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God is in charge

Doubt is just a fact of life whether we are a christian or not. Sometimes I think it is easier for those without a relationship with the Lord to deal with doubt and uncertainty because really, they know nothing else. These people have nobody but themselves to count on and if things don't work out, they can't blame anyone else, especially God. Yet, sometimes that is exactly what happens. Those people that claim to not believe in God or want a relationship with Him, are often the same ones that then turn around and bash God when "their" plans don't work out. Of course God is in charge. How can we look around and see the wonderful sky, the sunsets, our children, grandchildren, have someone give us a hug or hold us when we cry, and not believe that there is a God? I look at my world and I defintely know that there is a God. About 3 or 4 months ago, I began participating in an online bible study with a speaker/writer from Proverbs 31 ministries. www.proverbs31.org. This is a great bunch of ladies that minster to the hearts of women and I was so thankful to have the opportunity to participate in the study. I learned so much from the book study but as well, I have met some great friends. A few weeks ago, I was given the awesome gift of being asked to be a leader for the online bible studies through this ministry. Wow. I am so blessed and thankful for God allowing me this privilige and the minstry team feeling that I am worthy of this opportunity. God is certainly been surprising me lately. Why do I ever doubt that He has the best plans for me if I will just be patient and watch how he works it all out for his glory? I am praying for you my friend, that you will know God and His power through all He has in store for you today and the coming weeks, months and years. Don't ever doubt that He wants the best for you. Stay strong. Be courageous and step out even when you are fearful. He just wants our love and to be available. Lord, I thank you for all you have done and are doing in my life. I love you Lord

This is a picture of our youngest son, Chance Webb.. I am so thankful that God has given me the opportunity to raise this child. He just graduated from college last week, which floors me. How can this baby of mine be almost 22 years old? Lord, thank You for the privilige of being Chance's mother.

Trust

I feel like the word trust often conjours up different things to different people, but for me, it is a word that often brings up bad memories or feelings of hurt. Trust isn't easy for someone that has often been the one that has been left by family, friends or other that have been in my life because they felt the reality of being part of my life was too difficult. When I met my boyfriend Mike, who is now my husband, trust wasn't something I handed over very easily but for some reason I felt I could lay my heart on the line and allow him into my life.. Of course, trust being that we live in a fallen world, he also hurt me as well. Life isn't perfect, even though we want it to be perfect.. Life hurts and we happen to hurt others. Sadly, for me this life has hurt me deeply through many struggles that weren't my doing but through the sinful natures of others.. I believe that the word TRUST sometimes means that we must put ourselves out there to be hurt again because it is inevitable. Pain and suffering are just part of this life but so are love, joy, peace, happiness, memories that make us be glad we are part of this life with someone else. Today, let us reach out to those in our lives and take the time to remember why we love them and want them to be part of our lives. Often times, I seem to remember only the bad that has happened in my relationships but I need to take the time to remember the good as well. I pray for you my friend, that you will take the time to look at the big picture. Does the good outweigh the bad? I hope so and I pray that you will find the peace that God so desperately wants for you to have. Your life is meaningful and is so much more than just one experience. I understand sometimes that one experience seems like the end of us but in reality, it may be the beginning to find yourself. Sometimes we have to reach the end of our rope before we can finally reach out to the rope of God.. I pray for you friend. Find yourself through the love God has for you. Don't find your acceptance in society, but through God... God is the only way to find true happiness.

Success

Success is a word that is often is discussed when we are talking about our jobs, our income or the way our house looks. Yet, success according to the bible is totally different from what is described by society. Success according to Psalm 1:1-4 is based on: 1st: Be cautious about your relationships. Don't walk in the counsel of the wicked or in the path of sinners. This verse discusses that we need to have good relationships. Don't walk in the counsel of the wicked should be applied to every area of our life whether it is family relationships, business and money. I believe sometimes the one that we think has the most knowledge due to a degree or money, really may be the one that gives us the worst advice. Don't stand in the path of sinners means even though we will encounter those that sin whether in our work experiences or other areas of our lives, that does not mean we have to be a part of their sinful practices or condone what is going on. Do not sit in the seat of scoffers. Scoffers are basically those that ridicule God, His people and His word, which in today's world isn't hard to find. You can watch TV on any day and practically find this on one or more programs. You can retn a movie, even a movie that is suppose to be clean, and you will find some reference to putting down the name of God or the people of God. Often times, the hardest part of being a Christian is having to take a stand for something that you know "everyone else" finds nothing wrong with, but that is exactly what God calls us to do. Psalm 1:1-4 is a guide to success according to God and His Word. Success doesn't always mean money, power or fame. Success is bringing honor to the name of the Lord by being a person of values, morals and standing up for the name of God. Let us remember that success is about honoring God.

Great Weekend

We had a great weekend at our house.Our youngest son, Chance graduated from college on Friday. It was such an awesome day and I am so proud of him. He has worked hard at his job while attending college and he also lives on his own. He has worked hard to succeed and has done an awesome job. He was on the deans list 4 semesters and was also a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Club based on his grades while in high school and college. After graduation ceremony, we went out to eat at Ohanas, a japenese resturant. It was a fun time with Chance and his dad. Saturday, we had a cookout for Chance, friends and family to celebrate his graduation. We had a good time. Then Sunday, Mike took me out to eat for lunch and then we did a little shopping. After that we just went home and rested. The week was crazy trying to get ready for graduation and the cookout, but in the end it was a fun time. This week I hope to have some down time to rest and recoup. I am thankful to my wonderful husband and son Chance. I enjoyed the time making memories. Chance has discussed with us that he wants to move to Florida.. Florida is a long way from Texas, especially when you have never lived anywhere but where he lives now. I will support Chance and the decisions he makes, but that doesn't mean that it will be easy. I am afraid that I won't see my child again... Yet, I know that I have to let him grow up and make his own decisions. Today Lord, I know that the plans you have for Chance as well as for my family, is good.. Your plan is the best. Just help me to remember that you hold Chance in the palm of Your hand and nothing can seperate him from Your love. Guide and protect him in whatever decision he makes.

Family

Family: When you hear that word, what do you have come to mind? For me, family doesn't only mean the ones that are related by blood, but those that have come along side me in times of need, struggles, traumas and have stood beside me. This is the family that I think of when I hear that word. I know that I have family that are related by blood, but sometimes blood family just doesn't feel the holes in our hearts and then God provides those other "family" members that we need. I know in my own life, sometimes the hardest places in my life, are the times that I have felt alone because my "family" has shunned me for one reason or another, or there are issues that just cannot be resolved. The loneliness sets deep into my soul at those times because I desperately have needed my blood family and often they just really haven't worried about me as their daughter, sister or mother.. I know that sometimes I have been the one that has held the family together during the deaths of loved ones but often times, that is when I really need a hug or someone to step into my life and say that they cared about me... Not because of anything I have or haven't done, but just because I am ANGIE... Isn't that enough? Many times through my life, I haven't felt like just being ANGIE is enough and that I must meet some standard and some "expectation" to get the love and support that I have so desperately needed. When you grow up in a home that often times doesn't accept you for the way God made you, then when you add on top of that the way society judges women and especially women with panic attacks, fear and other struggles, then I can understand why there are so many other Christians struggling with accepting themselves, problems and all. No person is free from struggles or pain, yet it is how we use those experiences. Do we use them as a way to have a pity party? To hurt others? Or do we tell how God has helped us through all of the pain, tragedies, fear and hurts?? That is my goal in this newsletter. I would never want to bring glory to the enemy through the telling of my story or my struggles. My glory will only be to the ONE TRUE GOD... Who has saved me more than once from myself and from the enemy.. I have so many instances where I can clearly tell you that God had HIS hand on me and was making sure I was being held under HIS WING... No,,, Pain doesn't end because we are christians but I am so thankful that I can say that I live for the ONE TRUE SAVIOR and GOD.... Nothing can seperate us from the love of God.. Today, I am praying for you in whatever area you are struggling.. I pray that God will send a friend or a loved one in your direction to help you face whatever needs to be dealt with.. Maybe it is something from your past. Maybe it something in your life now that continues to be a hinderance to your walk with the Lord.. Friend, continue to pray and ask God to minister to you in the areas you are facing. He will meet you exactly where you are.