Here's To Tomorrow...

(Thanks for the memories!)

The path of 2007 has been a challenging - often painful - part of the journey, and few understand this like "The Real Staff Wives of Orange County": the pastor's wives at C3 Church. These, my sisters, know what the past year has been - for me, for themselves, their husbands, friends, and for the church.

Amanda, Andrea, and Sandi are the "Real Staff Wives of Orange County", but they are not defined by their position, who their husbands are, how "well" they perform, what others say about them...etc. They are defined by "whose" they are - THEY ARE HIS: Christ followers with a passion for others to know Him.

It is because they know whose (and whom) they are that they can love with abandon, give 'til they feel it, lose and not look back, and be...really be barbaric in their spreading of grace.

I love these "graceful barbarians", and I thank them for their patience, their sacrifice, their endurance, their support...and for their love, in return.

Sandi, Andrea, and Amanda:
You rock! Thanks for being warriors on this path of peace - I wouldn't trade you for anything.

Here's to 2008 - It's gonna be a crazy-great ride. Thanks for being in it with me.

Love, Angie

Sunday Blog Banter

This has been the slowest Christmas season ever for me at work. I have worked in retail my whole life and have never been this bored at work during the holiday season. Well that all changed Friday and Saturday. It was as if a whirlwind of shoppers overtook Bloomingdales and specifically the YSL cosmetic counter! At one point Saturday I did in one hour the business I can do in a whole day... a busy day at that!

Saturday night my mom's community group came over after I got off of work for a Christmas party at our house. My mom has some really cool people in there. We had a lot of fun and I really enjoyed having them over. It's always a wonderful thing in my world to get to know people better. We talked about everything! I can't even recap because it literally was just about everything! I love having people over and I wish I could more often.

My mother-in-law is in North Carolina for the holidays. Darrell and I have the house to ourselves for the first time since we've lived here. We moved in April and between my sister and nephew living with us at one point and then moving her in it has been exciting in the Loper household. Quite frankly, I love them all dearly but I'm ecstatic the house is empty right now because we all need a break! I love that it is just the two of us for a couple of weeks.

I'm soooo excited to be moving to the theaters in three weeks. I can't believe it's almost here! What an amazing place for us to be to reach out to our community! I can't wait to see the main worship area and Powerhouse. I sing in Powerhouse and from what I understand the theater is going to really be crazy fun for the kids! I went to the children's ministry lunch today after service and I was so impressed with all of the volunteers who were there to serve in children's ministry. I'm so proud of what God is doing at C3! Darrell and I are pumped about all of those who have stepped up to serve in Connections as well. The curb to curb experience it so important and I'm anxious to hear and see what God is going to do through your smiling faces and warm receptions. There are so many vital areas God will use you in when you are just willing. I love the willingness of my C3 family! God will bless that more than any of us even know!

Well I'm gonna get a little shut eye before I head off on my hot date with my hot man! Have a great week and BTW check out the new C3 women's blog ... I can't wait to read some more great, encouraging blogs!

Hurray for my 'Manda Lou!

Today is a special day! It's the day "'Manda Lou" was born...better known as our own Amanda (of the "At Home with Amanda" fame! Martha, eat your heart out!)
There are many things I could say about Amanda:
* She's a wonderful mother who really "makes" a home.
* She's a wife who supports, encourages and stands firm no matter what!
* She's a leader of worship...and "so C3".
* She's a devoted and loyal friend...everyone should be blessed to have someone like her in their corner!
* She loves people and loves seeing them "embrace the Grace" (Love Wins, yea!).

But, most of all, she is passionate about her love of Christ and her desire for others to know Him.

And, she's been a friend to me...well, I could never do justice to what her friendship has meant. I thank God for giving Amanda to us...to me.
'Manda Lou, I'm so glad you were born!!!!!!

Happy, Happy Birthday!
Love...and Peace out, Angie

A Fight for Love!

I think it's fitting to write about social issues today. In part, in honor of my friend Leigh Ann's birthday. I love Leigh Ann's raw honesty and humor, but lately I have been amazed and challenged by her heart. She is someone who I can honestly say has fought her traditional views of Christianity, God and the church - even to the point of sacrifice. She has been honest in her struggles and transparent in her questioning of the true mission of Christ. She is developing a real sense of being "others focused", and it is a beautiful transformation. Happy birthday, Leigh Ann. You challenge me and make me laugh. Thanks. You rock, and love does win. Peace.

I don't desire that my blog be a place for political commentary.

And if I were going to discuss politics, I more than likely wouldn't be in the same camp with a President from Columbia University.

But, today, I am in agreement - because after all, the Columbia President (Lee Bollinger) - who spoke before Iran's President Ahmadinejad - spoke more about freedom and the recognition of evil, than just recycling a bunch of political rhetoric.

His passionate speech was about the triumph of good over evil. It was about vigilantly holding brutal tyranny accountable for human suffering. It was about freedom and truth.

These are to be the ideals of the church, but one rarely hears these things from the evangelical pulpit. Why?

Why do we seem afraid to have discourse about issues of social justice? Is it not in the heart of God to "plead the case of the oppressed"? Are we terrified of being labeled "liberal" or worse?

It's a difficult path for the Christ-follower to travel. To marry an evangelical passion for each person's soul and eternity with a passion to meet the practical and social needs of the down-trodden. It is difficult, but following Christ demands that we try, even to the point of sacrifice.

Are we too afraid of labels or misunderstanding to be proactive...or just too lazy?

This speech today, from someone with whom I would most likely be on the polar opposite end of the political spectrum, reminded me of the things going on around the world that I am likely to forget in my comfortable, suburban, American existence. It reminded me of what the absence of love...of God can cause.

So, how do we fight brutality and evil - with love. And love demands action. The action of love is powerful, but it should be because it is of God. God is love, and if we are about the things of God, then we are about love.

Love hears, sees and demands action, and the best part is...LOVE WINS.

But, we do have to get in the game.

Peace.

Welcome Back, Sandi!

Welcome back home, Sandi. We missed you so much - and we are so glad that you got to spend some quality time with your dad. Please know that we will all continue to pray for you, your dad, and the family.

Your blogging public has missed you terribly, as well.
Know that you are in our hearts and prayers...WELCOME HOME!

LuvYa, Angie.

Connections

I can honestly say I have the best group of friends in the world. I wanna let you know about them.

Angie-I can tell you anything and feel safe. You make me laugh with your witty yet amusing banter. You sing real pretty!

Amanda-It's just easy with you. You make everyone feel loved. You have really cool placemat handbags(in other words... you're very creative!)

Sandy-I feel like I've known you forever. You're sweet and pretty. You make the best snow cones ever!

Leigh Ann-I can always count on you to say what I'm thinking but can't quite articulate the way you do.

Sally-I can't quite narrow it down to one thing with you. You are ALWAYS there for me! Loyal to the end!

Stacy-I can be silly with you and then completely serious. You fluctuate your mood with mine. We are one! :)

Ariel-You always encourage me with your vivacious and fun-loving spirit. You're just a fun gal!

Alexie-I look up to you... even if you are just a bit shorter! You've been adopted into my family as my new third sister. I wanna be the mommy you are one day... amazing! I am in awe!

These are just a few friends that I have recently spent time with. I love all of you and thank God for the blessing of having friends like you in my life! I am always praying that God connect me with more of the women at C3. There are so many of you I'd love to know better. We all have busy schedules and hectic lives but don't forget to take some time out for some real connection.

C3 women rock!

411 on the Women of C3

Periodically, I like to highlight what some of the great women of C3 are thinking. Lately, God has used many of their blogs to encourage me. So, I wanted to share their blogsites with you so you can check them out, too! Here are some of my recent favorites: Patti says this in her brand new blog Patio Talk. Jennie says this in her blog Controlled Chaos. And Monica says this in her new blog Laugh Often, Love Always. Thanks, ya'll for keepin' it real, and for helping me "run free and fearless". You rock and you are SO C3! Peace.

"Super Verna" & the C3 Crew

Since we are all about children at C3 Church, we are thrilled that Verna Gange is now the director of our children's ministries. Verna has worked in the corporate world as well as in several schools. She is an administrative "dynamo" with a let's get it done attitude. She has a great love for children and education, so we know she will be a great asset as we pursue excellence in our ministries to children.

Along with Pastor Travis, she and her crew - Don Jacobson, Marlene Pagan, Monica Hunt and a number of hard-working volunteers - are committed to taking "Powerhouse" and "First Look" to a whole new level of excellence and fun!

The fall is going to ROCK at C3!

Thanks to Verna and her "crew" for loving God by loving kids! You are awesome and...

YOU ARE SO C3!

Fifty is Fabulous!

One of my favorite people in the world is celebrating a monumental birthday today and redefining the word "ageless", at the same time!

Diane Vaught is a personal friend, wonderful example of God's comfort (she ministers through "Grief Care" to people recovering from the loss of a loved one), important part of the C3 office staff, and "Chief" of the C3 Corner Cafe. She is always ready to reach out to those in need, offer a word of encouragement, and work sacrificially to help show everyone the love of God - no matter who they are!

She has been a great encouragement to me, on a personal level - I'm so grateful that God has allowed me to have a friend like she is.

Diane, I'm so glad you were born and so blessed to know you. You are an inspiration - and you are SO C3! Have a blessed year - Rock on! Happy, happy birthday! Peace.

C3 Women Speak Out!

Periodically, we may highlight other C3 women's blogs that we love to read.

Recently, we have enjoyed and been challenged by Leigh Ann's musings. The posts here and here and here are especially insightful.

Also, check out Brittney's blog - her excitement and passion for ministry is contagious, especially the post i-know-i-am-not-alone.

Hopefully, you will be as inspired and sometimes entertained as we have been. Enjoy!