The Angela Adventures

Reflections of a Mother...

More than half of my life is over, and as I look back, I can truly say that despite mistakes I've made and words I wish I had never spoken, I feel so very blessed by the fruits of my labors. Especially three pieces of priceless fruit named Michael, Sarah and Karen.

I heard a sermon once by the pastor of Park Cities Presbyterian Church, Dr. Skip Ryan. He's probably the most gifted, most eloquent speaker I've ever been blessed to hear. I love his delivery; I love his practicality; I love the way God speaks through him to pierce my heart! Anyway...he was talking about making memories, and clinging to good times with family and friends, and always looking for the next major "moment" of celebration. We human beings are continually searching and grasping for a hold onto that perfect moment before leaving this earth...not realizing that the perfect moment comes when we see Him face-to-face. The perfect home; the perfect mate; the perfect job; the perfect children; the perfect social contribution..etcetera, etcetera. Skip's words are so very true...and I find that I, too, look forward to the next "moment" in my own life.

I thought life was "perfect" when Mike married Rachel. I remember watching them walk down the aisle, share their vows of love and commitment, and then begin their young lives together. That was a "moment". I then remember Sarah suffering from a huge "life disappointment" and recovering gracefully through the sustaining love of Christ; and then receiving a Master's Degree and a job that only He could mysteriously and miraculously provide. That was another "moment". And now, I watch my youngest, Karen, prepare for her own marriage to an amazing young Christian man who I already love as a future son-in-law, and who absolutely adores my daughter...they walk their aisle in 19 days...this will be another "moment".

Skip went on to further say that one "moment" leads to another and another and another, and that as humans, we are never truly fulfilled by these "moments" and that we plan for more and more, hoping that one day we can sigh and look backwards and nod with a sweet smile of satisfaction that says..."okay, now I can rest in the joy of my memories and look forward to my future with Him". Well...obviously there was much more depth to the meaning of his sermon than I am able to express...

I must say that I feel blessed, fulfilled, and content as I look backwards in my own personal history, despite some of the tragedy I've experienced. The emotions, the satisfaction, the thrill, the heart-felt love, the sadness, the laughs and the tears that have come from my "moments" fill me with gratefulness to Him for such a rich life!

"Thank you, Lord, for the grace you gave me during the "moments" of my life...both difficult and easy...and for the "moments" you'll continue to give me and this dear family of mine! Grant me the mindset to acknowledge You in each victory, in each struggle, and in each person you place before me. Amen"

The Angela Adventures

"To Breathe....or Not To Breathe...is that even a question???"

Okay...ready, deep breath, step in, pull the straps up, zip, zip, zip some more...and...it....fits! Praise God!

Yes... the lovely, shimmery, plum colored, never-been-worn evening dress and jacket purchased last year fits even a little bit better than I expected. BUT...I can't gain an ounce of weight, and it would behoove me to lose 5 lbs. between now and March 11th. Oh...my dear Christian friends...pray for my will power. I have a week-long business trip at a swank hotel coming up, and an anniversary, too! But...I exercised 6 times this past week, and hope to do 7 times this coming week. Burn, burn, burn those calories.

I don't want to buy another dress when this one is perfectly lovely. I did decide to buy a very substantial "undergarment" to give me the appearance of sleek and slender...I may not be able to breathe, but I'll look terrific!

Thirty-four days until Karen's wedding. We are almost ready...we just have the concern of everything coming together smoothly at this point. All the pieces of the puzzle are on the table, now we just have to put them together.

Keep praying for our patience and our planning! Karen has done an awesome job! I do a pretty good job with the checkbook and the credit card, too!

Another work week is upon me. I had the honor of serving as a screener for the 2005/2006 Verizon Excellence award nominees. I learned that my team, with myself as leader, was again recommended for an award this year! We passed the initial screening and are now on our way to final judging. I'm so grateful to the Lord!

Love to my readers...
Angela/"Mom"