Angelica Grace Designs Blog

Thursday, January 21, 2010

CAPTIVA ISLAND

We drove into Captiva Island the other night. A storm was about to roll in but it was still gorgeous as ever. We pulled off at one point and I jumped out to grab a shot of the wave caps rolling in. It was a sight to see - the waters all big and bad - proving once again that the sea is a force to be reckoned with. My Dad has a set of friends that do a lot of boating down here throughout the year. His wife always says that the ocean "is one mean B_ _ _ H!" Oh how she is. LOL! You just can't tame the sea. There is no reasoning with her massive waves, her thunderous lapping on the shore, or her silent but deadly undertow at times. This particular area had a sign that read "DANGER! Strong undertow. No swimming!" It was a spot that you definitely would not want to jump into.

Eventually the clouds let up and the dark eerie looks caved to pink cotton candy skies again. Amazing how life can be so dark one minute and yet so bright, vibrant, and promising the next. It can give us "whiplash" thru all of the emotions life presents us with at times. Lots of back and forth. Lots of ups and downs. Some higher and some lower than others. Mom and I talked about life today. We drove over into Sanibel to go shelling this morning. It has been an 80 degree day and totally gorgeous outside. I've had a few blog readers asking for some shells from the beach here so we decided to go hand pick some for each of them. On the drive there and back we discussed how remaining positive - even thru the hell in life - is so much better than dying to the enemies negativity. Many days it is harder for me to remember that than on others but I am continually striving to "try" and find the good in everything. This past week has been a challenge for me - finding good in what I'm seeing happen to friends around me. However, without faith that the rainbow is yet to come, what is there to live for? Without hope that the sun will rise again, why bother? I have to keep the faith. I have to keep hoping. I have to keep praying. It's all I know to do.

Many people have emailed me and asked me how I've managed to remain so positive - especially thru some personal problems over the past year. Little do they know, I've had my melt downs and my moments of despair. In the end though, you must get back up. You must keep standing. The only answer I have for how I've survived such a helldacious year is God. To me...there is no other choice. No other answer. Without him, I might as well forget it. Do I ever get mad at God? No. Do I question him? Absolutely not. I've learned that his way might not always be "my way" but it is ALWAYS the BEST way. Life isn't easy with God but it sure is "easier" than if I was without him. And speaking of my helldacious year, it was nothing compared to what some of our dear friends are experiencing right now. I feel silly to even call my ordeals helldacious because quite frankly...they were a walk in the park compared to most peoples problems. Six months later, I'm alive. Standing. Smiling. Better off because of it. Stronger due to it. A different individual via those struggles. Prayers work and your prayers brought me up and out of a very difficult time in my life. That ordeal 6 months ago is now part of "my story." Part of "my book." A chapter that totals a novel full of life experience. Without it, I wouldn't be the Angie I am today. God intended my pain for good. I'm confident in that. I pray daily that he will use me & my stories in any capacity - any format - where he feels I'm needed and able. His plan is always the best plan. His way always the best way. I keep reminding myself of this as I reflect on the events and the pain of last week. None of it makes any sense to me. Not one ounce of it. But I am going to continue to pray for those hurting. It's the only weapon I have against Satan's arsenal of negativity and anguish. It's one powerful weapon at that. God's word and his promises are mighty ones. Big, bad, strong, tough guy like ones. I'm letting God "get on with his bad self" and lead the way - for all of us. Because if God is on our side, who can be against us???

In him...Angie

Labels: ,

15 Comments:

Blogger Rachel said...

Girl I needed this post today. God is using you and in great ways!!!

1/21/2010 4:41 PM  
Anonymous Gina C. said...

I believe there is good in every "bad" thing that happens. Sometimes it is not apparent.

I am praying that your marriage and family continue to strengthen and that you let it be part of your past. Family is such a powerful word, and we are all such sinners, it would be a shame to let yours (not that you intend to) completely unravel.

I liked that this post started with "We."

1/21/2010 5:50 PM  
Anonymous Nicole said...

I sooo needed this today! Thank you for your words--They inspire me like no other quotes or "words of wisdom" can; I know I can always look to your blog to lift me up, and this entry just SPOKE to me today. I have no doubt that God is working through you and with you! :)

1/21/2010 5:52 PM  
Anonymous maria said...

Amen Sister!

1/21/2010 6:36 PM  
Anonymous Jennifer Turner said...

"..remaining positive - even thru the hell in life - is so much better than dying to the enemies negativity"

...wonderful words Angie...I needed those today, thanks :)

1/21/2010 6:44 PM  
Anonymous Jennifer Simon said...

Lovely shots, Angie. My friends were just married in Captiva Island - it was a beautiful setting.

1/21/2010 6:45 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

AMEN! Go you! - Emily

1/21/2010 7:24 PM  
Anonymous Sheryl W said...

So true, all of it. Good post Angie.

1/21/2010 8:18 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

You are an amazing person Angie, I thank you so much for sharing with us. Everyday I call past your blog, even if you haven't updated I read and read!! Your words are an inspiration and as life is not dealing me a good hand at the moment I am using your strength positiveness and beliefs to help me through the times when I've been doubting why some of the things have happened and why God let them. Thank you from the bottom of my heart my friend. I love you!!!
Kym/Australia

1/21/2010 11:08 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

One more thing- Heard a quote yesterday and I thought of you "tough times dont last- Tough people do"
Emily

1/22/2010 9:03 AM  
Blogger Angie Seaman said...

I can't thank you ladies enough for all of your sweet comments. I have tears in my eyes...

Means the world to me. There are no words. Really there aren't. Thanks for always being "here" and for being such good friends - even if it is only via the internet. :)

Love you girls...
Angie

1/22/2010 9:11 AM  
Anonymous Mommy said...

Angie, you make a Momma proud! I know that as "Christians" the battle never ends. One thing I do know is, God does have the final say in all aspects of life. It doesn't matter if we get the message today, or 50 years from now. His plan for our lives will come to pass. It's just easier to be obedient now and get there a lot sooner, with a lot less pain, than to fight Him on it. I do however wish He would loosen up and start talking a little more so I could find out what He has in store for me right now, but everything in His perfect timing-RIGHT?

1/22/2010 11:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Angie- again, you always know what I need to hear! We have shared some "moments" and I am glad that we have found each other through your blog! Everything you said is so true and I truly believe that God does not waste pain and with all the trials and tribulations in my life I have learned from each of them. I didn't always understand and often wondered "why me" but I never questioned God's plan for me or my family. I have always believed that "everything happens for a reason" and we may not always understand it, but will someday. I have had you on my mind a lot lately, with your relocation ( I have done this several times) and with the recent loss of your friend. I have too been through that tragedy with my brother in law. Just know you and your family are in my prayer's daily. Please keep on blogging because you will never know how you have helped me through the past couple of years. Leighann Q.

1/22/2010 1:17 PM  
Anonymous Gina C. said...

Angie, I'm laughing, and I hope you have a sense of humor, 'cuz you always have words--even when you say you don't. The gift of self-expression, it's a beautiful thing!

1/22/2010 1:29 PM  
Blogger Jill said...

I heart you! You continue to be an inspiration to me in so many ways. Love your blog and all your gorgeous pics and love your words of wisdom. It seems like whenever I'm down, your blog is just the medicine I need. XOXO, Jill

1/24/2010 5:24 PM  

Post a Comment

Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]

<< Home

AGD Blog Archives

Link to Us!

 

Copy code and paste in your blog where you would like button to be displayed.


Copyright © 2006-2008 Angelica Grace Designs | All Rights Reserved | Blog Design: Simply Creative | Graphics: PRESH Web Designs