Twenty years ago today I went on a lunch date with the cutest Airman I'd ever seen.
We'd met at church a couple of weeks before and when he called for a date I said YES.
I was living in Germany and he was stationed at the local Airbase.
We were supposed to go for lunch at a cute local joint, but both of us forgot that they close mid day for a break.
So we ended up at the romantic hot spot on base.
Burger King.
Yep. That's our big first date.
But, we were young and it didn't matter.
After that date, he called his grandma and told her he'd found the girl he was going to marry.
It took me two more dates to get to that same place.
I had just turned 20.
I've loved that Airman now for half my life.
God has been good.
Grace as filled in all the cracks and covered two broken lonely kids and made us whole.
Life is hard.
One of the most over used sentences in the English language.
One of the most understated sentences in the English language.
And a fact I was reminded of once again this week.
A dear friend lost her step-father unexpectedly.
Another's struggles with Parkinson's.
Another is just beginning her fight against cancer.
Kids struggling already at the start of new school year.
Jobs that have been lost and now families are scrambling to know what to do next.
I've heard all of these stories this week.
The voices of the struggling have been swirling around my head.
But, in the quiet of my heart I hear ONE voice who said:
Your eyes saw my unformed body;
all the days ordained for me were written in your book
before one of them came to be. Ps. 139:16
Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.Ps. 90:6
Whatever your personal struggle is right now, I pray you'll remember these verses.
Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
I say to myself, “The LORD is my portion;
therefore I will wait for him.” Lamentations 3:22-24
Often the big picture can be overwhelming. Take each journey step by step. When everything else is falling apart, hold on to Him.
Grace and Peace,
Angie
One of the most over used sentences in the English language.
One of the most understated sentences in the English language.
And a fact I was reminded of once again this week.
A dear friend lost her step-father unexpectedly.
Another's struggles with Parkinson's.
Another is just beginning her fight against cancer.
Kids struggling already at the start of new school year.
Jobs that have been lost and now families are scrambling to know what to do next.
I've heard all of these stories this week.
The voices of the struggling have been swirling around my head.
But, in the quiet of my heart I hear ONE voice who said:
Your eyes saw my unformed body;
all the days ordained for me were written in your book
before one of them came to be. Ps. 139:16
Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.Ps. 90:6
Whatever your personal struggle is right now, I pray you'll remember these verses.
Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
I say to myself, “The LORD is my portion;
therefore I will wait for him.” Lamentations 3:22-24
Often the big picture can be overwhelming. Take each journey step by step. When everything else is falling apart, hold on to Him.
Grace and Peace,
Angie
On our way to the first day of Pre K today, the Princess found a bird sitting by itself on a wire.
An ordinary thing to you and me, but to a little girl who loves all animals (bugs do NOT count) every creature we see along our journeys is a big deal.
Momma a bird, I see a bird. It's so tiny and cute.
Oh, I see it too Baby. Yes, it is cute.
But, it's all alone Momma. Is she sad to be all alone.
I don't know Baby. Do you think she's sad?
No, I don't think she's sad. I think her Momma taught her how to fly and now she's practicing. So she's super happy. And after awhile she'll go fly back to her Momma.
I think you're right Baby Girl.
Fly away for just the day. . .and then come home and tell me all about it.
An ordinary thing to you and me, but to a little girl who loves all animals (bugs do NOT count) every creature we see along our journeys is a big deal.
Momma a bird, I see a bird. It's so tiny and cute.
Oh, I see it too Baby. Yes, it is cute.
But, it's all alone Momma. Is she sad to be all alone.
I don't know Baby. Do you think she's sad?
No, I don't think she's sad. I think her Momma taught her how to fly and now she's practicing. So she's super happy. And after awhile she'll go fly back to her Momma.
I think you're right Baby Girl.
Fly away for just the day. . .and then come home and tell me all about it.
I'm sure there were Praise Offerings heard far and wide these past couple of weeks as kiddos headed back to school.
Back to School is always an emotional rollercoaster for me.
Happy- No more playing Cruise Director, Julie McCoy as I try and keep everyone entertained.
Astonished -where in the world did summer go?
Overwhelmed- between new schedule's, back to school shopping, making sure you have the EXACT thing on the supply list. . . it often overwhelm's this Momma.
Sad-my babies are growing up. As much as I encourage this, it still breaks the heart of me. ..the eternal struggle of parents.
As I was dealing with my emotionally wrecked self, I found myself labeling and filling backpacks.
Even for the 7th grader.
I only do for back to school, but I do love filling their backpacks and organizing their things.
Nothing like a new school year and fresh start.
Tuesday was the first day for this guy:
All smiles and slicked back hair.
Watch out 2nd grade, you're about to get rocked!
The next day was the big boys first day of 7th grade.
That seems so crazy to me. . .I still remember my first day of 7th grade. How could I be sending this man/child off to 7th grade??
I've mentioned before how much I hated 7th grade.
It was very difficult year for me.
Didn't fit in with kids I known my whole life.
Awkward. Lonely.
As I was packing up the big boy's back pack with all his school supplies Tuesday I found myself praying all sorts of things for him as he sets out on this new year.
Good things to pray. . . ramblings of a Momma. . .desperate prayers, that weren't really prayers but begging . . .
And it was if the Lord spoke right to the heart of me. . .don't pack things in there for him that aren't necessary. . .
Fear, anger, loneness, bitterness. . . .He's not you, don't load him up with extra burdens to carry.
He'll be Ok. I've got this covered.
Have I ever failed you before?
Don't make his load heavier by putting your own stuff in there.
I can't tell the extreme sense of peace that overflowed in those quiet moments.
Do you ever do that?
Put stuff on others that they don't need to carry?
Maybe I'm the only one, but I doubt it.
I Peter 5:7 Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.
Jesus is the only one who can hold on to our fears and anxieties and invites us to throw them all to him.
So off to 7th grade C went, his backpack a little lighter, filled with only things he needs not with useless things of mine I was trying to shove into the corners.
And we were both the better off for it.
Blessings,
Angie
Back to School is always an emotional rollercoaster for me.
Happy- No more playing Cruise Director, Julie McCoy as I try and keep everyone entertained.
Astonished -where in the world did summer go?
Overwhelmed- between new schedule's, back to school shopping, making sure you have the EXACT thing on the supply list. . . it often overwhelm's this Momma.
Sad-my babies are growing up. As much as I encourage this, it still breaks the heart of me. ..the eternal struggle of parents.
As I was dealing with my emotionally wrecked self, I found myself labeling and filling backpacks.
Even for the 7th grader.
I only do for back to school, but I do love filling their backpacks and organizing their things.
Nothing like a new school year and fresh start.
Tuesday was the first day for this guy:
All smiles and slicked back hair.
Watch out 2nd grade, you're about to get rocked!
The next day was the big boys first day of 7th grade.
That seems so crazy to me. . .I still remember my first day of 7th grade. How could I be sending this man/child off to 7th grade??
I've mentioned before how much I hated 7th grade.
It was very difficult year for me.
Didn't fit in with kids I known my whole life.
Awkward. Lonely.
As I was packing up the big boy's back pack with all his school supplies Tuesday I found myself praying all sorts of things for him as he sets out on this new year.
Good things to pray. . . ramblings of a Momma. . .desperate prayers, that weren't really prayers but begging . . .
And it was if the Lord spoke right to the heart of me. . .don't pack things in there for him that aren't necessary. . .
Fear, anger, loneness, bitterness. . . .He's not you, don't load him up with extra burdens to carry.
He'll be Ok. I've got this covered.
Have I ever failed you before?
Don't make his load heavier by putting your own stuff in there.
I can't tell the extreme sense of peace that overflowed in those quiet moments.
Do you ever do that?
Put stuff on others that they don't need to carry?
Maybe I'm the only one, but I doubt it.
I Peter 5:7 Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.
Jesus is the only one who can hold on to our fears and anxieties and invites us to throw them all to him.
So off to 7th grade C went, his backpack a little lighter, filled with only things he needs not with useless things of mine I was trying to shove into the corners.
And we were both the better off for it.
Blessings,
Angie
Not to sound like Granny or anything, but this birthday has caused no small amounts of deep reflection.
Some deep sighs, a few tears, an over abundance of smiles and the overview of a life filled with grace.
Not perfection, but deep and wide places where God fills in His vast and unfailing love.
My big boy begins 7th grade this week. And that in itself is as much of a shock to my system as turning 40 has been.
And in all my reflection I have decided that turning 40 is better than being in the 7th grade.
I hated 7th grade.
And it seems no amount of time or adult perception can change that.
So, I have found something good about getting older.
Also, one of the best things about turning 40. . .?!?!
Reflecting on a life filled with friends.
I have been blessed to have some of the same girlfriends for a lifetime. There aren't many that can say that, I know I am blessed beyond measure to say that I can.
I've also picked up some amazing friends along life's journeys.
Really, since getting older doesn't seem to be a choice, I am so glad I can do it with these gals.
You don't need a big birthday to reflect on the grace of your life.
The LORD your God has blessed you in all the work of your hands. He has watched over your journey through this vast wilderness. These forty years the LORD your God has been with you, and you have not lacked anything. Deuteronomy 2:7
Yes, I can truly say "These forty years the LORD has been with me. And I have lacked not one thing."
Blessings,
Angie
Some deep sighs, a few tears, an over abundance of smiles and the overview of a life filled with grace.
Not perfection, but deep and wide places where God fills in His vast and unfailing love.
My big boy begins 7th grade this week. And that in itself is as much of a shock to my system as turning 40 has been.
And in all my reflection I have decided that turning 40 is better than being in the 7th grade.
I hated 7th grade.
And it seems no amount of time or adult perception can change that.
So, I have found something good about getting older.
Also, one of the best things about turning 40. . .?!?!
Reflecting on a life filled with friends.
I have been blessed to have some of the same girlfriends for a lifetime. There aren't many that can say that, I know I am blessed beyond measure to say that I can.
I've also picked up some amazing friends along life's journeys.
Really, since getting older doesn't seem to be a choice, I am so glad I can do it with these gals.
 |
| BFF since 5th grade. We have a lot of history and she knows all my secrets. Everyone should have a friend like my sweet Lanie. |
I challenge you this week to look at all the places in your life where God's grace and love has overflowed.
I read this verse this morning and it made me teary and smile in grateful praise all at the same time.
The LORD your God has blessed you in all the work of your hands. He has watched over your journey through this vast wilderness. These forty years the LORD your God has been with you, and you have not lacked anything. Deuteronomy 2:7
Yes, I can truly say "These forty years the LORD has been with me. And I have lacked not one thing."
Blessings,
Angie
I have broken a major bloggy rule, by not blogging in what feels like forever.
But, while I have had a lot on my mind, I've had a hard time putting into words.
Yesterday was a big day.
I turned *Gulp* 40. Sounds freaky to say that out loud.
Only because I look and wonder "Where did the time go?"
I spent the morning and afternoon with my beloved friend. She has been my best friend since we were in 5th grade and knows all my secrets.
She's lived in Thailand the past three years, and I won't even pretend like that hasn't been so hard.
But, yesterday we were blessed with a day together doing some retail therapy and having a yummy yummy lunch. (of which I took no pictures)
I came home to a house that smelled amazingly like chocolate.
The Hubs baked me a cake.
I was given some lovely flowers
But, while I have had a lot on my mind, I've had a hard time putting into words.
Yesterday was a big day.
I turned *Gulp* 40. Sounds freaky to say that out loud.
Only because I look and wonder "Where did the time go?"
I spent the morning and afternoon with my beloved friend. She has been my best friend since we were in 5th grade and knows all my secrets.
She's lived in Thailand the past three years, and I won't even pretend like that hasn't been so hard.
But, yesterday we were blessed with a day together doing some retail therapy and having a yummy yummy lunch. (of which I took no pictures)
I came home to a house that smelled amazingly like chocolate.
The Hubs baked me a cake.
 |
| So moist and gooey! There are chocolate chips in the frosting as well. |
And was surrounded by love
 |
| The pics were taken with my other present, which is a new phone-replacing the one I dropped in Diet Coke right before vacation. |
Friday night, The Hubs has set up a Girls Night Out for me -which I am so looking forward too!!
Maybe 40 really will be fabulous?
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