Stilettos & Grace

10,000 Reasons

noreply@blogger.com (Angela) — Tue, 10 Sep 2013 16:14:00 +0000

Had my world rocked this morning.

Not that that is uncommon for me. It happens quite often. Halted in my path by a sudden realization... a call to battle... my heart leaping into my throat, breath stopping short in my lungs.

Bobbie Houston posted this on Instagram:

My arrested thoughts were overtaken by the line on repeat: "Ten thousand reasons for my heart to find..."

Emotion welled up in me. The kind that tingles behind your nose and eyes but tears never come because your body is on pause.

Lest we ever forget. This. Is. Happening.

This. HAS. Happened.

And countless more that will never reach the news.

We have a voice, and here is a reason. One reason. One 8 year old reason. Rawan.

The same reasons we will raise our voice and bless the Lord are the same reasons we will raise our voice and cry out against the injustices of this world. Ten thousand reasons. This one little 8 year old reason. Rawan. And countless more.

Something is about to be exposed in our nation, the horrors of which many of our brains have never even begin to imagine. It's already being exposed throughout the world. And then horrors like Rawan and the continued nightmarish life that women across the world live in every day, that they have been living in for millennia.

"Ten thousand reasons for my heart to find..."

The same reasons we worship are the same reasons we will put our faith into action. Because faith without action is dead. James 2:17 In the same way, awareness without action accomplishes nothing. Don't walk through your day aware and fool yourself into thinking you're making a difference.

Act. Move. Do. Pray.

Lord JESUS. Rock our world. Arrest our hearts. Move us to action. Move our voices to simultaneously bless your name and cry out for justice. Move our hands to simultaneously lift high in worship and stretch to rescue the captives. Move our feet to simultaneously dance in praise and go to comfort the hurting.

Jesus, move us. MOVE US. Move us... that we may move.

Trip Update & Fun News

noreply@blogger.com (Angela) — Thu, 23 May 2013 16:42:00 +0000

We are SO THANKFUL for the miracle we're watching take place!

Just a few weeks ago we needed $22,500.

As of today, we only need $4,500.

THAT is AMAZING!!!

Our deadline was this past Monday, so we're praying and working with everything in our hands to finish up our fundraising for Swazi & Wales as ground costs are beginning to be paid out.

Thank you so much to those of you who are part of the GO!

As each one does the part God puts on their heart to do, the whole is accomplished.

And that's what we're seeing happen.

Thank you.

If you haven't had a chance to be a part of the GO yet, we still need you!

Just click the Africa Page link above this post, scroll down and you will find directions on ways to easily give and be a part.

We're SO EXCITED about some incredible trip updates that have happened in the last few days.

We have two carepoints, Gege & Mankayane, that comprise our Swazi Dream Center.

Usually we split our days between the two.

We JUST found out that when we do our big fun day, the Mankayane kids will be bussed over to Gege and we'll all be TOGETHER!

The fun day is when they have their Christmas meal in June and we get to paint nails, paint faces, play games and have a bouncy house.

Many of these Mankayane kids have never set foot out of their small community or even been in a car before, so what an amazing opportunity to get to ride a BUS to visit other kids!

AND (there's more. i know.) when they're all together for our big fun day we get to give them backpacks full of school supplies and personal care kits that have been put together by the children at our church.

AND, we're going to video our kids packing the bags and show it to our Swazi Dream Center kids, and then video them receiving the bags and show it to our NLC kids when they're together in a few weeks for Base Camp.

God is so amazing with His creativity and giving us the technology to be able to form relationships over thousands of miles between groups of children who would have never been able to connect otherwise.

That word.

Connection.

THAT is community.

THAT is what we're building. Globally. Where we've been called to.

And this...

Will meet with this...

And become this...

Connection. Community. Relationship.

Together.

ANOTHER Matching Campaign!

noreply@blogger.com (Angela) — Wed, 15 May 2013 15:54:00 +0000

Oh, my GOODNESS!!!

We have had TWO more donors come forward and say they want to do a matching campaign to help us finish off what's left to raise.

(freak out. freak... OUT.)

Please go to the Africa page up top to read about how YOU can be part of this miracle and part of the GO.

Learning hand games last year...

UPDATE: Africa

noreply@blogger.com (Angela) — Tue, 07 May 2013 15:22:00 +0000

Wow! The matching campaign was AMAZING!!!

Thank you to ALL who were a part through finances and prayer!

Go to the Africa page (just up top, there) to read an update on what happened and where we're currently at with our trip.

URGENT: Matching Gift Donation!

noreply@blogger.com (Angela) — Wed, 01 May 2013 16:49:00 +0000

Someone has given us a matching gift for our Swazi/Wales trip!

Will you pray about helping us MAX THIS OUT??!!!?

Your $25 becomes $50.
Your $50 becomes $100.
Your $100 becomes $200.
I know... crazy amazing!!!!!!!

Go here to find out how to be a part of the miracle we're about to see.
(It's SOOOOO easy!!! And only takes a couple of minutes.)

Or just click the AFRICA link at the top of the page.

Us with Tebo:

Real Wisdom

noreply@blogger.com (Angela) — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 16:26:00 +0000

"Do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is."

Ephesians 5:17

The Bible speaks so much of wisdom, how we're to run after it, seek it at all costs, that wisdom cries out to us and is waiting for us, that it's available to those who pursue it, who ask for it.

I remember being so paralyzed with decisions, frozen in fear that I would make the wrong choice. I was afraid that somehow I would unknowingly, in spite of my best intentions, go down some ill-wrought path.

I pictured myself some sort of Gollum-esque creature at the bottom of a scraggly dark trail gazing up at the distant light on the top of the mountain, realizing I had somewhere missed the "right" road, crying out (think Wicked Witch here), "Oh, what a world, what a world... I'm melting... oooohhhh..."

Hmmm.

Grim.

Dramatic.

I know. It's my imagination. I'm sure you have your own picture.

And, truthfully, sometimes I still find myself stuck in this place.

Christ died so we would have freedom. FREEDOM, people! Freedom is not sitting at a crossroads agonizing in such a way that we stay stalled where we are for fear of what will come if we choose poorly.

That's bondage.

We have an enemy that wants us to stay sitting there, stalled out, inactive.

(Mini word break-down: Inactive is the opposite of active. When we're inactive we're not taking action. That's the place the enemy wants to keep us! Taking no action.)

What is the opposite of unwise?

Wise!

In Ephesians 5:17, the opposite of unwise is understanding the will of the Lord.

So wisdom is understanding the will of the Lord.

What is God's will?

That we partner with Him in what He is doing, in what He has already been doing, in what He will continue to do.

We don't need to sit paralyzed at a crossroads, but prayerfully move forward in what God is doing... in what He is calling us to partner with Him in.

When we make our decisions based on this, we don't need to be afraid of winding up in a roadside ditch (insurance ad shout-out), because He's guiding us in what He has already been doing.

It may look different than anything we imagined.

(I'm a Mary Kay consultant working so our family can go to the nations. Never in a million years did it occur to me this would be how God provided for what we knew He was calling us to. Passions providing for passions. Amazing. Blows me away.)

Are you paralyzed today?

God brings wisdom. He gives it to those who ask.

And He wants you to partner with Him in what He's already doing, in accomplishing His will for the people around you... for the world... for you.

What crossroads are you at?

Which option is partnering with God in what He's doing? Is there one option in which you'd be trusting in yourself more than God?

Maybe both options are good. Don't sit stalled. Start pursuing.

Choose to partner with His will.

It will be the adventure of your life.

By the way, getting wisdom... understanding God's will... it's a never-ending seeking.

The more we seek, the more we find. Onward and upward, deeper into the mysteries. That's the beauty of it, that the deeper we go the more we realize we've only just begun.

("To live... white lace and promises..."

Couldn't help that.)

Laughing SO Hard

noreply@blogger.com (Angela) — Fri, 09 Nov 2012 00:08:00 +0000

So, we have a friend who's a comedian.

No, like seriously.

He makes his living doing this stuff.

(...and is pretty hilarious... until he asks to babysit your children and you laugh because you think he's joking but he's actually serious... and then it isn't as funny.)

(Yes, John, I just said that.)

We were laughing at some of his videos the other day and I thought I'd share them with you.

These are from our Leadership Conference this past September.

(I think he's in Vegas right now, being all yes-I-do-this-for-a-living like.)

To see more, visit www.johncristcomedy.com.

Behind the Outfit

noreply@blogger.com (Angela) — Wed, 07 Nov 2012 22:39:00 +0000

For me, most things contain meaning.

I remember the stories behind articles of clothing... jewelry... furniture... books.

Fashion isn't just fashion... everything holds a memory.

A lot of people don't get this, and I get that.

I get why they don't get it.

It seems superficial, or materialistic, or whatever.

But the bottom line is I tend to attach meaning, whether warranted or not, to just about everything I have.

(I probably contain in my dna hoarder tendencies.)

Love languages?

My first is Acts of Service.

My second? (I've said this before.) Gifts.

Not gifts for gifts' sake. I remember when this came up in a specific conversation, and a short time later someone gave me a bunch of little stuff, because they thought "gifts" meant "stuff."

But, it's actually not about the "stuff" at all. It's the thought... yes, the sentiment... that speaks to my heart.

When I'm throwing together an outfit, there's always a back story.

I laugh and think of the memories, sometimes deep, sometimes not-at-all.

But, either way, I tend to remember... and hold dear.

This was a recent Instagram #outfitpost.

(You can find me under @angela_white on both Instagram and twitter.)

That navy early 90's shirt I found this summer at a Goodwill in Eugene, Oregon... the big town by the little town I grew up in. I was there with Nate and we were looking for something I can't recall. I was super excited to have something with such fun detail from our trip home.

When I say that scarf came from Forever21, that's no big deal. But in reality, it was a Forever21 in Michigan that we stopped at shortly after I got off the plane with my dear friend Rachael (now) Kiehne. We were there for a women's retreat at her home church, where she was leading worship and I was speaking for the weekend. We had been goofing around in the store (I think I wrapped this around my head), and I wound up buying it. I think of her and our fun trip and how blown away I am at the places God takes me nearly every time I wear it. (Hey, look! It's me & Rach in Michigan!)

The tank was actually a birthday gift from Hanna Hughes, who lived with us all last year. She had bought me something else that didn't quite *ahem* fit when she came for a visit in September, so I exchanged it for this tank with the cool strings on the sides.

But that happened after she had left, and she never got to see it.

I always think how she would love the way I pair it with things.

The American Apparel skirt I went out on a limb and bought online. I just hardly ever do that stuff!!! But, there was an AA sale on gilt.com, and I just knew that I knew that I knew that I would adore this. It's a reminder every time I put it on that I WAS RIGHT.

The boots I've actually blogged on before... back when "myspace" and "blog" were still mentioned in the same sentence. (Oh, dear goodness, that post makes me emotional!)

They're my hometown. They're country girl. They're a bit of my past, which sat for a long time buried in my closet, but now are used SO often... if even in a different way than originally intended.

(Now THAT'S a message, right there.)

The moth pendant I remember hanging around my mom's neck when I was a little girl. Sometimes she would wear it with this dress that was all white with pink detailing that Dad bought for her on a trip to Korea.

She had pink pumps that matched the pink thread of the dress, and everything about it was just so perfect. Even now as I hold that image in my mind it has a soft-lens light to it.

Sometimes she would wear it to church.

Other times for very rare dates with Dad, which were usually to business meetings, because it wasn't often they could afford to go on an actual date.

I remember always being so mystified by the moths on either side that were pressed between the glass. It had belonged to my Great-Grania, and always seemed to have some kind of magic about it.

When Mom gave it to me there was such a thrill in my heart, like that was somehow an official passage into woman-hood, wearing the moth pendant.

And none of these "things" will last forever.

The clothes will fall apart, just like my mom's beautiful white dress from Korea did.

And the moth pendant will someday be passed to my daughter, but is also doomed to disintegrate, just like the dress.

It's good to recognize the meaning in things, and not look at everything in life from a sterile point-of-view.

And it's good to use the things that mean something to us, instead of keeping them behind glass to simply look at.

We only live once.

Let it be filled with meaning.

My reaction... in song

noreply@blogger.com (Angela) — Wed, 07 Nov 2012 05:06:00 +0000

Time to SHINE, baby, SHINE...

and PRAY, baby, PRAY.

Thank you, Jesus, for a nation in which we have the privilege of participating in choosing who governs us.

And thank you, JESUS, that YOU are still LORD.

Your Kingdom has come, and will come, and that. won't. change.

No matter what.

The darker things get, the brighter we will shine.

So, let's shine.

Laugh Break

noreply@blogger.com (Angela) — Tue, 06 Nov 2012 00:30:00 +0000

With all the election stuff, I just felt like having a good laugh.

I know I posted this a couple of years ago, but seriously, it never fails to make me laugh til I look ridiculous...

Watch it.

Then watch it a second time.

...and then find yourself singing the song at random times that seem really out of place.

"The world has gone insane, and you don't know what is right.

You gotta keep on keepin' on.

Get on that pig and hold on tight!"

And if you're wanting to read where I stand on all the election stuff, read yesterday's post.

But then come back here and watch the video again so tomorrow during election coverage you can be singing it repeatedly in your head.

...or outloud.

(I vote for outloud.)

(And I realize that spell check says "outloud" isn't a word. Technically it should be "out loud" or "out-loud." But, I say we make "outloud" the official correct spelling.

Just like I also say we should make "attackative" and actual word.

Because some people are very attackative lately.)

My Vote

noreply@blogger.com (Angela) — Mon, 05 Nov 2012 02:04:00 +0000

There are many Christians who've decided to not announce publicly who they're voting for.

Pastors, authors, speakers... they've prayed about it extensively and come to this conclusion.

For those in the public eye, it's so important to make this decision with much prayer and thought.

I understand that if you endorse one candidate, you risk making supporters of the other candidate feel alienated when they sit in your congregation, read your books, listen to you speak.

Church is about people coming together, unified by following Christ.

It's a family that welcomes ANYONE in, no matter what.

I think it's wise for these leaders to follow what God is leading them to do; to say, "Seek God's heart. Read His word. Vote your convictions," but not necessarily say a name of a particular candidate.

I've also very prayerfully approached this subject.

Nowhere in the word of God are we told to remain silent on issues.

We are told to seek wisdom... to listen for God's leading... to do good and protect the vulnerable.

We are told to speak truth in love, to not seek to offend, to guide our words cautiously, to respect those in authority.

After seeing MANY of the leaders in my life prayerfully choose to not share which candidate they are voting for...

I have prayerfully chosen to be public about my vote.

There are many people who are undecided and unsure.

If those of us who are led to speak up remain silent, they will be swayed by those who ARE vocal.

If you've read this blog for any length of time, you know my heart.

You know I am passionate about life and people and the Church rising up to take their place.

Christians and politics are not mutually exclusive.

Rather, as Christians we are called to engage, to use wisdom, to speak up on behalf of those who are unable to... on behalf of those who have been silenced.

Nate and I mailed in our ballots last week.

We voted for Mitt Romney.

There are a lot of views, a lot of words, a lot of talk, a lot of slander being slung around in society about both candidates.

The bottom line is I look at the issue of life.

How a candidate values life in all stages shows clearly where their heart is.

I do not think the Romney administration will approach everything perfectly.

Even the issue of life.

No administration ever does.

However, the Obama administration has not valued life.

In fact, it has waged war against those in our nation who have no voice.

I also do not believe in a big government that controls the wheels of capitalism and turns it into a system of wealth redistribution.

I do not believe in a government that financially takes care of its people.

I believe in a government that protects the freedoms of its people to financially take care of themselves, and in doing so empowers its people to create jobs, take risks, and invest in the care of others who are struggling to make ends meet.

I believe in a government that is for the people, by the people... not a government that is for big government, not a government that weaves its control throughout every aspect of society.

I believe Mitt Romney is by far the better choice for President of our nation as we seek to do what is best for all of us.

Not a perfect choice.

Not a "Christian" choice.

But overwhelmingly the best choice.

If you are a follower of Christ, then you need to read the scriptures, seek wisdom for yourself, and ask for God to give you HIS heart on the issues at hand.

You know what conclusion I have come to.

Whatever conclusion you come to, please vote.

It is our responsibility as Christ followers to engage.

To respectfully and responsibly take a stand.

To take action based on love and our convictions.

To take every opportunity to do what is best for the people of the nation we live in.

(To read more on why Christians should be politically engaged, visit Glenn Packiam's well-voiced post.)

On countertops and breeding grounds...

noreply@blogger.com (Angela) — Sun, 04 Nov 2012 01:48:00 +0000

My countertops are a breeding ground. No matter how often I put it all away, it comes right back. AND spreads itself around... as if mocking my attempt and letting me know there is never any real "win" in this situation until children leave home.

Which isn't really a "win," either.

Good thing our house is lived in and loved and a breeding ground for other things, too. Like hopes and dreams and faith and miracles and encouragement and life lived full.

MixItUp: Skinny Cargos

noreply@blogger.com (Angela) — Fri, 02 Nov 2012 23:38:00 +0000

I have two pairs of skinny cargo pants.

(Yes, I wear them both. Often.)

(...*ahem* veeeerrrrryyyyy often.)

The darker pair is Charlotte Russe, on sale for $5 a couple years back.

The lighter pair is actual JBrand (pioneers of the skinny cargo), found last year at a resale shop in Vail for $40.

I kind of flipped.

A smattering of how they've been worn in just the past few months:

Dear, goodness, I sure look serious (even mournful) in these photos.

Maybe I should start doing duck lips.

Or really cheesy smiles.

But, this is real life... as captured in my super cheap-o bathroom mirror... usually before I put on sweatpants for the evening... because I'm real like that... yo.

Evidently, I like to wear plaid articles of clothing with either pair.

And various varieties of boots.

Hope this gives you some new ideas of how to mix it up!

Investment & Return

noreply@blogger.com (Angela) — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 22:59:00 +0000

Just a short time ago I was having a conversation with a dear friend who is more than ten years younger than I am.

We were talking hurts and marriage and healing and life.

I brought up a side of a certain issue she hadn't thought of that had to do with men and (Warning: I'm gonna say it.) sex and chemicals and how that relates to marriage and healing and life and such.

She was pretty shocked at what I was saying, and that I was saying it so nonchalantly.

But then she paused in her shock and said something to the effect of, "That's something my mom would have said to me. But, she's not here anymore, so I'm sure glad you're saying it to me! Otherwise I wouldn't have known."

Since then it's been on my heart, that had I not said it, she maybe would have never heard it... never known... never been equipped with that extremely helpful knowledge.

But, if someone else wouldn't have said it to me, I wouldn't have known either.

It just so happens that I heard it from a speaker/author at a women's event, which is the only reason why I was able to pass it along to my friend.

But if I had never gone to the event, I wouldn't have had it to pass along.

Or if the person I heard it from had never said it, I wouldn't have been equipped with that knowledge...

and neither would the other women who have gained that knowledge from her.

Someday my friend will be able to pass that knowledge along to someone else in her path and it will be helpful to them like it was to her, and me, and the other women who've heard it.

I'm very aware that things can only come out of us if we first put them in.

Whether it's from friends, mentors, books, conferences...

what goes into us is what will come out.

As followers of Christ, we have the Holy Spirit who has been sent to us to bring wisdom and understanding. But, it doesn't mean we stop investing, stop reading, stop seeking.

How much MORE can the Holy Spirit use what we seek at His leading?

May we never stop investing in ourselves.

The day we stop is the day we choose to stop investing in those around us, those coming after us.

The day we stop investing is the day we decide we don't care about a return.

We're called to generational ministry, generational investment...

generational return.

(Not sure? Go read Titus 2.)

*And if you're curious about the whole sex thing, visit authenticintimacy.com.*

Conversations: on fishing

noreply@blogger.com (Angela) — Sat, 06 Oct 2012 17:06:00 +0000

Saturday morning.

We're all waking up and stumbling out of our caves.

Ian is hungry.

"Mom, can you fix me breakfast?"

I think for a minute.

"What do you want?"

"Waffles."

"We're not going to do waffles this morning, bud. What else do you want?"

"I'll have a bagel."

"Okay. Go get the bagel cutter out."

"What? Mom! Whyyyyy???"

"You can make a bagel. I'll talk you through it."

"Mom, can't YOU make me the bagel? I don't want to make it!"

"No, you can make it."

About five minutes passes.

"Ian, have you had breakfast?"

"No."

"What are you having?"

"A bagel."

"Okay. Get the bagel cutter out."

"Moooommmmm. Can't you just make it FOR me?"

"Ian. Go get the bagel cutter out. I'll talk you through it. And then someday, when you're in college and living on your own you'll thank me for teaching you some very simple and very practical things."

"Yeah, but YOU didn't teach me to cook mac n cheese. Dad taught me THAT."

"Yes, and someday you'll be thankful. Because I could do it all for you, but that wouldn't be the most helpful thing for YOU."

(I realize what's about to come out of my mouth.)

"If you give a man a fish, he'll eat for a day. If you teach a man how to fish, he'll eat for the rest of his life.

Ian, I'm teaching you how to fish."

He looks at me with that sly little smile, realizing he's been cornered.

"But, Mom. This is a bagel."

Musings & Happenings: on conferences, faithfulness, family & travel

noreply@blogger.com (Angela) — Fri, 05 Oct 2012 19:53:00 +0000

*I can't believe we're already five days into October.

No, really. I mean, I can't believe it.

I keep forgetting.

*Isn't that interesting? That I would forget a truth that's right in front of me.

It's written on every calendar. It's on my beloved iPhone every time I look at the screen.

Odd how it's so easy to forget such simple truth,

even when it's staring you in the face and surrounding you wherever you go.

(That's a sermon, right there.)

*In September I had the amazing privilege of traveling with the incredible Stephanie Henderson (Stephanie Henderson Ministries) to Paris, Texas, to lead worship for The Stiletto Project conference.

We had an absolute blast pouring our hearts into new friends, and I can honestly say I learned so much.

I'm continually thankful and blown away at the women God brings into my life.

Strong in different ways.

Varied in talent and influence.

This was such a gift, and I love how God stirs something inside us, but then HE creates the path. He doesn't require us to push and shove to accomplish something in our own strength.

He allows us to yearn for what He stirs, and then opens doors in His timing and moves us into it as we lean into Him.

Amazing.

Amazing, amazing, amazing.

AMAZING.

Walking out our destiny...

"...Blessed is she who believed there would be a fulfillment of what had been spoken to her by the LORD."

Luke 1:45

Amazing world changers of Paris, Texas.

Jesus with boots on and the Eiffel tower, Texas style.

Steph sat by this guy on the plane home.

"Angela, what are you doing? Angela. Seriously. Are you... are you taking a picture?"

Maybe. *wink*

*In September I also turned 36!!!!!!!! I came home from The Stiletto Project to find the house decorated with streamers, a cake on the counter, presents on the table, and Ian had even made "Happy Birthday" out of legos.
(Yes, it's sitting atop the ferret cage.)

(Click to get full panorama effect.)

I am one... blessed... mom.

I know there are many women who don't want to divulge their age for various reasons.

It's kind of a thing, "Never ask a woman her age."

But, I'm proud of my 36 years. Honestly, I think the enemy creeps in often and tries to whisper, "You're to old for _______." OR, "You're too young for _______."

Really? REALLY?

Well, which is it?

Am I too young? Or am I too old?

The truth is NEITHER! I've walked this earth for 36 years and am going to take ownership of every single one of them.

Do I get a little discouraged sometimes with new wrinkles or my body doing odd things as it ages?

Yes. I'm a normal woman.

(And, man. Some of this stuff is odd.)

But, the TRUTH is I am exactly the right age for what God is calling me to do,

so I'm gonna CLAIM IT.

And you should, too.

As I claim my age and battle scars and wars-fought-wisdom, maybe some of the younger women looking at me will realize age isn't something to deny but rather something to grasp and dwell in.

Because, really, age doesn't matter. It's what we do with the years we've been given.

None of us is promised tomorrow. We're not even promised the end of today.

So, I'm gonna be thankful and shout from the rooftops that I'm here now...

and I've been here for 36 years.

*We had our New Life Leadership Conference.

I am so thankful to be part of a church family that serves, that loves, that is resilient, that works it out.

Isn't that what we're called to do as family?

We're not perfect... but we're not called to be perfect.

We're called to be in it together... for better or worse, through thick and thin.

Family.

Worship in the Living Room.

Worship discussion in The Tent.

Awesome friends and worship leaders came from Wales! Cath posed with me and Sound of Wales's new cd "Llef" (The Cry).

(Jon, I'm still disappointed you wouldn't jump in. I have no evidence to show Claire. WHEN you come back in Easter, you WILL be subjected to this.) :-)

And look who ELSE was here for the conference...

Mr. & Mrs. Daniel & Hanna Hughes!!!

(Along with Hanna's parents, whom I did not get a pic of. Boo.)

They may have had to squeeze in the car on the way to the airport.

*Last weekend I had the beyond-incredible honor of leading a group to Women of Faith in Denver.

If you've read this blog for any length of time (even with it's pauses and whatnot) you know I've gone every year for the past however long.

(Okay. Twist my arm. 13 years.)

This conference has been a huge foundation in my life. One of the reasons I am who I am today.

Because any good investment made repeatedly and faithfully becomes a great investment.

I'm going to do a separate post on the HOLY COW FREAKING AWESOME time we had, but I just wanted to say here how blown away I was (am) by God's faithfulness to pour out blessings on His girls.

He just IS.

He just is faithful.

And He just DOES.

He just does pour out.

When we make the commitment to make the space in our schedules, we experience His faithfulness in SO many ways.

And those other 117 women who joined our group can testify to that alongside of me.

In fact, they can testify to the point that we already have 65 girls who've reserved their tickets to go NEXT September!!!

It's that crucial.

The fact that they're standing with me and declaring it just melts my heart to a puddle of snot and tears and love and God's faithfulness.

Click the panorama pic to see the amazingness. Thousands of women holding up their phones in worship and declaring, "I will follow you."

(Photo courtesy of the awesome Jessica Sheasby.)

Rockin' out with Cece. Look where I'm taking this pic from! I KNOW!!!

Best... seats... EVER!

(We have 150 for next year. Will your hiney be one of the ones filling those seats?)

*Amidst all of the amazing things that have been going on, our family is heading into a huge transition.

I don't mean to be vague here, but there are so many unknowns and things we don't have answers for that it's better at this time to leave it at simple:

We are staying in Colorado Springs.

And we are quite thrilled about it.

This in and of itself needs a whole blog post.

In fact, many posts.

But, for now please be praying with us into the adventure God has birthed in our family.

Way before Africa He began speaking, whispering, leaving impressions on our hearts about the future.

But in Africa and after Africa He made very clear some of the things He is calling our family to.

One of them is staying put, here in Colorado Springs.

Out of that, other things will flow.

And we could not be more THRILLED!!!!!

So, we covet your prayers as we navigate this season.

I'll go into more detail as the path of the adventure unfolds, but for now all we are doing is holding our arms wide open and putting one foot in front of the other where God leads us to step.

With very few things concrete. With no answers.

But He doesn't say, "Follow me and I will give you answers."

He says, "Follow me and I will give you LIFE."

So we are.

And He is.

#boom

#JesuslovesmethisIknow

And if you got those last two lines, you must either follow me on Instagram and/or Twitter, OR you've sat in my kitchen for a large chunk of the past year.

Or both.

"...but go on..."

noreply@blogger.com (Angela) — Fri, 31 Aug 2012 16:37:00 +0000

Earlier this week I was facing a little crisis of sorts.

It's funny how so many things can be swirling around us on the outside, but it's those inner struggles that are actually the hardest.

I tweeted a while back, "Prepare NOW for battle-time decisions, or else when the battle rages you will be frozen and unable to do what needs to be done."

At first read, that can easily mean that when the battle is raging around us, we will have prepared and made up our minds what to do.

When someone does something less than honoring of me, I've already prepared my response.

When something in my life comes crashing down, I've already prepared my response.

But, what about when the battle is raging inside us?

At second read, we realize it's often the inner battle we need to be prepared in advance to fight.

What about when those thoughts sneak in?

What about when the questioning comes?

What about when we're tired of the resistance and we wonder, "Is this worth it? Is it really worth all this? Ugh."

I know God has called me to speak truth.

Well, He calls ALL of us to speak truth, so it's really not that great of a revelation.

...except that He really has. He has called me to speak truth that He shows me, boldly and without fear, yet wrapped in grace and love and peace... walking each step so intentionally at His direction.

In the last few months I have done that in various places in the world.

Wales. Swaziland. Uganda.

In the past year(s) I've stood in front of numerous people... large groups, small groups, individually... and called out the truth that God has laid on my heart, wrapped in the reality of His loving grace.

But interestingly enough, the battle always rises... especially on the inside.

Because there is an enemy who does not want us speaking truth.

(Or sometimes he's fine with us speaking it, as long as it's not wrapped in grace and love, because that does even more damage than if we never spoke it in the first place.)

Earlier this week I was preparing to reenter some areas (because the fall season is here, and that's what we do in fall: reenter) where I know God has called me to speak truth.

So, why is it often easier to travel and proclaim it than to do it on your home soil?

(I could expound on that here, but it's meant to be a thought provoking and somewhat rhetorical question.)

And the inner battle rises.

Funny how, when we seek His thoughts and His heart, He is so quick to affirm and confirm and build us up in what He has called us to.

"Do not be afraid any longer, but go on speaking and do not be silent; for I am with you..."

Do you know who God said that to? Paul. He said it to Paul in Acts 18.

Paul the greatest apostle of all time.

Paul who stood before people who both loved him and hated him and he spoke the truth, wrapped in grace and love, no matter the audience.

PAUL!!!!!

"Do not be afraid any longer..."

Ummm... why would God say that to Paul?

Paul wasn't afraid. Right? Paul never had second thoughts. Right?

He was the Einstein of the Apostles.

The Abraham Lincoln of the whole group.

The Montana in the heyday of the 49ers.

Or maybe Paul was human, like the rest of us.

And maybe thoughts and questions rose in his head like the rest of us.

And maybe when he got shut down and turned on and shunned, maybe sitting there at his desk, reflecting in the candle light, up too late...

maybe he had the same thoughts as the rest of us.

"Is it really worth it? Is it really worth all this? It's so exhausting. Maybe I should just stay here and study. The other guys can speak truth. Silas, Timothy. They got this. I'm tired. I'll stay here and..."

Yet God, so quick to affirm and confirm and build up, says, "Do not be afraid any longer, but go on speaking and do not be silent; for I am with you..."

Earlier this week I was facing a little crisis of sorts...

wondering if it was really worth it. Thinking maybe I should throw in the towel in this certain area. There are others that have it. I could just retreat and it would be fine. Reasoning in a way with my own self, knowing what God has called me to do, yet weary of the doing it in certain places that are just... so... hard.

"Do not be afraid any longer, but go on speaking and do not be silent; for I am with you..."

Yet God is so quick to affirm and confirm and build up. I just love so much His sweet and tender way of reassuring us while dolling out a kick in the rear.

We seek His heart, we go to His word, and then a passage jumps off the page. It hangs in front of our eyes while at the same time hugging us so tightly and literally causing a physical surge of strength in our bodies, causing us to stand up, pace the room and exclaim, "Yes! Okay, Lord! I'll do it!"

The passage is written as a message straight to us, exactly in this moment... nearly two thousand years ago.

Because His word is living and active, sharp as a two-edged sword.

And no one on the outside would know that Paul even needed to hear from the Lord, "Do not be afraid any longer, but go on speaking and do not be silent; for I am with you..."

But it was recorded so we would know that these are real people, dealing with the same inner battles.

And no one would ever know I've struggled with any of this, except that I'm recording it, because I'm a real person who deals with the same inner battles we all do.

But, I've made up my mind in advance and prepared myself NOW, so when it rages I will trust God's word and what HE says.

"...but go on..."

And I will continue walking out what He has called me to do, in the very areas He has called me to do it.

And so will you.

"...for I am with you..."

MixItUp: Black Tank

noreply@blogger.com (Angela) — Tue, 28 Aug 2012 00:42:00 +0000

One of the everyday fashion woes I hear most often is people aren't sure how to mix things up.

Getting stuck in ruts is one of the biggest problems we have, and I'm no exception!

(In both life AND fashion. I've ordered the exact same thing at Spaghetti Factory for 15 years... and I'm NOT going to change THAT. But, you CAN change how you wear that bright colored jacket you bring out once a month!)

We buy a shirt we love. We wear it with one outfit.

And then it's stuck in our head that way and we only wear that certain shirt with those pants and those shoes.

We don't ever mix it up.

Why?

Why don't we pair it with something else?

Because we get stuck in a rut and aren't sure how to get out.

I'm starting a new post series called MixItUp.

It's pretty simple, really. I'll post some pics of the same item of clothing being worn in different ways...

hopefully giving you some ideas on how to mix up your own stuff.

In this post I wore my no-name baggy black tank that I thrifted a couple years back, seen here:

(Yes, I realize this is an easy one to start on.)

...layered with a longer Active Basic black tank, Poleci silk crop pants, Tahari sandals, no-name silk 90's top and Kenya earrings.

The next day we went to a thing downtown as a family...

...with 501 cut-offs, large black/brown belt, Qupid sandals, Kenya earrings, F21 necklace, and cheap sunglasses.

And then it was so comfy I wore it again a short time later to take Mom and Dad to the airport...

...with same Active Basic tank layered under, American Apparel skirt, I *heart* Ronson cardi, Qupid sandals, Kenya necklace, I can't remember which earrings. Funny, I switched which side the braid was on.

And you may or may not already know my secret. I don't necessarily wait days between wearings of the same item of clothing. If it's a staple (black tank) I may wear it multiple days in a row (if it's not dirty). If it's a more identifiable piece (blue skirt), I may wear it if I'm not seeing the same people.

Because this is REAL LIFE and... does it really MATTER?

Just sharing my secrets here, people. Just sharing my secrets.

Now, go mix it up.

Ka Mun Rah... and I have come BACK...

noreply@blogger.com (Angela) — Fri, 24 Aug 2012 18:16:00 +0000

THREE MONTHS!!!

Holy freak-out cow.

And in those three months since I last blogged I have

*been to Swaziland with my family (freak OUT!!!)

*South Africa and Uganda with my daughter (I KNOW!!!!!!!!!!)

*seen two amazing weddings

I've been praying for

*been to California, Oregon and

Washington to see friends and family

*miraculously formed a group of over 100

women that will crash Women of Faith in September

*experienced so many incredible things

*sent my kids BACK to school (muah-ha-haaaa)...

and God has been kicking my rear to get back on here and blog about all of it!

(Of course, if you follow me on Twitter and/or Instagram, you have seen the craziness of this summer's journey documented in pics and short sentence bursts.)

Hopping back into things, there will be some changes on this blog.

You will see posts on everything our family experienced in this amazing summer.

Africa was beyond incredible, and I desperately want to share all of it with you. Things we learned, things that didn't happen I thought would, things that did happen that I may have not been as prepared for.

All of it.

Because God is INCREDIBLE and it's all HIS story (HIStory) that is shouting to be told!!!

One of the major changes you will see is that I am re-enabling comments.

Long ago, there were comments on this blog. And then there were not, due to reasons that maybe I'll explain at some point on here but won't get into now.

Well, comments are HERE. So, while most of my readers may not ever care to leave a comment, some of you have said you'd like to at least have the option.

HowEVer, this blog is NOT COMMENTS BASED!!!!!!!!! There are some bloggers and readers that live and die by comment numbers and topics and whatnot.

I'm just tellin' ya right NOW that this blog is not one of those.

If you DO choose to comment, I'm going to do my best to respond within a few days of the post. Because you've come here, and you've taken the time, and that's just super cool, so I want to respond!

Another major change is that I will still be blogging on fashion-y type stuff (yes, that's an official term), BUT my Random Outfit Posts will now be appearing mostly on Instagram as just plain Outfit Posts.

(This has already been happening, which some of you know because you already follow me on there.)

I will still do tip and style posts on here, for sure. (And I'll probably even post the Instagram pics every so often.) But, it was just too difficult and time consuming to try and set up the camera outside, get some decent shots, upload them, sit down to do the post, etc.

In my real days full of real life, it just didn't happen as often as I wanted it to. And one of the whole POINTS of the outfit post is to show what I'm actually wearing in real life and how you don't have to spend a fortune to feel good in what you're wearing.

With the glorious invention of Pic Stitch that leads to Instagram that leads to Twitter that leads to Facebook, I can snap a few "real life" shots and post them with outfit details in just a couple of minutes.

Which means I'll post them more often... which means you get to see what a real woman who loves real fashion wears during her real days in her real life... which means hopefully you'll sometimes be inspired to step out of the box and try something new in YOUR real days full of real life.

Because some days it's stilettos and somedays it's flats.

And some days it's lots of jewelry and some days it's not.

And some days it's sweat pants and some days it's a dress.

Because that's JUST how life IS.
And we can feel confident in ALL of it.

But whatever changes happen, whatever adventures God leads me into, whatever topics are on my heart to discuss here,

Stilettos & Grace will always be about the (un)balancing act of walking out this amazing, grace-filled life that God has called us to.

It's an ADVENTURE, and we're meant to embrace it as such!

"I have come that you might have life, and life to the full."

~Jesus, John 10:10

(Title... where's it from? It's a frequent quote here in the White House.)

Random Outfit Post

noreply@blogger.com (Angela) — Fri, 01 Jun 2012 21:47:00 +0000

I still have a few more Wales posts to do.

And I'm forever walking around giving God TOTAL glory for the miraculous story, told in my last post.

(Because we're going to Africa.

We're going to AFRICA!

OUR FAMILY IS GOING TO SWAZILAND AND UGANDA in LESS than a WEEK!!!)

And I NEED to update you on some AMAZING Women of Faith info.

(Are you coming with our group? Because we're going to have a BLAST. And I'm a seat snob, which God totally provided for and gave us AWEsome seats.)

BUT, I have been hearing some comments...

"It suuuuure has been a while since you've done a Random Outfit Post."

Yes. Yes, it has been a while.

I was feeling very olive-y on Sunday...

pulling it all together...

cropped silk 90's shirt: Found for less than a dollar at my fav thrift store up on the Air Force Academy.

cropped silk pants: Poleci, dirt cheap at XSThreadz. SO comfy.

black billowy tank: Goodwill in California. I think it's a yoga brand, but it is incredibly lounge-y comfy.

black tank layered under: Active Basic, fav layering brand, from French Quarter in SLO.

strappy sandals: Tahari, a birthday gift a few years back from my handsome hubby.

gold earrings: Kenya.

gold bracelet: from mom, via my sis, from Spain? (Mom, I can't remember.)

same leather Brave and Grace bracelets I always wear and small gold ring from Grams.

hair: Showered night before, slept on it, ran my fingers through it with a bit of hairspray to add texture.

This outfit would actually be great without the tank layered under. However, I was going to church and wanted to make sure everything "stayed in place" if I felt like jumping around during worship.

Hence, the layering top.

But if I were just wearing this out and about I wouldn't worry about it. The drapey tank looks a little more flow-y and loose without the second layer beneath.

In fact, I did wear this tank three more days this week!

*gasp*

Because it was just sooooo comfy.

(I'm a rule-breaker like that.)

(Actually, I'm not. I'm totally a rule-follower. But, when it comes to fashion... I'm a rule-breaker. Ooooo... I feel so Molly-Ringwald-as-Andie-in-Pretty-in-Pink-ish.)

I love how strappy these sandals are, and the stud detail and soft leather are amazing. The fact that they're only a 3 inch or so heel makes them great for long-wear. There is a little scuff on one of the tips that I need to fix. But, it's me we're talking about here.

I always forget to do that stuff until I'm wearing the item that needs fixed.

And because we all know I can never be too serious, even if my above pics make it seem like I am...

Swazi Update: FUNDED!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Angela) — Wed, 30 May 2012 22:22:00 +0000

(This post is an update on where our Swazi finances are and the amazing things we have seen take place. We are still taking donations to make the Uganda goal for the follow-on trip Brittney and I are making. Details below.)

Last week we witnessed a miracle...

Wednesday morning we launched a matching campaign for our Swazi trip. An extremely generous donor said they would match, dollar for dollar, all donations up to the cost of one trip ($3500, which has gone up from $3300 since we first started on this journey). We were blown away at this amazing opportunity!!!

That meant that if we could somehow max out this matching gift, we would raise $7000 for our family's trip to Swaziland!!!

When we started this journey back in January, we had an estimated $27,000 to raise for our family of six to go to Swazi, for me and Brit to follow onto Uganda and for my Wales trip (that I took in early May).

***Get those full details here.***

We had no idea how the funds would be raised, but we knew that we knew that we knew God was calling us into all three of these trips.

My Wales trip was covered about a week before I left, which was amazing and miraculous in and of itself.

When I returned we looked at the $12,000+ balance in our Swazi account and said, "Okay, Lord. We can't do this... we knew that when you called us into it. But YOU can. ONLY You can."

SO many incredible people had given to put that $12,000 into our account. We were humbled and beyond thankful at the generosity of our friends and family. The tutu sales and fundraising nights at Marco's Pizza had been helpful, but we knew we couldn't stop there if we were going!

Last Wednesday morning when we launched the matching campaign, we were two weeks away from leaving...

...AND WE WATCHED A MIRACLE HAPPEN!!!!!!!!!!!!

Donations came into paypal, and we received messages and emails from people committing to give.

Thursday early afternoon we received an updated donation report from the church that told us we were getting closer to maxing out the gift, but we still had a bit farther to go.

I spread that news via emails and facebook, and we said, "Okay, God. You know what this is supposed to look like."

And we waited.

More messages and emails came in indicating that people would donate. And we received paypal emails saying that people WERE donating!!! People were pouring out their hearts into this Swazi trip and coming alongside of our family!

And in the midst of that Thursday so many other immediate things were clamoring for our attention with kids and doctors appointments and school ending. We knew God had it... and that we wouldn't receive a report from online donations until sometime Friday.

My parents flew in that night, and we prayed and waited.

Friday morning came and went, and we cheered on Brit as she walked up to receive her 5th grade continuation certificate and officially move into 6th grade... and middle school.

Friday afternoon came and went, and we jumped between classrooms and schools as the kids got out for summer break and celebrations were had.

Friday evening came and we went as a family, with Mom and Dad and Hanna Who Is Most Awesome (our very own School of Worship Intern) to the kids favorite restaurant to celebrate the end of another school year... Golden Corral.

I kept glancing at my phone, looking at email every so often... and then it came.

A text message from the Amazing Melissa: "I just sent you an updated report."

I looked at Nate and clicked into email. It started downloading. He took the phone from me. "Honey!" I exclaimed. He opened one email... opened the attachment... a grin spread across his face...

"Our Swazi trip is covered."

"WHAT????" I called out in the middle of Golden Corral.

"It looks like our Swazi trip is fully covered and the plane flights for you and Brit up to Uganda are probably covered, too, with some left over for the Uganda ground costs."

"AAAAAAAA!!!!! HONEY!!!! Really??? REALLY???"

He showed me the amount, and between the church's online giving site, paypal, and the checks that had come in and we knew were coming, we not only maxed out the matching gift, but we raised over $10,000 in 36 hours!!!!!

Enough to put our total to around $23,000!!!!!!!

And in the middle of Golden Corral we cheered and celebrated and rejoiced in the faithfulness of our God and the amazing hearts and generous spirits of our friends and family... some who hardly even know us, but believe so deeply in what we are stepping into.

We are blown away. Absolutely blown away. For the past few days I have been walking around with a somewhat dazed look and a slight smile.

Sometimes laughing,

sometimes with tears pooling in my eyes,

sometimes randomly squealing (which I'm sure is hard to imagine). *wink*

Because one of the huge things with our Swazi finances being covered right now is that we didn't have to spend our last week and a half scrambling to fundraise the remaining money.

We leave a week from tomorrow, and we are able to focus on packing and prepping... get everything laid out, wrapping up loose ends.

This going-across-the-world-with-four-kids thing is no joke! Man. And because of all of you who have stepped in to be a part of this, we can breathe and take these last few days to focus on our family being ready.

You are all SUCH a blessing to us!!! When I say that, I hope you can hear the sincerity in my words. From giving throughout the months, to giving during the matching campaign, to praying fervently for our family and our trip... SO many of you stepped up and into our Swazi story. Not only have you come alongside of our family in this, but you have come alongside the story of these beautiful Swazi people. YOU are going WITH us in carrying the hope of a future to this AIDS-ransacked nation.

YOU have invested in them... and us.

So many of you have invested financially, with sacrifice... THANK YOU!!!

So many of you have invested with your prayers, putting our picture on your fridge or mirror or car dashboard and covering us in the most foundational aspect of this trip... THANK YOU!!!

And so many of you have done BOTH... THANK YOU!!!

Our Swazi trip: funded.

Mine and Brittney's plane flights up to Uganda: funded.

Our Uganda ground costs: we still need to reach that goal, but we're getting there!

Donations keep coming in, and if you still have a heart to join this story and help us go, we do still need help covering the rest of our Uganda costs. I don't have an actual amount on that, because with group fundraising and other elements, it's hard to nail down what remains.

But, we're going to keep moving forward, knowing that just as God has provided for everything else, He will provide for this, too.

(Just follow the giving guidelines on our Africa page.)

Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU to everyone that has come alongside of us.

We're so excited to frame that picture of our family in Africa and write every single one of your names on the mat, to be hung in our household and remembered in our Swazi story... in our family's story... that has become part of your story.

God is faithful. He does provide for what He calls us into.

Thank you for being part of that provision for our family.

Many said it couldn't be done, that we were launching into the impossible.

Good thing that's what our God specializes in... making the impossible possible.

We hear, we obey, and we do it with confidence in the One who calls us into the adventure.

Africa, here we come...

Wales: The Why & The What

noreply@blogger.com (Angela) — Wed, 23 May 2012 04:24:00 +0000

BREAKING NEWS: Until midnight this Thursday, May 25th, ALL DONATIONS will be doubled, up to the cost of one trip! We have a benefactor who has very generously offered to match all gifts, dollar for dollar, up to $3500!!! That means your your $25 becomes $50 for us, your $100 becomes $200. NO amount is too small! Can you give $10? That will be an investment of $20 towards the lives and futures of these Swazi people!
Your money will count as double!!!
For more information and to find how to donate, go to our Africa page.
Thank you for coming alongside our family in this grand adventure!

***************************

"But, why go? You can always pray for them from here."

"I don't really think of the UK as somewhere we need to send people. They have plenty of churches, right?"

I've received more than a few comments and questions about why our church would send a team to a church in Cardiff, Wales. The two above are probably the most common, I think from a lack of understanding about why we go in the first place, as well as a misperception of Christianity throughout the world.

The great thing about being a follower of Jesus is that He doesn't just call us into relationship with Him, He calls us into relationship with each other. We are not meant to walk this life out on our own! That's why one of the last things He said was, "Go..."
It's also why disciples in the early church (and ever since) have sent people to other congregations to encourage, support, equip, come alongside of.

I had the honor of being on a team with four other amazing women: Kim, Lidia, Kathy and Madeleine. How incredible it was that, without us even realizing it, we were going to pour into the women of City Temple with someone from each decade in our group: 20's, 30's, 40's, 50's and 60's. I am so passionate about women reaching women, and generations joining together, pouring into each other. God is just SO awesome like that!

We had the privilege of visiting the different women's groups, sharing with them and gleaning from them.

Kathy teaching wonderful truth at the Friendship Hour with the beautiful older women of City Temple. Some of these girls have been in the group for 40 years!

I was THRILLED to get to lead them in some worship. Hymns accompanied by piano. There are few things more precious.

We got to spend time with the women of Refresh, led by the incredible Teresa. I got to lead some worship again (LOVE!!!) and Kim gave a great message on what our role is and how we walk it out. (Just a bit inspiring and challenging. Wow.) I don't have a photo of that to share with you, but I DO have a fun photo of me and Teresa!

I had the honor of sharing my testimony with these incredible young women. They are so ON FIRE for Jesus!!! The UK is extremely post-Christian (where the US is fast heading), so you are either Christian or you're not. There is no lukewarm. There is no middle ground. And amidst that darkness the light shines so brightly.

And do these girls ever SHINE!!!

I was captivated by the atmosphere of their group, and blown away by the fierceness of their commitment to spreading the Gospel. They are praying and believing for revival in their generation. And it is on it's way, this I know.

Of course, there is always the silly picture when I'm around...

Our team was part of City Temple's women's conference the first Saturday we were there.

The awesome Sonflowerz from Colorado Springs (hey! hey!) led worship...

And the impactful Kim Trobee gave her moving testimony.

It was such a wonderful time together, and the relationships between all of us just continued to build and build.

Steve & Myra pastor church called Beacon Hill a little ways outside of Cardiff in St. Mellons. The first Sunday we were there Lidia and I were so blessed to be with them! I got to lead worship for this sincere and heart-warming congregation and Lidia preached on the love of God. (Kim preached at City Temple that same morning. Kathy and Madeleine stayed with her there.)

What an awesome thing it was to lead these people in a song they had never sung, never heard... but all of us completely engage and cry out, "The mountains shake before Him, the demons run and flee..." as we sang Jared Anderson's Great I Am together.

God is SO AMAZING!!!

Meet Steve & Myra:
(I smell very nice now, thanks to Myra's lovely taste in perfume and desire to bless me.)

(Yes, I know I look quite awkward. I was talking. Go figure.)

Both weeks we were there we got to visit City Temple's food bank. An incredible ministry started just a couple of years ago by a man named Ian. He saw there were so many people in Cardiff with a dire need for help in this area, so he decided to do something about it! Now they have a handful of locations and are making a huge difference for those in need in their city.

The first week we had a tour of how things operate and met the amazing volunteers that pour out love to everyone who walks in the door.

The second week we got to go and pray for the people that walked in the door! (I have a super cool story about this experience that will come in a later post.)

The trip was originally planned around the Ignite Hope youth event that took place in a park adjacent to City Temple. Different members of our team were there different nights, and it was so amazing to see the youth from around Wales come together to worship God and pray for revival in the evenings and go out and spread His love through acts of kindness during the day.

Praying before the event...

It was VERY rainy nearly the entire time we were there, which made for a much more adventurous (ie, muddy) youth event...

And here is where I am TOTALLY going to brag on our Desperation Leadership Academy. We had a group of over 20 second years come over to set-up, help facilitate and tear-down for Ignite Hope. They did not anticipate the rain or the cold, but worked hard with smiles on their faces the entire time. They radiated joy and servant's hearts, and I have never been more impressed with a group of volunteers.

Blown away. Just blown away by the heart and commitment of these DLA students, never relenting for one second.

The last night of the four day conference, kids came forward to pray for strength as they carried this Hope back to their families and communities. They chose to kneel in the mud, as an outward expression of their inward commitment to enter with love into the mud and muck of people's lives.

It was beautiful and moving to watch.

(I had the honor of praying with those three girls in the center with their arms around each other.)

Another way City Temple is pouring out is through their Charity Shops (what we call Thrift Stores). I KNOW!!!!!!!!! Seriously, God KNOWS my heart. (He is the One who created it, after all.)

Alun & Kathy have just started renovating a shop in Lanishen, outside Cardiff, with the goal to pour into that community with the light and love of Christ.

And WE got to SEE it!!!

Some of the DLA team was also there painting and sorting.

This whole thing was so inspirational for me. For a long time I've had a dream deep in my heart of opening a quality thrift store where the environment is welcoming and people come just to hang out. We would be more than a store, but a place where women came for friendship, for counsel, for help rebuilding their wardrobes and rebuilding their lives.

And I would serve great coffee.

Seeing this Charity Shop reawakened that vision and the hope that it will someday be a reality.

Ummm... I may have done some shopping. And I may have found some really great items from higher end boutiques, as well as a little store called TopShop. *ahem* (Come ON. I'm helping them get started!)

Isn't Kathy adorable? She was so sweet to have us to her house... twice! And put up with me when I was droopy-eyed and falling asleep from jet-lag.

The way God arranged our time in Cardiff was incredible. The first half of our trip was a lighter schedule, but spent building relationship and really hearing what was going on in the lives of the women.
The second half we had more concretely scheduled, and when it came time for our leadership and counseling training, we already had formed amazing relationships with everyone! That made it so much more effective and incredible, knowing you can trust, knowing you get each other.

Lidia, bringing it again as she speaks on the importance of the missional element of leadership:

Praying over the women...

Kathy, Madeleine, and... Kim. She looks like she's giving me "The Look," but she was really joining in the fun and providing a great photo op. (I love you, Kim!!!!!)

Goofing around with Claire while Lidia is speaking. Okay, I was goofing. Claire was telling me to cut it out.

The second Sunday we were there we went to City Temple's service one last time.

Steve, City Temple's Senior Pastor...

(Lidia had to leave a couple hours early. Boo.)

Amazing people with amazing hearts.

We're so thankful for the relationship that has begun and that will continue! This is what it means to be walking life out together, even from different parts of the world.

Encouraging, supporting, equipping, coming alongside of each other... this is Church... the followers of Christ... how it's meant to be.

I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wales: Beginning at the End

noreply@blogger.com (Angela) — Tue, 22 May 2012 00:29:00 +0000

I feel like I don't even know where to start.

But, isn't that how it is with any great story? Okay, maybe only for the author.

So many wonderful things to describe. Divine appointments, fabulous new friends, God-orchestrated moments around every corner.

I know the old adage goes something like, "It's always best to start at the beginning." But I think I will take some creative license.

I'm going to start at the end.

We spent two glorious weeks in Cardiff, Wales. Then one day in Paris (to celebrate the incredible Kim Trobee's birthday) and one day in London.

Our last full day being in London, I set off by myself to go see Big Ben, Parliament and Westminster Abbey, all within walking distance of our hotel.

As I started walking I said a little prayer. Something like, "Lord, would you help me find something to remember this day by? Something special. Something that will be meaningful to me."

There are so many touristy things and trinkety-trash, it seems. Some cool, yes. But most not.

I was only a little ways down the street when I spied a *pause for effect* Vintage Charity Shop, which is what they call Thrift Stores in the UK.

I know. I KNOW!!!!!!!!!

Most things were lovely and old and a little spendy for me. Then I saw the sign: Basement Sale.

A winding stair took me to a hodge-podge of vintage treasures, and in the corner were old books atop a cabinet. I pieced through them. Nothing of note.

But there was an unmarked box at my feet with more books, spines up. I pulled them out one by one, and gasped outloud when I pulled a thick red leather spine upwards to reveal on the cover one word:

Tennyson.

Other than the works of A.A. Milne, one of my most favorite poems of all time is The Lady of Shalott, by Sir Alfred Lord Tennyson.

And in the contents of this 1904 volume, I found exactly that, along with an inscription:

For Miss Connie with my wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

London 25th December 1907

There was also a red covered Charles Dickens Reader. No date, but was stamped to look like a gift from a publisher to a grade school.

I just love the ways that God loves us! He knows exactly what will make our hearts sing, and He longs to bless us with that!

A 1904 volume of the works of Tennyson. And it's even red.

****************************

I spent some time walking around the grounds of Westminster Abbey. She is so beautiful in her soaring majesty! (Details in another post.)

Around back there is a kind of courtyard area. I was looking up at the trees and amazing architecture and thanking God for giving me the gift of coming on such an awesome trip, seeing such amazing things and forming relationships with such incredible people.

Something caught my eye. I looked down to see a heart-print scarf blowing across my feet in the breeze.

But, no one was anywhere near where I was. I tied it to a bench nearby thinking the owner might come along looking for it and continued on to the Jewel Tower behind the Abbey. (Built in the 1300's to store the King's treasures.)

When I came back out a while later, the scarf was still there.

I untied it from the bench and tied it to my purse, where it will live for a while...

a reminder of the amazing ways God tells us He loves us.

A heart-print scarf... in the courtyard of Westminster Abbey... from God to me.

He is so good in the ways He loves us.

Belief.

noreply@blogger.com (Angela) — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 17:07:00 +0000

"Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness."

Romans 4:3

If I put my name in there, does it still work?

Romans 4 talks all about Abraham having faith, and how he was credited as righteous not because of what he DID but because of what he BELIEVED... because of his FAITH.

"Faith was credited to Abraham as righteousness."

Romans 4:9

Now, I know Abraham and Sarah (Abram & Sarai) made some not-too-good decisions smack dab in the middle of "Abraham believed God."

Decisions that have affected the entire course of the world to today.

But, Romans 4 doesn't mention that. It says that because of his belief in God he was credited as righteous.

What about me?

In my trusting and believing and moving forward, I know I've made some decisions and said some things that aren't exactly in line with the path God has for me to walk out.

In fact, I almost did it again just this morning. Trying so hard to have wisdom and discernment and make the right decision that I come close to making the wrong one.

Or I do just flat out make the wrong one.

But, it says that, "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness."

Lord, I believe You... I simply believe You.

Even amidst my misses and my near-misses, I believe You.

I guess I must subconsciously think that believing God will keep me from making some of those stupid human mistakes.

Except I'm human... prone to mistakes.

So, maybe it's not that believing Him will keep me from all of that stuff. It obviously will keep me from some major stuff, and listening to His voice and direction will keep me walking where I need to walk.

But, I'm still going to lose my cool with the kids from time to time.

I'm still going to give the wrong response to a friend and have to go back and apologize and go from there.

I'm still going to forget to put some things on the calendar and miss the event with no good reason for doing so except my forgetfulness.

And I'm still going to face the stuff of this earth and not always have the right attitude.

Believing God will help me amidst all of that, but it doesn't always mean I'm going to be immune to all of that.

Neither was Abraham.

My silly human mistakes and missteps don't mean I suddenly stop believing God...

or that I wasn't believing Him.

I think instead we just walk out each day WITH that belief... that He is who He says He is and that He will do what He said He will do.

And justification by faith is thankfully a whole different ballgame.

Because if it were justification by works, I think I'd die under the pressure of each daily mistake I make.

"Angela believed God, and it was credited to her as righteousness."

"Faith was credited to Angela as righteousness."

Not because of anything I do that makes me righteous, but because of my simple belief in the One Who Is Righteous... my faith in Him to do what He said He will do.

Where We're Going: Swaziland, Part 3

noreply@blogger.com (Angela) — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 16:04:00 +0000

Some friends recently went to exactly where we're going in Swaziland (we'll spend most of our time at the Gege CarePoint).

Over the next few days I'll repost here, with permission, Glenn Packiam's thoughts on his experience.

To read all four posts at once, you can go to Glenn's blog.

To read more about our family going and different ways that you can help us get there, go here.

If you go to New Life and would like to sponsor a child at our CarePoints, click the Ask Angela link on the side and email me for more information. (I'm the sponsorship coordinator.)

Read Part One HERE.

Read Part Two HERE.

Part Three: "Luck Bearers"

[NOTE: This series of blogs is a compilation of reflections from our NewLifeSundayNight trip to Swaziland in March, 2012. A separate absolute monarchy surrounded by South Africa, Swaziland has the highest HIV infection rate in the world. 60% of its population lives on less than USD$1.25 a day. Our church is partnering with Children's Hope Chest to "sponsor" two communities where orphans and vulnerable children abound. I will say more on this partnership and how the model works in Part 4 of this blog series. My goal in writing this blog series is primarly to help our church understand the nature of this partnership, and to find ways of getting involved.]

It is the strange way of the Spirit that whenever I write a book, I find myself having to live it out in new ways after its release. When Butterfly in Brazil came out, New Life Church experienced an unexpected transition and I had to put to new practice the ideas of staying faithful right where I was. When Secondhand Jesus released, I found myself beginning a long journey or renewed theological study and liturgical discovery that has shaped my own spiritual formation in fresh ways. When LUCKY came out last year, I couldn't help but wonder how the Spirit would lead me to live out in new ways the message of receiving and participating in the Kingdom that has come, is coming, and is yet to come. Little did I know, it would come on a trip to Africa.

Each day in Swaziland, we made home visits. Our team split up to make most of these visits, so my stories are of the ones I was on. The first was to a woman named Sophie. She said she was 90-years old and had been bed-ridden for almost 50 years by a grotesquely swollen left leg. Matt Howard began by thanking her for allowing us to come and visit her. As he asked more questions we learned-- with the help of an interpreter-- than she had been married to a pastor who had been habitually unfaithful. He had abandoned her when she became sick. As if that were not bad enough, each of her four children had died suddenly, just as their careers in the city were beginning to take off. Now here she was, lying on a mat on the floor, trying to care for her grandchildren. When we presented her with a bag of supplies-- candles, matches, rice-- a large bag of beans, and a large bag of corn flour, she burst into tears.She told us she knew God was faithful, that He was her provider. We prayed with her as we fought back tears of our own.

At another visit, we met a grand-aunt who had travelled miles across their "mountains" to check in on her 20-year old grand-niece who was the sole provider for her younger siblings. Jennifer Randolph shared the story of Jesus calming the storm, bringing a word of encouragement that Jesus is with them even in their storms. After presenting them with the same supplies and gifts of food, the old woman shared her own fear of a storm that would melt away the mud home her grand-nieces were living in. Storms are not simply metaphorical for her.

On another occasion, we met an old couple who were caring for the orphaned grandchildren. The grandfather was broken as he shared how he wished he could work the field and provide for his family, but his body was just too frail now. Chris Burley shared beautifully about how God fed Elijah with ravens. Somehow these stories took on a more earthy feel as sat on the rotting wooden bench outside, staring at people who would likely starve without raven-like intervention. It occured to me to say to them that we are like God's ravens,bringing them rice and flour and beans and candles and more. As we gave them the gifts, the grandmother began to weep. She said she had just been praying Psalm 23, trusting God to be their shepherd to provide for all their need. And now, we had come.

At another home visit, we met a grandmother who was tasked with providing for seven grandchildren by herself. She said life had been very hard without a man in the home. Her grandchildren would have starved if not for the CarePoint. She had no thought for her own need; her whole concern was only for the children. When we gave her the gifts of food, she looked away to hide her emotion. "It's like I always tell my grand children," she said in strained English, "I wash the pots and get them ready, but what goes inside, God will provide." (Our team reflected on these words later, recalling something Jesus had said about having never seen such great faith in all of Israel.)

One of our last home visits was about a mile away from the CarePoint in the Mankayane community. We had to hike through rocky trails and tall, whipping grass, to this home. Somewhere halfway up the hill-- the locals called it a "mountain" but Coloradoans know better-- with a 10Kg bag of corn flour on my shoulder, it hit me: we are "luck-bearers" to the world's "unlucky." We are announcing the good news that God has not forgotten them, that they-- the poor and powerless-- are lucky for the Kingdom has come to them.

You see, we may not be able to feed every hungry mouth. But that is no cause for despair. Every bag of rice we bring is a sign that a great feast is coming. "Blessed are those who are hungry now," Jesus said, "for they will be filled." We could see on every grateful face that the Kingdom had come to them...the poor are blessed for the Kingdom of God is theirs. Yet, there is so much more to be done. The Kingdom is yet to come. And we cannot bring it. Only the King can bring the Kingdom. So we pray, "Even so, come Lord Jesus."

And we carry a bag of corn flour and beans and rice, and say, "This is a sign that you are not forgotten, that God sees you, and that a Great Feast is coming one day, and you-- yes, even you!-- will be filled."