Voskamp since the beginning and became familiar with the (in)Courage community through them.

I'd often longed to write for the (in)Courage blog, but felt as if I weren't "good enough" you know what I mean? I felt sort of like the "odd girl" looking in. I knew these were my own issues though and had nothing to do with the community so I kept praying and soaking up what those group of ladies were offering.

So there I sat in the background taking in all that (in)Courage offered—year after year.

Stillness was my seasons back then.

I read, prayed and observed. Oh and I cried an awful lot too 'cause I was so ruin with so many hang-ups that I had enslaved myself to. Quietly I would read and walking in baby steps I would began to participate in the comments section until one day I looked I realized: I had grown. The things that had me shackled weren't there anymore. And for that I am forever grateful for God bringing those women into my life to encourage me!

That is how my Father showed me that I was to use my platform as my mission ground. I was to go and share and to for others what (in)Courage.me had done for me. Love you and minister to you.

A few months ago, I received an e-mail asking me to fill something out (I believe it was) if I was interested in becoming a community leader for the (in)Courage site. I honestly had to give that some thought and prayer.

I knew that I would love to minister to women online the way I had been ministered to, but me? "Could I really do it, Lord?" I asked.

After a while I thought, "What the heck!" So I filled out what they asked and that was that. I had forgotten all about it.

A month or so later, I went to my e-mail and saw something from the group. It said "Congratulations," and it spoke to me as if I had been chosen to be one of the community leaders. I thought they had made a mistake.

Then after more thought, I figured it wasn't a mistake, they were sharing with those who of us who applied the ladies that were chosen for community leaders.

I glanced through the e-mail and found myself feeling bitter-sweet happy for those who were chosen sad that I wasn't.

Later on I decided to glance at the e-mail one last time to take a peek at the names of the women who were chosen. I wanted to see if I knew any of them. That's when I saw, "Angela Ambroise."

"Angela Ambroise, wait that's me!"

It wasn't until I checked again and again and again and then got in touch with Stacey our community leader that I realized it was true.

Yep. Isn't God amazing. I've come full circle. I am officially an (in)Courage Community Leader.

My group is (in)Couraging you in your pursuit of Proverbs 31. Wendi Lombard and I are the group leaders.

(in)Couraging you in your pursuit of Proverbs 31 is a Facebook group where we gather to encourage you as a Christian woman to first and foremost maintain the biblical traditions of keeping your spiritual life growing, being a wife, mother and the caregiver of your home while still pursuing some of your goals and likes in the 21st Century.

Okay, so here are the links to for you to move around and see what's going on. Of course you can always come here. My focus for this blog will change and be more about us—women keeping the biblical traditions of the Bible while pursuing our goals.

Wendi the woman who I am Co-leading the group with.

The (in) Courage community

Facebook Group

We would to have you join our group so please come by and check us out and send a request to join! And hey, past the word around we are having a Twitter party tonight!

Pst, meet us on Twitter tonight? Let’s hang out and talk all things community, friendship, encouragement, superpowers and chocolate.
We’ll be tweeting under the hashtag #incouragers.9pm EST. Meet you there.

xo, Angela

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I run to you

2012-09-03T23:40:00.001-07:00

Sometimes, when life beats up on us and it seems that we've done just about all we can do— if you are anything like me, you run.

I run in my actions, my heart and my attitude. Never physical. Sometimes the only one who knows that I am running is me and my Lord.

I don't run right away. I can go several months trying, praying, even a few years. I will try and give it a go. But when I've reached that point and see where I'm doing and going through the same thing day in and day out, with no glimpse of an end. I run.

But I run away from you Lord. Myself tells me, "I think I can probably do this better. Surely I will do it differently."

But after months, sometimes years of getting beaten down—being on the outside of your will. I come to realize in the sickness of my sinful heart that there is no better place to be then with you. Even if being with you means that I must walk the barren field dessert inside of your will, if being in the desert means I will be with You.

So what do I do, when I've done all that I can do on my own. I realize what I've always known and realized. I need you.

So I run.

I run to You Lord. I run to You because with You I know I am forgiven. And with You I know that I am understood. And more than anything else come hell or high water, with You Lord, I know that I am loved.

xo, Angela
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Pursuit of Proverbs 31 Woman {a review}

2012-08-13T11:03:00.000-07:00

I am very happy to have had the opportunity to review Amy Bayliss' book, 'Pursuit of Proverbs 31.' I've never met Amy personally, but I have known of her for quite sometime, and I have corresponded with her via e-mail on several occasions. Amy and I are both southern girls so I automatically feel a kindered spirit with, but not only are we southern girls, we are "heavenly" southern girls thus my bond to her.

When I first began blogging, Amy Bayliss' blog, Sarah Mae, Like A Warm Cup of Coffee, and the women that I met on the Christian Women Affiliate forum were my life lines to me. These places is where I found my much needed sanity, understanding and camaraderie. I had been hurt by people in my church and those that I were close to so I swore off intimate relationships. Needless to say God was doing a work with me and my heart online. I would end up opening my heart in a new and very different way.

It was through Amy and CWA that I began to learn about Blog Talk Radio and that ministries online could be a "for real thing." Not only that, but I saw women taking their ministry very serious online! That was new and different. Therefore, I feel like I was sort of there in the beginning with Amy and the writing and figuring out process of her book. I remember, like it was yesterday, her sharing her heart with us—her blog readers a bit about the process and what she was going through. I could not wait to delve into this book when I got it.

Let me just say that when I first began reading the book I was very surprised. I thought 'Pursuit of Proverbs 31,' was going to be an easy read 70+ pages "ladies book." You know all pretty and flowery with instructions of "how-to's." How to be this kind of wife, or this kind of mother, or this sort of entrepreneurial.

Not so with this book, I'm so glad it wasn't, 'cause I don't like those sort of books that much, but I was going to read it because Amy wrote it.

'Pursuit of Proverbs 31' is a serious read, and it is for the person who is serious about your personal Christian development. Sure you can read through it, like Amy says. I tried it. But that's not quite the truth in my opinion because you're going to get stuck somewhere on those pages.

I got stuck with the reading of these words, "She has a pure heart. God sees a clear distinction between a person's actions and the person's heart." It was at this point that I settled in my heart that I wasn't going to breeze through this electronic book as quickly as I'd thought. So I got still and accepted my lot.

'Pursuit of Proverbs 31,' is for the woman who finds herself at any season in her life. It is certainly an excellent read for someone just coming into the kingdom, the reason being is because Amy gently leads our souls into prayer, Bible reading and worship while explaining the process along the way, therefore, this is excellent for the woman just coming to Christ.

However, if you are like me and need some refreshing or a jump start to help you "remember" how sweet it is to sit at the feet of God, this book is for you too. It had been a while since I'd taken time to sit at my table in the mornings and purpose in my heart to be still and listen to God in this manner. I seem to had lost the spark. I found it though by going through this book in the morning and it was sweet. I found myself savoring the moment and honestly looking forward to my time with Him via 'Pursuit of Proverbs 31.'

I would encourage any Christian woman to pick up her copy of 'Pursuit of Proverbs 31.' You will not find a road map to how to be the perfect wife or mother, but you will find the road map to help you become a woman who deals with herself, her God, and her family with a very pure heart.

xo, Angela blog subscription | twitter | facebook

Work and rejoice

2012-08-02T17:05:00.000-07:00

I'm sure many of you are familiar with this writing by A poor Methodist woman, eighteenth century.

I found it in Elisabeth Elliot's book 'Gateway to Joy: reflections that draw us nearer to God.'

There are several writings that I read that I wanted to share. Things that slow us down to see the beauty in life. This sums up how I feel at times when washing dishes by candlelight. I do that sometimes to quite my soul and see the beauty around me, even though at times there is chaos around me like now for instances. Kids are quarreling... need I say more. So I still away. Yes. I get still and fly faraway in my mind.

This is what I read:

"I do not know when I have had happier times in my soul, than when I have been sitting at work, with nothing before me but a candle and a white cloth, and hearing no sound but that of my own breath, with God in my soul and heaven in my eye...

I rejoice in being exactly what I am, a creature capable of loving God, and who, as long as God lives, must be happy. I get up and look for a while out of the window, and gaze at the moon and stars, the work of an Almighty hand.

I think of the grandeur of the universe, and then sit down, and think myself one of the happiest beings in it.

Much love to you.

I will be giving the update on my exercise regiment. Thanks for the emails :-)
xo, Angela blog subscription | twitter | facebook

An abortion gone wrong story...the baby didn't DIE!

2012-07-27T08:27:00.000-07:00

Can you imagine that? Going to the abortion doctor to have your baby murdered, but it didn't die! Talk about mind-boggling!

There's one thing we must all remember, and that is, "God is the author and finisher of life." I don't care what we plan or what we do, if God the giver of our life is not ready for us to die, we are not going to die and it is as plain and simple as that.

In mouthing those words I'm reminded of the story of Kristen. I'm about to get off of the abortion story for a minute because I want to share very briefly the story of a girl who was 17 and fed up with her life.

What did Kristen do in the midst of her pain? Oh well, she only went and laid her body over some train tracks for a train to run over her. Did the train run over her? It did indeed. Was she killed? Nope.

God wasn't ready for her to die. I will put a link at the end of this post for you to get her book and find out more about her. I love her testimony!

Okay, now, getting back to the abortion gone wrong story... the video in this post is told from the mouth of the baby who didn't die. I hope you are moved enough by these two testimonies to thank God for your life today. However bad or good you feel that it is, thank Him.

I know I do. If you were to ask me how things were going in my life, if I surveyed exactly what I see... oh Lord I would be fit for pill popping, would probably be considered as a candidate for bipolar and no telling what else. I've come to the conclusion that my life is my life, and it is a good life in spite of. It is certainly a gift from God and I see that, sense that and know that.

One thing I know now. I know this like I know my name and I accept it finally. I know that God is love and that God loves me. And that come what may... I am going to be alright. Period.

So if you're hating on your life right now. I say, "Stop it!" Appreciate where you are, who you are, what you are and what you have. Period. Love you and your life and learn to make the best of where you are, who you are, and what you have!

Glorify God in your life, right now, just the way it is.

The picture above of the young girl is Kristen and here's the link to her book: Life in spite of me. Kristen's ministry Reaching You

These stories are more proof that anything if given to God can become our gateway to joy! Sometimes the gateway to our joy is what we consider the ugly. Just look at the cross.

Who would have conceived that so much love and the very essences of life itself would come through the horrific pain, suffering, anguish and ugliness as the cross? But life did come from such pain and so did love my friend. Life for all of us came from the suffering, pain and shame that Jesus experienced from the death and humiliation of dying on the cross.

That is why we can't always measure the goodness of our life by our feelings or the ugliness that God allows us to experience because many of joys came through the gateway of pain.

For those of you who have been following me for a while, if you're saying, "She's talked about them before." You are right I have. I find these stories worth repeating. God bless.

xo, Angela blog subscription | twitter | facebook

Are you a sinner in need of grace?

2012-07-25T07:25:00.000-07:00

For those of you who blog and wonder if your blog reaches the heart or touches a soul. I'm here to say, "yes," it does. Do you wonder if God is doing something good with what you are writing, "He is."

Let me remind you of what the Bible says, "So will My Word be which goes forth from My mouth; It will not return to Me empty, without accomplishing that what I desire, and without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it." ~ Is. 55:11

If or when God lays something on your heart dear blogger— blog it. Tell it. Tweet it. Facebook it. Youtube it. Proclaim it! Even though you may never get one iota of a comment on what you typed out. Share what He gives you anyway... all the time! And you simply find solace in knowing that you put it out there, out there in the monstrous www.

This morning I decided to have my devotions by reading one of my favorite blogs, "Grace is for sinners." First off, I love that name. Have you ever thought about that? Grace is for sinners. It is, you know? It is only for us. Who else would need it? Angels? Na. It's for us, you and me. Those of us wrapped in flesh.

There are several things that I read over there at Serena's blog that caused me to pause, take notice and examine myself. One thing that caught my attention was a scripture that she shared. Let me say that my translation the NASB does not word that verse like her translation does. That is one reason why for certain things I enjoy reading other translations. Anyway here is how her translations states Jeremiah 5: 18, "Even then, as bad as it will be" - God's Decree!- "it will not be the end of the world for you."

Think about that and this too while you are at it. "How is it possible to recover from your own sin when you can't go back? How is it that good people can say one thing, but God says another? They tell you you're beyond restoration and God calls you His beloved. They won't talk to you, but He died for you?"

Then there's the "trap." "Because the sentence against an evil deed is not executed speedily the heart of the children of man is fully set to do evil." ~ Ecc. 8:11

That's me. I'm guilty of that. All of what she talks about speaks to my character in one way or another. I have to scold myself sometimes because I notice that I fall into the trap.

She also writes, "The slow hand of God to right the wrongs can send you in one of two directions. You know who your God is by where this injustice sends you. Are you patient, putting your trust in God? Do you believe that you're forgiven and loved in spite of their opinions? Or do you fight to show them their wrongs and refuse to move forward on your own? Are you stuck in the filth they refuse to wash off? When someone gets honored for bearing your sin and you get slandered for being a sinner, does it set your pride on fire?

God was patient with you while you were making your terrible choices. He didn't give up on you while you turned your back on Him. Jesus didn't come back while you were in the wrong bed.

Don't wish that, which you were spared, to be poured over another."

I could go on and on sharing Serena's writing with you, but I think I may already be broaching the doors of plagerism here so I better stop.

Head over there to Grace is for sinners and read the outstanding writing. That is if you are like me, a sinner in need of grace. You will see the wisdom God has given this girl to uplift those of us who are sinners.

Why did I share this with you?

I shared this with you because I see in almost everything now, the truth that Elisabeth Elliot taught countless of women like me. I have the utmost belief that "Everything if given to God can become your gateway to joy." And I want to keep reminding those of us who heard her utter many times and to share with those who never heard it, "You are loved with an everlasting love and underneath are the everlasting arms!"

That's part of the grace that God gives to sinners, like me.

xo, Angela blog subscription | twitter | facebook

Are you still blogging?

2012-07-22T14:54:00.000-07:00

I know, I know. I've been hitting and missing for a while now. I still have e-mails to get to, etc.

So... what' going on with me?

A lot. First off, I'm still learning website {coding} and design. I've come a very long way, but still have much to learn. I can finally say that I'm successfully climbing Mt. Photoshop and it's not as intimidating anymore! Whew! I never thought I would be at a place where I could say that. Sadly. I've come to discover that I wasn't loved unconditionally by many like I thought, and when I could no longer give them the time and attention they had become accustomed to they left. I never realized how I had gotten use to certain people and they had gotten use to me. I have family members, even, who have stopped talking to me because I have been "just that busy."

My situation is not your situation and yours isn't mine. We all come to a point in life where we must do what we have to do. I am at that point. I have a lot riding on me successfully learning design.

I will soon be able to share my new website with you all. And for those who signed up what seems like ages ago for me to help you with your blogs I haven't forgotten about you. I really can't give anyone a definite date of when I will be contacting them, just know I'm working my towards you.

Now there is something else I want to share with you all. I want you to hold me accountable. I'm really trying to get myself together. I have a few books, spiritual ones, that I'm reviewing and working through to help me grow spiritually that I will be sharing that process with you. Also, not only am I working on the inside of myself, spiritually and nutritionally, but I am among the ones who are working on the outside. I'm starting a new workout program. The Tracy Anderson Method. Have anyone of you heard of it? If you have I would love for you to share your stories.

Anyway, that's what's going on around here. Also on my other blog, I will deal more with "all things Photoshop, designs and what else...blogging."

xo, Angela blog subscription | twitter | facebook

Your struggle isn't who you are

2012-07-08T11:39:00.000-07:00

"When you're in a middle of a struggle . . . that's not who you are," says Holley Gerth.

A friend of mine use to say to me often, "Your circumstances don't define who you are. A lot of people find themselves in bad situations and they let that situation define them."

I get it now.

Girls our struggles are not our identity, it is merely our location at the moment. And that goes for anything good or bad.

"Where we are in life changes. Who we are stays the same wherever we go."

Personally I was so glad to read Holley's words. I know sometimes we can find ourselves in situations that seem to have a stronghold on us— in spite of this we must press on as best we can. Even if we have to fall to our knees, lift our hands and say, "Help me Father." Seasons do change.

Today we are here. Tomorrow or the next day . . . only God knows.

Ladies, we don't have to be perfect, yet we are perfectly loved.

xo, Angela blog subscription | twitter | facebook