Angelica Grace Designs Blog

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

PATHWAYS


Last Saturday evening, we hit downtown Zionsville or "Z-Ville" as we Hoosiers like to call it. Zionsville is one of the best little cities up on the North side of Indy to reside in. They have a great little town that is full of character and life. There are several adorable little boutique stores, kids toy stores, great restaurants, and beautiful homes. I love the whole town. It's a great little Midwestern town with brick paver streets and friendly people. For those who know Z-ville well, you know exactly what I mean. For those who are not familiar with Z-ville, it is worth your drive and your day spent there. I promise! I took all of these shots on a gloomy day when we had an open window where it had quit raining for a few hours. Amazingly enough! Either way, there were so many things I wanted to capture. It is a town with the heart of America sketched all throughout it. It is the nostalgia of these small towns that I would miss if I ever decided to leave Indiana.

We are a few days away from the month of October. In Indiana...that means that the leaves are beginning to change color and fall is all around us. Again, if I ever moved out of state, the Fall months would be the only season I'd miss when it came to leaving Indiana. The crunching of the leaves, the crisp cool air, and the color casts amongst the landscapes are nothing short of spectacular this time of the year. For example, it was still 92 degrees in Naples, Florida today. In Indy...the high was 60 today. That is a 32 degree temperature difference for those of you who aren't mathematicians - such as myself. :)

I will interject here and say that Naples has some great brick paver streets on downtown 5th avenue. Ha ha!

I have a love affair with path ways. I only discovered this when I got back into photography. When I see paths, I love their angles, their beginning and their end. I immediately think to myself..."Wow...if only this path could talk." Every square inch of our grounds here on earth lead to somewhere or something. With every step we take during life, God is leading us on a path to a specific experience, a hand written journey that he laid out for us thousands of years ago. When I see a new path, I am insanely aware that someones footsteps were here - many footsteps maybe - and that those footsteps helped build the character of whomever walked them. The good, the bad, the ugly...all of it was strewn along their path. All of it made them who they are and who they are not today.


Sometimes those path ways were dark, depressing, and demeaning. In the end though, God always provides light at the end of those tunnels, those trenches, those pathways.

I have had a lot of people ask me in recent weeks if I ever get mad at God or ask him "Why?" The answer to that question is a firm NO! It's quite the opposite actually. I spend my days - whether good or bad - thanking God for the blessings he has bestowed upon my life. And when I say blessings, that includes the ugly parts to my life too. The moments when I've been hurt or betrayed, the moments when I give birth to a special needs daughter, the moments like when I learned of my hole in my heart, and so forth. It is for those events that I am most thankful. Because without them, without those life altering monumental moments, I would not be who I am today. I wouldn't be as strong as I am today. And I sure the heck wouldn't appreciate everything that I do today. It is for those ugly moments in my life that I thank God the most for. I give him the glory and remind myself that all things happen for a reason and that God never promised Christians that life would be perfect. His promise only stated that he would "be there" as we endured the pain, the betrayals, and the torment. I know I've said this before here on the blog but it is during those trials for me that I often find myself praying for those who do not have a relationship with Christ. It's in those moments that I often wonder how others get thru life without a personal relationship with our Lord and Savior.

I realize that many of you who read my blog might not be Christ followers. It is because of each of you, that I choose to share my love for God as openly as I do here. I pray that God uses my openness to plant seeds whenever possible. With that said, I also know that there are plenty of Christ followers who do read my blog. And in between each of you, there are hundreds more who are yearning for information, support, or encouragement when attempting to form a relationship with Christ. Some of you are on the fence, confused, and overwhelmed with what it all means. I pray that by sharing my trials and tribulations, my hurts and my pains - publicly on the blog as I have in the past - that it will not go unused in vain. I pray that God uses those writings, those down moments, and those struggles of mine...to prove that life is like fence rows. Many days are stagnant...all on one plane. Many days carry on just fine with all of our ducks in a row...

Then there are those days that God warns us about though. Those days that are like roller coasters - with tons of ups and downs, dips, and even plateaus...

It is during those days that we need God the most. I know I do anyway. It's in my "blah" moments that I find myself praying to God to help carry me through. I ask for signs - although most times I never get them. And if I do get them, they are most times never the sign I was hoping for or rooting for. When life gets us down, God is there to pull us up. As cliche' or corny as it sounds, it is the truth. Again, I never get mad at God. It is thru him that all things were made possible. The good, the bad, and the ugly. And quite frankly, when I hit a rut, it is most often when God is trying to get my attention about something. I like to commonly refer to it as the baseball bat to the knees theory. Many times God is there attempting to tap on our shoulder and get our attention. However, we usually aren't listening. He tries to get our attention thru many avenues before he finally whips out the baseball bat and swings it across our knees - producing so much pain that you can't help but buckle to your knees and reach for him. It is through that reaching that we begin listening to what he has to say. Admit it...we've all been there. Stubborn, doing life our way instead of his way, ignoring his calls, etc. I know I've been there a thousand times in my 34 years of life. God gives us many options in life. Which checkered path are you choosing?

Is it a path glorifying God or are you still living for yourself?

If your path could talk, what would it reveal about you? Do you sometimes feel like life is flying ticking by but yet something is still missing within you?

If so, I can almost guarantee you what is missing.

You see, even though with God, there will still be days like fence posts - with many ups and downs & many twists and turns...those days will be far more colorful and much more comforting with God by your side. He will keep those promises to help carry you through the trenches. I'm living proof. He will open doors for you that you never knew possible...all leading toward new paths. New wonders. Or maybe...just maybe...he'll keep you on the exact same paths - just with new eyes and ears - with new senses to reveal new opportunities. All new plans.

As I sit in amazement of God's grace today and his ability to soften my heart during a very dark time, I realize once again how blessed I am by his promises. His ingenious acts of leading me toward forgiveness at a time in my life where I never thought forgiveness could be possible just astounds me. It's a work in progress - a daily & very hard job - but I know it is possible with God leading me thru the valley. I have no idea what my future holds. I do know that I'm ready to rock it out though - ready to take on whatever God has in store for me and ready to learn whatever it may be that he is still trying to teach me. I did put in one small request to him though. I simply prayed that as I'm rocking out life's lessons and awaiting his teachings, that he simply allow me to rock it out and wait it out by the sea - preferably. Wink wink! ;)

Much love, Angie

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28 Comments:

Blogger Rachel said...

Thank you! Just what a girl needed before bedtime :)

9/30/2009 12:28 AM  
Anonymous Christina Craven said...

I needed this too, I, like you, also ask for signs, but then am so busy "looking" that i miss them completely!!!!

I pray you are well, and we know you are strong. LOVE the fact that you LOVE God soo much, it is again, truly inspiring.

Have a great Hump day...the weekend is almost here, thankfully!!
Christina
So. Cal

9/30/2009 1:46 AM  
Blogger Shannon Weems said...

Very well done! Simply beautiful!

9/30/2009 6:31 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

well said - love the pics.

9/30/2009 7:03 AM  
Anonymous Kathy D . . . said...

Very well said . . . I feel peace in your blog today! Your entire family has been on my mind, thoughts and prayers! Wishing you peace, love, happiness & continued blessings!

9/30/2009 8:14 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Love this blog post..and it's exactly what I needed at this time in my life. You rock sista!! Hope you have a great day!

9/30/2009 9:21 AM  
Blogger Missi said...

Ah, Angie... you KNEW I'd totally love this post... and you were right!!!

The pain, the hurt, the joys, the tears, make us who we are, all because of Him.

You are so right :)

9/30/2009 9:27 AM  
Anonymous Kim Springer said...

Angie, What a beautiful post, I needed this in my life!! You never know when you world can be turned upside down, but with God all things are possible! I have been praying for you and your family! And btw could you give me some lessons on that "forgiveness" thing, as I can use some in my life/marriage!! Take care girl,
Kim

9/30/2009 10:27 AM  
Blogger Kristin said...

Wow Angie.....the beautiful pictures to go along with the absolutely true words about how life is so much better with God....this post was awesome and I love those last few pictures with the pink flowers! I will pray that God will help some non-believers come across your blog today and that it will make them think about accepting Him.

9/30/2009 10:39 AM  
Blogger Triple J's Girl said...

This post is beautifully written as always. I love the pictures and I am so jealous that I don't live somewhere like that. I absolutely love the old timey towns and churches and stuff. I would love to see more pictures of this little town if you have any. Just put them on facebook or something :)

9/30/2009 11:32 AM  
Blogger Betty said...

Very well written and photgraphed!

God Bless...Betty

9/30/2009 12:06 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Lovely!

9/30/2009 2:26 PM  
Anonymous Heidi Hixson-Zawisza said...

Beautifully written blog post today!

9/30/2009 3:39 PM  
Anonymous Mommy said...

Oh my baby girl, you got me crying here at work! To say that I am proud of you is an understatement! I know any parent would rather die than have their children go through the pain and heartache that often comes with life. I do also know about tuff love too though, without it you never become who God intends for you to be. That baseball bat to the knees thing has a hidden agenda. It is really just God trying to get you to spend QUALITY TIME WITH HIM, so that He can give you the desires of your heart! God is in charge, just as He made all of those beautiful things you took pictures of. None of which is as beautiful as you honey, The only thing that is more beautiful than you, is your loving heart. Spend time with Jesus, it is an adventure everyday, if you will just let Him lead you where He wants you. My only regret is that I did not know all of this when I was being tested and tempted all those years ago. XXOXOXOXO

9/30/2009 5:27 PM  
Anonymous Julie Ann said...

Beautiful words and a glorious photographic tribute to the place where I have called home for 25+ years. You found the artist's gallery at the end of Main- such a gorgeous place- it's a renovated church, which is so fitting of your words.
Love you,
Julie Ann

9/30/2009 6:01 PM  
Anonymous Debbie (Angie's Mother in law) said...

INCREDIBLY beautiful photos!!

9/30/2009 8:42 PM  
Anonymous Helen said...

OOOHhhhhhhh, Angie~~~~luv, luv, luv this post a million X's a million!!! The pathways, the fences and your analogies with each picture hit it on the nail. I so admire you for being so bold in your faith and witness. As I am struggling myself in countless ways I am going to use this post to refer back to as I face my battles. I don't want to bore you with all that is going on in my life. I need to stay off my "pity pot" as they say. But, by golly it is hard times out there these days. I have no choice but to turn it over to God because I can't do it myself. Too much pain, anger and just plain old "bad decisions". But as you said, without all the past happenings, I wouldn't be who I am today. The problem is I do not like who I am today!

I am proud of you. Your writings are great. The photography is spectacular as always. I "read" right there in your post that you are longing to live on the coast. I see you there, I really do. May God provide a way for you to be there IF it is HIS will for you to reside there. Your kids will adjust. Kids just can do that so well. Hope all is well in your life.

{{{{{{{hugs}}}}} to someone out in blogland who is an inspiration to me!!!!

Later,
Helen

9/30/2009 9:15 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Love, Love this post.. It really made me think.. I have a feeling that the man above is trying to tell me a few things also..

Thanks for a wonderful post..

Nicole

9/30/2009 10:04 PM  
Anonymous Shelle said...

Angie,
I had not read your blog post when we had talked today, I feel like maybe the things we talked about were small things and maybe our talk could have been centered about this post...again, I think we may have some difficult life things in common as well. To everything there is a season and a reason, God will show us his perfect timing, I am sure of it! I enjoyed our talk today and look forward to lunch or a 'shoot'!

Blessings,
Shelle

9/30/2009 10:42 PM  
Blogger Okie from Muskogee... said...

I needed your posting today on your blog. I needed it so much. Thank you for spelling out our instructions from god.

Thanks a million...
Bekki

9/30/2009 11:24 PM  
Blogger aLena said...

I Luv all of your beautiful photograph... especially the red fence {my fav}!!!

10/01/2009 1:33 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

You're moving.

So I guess you can take fall breaks in Ind. and enjoy the rest of the year in sunny Fla!

10/01/2009 9:54 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Beautiful I have a feeling God is using you to teach us all lessons through your ability to forgive, praise and appreciate life even when there are ups and downs. I see life and appreciate things more after visiting your blog. Your way with words and photography speak to us. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, we are lucky to be your readers.
Kym/Australia

10/01/2009 10:18 AM  
Anonymous Rhonda Bryant said...

THANK YOU ANGIE!!! This is BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!! God continues to use you in mighty mighty ways! WOW!!! This spoke to me soooooooo much and I needed it! I love you!!!!!!! Have a wonderful day!!!!!!!!

10/01/2009 10:24 AM  
Blogger Angie Seaman said...

Oh Kym...you are such a sweetheart. I have read your comments here on my blog many times recently and wished I had an email address for you so that I could thank you. Either way, hopefully you will come back here and read this so that you know how much I appreciate your kind words. They mean the world to me. I am lucky to have you and all of these other great women as readers of this ol' blog. I am truly blessed and very thankful for your encouragement, support, and sweet notes in general. They really help keep me going - especially lately of course!

Hugs to you girl...
Angie
PS...How awesome that you live in Austrailia. What a beautiful place to reside. :)

10/01/2009 10:25 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

So when will you be waking to the waves and healing your heart through sunny south Florida sunsets on a daily basis???

10/01/2009 4:33 PM  
Blogger Madison Sanders said...

I agree completely. It's not good to ask "Why" because it makes you depressed and it's an opportunity for the devil to sneak in and make you question God. God promised His grace is sufficient no matter what, and that is enough.

I've been through many things in my young life, but everything has helped define me. The hard times strengthened my faith in God even more and made me appreciate the simple things. Those things have defined my character too. How could they not? :)

Loved the pictures of the pathways. We have many pathways to choose from each day-whether or not it's going to be a good day or bad day because our attitude makes all the difference, whether we choose to love or forgive, etc.

10/03/2009 11:26 PM  
Blogger Bernie said...

This is such a beautiful post. I have had the baseball bat to my knees and it is so true that the only place I could turn was to my faith.

Thanks for being you and giving everyone the gift of your blog. It is wonderful and your photography is beautiful!

Warmly,

Bernie

10/04/2009 9:41 PM  

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