If we are the body

I haven't blogged in a while. I felt a message in my spirit last week, and wanted to write about it, but it didn't really come together. Then as I listened to my Pastors message on Sunday, it all came together, and I sat down it is just started flowing.

Last week as I was listening to the radio I heard the song, If We Are the Body by Casting Crowns. I have heard this song a ton of times, but I heard it in a different way last week. I have heard people refer to Christians as the body of Christ, but I thought it referred to us as a body of people, like a group of people. With this frame of mind, I heard the song as we are the believers, and why isn't Jesus' arms reaching me, why aren't his hands healing me, why aren't his words teaching me. This is a very selfish way of hearing this, and as I think of this, I wonder if this is how a lot of us think, as a matter of fact, I am positive this is how a lot of us think. Sunday my Pastors sermon really brought all of this together. As "Church People", we feel we are entitled to something, like we are owed something. Like my Pastor said, we deserve Hell, it's because of the blood of Jesus that covers me, that we have his grace and are forgiven.

Last week when I listened to this song, this is what I heard:
If we are the body, (we are his arms, legs, hands and heart),
why aren't his arms reaching (our arms are his arms, so why aren't we reaching the lost),
why aren't his hands healing(instead of passing judgment and hurting others, lets accept them and help them heal),
why aren't his words teaching(our words should always reflect him, why are we quick to point out someone’s faults, and tell them everything they are doing wrong, lets teach them how God wants us to live, lets let our words always reflect his love, lets teach them the word),
why aren't his feet going (our feet are his feet, why do we sit on our couch and in service and take, take, take, but not get out and serve, go the distance, go out and find the lost),
why is his love not showing them there is the way (we need to show the love of Jesus to those who do know him, and those who don't know him. We can't be nice to those at church and hateful to the lost because you feel like they aren't living right. And we can't be nice to the lost to reach them, and then be hateful to "church people", because how you act, even if you think no one is looking, is always on display. We have to show them there is a way).

As a church, as the body (Jesus is apart of us) why aren't our arms reaching the lost? Why aren't our hands healing those who have so much hurt in their lives. Jesus was about love, acceptance and forgiveness, why do I see so much hate, judgment, and unforgiveness in "Church People"! Church is scary for someone who comes broken and hurt. They are afraid of the pointing fingers, just like the song says, "It's crowded in worship today, As she slips in, Trying to fade into the faces, The girls' teasing laughter is carrying farther than they know, Farther than they know", "A traveler is far away from home, He sheds his coat, And quietly sinks into the back row, The weight of their judgmental glances tells him that his chances, Are better out on the road" It's sad, but sometimes that is exactly what they find. Pointing fingers, whispered words in there direction. Is this how we reach the lost, is this how Jesus reached the lost, No! We have to get our heart right. People are afraid of being judged by “Church People”, not the world. If we judge them, they will feel safer in the world, something is wrong when that is the case. We have to offer them a safe place. Sometimes a simple, "hi, how are you?" can mean so much to someone.

I believe strongly that our actions influence others; we say we are Christians but do our actions display our beliefs. It's not about how often we come to church, or about the fact that we volunteer our time to the church, or the bumper sticker on the back of our car. It's about how we live our lives, how we treat others, and the relationship we have with God when no one is looking.

“Jesus paid much too high a price for us to pick and choose who should come, and we are the Body of Christ”

Sunday at my church, when the alter call was given and people responded, I just kept hearing “healing” in my spirit. There was healing taken place because we offered love (the love of Jesus), acceptance (no one pointed fingers), and forgiveness (come how you are, we are all sinners who have been saved by the blood of Jesus).


If We Are the Body
By: Casting Crowns

It's crowded in worship today
As she slips in
Trying to fade into the faces
The girls' teasing laughter is carrying farther than they know
Farther than they know

CHORUS
But if we are the Body
Why aren't His arms reaching
Why aren't His hands healing
Why aren't His words teaching
And if we are the Body
Why aren't His feet going
Why is His love not showing them there is a way
There is a way

A traveler is far away from home
He sheds his coat
And quietly sinks into the back row
The weight of their judgmental glances tells him that his chances
Are better out on the road

CHORUS
But if we are the Body
Why aren't His arms reaching
Why aren't His hands healing
Why aren't His words teaching
And if we are the Body
Why aren't His feet going
Why is His love not showing them there is a way

Jesus paid much too high a price
For us to pick and choose who should come
And we are the Body of Christ

Chorus (2x)
If we are the body
Why aren't His arms reaching
Why aren't His hands healing
Why aren't His words teaching
And if we are the body
Why aren't His feet going
Why is His love not showing them there is a way

Jesus is the way

Every Friday and Saturday in October

Come check out this Haunted House. I will be there helping out every Friday and Saturday in October from 8-1am. See you there.

Hysteria Promo from Jason Isaacs on Vimeo.

Accessorizing your look with jewelry

http://www.azfamily.com/yourlife/learn/stories/accessorizing-clothes-jewelry.7155a36d.html

Check out the link to see how you can change up your look and really jazz up an outfit with the right Jewelry.

Contact me to recieve some Jewelry FREE. My average hostess earns about $200 in Free Jewelry for having me over to show my Jewelry to some of her friends and family.

Come to church with me Sunday

Wow, I have been going to New Vision for 5 years this month. Sunday we will have our first service in our new location, The Vision, across from Jefferson Mall in the old Walmart building. Service is at 10:30am. I invite you to come join me and see the place that helped to teach me about God, and showed me that I can have hope and peace, and that there is a church that offers Love, Acceptance and Forgiveness. If you don't believe me, I dare you to come check it out for yourself. This church has impacting me and my family. I hope to see you there.

9/11

8 years ago, I was back at work for the first day from my maternity leave after having Alex. We got a phone call letting us know about the terror attacks. I will never forget that day, and my prayers continue to go out to the families and friends who grieve for there loved ones who were lost that day.

Alex says...

Alex: I think I'm going to get a new girlfriend.

Me: well, how are you going to do that?

Alex: I don't know, I will ask Adam for advice...no wait.. I will ask Dad because Adam doesn't have a girlfriend.

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25 Years Together

My parents renewed there wedding vows this weekend for there 25th wedding anniversary. My dad wanted to do something special for my mom this year for there anniversary, so a few months ago, he asked my mom to marry him again. When my parents were married 25 years ago, they went to the court house and were married by a judge. So they never had a wedding. So me and my sisters helped my mom plan her wedding. All the planning paid off because it was definitely a day to remember. The sanctuary was decorated in purple and silver, and it was filled with our family and friends. Me and my sisters along with our husbands and kids walked down the aisle before my parents walked down to Then by Brad Paisley. Pastor David conducted the ceremony, and my parents said there vows. Curtis and Charmain Bridgemen sang Bless this Broken Road by Rascal Flatts while a photo slide show played with pics from the past 25 years. Stacey and Will read a poem. Once my parents were pronounced once again as husband and wife, they walked back down the aisle to Footloose, which was there first date. We had a dinner reception, and my parents cut the cake and had there first dance. Me and my sisters toasted to my parents, and then we danced and had a great time celebrating with my parents and our family and friends. My toast to my parents. Today we celebrate 25 years of marriage between my parents. 25 year ago we also became a family. 9 years later Ashley was born, and over the next 16 years our family was complete with the addition of 2 son in laws and 4 grand kids. Daddy, A lot of people say that mommy is the best thing that ever happened to you, and that is probably true, but I want you to know that you are the best thing that ever happened to us. So today I honor you as a couple and as my parents. My dad meet my mom when me and my sister were just a few years old. I have watched my parents grow in there love for each other, and it really does seem like they love each other more and more each day. They are amazing parents, and role models for me and my sisters. They love with all they have, and would do anything for you. I can honestly say that I have the best parents I could ever ask for. I love you mom and dad.

my boys

Alex put his Sunglasses on, looked at Little Adam and said, "you might have to fight the girls off of me."

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He blessed me with Jewelry and so much more.

As some of you know I am an Independent Distributor for Premier Designs Jewelry. I just started my 6th year as a Jeweler. I do Premier part time. I love the flexibility and the fact that I make great money for fun work. I get to take my Jewelry and share if with a hostess and her friends and family and I make 50%. You can't beat that. Well it does get better, my hostesses earn on average $200-$300 in free Jewelry. I came across this post on a blog and had to post it on my blog. It sums up what Premier is all about. Premier has really been a blessing. It has given me the opportunity to make extra money, meet some amazing women, and I have grown spiritually as well. Premier has helped me come out of my shell. It all started with a few pieces of Jewelry.

Premier Designs - A Different Kind of Company

y'all

I say y'all all the time and Adam hates it. He says, "babe it's you all, not y'all." I got an email and had to post this line just for him.

In the South, y'all is singular, all y'all is plural.

Love it.

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I need girl time!

I am surrounded by men! I have nothing but guys at home (laila doesn't count she won't let me paint her nails). And I work around all guys. Today at lunch we were on a discussion about how men and woman communicate. There is little ol' me, with 6 guys. I was out numbered. When they say Men are from Mars and Women are form Venus, I totally agree.

why did God invent bugs?

My niece, Adrianna, asked my sister why God invented bugs because they serve no purpose? Jacqueline told her she didn't know, and that she would have to ask God. So Adrianna is bound to get to the bottom of it, so she asked for God's phone number. So Jacqueline tells her that you can't call God on the phone, you just talk to him outloud. So Adrianna looks up to toward the sky, and asks God why he invented bugs. She is in kindergarten. Had to share it, it made me laugh.

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Mom

I had lunch with my mom on Saturday and even though it was a simple lunch, it sparked something in me and I needed to Blog about it.

I know that my mom is an amazing women. I know that the relationship we have is special. However I think sometimes we still catch ourselves taking that for granted. I have had a few of my friends lately tell me that what I have with my family is special, and to cherish every minute of it. I thank them for that, because at times I know I take it for granted. Not that I take advantage of it, but that it is simply normal to us, and I think sometimes I think it is always going to be there. In reality, it will not. I look at my husband, and how he lives everyday without the living influence of his mother. She is always in his heart, but she died when he was 17, and that has greatly affected his life. Some of my friends and family do not have a close relationship with there mothers, and some do not have there mothers in there lives. I can't imagine what that would be like, and my heart goes out to them. They remind me to value the wonderful mother that God has placed in my life, and I thank them for that. I rely on my mother so much. She is my rock. I don't tell her nearly enough, and I don't think anything I can ever tell her or do for her would ever make up for what she means to me.


Mom,
I don't tell you enough what you mean to me, so I will say it here for you and everyone to see. Mom, I love you. And I don't thank you enough for everything you do and for what you are to me. Your heart is the kindest I have ever known. You have the strongest shoulder to carry every ones burdens, and yet they are soft enough when a shoulder is just what we need to lean on. You are there no matter what we need, not just in the good times, but in all the times. Thank you for not giving up on me when I disappointed you. Thank you for holding my hand threw the worry, crying with me during the sadness, laughing with me, and celebrating in the good times. You seem to know when I need advice, and when I just need to talk, you seem to know exactly what I need. Thank you for accepting me and what I believe. You are the best grandmother for my boys, and I hope that they know how blessed they are to have you in there lives. We are the most loved people because of your love. You are not only these things to us, but to our friends as well. You are not only a mother, but also a friend. I know that I can talk to you about everything. Thank you for being there when I was sick, for doing what ever it was that I needed and what ever you could to make me feel better. Thank you for the little things. Thank you for coming to the boys games, and school performances. Thank you for picking the boys up from school when we need you too. Thank you for meeting me at the hospital when Adam was in his car accident. Thank you for helping me with my school work during college. Thank you for all the birthday dinners, and cakes. Thank you for being stricked on us growing up when we needed it, and for giving us room to be us when that was what we needed also. Thank you for being who you are, and for helping us learn who we are as well. I love you mom.

Your loving daughter,
Angela

Saturday was a simple lunch between a mother and daughter, but I know that Adam would do anything just to have a simple lunch with his mother, and I have to cherish those moments with her.

Key West

Ok, so Key West was awesome. I don't even know were to begin. First of all, I can't think of anyone else who I would have rather gone with, Stac, I had a blast with you, and the best part of the trip was going with you. I know I said the Para sailing was, but it was really going with you, lol. There is just something about going on a trip with a friend. This was a first for me, along with many other first on this trip.

We stayed in a bed and breakfast, and I would stay there again. It had that Key West feel. We went snorkeling (I had alittle anxiety), para sailing, kayaking, swam in the middle of the ocean (alot of anxiety on that one, just ask Stac), and did Jet ski's. That was our Ultimate Adventure, and it was awesome. Here are some pics, more to come. We spent one day at the beach, we did alot of walking, and shopping, and bike riding (the way to get around Key West), and laughing, and sunbathing. It was a blast. We also got tattoo's (yes, that is plural mom). I can't put it in words, it was just awesome. Enjoy the Pics.

Ashley is on a roll!

Me: "what day do you have tutoring at school."
Ashley: "I dont know, all I know is there is 5 days in a week, and I just hope the last one comes soon."

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randomness

Alex says..."I think I'm going to wait until I'm 10 to get advertised."
He meant baptized. LOL

Ashley says...
"Mom, will you take me to target to get some of my pictures printed off my digital camera?"
Mom: "Ashley, you have to plan things like that, you can't just run all the time."
Ashley: "but mom, I've been thinking about it in my head all day."
Mom: "that doesn't count as planning."

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It is FINALLY here

OK, it's here, and I know some of you are sick of hearing about it, but in less than 24 hours, I will be on a plane headed to Key West for Vacation. I am so excited. This is a first for me, and a vacation full of firsts. This is my first Vacation without Adam and the boys, I am sure I will miss them like crazy, but I am looking forward to the girl time with my Bestie. My vacation will be full of Sun, Sand, Water, Sunscreen, Wild Chickens (it's illegal to kill chickens in Key West), snorkeling, parasailing, shopping, and good food. I will be blogging about my trip while I am gone, so check back to see pictures and hear about my adventures.

Funny Randomness

So yesterday Little Adam asked me which anniversary I think will be our best. I said probably our 50th, because you guys can throw us a big fat anniversary party. Alex says, "yeah mom, cause you and dad will be real old, I mean real old!"


If you have a weak stomach, don't read this. I have boys, so this stuff doesn't bother me.
We had Moe's for dinner the other night. When we got home, Alex has to use the restroom. Adam and I are in our room, and Alex is narrating from the restroom, "here comes the taco"! LOL sorry, couldn't resist.

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Happy Anniversary

Today Adam and I celebrate our 7th Wedding Anniversary. 7 years ago on a rainy day in April, we pledged to love one another forever in front of our family and friends. This was a very emotional day because it was a long time coming. Adam and I meet in high school, and had our first son within a year of meeting. We were engaged twice. The first time, I think we got engaged because it was what was expected of us. We had been together since High School, we had a child, and it was the next step, in an out of order sequence of steps for us to take. We were so young and had alot of learning, and growing up to-do. We made our share of mistakes, and we did grow up, and we just so happened to do it together. We had one thing that held us together stronger than anything, and that was Little Adam. Adam was bound and determined to be there in his sons life. To be honest, I really didn't want to be one of those couples who got married because it was what we had to do, so that is why there were two engagements. The second one happened because it was right for us. We got married not because of a sequence of events that lead to it, but because we were ready to stand before our family, friends and God, and really mean the words that we spoke. The whole day itself was a bit of a blur. I have pictures that bring back the memories. I remember how cute Little Adam looked in his Tuxedo that was exactly the same as Adam's. I remember how much Adam embarrassed me when he did his little dance before the garter toss, it was priceless. I remember my cousin who was in the wedding, showing up with a black eye, again priceless, but that didn't matter to me, because he was there. I remember how it felt to have our two families separated my hundreds of miles, come together and celebrate with us. I remember dancing with my dad. I remember the blend of Hip Hop, Country and Latin music that entertained us at the reception. It was one day that represented us. There were 6 years of us before, and many years of us to come after, but that one day was about us. Happy Anniversary Babe.

Just some funny things my kids say...

OK, so last night me and the boys were coming home from dinner after Church. Adam was home in bed by this time, and we went to one of his favorite restaurant, so I wanted to take him home some rolls. Now don't think he was getting the wrong end of the deal, he loves the rolls. So we are walking to the car, and Alex was carrying the box. He drops it, the box opens and the rolls all land on the ground. As I was picking them up, Alex said, "since it's April fools can we put them in the box and daddy can still eat them?".

So on the way home Little Adam was telling me about his bet with his Dad. I guess it could be labeled as bribery, Yes, we bribe our kids! Last year Little Adam was known as 'Walkman' on his baseball team, because he has a great eye, and he always walks. So this year Adam tried to give him incentive to hit the ball. Adam told him if he has more than two hits that he will buy him the new Halo game. So Alex chimes in and says he is going to tell dad that if he gets more than 3 hits that we have to buy him an iPhone. Lol. Yeah. Alex is really working us to get him an iPhone. Little Adam bought one with his own money, and it is killing Alex that he is the only one in the family that doesn't have one. I told that wasn't going to happen. So he said, "Well, I will just have to use the puppy dog face on Dad." Little Adam said, "Alex, Dad is puppy dog face proof, it doesn't work on him like it does mom!"