Angie R. Cox

More Than I Could Ask Or Imagine

April 11, 2011 By Angie 3 Comments

The sweet joy that my children bring me is more than I could have ever imagined possible. Tomorrow our little Sam turns one! This time last year I was anxiously preparing for an early morning c-section to bring our baby boy into the world. We anticipated a beautiful change in our family as the three of us became four and he has not disappointed.

The first year of Sam’s life has been an adventure to say the least. Our Arkansas baby has spent the majority of his short little life a California cutie! I was 26 years old the first time I flew in an airplane and visited the ocean. Sam has been to the beautiful Pacific Ocean many, many times. And he’s racking up the frequent flyer miles. Who would have imagined?

Ella is completely taken with her baby brother. When I say she adores him…it’s not just a cute saying. She is wrapped up in him and delights in his every move. She tells me often that she can’t imagine life without him. When I look at my children together I am easily overcome with gratitude that I get to be their mom. They are amazing. I always thought I was a “girl” mom. I find great delight in all things “girly”. So, when we found out we were having a baby boy-well, I wondered if it would be “as fun”. I never imagined that I would so completely love, love, love being momma to this little man. It is beyond fun!

The Father’s goodness to us is beyond what our minds can fathom. He does all things well and Sam is proof of that. We can’t wait to see the little boy that Sam is becoming and yet wish that time could stand still on this moment. I tell everyone that Sam is our long awaited gift from the Father. Samuel is “asked of God”. We prayed for this child for years…but oh the joy he brings…well — I could not have imagined!

Glory belongs to God, whose power is at work in us. By this power he can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine. Ephesians 3:20

Do Over = Grace

March 21, 2011 By Angie 1 Comment

I am in love with grace. I love the word. I love the idea of it. I love what it represents in my own life and I love seeing it bestowed on others. Sadly though, as much as I love grace….I fail to administer it to the people I love the most.

I have the great opportunity each week to attend a Bible study with other moms. Lately, we have been studying how to love our children like Jesus loves us. That is the goal, right? But, if you’re like me…that standard leaves you feeling like you may not ever get it right. Here is just one change I have made in my parenting that has changed everything.

The “Do over”! What a beautiful thing! Do you ever wish when you said something unkind to your husband, or lost your patience with your kids, or failed to show sensitivity to a person in need, that you could say “Do over!” That is exactly what we are doing in the Cox house these days. Each family member has the right to ask for a “do over” and as parents Brandon and I give the opportunity for a “do over” before we “bring down” the long arm of the law in consequences and the usual ensuing lecture.

I’ve discovered that the chance for a do over is grace. It’s the chance for us to say, “you didn’t get that right and you deserve consequences, but I want to give you another chance to get that right…because I love you”. Isn’t that what we all want in this life? We want to be shown grace when we mess up. We want the chance to make it right. It’s what our Father bestows on us daily and I desire for the way I parent my children to point to the Father and His great love for them.

Did I mention I love grace?

Lessons learned in the Bathroom

March 17, 2011 By Angie 3 Comments

A few weeks ago I had the amazing privilidge to share part of my story with Pastor’s wives at the Radicalis conference at Saddleback Church. Here is a portion of what I shared:

Change is inevitable. It’s going to happen. If we’re alive and breathing on this planet than we know we will experience change in some shape and fashion. Why does God bring change into our lives? I believe he brings about change to grow us, to draw us closer to Him, to bring Him glory. However, while change is unavoidable, spiritual growth through change is a choice.

When we moved from our home in Arkansas to Southern California, my sweet family experienced a heavy dose of change. I struggled. I frequently found myself in tears, or angry and frustrated. When these feelings would come-I had to retreat. One of the problems in living in a small condo with no yard (with a newborn baby) is there isn’t anywhere to go. So I found myself getting as far away as possible in my little home – on the bathroom floor. Just me… sitting there, facing our 1970’s model toilet with it’s mahogany seat. Just me and the Father and all of my feelings of fear, sadness, and entitlement.

While I was struggling with the questions of “why are we here?” and “what’s my role?”, God very clearly began to teach me three big lessons. It was critical that I began to move through this change, to grow through this change and eventually get up off the bathroom floor. Here’s what I learned:

Trust Me

God wanted me to trust Him. I had put all of my “trust” in my husband. I would say to myself, “he’s God’s man” and “I trust Him to know God’s will for our lives.” But I was really not trusting anyone. When things got tough or didn’t work out the way I had planned, I had someone to blame. I could point the finger at my husband and say “I trusted you,” which wasn’t God’s plan. He desired for me to trust Him. He could handle my questions and fears. He could reassure me the way only a loving Father could with His peace. Psalm 9:10 say’s, “Those who know your name will trust in you. For you Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.”

Watch Me

In change, we worry about “what’s next?” We worry about finances, relationships, and health. I would often say to my husband, “How is this going to work?” I couldn’t see the answers, and he had no answers. And the whole time I’m looking for answers, God is saying “Watch me.” Ephesians 3:20 says, “God can do anything you know-far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, His spirit deeply and gently within us.”

Know Me

During the initial stages of this transition, much of my old identity was stripped away: the friends that occupied my time; the responsibilities I had in our previous church; and a full-time job in a professional career. God was removing all the “noise” from my life so that I would see him and know him. He was pursuing me with His love. “Be still and know that I am God”. (Psalms 46:10)

So…what is God teaching you through change? I’d really love to know!