Category: Friendship

Belief, Faith, Family, Friendship

Tiny Little Miracles

Angela Ireland

It’s hard to believe that we have been here for three weeks. So much has happened in such a short time that it’s impossible to not see God’s hand in this move. We have visited three churches of Christ, since we have been here and have already made good friends. Through these friendships, we have been able to connect with the homeschooling community. Emily is enrolled in piano, will start tennis lessons after Labor Day and will also get to participate in Fall planting at my sister in Christ’s home next month. Needless the say, as I sit here typing out this post, tears are streaming down my face as I reflect on how good God is and has been since we made this move. Though it was extremely hard in the preparation, I am appreciative that Huntsville, is woven into our journey to heaven.

Today has been busy, following worship this morning, we were invited to the home of a family from church for lunch. Not only was the meal delicious, but everything on our plates came from their backyard. Even the kombucha that was served with our meal was homemade. The meal was followed by a tour of their homestead, and if that was not enough, they gifted us with more wonderful vegetables to take home. The one surprise at lunch was the rabbit. I’ve always been hesitant about eating rabbit, but decided today that I would expand my horizons. So, I ate it with gratitude and to my surprise it was quite tasty.

If I had to put a cap on my day, it was that I was able to leave my daughter at the church building this evening after Bible study for her first youth event. She had a great time and made some new friends. She was the primary driver for this move, because I wanted to have her surrounded by other children her age, growing in Christ. God has taken us from isolated to invited and welcomed.

With all of this wonderful happening to us, my heart still aches because Ethan is not here with us to experience this too. In fact, I feel guilty that we are able to live this life without him. It seems so unfair. In fact, I still can’t comprehend that my life is so radically different now. That God would have me go on without my heartbeat, my precious boy. It still hurts so deeply.

Though, I don’t understand, I will cling to my Lord and Savior, trusting that one day I will see Ethan again as he should have always been, whole and well.

“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:15&16

In Christine love,

AngelaChristine

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Belief, Faith, Friendship, Mindset

I Get Paid To Do What I Love

Angela Ireland

Most people spend a lifetime working and building someone else’s dream. Planning one’s life around two weeks of vacation and that three percent raise. Oh and then there is the retirement, annual meetings to make sure you have enough to last through your golden years. That was me until I got divorced.

I mean I was comfortable climbing the corporate ladder. It was okay to have a company car, travel and vacation once or twice a year; but when I was faced with two life altering experiences, autism and epilepsy followed by divorce. I had to rethink what I thought made sense because in my new life, it no longer made sense.

So I made a decision to walk away from my comfort zone. To push myself out on the edge, because now that I am 50, sitting in the easy chair, isn’t easy. It’s hard, it’s lonely and it’s meaningless. Serving others gives meaning. Six years ago, I moved to Georgia for the sake of my son. I asked my daughter to make a sacrifice and my husband at the time to do the same. The transition was harder than I imagined, painful actually. The struggle was real. We endured and we still endure. My children and I endure, my ex-husband decided he was done, so he moved on.

But there is light, fortunately there is always light, if you’re willing to walk into it. So I did. I decided that time and financial freedom were worth every bit of pain and sorrow I’ve experienced these past six years. What I have to look forward is only going to get better. Not because I have a crystal ball, but because I finally get to do the one thing that really matters, and that is to love and to serve.

Today, I received a comment on a post from one of the individuals, I have been fortunate to serve through Plexus. She reminded me as to why I love this job so much. It is to give hope through health, gut health specifically. I don’t have to create the products, I just have to share how everyone can benefit, if taken properly and consistently. That was just the boost that I needed to push myself these final weeks of 2021. So I will. Will you join me?

“But the word is very near you. It is in your mouth and in your heart, so that you can do it.” Deuteronomy 30:14

It is and I will do it!

In Christian love,

AngelaChristine

Testimony
Current Events, Freedom, Friendship, Lifestyle, Love

A Real Friend

Angela Ireland
Friends

When you say you love me, but then tell me to go and get the jab when you already know my concerns, because you got it, I have to wonder do you really love me?

A real friend considers my uniqueness and physical differences that may play a role in how, I may respond to the jab.

A real friend understands that what may not cause them harm might cause me harm.

A real friend understands that I am fearfully and wonderfully made and I take my personal relationship with Christ, seriously.

A real friend sees me exercising and eating a nutrient dense diet that builds my body and my immune system.

A real friend recognizes that I do my own research and won’t blindly follow the government, media or doctors.

A real friend would warn me, if the road was out up ahead.

A real friend would know me well enough to know that I have made my decision after careful consideration.

A real friend would love me anyway and respect my decision, just as I have respected theirs.

A real friend would understand that one size does not fit all when it comes to medicine.

A real friend would never support any, mandate or rule that discriminates against anyone.

A real friend understands the importance of choice.

But, if my decision to abstain offends her and she determines that we can no longer be friends, I’ll let her know that I still love her as I love myself, which means I’d never knowingly ask her to harm herself to make me feel safe.

I am not scared, and I do not fear being sick as I know illness happens. “yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.” James 4:13.

While, I could spend my days worrying about what is happening in the world as many do, my time is better spent doing what Jesus has called me to do, which is sharing the gospel and living a faithful life, while there is still time, because as the Hebrew writer states, “And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes the judgment.” Hebrews 9:27.

Remember this, we have no control over life or death, no one can extend his or her life by one second longer than has been determined by God. “And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?” Matthew 6:27

In Christian love,

AngelaChristine