Love

March is almost over, how time flies. I've been thinking a lot lately, letting God get into those thoughts as much as I can. I need him there to make it through each day well. There is a lot going on in my house right now. Many changes coming and going and more on the horizon. He has been reminding me to trust him with everything. Each decision is His to govern. With so many opportunities to be fearful he has reminded me that the opposite of fear is not courage but it is love. During this season of remembering Jesus' death, resurrection, and return to Our Father, he broke through some of the madness in my mind to give me this poem. These times are so refreshing to my spirit. So, I thought I would share it with you. I hope it touches you deep in your soul and reminds you of what love did and still does for you every day.

What love is this that time does not deform

That reaches out beyond the grave

To conquer death and bring new life

To one who does not deserve it

One wretched soul formed from dust

Who to dust will be returned

What love is this that sees beauty in the broken

That completes the work in process

To heal the disease in creation

To hold his children everyone

One bride for him from many

Who will be perfect through his blood

What love is this that loves the unlovely

That brings light to the darkness

To comfort the harlot and the thief

To teach what is right and true

One sacrifice for us all

Who was murdered on our behalf

He is the love we barely comprehend 

Who speaks peace into our darkest night

To bring hope out of despair

To offer joy unspeakable

One; Father, Son, and Holy Spirit

Who loves us forevermore

Blessings to you! I hope this Sunday is wonderfilled, not just candy filled. As always feel free to leave comments below. 

Yours In Hope,

Angela Bowland

Home

I remember I don’t belong here. I am an alien in this place. Sometimes I get comfortable and forget, but then it comes back. The realization that there is more, that I am more, that this is not my home. I am royalty and not the pauper I seem to be. I am a child of The King. Stranger in a strange land what I experience and what is in my heart doesn’t fit. It’s like all that I see, hear, and feel isn’t even real. It’s all a dim washed out version of something else. A shadow of a world so beautiful light emanates from everything. Glorious grandeur that even our most opulent artists can’t imagine. When will I get to see this home, to rest in its marvelous embrace? I get glimpses of it now and again through a vanishing sun or a friend’s smiling eyes and I want to meld right into them. My heart is at once filled with intense joy and fierce longing. In this I am reminded there is a reason I am here and a reason I can’t forget where I belong.

Remember comments are always welcome. I love to chat.

With hope,

Angela

Steps of Faith 

As I lay in bed praying for people (that’s what I do when I can’t sleep) the Lord caused me to tarry a little longer on a particular couple. I began to smile in the dark as I prayed for them because of the marvelous works I’ve seen in their lives. They have been through some amazingly hard times and some gloriously good times. It has been a pleasure to witness them blossom and their photography business grow as they take steps of faith to do what they love. They bring such beauty and joy to so many people’s lives through their artistry. You really should check them out at wearetheportos.com. I guarantee you will come away wanting to know them too!

This reminded me of a step of faith God has prompted me to take. I wondered, what beauty am I withholding from the world by not doing what I’m called to do? Of course I don’t know what it all will look like or where it will lead in the end. However, I do know that like my wonderful friends, and many others before them, I must take that first step... So, as I continue to jot down bits and pieces of the first book I have been given to write, I will be sharing with you here as well. This will be my proving ground or should I say improving ground? I am no expert writer, yet.

My hope is to share this journey, myself, and my thoughts with you along the way. My heart has a burden for women and all that our lives entail. Therefore, you will be sure to see my thoughts on that often. I also love art and poetry so these will make appearances as well.

Now I would like to leave you with a little something to think about. 

What treasure are you holding back from the world? 

Find it, pull it out of the dark recess where you have hidden it, and bring it out into the light. Like me you might have a sneezing fit from the dust that has gathered on your gift and there might be a cacophony of squeaks and grinding sounds as the parts of your gifting begin to move again. Don’t stop there! Dust that baby off, blow your nose, get out the oil, and polish it up. Let us see what you’ve got! You never know, you just might inspire someone else to do the same. And bit by bit, together, we will help make the world a better place.

I would love to hear from you so please feel free to leave a note. And don’t be shy to name that gift in the comments because it helps to “say it” out loud. I will pray over each and every one.

With hope,

Angela