if the holidays feel hard... this video is for you.

[@thisgatherednest]

I hope you feel encouraged that this holiday season we can hold our grief and gratitude together, our joy and our sorrow as well. I am praying for each one of you who may be walking a hard road this year- there is hope. 💗

[@LindaHeeren-cp7gm]

I had to put my dog down in July had him for 15 yrs. Still Miss him

[@SusieQZee]

Do you have pet insurance? I don’t. I have a savings specifically for my dog, but I don’t know I would do if I couldnt afford the emergency vet.

[@deannaelliott5523]

I'm so sorry about your sweet animals, and especially how it affects your kids. I totally relate to feeling sad about something, but being completely undone by how heartbroken my children are about it. Tha.k you for your encouragement and authenticity....it is truly valued and refreshing.

[@teacrcek9616]

I have a cat 19 years old as of this summer. He got sick when he was 3 and almost died - had urinary infection and stones like your cats. We managed to save him but from that day onward we feed him special food for urinary care. My vet told me that especially male cats that are neutered have a tendency to develop this problems, and we tried even giving him pure meat and fish (he did not in the beginning like urinary food) but he would get that infection back. He had a kidney problems later on in life we changed the food again this time feeding them RENAL food for kidneys. He is still going now, even has asthma, has bad sight but for his age well that is normal. I would feed my cat (even the one with no problems) with veterinary food from the beginning again cause for us it worked miracles for us.

[@najwan7335]

I am muslim and Im sure you know what’s going on. It’s been a very difficult time as a homeschooling mom to just keep my house afloat with a deep grief right now. But I know while it could be my kids God doesn’t test us the same. Things are relative. Life can be hard even if it’s not worse. I just want to Thank you for your content and not also excluding people. ❤

[@LRwer]

Something that took me a long time to learn is that even if "it could be worse (and I'm grateful that it's not)", it still hurts, and it's just as valid

[@rachaelkadiwa6029]

Deeep

[@melindalathrop9659]

Exactly

[@mitzifox4601]

My mom passed away two days ago. God is good & took her home while she was sleeping next to the love of her life of almost 70 years, my dad. I am completely heartbroken & worried about how my dad will deal with her being gone. I try to remember what I once heard a year ago (on our local Christian radio station) at exactly the time I needed to be reminded…”God can do more with your surrender than you can with your control.” I am grateful to God for his faithful, unending, unconditional love he shows me every day. Thank you for being vulnerable to share your losses & grief. God bless you, Angela.

[@kaleigh4081]

I'm so very sorry for your loss. Losing a mom is one of the worst things that can happen.

[@rebekahbratton793]

If no one else has said it already, “you TOTALLY made this video for me!” I literally was cleaning my house earlier and thinking l, “what is wrong with me? I want to be joyous and into the Christmas spirit but I am not!” There have been some heavy things on my heart that I believe is keeping me from the typical holiday cheer but I know daily I must take it all to the Lord and lean on His strength and peace. Thank you again for being REAL! I love this about you!!

[@OsoFarm]

We had a house fire and are displaced, we lost our 8 year old son a few years ago so the holidays are especially hard. But God is good, and He sees us, He is for us, and we will trust in Him. Praying for others that have to choose joy this holiday season.

[@ibelieveinangelsyesido7436]

Angie, we are blessed to have a God who climbs right into our pain to sit beside us. I am so sorry for your sorrows. Blessings! Jackie in upstate NY

[@msfrehel8758]

I‘m very sorry for your losses and I really appreciate your opinion on the content issues. Thank you for your honesty and authenticity!

[@got_style]

I’m glad we share the same “big boy “God, who can bind up the brokenhearted with his tears and tender mercies, whose love withstands our anger, even our hate. 😥

[@plot10homestead58]

My favorite content creator is genuine, down to earth, and doesn't try to feed the beast...and she does remarkably well 😉 Maybe stop 'dancing' and just do you, be you, and create content in the way that makes you happy. Authenticity works when the viewer can feel that it's real.

[@PaintWithWheat]

Thank you for sharing! Oh we are so sorry for your losses! Big hugs and prayers for you all! Powerful message and absolutely true!! A message from the heart touches hearts and you have touched mine! I think it was Oswald Chambers who said, "If God has made your cup sweet, drink it with grace, if He has made it bitter, drink it in communion with Him. " He understands!

[@joannafoster3423]

Love that quote.

[@melanies3561]

Wow I’m so sorry for your loss of Goose and Oliver. Pets are truly family members ❤️‍🩹

[@alyssalu9152]

This video is extremely needed this season, thank you. Sincere condolences to your family.

[@funschoolingmom]

Thank you for sharing and opening your heart. I’m a mom of 15, a bunch are adopted and most of them are TEENAGERS! When they were little there wasn’t much encouragement or inspiration, and now there is sooooo much. I didn’t even have a phone with internet until 7 years ago. Over the holidays all my adult kids came back to the nest for almost a whole month. Sometimes things are just so busy as the mom of many that it’s hard to see the holidays through the eyes of my kids. I feel so so blessed that my children are such a delight, though there have been some really hard things going on either one of my daughters, who didn’t show up Christmas Day, though her 3 year old did! How to I feel joy of having all but one with us? But 14 of the kids were all together. But my 15 year old has given me a way to life through the eyes of my kids when she started a very raw vlog. Anyway, thank you for this.

[@KitKat_1589]

So sorry for your lose. I agree these past few years have been hard. My dad passed at the age of 69 from Lewy Body Dementia (sick for 8 years), we lost our 14yr old dog this year, and just yesterday had a funeral for our buddy who was 34 (2 months older than myself) who died of liver failure. He left behind his 3 kids, one being only 3 months old. I've become a pro stuffer 💔.

[@joannafoster3423]

I like Preacher Angie! Thanks for being raw, real, and encouraging. AND FOR THE RECORD Swiss Miss and a candy cane works just fine.

[@BaudelaireOrphan1]

I just love when you talk about the Lord!!!

[@sarahdeeb4852]

I actually deleted all social media except KZbin. Agree with everything you said in this video

[@abiegaelle4849]

I lost my friend last June and then my Mama in May this year unexpectedly. I never ever would have thought I would be attempting to celebrate Christmas without her 🤍

[@jennifer2185]

Im so sorry. Losing a beloved animal is so hard. ❤

[@war5561]

Parvo is so tough. I’ve seen it make the toughest men I know cry. Glad you decided to get them all an updated vaccine. Hopefully that keeps everybody else safe.

[@ianarmstrong8589]

We pray that gods peace be with you all in these times of sadness,your pets are your extended family members and are in your hearts in times of difficulties in our lives. May your animals be at peace over the rainbow bridge in heavenly peace with the lord. Liz England

[@SherryMacoy-dk4zh]

We kinda unexpectedly lost our 11 year old black lab Last September. It was THE hardest thing we’ve gone through together as a family. Completely devastating. We have finally healed enough to get a puppy and 3 weeks ago we got a Bernese mountain dog puppy and he’s the been the best. God knows when it’s time for a dog to come into our lives and leave our lives. It’s funny, they always come in right at the perfect time and it’s always the perfect dog for that time in our lives.

[@victoriav.3661]

My heart absolutely breaks for your daughter. Sitting next to my 3 yo baby dog and can't even imagine. Sending her love and peace!

[@shannonmcrae1364]

I got into therapy this year after my husband was diagnosed with cancer and it has been a game changer

[@emilywilson434]

I lost my Grandfather and we had to put down our dog within a few months of each other this year. I just wanted to say thank you for this video. ❤

[@chinyh11]

Yes. Since 2020 life has just sucked for everyone I know. So much tragedy and loss.

[@BarbaraPerry-vj4zr]

This year I lost my brother two months later my adult son the a major illness resulting in surgery so this has been a terrible year so I understand I just pray for peace in my heart.

[@katherineallen4239]

I'm so sorry Angie, thinking of you all.

[@sharonpurdue2597]

Dearest Shelby....it's alright to cry. Crying takes the sad out of you after a while. I feel your pain because I lost my two doggies a few years ago. Remember God bares our cares and He will strengthen you and comfort you in your time of grief. Blessings

[@leagarner3675]

Same. I really needed this. So many losses since 2020 and a major disaster, so yeah, I stuffed a lot. I also don't want to live there but will honor the living sorrow.

[@crawleyr4919]

👊🏽❤️‍🩹🙏🏼

[@shannyngiles5270]

I appreciate the perspective and wisdom in this video. Especially referring to God being able to handle our emotions.

[@jaimejewell9686]

hugs! when my dad died 2001.. in August we had someone pass away or in the hospital each week for 2/3 months. hugs!

[@GaGaPete0825]

Please preach! You are a beautiful momma who loves with your whole heart. Make no apologies! Stand tall and keep being you! I will pray for all of you. ❤️

[@MargiStarr]

“Grief links arms with all the other griefs in your life.” (I learned this from a psychologist and it has certainly been true in my life.) And yes, you can walk through joy, gratitude and grief all at the same time. Thank you for sharing your heart!❤

[@jaimejewell9686]

your graceful godly heart! Bring it on!🥰

[@mayrafernandez7303]

Love your spiritual perspective. Thank you!Thank you!

[@lyndam5882]

Your losses are your losses! They are real and raw and hurt! It doesn't matter if other people have different things going on. This has been a hard season for a lot of people. We can't compare to each other. I appreciate you and your family! You are so right, God wants to be involved in every aspect of our lives! He loves us so much!

[@tammyi363]

I’m so very sorry for all your losses. Animals can bury so deep into our hearts and especially our children’s hearts.

[@lindasmith5190]

Hope and pray things get better for you. Merry Christmas.

[@amandacurtiss8759]

I hardly ever comment on videos, but this one made me tear up.. i have 2 orange kitties & there truly is something special about them. I'm so very sorry for your families losses ❤ and thank you for the reminder that God can handle our emotions

[@melanieallen2992]

I am so sorry for your losses. It's hard to lose pets that are so loved, but the hardest and most painful experience in my life is when my children are hurting so much and there's nothing you can do to take that hurt and pain away, except prayer and leaning on God! You are so right that you don't just go to God with your praises. God wants His children to come to Him when you are hurting even though He knows how much you are hurting, He just wants us to come to Him with our burdens not just our blessings!

[@mechellepillay8801]

I lost my 2 boy kitties this year. Its destroys you😢. Sending lots of hugs. I also lost my husband this year to cancer. It was unexpected and the sorrow is overwhelming. I understand how u are feeling ❤. The festive season can also bring lotsof heartache memories and sorrow. Thank u i really needed to hear what u had to say. I would love to have just a mug of hot chocolate with u.

[@shawnavienneau6148]

Oh Angela I'm so sorry for your loss. Please give my condolences to Shelby and all of the children. I feel your pain as a family with a lot of animals that we consider part of the family.

[@TexarkanaRealtor]

I love your authenticity! Never stop! The real, real is what grows and challenges you and others. Not the performance. Keep being you!

[@anniehayden9022]

I'm so sorry for your losses. Losing an animal is so hard. They are a part of the family ❤️

[@jaimejewell9686]

Ah the atmoshere! AHHHH ( blast from the past! )

[@marcusnorville32]

Angela, I am very heartbroken over your losses. May go be with you and your family. You kids are lucky to have you as their mom as you can help guide them and them be in their grief. Sending you prayers and hugs.

[@joymeyering7802]

I appreciate you!

[@pauleengould998]

I just love listening to your thought flow. You are a wise and wonderful woman who makes me laugh and cry all in the same 2 minutes. Thanks for your honesty and your recognition of where people are at xxx keep doing this valuable work , it helps us all think through our own crazy thought flows ( or floods) 😂

[@BonnieJoan]

Losing a beloved pet is just hard. Period. Other, bigger issues in the world does not make it untrue. So sorry for these difficult losses. Hugs to your kids.

[@CathyVoss-v3v]

Just hold on. It will get better. Just hold each other and remember that God never makes mistakes and there is a purpose for everything that happens. Stay strong and let yourself grieve.

[@amandagauthier-parker1399]

💔 I'm so sorry, Ang. Your poor kiddos. 💙🙏 💛Also, keep it long and "boring." Here for it. 💛 ❤💚❤💚

[@janicebone6191]

Just to say that you are grieving,and that takes time. Late 2020 I had a heart attack, I'm sure that trying to suppress my grief (because my husband didn't like it") didn't help over losing 2 very close girlfriends.So.take your time, be gentle with yourself.and God Bless...he will help...xxx

[@lacey.alexandria]

I absolutely loved the bit about going to God with ALL emotions and feelings. I grew up in one of those Americanized Christian-y households and one of the reasons that I'm not very religious in my adult life is because I always felt resentment toward the idea that I had to put on a brave face even during tough times. I wasn't allowed to feel certain ways. I wasn't allowed to be mad that something happened. I've never heard anyone explain it the way that you just did and you have no idea how much this just comforted not only my adult self, but my child self who was always told that God has his reasons for putting her through certain things and she just has to thank him even for the bad things in hopes that good things would come. Putting it into a parent-child perspective really opened my eyes. Thank you 😭

[@brittanyhopkins5385]

We lost our family dog this year. And my grandmother who I was very close to. And my daughter (17) lost one of her best friends in a car accident. It's been a real heavy year. We have felt it all in the moment, which has helped to process and have perspective. Keeping an eternal mindset has helped me too. It's so hard and sad to say goodbye to people you love or to not get the chance to say goodbye but also makes each day important and special. Living in the moment is my plan, but it is easier said than done. It helps me to have joy and peace in the little and big moments. I am thankful for hope in something other than this temporary, broken world.

[@desireetman]

Big hugs and sincere condolences from our furry family to yours. Back in October we too had to say goodbye to one of our sweet babies. Each day that passes makes me feel like one of the characters in Steel Magnolias (Ouiser is my spirit animal) and navigating through the adulting makes me wiser but tired too. Here’s hoping 2024 is a little nicer to us all. Sending much love and grace ❤️

[@cynthiahallberg7081]

I lost my daughter in 2022. I agree with the thank God it’s not your kids. She was 32. I grieve for her every day, but I am thankful for her Daughter and my son in law who makes sure I have plenty of time with her.

[@marie-linechislett9151]

It takes a strong woman to be so open about your personal grief on Social media. We can relate with you. Life has its highs and lows. So sorry for all your losses of recent. Sending you and your family strength and light 🤗

[@evieartsandcraftlover1079]

Orange tabbies or gingers are THE BEST CATS ever!!

[@debbiewenckowski4670]

I am so sorry for all our your losses xx Big hugs to you all xx I don't have 1 decoration up and I gave my tree away. I lost my mom on June 5th from cancer through out her body. Her last 5 days were so horrific, with the amount of pain, screaming out, even with all the pain meds. Two weeks before mom passed we lost my 16 yr old cat moxie. I am just not able to celebrate or pretend this year. If I had young children I would have to. My son is 19 and he feels the same. Praying for a peaceful 2024 for you and your family xx

[@susanschuck8124]

I miss seeing more of the farm animals in your videos. Where has your goat been? You have a beautiful family! Enjoy your videos!

[@whitneymcdowell9562]

I always have a hard time during Christmas. My trauma brain keeps trying to recreate the perfect Christmas. I obsess and overspend and over commit in pursuit of this, when really I just need to rest and allow myself to be sad. I never want to take that time because I feel like I don't want to ruin the holiday for anyone. Your video really spoke to me when you said you can be in both camps. It's okay for your emotions to be fluid and to not have it all together all the time. I'm sorry for you and your family's losses. I appreciate your willingness to share, just know that its helping others. ❤️

[@Kris-pw4gp]

Thank you so much for your heartfelt video. Thank you for being willing to share the tough stuff as well as the not so tough stuff. I was so glad to hear you share about God being with us wherever we are. I just had a class earlier today that was talking about returning to joy...feeling the things we do and reaching out to God...He wants to be with us relationally.... I lost my younger brother tragically and unexpected a couple months ago. I prayed, wept, cried out to God but I held on to the fact that God is a good, good God and he has a bigger plan that I may not know or understand. What a beautiful life lesson you can have with your family as you continue to love them and model the heart of God for them. I think you are absolutely amazing, beautiful and inspire me in so many ways. I am so sorry for the pain your family is going through. Thank you for reminding me that I need to care about others because I don't always know what they are going through. Blessings, prayers and hugs...❤‍🩹🙏

[@marylenhastings6533]

Heartfelt prayers and condolences for your losses. Pets are members of your family and it is heartbreaking to lose them. Sending hugs & love for the healing of your family. Thank you for sharing your faith and may God bless your family.

[@ashleajorgensen151]

Sitting in our feelings is very hard. I am 40 and alot like you, learning that it’s ok to sit in our feelings, whatever they may be. I pray that your hearts feel healing. Loosing pets is one of the most horrible things and we are so sorry for your loss.

[@thesixjakes2040]

We just had a sermon yesterday on lamenting from Psalm 80. The Lord knows us and encourages us to sit in our grief and lament because that’s how we process. Yes, it could always be worse and yes God is good but hurt is a part of life and we need to work through it. As you said, He can handle it and desires us to come to Him.

[@lorifontaine]

Thank you for this!!! You are the only one helping those of us who are in pain, helping us navigate this road. Bless you and your family.

[@Dragonfly20233]

I'm usually pretty stoic but I grieved the loss of my 13- year-old beagle so hard. I had to cry. It wouldn't stay in. I cried for weeks and I just had to cry and do life with the tears flowing bc life doesn't stop. But, I let myself be sad and then to move in and out of sadness and the joy of everyday life. I think you're in a good space if you can welcome both the sadness when it comes and allow the joy when it comes too without pushing either of these things away. Prayers for your family and that you will be willing to be gentle with yourselves as you grieve. Praying special prayers for your sweet kiddos and protection for all the other animals.

[@teresaroberts5219]

Your words really hit home. Awesome

[@taylorgamache7859]

I have watched your videos for years and remember Shelby when she was younger! She appears to have the sweetest spirit and I am so sad for her! Such painful and hard lessons to learn early in life. Thinking of your family as I am sure that Christmas day/Oliver's Birthday will be extra tender this year.

[@taramn9727]

I am so sorry for all of your pain and grief. You have a wonderful perspective on faith. I am not a believer, but that perspective is beautiful. ❤

[@elamarie2794]

Sorry for your pain! 🙏 Yes God can handle the big things...as 2020-til now ive been going thru the 🔥 most severe pain I've ever felt THANK YOU for sharing

[@crawleyr4919]

❤❤❤🙏🏼

[@melindalathrop9659]

Sweetheat you feel as much as you feel. Dont worry what others say. They are not your people. Not to sound lije me to. We lost our Tala 6 months ago. I still cant deal nice to see others feel as we do. But wish you weren't. All our love hug and prayers to your daughter and your family.

[@raising_boys]

Thank you girl, your so encouraging. Thank you for being authentic. 😊

[@CassiaL]

In the lead up to my cousins wedding, she suffered a couple devastating losses. The celebrant explained before the ceremony that humans are complex and we have complex emotions where we can hold sorrow and happiness together. It was so profound yet obvious after he said that. I've never forgotten it.

[@heikeludke-maurer7271]

Wisest woman in the KZbin -space!❤

[@staceymartinez3388]

Thanks for sharing…I hope it was a little bit therapeutic for you. I’m sorry for your loss…we love our fur babies don’t we!!!!! And not we get attached.

[@pinadelmonico]

I’m so sorry for all of u but especially the girls for losing their fur babies❤️

[@kelliautry2570]

I don’t comment much but I’ve been watching you since you brought home Benjamin! Mama of 4 and we have homeschooled for the last 4 years and I have loved your videos for it and I love how authentic you are 🥰 I’m sorry you have had to go through that with your cats/dog.

[@smmwellington]

Thank you for sharing your faith. Hugs! ❤

[@kathyomlor920]

Oh Angela, so sorry for all your losses. So so hard. We lost our baby Lexi (dog) to cancer in November. Hugs to all of you especially the kids. Thank you that God is so much bigger than us and can handle all of our emotions.

[@crawleyr4919]

Thank you!! Yes!! God is there to be in an ACTIVE and INTERACTIVE relationship w us- that only depends on OUR faith, our time, and OUR efforts to grow our relationship with Him- He is there, eternally, with open arms, Open understanding, limitless love, no matter what we do, say, rage about. I appreciate this reminder to not be so big for my britches that i run around busy and ignoring that most important relationship I need so very much.

[@MaddieBullock]

Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry! 😭😭😭 and I 1000% agree with you on the content stuff. You can't just share your stories anymore. I wish it were easier to reach people without it being so difficult.

[@melanievallely9539]

I 1000% related to all of this. We've had a very similar (different scenarios, but all sudden and shell-shocking) last four years. We've had scares of nearly losing one of our daughters and nearly losing my husband. Like you, life happens, so you stuff it down and move on. This year it has 100% caught up with me. We don't share a lot because we also get a lot of comments about how others have it worse (and I convince myself too). But, it's been rough, we've felt so broken down. The balance of hurt and processing and this season (a season, like you, I've always loved and started earlier than most)...I was telling my husband last night that it's hard to go through the motions and trying to remember the joy in the midst of the hard. Thankful for a God that is bigger than all of this. I've never cherished the verse more that he stores our tears in heaven - He sees us, even when others don't always.

[@meggold3422]

I'm so glad that you all have made it. I know how difficult it can be to be that aware of our vulnerability. Praying for full healing, protection, and peace.

[@nsullivan12]

I'm so sorry for all the losses you guys have experienced this year. I had to put my baby cat down in June. It completely broke my heart. Thank you for sharing your experiences and your wisdom. It helped me.

[@rochellebesterhume]

I am sorry for your loss …. I know about loss over the holidays… we dont understand it all but we trust Him. People that say those kind of mean things has not experienced loss. Loss brings you to a quit humble place, not arrogance or proudness. Thank you for always being honest❤

[@nesser1352]

I just lost my 13 and half year old dog in October. There is no preparing for animal loss.

[@Rose-yd7bn]

I’m so sorry…may God give you all peace especially your daughter….🙏🙏🙏

[@storeywilliams6162]

It's been 2 years (on the 21st) that we lost our family dog, Shadow. It's so hard knowing we finally got our farm and he wasn't able to enjoy any of it like I know he would have. I found that I thoroughly enjoy having a tree planted for him. It helps me knowing that I can go out and talk to him at "his" tree. I'm sorry for all of your losses recently. I do very much appreciate your transparency though. Screw the haters and negative people. It's nice (not nice, but you know what I mean) to know that you are human and feel all the feelings just like the rest of us. And it's nice to acknowledge that it isn't rainbows and butterflies for everyone this time of year I hope you have a better end to the year

[@katekilgore8889]

My heart aches for you and your family. This time of year is hard for me too. My Dad passed away on Christmas 4 years ago. I’ve got two young kiddos, and trying to always put a happy face on this time a year for them.

[@brandylong4232]

So sorry for your loss. My family has had some tough times lately as well. The part you said about God being big enough to handle all of our emotions really touched me. I appreciate you sharing your heart. Thanks for always being real

[@hunt1700]

I could see you holding back tears from the very beginning 😔 I'm keeping you in my thoughts and prayers throughout this hard time. God bless you and your family ❤

[@musikluver]

Your persoective is very encouraging in the world we live in. Be blessed and condolences to you and your family 💕

[@emilypaula1149]

Thank you for your authenticity. ❤This video was what I needed to hear. 2023 really has seemed like one thing after another.

[@sarastephens8810]

Oh man I wasnt planning on crying pn my lunch break! 😢 I am so sorry for yalls lose. The passing of a fur baby is so hard! Praying for yall! ❤

[@Nick2227-x3o]

I love your content and the longer videos! You be you and I will continue watching. So sorry for your losses.

[@candice9757]

I definitely 'stuff' emotions too. There are still several 'boxes' that I'm not ready to open and deal with yet. But when those feelings do start coming out, I try to let myself sit with them for a while. We are also struggling in our family, but I try to remind myself that the season will still be memorable and fun even if it's not constantly filled with magic.

[@teresanorris4769]

Love and hugs. So sad.

[@MrsKristieLove]

Thank you for speaking “Real Talk”! I appreciate your vulnerability & honesty about what you are going through and I love that you keep it REAL!! ❤lol….You and the family are in my prayers🙏 ….I’m looking forward to seeing more in 2024! 😊

[@Chronicles1611]

We are all under spiritual attack. I'm incredibly sorry for your losses. We have lost beloved pets this year, too. Seek God's face to get through. (hugs) Thank you for your honesty and for being human in an artificial world.