Just a little thought that I read today in my devotions...

 Luke 22:8 " Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, "Go and prepare the Passover meal for us, so we can eat it" 
God has been calling me in several areas recently to do things that I have not been crazy about doing. Why? Because they are hard; I will stand out like a "sore thumb"; I'll will receive comments; I will have to come out of my "quiet", comfort zone.....   And lets just say, I would rather not be seen.

But lately God has been teaching me that "Ange it is not about you. It is what you do that reflects ME."  As I begin to look at what I have been called to do, I think of all He may be trying to accomplish if I only faithfully live out what He is calling me to do.  

Prov 16:9 - "A mans heart plans his way, but the Lord determines his steps"   God, I want to submit my way to You today knowing that any inconvenience or suffering at this time is not worth comparing to what you want to accomplish. Help me to be obedient to You today.

Today, I am encouraged and revitalized by knowing that God has shown me mercy and has poured out His grace towards me even though I do not deserve such gifts. Why does He continue to this, day in and day out? Who am I that He yearns to pay so close attention to? He yearns to be my comforter, my leader, and most of all my friend. I am reminded of a quote by Dr.Lunden that I heard in a message years ago that says, " God loves ME as if there is no one else in the world to love, and that alone makes me special. "  Thank you God that you remain a gracious and heavenly Father that pours out endless doses of your mercy and love!

Today, I am reminded that even in my best days, I am never beyond the need of God's grace!

Psalms 91:14-15, "'Because he loves me,' says the LORD, 'I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation'" (NIV).

Today I update my blog. Yes, I am alive, breathing, heart beating and kickin up my feet. =)
Actually, to be bluntfully honest, these past couple months have been extreemly difficult. Several areas in my life have been tested. When going through the tough times its hard to say - "you know what, I'm going to get through this..." You want to stay positive, you want to put on the good face. But most of the time you feel like your heart just is no longer beating. Thats how I have felt. 

This week, I have taken the time to look back and analyze the past coulple months. What have I learned from each situation? Do I see Gods' hand working in my life? ABSOLUTLY!

The little song "Something beautiful, something good. All my confusion, He understood! All I had to offer Him, was brokness and strife, but He made something beautiful out of my life. "

It is amazing to look back and see how He has worked everything out . He's provided. He's sustained. And He's loved me in spite of all the mistakes I've made.  During the times I've feared where my life is going, He's been my Hope. These verses  tonight have taught me the value of replacing fear with hope. Also of the importance in turning to Him during the situation rather than afterwards.

My hope is in Him. I am trusting Him to bring the right people into my life, to lead me to the job I can be used most by him, and trusting Him to continue to develop me into the girl He had planned for me to be.

Please pray for me.
Ange

~A dose of good laughter is always the best!~

Many of what you will see here are all posted on facebook, but since a lot of them have some privacy settings added to them I decided to post them on here as well so those who cannot access them there, can here.

Fireworks, friends, boating and a good dose of laughter about sums up my Labor Day weekend. Here are some pictures:

This is the KY side of the river. We were standing on the Cincinnati side but this pic just gives you an idea of the "mob" of people that were there.

After staking out our spot for over 3 hours,

we were able to meet several new people.

Its a good thing my roomie was with us or else our spot would have been stolen. She protected it pretty well.

 I think we are about ready for a little fun! We decided to go out with our good friend Ken on his boat and do a little water tubing in Brookville, IN.

In order for the rest of the group to go tubing, the boat had to be launched about 4 miles away. The boys here (Jesse Moke, Isaac Owens and Ken) decided that it was their job to launch while us girls waited on the beach. (How typical...)

Almost, almost...man! Jesse definately had some trouble getting onto the tube. After several attempts with me laughing on the boat, there was sucess.

Meg hesitated a bit doing this but found that afterwards this was very fun. (Can't you tell by the look on her face?) All that was heard was , Kelly: "Meg are you okay",  Meg: " Are we done yet? Just tell me we are done."   

We decided to play not "sand volleyball" but "MUD volleyball. =) As you can see, this is what it turned into.

This was a wonderful trip I must say. There is nothing better than a day filled with lots of laughter!

Or the reassurance from God, through his rainbow that He enjoys seeing His children laugh and have fun!

I have not blogged in over a year now, but I have continued to think about this "tree" in my last post. Here is just a few simple thoughts that have played over and over in my mind and have taught me several lessons.

What do you see when you look at this tree? It's ugly right? Looks like it has lost everything off of its' branches. Shouldn't it be cut down and removed from life? Many of us probably would think that. I mean, what good is an ugly barren tree?
Lately I have compared myself to this picture. What good am I?? What use can I be to God? I am empty, and feel rather ugly.

Life has its' seasons. To those that think this tree looks hopeless need to be reminded of something. I needed the reminder. What I see, sometimes, tends to be completly different than what God sees. When I see a lonly, ugly tree, God sees a tree that in time, in another season will be beautiful and blooming!

To everything there is a season. I have learned that the greater the challenge that I go through, the greater the future is for me. It is best to quit focusing on what is happening around me, and start focusing on where I am going.

In His timing is best....Just a thought - Every setback is just a setup for a greater comeback.

Learning to trust Him!

Fall Season. It becomes Cold, leaves scatter to the ground. The tree becomes bare.

Life. It becomes empty. Everyone who had significance leaves. Life becomes the barren tree.

Question. Where are it's roots?

I have been reading a book recently that has brought many new ideas and challenges that I would like to step up to and face/ embrace. The question that the book deals with is, " What are we doing with our lives, beyond Sunday?" How are we investing time in others' lives to show them God's love? To help them grow, and mature? MY question is, am I living what I speak? I think this poem, taken out of this book really speaks clearly.


Beyond Sunday" by Woodie J. Stevens
"I'd rather see a sermon than hear one any day;
I'd rather one should walk with me than merely tell the way.
The eye is a better pupil, more willing than the ear;
Find counsel is confusing, but example is always clear.
And the best of all the preachers are the men who live their creeds,
For to see a good sermon put in action is what everybody needs.
I can soon learn how to do it if you will let me see it done;
I can watch your hand in action, but your tongue too fast may run.
And the lectures you deliver may be very wise and true,
But I'd rather get my lesson by observing what you do.
For I may misunderstand you and the high advice you give,
But there is no misunderstanding how you act and how you live.
When I see a deed of kindness, I am eager to be kind.
When a weaker brother stumbles, and a strong man stands behind.
Just to see if he can help hhim , then the wish grows strong in me
To become as big and thoughtful as I know that friend to be.
And all travelers can witness that the best of guides today
Is not the one who tells them, but the one who shows the way.
One good man teaches many; med believe what they behold.
One deed of kindness noted is worth forty that are told.
Who stands with men of honor learns to hold his honor dear,
For right living speaks a language which to everyone is clear.
Though an able speaker sharms me with his eloquence, I say,
I'd rather see a sermon than hear one any day."


Ask yourself, what are you living?