Wake Up!

All the chaos in the world makes me sit here, as I read twitter, Facebook, my email, the news, etc., and think, "What in the world?!" For some reason right now, I am angry.

There is no unity in this country. Half the country realizes there is a problem and wants to change it. The other half is too lazy to care. Problem. What is their answer? Secede from the government. Yes, that will make things better. Instead of talking about it like adults, people are running away like children! The Civil War, Part II. We all know there are issues with the government - you would have to be completely unaware of your surroundings to not know this. But, no, seceding from what we know as America is not the answer. It is good that it is being talked about, yes. Is our government in shambles? You betcha. What should they do with the whole money issue? Stop spending it. I don't care that they cut ~ 1 trillion last year...we are still how much in the hole? Tell that to China when they come collecting (I told you, I'm angry). 

I am also tired of reading different comments or posts of people my age, even older, who think life is a big party. It isn't. It is time to grow up. We are the future of America. Just because we pay bills and show up to work doesn't mean we are grown up. That is a big part of it. But it is also in how we act, how we treat people, how we manage our time, how we deal with things, and how we react. Are we growing or staying the same? Just because we grow up doesn't mean life isn't fun anymore. However, it is time for us to be responsible and made aware because we are the future of our country. I will raise my children in this country and the things I do now will have consequences in the future. I don't think a lot of people realize that. 

Okay! Deep breath. 

Really though...a lot of folks need hope. Hope is found in the Lord. Right now, I'm thankful I can cling to Him. Because without Him, I'd be a hot mess. 

Some verses I enjoy reading whenever times are crazy and I get fed up / overwhelmed are:

Isaiah 41:10 Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Matthew 11:28-29 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls

Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Colossians 3:15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.

And my favorite:

Psalm 62:8 Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us.

I am so thankful God is on the throne and He doesn't change. Amen! 

Adventures out West

Well, last week (10/18 - 10/21), my boyfriend and I went to Arizona. I'm sure everyone is like Ang, why are you blogging about this.... ya'll, I always have a story to tell.

So, I drove to Birmingham to meet Chris. We decided that B'ham would be the best airport to fly in and out of because of where we both were driving from. We left my car at his grandmother's and drove to the airport. We got there in plenty of time to go through security (no one is flying out on a Thursday afternoon). I was nervous! I haven't flown since April and when I did, I checked my bags. Chris and I carried everything on. Well, everything was fine. I didn't get carted off by TSA nor did I make the national news, like I was kidding about with some friends.

Chris and I were sitting in a restaurant, talking and whatnot, and decided it was close enough to boarding time that we could go and wait. We both decided to use the bathroom before getting on the plane. The ladies restroom was closed so I had to walk farther down. Just as I was walking past our gate, I hear both our names being paged. I just groaned and thought, please, tell me this is a joke. So, I walk to the gate (irked I wasn't able to go to the bathroom and that they called for final boarding like....15 minutes early) and we were literally the last two people on the plane. We get to Dallas early, obviously; however, taxed FOREVER and we were delayed about 20 minutes, I think, before finally getting off because they couldn't find someone to bring that thing that connects the plane to the terminal so everyone can walk off (I know there is a proper term for it, but that's how I describe it). Well, Chris and I stop at Starbucks and we eat at Chili's because we had about a 2 hour layover. We find out our flight had been delayed into Tucson, which wouldn't have been a problem but the car rental place closed at 12 and with the delays...we were pushing it. The take off time kept getting pushed back and pushed back. Finally, we boarded and took off. We arrived shortly before 11:30. Chris grabbed my suitcase (his got put in the very back of the plane) and went to the car rental place. I just followed behind him and eventually found where I needed to be. I tweeted that night "Just wondering around Tucson's airport trying to find my boyfriend. Whatever. Lol!" haha. We were able to get the car. I know ya'll are sitting at the edge of your seat, wondering if Chris got there in time ;) Well, he did...and it was a beauty. A Grand Marquis.

That was just getting there....

So, I finally went to bed around 1 a.m. Chris had to be at the tennis courts at 6:45 that morning. Not much sleep was to be had by all that night.... We had to leave around 6:30 a.m. So, that meant getting up at 5:30. But it was a good day regardless! I got to meet his tennis team and some of their girlfriends / family members. His team played very competitively and even played a match against the team who won the entire tournament. Chris is really good at tennis and I enjoyed spending the two days watching my boyfriend play some tennis (he was there for a national tournament). I haven't really spent much time watching tennis in recent years. I mean, I used to go with my dad to his tennis matches or his tournaments or I will watch it with him when it's on TV. I played for fun in college, a few times, but I'm not very good. So, I enjoyed watching my boyfriend play and learning more about it :) 

Saturday, after Chris' match, we drove to Phoenix to see my aunt, uncle, and cousins. It was so nice to see them :) We watched the Alabama game at their house and ate dinner with them. Chris hadn't met my cousin, Tori, yet so I really wanted him to meet her! I don't get to see them much, so I was very thankful for the chance to hang out with them for a few hours!

Well, Sunday...we didn't have to do anything before we left! He did some laundry, I started to study for my class...we checked out of the hotel at 12 and returned some stuff Chris had got at Target that he didn't use. Then he took me to Macy's because he knew I had wanted to stop there since we don't have one in Decatur / Huntsville :) We also got to eat at In-N-Out Burger. It was so good! 

We got to the airport to return the rental car and went through security with no issues (haha, I was still paranoid about that! STILL!). So, Chris had some of his teammates on the same flight to Dallas and we were all sitting there talking and whatever. The flight was overbooked and they kept offering vouchers to people. We were all able to board and Chris and I were some of the last people on the plane. So, we put our suitcases in some of the first overhead bins we could find (remember, the flight was overbooked). Well, Chris and I are sitting there, chit chatting and talking to his teammates who are sitting close by. All of a sudden, one of the flight attendant comes up to us and out of no where starts going off on Chris. She was so angry that he stored his suitcase a few rows in front of where he was sitting. She went on and on about how he was suspicious, how she was watching him from the moment he got on the plane, how she wanted him to explain to her why he put his suitcase up there, how this was food for thought, how she wasn't calling him out (Chris, at that point, was like oh, you're not calling me out?), but then said she was...it was so WEIRD! Finally, another flight attendant came to see what on earth she fussing at Chris about and they walked away. Thankfully, that flight attendant left us alone for the entire flight. I would have punched her in the face if she had said anything else, lol. 

Well, we get to Dallas and had about 30 minutes to kill before we boarded our other flight (to BHM). We ate at TGI Friday's with some of Chris' team. When we got to our gate, haha, Chris and I were actually late and were about to be paged...again! We sit down in our seats and I started studying and Chris is snackin' on food or doin' something... Well, this girl sitting across and up a row from us all of a sudden starts talking to us. She sees Chris has an Alabama hat on and kept talking about Alabama and Bama this and EVERYTHING. For one hour and forty-five minutes...this girl talked constantly...lol! She even said Chipper Jones is a jerk in real life and he hits his wife. Now I don't think that's true, but...that's what she said! She told us we had to watch the Giants play Monday night and informed us of movies we needed to watch and books we needed to read. She asked Chris if I was his wife. When he said that I was his girlfriend, her response was, "That's so sweet!" lol. She asked me how old I was and then asked if Chris was the same age. We found out her entire life story. Chris faked sleeping a few times...I buried my face in my textbook. haha! We laughed about it when we got off the plane in Birmingham. And we were still laughing about it when we talked on the phone Monday night. 

When we were walking to his car, I told him I was never flying anywhere with him again....but I was kidding ;) I enjoyed tagging along and cheering him on last weekend! 

So, after one more weekend trip...I think I am done traveling for a while! I have to concentrate on this class! I need an A...my GPA needs an A :) So, those reading this, please pray. 

Blessings From a Car Repair (Yes, really)

God is pretty neat - just going to start out with that. 

For those who don't know...my family has the worst trouble with cars and it's rubbed off on me. Usually what seems like a minor repair ends up costing me a million dollars (okay, not really! But it definitely feels like it). For example, two winters ago, I hit some ice and bumped (slammed...) into a curb. I thought my car was out of align. No, ohhh...no. I ended up replacing 3 tires, a hub cap, and tie rods. Do you know how much that costs? And just from hitting a curb? Not even a year ago...my clutch went out. Like, really? I had to get a tow from my work! I ended up telling my coworkers I couldn't pay my bills and my car was getting repossessed :D They didn't know whether to believe me or not....so they stopped making fun of me (Winner! Besides, I work with all men...so they pick on me constantly! I probably deserve it though)

Well, last week, my car started acting up. It would just die when I wasn't giving it gas. So, the next morning, I was telling one of my coworkers about it and we looked at my car. He kind of figured out what was wrong so I knew what to tell the mechanic when I took my car in. That night, after church, I dropped it off at the shop. I get a call the next morning and they had figured out what was wrong and the mechanic told me how much it was going to cost to get the part. I stopped listening and just started crying. I totally went all Ang on the situation. "I hate cars. I hate driving. I have the worst luck. Why. Why. Why!!!!" (I can't stop laughing at myself right now). I texted my boyfriend and told him about it and, of course, he's very level headed. Very calm. Very everything I'm not in a situation like this, haha! He told me to call back, get a part number, he'd look for one cheaper. He's so sweet, right? ;) I didn't really want to call back (I despise talking on the phone), but I did. Anyway, I kind of understood a little bit more of what the mechanic was telling me - seeing how I wasn't in tears this time (is anyone else laughing as hard as I am?). 

To make a long story short....I called the mechanic yesterday to check on my car and he told me that he was able to find the part for much, much less than what he originally quoted me. This time, I cried for happiness. I mean, can anyone else relate? I've had enough car breakdowns to keep somewhat of an emergency car fund, but still! I'm in grad school now...and I extremely dislike car repair!!!! :)

I was also very, very convicted about not really praying about this as I should have. I just prayed that I would have the money to cover the bill and He did give me that. But God went above and beyond. That's so humbling! It also caused me to reflect on the amazing people and things He's given me or let me experience within the past year. I guess a little car repair isn't so bad.... :) 

I Freak Out. He Calms.

My heart is so full of things the Lord has been teaching me lately! 

He's been working in my heart about how little faith I really have. The girls and I started a new Beth Moore Bible Study - on faith. It just pricks your heart every time you open it. It's been ridiculously amazing for me....

Some things that have stood out to me are: Your faith won't grow unless challenged. Quote Scripture and take time to pray - don't panic when life gets crazy! Pray for my faith to be strengthened.

I already "know" this - I've SEEN it in my life, with BIG stuff. But it's the little, every day stuff I have trouble trusting in. So, I mean, if God can get me through some of the hardest times of my life - just a year ago....why can't He get me through grad school? Or adjusting to a new relationship? Or my finances? Or just....LIFE? (insert Ang dramatics) Sometimes, I just feel so out of control (well, duh, I'm not IN control). So, I'm trying to remember to pray, quote Scripture, and not to freak out (....me? not freak out? That is a lesson in and of itself!). I tend to have everything rationalized in my head before I even take the time to pray! He will get me through all the "craziness" - just have to pray for my faith to be increased! Besides, all it takes is a little mustard seed and I can move a mountain ;)

Faith....a lot for such a little word :) 

Second, I read these amazing verses in Romans 15 last night...

4. For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. 5. May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus. 6. That together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7. Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.

Okay, everyone together.... "Wow!" :) Does that hit anyone the way it hit me? Verses 5 and 6 are my favorite! Live in harmony with fellow believers....that we may with ONE VOICE glorify God. That just...makes me want to do a happy dance and also convicts me at the same time!  Because I know I don't do a good job of living harmoniously with my brothers and sisters in Christ but also encourages me because God gives the endurance and encouragement in this area! Love these verses! I love the words "One Voice." Working together, without strife, we can accomplish so much! 

Favorite song lyrics right now....

"Lead me to the cross, where Your love poured out, bring me to my knees - Lord I lay me down. Rid me of myself, I belong to You. Lead me, lead me to the cross."


Happy Talk Like a Pirate Day, everyone!

Lil Bit of Hope

This morning, I received text messages from two different people telling me some sad news. I'd already started writing, but I think I'm going to change up what I originally was going to write. 

I've been reading the book of Romans in my devotions the past week. It's my "go to" book when I need encouragement, a kick in the pants "spiritually," you name it...that book has it. I was reading in Chapter 5 last night. I mean, how often do we read a chapter, "know" what it's saying, and then move on to another passage? 

Last night, I think this portion of Chapter 5 just hit me in a new way.

 1.Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ 2.Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God 3. Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance 4. And endurance produces character, and character produces hope 5. And hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. 

I love these verses. We can rejoice in hope of God's glory NOT ONLY THAT, but we can rejoice in our sufferings. Why? Because sufferings produces endurance. What good is endurance? Well, look at verse 4. Endurance produces character and character produces HOPE. We all need a little bit of hope in this dark world, don't we? :) Another verse that I love is Romans 8:28. "We know all things work together for good to them that love God." I was a senior in college when I finally figured out what this verse meant. "Good" isn't always a happy ending. Good is bringing honor and glory to God and that sometimes means hard times :) It's to make us more like Him. 

My dad always told me growing up, "Angela, you're always going to be tested. It's easier to pass the test the first time, instead of retaking the same test over and over again." Life lessons from my Pops :) 

A Pointless Existence?

II Corinthians 4:18 - As we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.


Yesterday, my Pastor preached a message on Eternal Significance. What are you really living for? Yourself? Or God? Are you really giving 100% to the Lord? What am I living for? What's the point? All these questions were just floating around in my head during the message. Like, why am I getting my MBA? Why do I work hard at my job? Yes, I want a good career. I want the status - I'll be that honest. But....what should it profit a man if he has the whole world and loses his own soul? I really have no need for an MBA or promising career in business or money or...really anything....without it involving Jesus. 


I don't think that means God won't ever bless me with a good job / career or He won't ever let me finish my MBA...but I should be using all of this for His glory. Like, being a good testimony in front of my coworkers or inviting them to church, etc. Which is really hard! You know? You don't want to be pushy - you do have to work with these people and you spend more time at work than you do at home. But there is always opportunity if you pray for it.


So, I was really convicted to make sure I give God my all. I don't want to have a pointless existence. I don't want to waste my life on just a good career or a "just whatever." I want to make sure that the things I do with my life will matter eternally! 

What, what?

I haven't blogged in a while - been lacking inspiration, I guess. Also, I've been really busy.


Holy cow, you guys, grad school is kicking my tail. I am usually very studious and book smart. Well, that was undergrad. Grad school is completely different and I was warned that it was different, but I suppose no one can really prepare you for it. I've definitely struggled on the quizzes I've taken so far. So, if you think about, pray that I start doing better! I enjoy the material (usually) and I've learned far more about American Law the past 2 weeks of school than I have the past 25 1/2 years of my life. Real talk. 


My friends and I went to see Spiderman the night it came out (7/3). We went at 11:00 at night. So, my sister, my good friend, Hannah, and I decided to take two 5 hour energy shots before the movie. Don't do that. Seriously - there are sudden bursts of energy involved, hot flashes, I had some major insomnia - of course, we were hilarious. The night was so fun. My sister and I rode down our town's main road with our heads sticking out of the sunroof at 2:30 in the morning :) After the movie, half of us went to Waffle House. I've never seen so many old people at a Waffle House at 3:30 a.m. It was definitely a memorable night.


I love my friends and I'm even more blessed that we all go to church together. We are able to worship together and be good friends outside of church. I dare say that rarely happens anymore. I think a lot of times churches put up theses boundaries and there's an invisible boundary and that says "We can only talk / be friends at church." The thing I love about my church is that we aren't like that. It's a very common thing to see on Facebook or hear about families or couples or groups who are hanging out outside of church. We worship together and we hang out together. I am very thankful for that. 


My sister and I went to visit my cousin and her husband this past weekend in Oak Ridge, TN. That was so much fun! Any time I get to spend with my sister is always fun, so when you add in to the mix my cousin and her husband...that's some insane fun ;) Jess and I randomly ended up at the power plant, thanks to her trusty GPS, on Sunday morning as we were trying to find the church. Now, trying to explain to a security guard that we were lost and indeed not trying to get inside the plant and we in fact were trying to go to church was hilarious. The man thought we were crazy :) Maybe we are, a little :) 


So, here comes the best part of my post :) My hair stylist introduced me to this guy! I know, right? I was set up! If you know me at all, you'll laugh at the thought. But I agreed to it, after I asked her 4,000 questions. We texted / talked on the phone for a couple of weeks before actually going out. So, we went out a week ago Saturday and I think I've seen him every day but a few days since. He works out of town but since it was a holiday week, he was home more days this week. He's a good guy - sounds cliche but there's "good" and then there's good. He's a good guy. Honestly, I haven't smiled this much in a while. It's nice. I'll keep you guys posted :)


The Lord has really been working in my heart this year. I can't believe how much He has changed me. I've gone from being so selfish in what I want and everything has to be a certain way or my life is OVER (insert the dramatics) to having the Lord take something so precious away from me and breaking my hard heart. I can't wait to see what He's going to do next. I've never been more thankful for hard times - they indeed are from the Lord. You come out of them on the other side truly more like Christ. How can you not be thankful for that?? 

Jesus, Friend of Sinners

Again, this post is taken from a song and my Pastor's message on Sunday morning (6/17/12).

Honestly, I don't even know where to start...I just know that people are dying and going to hell - that breaks my heart.

I don't want to be the reason someone doesn't spend an eternity in Heaven. I've been so convicted to do something about it - to be more bold in who I am in Christ. What do I have to lose? Absolutely nothing. Think of what can be gained! Souls for Christ. 

If we can truly get a hold of this - this passion for souls - just think of what would happen...wow. Can we say revival? 

Christ died for everyone. We should be reaching everyone. 

This link is to my Pastor's sermon on Sunday - he really has a passion for souls. 

http://fairview.podomatic.com/ 

Also, I just love this song - Jesus, Friend of Sinners by Casting Crowns. 

Jesus, friend of sinners, we have strayed so far away
We cut down people in your name but the sword was never ours to swing
Jesus, friend of sinners, the truth's become so hard to see
The world is on their way to You but they're tripping over me
Always looking around but never looking up I'm so double minded
A plank eyed saint with dirty hands and a heart divided

Oh Jesus, friend of sinners
Open our eyes to the world at the end of our pointing fingers
Let our hearts be led by mercy
Help us reach with open hearts and open doors
Oh Jesus, friend of sinners, break our hearts for what breaks yours

Yeah...

Jesus, friend of sinners, the one who's writing in the sand
Made the righteous turn away and the stones fall from their hands
Help us to remember we are all the least of these
Let the memory of Your mercy bring Your people to their knees
Nobody knows what we're for only what we're against when we judge the wounded
What if we put down our signs crossed over the lines and loved like You did

Oh Jesus, friend of sinners
Open our eyes to world at the end of our pointing fingers
Let our hearts be led by mercy
Help us reach with open hearts and open doors
Oh Jesus, friend of sinners, break our hearts for what breaks yours

You love every lost cause; you reach for the outcast
For the leper and the lame; they're the reason that You came
Lord I was that lost cause and I was the outcast
But you died for sinners just like me, a grateful leper at Your feet

'Cause You are good, You are good and Your love endures forever
You are good, You are good and Your love endures forever
You are good, You are good and Your love endures forever
You are good, You are good and Your love endures forever

Oh Jesus, friend of sinners
Open our eyes to world at the end of our pointing fingers
Let our hearts be led by mercy
Help us reach with open hearts and open doors
Oh Jesus, friend of sinners, break our hearts for what breaks Yours

And I was the lost cause and I was the outcast
Yeah...
You died for sinners just like me, a grateful leper at Your feet

An Answer to Prayer

I don't talk much about my migraines, but today I'm just so excited that I have to share.


Background:
One Wednesday, when I was about 17, I developed a headache. Literally for years, it never went away. Over time they got worse (those times I fell and hit my head ice skating or snow boarding probably didn't help matters either!). In college, I was passing out sometimes, my vision would randomly go black, or I'd lose my hearing for a few seconds. If you guys know me, I have to literally be dying to go to the doctor. After my junior year of college, my dad said, "Enough is enough. You're going to the doctor." Well, I had all the tests run, blood work done, etc. Nothing was wrong with me! 


So, I was sent to a neurologist and I've been going every 4-6 months ever since. I started taking migraine medicine, twice a day. I hated...h-a-t-ed it. There's a bunch of side effects, but the two that affected (effected? whichever) me the most were lack of appetite and fatigue. My migraines slowly started to go away, as my doctor increased my daily dosage with each visit. I was finally having consecutive days without pain! I couldn't even remember what that felt like. But the side effects were killing me. I was losing too much weight and I was constantly tired. It took almost 4 months just to get used to the high amount of medicine I was taking before I would have to return to the doctor to have the dosage increased again (did that make sense to ya'll?). 


Recently:
This past year, I've finally been able to go weeks without a headache. My last visit, 6 months ago, my neurologist was so impressed with how far I'd come the past year or so - he said we should start thinking about decreasing your dosage and eventually, maybe take you off. Do you know how encouraged I was to hear that?! 


Today, I went back to my doctor. After answering all the typical questions, he goes "I'm going to lower your dosage." I wanted to scream with happiness! I've been praying so long for this moment! A doctor visit where he doesn't increase my medicine - in fact the exact opposite happens!! Granted, it isn't much. But it's a start and it was an answer to prayer.


God does answer prayer! Maybe not immediately and maybe not always the way we want, but He answers our prayers in a way that's always best for us. So, keep praying! Even when you're discouraged. Keep praying for that unsaved loved one, for your physical need, for your financial situations - just keep praying. God will answer prayer in the most unexpected of ways :) 


I'm just so happy right now, I could just burst. Wow! 

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun

This was totally just inspired by a good, good friend of mine on twitter - follow me @AngBowers. I have the best discussions on twitter with my friends.


Previously, I wrote about "Plan B." That post where I said "embrace the singlessness" if that's your situation. Well, this is exactly how I'm doing that this summer. 


This summer has been declared Girls Summer 2012. Why? Because it can be. We decided that it's time to go and do some of the things we've always wanted to. To laugh as much as possible. Be adventurous when all possible. And...no boys allowed - at least, no boyfriends. Maybe if the right one comes along. Maybe ;)


I do want to tell this story (ies) though when we were in Atlanta for a Secondhand Serenade / Boyce Anderson concert -


On our way to dinner (we ate at the Hard Rock Cafe), we were trying to find a place to park. Well, downtown is full of awesome one way streets. Bless those terrible one way streets. I went down a one way street the wrong way (on purpose) because there was an empty parking spot at the top of the street. Well, I was totally parked illegally. We were sitting there and this is our dialogue:
Susan: Ang, we can't park here.
Me: (yelling and stupidly pointing) COPS!
Susan: Yes, I know there are cops. I just heard the sirens.
Me: No! Right THERE!
*Both of us pretend to be busy and act lost*
There were cops staring at us as they were walking down the steps of a precinct office. I seriously was laughing so hard (I was staring at the street sign "wondering" where we were). So, I put my little Sentra in reverse and we got out of there and found a legal place to park.
Trying to find a place for the concert was even crazier. Somehow, we managed to park in a parking garage where the thing you pay at was broken - so we had to break out. For real. I owe them 2 bucks. I still wonder sometimes if I ever show up in Atlanta and get pulled over, I'm going to have a warrant out for my arrest. We pull out of that parking garage onto...yes, you guessed it...another one way street. The dialogue:
Susan: ANG! THIS IS A ONE WAY STREET!
Me: I know....
Susan: THERE IS TRAFFIC COMING!
Me: *thinking* I can totally make it to the parking garage without killing us
Susan: Turn around! Turn around!
Me: Alright. Alright. 
We managed to get to the concert safely and we met Secondhand Serenade (the man, John, himself).


That is kind of just a taste of what happens when Susan and I hang out. 


Our plans for this summer are awesome! Our "KickOff Event" was the Saturday before Memorial Day and we spent the day at a water park and went to the Melting Pot. We are registered for a 5K. Hittin' up New Orleans in August and going by train. The beach for a weekend. And revisiting Atlanta for a Braves game. Of course, every Thursday, you will find us at our favorite place in town for Prequel Night :) 


Girls Summer 2012 is going to be the best. 


Find those good friends who bring out the best in you. Those friends who are always honest with you, who will cry with you, laugh with you, and sit with you in hard times. Those are your true friends. That's really all the advice I have. 


Oh...and enjoy your summer! You only get one summer in 2012 - make the most of it! 

Live Like That

On my way to church a few weeks ago, I heard a song that, quite honestly, convicted me to the point of tears. No, I'm not being dramatic either. I'll include the lyrics at the end of the post.

As Christians, we're supposed to be the light of the world. You know that song you sing as a kid..."this little light of mine..." DON'T HIDE IT. Seriously, we're supposed to be different - not weird different, but different! 


How different am I?


He did everything for me. He gave me life. He LOVED me first! When I was unlovable, when I wretched, when I was ugly - He still loved me. I want to reflect that selfless love.


When people see me coming or talk about me or after I die, I want people to say - wow, that Angela girl, yeah, she loves Jesus. She has a heart for God. I fail...so often, you guys, I fail. I have a temper, I am impatient, I get frustrated, annoyed, etc! But I want everything I do to reflect my Jesus.  I want to show people that I'll only pass by, through my testimony, that God is amazing. I want to show people that I know that Jesus cares. I want to live out my faith by my actions. 


Live like that. What an amazing concept :) 


I hope this song is a blessing to you - I know many have heard it, but maybe this time - read the words with a fresh perspective. And...live like that.


- A

Sometimes I think
What will people say of me
When I'm only just a memory
When I'm home where my soul belongs

Was I love
When no one else would show up
Was I Jesus to the least of those
Was my worship more than just a song

I want to live like that
And give it all I have
So that everything I say and do
Points to You

If love is who I am
Then this is where I'll stand
Recklessly abandoned
Never holding back

I want to live like that
I want to live like that

Am I proof
That You are who you say You are
That grace can really change a heart
Do I live like Your love is true

People pass
And even if they don't know my name
Is there evidence that I've been changed
When they see me, do they see You

I want to live like that
And give it all I have
So that everything I say and do
Points to You

If love is who I am
Then this is where I'll stand
Recklessly abandoned
Never holding back

I want to live like that
I want to live like that

I want to show the world the love You gave for me
I'm longing for the world to know the glory of the King

I want to live like that
And give it all I have
So that everything I say and do
Points to You

If love is who I am
Then this is where I'll stand
Recklessly abandoned
Never holding back

I want to live like that
I want to live like that

"Live Like That" - Sidewalk Prophets

Plan B

I was inspired after talking with a friend last night to write about this...


What on earth are single people in their mid-20's supposed to be doing?? Let's face it...it can be socially awkward sometimes! This is what normal people do: Graduate High School, go to a 4 year college, find the "perfect soul mate," get married at 22, find a job, work for a few years, and start popping out babies. Don't believe me? Get a Facebook. 


Then...there's the "Plan B" people. Those who didn't find their "soul mates," better yet - not dating! - don't know what they are doing, can't find a job, etc etc! We didn't meet expectations, now did we? Quite honestly, I think there's more of us out there than the "normal people."


I struggled with this for a long, long time. Especially because my family would always say "there's a guy out there for you somewhere." "Praying you'll meet someone." "Any special interests?" Or something of the like - quite honestly it wasn't something I wanted to hear (though they had good intentions). Then I thought I had found "the perfect soul mate" but turns out, I just dated the wrong guy for almost two years :) Don't get me wrong, he is a great guy! I still love him dearly and the Lord taught me so much through my relationship with him - I wouldn't change it for the world. But now...I'm single. What do I do now? I'll tell you what I'm doing now and this is what I tell all my single friends out of college...embrace it! 


What do I mean by that? Your life is yours (within some reason - obviously. God has a huge part in that). You are free to go travel if you want. You are free to pick up and move. You can change your career without thinking of a family. You can start grad school and not have to worry about financially paying for more than one person. There's so many pro's to being single! God has a plan for every person who is in this stage of their life. So, why not just enjoy it!? 


After my boyfriend and I broke up, I started going out to eat every Thursday night with a friend from High School. We call our Thursday night dinner's PrequelNight. Why? Because Thursday is the prequel to the weekend. She has become one of my closest friends and has been very instrumental in helping me deal with this breakup. I also randomly went to New York City with one of my best friends from college! Just go and do! I promise you - you will be so rewarded with knowing that you put yourself out there and you are living in the "now" instead of the "what if's." 


I've kind of strayed from my original point. I got tired of being scared of the future. I know I'm not the only person out there that feels this way. Why should I be so scared of something that hasn't happened yet? Besides that, I am a child of God! I just want to encourage my friends and people I don't even know who are stuck in this awkward "where I do fit in stage" of our lives....just embrace it. Life is so fun! Don't worry about the small things and let God write your love story, your life...and just go...and do :) I promise you - you won't regret it. You'll live a full life, even if it's not the one you expected.


- A 

I Got This

Oh my. 

Seriously - what I have gotten myself into? My broke self cannot even afford to put gas in my car! Tuition costs that much and my paycheck...well, it isn't that much. This is going to be a lesson in complete trust in God. No joke, you guys. 

I've been doing some serious praying about how many credits to take, how often to take classes, how I'm going to afford this....oh my gosh. But worrying about all this is not going to help! I do way too much of that about everything and I refuse to be a victim to the "what if's." I'm a strong, independent woman and with God's help - I'm going to own this. Even if it's one class at a time every 8 weeks. 

I think I'm still in shock that I'm doing something that I've had on my list of "to-do's" since I was about 18. Gosh, do you know what that feels like? On the brink of accomplishing something you've only been talking about for years?? I'm a big dreamer and schemer - I won't lie. Dream big and plan accordingly. 

Next up....Europe. But that's in about 3 years.

- A

Start of Something New

I have finally - finally - stopped talking about going back to school and gotten my butt in gear. I am going to take a summer class online and start taking two classes in the fall. I plan to be finished with my MBA by December 2013!

I'm going to be specializing in International Business. I've always wanted to get an MIS (MBA with a specialization in Information Systems) degree, but the school I'm going to doesn't offer that. International Business sounded the most interesting and would open the most doors for my career. I can still get certified in all the Microsoft applications, which is a goal of mine eventually.

So...my plan...finish my MBA...MOVE AWAY! :) 

Maybe even out of the country. I have so many options and now my dream job is more of a possibility. I want to work for the government and this degree will definitely help, as well as the experience I am gaining with my current job.

I am so tired of being bogged down and feeling stuck. I am so proud of myself for going back to school - even more proud of myself for financially doing this on my own. It's not going to be easy at all! 

I guess I should get back to work, huh? 

- A