Lord, help us to be part of changing this messed up world!

This is what the Lord brought to my mind in a matter of minutes one afternoon as I pondered why the world is so out of control:

1.) The music we listen to, almost every song out there these days is filled with filthy lyrics.

2.) What we watch on TV or movies, it seems that the news and everything you watch is either negative or full of cussing, sex, violence, drugs, drinking or something bad.

3.) The internet, our phone, tablets, Ipods, video games, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Snapchat has replaced real relationships, playtime for our kids, and everyone seeking approval and looking at others lives comparing their own to what they see on social media. Social media can lead us into dangerous territory if we let it consume the little bit of extra time we have in our days and can leave us feeling empty, lonely and incontient with our lives. We spend more time on the internet because it seems to have all the answers and of course everything we read is true. Right?  We text meaningless messages instead of calling people or going to visit our loved ones to see how they are really doing. We let our children be babysat by devices so the family relationship is gone. We spend far to much time on social media and not enough time in real relationship with one another. I believe whole heartedly that the devil has devised a plan and is winning in this area of our lives.

4.) Trying to live up to everybody's high expectations, how we dress, what we drive, what house we live in, if we are good enough at our jobs, in school, sports, and everything in general.-Nobody is good enough, mistakes are not tolerated, and people are belittled, gossiped about and critized by nasty comments from others if a mistake is made or expectations aren't met. We need to give more grace, encouragement and praise instead of only pointing out when someone does something wrong.

5.) Unrealistic expectations we put on ourselves, if we don't live up to them we are very disappointed in ourselves. The devil loves to place these lies in our heads and we listen to him instead of listening to the One who created us in HIS image.

6.) We live in a very self-absorbed world, not taking time to check on, care for, help or love those that are hurting around us. People are broken, suicidal, lonely, grieving, sick and depressed but we seem to not see it, we ignore it or we just don't care or have the time to try and help in some way. We lack sympathy and empathy toward one another.

7.) Families are distant and are at odds with one another, instead of working differences out, forgiving, excepting, and loving each other despite their mistakes, people just chose to never have a relationship with them again.

8.) We are choosing to spend time with people who are not good for us. Many times we choose friends that really do not care about us, they don't encourage us, help or love us they are only wanting a good time and once the good time is over so are you in their lives, or you become just like them, I always tell my daughter, you are who you hang out with, if not at first you will become more and more like them as time goes on and that is why it is so important that we are very careful who we keep company with and let our children hang out with. 1 Corinthians 15:33- Do not be deceived, "bad company ruins good morals."

9.) Even though we are self absorbed we don't care enough about ourselves to invest in things that are good for us like eating right, exercising, stopping the addictions, spending quality time with our families, praying for ourselves or spending time with God and we definitely don't rest as God has commanded us to do. We feel guilty if we rest, but He says we need to take one day out of each week and just rest, relax and rejuvenate. If we choose to not rest we will begin our week exhausted and overwhelmed as most of us do. This was so important to God that He made it one of the 10 commandments.

10.) This world is full of sin everywhere you go people you can't get away from it, people seem to not have a conscious, they seem to not care if they hurt or harm people with their words or actions. You can't go anywhere without sin entering your mind because it is everywhere you look and you certainly can't stand up for what you know is right or your judged and condemned from others.

11.) Drugs are easily accessible and some drugs are even legal and alcohol is the norm, to have a good time you must drink and or do drugs.

12.) People are entitled, spoiled brats and think they deserve everything handed to them instead of working hard to get it. It is hard to find hard working people anymore.

13.) Parents are not paying attention to their children because their just to busy. They are not investing in their lives, teaching them to respect others, love others and love themselves. Parents are not teaching their children about God and how God wants them to live and or turn to Him in times of trials and tribulations so children are lonely, depressed, suicidal, in trouble and looking for love in all the wrong places or looking for ways to help them be content. Children are also not being taught to be thankful for all that they have, they are often taught to want more and more. If I only had this it will make me happy, they learn this mentality from us always wanting the next thing. Children can be so mean these days and maybe if parents would spend quality time with their children, they would feel happy and secure with themselves and they wouldn't be so angry and hostile toward one another. Children are very disrespectful and disobedient to their parents as well and parents are not giving their children consequences and discipline so they will learn from their mistakes and strive to do better. It is our job as parents to teach our children and show them that they are loved, and that God has a plan for their lives. He has entrusted us with these precious little ones, we need to take this very seriously.

14.) We are not only NOT investing enough time in our own children's lives but it seems we just don't really care about the children  either. It is very sad, as it used to be that families gathered with sisters, brothers, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, grandmas and grandpas and children grew up knowing they could count on other family members to love, encourage and be there for them.  It seems you see less and less of this in families. Extended family members are not there for each other anymore, They are not investing in each others lives, caring for one another, having fun with one another and our children need more than just their parents to help them in this crazy life. I want to thank the few people that are investing in my children's lives, it means so much to them and me. My children deeply desire to have a relationship outside of just the ones they have with their immediate family and I am sure this is the case for most children.

15.) Some parents and people do not care how they act or talk in front of their children or other peoples children. They don't watch their mouths, they may cuss, bad mouth people, be disrespectful or rude to others, they may tell everything about their bad relationships to their child and or bad mouth the relationship even if that bad relationship is their other parent. Children are so vulnerable and impressionable and should not be exposed to filthy language, rude and obnoxious behavior, drunkenness, or drugs and or topics they are to young to even think or worry about. Parents need to grow up and realize that their bad choices and behavior will leave a lasting, negative impression on their little ones, and may someday even lead to them behaving similar if not worse to their our children. We are supposed to protect and guard our children's hearts and not hinder them in any way! Matthew 9:42 "Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea."

16.) We have taken God out of the equation, we used to live in a world where it was...In God We Trust on our money, One Nation Under God, was what our children pledged to each morning, God Bless America is what we sang, we laid our hands on the Bible to swear that it was the whole truth and nothing but the truth so help me God, prayer was part of school and now has been taking out of the schools and not tolerated before any activity, The ten commandments have been removed from parks, schools and courthouses. Christians cannot even speak His name without being persecuted, ridiculed and slandered. Why is the name of Jesus so offensive to those who don't believe, I'll never understand. If you don't believe in Him that's your choice but I do believe and I should be able to worship, pray and acknowledge Him how I choose too, but before long this freedom will be gone completely.

 God tells us to love, forgive, show grace, mercy, compassion, kindness, gentleness, and patience with one another. He tells us to be respectful hospitable, pure, tenderhearted and humble. He also tells us to be sober and self controlled. But what I see in this world is quite the opposite. I see a slanderous, intolerant, impatient, unloving, unforgiving, prideful, deceitful, anything goes society and quite frankly its exhausting and disheartening.

I know there is more believe me, but this I believe is what God wanted me to write today. I hear all the time how out of control the world has become, so what can we do to be the change we are all desiring to see. Well, that's really up to us, we have a choice to continue to be part of the problem or we can chose to do our part to help change this crazy world we live in. Read back through the things listed and chose the ones you are struggling with and make a commitment to start the change in your life! I know God has convicted me in many of these areas as I am writing and I now have a choice to ignore what He is saying or be a part of changing my world that I live in. The time is drawing near, this is what God's word says about the end times:

2 Timothy 3:1-5
But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will become lovers of themselves, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal and not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.

This about sums it up right? The answer is to avoid all this non-sense, pray for our country, our family, friends and ourselves but steer clear of all the sin of this world and do our best to live good and pure lives.

God Bless,
Angie Goucher

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I despise that sometimes when you go to a restaurant you will find a family sitting at a table and they are all playing on their devices. These devices that people keep making are destroying our social life with our friends family and relationships. All the kids in families are in their bedrooms on their devices not socializing with their family, and the parents don't seem to care. this annoys me very much. Kids are just becoming more and more lazy and addicted to their phones as well as parents. Some parents these days will let their kids do drugs and don't care if they cuss or anything. Another thing that is wrong with this world is that we don't see the sadness in people they hide their feelings and people don't pay enough attention to see if  they are ok. People take things for granted and that is a bad habit. People don't realize what they have until its gone because the truth is they never thought it would be gone. The devil is trying to tell us all we aren't good enough for the world or other people. Don't believe him. Don't let him drag u into a boiling pot of lies.

God Bless,
Mariah Goucher
                                              Slow Fade BY: Casting Crowns

LORD HELP ME BE A PRAYER WARRIOR!

My daughter Mariah loves the movie War Room and wanted to make one in our house! If you haven't seen it I would highly recommend it! It is a great movie!  I think it is so amazing that my baby girl wanted to make a "War Room" at her age.  I knew we needed to before the desire left her precious heart. So we did! For those of you who haven't seen the movie the concept basically is to clear out a room or space for you to spend quality time with the Lord, praying and crying out to Him, reading His word, writing your prayers and posting them on the wall. It is my hope that it will be a place where my family will become prayer warriors! But don't be surprised if decide to make your own "War Room" and the enemy begins to attack you and your family, as that is exactly what happen to us 2 days after making our room. He does not want us to pray and spend time with our Lord and he will do anything and everything to discourage and distract us from anything good!

More than anything my heart desires to be a prayer warrior! I want people to be assured without a shadow of a doubt that when I say I am praying for them that they can count on that! So many people I believe, say that they will pray for people and then never do. We need to take it seriously when we say we will pray for someone and do as we say!

There is so much we need be praying about, so many people who are struggling, and hurting. They might be struggling financially, mentally, emotionally and or physically. They may have lost someone they love and need prayers for comfort and peace. They might be sick and need prayers for healing and strength. They may need prayers for their marriages, their children or a family member who is struggling with something. Let's pray for them!!! We need to be praying for our children and their futures. We need to pray that our precious children marry someone that will treat them right and love them unconditionally and that they choose someone who loves God. We need to be praying for our children's health, their happiness, their educations and most importantly that they rely on God for EVERYTHING!!! We need to be praying for our spouses that they will be exceptional and attentive parent to our children, we need to be praying that they set good example for our children and that they will love them no matter what they do. We need to pray for our spouses physical and emotional well being. We need to pray for our country, our teachers, our leaders, our pastors. WE NEED TO STOP SAYING WE ARE PRAYING AND ACTUALLY BEGIN TO DO IT!!!! There is to much at stake!

The Lord says, Rejoice always, pray continually, giving thanks in all circumstances. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. He says to not be anxious for ANYTHING but in every situation by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving let your requests be known. Philippians 4:6. Do you believe what He says? Do you trust Him? HE SAYS TO NOT BE ANXIOUS FOR ANYTHING!!!! I fall back on this verse daily as the devil likes to place fear, doubt and anxiety in my mind continually!

Sometimes life and circumstances can be so overwhelming, painful, frustrating, and hopeless that it takes great strength to even muster up a small prayer, let alone pray for the bigger issues we face.  You may feel you have prayed continually for so long and your losing hope that things are ever going to change. You may feel like giving up because He is just not listening. Hey, believe me I get it, I have prayed certain prayers all my Christian life and have yet to have those prayers completely answered and there are others that seem to get answered sooner. Some prayers may not get answered in the fashion we are looking for either, we may need to reflect back as there is always something within the situation that we can learn from, help others with, or be thankful for even if the outcome we were looking for never happens.

A lot of people grumble, complain, stress and worry over things in their lives but they fail to bring these things to God. The devil wants us to be anxious, hopeless and worried about our situations we face but if we can learn to lay our burdens at the feet of Jesus, He promises to give us peace, hope, strength and often times miracles in these situations. It helps me just knowing that God is there, He is listening, He cares about ME and loves ME so much! His desire is to hear from us in ALL circumstances not just those that weigh heavily on our minds. Don't be afraid to ask others to pray for your circumstances or for your loved ones. Pick trusted friends or family that you know will pray for you and that will not share your private affairs with others or judge you.

God is everywhere, He is with us all the time, He is waiting to hear from us, no prayer is too great for Him and no prayer is to small. Nothing takes Him by surprise! He knows what is best for us and He knows what we need before we even ask.  Matthew 6:8. He wants us to pray with faith, knowing and believing that our prayers will be answered. Hebrews 11:6. He wants us to pray with clean hands and a pure heart, Psalm 24:3-4.  He wants us to pray genuine heart felt prayers, rather than vain repetitions, Matthew 6:7 and He wants us to pray regularly and in detail. Prayers matter don't ever doubt that, they matter to God, they matter to us and they matter to others. The greatest gift you can give to others is the gift of prayer. I love knowing others care about me enough to pray for me.

The most important prayer we need to be praying is praying for those that are lost. We need to pray that God will orchestrate circumstances in the lives of our loved ones who do not believe so that will turn their lives toward Him. We should be praying that we can be used in a mighty way to show them the hands and feet of Jesus so that our loved ones will see His goodness. We should be praying for boldness and discernment so we are not afraid to share the love of Jesus and so we are only sharing what and when he wants us to.

Dear Heavenly Father,
Please help me fulfill my hearts desire and become a Prayer Warrior! Remind me daily the importance of spending time with you in your word, prayer and worship! I love you Lord, and I believe in your promises! I believe and have faith wholeheartedly that prayer changes everything. I believe and I have witnessed prayer changing the hearts and minds of so many around me and myself!  Help me to remember that it is my honor and privilege to come to you directly. It's in your precious name that I pray, Amen!

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." Matthew 7:7

Here is a few things you can use to help you in your prayer life:
On the spot prayer-pray during the day when you are doing things and if you say that you will pray for someone do it right then wherever you are at so you don't forget.
Bring it to the elders to pray-James 5:14
Where two or more are gathered pray-Matthew 18:20
Be thankful NOT anxious while praying-Philippians 4:6, 1 Thessalonians 5:16
Never cease praying ( NEVER STOP) -1 Thessalonians 5:16
Commit to prayer-Colossians 4:2
Ask others to pray- James 5:16
Get on your knees and pray-Malachi 19-14, Ephesians 3:14, 2 Chronicles 7:14
Pray the big and small things, Pray about everything-Philippians 4:6
Journaling your prayers-This is a great way to look back and see your prayers that have been answered and give thanks and it is also a reminder so that you do not forget to pray for those people you love and or said you would pray for.

God Bless,
Angie Goucher

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One of my youth group leaders was talking about how people tend to only pray when their in trouble instead of just praying all the time like we should be. I try and pray at least once a day for those I love. I believe prayer works and I have seen many of my prayers answered, sometimes I forget to thank God for the ones He does answer though. I am Sorry God! Thank you God for letting us make a "War Room" so that me and my family spend more time with in prayer!

MY PRAYER TO YOU TODAY:
Dear Lord without you I have nothing and I am nothing. I need you every moment, every day, every second that I breathe. You are my joy and  my strength.  I am not strong enough on my own. Amen

God Bless,
Mariah Goucher

                                            7eventh Time Down - "Just Say Jesus"

LORD, HELP ME NEVER BELIEVE THE DEVIL'S LIES!

Have you ever had the devil whisper lies to you such as: Your not good enough, thin enough, talented enough, smart enough?  Maybe you are trying to help others and he whispers things like your not making a difference, nobody even cares or appreciates what your doing so why even bother!  He might even say why are you being nice to them they aren't nice to you! They don't do things for you so why should you do things for them? You've been praying that same prayer forever and nothing ever changes and or they don't pray for me so why should I pray for them!

Self doubt and comparison are some of the devils most powerful tactics. His goal is to tear you down and make you feel unworthy and keep you from doing what ever it is your trying to do or what ever it is God wants you to do. He wants to seek and destroy us with his web of lies by placing fear, doubt and insecurities in your mind. He loves it when we don't believe in ourselves and give up on the good things we are doing. He thoroughly enjoys watching us get frustrated and lose hope.

The devil has whispered plenty of this kind of thing into my ears over the years! Most recently he whispered this about this blog me and my beautiful daughter write together! He said things like its to hard and to time consuming, nobody even reads it or cares, your not inspiring anyone with the word of God so why are you bothering.

The very day he whispered these lies to me, I went out for a birthday dinner with my dear friends Carol, Debi, Maria and Misti.  My friend Carol handed me my present, it was a Bible (which I've been wanting a new one for a very long time) and on the front cover of the Bible it says "Inspire" she said to me, my hope is that this will "Inspire" you to write your blog again, its been awhile. I literally couldn't believe it and shared with them the lie the devil had been whispering into my ear that very day. They all encouraged me to write again, and told me they missed reading it and missed reading Mariah's child like profession of faith. They reminded me how good it is for her to do this with her mama. It was just what I needed to hear and God knew that I needed to hear it.  I was sharing this lie from the devil with my cousin Georgie and he also gave some words of wisdom, he said you never know who your inspiring, if you even inspire one person with what your writing and that one person does better in their walk with the Lord and shares it in some way with whoever is in their lives then you never really know how many lives it will effect. If someone reads something they are struggling with it may help them look at it differently and try and work on it, and in turn it is helping whoever they are around. WOW!! GOD IS GOOD!!!

I for so long enjoyed writing but then the devil spoke his lies to me and told me it was to hard, you don't have the time, nobody is even reading it so why bother, and its not inspiring anyone! God immediately spoke truth back into my heart and said, "I'm not finished with you yet"  "My word never comes back void!"

If you are struggling with the devils continuous lies about how your not good enough, smart enough, thin enough, or he is telling you what your doing for God's kingdom is not making a bit a difference I encourage you today to not listen!  Do not give up!  The enemy is deceitful and his intentions are to destroy you physically, mentally and emotionally!  He manifests himself in the form of stress, confusion, addiction, depression, anxiety, fear, self doubt, lack of hope, amongst many other things. This lie will usually surface when you are at your lowest and darkest points. We need to learn to seek God for what He says about who we are and what He wants us to do. After all He created us to be exactly how He wanted us to be and God does not make mistakes and He has so much good planned for us if we are willing to listen and obey! We need to learn to take every thought captive and listen to the voice of truth!

I want to thank my amazing friends Carol, Debi, Maria and Misti and my cousin Georgie who encouraged me to keep on inspiring and to not give up! I love you all!!


God Bless and Happy New Year,
Angie Goucher
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1 Peter 5:8
 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

Ephesians 6:12
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
-Mariah Goucher

Casting Crowns - The Voice of Truth

RECHARGE ME LORD! I AM WEARY AND TIRED!

Recharge me Lord as I am weary and tired! I feel like my life is out of control at times. So much to do, so incredibly busy, so overwhelmed and I do not know how to slow it down! So many thoughts running through my head and things to remember, the to do lists seem to become longer and longer everyday, and I feel as if I can never catch up! I pack my days so full that my head is spinning and I feel emotionally and mentally exhausted trying to keep up with life's demands.

Lord, when did it become like this for all of us? Why have we become people of constant busyness? When you ask the common question "how are you doing?" it seems the same response is given over and over again. "I'm busy, just so busy!" Why do we expect so much from ourselves and why do others expect so much from us? Lord, when do we say enough is enough and learn to just let some things wait or choose to say no to some things altogether. Why do we feel like a failure if we don't accomplish our to do lists and the expectations we set for ourselves for the day. Why can't we just be satisfied with what we DID do instead! Why do we think completing these endless to do lists are more important than having a relationship with You, our family and or our friends? When will we begin to prioritize and make time for what is important to You? When will we begin to ask You what is on Your list for me to do today Lord?

Satan has me so exhausted, overwhelmed, irritable and distracted. I sometimes even treat people poorly and or act as if I am mad or irritated because I am so busy. Sometimes I don't really hear what people are saying to me like my children, husband and or co-workers and sometimes I even snap at them because they interrupt my busyness.  This is definitely not how You want me to act Lord, I know that for sure!  Satan is working very hard to keep me from the things You want for me and my life! I lose hope at times that things will ever change! I am tired, weary and burdened Lord with all the STUFF that clouds my view from You and those I love! I know that when I take time to seek You Lord especially before my day starts You never lead me astray, but why do I choose to go on apart from you most of the time and do things in my own strength?

Lord, help me start my day with You everyday!  I know if I do, You will give me strength to get through what I need to do, let go of what I don't, and begin to prioritize my day so that I will be focused on bringing You glory in all that I do! Help me to remember I am working for You Lord not for men, as it says we are to do in Your word. (Colossians 3:23)  When I am exhausted and worn out, weak and weary please let me not feel guilty about resting as you have commanded us to rest at least one day a week because you know we need it. (Exodus 20:8) I know You want me to see Your people Lord in the midst of these crazy days as well, please help me to respond to those around me, comfort them, listen to them, help them and encourage them to also seek You, so that they too will learn to rely on you for strength to get them through their busy days as well and rest when they need it.

Are you to busy? To busy for your husband, children, family and or friends? Are you to busy for God himself? Do you need to evaluate your busy life and see if there is something you can do differently, maybe there are chores that can wait, such as the pile of dishes or dirty laundry so that you may spend a bit of time with Jesus and quality time with those you love? Something has got to change, the people we love are suffering because we are all just to busy and we are all on the verge of a nervous breakdown from going full bore all day everyday!

God Bless,

Angie Goucher

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As I get older, I am finding that I am becoming more and more busy! Please Lord help me never become to busy for You or my family and friends!

Come to me all who are weary and heavy burden and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

Mariah Goucher

                                           

We get to see Matthew West at Winter Jam 2016!!!! Check out this song!

LORD HELP ME LEAVE A LEGACY!

Lord as I ponder my short time on this Earth I have found I have been asking myself what I have been doing to ensure others see YOU through me in my actions, words and how I present myself. How will people remember me when I am gone? I am not sure I like what I have discovered but am so thankful you have revealed to me so many areas I can work on!

Some of the questions You brought to my mind are: Will they look back on our conversations and time spent together with fond memories, will they remember encouraging words I have spoken to them, and prayers I have said for them or with them? Did I lend a helping hand when they needed it or a listening ear? Did I give them Godly advice no matter how tough it may have been to say or hear? Did I point them to You  Jesus in time of tribulations and trials and help them recognize the need to rely and trust You and always put You first? Did I tell them no matter what happens in this crazy world You will always be there for them? Did I share my testimony with them and tell them what you have done in my life? Did I share my own tribulations, my trials, grief, sorrow and or miracles with them and explain to them I couldn't have made it through these times without you?
Did I remind them to not always focus on the negative and remember to be thankful for all they have been given? Will they remember quality time I spent with them, that I actually took time to get to know them and valued their existence here on this Earth? Will they remember I lifted them up when they needed it and did I them how much I appreciated all they done and how they made a difference in my life? Will they remember me as a positive person full of the joy or a negative, irritable and angry individual? Will they remember me as a person who gossips or a person who stands up for those who are being gossiped about? Will I have shared my Faith with them at all? WOW! So many questions I have had to ask myself, if I really want to leave Your Legacy Lord things are going to need to change in my life especially where my immediate family is concerned!

I want my children to remember the fun times we had together as a family and have lasting and meaningful memories. I want them to remember how I comforted them in times of sorrow and pain and cried with them, talked to them and loved them through it and also pointed them to you for comfort, peace and strength. I want them to remember how we prayed together for our family, friends, and even strangers and our trials,and tribulations and how we thanked you for our answered prayers and many blessings. I want them to remember how we laughed together, snuggled and spent quality time together. I want them to look back and remember all the good times and not dwell on the bad. I want them to remember how we talked about their day, their interests, hobbies, friends, hopes and dreams and that I was also there for their disappointments and trails they will endure. Most importantly I want them to know without a doubt how much I love them and cherish them as a beautiful gift from You God and that they can be assured we will see each other again in Heaven.

I want my husband to look back on our many years together and remember we fought for our marriage and even though it was tough at times we stayed together for our children and because we took our vows before You Lord and be proud of how hard we worked to make our marriage work.  I want my husband to see the devotion I put forth for my family and be able to say that his wife loved the Lord and tried her best to teach her children to as well. I want my husband to say I put his needs before my own and that I took time out to listen, laugh, snuggle and encourage him. I want my husband to know how much I appreciate him and how grateful I am for all he has done for me and  our family. I want my husband to know that I am so proud of him for who he has become and the great father and husband he is. I want him to know he is loved and adored by his wife Lord.... but sadly I am failing!! WHY???

Lord, I want to leave YOUR Legacy... one that reflects who You are and who You have taught me to be. I cannot do this without You Lord! I am failing miserably! Thank you for bringing this to light in my life, help me to always remember it and work toward leaving a Godly Legacy, one that people say at the end of my life on this Earth... Wow she really loved the Lord and it showed in her actions, words, thoughts and personality.

How about you? Do you want to leave a Legacy? How will the people that you love or encounter remember you after your gone? Ponder that for awhile!

God Bless You All,
Angie Goucher
                                                                                                                                                                   
Have you ever had a friend that made you laugh the minute you get together? I am blessed to have that kind of friend! Her name is Lily Sitar and we have known each other since we were babies stealing each others binkies. Lily is so happy all the time and when we are together we laugh the whole time. I love being with her, she brings such joy to my heart. When I am with her I can just be myself and I forget about everything but just having fun! Lily has left a lasting legacy in my life and I love her so much! I hope you all have that kind of friend! Thank you Lily for being such a wonderful friend for the past 12 years and thank you God for giving me her! Friends till the end Jimmy! Serious Unicorn! LOL

God Bless,
Mariah

LORD I DO NOT UNDERSTAND-BUT PLEASE HELP ME TRUST YOU!

Oh Lord, please help me understand or at least trust you through the trials and tribulations, loss, grief, and complete chaos this world is in. I do not understand the tragic, heartbreaking, unbelievable things that are happening Lord. I ache for the day that you will end all this suffering and come and take us home to be with you in Heaven forever. Lord, there is just so much pain and sometimes it is unbearable and so heart wrenching that is hard to face the day. Please Lord, I am asking you to make yourself present in the lives of those who are struggling. Help me to not be so consumed with all that I have going on in my life that I miss all the hurting people around me. Remind me daily that you have given me the responsibility to check on them, encourage them, comfort them, listen to them, and point them to you, because we cannot do this life without you Lord! And when I am facing trials and hardships in my own life please send me people that I trust to care for me in the same way.

There are many things we will never understand, we have so many questions, so many why's and what ifs Lord, maybe someday the answers will be revealed to us? One thing I know for certain is  we can only hold onto the promise that one day there will be no more tears, sorrow, pain or heartbreak, but until then Lord please guide us, comfort us, and give us a sense of peace. Please give us a glimpse of what is awaiting us on the glorious day you return to take us home. Remind us to look around and see that there is still good here on earth and help us not to focus on all the bad and crazy stuff happening all the time.

Heal our broken hearts and restore our strength so that we may face another day. Please help us to be praying continuously for those we love that are struggling and for ourselves. Please help us stay grounded in your word so that we can remain hopeful and point others to you for whatever their needing and please Lord help us to be joyful in all circumstances which is so very hard.

Lord, we are waiting patiently for your return please come quickly as we are growing weary!

In Jesus name we pray amen,

Angie Goucher

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                             IN LOVING MEMORY OF MORGAN EMILY GOUCHER
For the best cousin in the world...We all miss you very much.  I love you and wish I could see u one last time my beautiful cousin... you were so loving... always happy when you were around me... I wish you were here right now laughing with me like we always did and staying up late :( But now I know you are in the loving arms of God. See you in heaven someday... until we meet again<3 <3 <3          
 Nov. 22, 2002 ~ May 1, 2016 <3      

            An Eternal Memory     

       Until  We Meet Again

Those special memories of you

will always bring me a smile

if only I could have you back

for just a little while

Then we could sit and talk again

just like we used to do

you always meant so very much to me

and you always will do too

The fact that your no longer here

will always cause me  pain

but forever your in my heart

until we meet again 

Love you Morgan, Your cousin Mariah

                                                https://www.facebook.com/angie.goucher#

Here is a beautiful song by Casting Crowns -Just Be Held

Inspiring Little Bits-1 year anniversary!

This month marks the one year anniversary that me and my beautiful daughter Mariah began the Inspiring Little Bits Blog. It has been an amazing journey for us as mother and daughter! I am not one to follow through with things in my personal life so I am really excited and thankful to God that we have been faithful with some thing!  It has been so fun and rewarding writing this blog with my daughter and I am so proud of her and her love for the Lord!

God wants us to use our gifts and talents to bless others, and unfortunately I really don't have a lot of talent but I  have always had a desire to write and truly love it! The truth be told, I began this for myself and for a way for me and my daughter to spend time together and have an outlet to get to know the Lord in a more personal and intimate way, but my hope is that over the past year what God has revealed to us has in turn helped at least one person.

I absolutely love to spend time with my Lord, I treasure it and look forward to it, but it has been challenging to say the least at times to find the time in my very busy schedule to study and be still and spend quality quiet time with the Him so I can hear what it is he wants me to say. He has revealed so much to me and my daughter this past year through this process. He has opened my eyes to His love for me and how He desires to be in deep relationship with me. He has helped me recognize that I must stay in His word and be praying at all times for the areas in my life that need attention. God has reminded me that he wants me to be in relationship with others on a deeper level and that I need to be ready to point them to Him when given the opportunity. He has helped me realize that with Him I can do all things, I can have hope, peace and joy in this crazy world and through my trials and tribulations. He has revealed to me that without Him I cannot be a good wife, mother, friend, employee because left to myself I am really no good! He has revealed to me that all the areas in my life I struggle with need to be covered in prayer. I can be very selfish but He has revealed that it isn't all about me. Believe me I still struggle with all I have learned over this past year but I am trying and I know that God is blessing me for pressing on.

I remember the first couple blogs I wrote when it was time to hit the SHARE button it was intimidating and kind of scary as I really didn't know how people would react. I was worried what they thought about me a bit. I thought maybe they were thinking I was a Jesus Freak or something. Well the Lord has taken that fear away. He has given me a boldness I never knew existed and has brought me to a place where I am not ashamed to share all He has done for me!  Why would I want to hide the fact that I am His child and I am nothing without Him! I hope in some way it has INSPIRED and gave you the courage to share your Faith as well and that you have become more sensitive to His voice prompting you to do so!

I want to thank those that have given me encouragement throughout this past year and have given me  inspiring little bits to write about. I also want to thank those that have taken time out of their busy schedules to read our blog, it means a lot to us!

I want to thank those that inspired me to start Inspiring Little Bits because of your love, support and encouragement I began this journey with My Lord and my daughter! Misti Borgen, Susan Brossman, Vivian Brossman and Cherie Lewis.

I am very much looking forward to this upcoming year and all that God has in store. Won't you join me on this journey?

God Bless,
Angie Goucher
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This past year has been exciting for me and I have got to experience a lot of neat opportunities with the Lord! I got to go to 2 really fun Christian concerts with my friends and my wonderful mom at the Spokane arena. The Rock and Worship Roadshow and the Winter Jam. These were my first concerts. I was baptized by my daddy in Twin Lakes along with our good friends Carol and Mike Peck and Nikki Cotter. I got to got to go the Real Life Ministries Rock The County which was a blast. At my school we pray around the flag pole every Monday, Tuesday and Friday which I love to be a part of. I started going to youth group this year and love it! It is amazing and so much fun. I love our youth pastor Heath, he is so much fun! The leaders invited our youth group to a BBQ and bonfire at their house... spending time with others from our youth group is fun! Last night I got to go to Lake City and Real Life Ministries worship night for the middle school with one of my best friends Brandy.  I started this blog with my beautiful mom this year as well...I am blessed and feel very lucky to have such a great life! This year has been spectacular! I hope the next year will be as great if not greater!!! Thanks for reading our blog!

God bless,
Mariah