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A compass always points north so you can find your way home. We were all taught that growing up. But I want to point out your inner compass. It will always lead you to Christ and the path He sets for you if you keep your eyes on Him and the ultimate goal of the Kingdom.

Stay in tune with Him and in His word. Commune with Him on a daily basis and you won’t stray. There is no reason to fear anything God directs you to. It is a gift that comes with joy.

Your very breath He gives you. He created everything and owns everything. Think about that. Let it sink in. Think outside the box- our thoughts are not His thoughts and our ways are not His way. So we need His Spirit to guide us to God’s way for our lives.

Sometimes we don’t know where we want to go until God shows us all the possibilities and gives us the faith to trust Him and the audacity to dream big. Dreams that He puts on our hearts that align with His purpose for us.

Trust God with your dreams and they will soar beyond your wildest imagination. Things you never thought were possible, things you never dreamed of for yourself and even things you feared can all come to fruition with God at the helm.

I am speaking, of course, from personal experience. I never thought of myself as a public speaker. As a child I whispered a lot, I didn’t speak up for myself as a teen, young adult or even a grown up for most of my years.  I followed others and allowed them to dictate my actions, thoughts and decisions through people-pleasing, co-dependency. 

It wasn’t until Christ came into my life that I saw the potential, not in myself, but in what God is doing through and in me. When I let Him lead the way- my dreams and goals changed. I can now envision myself as a speaker and someone who God is molding into a leader- to lead others to Christ and ultimately to the freedom I have found. By telling my story/truth.

Even when I don’t know what the next step is or if it is secure- I am still climbing higher, because it is in God’s direction and I know I can trust Him with my life. He had proven that again and again in profound ways. I believe because I have experienced it and that is what strengthens my faith every single day.

I am in awe of an incredible, masterful, magnificent, amazing God who loves me and wants the best for me. That gives me the confidence to make the next step, step out with courage and live like I am free and saved by the grace of God who sent His Son to die for me on the cross. I am not sure all the places my compass will take me on my journey this year but I do know that God will be with me and that I can trust Him with the map.

It is my hope and prayer to enjoy the journey and not take it all so seriously so I can be blessed as He places me where I need to be and guides my footsteps to those who need to hear my story.

Beyond Yourself: A Spiritual Awakening

Quiet Moments: Mornings with the Holy Spirit

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There’s nothing like searching for your own books on Amazon. What if it’s not there? What if it is?! Then it will be real. That means this is really happening and it’s not a just a dream.

My publisher informed me a few days ago that I needed to search for my books on Amazon and Barnes & Noble so I would know when to let others know they were released and ready to order. This seems like it has taken a long time to get here- but on the other hand it feels like it was just yesterday I began writing my story and compiling the poems and messages God gave me into books.

I have journeyed up a steep hill and through some dark times to get where I am today. But God was always with me. One of the most comforting verses during my journey has been Isaiah 41:13: “For I hold you by your right hand- I, the Lord your God. And I say to you, don’t be afraid. I am here to help you.” Some days I grip a little tighter.

With that said, I would like to formally announce that when I searched today…THEY WERE THERE!!!

This is happening….

Please check out my books, review them on Amazon, share, like and help me spread the word. I am so grateful for your support!! I need your grace and love as I journey down a new path, sharing my story to the world.

https://www.amazon.com/s?i=stripbooks&rh=p_27%3AAngela+K+Crow&s=relevancerank&text=Angela+K+Crow&ref=dp_byline_sr_book_1

Thank you!

#Lifechanging #BeyondYourself #QuietMoments #Thejourneybegins

This weekend has been an emotional roller coaster for me. It is through grateful tears I share that today marks the 6^th anniversary of a tragic accident that changed my life forever. But the only way I can call this a celebration is because of God.

Only God can transform such a tragic accident and frankly the entire year, that could easily by no stretch of the imagination be called the worst year of my life into a beautiful beginning of a new life with a new purpose. I can just as easily call it the best year of my life because of Christ.

That, my friend, is worth celebrating!

I was a broken mess…BUT GOD spared my life. I knew I better start paying attention. Man, did He show up in a BIG way!

My life is not my own. Everything I have and do is because of Him. I fail to measure up all day long, every day…BUT GOD gives me GRACE and helps me. I give Him all the honor and glory He so richly deserves for anything I accomplish.

A new journey awaits…this is just the beginning of another year of adventure. I can’t wait to see what He does next. Stay tuned….

In the meantime….Let’s eat cake! 😊 (BTW- the image above is a greeting card from my website: http://www.h2hgreetings .com)

I have not typically been a person to experience panic attacks. I have been nervous about certain situations like speaking in public but not to the point of outright panic or demobilizing fear that kept me from the task at hand.

Lately, when I am being obedient to God in ways that go against the grain of human nature or walk through the new challenges He sets before me, my excitement and joy are replaced by panic at sunset.

I have written before how I see this as a sign that I must be on the right track if the enemy is trying to rob me of my joy and keep me from completing God’s purpose in my life. I still believe that, but was also given a new message on the subject as my journey led me into an unknown territory.

The little bit of temporary discomfort, panic and/or fear are no comparison to the impact my obedience will make on the kingdom. The benefits will far outweigh the temporary discomfort.

Compare it to a new exercise plan. The pain we experience in the beginning will not compare to the benefits we will have if we push through and keep our sights on our goal. Our persistence will pay off in the end.

It’s the same thing with being obedient and trusting God- if we are relentlessly seeking His will staying focused on Him we will persevere. Just do the next thing. Don’t look too far ahead or worry that you are not equipped to do the task. If you show up, and take the next step, God will do the rest. I have to remind myself of this a lot lately.

If we get caught up in the weeds we will miss the beauty of the journey. Look up. One day at a time. Push the panic and fear away by whispering, “Thank you, Jesus for the precious gifts you are giving me.” Take a deep breath and be confident in what God is doing in your life. We can acknowledge the fear but not let it stand in our way. When we are standing on the foundation of the one who created us- we will persevere!

A lot of people are searching for something to fill the gaps left in their hearts from death of a loved one, addiction, divorce, rejection, illness, and on and on and on. When all they need to do is ask God to fill the gap.

He can plant seeds of hope that will grow over time to more than fill the gaping holes in our hearts and give us purpose, love and light again.

“I AM WHO I AM” Exodus 3:14

We are dependent on God, but He is not dependent on anyone. He created everything in existence. We can take great comfort in that fact. He created us to be dependent on Him for all our needs. He delights in giving us good gifts.

We are who we are because of Him. He is all encompassing without limitations. He is our Heavenly Father who wants a closer relationship with us. If we work on that relationship first and foremost before we go looking for someone else to fill the gaps of loneness and heartache, He will give us enough to overflow into the lives of others. At the right time He will send someone as a companion for us if it is His will.

I Cor. 3:7 So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.

Holy Spirit: “I plant seeds of hope in gaping hearts.”

Last year, the Holy Spirit gave me the image of a sun dial, labyrinth and the word heart and/or center, along with the phrase “pointing west” (as in direction) and “opposite direction.” (which would be east).

Stay with me…

I saw these images on more than one occasion. Each time I tried to explain what they meant at the time. But, didn’t really have a clear explanation. I dismissed portions of it after I couldn’t figure it out. I mentioned the sun dial and labyrinth to one of my mentors at the time and he prayed about it. I thought it could be for him instead.

I travelled to a foreign country on a mission trip and saw a sun dial on my journey. I immediately felt the connection I needed to God in this far-away place. Thinking that was why He showed me this, I was content with finally understanding why I had seen the image of the sun dial. I had not forgotten the labyrinth or heart but had explained those by other means and dismissed them. I also forgot all about the west/east scenario.

After returning, I took a tour of Life Adventure Center in Versailles. The morning of the tour before I left for work I was sitting in my office at home enjoying some quiet time with the Holy Spirit. I was given the image of a flag and a message about my scars from my accident being a symbol of remembrance. For me, they remind me of how God saved my life and changed it forever. Likewise, the scars on Christ’s hands are a remembrance of how He covers all our sins and saved us. He nailed them to the cross, so we could have victory.

My message from the Holy Spirit: “Scars are another symbol of remembrance. My hands tell a love story. Your scars mark the day I saved you and brought you back to Myself and the Father. We won the battle together. You are a victor in Christ. Let your scars tell your story. Our stories collide. The scars of your past mistakes and sins run deep but My scars cover all of yours in love for complete healing.”

Scar- a mark left by a “healed” wound.

At the last stop of the day, I raised up from climbing out of the rear of the van, my eyes met head on with a beautiful labyrinth made of rocks. What a sight to behold. I knew at that very moment this was significant. A flag pole was positioned at the back side with two flags flying in the wind.

I was so enthralled by the labyrinth that I almost missed the heart at the left of it and the clock at the right, both made of rocks as well. Someone in our group asked, “Is that a sun dial or a regular clock?” I was really paying attention now.

It had to mean something. I was snapping pictures and trying to take notes of our tour guides information. He explained that it represents our life. One way in and one way out with a triumphant experience in between. He went on to say it had been completed in June 2013. (the same month and year as my accident.)

They place ruby stones in the middle as a remembrance of veterans who have taken their lives. Each vet goes in and takes a stone as a sign of victory and vow that they will not do the same.

It all came together in one place. Time, place, my life and what direction I had taken after the accident. When God’s timing was right, and Christ entered my heart I won my battle. I could fly my flag of victory.

Whether it is a sun dial or a regular clock, both represent God’s timing. But a sun dial needs the sun and casts shadows to tell time. The Labyrinth is our life. We go in one way (we are born) and we go out one way (we die). It’s what we do in between that matters. Our choices take us in all directions but when we accept Christ in our hearts we find the center of remembrance (signifying our past mistakes that Christ saved us from).

COL. 2:11-15…. (12) And with Him you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead.

Col 2:17 For these rules are only shadows of the reality yet to come.

(It was also not a coincidence that I was reading these scriptures the same morning.)

I had other questions, so I asked our tour guide in an email a few days later if he could share some more information about the labyrinth. In his explanation he added a few interesting facts.

Wait for it….

“It faces east. So many of our individuals are coming from rough situations, so east is the direction of new hope. Then they walk out (facing west) they’re allowing their old experiences they’ve let go of be sunset.”

Isn’t that exactly what Christ did for us as I mentioned earlier?

In other words…. there was the other connection bringing it all together in one beautiful gift…. all in God’s timing!

I have been taking my mentee to church with me for a little while. I drop him off in student ministries and then go to the adult services.

Most of the time when I arrive to pick him up he is not ready to leave. I think it’s great that he is enjoying the group and time in his class that he isn’t ready to go. The other day I was kidding around with him. When he said he wasn’t ready, without skipping a beat, I said, “Okay, see ya next week.” He jumped up in a hurry. I laughed and we headed out.

When I ran into a friend after service a couple of weeks later on my way to pick him up, I didn’t think anything of it since he was never ready to go anyway. I would just get there a little later instead of being one of the first in line as usual. No big deal.

But when I arrived his posture was slumped and his head was down as he stood in the middle of the room. The worried look on his face spoke volumes. “What’s wrong.” I inquired. With a very sad, low voice he said, “I didn’t think you were coming back for me.”

A hug ensued and as I embraced him, I ensured him I would never, ever, ever, leave him and not come back to pick him up. He doesn’t have to worry about that.

This made me think about our relationship with God our Father. He will never, ever leave us. I don’t know it if was the encounter a couple of weeks before this where I jokingly said I would see him next week or if it brought back bad memories of someone leaving him. But I do know this, no matter how many people have abandoned us, left us with a broken heart, or misused our trust, God is never going to do that to us. He will never forsake us or leave us alone. We may not always realize it or be seeking Him in a given situation, but He is always pursuing us and watching out for us. We can always trust in Him without fear. He is a good, good Father who loves us deeply. Always.

“Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Don’t be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you.” I Chronicles 28:20

Mom was a nurturer and care giver by nature. A beautiful lady inside and out. She tirelessly raised five children in a tiny house with patience and love. But that’s what true moms do. God designed moms to be tough and able to endure not only childbirth itself but long, exhausting nights with sick kids who are then miraculously able to go like a superheros the next day taking care of everyone’s needs, except her own, most of the time.

In a very short time, a few years ago our family suffered great loss with two siblings and both our parents passing on from this earth to be at home with their Heavenly Father. Today would have been my oldest brother’s birthday. Being born on Mother’s Day was, in mom’s mind, probably one of the most precious Mother’s Day gifts she ever received. She loved her children dearly and it showed.

Mom didn’t talk about her young life or her former marriage to much extent, but on occasion she would disclose how our brother got his name. The ink dried on the birth certificate as “Robert Lewis” without Mom’s blessing or consent. So, from day one, she called him “Butch”. I can’t say I ever heard her call him Robert Lewis. Not even when she was mad at him. For her, Butch was his name and it stuck. At least for family members.

A mom carries her child for nine months – that alone should give her naming rights or at least a say in the matter. So, I guess this was her way of getting around the fact that she was denied that privilege.  

I remember having a substitute teacher in elementary school that had Butch in school and asked me about my brother “Robert”. I had no clue who she was talking about until it had to be explained to me.

He never called me by my given name. He always called me “Squirt”. Unless it was the time I sneaked behind the wheel of his prized car or one of the many times I woke him up from hibernation. I didn’t mind the nickname. It gave us a special bond I suppose.

With the loss of so many in a short time, our family is hit hard when it comes to holidays. But our fond memories and our Heavenly Father keeps us going. I read a scripture in the book of Isaiah recently that not only gave me a new perspective but a new sense of peace.

Good people pass away; the godly often die before their time. But no one seems to care of wonder why. No one seems to understand that God is protecting them from the evil to come.  Isaiah 57:1

My NLT study bible explains that God is protecting them: at times God allows the godly to die in order to protect them from harsher times to come.

 We all know the ones left behind are the ones who suffer most when loved ones pass on. We sometimes have difficulty understanding why good people are taken too soon. For us, no matter when it is, it is always too soon. Passages like this help us find peace here on earth until we can join them in Heaven for eternity. Happy Birthday Butch! Happy Mother’s Day Mom!

I was walking the dog the other day and saw something in the distance. I couldn’t quite make it out but since I try to avoid unnecessary encounters with other dogs in the neighborhood I was trying to see if it was a dog. It was the right size but there was no leash or owner- which brought more concern if it was an animal. It didn’t move so I eased close enough to see that it was a fire hydrant. That ensued a chuckle as we stayed our course.

One evening recently, I met some friends for dinner and as I approached the front door there was a goose- he stood so still I wasn’t completely sure if he was real. But as I got closer, he let his wild side show with a little hiss for each customer that approached. He was like the Walmart greeter only not as friendly.

On my run a few days later I noticed something in the distance walking down the sidewalk on the side street – a duck. I confirmed as I ran past, and it flew to the next street over and landed in the middle of the road.

As I rounded the corner coming back from the big loop around the hood, I again saw something on the sidewalk close to the street where the duck had been. I tried to see if it was indeed the duck or another animal and as I neared it the image became clearer- once again fooled by a fire hydrant.

Now I know my vision isn’t what it used to be, and I have had several issues with that of recent, but one would think I could tell an inanimate object form a live animal. I had to get close enough to know if it was friend or foe, alive or not.

All these things began to come together in my mind. This is how I used to see God. From a distance. If we see God as only an ominous figure above the clouds and never get close enough to experience Him as a friend- we are missing out on a beautiful relationship. The most important relationship of our lives.

He not only helps us make the best choices for ourselves, but we can stand on His promises for a better life ahead. But we won’t know what those promises are or how to make the best choices if we aren’t close enough to Him to ask. He wants us to have a Father/child relationship and that requires us to be close enough to Him to not be afraid to ask what He wants for us and actively listen to His responses.

Maybe the better question is: Are you alive…in Christ? Do you have a close relationship with God or are you keeping your distance and can’t quite make out who He is? He wants you to come take a closer look. Get to know Him as the Father that He is.

So you also should consider yourselves to be dead to the power of sin and alive to God through Christ Jesus. Romans 6:11

Have you ever looked at an old piece of furniture that has lost its zest and wonder how you can give it new life? You rack your brain to come up with an idea you can use it for now that you aren’t using it for it’s original purpose.

You turn to Pinterest and wa’lah, just like that you see hundreds if not thousands of other uses you can do with it. You begin to see it from the perspective of others and you now see their vision for the outdated piece of furniture that has been sitting in your dark attic for several years.

With a little creativity, a new coat of paint, a tweak or two here and there, maybe even a new design or etching that brings it back to life with a new meaning.

I believe that is how God sees us. We have been sitting in the dark corners of His house long enough. He sees a vision in us we can’t see in ourselves. Like an old bed spindle can become a dragonfly with a few coats of paint and a couple of alterations, God can shape us, change our hearts and give our lives new meaning and purpose as a Christ follower.

He has a thousand new uses for us that come to light through the gifts He gives us. He wants to give us new meaning for our lives. He delights in giving gifts to His little children. He doesn’t see the old, worn out, broken piece of furniture. He sees the new life within and all the possibilities only He can bring to light.

This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! 2 Corinthians 5:17

He saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. He washed our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. Titus 3:5