Thank You 2015

As I woke up this morning I though to myself "Hmm this is my last ‪#‎CoffeeandJesus‬ of 2015, what does Papa have to say?"  I got up, got the boys settled with breakfast and poured a cup of coffee.  I knew my heart was craving Him - Consuming Fire!   Most of the time I have a devotional or something I want to read on. But this morning was different.  

I opened up an email from a Christian group that I follow.  The message was on Criticism.   My first thoughts were this doesn't apply to me.   HA!  I was wrong.    

Although I am still a work in progress it wouldn't hurt to learn a thing or two.  As I started to read I thought WOW this is good!  

I'm usually the one speaking life into others, being an encourager and I know when to keep my mouth shut (most of the time HA). However sometimes I have a hard time being on the other side. Somebody always has something to say!  And it can stir up my flesh. 

The Father gave me a good word: Instead of trying to defend myself, I should simply be a witness of LOVE, GRACE and MERCY of Jesus!    WOW!!!!!! 

I thought to myself yeah why not?? Why not show love and grace! It's not my battle!

{A few scriptures to soak in}

Luke 21:13-14
Peter 3:9
Proverbs 30:5

I got into my worship and the perfect song came on:  Consuming Fire by Christ for the Nations.  The lyrics spoke to my heart with so much Joy!  I don't have to live this way.  All the things that blind me can be seen with Him.  My heart should be to Live for Him....even where there is that one person.  

So, friends wherever you are on your journey I would encourage you spend time today and see what the Father wants to show you. You know where you need to improve on and He knows your heart.

Personally for me 2015 has been a year of spiritual growth. Many ups and downs, life lessons, forgiveness, learned Grace is already within me, celebrated 10 years of marriage with Alex, celebrated motherhood by giving birth to Noah, seeing Maximus personality shine, healing with my mother, rode a roller coaster, got a new job at our local gym, excelled in my Beachbody business, established strong friendships, many memories with family and much more!  

I've learned so much about myself and what He wants for my life.  I know longer have to live in guilt, shame or condemnation.  I am simply live here Heaven on Earth.

The most important job that I will ever have is being a Mother.  This year I learned many things on motherhood, parenthood and my identity.  Clearly, IG thinks so too! 

I have many goals for 2016 and it will require hard work, consistency and faith.

My Goals for 2016
My #1 is to draw closer to Him and continue to make Him center in my life.  Enjoy life with my family.  Be content where I am. Don't be so hard on myself. Show Love & Compassion (Even when others don't deserve it).  Financial Freedom.  Blog More. Help others. Travel. Drink Coffee (Less Mugs HA).  Read. Be a child with the boys.  Grow in our community.  Pray Hard. Live each day to the fullest.  SMILE through it all!   

What are your goals?

Happy New Year Friends!

❤I look forward to sharing more of our hearts in 2016 and growing together in the Kingdom.Happy New Year 

It Is Well

Do you ever wonder how did you go through the day being in survival mode?   Not eating...barely drinking enough water and too much caffeine.   I guess we can call it #MOMLIFE!

Today has been a blur from the minute I woke up to the minute I sat down and had lunch.   I woke up late for starters, then Noah was coughing all night long and I just knew I needed to take him in.   Dropped the boys off at a friends house, drove the gym to teach my Senior fit class and then pick up Noah for our doctor's appointment.   The whole time I just keep praying that he doesn't have croup or any other yucky virus.   Come to found out he had a simple cold.  Bonus:  He weighs a good ole 20lbs - He is a healthy baby!   The funny thing is the whole time he is being checked out by the doctor he just kept smiling.   As I looked at him I thought WOW! Here he is in his man bun smiling away!  

I thought to myself, "Angela, where is your faith!"   Shouldn't we have faith like a child? 

Afterwards as I was driving home I just started to cry.  And thinking to myself "If only I would have nursed him longer he wouldn't be sick all the time."   When I nursed Maximus, we went for 16 months and not one time did he get sick during that time.  {Granted, I am fully aware that each child is different and they are bound to get sick.}  

So, here I was driving home in defeat.   All the could haves, should haves were crossing my mind.   Then quickly I heard the Father's voice tell me, "Daughter you did your very best.  Stop shaming yourself!"  I could feel him right next to me...just as he always is.    I came inside to put Noah down for a nap, settled Max for his nap and got into my word.  I put on my worship music and the song It is Well by Bethel Music came on and BOOM!!!   Holy Spirit in full effect!   A tangible feeling came over me and I was again wrapped in His arms.  I wept and just saturated in His presence.  Perhaps this is what my soul needed.

I was reminded of all the good things that I have done for my children.  All the laughter, all the milestones, all the late nights, all the feedings, all the diaper changes, all the laundry, all the dirty bottles and everything motherhood includes.  I'm sharing this because I want to encourage someone not to feel any less of a mother because something didn't go as planned.  We never know why things workout the way they do. But just know that you are not a BAD MOM.  You are a beautiful mother who loves and would do anything for your children.   Don't let the enemy lie to you or shame you.   Instead pick yourself up, listen to the Father's voice and continue on this beautiful journey.  

You are a blessed mama!