Read Angie's Thoughts

Every year I sit down and write out a list of 100 things I am thankful for. Here goes 2013's list... 1) My Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Without Him, I wouldn't be here today. 2) My dad. One of my best friends and biggest supporters. 3) My nieces and nephews - Lilly, Peyton, Lola, Clara, Noah, and Sydni. Being an aunt is the best job EVER! 4) Ryan Joe McClelland. I never knew I could love a little boy so very much. 5) My grandma Judy. A stronger lady I will never know. She inspires me. 6) My brothers Bryan and Mark 7) My (might as well be) sister-in-law Kris 8) Ryan's mom Kristen. She has become a great friend of mine during this last year. I want to have faith like hers. 9) My Maggie dog. She is my constant companion and faithful shadow. 10) My cats Lola and Bo. Lola is ever the curious one and Bo is just a crotchety old man who just wants to cuddle...right in my face. 11) A warm house to live in 12) A reliable car that is completely paid for 13) My best fri...

I've learned a lot about friendships recently and whether anyone will read it or not, I thought I would share some of what I've learned... * Friendships are work. Hard work at times. Friendships can bring so much joy and yet incredible pain and heartache. You have to decide that through it all, you're going to stick with that person and do whatever it takes to make things work. * Some friendships are for a season. For reasons only He knows, God brings certain friends into our lives at just the time we need them. When that season has passed, the friendship begins to fade. When I was walking through the journey of healing from the abuse in my childhood, God brought me many good friends that encouraged me, listened to me, cried with me, and celebrated with me. As I began to move past that time in my life, those friendships fizzled out, some until they ceased to exist at all. And you know what? I'm okay with that. * With some friends, I've learned you almost have ...

The Bible has a lot to say about faith. I expect it would. :-) I especially love the verses in Matthew 18 that talk about the way society is to value children and how the faith of little ones matters so much to Him. Last night as I was driving Ryan home after taking him out to dinner while his mom and dad had a date night, I was struck by his faith in those around him and it has made me examine my faith in God in a new light. Ryan doesn't have a care in the world. Seriously. When he goes to bed at night, he sleeps soundly, trusting that his mom and dad love him. When he wakes up in the morning, or from nap time, he trusts someone will come get him out of his crib. When his diaper needs changing, he trusts someone will do it. When he's hungry, he trusts someone will get him a snack or fix him a meal. When someone puts a plate in front of him, he trusts that the food is healthy and yummy, not something that will make him sick or hurt him. When he's thirsty and needs a '...