Gateways to Joy

I'm sharing this video with you all to show you who needs your prayers.  Her name is Katie Roque and she is 8 {or 9}.  Saturday she was bitten by a family members dog ... mauled actually and she and her family need our prayers. Her parents are really good friends of mine. Also, if you guys can stop by her dad's blog and leave a comment for her, for them, or even a prayer it would mean so much to them.  I've been updating the dad's, Ronnie's, blog, so you can go there to get details. Thank you so much already and if you could pass her story around and get your readers to pray for her we would really appreciate that. Her dad's blog is Who Me Be A Leader? Thanks you guys. xo, Angela blog subscription  | twitter | facebook

{Jesus} who being the very nature of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men, being found in appearance as a man.  He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. ~ Philippians 2:6-8 Friends.  What is Jesus to you? The Bible tells us that Jesus is: King of the Jews He's the King of Israel He's the King of righteousness He's the King of the ages He's the King of heaven He's the King of glory He's the King of kings He's the Lord of lords What is Jesus to you? Gratitude for: ~ knowing the true & living King and being able to call Him: Savior and friend ~ my responsibilities as a wife & mother ~ sitting on the bed having long talks with my husband ~ watching movies with my husband ~ eating Ambrosia salad late at night with my husband ~ long rides with my husband ~ the rides to go g...

I sn't it something how we can have plans, but God always has the best of plans for us? This morning I woke to plans of my own.  Plans that didn't pan out, plans that didn't come to fruition. As I sat back telling myself to, "Be still.  Be still to see how the moment would emerge" something beautiful happen.  First the Lord calmed my spirit.  He told me, "Let this be well with your soul for what you are experiencing is a good thing.  Go with this daughter." I decided to listen.  To be obedient to the leading, to let the happenings be well with my soul.   And so it is. And the reading and meditation of my heart has been upon these things: <A HREF="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?rt=tf_ssw&ServiceVersion=20070822&MarketPlace=US&ID=V20070822%2FUS%2Fhespetome-20%2F8003%2F398f6cb0-097a-4369-a75b-acdd06bcd03a&Operation=NoScript">Amazon.com Widge...

S ometimes, many times even I forget. I forget to count my blessings and name them one-by-one .  I forget that the very thing that taste bitter is the very gateway that could bring me joy.  I think of this as I climb in the bed and look at him.  The one who has taken me as his wife. "Why is it that with just a bit of seeing things differently, the tilting of the head, an entire life can be changed.  Perspective and the ability to see becomes clearer and things that just hours ago appeared to be detrimental no longer seem as bad anymore?  Why? Right now, this moment, this season, I resolve to be slow. Slowed, not rushed.  Slow to stroll through the gateways of my life, to smell the fragrant flowers, to enjoy the strolls, and yes, even the messes. "Is having loads and loads of laundry to wash so bad?" No.  Today I resolve.  I resolve to work for my family as if I am working for the Lord.  Isn't that really what I am doin...

Seeing His beauty in the ordinary liturgy of your service.   "In other words, you choose your life, that is to say, you choose all the conditions of your life, when you choose the thoughts upon which you allow your mind to dwell." ~ Anthony Bloom "We are transformed by the renewing of our minds...." that's what the Bible says. Today may you learn that the mental diet of your mind is really the most important diet for your whole life. Let your mind dwell on the joy-gifts that only a gracious God can give. Happy weekend! xo, Angela blog subscription  | twitter | facebook

I   could feel it rising up within, trying to take hold of me, grip me tight. Anxiety. "I must pray." I whispered, then on with my day I went. Gathering together for this and for that.  Doing the next thing, and the next, and the next, when I came upon what I needed. "Wow.  God always comes through." I inhale deeply, a sigh of relief.   "Thank you Father." I silently whisper. I proceed to read. Peace.  Calmness.  They both sooth my soul and I feel rich. I am richly blessed. I know this because the Bible told me so. This feeling of being close to the Father and in sync with him is far better than anything this world could ever give me or you. Oh how blessed I am to be called a child of God: his daughter.  I am the daughter of the one and only true God.  And I know that I am loved.  I am loved by Love.  It feels good when you know you can give in to love, and you are most assured that you are loved like...

I'm pretty sure most of you bloggers who visit here has seen this post already.  But for those of you who don't blog there's a good chance that you haven't seen it.  Let me just say that I am so happy to be able to share this particular post with you. I didn't write this post, though the writer spoke my heart as she so often does. The reason I've copied and pasted a portion of the article instead of just putting up a link is because I want you to read it.  Many times I've noticed when I simply share a link or video many of you by pass it often times missing out on something that can bless you tremendously. Ann Voskamp the author of the article writes about her marriage . . . in the beginning years.  I can relate.  What I also relate too though is at times thinking on these questions: can I count on you are we connected do I really matter to you will you love are you really here for me do you really care can I depend on you For me, these quest...