Author: Angela K. Crow-Mitchell

Mission of Hope Tour:Photo of the day

by Angela K. Crow-Mitchell
Now I know how Alice in Wonderland felt…

Hello from Smith River, CA! (somewhere between Crescent City, CA and Brookings, OR) Before I talk about the photo of the day I first want to catch you up on my flight experience yesterday.

As you know I flew into DC – I already had a 3+ hour layover in the airport waiting for my connection to Denver. Once we boarded the plane and started to what we thought was the runway ended up being a parking lot for planes. With several lined up in a neat row we sat there…and sat there…until they finally told us that the route had been changed to avoid inclement weather. Okay, I am fine with waiting on the ground for that. Then the pilot told us they had been crunching numbers and with the longer route we wouldn’t have enough fuel. So we headed back to the terminal to top off the tank.

While we were fueling up the storm moved closer and by the time we got back to the runway…all routes had been closed. Then the storm came. We sat there a good 3 hours before taking off for Denver. Of course that meant I missed my connection to Medford.

When we landed in Denver I received a text from the airline that they had re-booked my flight – Great! It was now 7:28 and my flight was scheduled for take off at 7:40. I was about 20 gates away from where I needed to be in about 10 mins. I actually got off the the plane about 7:38. Mental note: Sandals are good for initial security check. Bad for running in the airport to your gate as you hear your name being called over the speaker. But, by the grace of God- I made it! Apparently they were waiting on me. I was the last person to board and got to walk the isle to the complete rear seat of the plane with everyone looking at me with that ‘we’ve been waiting’ grimace on their faces.

I know most of you have your own flight stories to tell and have probably had much worse days than mine, but in full disclosure this just made me question my sanity a little and wonder why I go to the trouble to get to another destination at all.

Then I see God’s magnificent design in nature like the photo above and it all comes back into perspective. I did ask God a couple of times if I heard Him right…because when I finally got to my hotel, in my exhausted emotional travel weary state, they didn’t have record of my reservation. They did end up finding the info and thankfully had a room for me, but by the time I got settled down and into bed it was about 2 a.m. Ky time and my body felt every minute of it.

As I was watching the news and eating my free continental breakfast this morning the weather man announced the coast would be having rain today and possibly tomorrow. Something they hadn’t experienced in a while. So my coastal drive was a bit cloudy and yes it did rain most of the afternoon, but I still saw some amazing trees and beautiful coast lines. I am grateful for being here and to have a cabin and a bed to lay my head down.

This was not the photo I would have shared but you guessed it, my laptop isn’t reading my SD card so I can’t download the photos from my Canon. Good thing I took a few with my phone. Just in case.

Tomorrow…Brookings and then Mt. Shasta for book signing and talk. Good night friends!

Mission of Hope Tour-next stop: Mt. Shasta, CA

by Angela K. Crow-Mitchell
Photo taken June 2, 2013 – a couple of hours before the accident.

I will be boarding a flight this morning headed to CA. (well technically I have to go to DC and San Francisco first) But you get the point. Folks, this is where a big chunk of my life-changing year occurred. So it feels like I have come full circle to return with books and a story to tell.

This time I hope to actually make it to the Redwoods! God willing, I am going there first. This journey is a necessary part of my healing and growth. Just a couple of years ago I would not have thought I would be going back to Mt. Shasta if you had asked me. I just didn’t see a reason for it.

But now, God has given me a reason. A few actually.. Do you all remember the encouraging notes I got some of you to help me write last year and sent them to a church from Paradise who lost their building in the fires? Hope Christian Church is still meeting in Chico and they are only a couple of hours from Mt. Shasta. You guessed it…I am going to meet them and attend one of their services. I also have a talk and book signing at the Mt. Shasta Library.

Another reason is to see my caregivers that took such good care of me when I was dismissed from the hospital until I could fly home. And on top of that I have asked them to take me back to the accident site on the mountain. Now granted I know I can’t drive it myself and I also know I can’t sit in the front seat. But if I sit in the back I should be fine. I recently read something about returning to the place of Spiritual significance. This definitely qualifies. I do not look to the mountain itself but for what God did for me there.

Since this journey is so significant it only feels right to document it and bring you along for the ride. So I hope to do a travel blog with an interesting photo each day while I am gone letting you know how it is going. I will get back to my weekly post after I return. So bear with me and stay tuned- I am really hoping not to have technical difficulties using my old laptop on the road. This should be fun!

“This is my command- be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

Prayers appreciated!

Alignment

by Angela K. Crow-Mitchell

When my body is out of alignment, even in the slightest, it causes pain and discomfort. I found out recently that I have a chronic misalignment in my S1 joint due to the car accident a few years ago.

The same can be said for being out of alignment with the Trinity. If parts of my life are out of sync it can cause discomfort and sometimes pain. Things don’t seem to go as well, because when I am not fully aligned, I am usually trying to control the outcome of something on my own.

But if I am completely aligned, allowing the Father, Son and Spirit to work in my life as One, everything falls into place according to God’s purpose and plan for me. I know that His way is always better and bigger than I could ever imagine. He has proved that over and over.

My faith has grown exponentially over the last few years simply because I have learned when I trust Him and release everything to His control – I am at peace and I know He will protect me. When I am paying attention and staying in the day, doing the next thing in complete trust, I have joy no matter how my day goes.

I am still learning. I ask Him to reveal to me any areas of my life I need to release or change. Guess what? He does. I just have to ask and be wiling to listen. I may not even realize something is out of alignment until I ask. Then it becomes clear. It could be that I just need to change the way I am responding to someone or not responding appropriately as the case may be. 

A couple of months ago I dreamed I was hiding from people and trying to get away from things. I woke up confused about what I might be trying to avoid. I asked God to show me. Boy, did He show me! Five things to be exact! I was corrected and shown the right way to handle these situations I had been avoiding. I needed to be more direct and say what I meant. It may not be easy, but it is brave.

This is called growth. God will correct us. It might not feel good at the time, but I can tell you when He showed me what I was doing and how to correct it, I was consumed with gratefulness to my Heavenly Father. He loves us enough to discipline us and teach us like the loving Father that He is.

If we pay attention, wait on God’s timing, and forage for His truth we can have complete faith that He will provide everything we need. Ask and you shall receive.

“Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.” Matthew 7:7

Since we respected our earthly fathers who disciplined us, shouldn’t we submit even more to the discipline of the Father of our spirits, and live forever? Hebrews 12:9

A Penny for Your Thoughts

by Angela K. Crow-Mitchell

This old phrase dates to the 1500’s and is used to get someone to rejoin a conversation where they have disengaged or zoned out. It is suggested that a penny was worth more back then but with the value of a penny today, I would like to inform you that your thoughts are far more valuable than that. In fact, they are more precious than diamonds or rubies.

In a recent bible study plan, Craig Groeschel of Life Church, had this statement to say on the subject. “Your lives move in the direction of your strongest thoughts.”

What we think about ourselves matters more than we might realize. Our negative thoughts can block us from receiving all the Spirit has to offer. We know our negative words can make a great impact and hurt others but the same goes for our thoughts.

Ephesians 4:22-23 says, “throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes.”

Once we become a believer, we aren’t to have the same kind of thoughts we once had. This may not be easy at first, but we can ask God to help us renew our minds. Likewise, in Romans 12:2 it instructs us to not copy the behavior of and customs of the world, but let God transform us into a new person by changing the way we think. Then we will know God’s will for us- which is good and pleasing and perfect.

Therefore, it is so important to spend time with God. We can read His truths in scripture and ask Him what He wants for us. We can ask the Spirit to control our thoughts to be pleasing to God. We do have a free will to think whatever we want to- but if it doesn’t align with what God tells us, says about us and wants for us then we need to change our thinking so we can experience a closer relationship with Him for ultimate peace and joy no matter what our circumstances are.

Have you ever heard of thought blocking? This is intentionally thinking about something else, pushing a negative thought out by a positive thought. We must make a choice to think positive.

All of this can start with a heart of gratitude. Being grateful for what we have and for the day as the gift that it is each morning can change our perspective and attitude. Take small steps at first, but the more you practice it the more it will become a lifestyle and daily routine.

And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Philippians 4:8

Could it be….perhaps?!

by Angela K. Crow-Mitchell

Do you happen to remember the blog post below? The one where I said the chipmunks did my spring planting. Could it be….that perhaps he did indeed. The picture on the left: Spring. The picture on the right: yesterday this beauty was in full bloom in my backyard. How sweet!

Well, my spring planting is done. The seeds may not be where I would have planted them, but I am pretty sure they are planted somewhere in my backyard by the chipmunk stealing sunflower seeds from the bird feeder at my front window.

The little fellow filled his cheeks to the max and scurried to the back of the house to hide his treasure. He made several trips in the same fashion and managed to empty the feeder of most of its contents in record timing.

It was a funny sight to watch as he hung from the tree limb and made a nose dive into the feeder head first filling his cheeks with seeds like he was saving for a famine. I am not sure exactly where he buried them, and I am certain he won’t remember where all of them are either when he decides to eat them.

I read an article recently that said squirrels (I am sure chipmunks fall into that category), only find about 10% of what they hide. So, if that is the case, I should have plenty of sunflowers in the back yard soon.

The article went on to give quite an interesting perspective on this process that made me smile. The little furry animals may be sowing nuts/seedlings that will eventually become a tree that will provide shelter for many other animals. It could produce more nuts that will feed and sustain others in their community not to mention benefit humans as well with shade, beauty and food or all kinds of resources that trees provide.

Looking at it this way makes me realize the seeds we sow now can help/benefit future generations in many ways. We may not reap the benefits in our lifetime or see the results of what we plant but you can rest assured that it will carry down through family generations and either benefit or hinder our grand-children and great-grand-children and so forth.

On some occasions we see the fruit of our labors and the benefits of sowing seeds in love and grace and how that can affect us, our family and others. But even if we don’t, we need to plant the right seeds like we will. Our prayers are seeds planted for the next generation.

Kindness, love, compassion, generosity, grace and humility are all great seeds worth planting again and again. It not only blesses us but will bless others too.

God sees the beauty in us like we see beauty in nature- in trees and flowers and butterflies, through the lens of love. He sees the heart and potential of every person.

What kind of seeds are you planting for yourself and the generations to come?

You will always harvest what you plant. Galatians 6:7

Work In Progress

by Angela K. Crow-Mitchell

My smile- laugh-love I share with others are my living testimony to a Christ who saved my life and changed it forever. He gives me the strength and courage to fight like a soldier for the freedom of others.

His gifts are precious and come in many forms that I could never have imagined and still can’t fathom for myself. But they are not just for me- but are to benefit others too.

The key is paying attention and being willing to go where He leads. My life is a token of His love and the patience He has with His children, as He waited for the day He could bring me back into the fold and hold me in His loving arms to one day accept Me home for eternity into the family of Christ.

We should all see ourselves how He sees us and be happy about who we are. I don’t know about you, but I want to take care of my body, mind and spirit as the temple of God. He created us to be like His Son Jesus- that is a tall order, but with His Spirit inside us we can achieve anything because nothing is impossible with God.

We should love ourselves as He loves us without regard to our mistakes, flaws, blemishes and brokenness. He made each of us uniquely who we are on purpose. Our flaws are perfectly us – there is no one exactly like you or me. We are special just like all His creation.

I am still a work in progress. He is molding me to be who He created me to be. I want to use my knowledge wisely to help others grow and live their best lives by being an example- role model and friend, but firstly a servant of Christ.

Butterfly Kisses

by Angela K. Crow-Mitchell

I have always loved butterflies. Intrigued not only by their beauty, like little flying flowers, but the intricate details God put into their design.  I could stand in a field of flowers for hours waiting for a butterfly to land to capture a second of its beauty with my lens.

I’ve wanted to write about the amazing migration patterns of the monarch for many years but never quite got around to it. Now, there are other parts of their journey that have captured my attention and it seems like a good time to put pen to paper about these little creatures.

Take their feet for instance. Did you know the tiny little receptors on their feet help them locate and taste food? Did you know their wings are transparent? Not only do they reflect bright colors for us to enjoy as they flutter by, but they hold no secrets to the outside world. They wear the truth of their past life as a worm like a beautiful reminder of the transformation they experienced in a very short time.

And what about their antennas? Did you know they use them as light receptors? The antennae track the position of the sun and turn that information into the time of day. They also can help them fly in the right direction while giving them a balanced life. The antennae can help them sense the direction of the wind and changes in the direction, so they can ride the currents without losing their way.

At the base of the antennae is a special organ (Johnston’s organ) it draws information from the antennae to help keep the butterfly balanced.

So, in short, their little antennas provide a lot of meaningful purposes: Smell, internal clock, navigation, balance and even help with finding the right mate. They can recognize the wind beats of their own species. How amazing is that?

When I was in North Carolina for my fly fishing trip last year, there were several storms that came up. The first night I was there it knocked out the TV signal in my room. In thinking along those lines and the antennae of the butterflies being so well tuned to their surroundings. What kind of reception does your antennae pick up? Do you lose signal at the first sign of a storm and feel disconnected and alone or do you have a higher frequency that can detect a spiritual signal no matter if you are experiencing a storm in your life or fairer weather? Do you know how to fine tune your senses to pick up even in a storm?

What if we wore our faith on our sleeves (or wings), being transparent with the truth about the transformation Christ gave us so our actions help others grow in their faith because they see how much we trust God?

Did you know a developing butterfly can’t fly immediately? It pumps body fluid through its wing veins to expand them. Once its wings reach full-size, the butterfly must rest for a few hours to allow its body to dry and harden before it can take first flight.

Once God transforms us and breaks us free from the cocoon, His breath is the Living Waters that flow through our veins to wash away all doubt and fear of spreading our wings to fly and fulfill our purpose in this life according to His will. He gives us the time to rest and prepare our minds and bodies for the journey of our first flight.

The phases of life a butterfly goes through are symbolic of our lives. From egg to worm to cocoon to butterfly stage- we too can break away the cocoon of our dark past to be free and beautiful.

If God designed an insect with such thought and care to detail with a keen sense of direction; what more detail and thought, went into how He created us? We need to hone in on our natural abilities, sense of direction, tune our antennas to weather any storm that comes our way.

The path God places in front us leads to the kingdom of His glory. The metamorphosis that takes place in our hearts is a symbol of faith. We need to keep our faith as we undergo transitions in our lives. If we can accept the changes that come and emerge from our transitions as beautifully and graceful as the butterfly, we would spend our short life span as joyfully as they do.

Exponential growth comes from strengthening your faith muscles. Through your faith you can encourage and strengthen others. Live by high standards for yourself so others will see your faith in action. Heightened senses and spiritual awareness go hand in hand.

Next time you are out in nature, pay close attention to the smallest details of God’s design and see if you can receive a spiritual message through something you see every day.

“The mystery of life is not a problem to be solved. It is a reality to be experienced.” ~Aart van der Leeow

For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7

Have you read Acts 2:43-47 lately? What a beautiful picture of physical and spiritual growth through faith and obedience.

(ref.: Thought.Co by Debbie Hadley; Mom.me)

God’s Will

by Angela K. Crow-Mitchell

It could be described as when we don’t try to control the outcome and let God lead. A lot of people don’t understand or know how to do that. For a long time, I was one of them.

At one time in my life I allowed the man I was in a relationship with to control me. He controlled my actions, my words, the way I dressed, and even tried to control my thoughts, or at least had to know them as soon as they entered my head. He did not have my best interest at heart.

On the other hand, God always has our best interest at heart. He loves us so much and wants us to be the person He created us to be. He wants us to allow Him to lead us to that path. But He is not a task master. He allows us to have our own free will to decide for ourselves. I saw the dark path that leads me to, and I don’t ever want to go back there. God’s way is light and full of love. If we let go of the things of this world that lead us to the arms of the enemy, He promises us a new life full of joy and peace that eventually leads us to the Kingdom.

Last Fall I was approached by a homeless man asking for change. In my experience with non-profits and shadowing a homeless woman for a day on the streets, I’ve learned what they usually do with the money they are given. I have heard many times that we shouldn’t give it to them because they will purchase alcohol with it. Keeping to that theory, I turned him away. I usually make a zip lock bag full of other items for the winter such as socks, hand warmers, and gloves. But this time I wasn’t prepared.

I believe God showed me something about this experience. In a sense I was trying to control the outcome by not giving him the money he asked for. I am not supposed to draw conclusions about other people’s intentions, I am just supposed to give generously, help those in need and love like Jesus loved. I don’t really know for sure that he was going to purchase a drink with the money if I had given it to him. I am to be kind no matter what and let God control the outcome. Even if he did purchase something other than food with the money, that is not for me to judge or decide for him. That is between him and God.

After that I purchased the socks, gloves and hand warmers and made my package, to be ready for the next time- by the way, I also included a little money in each one. I hope I can keep learning and growing more like Jesus in everything I do. I don’t tell you this for praise but to share how we are to love everyone and be generous, so we can be more like Jesus and let God’s will lead us.

“For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you have me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’” Matthew 5:35,40

Then Jesus left them a second time and prayed, “My Father! If this cup cannot be taken away unless I drink it, your will be done.” Matthew 26:52

Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us today the food we need, and forgive us our sins, as we have forgotten those who sin against us. And don’t let us yield to temptation but rescue us from the evil one. Matthew 6:9-13

Mission of Hope Tour

by Angela K. Crow-Mitchell

Last night just confirms my suspicions of what God has in store for me on this Spirit-led journey. Fairhope welcomed me with open arms, grace and shared some of the love they have for my brother with me.

I am so grateful this was my first stop in sharing my story/truth on The Mission of Hope Tour; I met some great people, visited with some old friends and made a few new ones of my own.

This is the just the beginning and I am excited to see what God has planned. I believe it is my calling to share my story and perhaps I was born for such a time as this. God has been preparing me for this my whole life and for most of it I had no idea. Isn’t it a beautiful blessing to know God has a plan and purpose for each of us?

I used to think I wasted so much of my life and wish I could have found the grace and relationship I now have with Christ earlier. But then I realize being in the valley for so long only makes me appreciate the mountaintop that much more. He can and is using my past to help others. Nothing is wasted with God.

As I sat at the bay yesterday reflecting and preparing for the truth I was getting ready to unleash at the Page & Palette, I sat with my eyes closed in quiet meditation, praying for strength; I heard a still small voice gently whisper, “Open your eyes. Look around at all I have created.” Wow, what a humbling perspective, to know that the God who created the vastness of the ocean, the sky and beyond, the trees and the beautiful flowers and birds that could be seen and heard all around me, this same God who did all of this, is a loving Father who wants the best for me and with Him nothing is impossible. I reach for His hand in complete faith, allowing His Spirit to lead as He prepares the way before me. I take the next step trusting Him with the outcome.

I believe one of the most important ingredients in life is being grateful for what we have and sometimes, especially for what we don’t. God knows best. He is in control and I am so thankful for that. It takes the weight off my shoulders and is such a freedom.

“If you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance and relief for the Jews will arise from some other place, but you and your relatives will die. Who know if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?” Ester 4:14

Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. Colossians 4:2

#brazen #grateful #peace #confidenceinGod #beyondyourself #quietmoments #missionofhopetour #letGodlead #freedom

Gratefulness

by Angela K. Crow-Mitchell

A little bit of gratefulness can go a long way in adjusting our attitude. If we thank God for everything, even the difficult things we are experiencing, we can find peace and joy.

Challenge: Practice thanking Him several times throughout your day.

Thank Him for waking up

Thank Him for your family

Thank Him for the trees, flowers and birds or any other creature you see

When He helps you get through a meeting, say thank you

When you get safely back home- thank Him

When there is a traffic jam and you are late for work- thank Him even then….you never know what He might be shielding you from down the road

You get the picture. Once you start being mindful of being grateful for everything- it will come more natural and can change your attitude and outlook.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name. Psalm 100:4

Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. I Thessalonians 5:18