A Knight's Journey

Have I told you my story yet?   You're probably like, "Angie, you have told me SO much, I'm not sure which story you are talking about! :) When I heard about you and what's going on in your life, I felt like there were some nuggets from my own story that might help you this morning (or evening-whenever you find yourself reading this). Sometimes I find myself holding back -- well, being transparent, I do hold back at times.  But this morning, I wanted to share it all.  I only like good surprises.  If I know what I'm up against, I can be better prepared to handle what's coming.  Well, life doesn't work like that.  Only God holds our story.  Only He knows what's in the book.  From the day you and I were born until the day we draw our last breath--He knows ALL the stuff in between.  So trust me when I say...there is nothing He can't handle.  And He will walk you through ALL the things you would rather be delivered out of.  Sometimes He will do it like t

When our girls were growing up--they were your typical kids.  Messy rooms.  Toys scattered.  After many years of saying "clean your room", whatever habits they adopted in keeping their belongings became part of their normal routines and these habits began to form and stick.   I remember hearing my own mother say repeatedly, "Angie, clean up this room!"  I admit, I would much rather read a book than anything else when I was growing up.  Little did I know then -that if I would just KEEP my room clean, I could read as much as I wanted "guilt-free".   Isn't it hard to enjoy something you love doing if there are undone things surrounding you? I cannot count the times they would proclaim it clean--and I would go do the "inspection" before play could resume--and on the surface...it looked mostly clean.  But open the closet door--or look under the bed--and there would be all the things hurriedly shoved out of sight.  I guess that was all they worried

What I’ve learned in saying “yes”—it automatically sets me up for some trials.    the YES is always worth it.   When I was about 48 years old, God began to stir my heart as I had never felt before.  I had been a christian for many years—and had done many things to serve God inside the church walls—from toilets and trash--to the cemetery and grass.  We had taught Sunday school for years and sang in the choir; nursing home ministry and often volunteering to help in various events.  In venturing out into so many areas, I learned which ones I felt especially drawn to and continued. We loved being at the church and with our family of believers.  But this was the beginning of a new season and I felt Him calling me beyond the walls.   The real Church serves OUTSIDE the walls.  He began showing me that. Jesus gave us examples throughout His earthly life of "how-to-serve".   The story in the Bible of the "woman at the well" has drawn me more times than I can count for so man

As our students return to school, or those who are beginning for the first time--the most critical thing needed in their lives will not be the cutest backpack or the best writing pens or pencils (although, if you know me--you know I love a great writing pen!).  But it will be a prayer covering as never before. Grandparents, we have a job to do--just as important as the parents of these precious ones--from the earliest age of attending pre-school to the highest colleges and universities-- PRAY for them.  I cannot express how VITAL this is today.  I get very emotional thinking of ours being subjected to all that the enemy is attempting to sidewind them with.  He is trying to take them out--because if he can cause a child to doubt God--he will have an inroad to the family unit. Kudos to all parents who are able to homeschool their kids in a safe environment and assist them with social development via homeschool co-ops, church, etc.  But for those who aren't able to --I was like you.

Well, for starters, I know ours has flaws--because WE have flaws.  But I am thankful for where we are today.  We wouldn't have made it though--without major determination.   Jeff preached Sunday at our church.  I always love hearing him--but this time it was from home.  Currently, it sounds worse than it is--but much coughing sounds makes people more nervous than ever.  It's been going around....it finally got me and Jeff.  I guess since his legs are longer, he waded through it faster....who knows.  It has lingered, I can promise you not by invitation. Anyway, he segued a bit in his message because it was nigh impossible to see his notes.  But you know God planted the words of the message--even down to the detour.  Part of the detour took you to a window into our marriage when he talked about an issue he has dealt with in the past.  He talked about his drug addiction and alcoholism.  He didn't give the full blown testimony--it's powerful.  I always come away with the fe