Thanksgiving and Prayer

Today I could write on and on about what I am thankful for--so many blessings that God has provided! I am continually amazed at His grace! As I was doing my Bible Study (Here and Now...There and Then--a study of Revelation by Beth Moore), I read the following from Ephesians and I thought it was perfect for Thanksgiving time---so I share with you!

From the letter Paul wrote to the church of Ephesus:

Ephesians 1:15-23

"For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way."

Thank you glorious Father for Jesus! May my eyes be opened and my heart open to receive your Spirit of wisdom and revelation so that I may know you better and may my ears be tuned to hear your voice so that I will follow you to my destiny which you have planned for me. Lead me to my destiny! Glory to you LORD--

Love,

Your Child,

Angie

**Happy Thanksgiving to you all....I ran across this movie trailer and thought I would share because it has inspired me and I hope it does you too. Where would Jesus be if he walked the Earth today? Check out: www.adoptajesus.com**

It's All About Character

Life is moving along quickly these days--competitive cheer season is approaching and I am ready for a great year! Praying now for my Megan--she has a heal injury. No tumbling right now McKensie is ready to start competitions with her Level 5 team--they are working so hard--both girls' teams are really going to be fantastic this year. Exciting times.

As we begin the new cheer season--my girls and I want to focus on what God would have us bring to this world--within the cheer world, we all face trials and temptations that we have to deal with. Here is our "motto" and scripture that we strive to focus on daily--I share only to help myself!! Maybe you will relate to it too:

It's All About Character

Watch your thoughts; they become words.

Watch your words; they become actions.

Watch your actions; they become habits.

Watch your habits; they become character.

Watch your character; IT becomes your destiny.

"Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity." 1 Timothy 4:12

The Fall Season--A Time For...

Don't you just love the Fall season? School starts back--a fresh start, football time (all of it from high school, college and the NFL) & cheerleading!! The air is crisp, cool and refreshing. This is my favorite time of year-although I think I say that at the beginning of every season. It's amazing to me how God brings you His blessings at just the right time! I love when the fall comes, but then I love it when winter comes...and then I really love it when spring time is here and then I am really ready for summer and a break from school! We need every season--just as God has it planned.

In the same way as the seasons, changes occur in our lives and in our children's lives. When I think back to all the birthdays in my girls' lives--I always say..."I can't believe I have a 6 year old...." or whatever age they are turning. But yet, God prepares us for each stage of their lives--we love the baby stage, toddler stage, pre-school...and so on! In His timing--all things are perfect! As my youngest went to middle school and my oldest is a Junior!! --I find the time slipping by--but instead of saying where has the time gone? I need to embrace this season in their lives and mine!

I am excited for the Fall season! Football, cheerleading, crisp weather and new season of life!
May the joy of the Lord refresh our souls this Fall! Cheers!

"He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.: Psalm 1:3

A Reflective Few Weeks

So we made it through Todd's mom service--very tough but so tender. Todd and I both spoke--only the Lord got us through it. So many special memories were shared by her friends at the reception that followed. We feel so very blessed to have had the last special memories with her--the NYC trip and our last visit on Memorial Day weekend. She will be missed dearly!

After talking it over with Todd--he really wanted me to head to Tennessee for our 25th high school reunion. It was bittersweet to go without him--since we both are 1985 FHS alumni! After being on the planning committee for a year--it was so great to see it all come together. I so enjoyed reconnecting with some great friends and just celebrating life! Everyone enjoyed the weekend and I think that we are all still smiling! Thanks to everyone involved for making it a terrific memory!! I learned a few things at the reunion--people do read my blogs!! Wow!! I write these to just get my thoughts out, because I have always loved journaling. Glad to hear others are reading--I don't consider what I have to say interesting--but if it makes you smile, laugh or reflect on your own journey, then it makes me happy! Thanks for reading my thoughts!

Not only was my 25th high school reunion this year--but Todd and I will be celebrating our 20th wedding anniversary tomorrow! Time has gone by so fast--we have had an amazing life together so far and I cannot wait for what our future holds. In two short years we will be sending Megan off to college (amazing). That day will be exciting but sad--sad to see our baby girl head off to college and create her own memories in this real world. I pray everyday for her and I know that God has the perfect plan for her. She is an amazing, smart, talented and loving young lady.

Reflection--these events have made me reflect on my past memories, current memories that I am making with my children and helped me focus on my future memories to come.

Lord, may I reflect you in all that I do.

I Can Only Imagine...

It is with sadness that tonight I am writing about the loss of Todd's mom. She went home to Jesus yesterday afternoon. Todd's sister Wendy and Pat's husband were with her. She went peacefully and in no pain. Pat fought a tough battle with cancer up until the very end of her life her on Earth.

We will miss her so much-her joy, her laughter, her positive outlook on life and her unconditional love for all of us. She was an inspiration to all who were blessed to know her. As a mom, she taught me how to always see the best in your kids, love them where they are and encourage them all the time. As a wife, she taught me how to treasure your husband--how to give him encouragement in his life. Without a doubt--joy radiated from her when she was finally a grandmother! She so loved being with Megan and McKensie and always cherished her time with them.

Pat was more than just a mother-in-law to me, she was my mom and friend. She treated me as her own and loved me with all her heart. I too love her and will miss her smile, her joy and her laughter. God blessed us with her life on Earth--she is now dancing with Jesus completely healed. I can hear her laugh now as she has begun her journey into the next life. A life with no tears, sorrows or fears. A life completely devoted to being with her Creator. I can only imagine...what that day will be like--to be hugged by my Jesus.

We will miss her here on Earth--but will rejoice for her homecoming to the Lord.

"Be Still..."

"Be Still and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10

As I experienced this weeks cheer drama..all I could walk away with was....really?? So many hurts in this world and you are getting caught up in this negative gossipy talk? Of course I could say it was the others that were talking and not me, but to be honest with myself and God--I was right in the middle of it. Lord,why do I get sucked into that world sometimes? "Be still and know that I am God." My focus was off the Lord and on the circumstances in my little world. Forgive me Lord for losing my focus. I shift to you and thank you for your grace--grace that overflows abundantly.

Praying for the hurts that so many people are experiencing--

My mother-in-law who is in her last stages of cancer, my husband who is coming to terms with losing a parent, my children who are losing a grandparent and me who is losing not just a mother-in-law, but a friend. "Be still and know that I am God."

My cousin Brian, who over a month ago was in a serious car accident and is now paralyzed. He has overcome so much and is gaining his strength back, but is facing such a hard road ahead. His wife who is showing so much of God's love in taking care of him. "Be still and know that I am God."

My best friend, Traci, who lost her 3 year old niece in early spring. The parents of this young child who are grieving and overwhelmed with coming to terms to the "new normal" without their precious daughter. "Be still and know that I am God."

My sister who is struggling with infertility. Of all the things in life--all she has ever wanted to be was a mom. And she will be a wonderful one too! "Be still and know that I am God."

Only God can comfort my family and friends with his loving ways. And one way God comforts is by using His people to reach out and love them where they are. When my cheer world seems to take over my thoughts... God pulls me back to reality. "Really??" He says to my heart. Life is more than what is happening right now--it's about a journey. A journey through hard times and good times. Our journey just happens to involve a cheer world that needs some positivity!! Really!! With my eyes on the Lord--I will be still and know He is God! No matter where this journey leads--my work, my family, my cheer gym...I will set my eyes on Him!

I've always told my girls--The Lord goes with you wherever you go--invite Him into the midst of your circumstances--He will make all things clear...Really!

Cheers,

Angie

"Be still and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10

Prayers & Praises

On this Monday morning I am lifting many requests unto the Lord--but I am always sending praises too.

Todd's mom (Pat)--is not doing very well. Her cancer is growing and she can even feel the lumps in her arms, back and neck. Fluid in her lungs keeps building up that she is having to have it drained just about every other day. Todd and his sister are going to her home this weekend, which I know will be hard for him. I really hate seeing him so sad, we are all sad, but when it's your mom--it hurts so much more. I pray that God will bring peace and comfort to them all (and me and my girls). I pray that His glory will be revealed. I praise Him for the wonderful gift of our family being with her a few weeks ago in NYC--she so enjoyed us being there and we treasured every minute of time with her.

Another prayer that I am lifting up is for my cousin Brian. He is 34, married and is my youngest cousin on my dad's side of the family. He was in a serious car accident last week and is now paralyzed from the waist down. He will be transferred to a Atlanta spine center this week for about 8 weeks for therapy. His chances of walking, the doctors say is about 10%. We are praying for a miracle! My parents visited with him yesterday and said that his spirits are good--I praise God that he is alive and can be with his family.

So Prayers and Praises are what I have today--The Lord is good all the time! I know that He is comforting my loved ones and I know that He hears my prayers and that He holds my tears in His hands. Thank you Lord Jesus for loving so tenderly.

NYC and DC

Wow! It's been awhile since I have blogged--not very good at keeping up! We just went to Washington DC to visit Todd's mom and go to NYC. What a great trip we had. The weather was wonderful and the shopping was awesome! Meg especially enjoyed the shopping at Hollister and A&F stores--they were amazing. We went to The Today Show set outside and did the NBC tour. While we were outside the studio--making fools of ourselves--we met Jimmy Fallon. So cool! I will have to post some pics we took with him. He was very nice!

Visiting with Todd's mom was wonderful. She is suffering from cancer and is on oxygen now. But, she is doing very well. She went to NYC as well and had fun too. However, she will probably sleep for the next week--we wore her out!

So Spring Break in NYC was fun--now it is time to get back to our routine. Cheerleading is still going on and we have our final competition the first weekend of May. Then tryouts...and the new season starts! No big break for the girls. But, they love it! Megan made high school cheer again for her Junior year (junior??? how did that happen?).

Ready for spring and summer is close behind! Blogging will come soon!

Cheers!

To know Him is to love Him

Good morning! The snow outside my house is piling up up up. My girls are going back to school today and me to work. It's been nice to slow down a bit these last few days. Our days are spent running to and from activities. To slow down and reflect what God has given us puts all things in perspective.

This past weekend, Megan and I attended a youth retreat with Epic Student Ministries (Grace Point Community Church youth group). We were reminded how as Christians we are called to a purpose. What are our gifts? Are we ONE with Christ, ONE with the Holy Spirit and ONE with our community? At the age of 12 I accepted Jesus as my Savior. I loved Him so much and was so eager to learn more. My life as a teenager was surrounded by great Christian friends, a wonderful family and a great youth group. As college came, my walk with the Lord became distant and I was drawn to other things.

Coming back to the Lord in my early 20's was a process and I still made other choices--but slowly God drew me home. He is always drawing us--no matter what the circumstance we are in--if we choose to listen and obey--He brings us home to Him. Praise God!

Each day I choose to follow Him--Now in my 40's, I am still drawn to other things sometimes--that is human nature. But by choosing His ways and not mine--I will be so much more blessed and will honor Him. To know Him is to love Him. I want to know Him more intimately...so that when I see Him face to face--I WILL KNOW HIM.

So why did I call my blog "The Life of A Cheer Mom"? Well, that is what I am! A mom with cheerleaders that keep me going and bring so much joy to my life. But, I am and you are a beloved Child of God--first and foremost. He is who defines us.

Isaiah 43:10 says,

"You are my witnesses", declares the LORD, "and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he."

Love and Cheers to all!

Angie

Family News

This past Christmas our family celebrated the special holiday on a Cruise. This was a fabulous vacation spent with the girls and Todd's sister and her husband. It was a bittersweet event, because Todd's parents gave this trip to us as a gift. They were originally going too but Todd's mom was too sick to go.

My dear mother-in-law, Pat, has been battling cancer. These past few years have been hard for our family, but she has THE BEST outlook on life and one of the most courageous women I know. Her joy overflows on everyone around her. We missed her on the cruise but am happy to report that she is feeling better.

Megan and McKensie enjoyed the vacation, but did miss some of the Christmas traditions at home. Spending Christmas day on the beach in the Bahamas wasn't really that bad though. Since we are in about 10 inches of snow in Ohio these days, I would love to be relaxing in the warmth about now.

Cheer Season has been going good. Over the past 4 weeks, we have traveled to Indianapolis and Atlanta for National competitions. I sometimes wonder who enjoys these trips more...the cheerleaders or the parents? Todd and I have met some wonderful friends through this sport and enjoy spending time with them on these trips.

Stay tuned for my next blog, I will be focusing on cheer stories and events. I do hope that I will be able to shed some insight into this industry. Also, some friends of mine have asked me to share helpful tips for Facebook dummies. Monitoring your kids Facebook pages is VERY important. Until next time...Cheers.

First Blog For Me

February 15, 2010

Wow! I can't believe that I just started blogging!! My kids are going to be mortified, but I've always wanted to start a blog about my Cheer Mom experiences and how God has used this "life" to teach me so many things and bring me so many blessings. So here it goes.

I am a wife to the best husband in the world, Todd. We have been married for almost 20 years! This June we will celebrate our anniversary. We have two beautiful daughters: Megan who is 16 and McKensie who is 11. They are both competitive cheerleaders for BCE (Buckeye Cheer Elite) in Powell, Ohio (bceallstars.com). Megan also cheers for her high school during football season (Olentangy High School Braves, Lewis Center, Ohio).

Life as a cheer mom is fun, interesting, busy and has kept me on the go since Megan was 10 years old. I am excited to relive some past experiences and share some new ones.

Well, that's the beginning of this blog! I will be back with more soon.

Hope all have a very blessed day!

Cheers,

Angie

Isaiah 40:31