Your Choice, I Hate To Be Humbled, and Just Do

From Angie’s Archives

Saturday, December 28, 2013

Your Choice

The mindset of a person is very revealing.  In just a few words, you can tell what a person's perspective on life is...negative or positive.  What is yours and which do you like to surround yourself with?

'Your life is a message to the world, make sure it's inspiring.'  We all complain at times, but don't make it a chronic issue in your life.  I believe in the caption's message whole-heartily.  Where our focus lies is where our energy is spent.  Are you wasting or investing your energy and time?

Misery is optional.  You must see your trials as temporary and move both your mind and yourself to better things.

Trust in God's goodness and enjoy the journey.

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Sunday, December 29, 2013

I Hate to Be Humbled

I like to 'appear' put together and at my best when around others, even when I'm not up to par.  As they say, 'Fake it till ya make it.'  Well sometimes, you get caught off guard unexpectedly.

Today as we drove into church, I didn't recognize the car in front of us.  As we were getting ready to unload, a woman was walking toward us and the church.  Even after 25 years, I knew that was my friend from high school, Tabetha.  I wanted to greet her, as well as hide.  I had my mask on and it was not how I wanted her to recognize and see me after all these years.  Of course, Tabetha knew me and was as sweet as ever.  It was great to visit with her, after I left my pride outside in the van.  It was a humbling experience, but there was greater joy to see my friend from long ago.

Life is a process of changes and it keeps us humble.  I am the same girl who drove endless miles cruising Levy in my red Prelude that waved and honked at friends, like Tabetha, every weekend.  Now I am with a few more miles with wear and tear to show for it.  True friends, like Tabetha, accept you for who you really are, despite the changes we have all been dealt.

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Monday, December 30, 2013

Just Do

I think this is a good caption to think about as 2014 approaches.  People often set goals for the new year and that's as far as they get......give or take a week or two.  If only we were as good as our intentions. Good intentions are worthless without actions behind them.

Your actions speak for themselves.  People will tire of your claims to be better at 'whatever', if there is nothing to show for it.

Have you heard the phrase, 'The road to hell is paved with good intentions.'   The false idea that 'if you are just good enough' that you will get to heaven leads so many in the opposite direction.  People might claim to put God first after everything settles down and gets in order but that only happens when God is your first priority.  ''Ego says, once everything falls into place, I'll find peace. Spirit says, find peace, and everything falls into place.''

What is holding you back from being the person God created you to be?  Procrastination, laziness, self-doubt? Make a plan and follow through....just do it.

Driving, Adaptable, and Preservance Pays Off

FROM ANGIE’S ARCHIVES

Friday, August 5, 2011

Driving

I have been driving something I think since the age of 2.  Beginning with a tricycle, Big Wheels, bicycle, go-cart, three wheeler, riding mower, car, and scooter. Driving has been a big part of my life. Dirt donuts were my claim to fame on the go-cart. We lived across from a playground that had a low spot that collected dirt. You go around the playground about 3 times picking up speed then slam the brakes in the dirt, spinning the go-cart in a whirlwind of dust. oh what fun. Now to the three-wheeler that can enable you to fly, ha. Seriously, Burns Park used to have sand dunes to ride on and you can catch air if you go fast enough. We have a picture of me in the air on the three-wheeler. I also did my share of mowing on our 2.5 acres and at my grandparent’s place in the country, not so bad minus the ticks and rocks, lol. Finally, a car at last. Cruising Levy was the thing to do back in high school. Yes, driving a mile in a circular path for hours..ha. I drove most of the time and I may be partly to blame for McCain Blvd being a 30mph no-tolerance zone now. Speed limit to me means speed minimum...doing 35 in a 45 zone is just not right. Over the years, my guardian angels have been fast on their feet and thankfully protected my speedy self.

Due to my progressive weakness, I gave up driving on my own in 2003. Driving is a major sign of independence and freedom but you can't be selfish. You must know your limits and consider that other’s lives are at stake. This will be a reality someday for most of us. Don't make a hard choice more difficult by being selfish, the consequences could be deadly.

Hoping to be a speed angel in heaven one day..............Angie

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Saturday, August 6, 2011

Adaptable

Do you consider yourself adaptable? Do you find a way to make things work or do you give up? I've had to adapt throughout my life, not being able to do things like I once could. We must try our best but we must also not be too proud to ask for and receive help from others.

The best example of adaptability in my life was when I was learning to drive. My mom took me out to Camp Robinson to practice. I drove for a while with no problems. Then I went into an empty parking lot to practice parking. Ok, so park in that space..no, that’s not a good one. Ok, so how about that one...no, it’s no good either. I was trying to stay calm yet freaking out inside. I couldn't put on the brake. Ok, just pick any spot. Too many circles around the lot makes one suspicious. My time was up, I had to confess 'I can't hit the brake.'  WHAT? She hit the brake and we went home. My dad figured out that the gas pedal was lower than the brake. So you had to lift your leg and slide it over to apply the brakes. What would you do, not drive or adapt? We adapted by raising the gas pedal to be even with the brake. I didn't get to drive alone for a while until we were sure I was safe. It’s funny in hindsight, lol.

As we get older, we will all face things that are more difficult to do. If you don't believe me, ask anyone with arthritis. Learn to adapt, don't give in to the circumstance.

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Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Perserverance pays off

I don't remember the exact date but it was about this time in August of 1994, 17 years ago wow, that I graduated from Northern Illinois University. [Finishing college is a story of perseverance in itself but that’s not my focus today] I was now ready to find a job and start my career. I sent out numerous resumes and went on both do-able and far-fetched interviews. I went to one interview, and when I got there the building wasn't accessible. The interview was held in my van. Another interview was for a quality control tech in a chicken factory at 30 degrees. I interviewed twice with St. John Hospital to work in the tuberculosis lab. My job search also included attending a daily job training center to help me find a job. My search lasted two years, a long two years.

Finally one day I got a call from a pickle company saying I'd been hired. To make a long story short, I couldn’t do that job [climb into a vat] but thru them found out the temporary agency I signed up with wasn’t sending out my resumes. I immediately went over there to 'chew some hide'. They knew they were caught discriminating and told me about a job they just got in that day at a lab. I got this job and it was the best job suited for me. I worked there 5yrs and loved it.

So this shows God's timing is perfect and what He has in store for us is worth waiting for. We must be diligent in pursuing our goals, rarely does a goal get achieved from the couch. Follow thru even though it looks pointless, the experience may teach you something. Finally, just keep after it, perseverance pays off. 

Music, Strength, and Hair

FROM ANGIE’S ARCHIVES

Saturday, July 30, 2011

it is well with my soul

Last year while I was in the hospital, four friends, the Clarks and the Perssons, came to visit me. While they were there they all sang 'It Is Well with My Soul' acapella. Beautiful doesn’t even begin to describe it. The peace in the room during those moments was so great, it was almost touchable.

I love this song. The love of God is like an ocean, you can see the beginning but not the end. Peace to know that He is controlling everything for your good is comforting. All of your sin, not just part of it, is nailed to the cross.

PTL!

Whatever happens today, it is well with my soul.

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Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Strength

Strength is not always revealed in a dramatic display; at times, it’s demonstrated in determined endurance.

When trials hit us, we often find we are not as strong as we thought. If we are physically injured, we want a quick fix so it'll be over soon.

It takes patience, determination, and strength from the Lord to get through any trial.

We are helpless on our own. I probably talk too much about my hospital stay last year but I have never felt so weak and helpless. God was my sustainer. He answered numerous prayers on my behalf and I am grateful. It’s been 10 months now and He continues to teach me dependence on Him. 

‘Jesus is a rock in a weary land, a shelter in the time of storm'

Exodus 15:2

New International Version (NIV)
 2 “The LORD is my strength and my defense[a];
   he has become my salvation.
He is my God, and I will praise him,
   my father’s God, and I will exalt him.

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Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Hair

How important is your hair to you?

Can you imagine yourself without it?

I am quite vain in this department. I've always had thick hair and never imagined a day without it. Well no one ever told me that getting sick can result in hair loss. Your body stops doing unnecessary things, like growing hair, to concentrate on keeping you alive.

So after my sickness, my hair fell out from Jan thru March. April 7th, I remember distinctly, is the day it quit coming out.

Woohoo.

It was a humbling experience. I think of all the cancer patients who lose it all.

We must remember God looks at our hearts, not our appearance so we too must make that our focus.

I watched a show on kids with progeria, a disease that makes a 6yr old body like that of a 60yr old. These kids want but are never able to have hair. Its one of their biggest desires but they dont focus on that. They live their short lives to the fullest and give 110 percent in all they do. They inspire me with their gusto.

May we all focus on our hearts rather than appearance and give 110 percent in all we do.

Where Do I Begin?

Each month, we will be sharing blogs from Angie’s archives. She was a prolific writer and wrote for many, many year, including publishing many books of her blogs. We are blessed to be able to continue to cherish her memory and read her thoughts, learn from her wisdom, and gather encouragement from her writings. We hope it will bless you also.

And what better place to start than at the beginning?

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From Angie’s Archives

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

where do i begin?

i really don't know where this blog will lead me. the blog is named from my diary days as a child. i would often write whatever happened that day and end it with 'and that's that.'

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Tuesday, July 26, 2011

if you believe it, you can do it

i am a big believer in confidence in yourself. i don't know if you're born with it, taught it, or its a learned response. i know i've achieved goals in my life despite my disabilities because of believing i'm as capable as the next guy. i've had others say 'you can't' or 'you won't'. that just pushes me to prove otherwise. so be your own best motivator, cheerleader and driver. others can encourage but its up to you ultimately.

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Thursday, July 28, 2011

wonder

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be (Psalm 139:14-15, NIV).

A friend of mine usually comes to visit on Thursdays with her son and newborn daughter. Their friendship is priceless. This verse comes to mind as I've seen the newborn come to be. She is wonderfully made so perfectly by God. Its amazing. I'm anxious to see what He has in store for all the days ordained for her.

A favorite song of mine is Wonder by natalie merchant. I relate to it in alot of ways. I have confounded doctors from different cities. Raised with love, faith and patience. We are each 'a wonder of God's own creation.'

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Angie's Testimony

Angelia K. Riffle Bridger, (52), went to her eternal home to be with her Lord and Savior on December 4, 2023. Angie is survived by her parents, Bobbie and Wayne Riffle, several aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, numerous friends, and her beloved pets- Tux and Jack.

Though Angie was physically limited by a neuro-muscular disease all of her life, she was not limited in her great love for the Lord, friends and family, and animals. Angie graduated from Northern Illinois University with a degree in Microbiology and then worked for 5 years for the Missouri Department of Agriculture.

Anyone who knew Angie loved her and knew she loved the Lord. She was a generous person who liked to bring happiness to others; the world was a better place because of her.

This is her testimony:

From the beginning, I was raised in the church. As a child, I faced the weakness of this body that my soul was in. I found comfort in what I was being taught in the children’s church and other youth activities. I learned who Jesus was..my Creator, my Redeemer, my Savior for my sin debt. At the age of 9, I gave my life to the Lord and was baptized. I wanted to feel secure in knowing where I’d spend eternity if my life were to end and to have my own relationship with Christ.

At the age of 9, I had not really faced many temptations of the world, but I knew I was a sinner in need of grace to save me. As I grew older, I did have the Spirit of peace within me as I dealt with life’s trials of surgeries, being different than my friends and just life as a young girl in a wicked world. I found strength through prayer. My downfall was the belief in myself, as much as the Spirit within me.

Even when I was away from church, the desire to seek more of God remained in me. I know God has been working on my sanctification in many ways and opportunities. One example, a church student union at college allowed my scooter in their building. After making friends there, I ended up in a Bible study.

My life wasn’t a ‘total’ surrender to His will until the age of 30. I’m guilty of wanting what the world offered and ignoring the cost of it. God allowed me to have all that I wanted from the world…a marriage, a home, a career…but I failed to put Him first and above all things…therefore I reaped the consequences. I’m thankful for this discipline.

My life was at a crossroad of choice...will I hang onto my will or trust in His guiding? My world was stripped away and what I thought was my end…was actually my new beginning. I thank God for doing whatever it took..and yes it hurt a lot…to get my dependence centered on Him alone. I thank God that since age 9, I’ve never felt truly alone. I thank God that as much as I've failed Him and chosen the world, that He hasn’t given up on me and continues His good work in me. I thank God that I am forgiven because of His sacrifice. I thank God that I don’t fear death because of His resurrection and promises that He has prepared a place for me with Him.

-Angelia