A Time of Rest.... NOT!

So, here we are, fall has arrived. I love fall. It's my VERY favorite time of year. The brilliant colors of the trees, the cool crispness of the air, football, and let's not forget... HOODIES! I love me a comfortable hoodie sweatshirt.

Fall is a time we can see so many changes around us. We've been studying about appreciating God's creations in Sunday School, and I know I don't often take the time to really see and admire what God has created. I can't wait for the leaves to turn and take a nice afternoon drive with the sista's and just "be".

Austin is playing football for the Jr High team and loving it, and I'm totally loving being a football player's mom. He makes me proud, and the energy and feeling in the stands, is like no other. It's been a season of change for Austin as well... a new world of Jr High. Dances, clubs, games and new friends. He is enjoying it and I am having a blast watching him grow. These next years will pass by me quickly, so I'm so relishing the hugs, goodnight kisses and "I love You's" while I have them.

With fall, comes what we call in my work world "traveling season". We start this coming weekend through the first weekend of December. I'll be making 5 trips this season....and I'm so THANKFUL that I have the opportunity. Is it tiriing? Absolutely! But feeling part of a team and doing my part to help the company be successful is like no other. God has been good.

With all that.... I think our weekends are busy throughout like next March... LOL! I'm kidding... but they are far and few between. However, Brian and I have made some changes in our lives recently, so that we can serve our Lord one inch wide and 20 feet deep rather than 20 feet wide and 1 inch deep. God is good, He is patient and so very wise!

In the meantime... I'm enjoying every day God is giving me to be a witness for Him, and not concerning myself about getting too much rest. I want to enjoy this life He has blessed me with.

My favorite verse: Lamentations 3:23 God's mercies are new every morning! Praise God!

Have a wonderful day.... enjoy God's Creation!

Lost Perspecitive....

Has that ever happened to you? I'm finding that's where I'm at right now in my spirtual walk. Am I too involved... meaning involved in SO many things that I can't give to any of them 100%? Am I working with the Lord where He would have me to be? I'm tired, emotional and busy... some of the business is doing the Lord's work, so why do I feel so blahhhhh?

I've been reading this week in Titus. Although we are to set a Christian example in everything we do, that doesn't mean we have to be involved in EVERYTHING at church. God blesses us and calls us to a specific area to minister and serve, sometimes in an area we least expect. We can get involved in many things, and not be able to totally commit and other area's in our ministry then suffer. So when we are that involved and add family obligations to that... life tends to become a little busy.

Lost perspective... what's important in life? God, my husband, Brian, Austin, extended family and friends. They deserve my time and my love, especially the Lord.

I'm making a committment to stop trying to tell the Lord where I'll be and what I'm gonna do... and ask Him where He is and what can I do for Him at this time. Maybe this will change my perspective on some things.

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

Celebrating our Lives!!!

Here we are almost to the end of July... summertime rolling to an end and school will soon be starting.

Last week on July 15th... Brian and I celebrated our 4th year being married. WOO HOO! Some of you may think big deal... it's only 4 years... it is a big deal. Every day that I get to share my life with the man I love is a big deal. He makes me laugh, he makes me smile.... and sometimes he even makes me angry. But, there's no one I'd rather share my life with.

We didn't celebrate big last week, we went to dinner, and then Brian went to work. He's working nights right now. I know... that's a whole different blog story.
But this weekend, we're traveling to Tulsa with some friends to see Rascal Flatts at the BOK Center. They are my all time favorite group in Country. We played "God Bless the Broken Road" at our wedding... and Brian still sings it to me today.

I'm excited about our trip and the concert. I'm glad that we are blessed and can take time to "escape" the daily grind and find time with one another.

Rascal Flatts... yep, we're Tulsa bound, not just to see a concert, but to celebrate the love we share and the life that we are continually building togther. God has blessed us and continually blesses us... Thank you Lord!

Summertime....

Summertime.... BBQ's, friends, swimming, ballgames, and being outside. Gotta love it! It's a time when if it gets too hot, we don't want to be outside and if we are we want to be by water to cool us off.

I don't know about you, but in the summertime my family stays quite busy. We swim at our neighborhood pool almost every weekend, Brian and I ride the Harley's, even if just to get ice cream, we grill most of our food and we stay up way later than we normally would just soakin' up all the fun times.

We've been busy this summer... at times a little too busy. Between BFC, my volunteering at PCC, working, teaching college kids in Sunday School, and helping in other areas... I have lost my focus what God's will truly is for me. So, I've started taking time each day to spend with the Lord... and seek His face and ask for His direction and blessing on activities. My days have been brighter, my focus has been better.

So, if summertime is keeping you busy, make sure it's not too busy to do the Lord's will.

Freedom isn't Free....

I always heard this growing up... "Freedom isn't free". I believe there is even a country song about this very thing. But, I'll tell ya, when I stop and think about all the freedoms that I have as an American and as a Christian I am humbly blessed.

First, I've been traveling alot for the past year. There is nothing like coming through DFW and seeing American soldiers come off a plane and walk through the airport and people standing applauding, saluting and cheering. That will make the hair on your arms stand up, let me tell ya! These men and women willing put down their lives so that we can enjoy the freedoms of "life" here in the good ole USA. So, to all past, present and future military forces... THANK YOU!

Second.... Jesus Christ gave the ultimate sacrifice for each and every one of us. He left the kingdom of Heaven to come to earth, to be looked down upon, chastised, ridiculed, beaten, tortured and killed. All so that we may have eternal life through Him if we just accept Him as our Savior. All that I am, or ever will be, I owe to Jesus Christ. Thank you Lord for giving the ultimate sacrifice.

As I celebrate this 4th of July.... I'll be reflecting on how blessed I am... and passing that on to Austin. Nothing comes without a price... especially freedom.

America... land of liberty... land of freedom.

Happy Independence Day!

Where does the tme go?

Wow... it's June. We're almost 1/2 way through 2010. Time really does fly the older you get. Grandma, you were right.

This has been a year of change for me so far. Brian and I teach the College/Career class at our church... we love the young adults so much. Who knew that they would bless our hearts as much as they do.... God sure did. We are entering into our 2nd year of teaching... and loving it. This has kinda pushed Brian out of his box... but God has a way of doing that.

I've had personal struggles this year.... old insecurities that hadn't been dealt with, past memories not laid to rest. So, I read Beth Moore's "So Long Insecurity"... that was the beginning of a whole new journey for me. After I pinpointed where my insecurities came from... I was able to deal with them... and allow God to take them from me. God is so good!

Austin... well, he turns 13 in a few months. I love my boy. He has a heart of gold, and a desire to learn more... about everything. He's all boy though. He enters junior high... for him.. it's growing up... for me.. it's a new chapter in our life. All the sudden it's not "cool" to kiss mom goodbye in the drop off lane at school. While Austin was ready for this... I was not! LOL! It all happened overnight. I'm proud of him though.

Austin and I will venture out to Chicago this next week on a mission trip. He will be working construction and evangalism, I will be cooking meals with a very dear sister of mine. It's all in an effort to share the love of God and win souls to His kingdom.

Our summer is filled with many activities and events and before you know it we'll be bringing in another year. My goal for July/August... to slow down and enjoy this ride called life. How about you?

At a loss for words...

Yep, I'm at a loss for words. I've been to my blog every day for the past week trying to write... and I've just been simply at a loss of words.

There are alot of things going on in my life right now, and I've spendt alot of time in prayer asking for God's guidance, strength and perserverance. I've found that during these times, it's when I get quiet... and I listen. I listen for God to speak to my heart, my soul... and guide me. Now, I'm not sure about you, but sometimes that's just plain hard to do... to be quiet.

Just to share a few things that has been on my heart... our church, Selmore Baptist Church are taking group to Chicago... or rather just south of Chicago. We will be going to help another church, and participate in Construction projects, Evangelism, Backyard Bible Club... and fellowship. Austin can't wait to go. The question... would I go. I was pulled back and forth for a while... and sought God's guidance on His will... and I'm going along on this journey with the rest of the group. Pray for us as we prepare our hearts and minds and those that we will come into contact with the first week of June.

Other various things have gone on in our life... end of the school year... job changes for Brian, traveling season for me, and growing and encouraging our Sunday School class (these young adults bless my heart). Life.

I'm so grateful I'm on this journey and that I am busy... I'm about the Lord's work, and I'm so looking forward to watching Austin grow in the Lord over the summer.

So... I really am at a loss for words.... and it's okay!

Don't worry.... Be HaPpY!!!1

If you are like me, your mind is always going and thinking in about ten to twenty different directions from what are you fixing for dinner tonight to what are the plans for next weekend?
Keeping schedules. That's what our lives have come to. Think about this with me for a minute. Almost everything we do is based on a schedule. Our work week is Monday through Friday, our meals are breakfast, lunch and dinner. We plan for fellowship with our friends and family, as well as Holidays. Do you suppose it's always been this way? Me, I'm not so sure about that.

There are days, I long to not have to check my email, my phone and NOT sign into Facebook. So, why do I do it? Part of it is my job, not Facebook of course... but everything has a time that must be done. There are days... okay most days... I WORRY about getting things done or being where I need to be and getting things accomplished. I WORRY about tomorrow.... and what if?

Now, if you know my husband, you know he rarely worries about such things. Droop tends to worry more about the weather and whether he can ride, rather than the necessities of life. His philosophy is ... God is in control... and He has and will continue to meet our needs! Not our wants. If you know me, you know I'm the opposite, and I worry about ALOT of things!

This morning in my bible study I cam across these verses in Matthew 6: 25-27... and they really struck home with me.

Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?

That's laying it all out there now isn't it? It's not important what I wear, what or when I will eat or drink or what I look like.... to GOD anyway. He wants my heart and soul to be healthy. The only way that can happen is to depend on HIM. Trust Him with my days, my hours, my minutes. If God supplies the necessities for the smallest of his creation, the animals, why wouldn't He provide for me? He will... I have to allow Him to.

And my God shall supply all my needs, according to His riches in glory. Phillipians 4:19

Are ya with me.... let's lay those burdens and worries down! Don't worry... be HaPpY!

Reflections...

I've spent the weekend with alot of thought to what that weekend was like over two thousand years ago when Jesus was crucified. Friday dawned with the sun shining and the birds singing... only for the sky to turn dark and rain for the remainder of the day and evening. As I watched it rain... my thoughts drifted to what it must have been like to watch Jesus hang upon that cross, and the skies break open and the rain flood down. Could the rain be relective of the tears of God... He had just sacrificied His one and only Son. Sombering.

Saturday gave way to a beautiful sunshiny day...birds singing, flowers blooming... and everyone going about their "Easter" business. Who was reflecting on why we celebrate?

Sunday, we arrived to a special "Sunrise" service.... to commemorate the celebration of our risen Savior. As the sun arose this morning... and to think about the women arriving at the tomb to find it empty... what feelings they must have had... ! It's in Christ alone that we have victory and hope.

The song says it better than I ever could.....

There in the ground... His body lay Light of the world in darkness slain
Then bursting forth in glorious day... up from the grave He rose again!
And as He stands in victory....Sin's curse has lost it's grip on me
For I am His and He is mine... bought with the precious blood of Christ!

No guilt in life... no fear in death
This is the power of Christ in me
From life's first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny!
No power of hell, no scheme of man
Can ever pluck me from His hand
Til He returns or calls me home.... here in the power of Christ I'll stand!

I'm so thankful that God loved me.... all of us... to send Christ into the world. "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16

Happy Easter! God Bless!

Remember When...

.... as a child you could leave the house in the morning and not return until dark and your parents weren't overly worried? Ahhh.... I remember those days. Growing up, I lived on what we called a "block"... and we ran from house to house playing. Some of my best childhood memories go back to 1405 S 9th Street....having our babysitter three houes up from us, and my best friend Gary, two houses up. Gary and I were inseperable... and yet, we always seemed to find trouble... or was it that it seemed to find us? We built forts, explored caves, caught lightening bugs, found robin's nest... and laid in the grass looking at the clouds saying what they looked like! Wow... those were some fun times.

A part of me is sad that Austin doesn't have that kind of childhood.... mostly because how our society has changed. I don't know my neighbors the next street over... or on the other side of the neighborhood...so, Austin must tell me where he will be, and I tell him yes/no and when to be home. Don't get me wrong... he has a blast with his friends... just seems to be at a much faster pace than 30 years ago when I was a child.

My wish is that Austin still gets to make memories like Brian and I did as children.... the summer days are endless, and you're exhausted from being outside all day. Running through sprinklers, making our own popsicles, catching lightening bugs and putting them in a jar... that's what I wish for Austin. Lazy summer days..... perhaps like in Mayberry.

Dodge This....

This past weekend, Brian and I and 20 or so of our friends traveled to Aurora High School to play Dodgeball!~ Yes, you read that right... DODGEBALL!

Now, you have to understand that Dodgeball is not played today like it was 30 years ago when I was a child ( I said child, not teenager... LOL!) Back then we lined up against a wall, and there was one person who threw the ball and you dodged it. Simple.

Things have changed a bit in the last 20-30 years. Now, you play on a volleyball court, 6 players to a team. Six balls are lined up on the center line, at the whistle your team runs to grab the balls, return back past the first line, and the pelting begins. If you have a big guy on your team, you can hide behind him for a bit. However, it comes down to strategy, speed and technique.

Apparently, if your team has a strategy, you run up get the ball and pass it to a team member that s behind the line and able to throw it at a target running with their back to you. I'm not sure that my team figured this out. Our longest game was a total of 1:30 (maybe). No, that's not one hour and 30 minutes, that is one minute and thirty seconds. I think we were going for a record of shortest Dodgeball game ever played.

Of course Brian and I were not on the same team. There's a reason for this. Those of you who are married understand, others of you... you'll figure it out. Brian's team placed 3rd overall, and did a great job. I must tell you this is the first time since knowing Brian that I have seen him play a physical sport (other than is quad racing). I loved cheering for him from those bleachers... he is so cute!

Why would we spend a precious Saturday playing Dodgeball? Knowing we're going to be sore, tired and just flat out pooped? Simple. To support the GREATEST cause... saving lives. We were helping raise money to support the Aurora Pregnancy Care Center. As of March 11, 2010, it closed... but a faithful group of individuals have risen to the challenge to keep this Center open to ladies who find themselves in a crisis pregnancy.

If you know anything about me, you know this is something that is so near and dear to my heart. Twelve years ago, I found myself pregnant and alone. Austin's biological father wanted nothing to do with the pregnancy and encouraged abortion. Abortion was NEVER an option for me, and God blessed me with Austin.

I now volunteer at the local Pregnancy Care Center, volunteering my time to encourage, mentor and help other gals that find themselves in need of someone to talk to who has "been there and done that". It's important to me to share that every life is valued by God. In Jeremiah God tells us, "Before you were formed in the womb, I knew you and loved you." How awesome is that? God knew everything about me before I was ever formed. He knew Austin before he was formed. God loves us.... so much! He never said it would be easy... but if we turn to Him and acknowledge Him as Lord of our lives, he will direct our paths.

So, you see, I'd play Dodgeball every weekend if I needed to, if it meant saving lives of the unborn, or even the born.

There is no "dodging" it.... God loves you!

Happy Birthday Droop!

Yes, on Monday, March 1st... Brian had a Birthday! The big 36. Normally, celebrating birthdays are HUGE for Brian... bigger than Holidays. This is the day he was born ya know?! This year... he says it's just another day. Really?

If you know me, this was a little hard to swallow... I'm just now getting used to the fact that Birthdays are a big deal. So, what's the deal?

I still haven't figured it out. But I can tell you this much... I thank God every day that Brian Allen Hamlet was born on March 1st. He has been a gift to me that I treasure... and as importantly, value the fact that he is a dad to Austin. He loves us both unconditionally.

This year, we'll have some friends over... eat some good food, play some games... and celebrate the life of the man that makes this woman mighty happy!

Time to get off the couch....

Seriously! I've put this off about as long as I can. I even have a new elliptical machine waiting and ready. So, what's my problem? I think it's called motivation. Even though I'm not happy with how my body looks, feels, etc., Brian says I look great. Now he's my husband so what do I expect right? For those of you who know Brian know that he calls things as he sees them. It's black or white... no gray with him. But what about how I feel about myself and why am I dragging my feet?

Could it be, because I'm comfortable with being insecure? After all, change is hard, it takes time.. and the road bumps you incur. Really? Why would I want to do all that? I'll feel better, hopefully look better, and be in general overall better health.

In contemplating this venture, I've had to dig deep into my heart, soul and mind. It will take all of me to accomplish the goal that I have set forth. I need to be held accountable (girlfriends, this is where you come in to play), I need to be motivated (seeing results sooner than later), and I need to keep in mind that I need my body to be the best that I can make it with what I have. That doesn't mean I'll be a size 4. That means when I get to the size that I feel comfortable and appreciate the way I look... I maintain. What is a good size for me is not a good size for others.

I'm committing my exercise time to also spend time talking to my Lord. What time is better spent than having a conversation with your best friend and someone who cares about my heart? Hopefully a little soul talk while I walk, run or ellipticize will give me a healthier heart to follow God's will in my life.

Time well spent don't you think? So, I'm off the couch.....

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. ~ Colossians 3:15-17

So Long Insecurity

... you've been a bad friend. I'm starting my first on-line blogging book study today. Led by Beth Moore. It's her new book that was released on February 2, 2010.

I was sharing with Brian that I was doing this study... he didn't get it. Actually he said, "What do you have to be insecure about?" Oh, if only I could have his outlook, I probably wouldn't be covered in hives right now, would I? I simply responded, I am a woman I compare myself to every other woman out there and what they can do that I can't, what they do that is better than I can do, hair color, nails, figure... the list goes on and on and on. It's been comforting to know tat I'm NOT the only woman that struggles with these thoughts. I know... these thoughts are not of God... but, I'm human.

Satan loves to badger us. He's constantly putting my past in front of me... secretly saying... Angela, you can't do this, you can't do that... remember when? That's when I find my self repeating "For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins." Colossians 1:13-14. That's right... God saved me from all my past transgressions and sins... by sending His Son to pay the price on that old rugged cross. Makes me want to burst out in song... Oh what a Savior... oh hallelujah"

All this to say, God saved me from my sins.... now it's up to me to allow Him to get rid of the rest of the "junk"... that bogs me down and keeps me from serving Him 100% along side my fellow sistas and friends. Meaning... letting go of ALL my insecurities, and knowing that I am wonderfully made.

How about it... let's do this!

God Blessed the Broken Road...

... that lead me straight to Brian! On February 7th, Brian and I celebrate our first "date". That was five years ago. Significant? Maybe not to some, but to us~ yes! You see I spent the first 15 years (yes, you read that correctly) of my adult life making decisions on my own, not asking my Heavenly Father for advice, guidance or blessings. Where did that get me? Down a long hard, dry, rotten road. I did everything I knew I shouldn't do...and in the long run, I ended up divorced, single and pregnant and on a road to self destruction.

What changed? My parents. They had done all they could do, tried all they could try. I was destroying myself... at a very rapid pace. They prayed to God, and put my life in God's hands. That may sound insignificant to you... but that's when things started to change. I realized I didn't need a man to complete me... Austin didn't need just "anyone" to be a father figure... I had a God who wanted to provide that for us.

I met Brian in the "untraditional" way... on the internet. The safest? Probably not. I can tell you this though, from the first moment we met on February 7th, 2005, when he took my hand, it felt as if I had come home. The safest place I had ever been.

God knew what man I needed in my life... and when I would meet him. I love Brian more than anything. He's my friend, my confidant, my whole world. What's best... he accepted the whole package, Austin and Harley. He got a three for one special.
Don't get me wrong, we've had our ups and downs.... but God did Bless the Broken Road that led me straight to Brian! I love you Droop!

There's no time like snow time....

... Okay, so the weatherman didn't exactly get it right... but we did get snow. Beautiful, white fluffy snow. It's the kind of snow that is pretty to look at, great to make a snowman out of, and heavier than all git outs to shovel... LOL! School was out on Friday, and I was caught up at work, so I stayed home with Austin and we had a Mom and Austin snow day. Hadn't had one of those...in I don't remember when. Oh, we did the stuff we had to, laundry, cleaning, cooking... but we laughed, we sang, we watched movies, we really ENJOYED being together. To hear my son sing Amazing Grace as he's cleaning his room... did this momma's heart good!

So many times we let the weather put a damper on our plans, spirits and overall "stuff" we think we must get accomplished. But God sometimes has a bigger plan, huh? As I sat and looked at the snow and enjoyed the time with my family... I began to praise and thank God for giving us this snow and allowing the time to slow down and realize the blessings He has bestowed upon me, my family and my friends. Quite honestly, God knew I needed this time right now in my life... I've been through a valley of sorts as of late. I love the Lord, but let's face it, sometimes doing the Lord's work isn't always easy. God has renewed my strength and given me a refreshened spirit to continue on the next path of my journey.

Came across this verse in my quiet time today...."Create in me a clean heart of God, and renew a steadfast spirit with in me!" Psalm 51:10

Snow is like that... clean and pure. God gave me this time to enjoy the snow.... and refresh my spirit. He always knows what we need, huh? There's no time like snow time!

Memorizing Scripture...

... yes, it's one of the 2010 "goals" that I have set for myself, to memorize two Bible verses a month. I started this week.
"Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." Phillipians 4:5-6. This is one of my favorite verses and offers wisdom and encouragement. We are to take everything to God, nothing is too small for Him to handle, and He wants that relationship with us. Sometimes I forget that my God wants my "junk"...even the smallest of things... but He loves us, He's crazy about us... and He is just looking for a reason to bless us!
I'll be starting on a new verse every 2 weeks, feel free to join me or just follow along. The Bible tells us to hide His word in our hearts so that we may not sin against God. What better way to do this than to put that scripture in our hearts and minds for quick reference?