SOMETIMES THE TRUTH HURTS.

Sometimes, we can think of ourselves so high and mighty that we don't bother to listen to the voices of those who have a complaint against us. 

One of my facebook friends posted a music video of a man who had a lot to say about the "so call" Christians. It was very harsh and at first, I was upset , not by the person who was singing it but, by the person who posted the video and told everyone to listen to the words...please. 

I had to get off of my high and mighty self and really hear the words and figure out why he felt it was necessary to post this song. 

Some, the ones whom this man is describing, are so sure of their salvation, that they don't care if people see their sinful life, and dare someone to talk bad about them/us. Or, they may think that no one sees the skeletons in the closet.

That message was actually necessary for us to hear. What we need to hear is that he is not the only one who feels this way and that we are not getting away with our sin nor are we fooling anyone with our high and might attitude. 

We should be in fear of the fact that we could be causing someone to stumble instead of worrying about our bruised ego. He is sharing how hurt he was by those who are supposed to show love and live right who are the ones judging him. Thank God that he realized that there is nothing wrong with God or being a Christian but rather, there is something wrong with us. Therefore, it didn't stop him from making up his mind to do what is right in the sight of the Lord. We care about what man thinks of us, but we don't bother to care if we are doing what is right in the SIGHT of the LORD. He also stated that he is doing this so that we can change. He is saying I see you and you need to change. But we feel that we know so much that who is he, someone who spent 10 years in jail, to tell us how we should be and what we are and what we are not. 

Well, what he is, is an honest man who is telling the truth about himself and others. So, I am going to share this video on my blog so that we can hear how some people feel about some of us and if we are guilty of anything he is saying, please repent and turn back. When the Holy Spirit got a hold of me, I had made up my mind to serve the Lord and to stop living a "fake" life but to actually, be transformed by the renewing of my mind! Heaven forbid anyone stumble because of a life preached, but not lived.

It's been a while

LOVE YOUR ENEMY!

One day I was reading a comment in response to an article and it stuck with me. The man who left the comment asked why is it that Christians pick and choose what they want to obey. Why do they pick what sins they get to get away with and what sins they want to condemn others for? He made an excellent point. How horrible it is to be represented as such, hypocrites. The world is so aware of it and we don't seem to care that we are doing this. The same God that we serve that will judge their sins is the same God who will see us next regarding how we represented Him! How will that meeting turn out?

Today is the Jewish New Year. They call this the most holy of all days. Rosh Hashanah. Unfortunately for the Orthodox Jews, they are still waiting for the redeemer that has already come. Let's pray that their hearts will change to accept Christ along with everyone else.

This year marks 5773 on their calendar. As you know, I am "studying" Biblical Hebrew and learning some Greek. Don't ask me anything because I don't know. (LOL just kidding). God always give me a message to focus on right before our new year and I had no idea He was actually giving me messages for His/our new year. I just always thought He wanted me to start early. At St. Luke they always had testimony service for watch meet so I am going to give you my testimony. This is actually what God brought to my memory that was one of my struggles, you know the one we usually try to ignore that is a command so, this morning and I am sharing it with you. Just like all testimony services, it's going to be kind of long.

LOVE YOUR ENEMIES: I would like to give a testimony on something that happened to me 12yrs ago. When I first started work at SCAN health plan, I was a temp. I had a supervisor name Rosie who did not like me and wanted me to fail. I did not realize this until she just made it so obvious. Being that I was a good worker, I could not understand why my boss hated me until one day I realized that she must have been angry with me for acknowledging her great mistake she made at work. You see, I started out working in the Enrollment Service department. Our job was to make sure that the members were qualified to be on an HMO plan by verifying their current part A and part B Medicare status through Social Security. I also made sure they understood that they will no longer be under their old provider but will join us come the following month. We were to re-inform the new members of what things are covered under our plan and what is not covered. What were covered were all medications. What were not covered are things like needles used for insulin. Well, my boss was instructing us to tell members that insulin was not covered. Even though I had just started the job, I knew that she was confusing the "Meds" with the "instruments." I even told her this over and over but she would not listen. To make a long story short, the director of the department found out, through me (because I asked her the question about coverage), that my boss was telling us to give the wrong information out to the members and that I was the only one who was giving the right information in spite of the instructions of my supervisor. I was praised for my act and later I found out that Rosie was reprimanded. So, ever since then, it was her mission to get me fired. She tried to write me up for things I did not do which I always refused to sign them. She would monitor my calls and call me in saying I laughed at a member who was giving me sad news when that never happened. She tried everything and it felt like I was dreaming because of my boss being so blunt about her hatred towards me. One day, God quickened me and reminded me that I must love and pray for those who spitefully use me. Oh my goodness, why did God say that! I had to obey because it was a direct message for me. So the very first night was sooooooo hard!!! It made me sick to my stomach to let out the words... and LORD, please bless Rosie and her family. I did not pray for God to change her, I just prayed for God to bless her. I prayed as if she did nothing wrong to me. But, it came out bitter. Truth be told, I was even a little angry for God making me do this. The next day, as always she kept trying to find ways to get me fired and I kept praying for her, and always added her family to it, every night as if she did nothing to me.

I didn't realize this but word got around about my good work. I had favor with the company, including HR. I was a temp at SCAN for over a year while most temps became permanent within 4 months of working there. My boss knew that the company liked me so she couldn't just let me go and she also couldn't just come up with any old excuse. So, one way she punished me was to keep me as a temp for as long as possible. She also did that to someone who was my best friend. It seemed that anyone who liked me, she didn't like as well. I never had seen anything like this! But, she hated me more. So, finally, one spot became available and there were two temps left...me and Clara. My supervisor called me into the office and told me that I did not get the position. She said I'm sorry but if there is anything I can do for you to help you find another spot somewhere else, let me know. I knew I was much better then Clara so I wanted to hear from her mouth, why she chose Clara over me. She said, well, Clara is a better fit. It brought her pleasure to tell me this. The hurt that I felt was so deep that I wanted to go home afraid that I might burst out in tears. Clara loved me so much that she wanted to quit because she always said, we were joined at the hips. We came in together and we will find another place to work together. I told her to please stay.

The next day I went down to HR so very hurt asking if there is anything that I can do to stay with the company. To my surprise, they were surprised that I didn't get the position and they were upset about it. They said to me, do not worry about a thing, we will find you something. I had to finish out the full month before my time was up to leave. Right before the time was up, HR called me and said they found a place that would better suit me with the medical background that I have. They sent me to Independent Living Power. I was so happy because not only did I now have a permanent job, but it was the office in down town Long Beach. “The Well's Fargo building”. The most beautiful and might I add coveted office in SCAN!

I didn't know this at the time (seems to be a pattern of mines) but my co-workers, including my boss were jealous of the fact that I was moving to a better office. Only Clara was truly happy for me. Mind you, I am still praying for my boss and her family every night. Well, it didn't take long, as a matter of fact; it only took a week for Rosie to try to get me fired from my new position. I thought she would have been happy knowing that she didn't have to ever see me again. I sent an email to the other co-workers (Enrollment Services) telling them that I miss them and that I hope they are having a wonderful day. I'm serious, that is what I sent them. Rosie called my new boss, Karla, and told her to tell me to stop emailing her department. She told Karla that she must not be giving me enough work to do if I have time to email her employees. Karla called me in her office and started to reprimand me. I was in shock when I found out what Rosie did. As I explained to Karla what I did and showed her the email I sent, I started to cry because I didn't understand why someone could hate me so much. My supervisor was so shocked at what Rosie tried to do. She said to me, I never would have expected this from Rosie but let me tell you something about me; I do not like it when someone messes with "my girls". That is what she called us. I didn't like it but what the heck, she was on my side. She said, you will never have to worry about her again, I promise. And she was right, after that, I never heard anything else from her about me but, Clara was having problems this time and was trying to get out of the department. My boss was worse on Clara then she was on me. I felt so bad. Clara finally was able to get out of that department and moved to sales.

Two lessons that I was about to learn: #1 God is not finished with me yet. #2 God was not finished with Rosie yet.

Less than a year later there was a big layoff. Many changes were made including getting rid of Enrollment Services. Rosie was laid off. No one seen it coming but God revealed it to me through the director of sales. (I did mention that SCAN found favor with me.) No one believed me when I told them that there was going to be a major lay-off because they heard rumors before and nothing ever happened. Well, they believed. Sad part was the director who told me about this was also laid off. When this happened, I prayed for everyone that was laid off. When one door closes, another opens.

It started to become a habit for me to pray for Rosie and her family and I became sincere in my prayers for her. It is true that it took me awhile for my heart to change. Things seemed to be going good until I heard that Clara was dying. Her cancer came back and she was in hospice. Before this happened she told me when she was working in Enrollment Services that she believed that department was making her sick with stress. So, when I found out she was sick, bitterness began to form. I started to blame Rosie. My friend died shortly after and I attended the funeral. Rosie was also at the funeral. When I saw her I had the look of how dare you come here you murderer! That is exactly how I felt. She was sitting by herself and she was crying. My heart started to soften just a little. I wondered why she was crying and if it was real tears. It was. I tried to avoid her but when she saw me, she humbly came over to me and hugged me. I realized that she had changed. You see, God was not just working on me, but He was working on her as well. She was one of us in the workings. It made me think of the message parable that Jesus gave. The angel was instructed not to pull the wheat from the tare in case they might pull the wheat with the tare. He wasn't worried about some tares being mistaken for wheat being saved with the wheat but, He was concerned about the wheat being mistaken for tare being destroyed with the tare.

It is never God's desire that anyone should parish. It is God's desire that all come to Him. He had His way of dealing with me, and He had His way of dealing with her but imagine if I did not listen to God by taking heed to what He commanded me? I would have interfered with God's process of fixing me and her. Ezekiel 18: ²¹ “But suppose a wicked person turns away from all the sins that he has done. He obeys all my laws and does what is fair and right. He will certainly live. He will not die. ²² All the rebellious things that he did will not be remembered. He will live because of the right things that he did. ²³ I don’t want wicked people to die.” declares the Almighty Lord. “I want them to turn from their evil ways and live.

This is the heart of God. He wants us to have that same heart. This is why it is important that we obey the LORD in ALL that he instructs us to do. We do not know what God is doing and it's none of our business if He does not share with us what His plan is. Our only job is to be obedient. God is always testing us. It's not what happens to us that count but how do we handle the things that happens to us is what count! Happy New Year, Shana Tova 5773.

God Bless you,

Angela R. Ingram

HAPPY NEW YEARS, 5773

OUR DAILY BREAD

My message from facebook 8/21/2012

The Lord said to Moses, “I’m going to send you food from heaven like rain. Each day the people should go out and gather only what they need for that day. In this way I will test them to see whether or not they will follow my instructions. Exodus 16:4 GWT. The great lesson that I am learning is to be grateful for each days blessing rather than focus on what is going to happen tomorrow. Every day that I take my focus off of, to think about tomorrow, is a day lost. If I worry about tomorrow, I would be missing out on today's blessings and being thankful and enjoying the moment today. God tested the Israelite by giving them manna that was to only last for that day. They called it Manna because they didn't know what it was, it was food that came from heaven. They learned about trusting God in that everyday, He will supply their needs. God told them to store up only what they needed for to day and on the 6th day, store up for two days, because the 7th day was a day of rest and a day that is dedicated to Him. The food that God supplied them with was only to last for one day and any that was left over on the ground the next day did spoil. God was always teaching them to trust and obey Him. But, there did come a time when they got tired of the same thing for 40 years God feed them Manna and they became ungrateful. I never want to get to a place in my life where I become bored or tired of God's daily bread and become ungrateful. That would be a terrible sin! Anything that comes from God is good and good for me. As I am going through this phase in my life, God is teaching me that I can depend on Him to take care of me everyday. Each day that I wake up, my needs are supplied. Anyway you bless me LORD, I'll be satisfied. I am so thankful to you LORD for supplying all of my daily needs!

Note: 

In the verse that was supplied, God gave them something that is needed to stay alive. If we were instructed to only take what we need for 1 day, how much would we be tempted to take more "just in case something happen"? With God, there is n

o such thing as just in case something happen because He is with us everyday. To doubt God's love and care is a great sin. Remember that our faith will always be tested. God want to know how much you love Him. That might sound strange seeing that God knows everything and know how much you love and trust Him already, but He is checking you, proving you, testing you to see how far you will go with Him. The test is not because He doesn't know, the test is to SHOW US what He ALREADY know about us. In other words, acknowledgement on our part. God bless you.

THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES

During times like these where we see senseless killings, earthquakes, and natural disasters, we start to think about the end of the world that was predicted in the scriptures. We want to know who will be the anti-Christ and if he is here now. We start to look up names of people and count the number of letters in their name to see if it adds up to the number 666. There is nothing wrong with being

watchful. There is nothing wrong with reading Revelation. As a matter of fact, Jesus Christ said Himself in ***Revelation1:3 {GWT} Blessed is the one who reads, as well as those who hear the words of this prophecy and pay attention to what is written in it because the time is near.*** Most of us do the reading and the hearing but I don't think we do the pay attention to what is written. We seem to be more concerned about whom the anti-Christ will be instead of paying attention to why all this is going to happen and the blessings and rewards in the end to those who are faithful and obedient. Although Revelation can be hard to understand, God is very straight forward in what He approves and what He does not approve. What He will do to those who disobey and what He will do for those who do obey. How we will see that what He started, He will finish it. With all these things being said, it is so important that we stay in the race, encourage one another, and live a life that is holy and acceptable to God. When we read Revelation, that should be our motivation to continue on knowing that where Jesus is now, there we will be also. That He has prepared a place for us. A place with many mansions. A place that we are laboring on Earth for to receive the greatest reward where we will Sabbath forever and ever in heaven. AMEN!

ANYWAY YOU BLESS ME, I'LL BE SATISFIED

I had plans to provide a few videos for the end of July but I ended up with a headache the whole day. So, instead of sending the different videos for the end of the month, I will just on different occasions post my favorite videos. For the last video for the month of July, I think it is fitting to dedicate a song called Anyway you bless me, I'll be satisfied. The song is self explanatory. I hope the song will bless you like it has blessed me. As always, I love you and God bless you.

BE GRATEFUL

ALPHA AND OMEGA

MY HELP

I GIVE MYSELF AWAY

If you want to know what your calling is...you are called to serve. If you want to know what your purpose is...your purpose is to Love the LORD with all of you heart soul and might, and to love your neighbors has yourself.


The praise and worship song for today is...I give myself away.

IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL

We have heard this song and many of us have sang this song but we probably do not know the history and story behind this song. I was at a family bible study three weeks ago. My aunt told us the story behind the song and I was just in awe to see a man who had a Job type experience and through it all could say, "It is well with my soul."

Here is the short story and if you like, you can look it up or read more about him.

Horatio Spafford (1828-1888) was a wealthy Chicago lawyer with a thriving legal practice, a beautiful home, a wife, four daughters and a son. He was also a devout Christian and faithful student of the Scriptures. His circle of friends included Dwight L. Moody, Ira Sankey and various other well-known Christians of the day.

At the very height of his financial and professional success, Horatio and his wife Anna suffered the tragic loss of their young son. Shortly thereafter on October 8, 1871, the Great Chicago Fire destroyed almost every real estate investment that Spafford had.

In 1873, Spafford scheduled a boat trip to Europe in order to give his wife and daughters a much needed vacation and time to recover from the tragedy. He also went to join Moody and Sankey on an evangelistic campaign in England. Spafford sent his wife and daughters ahead of him while he remained in Chicago to take care of some unexpected last minute business. Several days later he received notice that his family's ship had encountered a collision. All four of his daughters drowned; only his wife had survived.

With a heavy heart, Spafford boarded a boat that would take him to his grieving Anna in England. It was on this trip that he penned those now famous words, When sorrow like sea billows roll; it is well, it is well with my soul.. 

Philip Bliss (1838-1876), composer of many songs including Hold the Fort, Let the Lower Lights be Burning, and Jesus Loves Even Me, was so impressed with Spafford's life and the words of his hymn that he composed a beautiful piece of music to accompany the lyrics. The song was published by Bliss and Sankey, in 1876.

For more than a century, the tragic story of one man has given hope to countless thousands who have lifted their voices to sing, It Is Well With My Soul. 

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul.

Refrain:
It is well (it is well),
with my soul (with my soul),
It is well, it is well with my soul.

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.

Refrain

My sin, oh the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to His cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

Refrain

For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:
If Jordan above me shall roll,
No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life
Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.

Refrain

And Lord haste the day, when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.

Refrain

Let Christ’s word with all its wisdom and richness live in you. Use psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to teach and instruct yourselves about God’s kindness.[a] Sing to God in your hearts. Colossians 3:16

LOVE IS A SELFLESS SACRIFICE

Note: the bible verses are from the God's word translated translation. GWT

God's love:


Isaiah 9:6 A child will be born for us. A son will be given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. He will be named: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

I though what better example to give then the relationship between Jesus and Mary (love and sacrifice). Many people have received messages from God and also from angels but, non have received a message like Mary. Mary not only found out that she will have a new role, being a mother (unplanned pregnancy for her), but the angel also gave her an idea, by the name given to Him, who she will be the mother of. The very first clue is, she didn't name her child, because this child already had a name and already exist before He was placed in her and, to top all that, she was told of His destiny, beyond life and death. Luke 1: 30 The angel told her, “Don’t be afraid, Mary. You have found favor^[a] with God. 31You will become pregnant, give birth to a son, and name him Jesus. 32 He will be a great man and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David. 33 Your son will be king of Jacob’s people forever, and his kingdom will never end.”

The angel also gave her a clue as to whom the child really belongs to. Luke 1: 35 The angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come to you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore, the holy child developing inside you will be called the Son of God.

When Jesus was about three years old, wise men worshipped the child. The gifts they gave Jesus were prophetic  Matt 2:11 ¹¹ When they entered the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary. So they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.^[a]

GOLD: The gift of gold to the Christ child was symbolic of His divinity—God in flesh.

FRANKINCENSE:  Frankincense is a symbol of holiness and righteousness. The gift of frankincense to the Christ child was symbolic of His willingness to become a sacrifice, wholly giving Himself up, analogous to a burnt offering.

MYRRH: Myrrh symbolizes bitterness, suffering, and affliction. The baby Jesus would grow to suffer greatly as a man and would pay the ultimate price when He gave His life on the cross for all who would believe in Him.

Another clue was by a man name Simeon. God promised him that he would not see death until he saw Jesus. Luke 2:²⁵ A man named Simeon was in Jerusalem. He lived an honorable and devout life. He was waiting for the one who would comfort Israel. The Holy Spirit was with Simeon ²⁶ and had told him that he wouldn’t die until he had seen the Messiah, whom the Lord would send. ²⁷ Moved by the Spirit, Simeon went into the temple courtyard. Mary and Joseph were bringing the child Jesus into the courtyard at the same time. They brought him so that they could do for him what Moses’ Teachings required. ²⁸ Then Simeon took the child in his arms and praised God by saying, 29“Now, Lord, you are allowing your servant to leave in peace as you promised. 30 My eyes have seen your salvation, 31 which you have prepared for all people to see. 32 He is a light that will reveal salvation to the nations and bring glory to your people Israel.” ³³ Jesus’ father and mother were amazed at what was said about him. ³⁴ Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother, “This child is the reason that many people in Israel will be condemned and many others will be saved. He will be a sign that will expose ³⁵ the thoughts of those who reject him. And a sword will pierce your heart.”


The last clue she had about her son was through the prophet Anna. A prophet who was a widow for 85 years. During those years she stayed in the courtyard worshipping God day and night through fasting and praying. Luke 2: ³⁸ At that moment she came up to Mary and Joseph and began to thank God. She spoke about Jesus to all who were waiting for Jerusalem to be set free.

After this we learn that both Mary and her husband Joseph followed and finished all the required teachings of the Lord, they returned to their hometown of Nazareth in Galilee.  We, of course, do not have details of Jesus' up bringing, however, seeing that God favored Mary, and that she followed all the Lord's teaching requirements, we can safely say that she did give 100% to the Lord. The bible tells us. Luke 2:⁴⁰ The child grew and became strong. He was filled with wisdom, and God’s favor^[b] was with him. 

There came a time when Mary became aware that her role as a mother was going to shift when he turned 12 years old. There will have to be a sacrifice made on her part. She will have to give up herself as his mother, and give Him to man Isaiah 9:6. Every year they would follow the tradition of going to the festival. This year, when they left a day had passed when she realized her son was not with her. Now many people probably wondered how in the world could she not know that Jesus was not with her? Well, my heart tell me that Mary never had to worry about her son doing anything that was "out of the ordinary" because he was a good boy. So she had no reason to think that he would not be with them. When she realized that he was not there, she went back searching for him. Three days, she looked for him and she finally found him on the third day.

Luke 2: ⁴⁸ When his parents saw him, they were shocked. His mother asked him, “Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been worried sick looking for you!” ⁴⁹ Jesus said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Didn’t you realize that I had to be in my Father’s house?” ⁵⁰ But they didn’t understand what he meant.


The beautiful thing about this is that Jesus left with them and he was obedient. Mary treasured all of these things in her heart. Jesus being God and knowing his job I believe in my heart he understood his short time on earth and allowed Mary to have her moments with Him. This had to be approved by the Father because there was nothing that Jesus did that was not approved by the Father. Mary had favor!

Mary raised Him up (The Son of God) and he gained maturity and wisdom and he was favored by God and the people. She may not have fully understood all the things that Jesus would end up having to do, but she trust in God and had to released Jesus as her son, to allow Him to be her God. 

In the most touching of all. John 19:25-27 ²⁵ Jesus’ mother, her sister, Mary (the wife of Clopas), and Mary from Magdala were standing beside Jesus’ cross. ²⁶ Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing there. He said to his mother, “Look, here’s your son!” ²⁷ Then he said to the disciple, “Look, here’s your mother!”
From that time on she lived with that disciple in his home.


We can not imagine the pain that they both felt during that moment.  Mary would later realize, from receiving the Holy Spirit in the upper room, that when Jesus died so that the world through Him, might be saved, that also included her. As I stated earlier, she would have to release Him as her son and accept Him as her God.The ultimate, selfless sacrifice of a mother and her Son. 

We must remember that when we talk about we love our husbands, or friends, family, children and so on, that we must only use the word of God as a measurement and not of our own understanding that is usually mixed in with selfishness. The way to learn how to love is to stay in the word of God and to be obedient to His word!

I am including myself in this.

AMEN!


Angela R. Ingram

MY PLANS VS GOD'S PLAN

My aunt Regina shared another great testimony with me and I asked her to pleassssseeeeeee write down the story and email it to me so that I can share it on my blog. I was so blessed by her story and I know that you will also be blessed by this story.

 

Last week I was talking to my niece Angie. I was talking to her about God plan vs man's plan (in this case my plan, or so I thought). I was discussing with her how we can do all the planning in the world that we want but our plans and Gods plans are two different things.  

For those of you who know me and know me well, you know that I am a natural planner. Any time I am asked to do something, I check my cellphone calendar, so I can see if my schedule can accommodate. (Before the cell phone, there was the PDA, before that the Franklin planner and before that a calendar, pen and paper).  I have planned (or at least tried to plan every aspect of my life.) When someone needs something organized, planned and completed in a timely manner, they call Regina.  So throughout my life plannning was what I did.  Sometimes it went well and sometimes it didn't. But I don't normally do anything without planning it.

Over the past 3 years I had been struggling over my employment situation.  Various things at my previous job became overwhelming (lightly stating the situation) and I started to plan my way out. Notice I said "I".  I started looking for another position within the company.  Promotions and job changes were denied. I started searching outside the company.  The searches were bleak for one reason or another.   I struggled at my job and began to truly dislike the place.    Although I prayed, and many family and friends were praying, nothing happened.  Me, being the me that I am, just wanted out and I was going to plan my way out. (There goes that "I" again).

After about 2 years into the search and me planning my way out, I began to somewhat give up.  All my efforts were exhausted and I was still there.  I was still praying don't get me wrong, but I realize, apparently it wasn't time to leave.  So I continued to push forward at work, wait and continue to pray.  One day I received a call  (at work) from a vendor who I worked with years ago. He called me because there was an opening where he worked, that he felt fit me and my experience.  This vendor and I have never ever met face to face and we had not spoken to each other in over 4 or 5 years.  He said he was hoping I was still at the company because it was the only phone number he had for me.   (What a mighty God)  He asked me to apply for the position and I did. Finally, some light at the end of the tunnel, or so I thought. Three interviews, one drug test, a background check that was so thorough, I thought they found my birth mother, and 3 months later (yes it took 3 months).... I did not get the job. The door was closed. No light at the end of tunnel. I felt defeated.

But remember, at the beginning of this story I spoke of a mighty God. The background above was the history of the journey and my plans. Now let me tell you about the plans Gods had for me.

Eight months after the doors was closed on that position, I received a call from the same company.  The HR rep said, "Regina, we never forgot you, we think we have the perfect job for you and want you to come in and apply".  Now think about it, most company’s hold onto an application 30 to 90 days max.  Not 8 months.  (There goes that Mighty God again) I told very few people about the position and those I did tell I asked them to pray.  (I didn't want to get my hopes up.)  I also prayed that God's will be done and that I am at peace with whatever that "will" was.  Well 2 interviews, another drug test and another thorough background check, I get the position.  But the story doesn't stop there.  Although, I was offered the position it was at a significant pay cut.  After some thinking, praying and discussing with the hubby, I accepted the position at the pay they offered.

Although, it was a significant cut, God had a plan.  Although it was 3 years after my journey started, God had a plan.  I am by no means bragging or being prideful, I just want you to understand God plans are way beyond what we can imagine and his timing is impeccable. It says so, in his word.  Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (NIV)   His word also says, Isaiah 55:8 “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. (NLT)

Now, watch how God moved and presented far greater than I could imagine.

• My work hours decreased from 10 to 15 hours a day (most time with no lunch break), to 8 to 8.5 hours and a mandatory 1 hr lunch break
• Benefits, benefits, benefits.... did I say benefit?! I had to read my offer letter over and over to make sure I understood what they were providing.  My previous company benefits were removed years ago only medical, dental was left.
• My commute time cut to down to 15 min, gas tank last 2 weeks now instead of 6 days  (that's a small fortune in saving with todays gas prices)
• Because this occurred in Gods timing/plan and not my own, the new job started at the same time, we found out our home loan and monthly payments were being decreased, yes decreased.
• It also happened after the payoff of our second car (which by God’s grace we paid off a year and a half ahead of time.)
•  I now have christian co-workers.  Imagine my shock on my first day hearing christian music on my co-workers computer and freely discussing God's word with other believers.
• More time at home with my family

Needless to say, it was all well worth the wait and Gods plan are far better than my own. I leave you with this.

Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Psalms 37:4 (NIV)

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; Philippians 4:6 (NKJV)

Have a Blessed Day!
R

I hope that this message will bless you like it blessed me.

As always, I love you and God bless you,

Angela R. Ingram

JEREMIAH 17:9

The heart is deceitful above all things, and incurably sick - mi yadeinu? - who can know it? (Jer. 17:9). How is the heart sick? By seeking escapes and excuses to evade and suppress the truth of its real need. "No person is saved except by grace; but there is one sin that makes grace impossible, and that is dishonesty; and there is one thing God must forever and unconditionally require, and that is honesty...

CP Christian Morning News

I am currently working on what I call complete wellness. I have a third blog in which I am focusing only on my health. My focus is doing things that are beneficial for my mind, body and soul and sharing my experience. I am very blunt about how I am feeling, meaning when I am in great pain, I don't cover it up.

I got this whole idea from Nick Cannon. We both have very similar conditions and symptoms (Auto-immune Disorder). He is doing a documentary about his battle with his health on his blog and he is calling it NCredible Health Hustle.

One of the ways in which I am making a change is taking away the things that cause stress, including the things I watch and hear. I also started a comedy news show on my own call CP Christian Morning News. It's something that makes me laugh and everyone that knows me know that I love to clown around. I decided to share one of the videos with you so you can see what all I am up to.

As always, I love you and God bless you.

Angela R. Ingram