I'm such a sucker for a romantic comedy! When I saw the previews for the movie 27 Dresses without hesitation I knew that I would LOVE it! (I know...gag me....i'm such a girl!!!!) It had a hottie for the guy who played the LOVE interest and it just looked funny. The movie is about a woman who NEVER gets the guy and watches ALL her gal pals around her tie the knot, and has been in 27 weddings hence the title, 27 dresses. BUT you know right away in the end she will get swept off her feet and finally have the ONE dress that really matters in a wedding...sooo ridiculously predictable, but I loved it anyway! Especially the part where they sing in the bar...classic!
ANWAY...I can't even begin to describe how my life has mirrored elements of that movie in the past year. I have had more gals in my life utter the words "i'm engaged" then I have ever had before. Seriously...they are dropping like flies!!! I have lost count of all my friends now that are either married or soon to be wed. Let me give you some statistics to help put my life in perspective. Every roommate that I have had since 1997 is either engaged or married. All but one of the girls that I led in a Bible Study, when I was in college, hitched too. (do I need to mention that they are all younger than me?!?!?) I think, but may need to double check, that all the girls that I was IN a Bible Study with are married. (ok...not 2 of them...but still!) THEN let's count the girls that I led in a Bible Study while I was on staff with Campus Crusade...yeppp, all hitched but 2 I believe...and yes, again...all the gals are younger than me! Do I need to go on?!?!?!?
About halfway through my marathon of weddings I had at the beginning of the summer, I kinda had a lil itty bitty breakdown! (i blogged about this a lil bit ago) I think sometimes people just don't get how difficult it can be to live in this society, with all the pressures put on women, with all the reminders that it is a "couples word", and with all the reminders that one is single. I feel like I am constantly bombarded with it...DAILY. I work with married people, I spend a lot of my free time with married people (bound to happen when all your gals get hitched!), the church that I have been attending is mostly married people...I can't make this stuff up if I tried. I feel like I have been under constant attack from the enemy the past several months about this area of my life because all around me people are transitioning and it feels like I am standing still. (does that make sense) I have also seen that those who are single, start dating...those who are dating get engaged, then married....then those that are married start popping out babies....then they try for more babies! Then there is me...still single, still living in wv, still feel like the same ol' amanda...not dating, not getting married, not popping out babies....AND THEN......
***this is where it gets good***
I absolutely LOVE how the Lord has met me during this time!!! If you look at my surroundings and the people in it it's no wonder I have been struggling with being single. It's bound to happen considering just how many wedding I have attended and will continue to attend...not to mention some super fun baby showers in the future!! (Yay Ashley & Patrick!!!! Sooooo stinkin' happy for you two!!!) I will admit, that at first, I just got super frustrated, angry, bitter, etc during the time of me attending the bazillio weddings in a row. Then me and the Lord just had a special moment together and ever since that wonderful night when I just took off down the interstate, my heart and my life haven't been the same. My outlook on my singleness has changed...honestly!! My outlook on my life stage is changed...the way I view myself has changed...the way I view the Lord has CHANGED!!!! Hallelujah!!!!!!!
I have really been challenged by some truths that I have been learning. I have realized that I have for the past several years put my faith in circumstances and not in the Lord Himself. Do you realize how crazy that is....when we put our faith in our circumstances no wonder we experience frustration, anger, bitterness, resentment, etc. Our circumstances are messed up because of the world we live in...we live in sin, therefore our life/heart is gonna be wounded as a result of it. It's just the way it is. There will ALWAYS be things we don't understand, there will always be questions with no concrete answers, there will always be things that make us ask the question why? BUT do you realize that there is ALWAYS A FATHER THAT REMAINS THE SAME?!?!?!?! If we place our faith in Him, our constant source of truth, love, grace, etc. then our circumstances come and go without leaving us destroyed. Life is an out of control rollercoaster without the Lord...why in the world would we ever trust in that....I realize that I may never understand why certain things have happened and continue to happen in my life. (my mom passing away, being single, struggling with my weight, etc.) BUT the one thing that I know to be true is the character and promises of OUR amazing creator never change. His love never changes, His grace is never kept from us, His strength is never withheld, HIS PROMISES ARE CONSTANT AND TRUE NO MATTER WHAT OUR CIRCUMSTANCES ARE!! HE IS CONSTANT AND TRUE NO MATTER WHAT OUR CIRCUMSTANCES ARE!!!!!
I have really been challenged to by faith daily seek Him and His truths even if it is hard, even if it seems like He is silent, even if it is seemingly easier to ask why and search for an impossible answer...I was watching a Beth Moore video the other day and she made this statement: "We are always interested in God changing our circumstances but God is interested in changing us". I am now getting to the point where I am glad that I am single because I know that ultimately He is using this time to change and transform me into more like His Son!! Why would I want my circumstance to change when I know that He is using them for my good and His glory?!?!? I want to be changed by Him...I desire to be refined...I desire to grow and be molded by my heavenly Father. That is way better than any husband!!!!!
I am now able to, because of the changes that the Lord is doing in my life and heart, truly rejoice with my gals that are getting married, or just did get married, as well as the ones who are having children. It's such a neat thing!!! With strength from Him, I am able to have complete joy alongside them as I see the Lord move in their lives in special, amazing ways. AND I have realized too that the Lord is moving me into new places...into new depths of knowing Him, into new truths that He has lavished sooo generously on me. PLUS...I am pretty certain that my trip to Ghana most likely never would have happened, so praise Him who is doing a mighty work in and through me and in the lives of others around me. His purposes and plans are AWESOME and it's such a blessing to be a part of it all. (a small part...but a part nonetheless)
Whew....oh my...all that to say....God is doing some amazing stuff in my life and I pray that you will be challenged/encouraged by the truths that He is allowing me to see in a new and fresh way! the end. :)
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Sunday, July 6, 2008
I surrender...because His love is worth it!
Sooo, do whatever you need to do to get comfy cuz I fear this is gonna be a long one!!! (Hey, atleast I warned you from the start!) Ummmm, where to begin, where to begin? OK...so The past few weeks started off HORRIFIC! For those that don't know me all that well, I have FOREVER struggled with my self-esteem/self image, whatever ya wanna call it, and this has been reflected in every area of my life. I put on this front when I am uncomfortable and a lot of people just see that, they don't really see me. Weird, I know. I often have wondered what people think of me when they first meet me....but I am too afraid to really want to know enough to ask! ha!
ANYWAY...so I have often referred to this area of my life as "my thorn". I have seen pockets of growth, but overall I fear for the past 11 years of knowing and loving the Lord this area hasn't really changed that much. I've read books, I've read the verses that were supposedly true of me, but still not really gettin' it. I however could show you a bazillion verses on these issues and convince you that these truths were indeed true for you, but just couldn't even fathom that they could be true of me.
THEN...my other "thorn" if you will is always being the girl that is the bridesmaid never the bride, always the roommate never the bride, etc, etc. For reasons that I may never understand the area of "LOVE" has been withheld from me. I always meet super great guys that are amazing, love the Lord, have servants hearts, etc. YET they never seem to want me. Again, have read verse after verse, read book after book about this area and again have not felt like I have seen much growth in this area of my life. UGHHHH! And being the girl that I am that loves believing in lies about myself I attribute my lack of good looks and my lack of skinniness to this area. It made sense to me...if I am fat and ugly then that HAS TO BE the reason that I am single and alone. Duh, Amanda!
OK. OK. I know that some of you dear friends are getting ready to rebuke me like nobody's business, but please oh please keep reading....seriously!
3 or 4 weeks ago...I had reached a new low. I had just attended like the 1,000 wedding of my summer, had met a few great guys that weren't interested in me, my weight was spiraling out of control, I just hit "rock bottom" with how I was feeling about myself and how I was feeling about the Lord. On top of those issues, I am still processing my mother's death (I know...still!) Soooo, I did what any "normal" person does when gas costs 100/ounce....I just hop in my car, fill up my tank, and just drive south! I'm not kidding....I had no intentions of turning around, I didn't have a plan, I just drove. At first I just was bawling, listening to heavy metal music (????) and just drove! Then the screaming came...I just had it out with the Lord. Yelling, asking ? after ?, begging and pleading for understanding, letting Him know how I felt let down, I just got out everything and anything that I was thinking/believing. IT WAS AWESOME!!!
By the end of my pitty party that I was having while still driving south, I just got down to the heart of what is wrong with me....I was completely honest before the Lord, and I just poured my heart out to Him in a way that I have never done before. That's when He met me! He did and has done since that night lavished truth after truth on me. He has shown me He loves me, that He desires good things for me, that He thinks that I am fearfully and wonderfully made, that He longs to be in communication with me, etc. Truth after truth has been pouring into my heart and I can't tell you the change that I have seen and experienced! I feel for the first time in my life I am seeing myself the way that He sees me!
I don't know if this is making any sense, but all the lies that I have been seeing as truths for me are no longer in me....my worth and beauty does not come from my size, the shape of my nose, the color of my hair, it comes from HIM. I am beautiful...not because of what I look like but because I am His! And He created me just as He planned! I am not single because I am being punished, I am single because He wants me all to Himself! HOW COOL IS THAT?!?!?!?! He is not withholding things from me, He is loving me, guiding me, and using me as a single woman in a way that even I can't even understand.
His faithfulness is something that I hope to comprehend one day...I'm thankful that lately I have seen it active in my life. I have been praying for YEARS about these areas of my life and it is AMAZING to me that He has been here the whole time. He has been preparing my heart "for such a time as this" to really fully understand HIM. Have you guys and gals ever have moments where you see something new or fresh about HIM that you think is incredible????? It's stinkin' AWESOME!!!!!!!
***New topic***
Been doing a Bible Study on the fruit of the Spirirt....soooooo cool. Here are some things that I have been learning lately. Hope that it is encouraging to you too:
*the degree of our faithfulness is the direct result of our regard for God's faithfulness.
*faithfulness is resting in His certainty, being persuaded by His honesty, trusting in His reality, being won over by His veracity, being sure that He's sure and believing He's worth believing.
*Genuine faith walks steadfastly with God for the pleasure of His company not for His results!!!!!
*faith transforms character
*The most certain way to know God is to know His Word!
The Lord is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made. - Psalm 145:13
I hope and pray that the things that the Lord is teaching me will be an encouragement to you...that you can grasp onto His faithfulness! He is faithful to ALL His promises and loving toward ALL He has made!
I'll leave you with this...I have learned of a new worship leader out in Cali...her name is Kim Walker and her ministry is INCREDIBLE. I heard one song...went to itunes...and from there on her music has been such a BLESSING!!!!! She has this song called "I Surrender" and to summarize the lyrics the song basically says..."I surrender all that I am, all that I desire, all that I long for, my hopes and dreams...because YOUR LOVE IS WORTH IT!" It is my song on my myspace page...listen to it! AMAZING!!!!
HIS LOVE IS WORTH SURRENDERING EVERYTHING!!!!!!!! Can I get an Amen????? :)
ANYWAY...so I have often referred to this area of my life as "my thorn". I have seen pockets of growth, but overall I fear for the past 11 years of knowing and loving the Lord this area hasn't really changed that much. I've read books, I've read the verses that were supposedly true of me, but still not really gettin' it. I however could show you a bazillion verses on these issues and convince you that these truths were indeed true for you, but just couldn't even fathom that they could be true of me.
THEN...my other "thorn" if you will is always being the girl that is the bridesmaid never the bride, always the roommate never the bride, etc, etc. For reasons that I may never understand the area of "LOVE" has been withheld from me. I always meet super great guys that are amazing, love the Lord, have servants hearts, etc. YET they never seem to want me. Again, have read verse after verse, read book after book about this area and again have not felt like I have seen much growth in this area of my life. UGHHHH! And being the girl that I am that loves believing in lies about myself I attribute my lack of good looks and my lack of skinniness to this area. It made sense to me...if I am fat and ugly then that HAS TO BE the reason that I am single and alone. Duh, Amanda!
OK. OK. I know that some of you dear friends are getting ready to rebuke me like nobody's business, but please oh please keep reading....seriously!
3 or 4 weeks ago...I had reached a new low. I had just attended like the 1,000 wedding of my summer, had met a few great guys that weren't interested in me, my weight was spiraling out of control, I just hit "rock bottom" with how I was feeling about myself and how I was feeling about the Lord. On top of those issues, I am still processing my mother's death (I know...still!) Soooo, I did what any "normal" person does when gas costs 100/ounce....I just hop in my car, fill up my tank, and just drive south! I'm not kidding....I had no intentions of turning around, I didn't have a plan, I just drove. At first I just was bawling, listening to heavy metal music (????) and just drove! Then the screaming came...I just had it out with the Lord. Yelling, asking ? after ?, begging and pleading for understanding, letting Him know how I felt let down, I just got out everything and anything that I was thinking/believing. IT WAS AWESOME!!!
By the end of my pitty party that I was having while still driving south, I just got down to the heart of what is wrong with me....I was completely honest before the Lord, and I just poured my heart out to Him in a way that I have never done before. That's when He met me! He did and has done since that night lavished truth after truth on me. He has shown me He loves me, that He desires good things for me, that He thinks that I am fearfully and wonderfully made, that He longs to be in communication with me, etc. Truth after truth has been pouring into my heart and I can't tell you the change that I have seen and experienced! I feel for the first time in my life I am seeing myself the way that He sees me!
I don't know if this is making any sense, but all the lies that I have been seeing as truths for me are no longer in me....my worth and beauty does not come from my size, the shape of my nose, the color of my hair, it comes from HIM. I am beautiful...not because of what I look like but because I am His! And He created me just as He planned! I am not single because I am being punished, I am single because He wants me all to Himself! HOW COOL IS THAT?!?!?!?! He is not withholding things from me, He is loving me, guiding me, and using me as a single woman in a way that even I can't even understand.
His faithfulness is something that I hope to comprehend one day...I'm thankful that lately I have seen it active in my life. I have been praying for YEARS about these areas of my life and it is AMAZING to me that He has been here the whole time. He has been preparing my heart "for such a time as this" to really fully understand HIM. Have you guys and gals ever have moments where you see something new or fresh about HIM that you think is incredible????? It's stinkin' AWESOME!!!!!!!
***New topic***
Been doing a Bible Study on the fruit of the Spirirt....soooooo cool. Here are some things that I have been learning lately. Hope that it is encouraging to you too:
*the degree of our faithfulness is the direct result of our regard for God's faithfulness.
*faithfulness is resting in His certainty, being persuaded by His honesty, trusting in His reality, being won over by His veracity, being sure that He's sure and believing He's worth believing.
*Genuine faith walks steadfastly with God for the pleasure of His company not for His results!!!!!
*faith transforms character
*The most certain way to know God is to know His Word!
The Lord is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made. - Psalm 145:13
I hope and pray that the things that the Lord is teaching me will be an encouragement to you...that you can grasp onto His faithfulness! He is faithful to ALL His promises and loving toward ALL He has made!
I'll leave you with this...I have learned of a new worship leader out in Cali...her name is Kim Walker and her ministry is INCREDIBLE. I heard one song...went to itunes...and from there on her music has been such a BLESSING!!!!! She has this song called "I Surrender" and to summarize the lyrics the song basically says..."I surrender all that I am, all that I desire, all that I long for, my hopes and dreams...because YOUR LOVE IS WORTH IT!" It is my song on my myspace page...listen to it! AMAZING!!!!
HIS LOVE IS WORTH SURRENDERING EVERYTHING!!!!!!!! Can I get an Amen????? :)
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
More randomness from yours truly....
ok...so it has been a little bit since my last "blog/note"...what exactly do u call it since it is called 18 different things on 18 different pages of 18 different ways of keeping in contact with people on the net. (so u sense my frustration in the amount of pages a person needs to keep in order to please everyone they know!! I could spend 24/7 just updating pages that I have...booo for the internet sucking away precious hours of one's life!)OK now that I have that OUT of my system just thought I would update everyone on what's been goin' on in the crazy life of ME. (cuz u all care soooo much! yeah right!!)
STILL adjusting to the US...BUT am thankful that it has been difficult because that says to me that the things I learned in Ghana and the things that left an impression on my heart haven't left! I pray that it will be an indelible change on my heart and life!!!! Everyday since I have been back I have remembered the people, the faces, the stories; I have remembered the hope, joy, and love I saw bursting from the people; I remember the true NEEDS that I saw go unmet, and I remember the truths that the Lord just lavished on me while I was there. I have this aching in my heart to return to Africa someday...it is soooo true what "they" say, Africa indeed has a way of stealing your heart. I am committed to praying about when, how, and where I will return. No plans are in the making but the yearning to go back is very much present!
TIs the season - for WEDDINGS that is. Since my arrival back to the good US of A I have had, no kidding, 2 bridal showers and 5 weddings IN A ROW...my "last wedding" to attend is June 21st. THEN I have more weddings in the near future after that. Needless to say it has been an interesting few weeks for my heart. Single gals don't ALWAYS enjoy going to 1,000 events that remind them of their singleness...need I say more?!?!? BUT I truly have been blessed to share in some dear people's special days and for that I am truly thankful! (although I did have to miss one...bummed about that!)
Recently a challenge was placed in front of my face...a scary challenge...my challenge was one of forgiveness. It was brought to my attention that unless I am able to forgive people that have wronged me I will just continue to be consumed with wounds, hurts, bad feelings of the events and people. hmmmmm...like most issues in my heart, this was not new for me to hear. Although, my response this time to the familiar info was new...I actually thought that the person was RIGHT!!! who knew? Nah...seriously though, I think this was the first time after hearing it that I knew the Lord was calling me to FINALLY do it...forgive, but not forget. Sooo funnny, I have TOTALLY avoided meeting with the Lord on this matter cuz it's scary, hard, messy, painful, etc.etc. BUT He has a funny way of not letting me get away with being disobedient. I have been doing this Bible Study on the fruit of the Spirit and this week we were learning about patience....so you would think that I would be safe from dealing with the forgiveness issue...i mean, forgivenss....patience...they DO NOT go hand in hand, right!?!?!?
WRONG....just ask Beth Moore who asked THE LORD!!!!!!! Goodness...He has this incredible way of allowing us to have things happen in our life that reinforce what He is going to show us day in and day out. It kinda is annoying!!! IN A GOOD WAY OF COURSE!!!! Sooo needless to say I have been really challenged the past couple of weeks to fully and completely deal with issues in my life that have been present for several years...Here are some truths that I have "come across" that I believe are worth sharing:
*Being made conformable is rarely comfortable.
*How we respond to circumstances is important, but how we respond to others is critical.
*If He is patient with us and He has no sin, how patient must we be toward others with whom we share the same sin? Judgement strangles patience and grieves the Holy Spirit.
*It's easier to be clay than the potter.
*Matthew 18:15-35 Sweeeeet parable about forgiveness!!
*You cannot be free to keep step with the Spirit when you are encumbered by the load of unforgiveness.
*Forgiving won't make the offense all right; it will make YOU all right!
*Christ has a purpose in the pain you've suffered of He never would have allowed it. Until you surrender to His purpose in the specific matter at hand, He cannot work it for your good.
Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23ooops
ALMOST forgot....In honor and memory of my mom for mother's day I planted a rhododendron on the property at the Ranch near a BEAUTIFUL waterfall...it is such a cooooool place!!! It was a special way for me to remember her...pics will be coming soon cuz it is in full bloom!
STILL adjusting to the US...BUT am thankful that it has been difficult because that says to me that the things I learned in Ghana and the things that left an impression on my heart haven't left! I pray that it will be an indelible change on my heart and life!!!! Everyday since I have been back I have remembered the people, the faces, the stories; I have remembered the hope, joy, and love I saw bursting from the people; I remember the true NEEDS that I saw go unmet, and I remember the truths that the Lord just lavished on me while I was there. I have this aching in my heart to return to Africa someday...it is soooo true what "they" say, Africa indeed has a way of stealing your heart. I am committed to praying about when, how, and where I will return. No plans are in the making but the yearning to go back is very much present!
TIs the season - for WEDDINGS that is. Since my arrival back to the good US of A I have had, no kidding, 2 bridal showers and 5 weddings IN A ROW...my "last wedding" to attend is June 21st. THEN I have more weddings in the near future after that. Needless to say it has been an interesting few weeks for my heart. Single gals don't ALWAYS enjoy going to 1,000 events that remind them of their singleness...need I say more?!?!? BUT I truly have been blessed to share in some dear people's special days and for that I am truly thankful! (although I did have to miss one...bummed about that!)
Recently a challenge was placed in front of my face...a scary challenge...my challenge was one of forgiveness. It was brought to my attention that unless I am able to forgive people that have wronged me I will just continue to be consumed with wounds, hurts, bad feelings of the events and people. hmmmmm...like most issues in my heart, this was not new for me to hear. Although, my response this time to the familiar info was new...I actually thought that the person was RIGHT!!! who knew? Nah...seriously though, I think this was the first time after hearing it that I knew the Lord was calling me to FINALLY do it...forgive, but not forget. Sooo funnny, I have TOTALLY avoided meeting with the Lord on this matter cuz it's scary, hard, messy, painful, etc.etc. BUT He has a funny way of not letting me get away with being disobedient. I have been doing this Bible Study on the fruit of the Spirit and this week we were learning about patience....so you would think that I would be safe from dealing with the forgiveness issue...i mean, forgivenss....patience...they DO NOT go hand in hand, right!?!?!?
WRONG....just ask Beth Moore who asked THE LORD!!!!!!! Goodness...He has this incredible way of allowing us to have things happen in our life that reinforce what He is going to show us day in and day out. It kinda is annoying!!! IN A GOOD WAY OF COURSE!!!! Sooo needless to say I have been really challenged the past couple of weeks to fully and completely deal with issues in my life that have been present for several years...Here are some truths that I have "come across" that I believe are worth sharing:
*Being made conformable is rarely comfortable.
*How we respond to circumstances is important, but how we respond to others is critical.
*If He is patient with us and He has no sin, how patient must we be toward others with whom we share the same sin? Judgement strangles patience and grieves the Holy Spirit.
*It's easier to be clay than the potter.
*Matthew 18:15-35 Sweeeeet parable about forgiveness!!
*You cannot be free to keep step with the Spirit when you are encumbered by the load of unforgiveness.
*Forgiving won't make the offense all right; it will make YOU all right!
*Christ has a purpose in the pain you've suffered of He never would have allowed it. Until you surrender to His purpose in the specific matter at hand, He cannot work it for your good.
Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23ooops
ALMOST forgot....In honor and memory of my mom for mother's day I planted a rhododendron on the property at the Ranch near a BEAUTIFUL waterfall...it is such a cooooool place!!! It was a special way for me to remember her...pics will be coming soon cuz it is in full bloom!
Ghana Highlights
Well, some of you have been asking for details about what I did while I was in Ghana. Goodness, if I started typing all that I did, story after story would flow onto this blog and you would be very overwhelmed. Sooooo, I decided to just give ya'll some highlights to keep it easy reading but also give you a taste of what I did. Here ya go:
* I worked at an orphanage (Rafiki Village) as a teacher & administrator.
* I taught in the Kindergarten and Preschool classes everyday. (taught math, spelling, handwriting, you name it and I helped!)
* I was able to go off site and see different place in Ghana. I went to a few different villages to get a good taste of what Ghana is REALLY like. I saw some pretty "rough" areas where people call "home". Was quite remarkable to see how people live in the bush country of Africa.
* Was able to go to markets and kiosks galore! I bargained with the best of 'em! Actually got really good at it by the end of my trip...kinda shocked myself and the Ghanians!
* Got proposed to a few times....*sigh* I can't even get a DATE here in America. (in case you were wondering, I politely turned them down. AND by polite I actually mean, I laughed in their faces! Mainly because I don't get attention from men in the US so I wasn't quite sure how to respond other than with laughter)
* On a similar note...got asked for my phone number as well. AGAIN...laughter followed!!!!
* Decided that even if I was called "Blondie" or "Golden Princess" or "My Sistah" that those names were ONLY given to me because either they wanted me to spend money in their shop, or marry me so I would bring them back to the US! Ahhhhh, Good Times!!!
* Had my heart & eyes opened to more of the world and God's heart for the world.
* Rode on a "tro tro". OK this was really fun...Tro tro's are like a 15 passenger van that would be kinda like a taxi in America. They squeeze as many Ghanians in these things that can fit...like 20-25! They tro tro's are less than desirable looking, the drivers drive CRAZY...like they don't follow any road rules at all, break down ALL the time, have parts that fall off ALL the time, and are also a way of transporting dead people! They also transport livestock on the tops of them! AND I RODE ONE!!!!! It was quite an experience let me tell ya! When in Ghana...be like the Ghanians!!!! (see pics for a view of tro tro's)
* Was able to see what true joy and true hope looks like. Joy & Hope in the Lord!
* flew all by myself which I would now say is SUPER EASY!! Funny that I was really nervous about that. Piece of cake...will go anywhere in the world by myself now!!! The Lord is soooo good...all my peace and trust was from Him and He allowed me to have a good flying experience! * was able to spend A LOT of time reading, praying, journaling, & time in the WORD.....this was a very unexpected blessing about my trip! Funny how the Lord called me clear across the world to meet with Him in a real special way!!!! (word's can't accuratley describe all that He did in my heart and life!!!)
* tried Ghanian food...ummm let's just say that it is hot, spicy, and fishy! I am not a fan of fish so needless to say I ate rice, and well, rice! And scrumptous fruit!!! I had the most amazing pineapple, bananas, and mangos that I have ever tasted!!! If I could have brought a suitcase full of fruit home I would have left all that I took over to do that!!! Yepp, it was that good!
* Fell in love with Ghana, it's people, and the culture!
* Experienced Ghanian church....INCREDIBLE!!!!
* Decided that kids are kids EVERYWHERE and that no matter where I am I LOVE KIDS!!!! They were all amazing! (see pics and you'll see it too!!)
* Ghana was the MOST AMAZING experience I have ever had, EVER!!!! To see people who have nothing live like they have everything because of the Lord was indescribable.
* I am forever changed as a result of this trip and can't wait to go back!!! (where & when is the ?)!!!!!!!
* I worked at an orphanage (Rafiki Village) as a teacher & administrator.
* I taught in the Kindergarten and Preschool classes everyday. (taught math, spelling, handwriting, you name it and I helped!)
* I was able to go off site and see different place in Ghana. I went to a few different villages to get a good taste of what Ghana is REALLY like. I saw some pretty "rough" areas where people call "home". Was quite remarkable to see how people live in the bush country of Africa.
* Was able to go to markets and kiosks galore! I bargained with the best of 'em! Actually got really good at it by the end of my trip...kinda shocked myself and the Ghanians!
* Got proposed to a few times....*sigh* I can't even get a DATE here in America. (in case you were wondering, I politely turned them down. AND by polite I actually mean, I laughed in their faces! Mainly because I don't get attention from men in the US so I wasn't quite sure how to respond other than with laughter)
* On a similar note...got asked for my phone number as well. AGAIN...laughter followed!!!!
* Decided that even if I was called "Blondie" or "Golden Princess" or "My Sistah" that those names were ONLY given to me because either they wanted me to spend money in their shop, or marry me so I would bring them back to the US! Ahhhhh, Good Times!!!
* Had my heart & eyes opened to more of the world and God's heart for the world.
* Rode on a "tro tro". OK this was really fun...Tro tro's are like a 15 passenger van that would be kinda like a taxi in America. They squeeze as many Ghanians in these things that can fit...like 20-25! They tro tro's are less than desirable looking, the drivers drive CRAZY...like they don't follow any road rules at all, break down ALL the time, have parts that fall off ALL the time, and are also a way of transporting dead people! They also transport livestock on the tops of them! AND I RODE ONE!!!!! It was quite an experience let me tell ya! When in Ghana...be like the Ghanians!!!! (see pics for a view of tro tro's)
* Was able to see what true joy and true hope looks like. Joy & Hope in the Lord!
* flew all by myself which I would now say is SUPER EASY!! Funny that I was really nervous about that. Piece of cake...will go anywhere in the world by myself now!!! The Lord is soooo good...all my peace and trust was from Him and He allowed me to have a good flying experience! * was able to spend A LOT of time reading, praying, journaling, & time in the WORD.....this was a very unexpected blessing about my trip! Funny how the Lord called me clear across the world to meet with Him in a real special way!!!! (word's can't accuratley describe all that He did in my heart and life!!!)
* tried Ghanian food...ummm let's just say that it is hot, spicy, and fishy! I am not a fan of fish so needless to say I ate rice, and well, rice! And scrumptous fruit!!! I had the most amazing pineapple, bananas, and mangos that I have ever tasted!!! If I could have brought a suitcase full of fruit home I would have left all that I took over to do that!!! Yepp, it was that good!
* Fell in love with Ghana, it's people, and the culture!
* Experienced Ghanian church....INCREDIBLE!!!!
* Decided that kids are kids EVERYWHERE and that no matter where I am I LOVE KIDS!!!! They were all amazing! (see pics and you'll see it too!!)
* Ghana was the MOST AMAZING experience I have ever had, EVER!!!! To see people who have nothing live like they have everything because of the Lord was indescribable.
* I am forever changed as a result of this trip and can't wait to go back!!! (where & when is the ?)!!!!!!!
New perspective on....
Death and loss - those 2 words have been a HUGE part of my life for the past 4 1/2 years. Those 2 words are a part of Ghanian culture daily. One of the key things that the Lord revealed to me when I was in Ghana was this: these people have NOTHING, yet they live like they have EVERYTHING because of whose they are. I can't begin to tell you how many people's stories I heard that death and loss is so prevalent in their life that it didn't phase them AT ALL. It's like it's all they have known. All the orphans I worked with were orphaned by AIDS, many of the women who were the Mommas to these orphans had lost husbands to disease, going to 3 church services and hearing about church members being remembered because of the loss of their life in the previous week, seeing different villages and meeting all kinds of people and hearing story after story of the loss that they have experienced. To say it was heartbreaking is putting it mildly, but one thing remained true of every single person I came across...they were praising the name of our heavenly Father for what they still have, the food that they can eat, the clothes on their back, and for the very fact that the Lord allowed them to have people in their life that they love and that love them.
In each face I found a story and in each face I found true joy and hope! Their joy and hope was not found in what they have or what they do, in fact most if not all of those people were blessed if they had a meal a day, a roof over their heads, etc. Their joy and hope is in the Lord! I have never seen that the way I saw it in these people. They are complete and whole because of who they belong to. OH HOW I LONG TO LIVE MY LIFE LIKE THAT!!!!! To know that I am complete, to know that my hope and joy is found COMPLETELY in Him!!!!!
One of my friends made a "your momma" joke to me yesterday. Well, my momma is no longer alive and they had kinds forgotten about that until after they told the joke. I actually thought the joke was pretty funny...and then he felt really bad afterwards. Then he asked me how I was doing this mother's day. To be honest, I had forgotten until I got back to the states that Mother's Day was this Sunday so I hadn't really had time to wallow in my sorrow like previous years! :) But after seeing what I saw in Ghana and meeting the people and hearing their stories it just broke me in a way that I never expected. I no longer desire to live my life asking questions that will never get answered about my mom's death, I don't want to live in frustration towards the Lord for taking her away "too soon", I don't want to miss my mom and long for her to be here with us again, I WANT TO BE THANKFUL for the the time that the Lord blessed me with when she was here. I was able to have my mom for 25 years...the orphans I grew to love, well, some have absolutely NO memory of their parents. Being an orphan is all they have ever known. Lisa Marie Shellgren was my mom for 25 years, my memories of her will last my entire life and I want to be thankful for that. I want to live not in what I wish I still had but in the joy and hope that is found only in the Lord.
hmmmmm....I guess you can say that I got more than I bargained for in Ghana! I never imagined that my life would be forever altered in the way that it has been. This is just one area that I thought to share about because it has had a huge impact on my life and well it's Happy Mom's Day on Sunday, a day that I usually pretend isn't happening. Well, this Mom's Day I am going to do something that celebrates the life of my mom and the time that I did have with her!
In each face I found a story and in each face I found true joy and hope! Their joy and hope was not found in what they have or what they do, in fact most if not all of those people were blessed if they had a meal a day, a roof over their heads, etc. Their joy and hope is in the Lord! I have never seen that the way I saw it in these people. They are complete and whole because of who they belong to. OH HOW I LONG TO LIVE MY LIFE LIKE THAT!!!!! To know that I am complete, to know that my hope and joy is found COMPLETELY in Him!!!!!
One of my friends made a "your momma" joke to me yesterday. Well, my momma is no longer alive and they had kinds forgotten about that until after they told the joke. I actually thought the joke was pretty funny...and then he felt really bad afterwards. Then he asked me how I was doing this mother's day. To be honest, I had forgotten until I got back to the states that Mother's Day was this Sunday so I hadn't really had time to wallow in my sorrow like previous years! :) But after seeing what I saw in Ghana and meeting the people and hearing their stories it just broke me in a way that I never expected. I no longer desire to live my life asking questions that will never get answered about my mom's death, I don't want to live in frustration towards the Lord for taking her away "too soon", I don't want to miss my mom and long for her to be here with us again, I WANT TO BE THANKFUL for the the time that the Lord blessed me with when she was here. I was able to have my mom for 25 years...the orphans I grew to love, well, some have absolutely NO memory of their parents. Being an orphan is all they have ever known. Lisa Marie Shellgren was my mom for 25 years, my memories of her will last my entire life and I want to be thankful for that. I want to live not in what I wish I still had but in the joy and hope that is found only in the Lord.
hmmmmm....I guess you can say that I got more than I bargained for in Ghana! I never imagined that my life would be forever altered in the way that it has been. This is just one area that I thought to share about because it has had a huge impact on my life and well it's Happy Mom's Day on Sunday, a day that I usually pretend isn't happening. Well, this Mom's Day I am going to do something that celebrates the life of my mom and the time that I did have with her!
Friday, April 11, 2008
I leave for Ghana in ONE Week & short recap of my life:
WoW!!!! *insert picture of me here making that word with my mouth, with really wide eyes!* (Did you picture it?? Did you?? It is pretty funny!) I leave for Ghana, West Africa a week from today! I can't BELIEVE it!?!?!?! I am sooooo excited and soooooo nervous! It's a combination of feelings that I have never quite experienced before. Hold me.
I have been corresponding with the staff over there for the past few weeks...that is making it oh so real to me that I will soon be working alongside them! CRAZY! I have been asked to take over supplies for the kiddos...games, library cards, etc. What a joy it will be for me to see the looks on their tiny beautiful faces when they see their new things. (funny, how we totally take all that for granted here. Their eye's will light up when seeing a library card! again, CRAZY!!) What also has been fun for me as I have been praying about my trip is what the Lord is doing in my heart to really just give me a peace beyond my understanding. I feel more relaxed each and every day about traveling (which has been my BIGGEST fear about the whole trip). The Lord has constantly been reminding me the past few weeks that this is HIS plan for me. I do not willingly decide to take a trip, to a completely different culture, fly there all alone, sacrifice time and money, and trust Him to provide for every single need in order for me to get there. That doesn't come naturally to me...BUT it is Him in me that directs me, that gives me the strength to trust for His provision, it is Him in me that calms my heart about traveling, it is Him in me that will shine to these little kiddos that I will soon meet, it is Him in me that will be guiding my every footstep in Ghana. It is HIM, NOT me!!!!!!!! (that's how I know I am supposed to go...this trip pushes me and stretches me in ways that I have never been stretched before, because of He who is in me) So yeah, I'm excited, nervous, but all the while knowing that He is right there with me directing me, loving me, providing for me, and who doesn't want THAT? I'll be sure to have tons of pics and stories and blogs from my time in Ghana...stay tuned!!!!
Recap: Oh my life has been kinda interesting lately. Here's a breakdown of the boringness of me. (is boringness a word?? i LOVE that i use "words" a lot that aren't really real...ok, here we go fo' realzzz) -
J-O-B: LOVE IT! I work for an amazing ministry and am blessed to be a part of it! The Lord is leading and directing and I am just along for the ride! INCREDIBLE!!!
L-O-V-E L-I-F-E: Well I have a special man in my life. He's pretty sweet. Like the best a girl could ever ask for. His name starts with "J" and ends in "esus"!! Waaawhooo! (did u REALLY think that there was another man for me?? if you did, you are either stupid or you have more faith than me! ha!) Yeah, me and the big "JC" have been together now for like 12 years...it's good. He pays for EVERYTHING, teaches me A LOT, and yeah...we're like a couple. OK SERIOUSLY...still single, but never alone...(i'm not sure what has gotten in to me! ha!!)
H-O-M-E: I think my new nickname has become "nomad". I have relocated...yeppp moved for the 2nd time in 5 months! I DO NOT say that proudly!!! Long story...ask if you really want to know...BUT I am praying that the Lord would just bless me with an apartment all by myself that is cheap and cute. He can soooooo provide that...maye not in Morgantown, but hey, I'm willing to go anywhere He wants to take me!
F-O-O-D: Well the Biggest Loser competition is over, sadly my gal pal Ginny and I were not one of the final teams picked :( BUT I have met an incredible community of people that are all on a journey of getting healthy so it has been a HUGE blessing. I am STILL committed to get healthy!!! I'll take some photos soon to show you my progress!
L-I-F-E: I have been learning A LOT. I have been in the Word a ton, been doing a Bible Study that is blessing my socks off...this topic is for another blog. I feel like I have been learning too much to fit into one tiny paragraph...I'm just in a good place with all that which is WONDERFUL!!!!
I think that is it! Soooooo, if I don't get a chance to blog before my trip...I'll see ya on the flip side!!!!
I have been corresponding with the staff over there for the past few weeks...that is making it oh so real to me that I will soon be working alongside them! CRAZY! I have been asked to take over supplies for the kiddos...games, library cards, etc. What a joy it will be for me to see the looks on their tiny beautiful faces when they see their new things. (funny, how we totally take all that for granted here. Their eye's will light up when seeing a library card! again, CRAZY!!) What also has been fun for me as I have been praying about my trip is what the Lord is doing in my heart to really just give me a peace beyond my understanding. I feel more relaxed each and every day about traveling (which has been my BIGGEST fear about the whole trip). The Lord has constantly been reminding me the past few weeks that this is HIS plan for me. I do not willingly decide to take a trip, to a completely different culture, fly there all alone, sacrifice time and money, and trust Him to provide for every single need in order for me to get there. That doesn't come naturally to me...BUT it is Him in me that directs me, that gives me the strength to trust for His provision, it is Him in me that calms my heart about traveling, it is Him in me that will shine to these little kiddos that I will soon meet, it is Him in me that will be guiding my every footstep in Ghana. It is HIM, NOT me!!!!!!!! (that's how I know I am supposed to go...this trip pushes me and stretches me in ways that I have never been stretched before, because of He who is in me) So yeah, I'm excited, nervous, but all the while knowing that He is right there with me directing me, loving me, providing for me, and who doesn't want THAT? I'll be sure to have tons of pics and stories and blogs from my time in Ghana...stay tuned!!!!
Recap: Oh my life has been kinda interesting lately. Here's a breakdown of the boringness of me. (is boringness a word?? i LOVE that i use "words" a lot that aren't really real...ok, here we go fo' realzzz) -
J-O-B: LOVE IT! I work for an amazing ministry and am blessed to be a part of it! The Lord is leading and directing and I am just along for the ride! INCREDIBLE!!!
L-O-V-E L-I-F-E: Well I have a special man in my life. He's pretty sweet. Like the best a girl could ever ask for. His name starts with "J" and ends in "esus"!! Waaawhooo! (did u REALLY think that there was another man for me?? if you did, you are either stupid or you have more faith than me! ha!) Yeah, me and the big "JC" have been together now for like 12 years...it's good. He pays for EVERYTHING, teaches me A LOT, and yeah...we're like a couple. OK SERIOUSLY...still single, but never alone...(i'm not sure what has gotten in to me! ha!!)
H-O-M-E: I think my new nickname has become "nomad". I have relocated...yeppp moved for the 2nd time in 5 months! I DO NOT say that proudly!!! Long story...ask if you really want to know...BUT I am praying that the Lord would just bless me with an apartment all by myself that is cheap and cute. He can soooooo provide that...maye not in Morgantown, but hey, I'm willing to go anywhere He wants to take me!
F-O-O-D: Well the Biggest Loser competition is over, sadly my gal pal Ginny and I were not one of the final teams picked :( BUT I have met an incredible community of people that are all on a journey of getting healthy so it has been a HUGE blessing. I am STILL committed to get healthy!!! I'll take some photos soon to show you my progress!
L-I-F-E: I have been learning A LOT. I have been in the Word a ton, been doing a Bible Study that is blessing my socks off...this topic is for another blog. I feel like I have been learning too much to fit into one tiny paragraph...I'm just in a good place with all that which is WONDERFUL!!!!
I think that is it! Soooooo, if I don't get a chance to blog before my trip...I'll see ya on the flip side!!!!
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Once, Loser, The Momzzzz
hey...just finished watching a wonderful movie....Once....definitely check it out. I read about it in a magazine, added it to my que and waaalaaaa. Such a beautiful story, amazing music, and the lead actor is charming, handsome, and endearing. Just watch it...
Soooo my friend Ginny and I decided to join a contest! I know...how fun are we?!?!? Basically we created a website that tracks our journey of losing weight and getting healthy. It's part of a contest with the tv show The Biggest Loser. Whoever creatively documents their journey wins a all expense paid trip to LA to be at the live taping of the finale of The Biggest Loser. There will be 5 finalists picked for that and then the winners out of the 5 finalists will get a personal trainer for a year!!! I REALLY WANNA WIN!!! I mean, the odds are definitely against us, but we are doing our best to be creative. I think we are doing a pretty good job so far...yay Gin!!!
What's really neat about this whole thing is that is has been such a motivating way to get on track to living a healthy lifestyle. Even though it seems silly to think we could have a shot at winning, it has gotten me focused on losing weight and getting healthy. I really hate who I am in this "fat girl" suit...it's not really me...i am so much more than a fat girl but I fear that most people don't get the chance to see that I am way more than that. Partly because they don't give me a chance and partly because I am ashamed of myself and turn into the fat girl. I hide behind my weight...done it all my life and have gotten pretty good at it. BUT it does keep me from being and doing a lot of things. The person inside I feel is just bursting to come out...it just needs the fat to go away before it can. Not sure if any of that makes sense, but that is how I feel and have felt for such a long time.
Strangely enough, this whole contest and trying to lose weight thing has got me thinking about my mom a lot. My weight was always an issue with my mom...I fear that was why she had a hard time loving me. (well atleast part of the reason anyhow.) I felt like she was always trying to scheme to get me to lose weight...I would often eat more inspite of her tactics...yeah, what a great daughter I was! But sometimes I think I still do that even if she isn't here to see what I look like. I have gotten so comfortable being uncomfortable that it's very scary to think about changing. Part of me wishes that my mom was hear to see me try to lose weight, part of me is glad she's not just in case I fail again.
It's weird to think about her....thoughts come and go throughout the day...I'll see a car, I smell a certain smell, I'll see her picture on my wall, I say something like her, weird! I watched a movie the other day called "in the land of women" and part of the plot is the mom has breast cancer and has a daughter that hates her. There's a part in the movie where the mom gets really sick and is the hospital and challenges her daughter to explain to her why she hates her. then after they talk through the reasons, the daughter says "i don't want to miss the part where I get to know you." She says this while thinking that the mom isn't gonna make it....I have used that exact wording since my mom died....i lost a mom, but i also feel like i lost someone i didn't even know. I don't know my moms favorite food, or how she met my dad, or what she was like in college, or what her favorite christmas memory was....i have indeed missed out on knowing my mother like most daughters. The years that we could have spent getting to know one another we fought. Oh to take those years back....
Sometimes in the midst of my brain headed in these thought processes it's really hard for me to see the Lord clearly. Like why did he take her when He did...why couldn't we have had one more year together, why did our relationship have to be so hard the majority of her life, why do i feel like i am her only child that didn't know her, and what does the Lord want to show me about Himself through all of this. I know in my heart that what happened was for His glory, my good...I have to believe that by faith even if I can't begin to understand it. I have to believe that what I will learn through the years I feel I missed out on will make me a better mother....will make me a better person....will make me more like Him....
Goodness....I just kinda let my hear pour out....questions: who has seen the movie? what did ya think? losing weight....we need some creative ideas on how to document our progress?? let us know. Oh gin...I plan on taping myself giving a top ten list (some funny items, some serious) of why i am losing weight...it involves props, cue cards, etc. like on letterman!!! i have it written down, just need to make the video!! I AM SAYING THAT ONE REASON I WANT TO LOSE WEIGHT IS SO I CAN WEAR AN ALL SPANDEX WARDROBE...SPANDEX! ALL SPANDEX!!! cracks me up EVERYTIME i think about it!!! Last question: ever had a situation in your life where u can't make heads or tails of it but u just trust by faith???
Soooo my friend Ginny and I decided to join a contest! I know...how fun are we?!?!? Basically we created a website that tracks our journey of losing weight and getting healthy. It's part of a contest with the tv show The Biggest Loser. Whoever creatively documents their journey wins a all expense paid trip to LA to be at the live taping of the finale of The Biggest Loser. There will be 5 finalists picked for that and then the winners out of the 5 finalists will get a personal trainer for a year!!! I REALLY WANNA WIN!!! I mean, the odds are definitely against us, but we are doing our best to be creative. I think we are doing a pretty good job so far...yay Gin!!!
What's really neat about this whole thing is that is has been such a motivating way to get on track to living a healthy lifestyle. Even though it seems silly to think we could have a shot at winning, it has gotten me focused on losing weight and getting healthy. I really hate who I am in this "fat girl" suit...it's not really me...i am so much more than a fat girl but I fear that most people don't get the chance to see that I am way more than that. Partly because they don't give me a chance and partly because I am ashamed of myself and turn into the fat girl. I hide behind my weight...done it all my life and have gotten pretty good at it. BUT it does keep me from being and doing a lot of things. The person inside I feel is just bursting to come out...it just needs the fat to go away before it can. Not sure if any of that makes sense, but that is how I feel and have felt for such a long time.
Strangely enough, this whole contest and trying to lose weight thing has got me thinking about my mom a lot. My weight was always an issue with my mom...I fear that was why she had a hard time loving me. (well atleast part of the reason anyhow.) I felt like she was always trying to scheme to get me to lose weight...I would often eat more inspite of her tactics...yeah, what a great daughter I was! But sometimes I think I still do that even if she isn't here to see what I look like. I have gotten so comfortable being uncomfortable that it's very scary to think about changing. Part of me wishes that my mom was hear to see me try to lose weight, part of me is glad she's not just in case I fail again.
It's weird to think about her....thoughts come and go throughout the day...I'll see a car, I smell a certain smell, I'll see her picture on my wall, I say something like her, weird! I watched a movie the other day called "in the land of women" and part of the plot is the mom has breast cancer and has a daughter that hates her. There's a part in the movie where the mom gets really sick and is the hospital and challenges her daughter to explain to her why she hates her. then after they talk through the reasons, the daughter says "i don't want to miss the part where I get to know you." She says this while thinking that the mom isn't gonna make it....I have used that exact wording since my mom died....i lost a mom, but i also feel like i lost someone i didn't even know. I don't know my moms favorite food, or how she met my dad, or what she was like in college, or what her favorite christmas memory was....i have indeed missed out on knowing my mother like most daughters. The years that we could have spent getting to know one another we fought. Oh to take those years back....
Sometimes in the midst of my brain headed in these thought processes it's really hard for me to see the Lord clearly. Like why did he take her when He did...why couldn't we have had one more year together, why did our relationship have to be so hard the majority of her life, why do i feel like i am her only child that didn't know her, and what does the Lord want to show me about Himself through all of this. I know in my heart that what happened was for His glory, my good...I have to believe that by faith even if I can't begin to understand it. I have to believe that what I will learn through the years I feel I missed out on will make me a better mother....will make me a better person....will make me more like Him....
Goodness....I just kinda let my hear pour out....questions: who has seen the movie? what did ya think? losing weight....we need some creative ideas on how to document our progress?? let us know. Oh gin...I plan on taping myself giving a top ten list (some funny items, some serious) of why i am losing weight...it involves props, cue cards, etc. like on letterman!!! i have it written down, just need to make the video!! I AM SAYING THAT ONE REASON I WANT TO LOSE WEIGHT IS SO I CAN WEAR AN ALL SPANDEX WARDROBE...SPANDEX! ALL SPANDEX!!! cracks me up EVERYTIME i think about it!!! Last question: ever had a situation in your life where u can't make heads or tails of it but u just trust by faith???
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
New Years Resolution(s)
Well I am proud to say that I kept up my New Years Resolution from 2007....it was to do something new that I have never done before each month...let's list some of the highlights from the past year, shall we? why yes, we shall:
*got my nose pierced
*flew for the first time by myself
*traveled to a few places for the first time (Atlanta, Chicago...)
*went to dinner by myself (was scary, but i like it...i know, i know...i'm a big chicken! cluck cluck...i am what i am, what can i say!)
*learned how to play tennis
*planned a trip to Africa...I'm going in the end of April!!! Waaawhoooo!!!!
In celebration of me keeping a resolution I think I will make more than one for the year 2008! SO here it goes...after some prayer and thought...
*live a healthy life style (cut back on the beer and wings!....jk, jk!!)
*read my books that are on my bookshelf so when someone picks it out and asks "is this good?" I can respond with something other than "ummmm, i hear it's good...haven't read it yet!"
*continue doing new things...life keeps on moving and I need to keep up with it!
*to daily surrender my desire to be a wife and a mom. (I desire it sooo much that I tend to cling onto the desire instead of giving it up to the Lord.....this one is gonna be a toughy....but I'm up for the challenge! Plus, ummm I'm prettty sure that the Lord desires for me to lay it down at His feet.)
*to randomly encourage people atleast 2 times a month (i used to do this sooo much and have gotten lazy...i love making cards, sending scripture to people, gifts, etc....just think, those who are reading this may get a lil somethin' somethin'....we shall see!)
So that's it....I'm excited for a new year, excited to see God in every area of my life, lessons to learn, prayers to be answered, to see more and more of Jesus everyday! Welcome 2008!!!!
Sooooo....any of u have a resolution u care to share??? maybe responding to all of my ramblings could be one?? i do love me some blog comments!!! come on u know u wanna!!!!
Currently listening : Albertine By Brooke Fraser Release date: 09 April, 2007
*got my nose pierced
*flew for the first time by myself
*traveled to a few places for the first time (Atlanta, Chicago...)
*went to dinner by myself (was scary, but i like it...i know, i know...i'm a big chicken! cluck cluck...i am what i am, what can i say!)
*learned how to play tennis
*planned a trip to Africa...I'm going in the end of April!!! Waaawhoooo!!!!
In celebration of me keeping a resolution I think I will make more than one for the year 2008! SO here it goes...after some prayer and thought...
*live a healthy life style (cut back on the beer and wings!....jk, jk!!)
*read my books that are on my bookshelf so when someone picks it out and asks "is this good?" I can respond with something other than "ummmm, i hear it's good...haven't read it yet!"
*continue doing new things...life keeps on moving and I need to keep up with it!
*to daily surrender my desire to be a wife and a mom. (I desire it sooo much that I tend to cling onto the desire instead of giving it up to the Lord.....this one is gonna be a toughy....but I'm up for the challenge! Plus, ummm I'm prettty sure that the Lord desires for me to lay it down at His feet.)
*to randomly encourage people atleast 2 times a month (i used to do this sooo much and have gotten lazy...i love making cards, sending scripture to people, gifts, etc....just think, those who are reading this may get a lil somethin' somethin'....we shall see!)
So that's it....I'm excited for a new year, excited to see God in every area of my life, lessons to learn, prayers to be answered, to see more and more of Jesus everyday! Welcome 2008!!!!
Sooooo....any of u have a resolution u care to share??? maybe responding to all of my ramblings could be one?? i do love me some blog comments!!! come on u know u wanna!!!!
Currently listening : Albertine By Brooke Fraser Release date: 09 April, 2007
Saturday, December 29, 2007
December busyness, Christmas Highlights, & Jesus IS the reason for the season!
Merry Belated Christmas Everyone! (well, to all 3 of you who read this!!) I hope that you enjoyed time with family and friends during Jesus' B-day Celobration!! I am getting refreshed after a very busy holiday season, well and just a busy month. It's good to be able to just sit, rest, and just have some down time!! BUT the busyness was awesome! Why, you ask? Well lemme tell ya...
Had some car issues....ghetto crusiers timing belt apparently decided that it would be a great time to break...like a week before i am supposed to be taking her home to PA....some I'm definitely sportin' a mini-van while my precious automobile is just sitting in a parking lot refusing to start...she has done that A LOT lately. So I had to have her towed twice, yeppp twice, and then praise Jesus got her to a doctor in time to be ready to make the big trip home. She did soooo welllll!! Sooo basically I learned that my car sucks...BUT the Lord is my provider ALWAYS!!! Oh and I learned that if I ever become a mom, I could totally rock a mini-van! If I can rock one now as a single chica, there's nothin' stoppin me when I actually have car seats with kiddos in them....
Also the week before Christmas I helped out with the Hoss Foundation. (Jeff Hostetler is an ex-NFL Superbowl Champion who has this foundation.) The Foundation delivers Christmas to families that are in need during the holidays. It was awesome!!! It started on a Saturday where we shopped for the families at Walmart til 1:00 am!! How fun!! Then we had a wrapping party that Sunday and then delivered the presents during the entire week before Christmas. We had a community event where some WVU football players came and threw footballs and signed them for the families! (Was soooo much fun!!) We also went to the Ronald McDonald House to deliver presents to some families...what a joy it was to bring not only toys and clothes to these families but we ultimately were delivering the love of Christ to them!! We were able to spread hope and love to people who desperately needed it. It was such a blessing to me to have the opportunity to do this. I can't wait till next year to do it again!!!!!
Christmas was so great this year...seeing family, spending time with my nieces and nephews, getting to know my family more and more, being able to enjoy being at home, seeing the Lord in each moment of the holidays, it was just grrrreat!!! Here are some of the highlights of my time at home:
*stayed at 3 places in 6 days!
*was around children 24/7 for 6 days!
*saw Alvin and the Chipmunks 2 times!! (cute movie)
*received several bruises from my nephews treating me like a human trampoline! (I actually kinda hurt a lil')
*sitting down to dinner, had my 7 yr old nephew (out of the blue) asked me this: "Aunt Amanda, when are you getting married?" My reply through laughter: "Well, Josh, Aunt Amanda wishes she knew the answer to that question!!" Then I said: "Josh, why are you so worried about that?" Josh replys: "Well, cuz I want another uncle." Soooo basically a child in my life is now asking questions that I have been asking the Lord for some time now....pretty funny!! I fear though that when I am 40, alll of my family members will be asking! Oh good times, good times!
*had my 5 yr old niece ask me this upon my arrival to her house: "Aunt Amanda, do you have all of your teeth?" Hmmm...do you think someone in my family has been making WV jokes??? I may have peed my pants when she asked me that!! It was pretty funny!
*was able to be with my nieces on Christmas morning! Yeppp, woke me up at 6:15am...I think.
Had some car issues....ghetto crusiers timing belt apparently decided that it would be a great time to break...like a week before i am supposed to be taking her home to PA....some I'm definitely sportin' a mini-van while my precious automobile is just sitting in a parking lot refusing to start...she has done that A LOT lately. So I had to have her towed twice, yeppp twice, and then praise Jesus got her to a doctor in time to be ready to make the big trip home. She did soooo welllll!! Sooo basically I learned that my car sucks...BUT the Lord is my provider ALWAYS!!! Oh and I learned that if I ever become a mom, I could totally rock a mini-van! If I can rock one now as a single chica, there's nothin' stoppin me when I actually have car seats with kiddos in them....
Also the week before Christmas I helped out with the Hoss Foundation. (Jeff Hostetler is an ex-NFL Superbowl Champion who has this foundation.) The Foundation delivers Christmas to families that are in need during the holidays. It was awesome!!! It started on a Saturday where we shopped for the families at Walmart til 1:00 am!! How fun!! Then we had a wrapping party that Sunday and then delivered the presents during the entire week before Christmas. We had a community event where some WVU football players came and threw footballs and signed them for the families! (Was soooo much fun!!) We also went to the Ronald McDonald House to deliver presents to some families...what a joy it was to bring not only toys and clothes to these families but we ultimately were delivering the love of Christ to them!! We were able to spread hope and love to people who desperately needed it. It was such a blessing to me to have the opportunity to do this. I can't wait till next year to do it again!!!!!
Christmas was so great this year...seeing family, spending time with my nieces and nephews, getting to know my family more and more, being able to enjoy being at home, seeing the Lord in each moment of the holidays, it was just grrrreat!!! Here are some of the highlights of my time at home:
*stayed at 3 places in 6 days!
*was around children 24/7 for 6 days!
*saw Alvin and the Chipmunks 2 times!! (cute movie)
*received several bruises from my nephews treating me like a human trampoline! (I actually kinda hurt a lil')
*sitting down to dinner, had my 7 yr old nephew (out of the blue) asked me this: "Aunt Amanda, when are you getting married?" My reply through laughter: "Well, Josh, Aunt Amanda wishes she knew the answer to that question!!" Then I said: "Josh, why are you so worried about that?" Josh replys: "Well, cuz I want another uncle." Soooo basically a child in my life is now asking questions that I have been asking the Lord for some time now....pretty funny!! I fear though that when I am 40, alll of my family members will be asking! Oh good times, good times!
*had my 5 yr old niece ask me this upon my arrival to her house: "Aunt Amanda, do you have all of your teeth?" Hmmm...do you think someone in my family has been making WV jokes??? I may have peed my pants when she asked me that!! It was pretty funny!
*was able to be with my nieces on Christmas morning! Yeppp, woke me up at 6:15am...I think.
Flarp and Nakedness...now that's a great Christmas morning!!
*My step sister-in-law started a new tradition with her 2 daughters. (my 2 nieces...oh check out my Christmas pics by the way....cute!!!) She wrote them a letter and read it to them. The letter just gave a run-down of their year together and it talked about all the things that she was thankful for about each of her daughters. Of course I cried! It was awesome to be part of that!!! Made me miss my mommmmzzz! It was a sweet moment!
*made a bunch of cookies and desserts with my step sister-in-law.
*went to my step dad's house on Christmas....was a good time.
*I stole my other niece and nephew, Tanner & Kaitlyn (Need to get pics of them on my page) for the day. Took them to lunch, then movie, and then shopping for them to pic out a present. Then spent the evening with them, played guitar hero and drew pics with my niece. Was such a blast!! Decided to start that tradition with them...stealing them for a day and just spending time with them!! What a joy!!
*ambushed my brother with a marshmallow gun! Yeppp, definitely shoots marshmallows hard enough that they stick on what they land on....it was awesome!!!
*met my dad for breakfast and he just blessed me with a huge answer to prayer!!! Again, I cried!! My dad may be rough around the edges and he may have made some mistakes with us kids growing up, but he really does love us! Let's just say I am blessed to have him as my dad!!*my car made it to PA and back with no problems!! YaY!!!!
*now I am back in WV being refreshed!!!
This holiday season I have been constanly reminded that the Lord cares about the lil' things in our lives. There were sooo many things that made this trip home special to me and I am sooo thankful for that!! It truly was a celebration of who Jesus is in my life! Yeah, it's fun to see the kids face's light up when they see the gifts under the tree, and it's fun to have the meal with all the fixin's, but Jesus really IS the reason for the season! (Ha! Any excuse to use that phrase and I am on it!! Makes me laugh) BUT it is soooo stinkin' true!! Praise the Lord that He gave us His Son so that we can have this life here on earth and so that we can have the promise of eternity with Him when we lay down our lives and ask Him into our hearts!
I hope that you have enjoyed your time with family and friends over the past few days but more importantly I pray that you will experince the true meaning of Christmas...the birth of our Savior Jesus. I pray that He will become real to you more and more each day.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!!
*made a bunch of cookies and desserts with my step sister-in-law.
*went to my step dad's house on Christmas....was a good time.
*I stole my other niece and nephew, Tanner & Kaitlyn (Need to get pics of them on my page) for the day. Took them to lunch, then movie, and then shopping for them to pic out a present. Then spent the evening with them, played guitar hero and drew pics with my niece. Was such a blast!! Decided to start that tradition with them...stealing them for a day and just spending time with them!! What a joy!!
*ambushed my brother with a marshmallow gun! Yeppp, definitely shoots marshmallows hard enough that they stick on what they land on....it was awesome!!!
*met my dad for breakfast and he just blessed me with a huge answer to prayer!!! Again, I cried!! My dad may be rough around the edges and he may have made some mistakes with us kids growing up, but he really does love us! Let's just say I am blessed to have him as my dad!!*my car made it to PA and back with no problems!! YaY!!!!
*now I am back in WV being refreshed!!!
This holiday season I have been constanly reminded that the Lord cares about the lil' things in our lives. There were sooo many things that made this trip home special to me and I am sooo thankful for that!! It truly was a celebration of who Jesus is in my life! Yeah, it's fun to see the kids face's light up when they see the gifts under the tree, and it's fun to have the meal with all the fixin's, but Jesus really IS the reason for the season! (Ha! Any excuse to use that phrase and I am on it!! Makes me laugh) BUT it is soooo stinkin' true!! Praise the Lord that He gave us His Son so that we can have this life here on earth and so that we can have the promise of eternity with Him when we lay down our lives and ask Him into our hearts!
I hope that you have enjoyed your time with family and friends over the past few days but more importantly I pray that you will experince the true meaning of Christmas...the birth of our Savior Jesus. I pray that He will become real to you more and more each day.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!!
Friday, November 23, 2007
Turkey Day has come and gone!
Well folks, Turkey Day is over.....soon it will be Christmas, then New Years, and before we know it it will be spring again!!! How does time go by so fast?? It seems like each passing year gets shorter and shorter. Does that mean I am getting old??? I feel like only old people say things like that! yikes! well, I am what I am!
Thanksgiving is a tough holiday for me and my family. BOOOO for Turkey Day! ha! OK, well in all seriousness it isn't a fun holiday. The thought of Turkey Day is always followed with thoughts of my mother. I have replayed her last day on this earth in my head over and over again. Somedays I want to cling to those memories and other days I wish I could forget them! Turkey Day just isn't turkey, mashed taters, stuffing, and cranberries (from the can of course!)....it's the constant memory of my mom and the ache that is inside of me wishing she was still with us!
This Turkey day I stayed in Morgantown and yes folks, my turkey day dinner was a baked potatoe with all the fixin'zzz!!! Meaning, brocolli, cauliflower, cheddar cheese (fat free of course), and fat free sour cream! One word: YUMMMMMOO!! I had decided I wasn't going home a few weeks ago, then I changed my mind at the last minute and decided I was gonna drive home, then I got sick....too sick to make the trip, plus I didn't wanna get my family sick. So I stayed in Morgantown. I had high hopes for my day...wanted to sleep in, watch the Office on DVD, and organize my room. Well, the day was a success! Sweet! BUT also the Lord just met me on Turkey Day as well. The constant streams of truth that were spoken to the depths of my heart provided love and comfort that just filled me to the brim! How great is the Lord that He cares for us when we are weary! How great is He that He loves us enough to give us what we need to get through tough days!! I have decided that this Turkey Day, I would share with you all that I am thankful for, in no particular order!!
my sweet, sweet Jesus!!
nature
The Teodoro family
my family (step-dad, dad, bro's, sistah's, nieces and nephews)
Comfort and peace that only comes from the Lord
memories of my mom
BASKETBALL!
WVU football, oh ok and basketball too
Kleenex's
pictures
good friends (Jill, Ginny, Aja, Liz, Carla, Brooke, Dooke, Katie, Ashley, Liz, Stace, Jay & Amanda, Klinkie, Matt, Amanda H., Anthony, Kristen, Chrissi, Roy, Crystal, Steve & Dawn, Gretchen, Amy, Shannon, Melissa, Sandy, and my home group gals!!)
laughter
purity
the WORD
funny people
great music
people who love the Lord and love others
Ephesians 3:14-21
good books
cell phones that work
computers that work
cars that work
Chestnut Mountain Ranch
Blogs
the fall
the ability to smell
The Biggest Loser
Project Runway
THE OFFICE!!!!!
Cheese filled Ravioli (yumm)
God's grace
the gift of meeting with women and ministering to their hearts and encouraging them in their walks with the Lord
Africa
God's provision
funny memories of my mom
myspace: come on, it's great!
snowflakes
warm vanilla chai
light caramel frappacinos
panera!
learning
guitar hero (played for the 1st time last week...spittin' image of Pat Benetar!!)
examples of godly marriages!
being around people who are smarter than me (wait....that's pretty much everyone!)
prayer
ghetto cruiser
adobe indesign (makes me look more talented than i am!)
being under warm blankets when the air around ya is cold!
flip flops
trying new things
good concerts
God's strength to do what He has called me to do
Obedience
Taking steps of faith
sweet surprises from Jesus during the day
the guitar
makeup....oh my, am I a sight without it! SCARY!!!! (even if i wear it really light, still does a world of difference to my ugly mug!)
my shower radio
my rice cooker (seriously, best purchase I have ever made!)
Netflix
People magazine (my one guilty pleasure!)
getting mail, except for bills
the ability to serve others
the joy in living each day the Lord chooses to bless me with
The things in my life that draw me closer to the Lord (I tend to think of these things as negatives, but look at what they cause me to do!)
Jacob and Sam Teodoro!!! (I wish I could steal them!)
good movies
the ability to see the beauty in God's creation
funny quotes
plane rides
meeting new people
church
fellowship
the ability and freedom to worship
healing
ginger peach candles
chocolate
vanillalight twinkies!
weight watchers
encouraging people
ipod...no more carrying around 1,000 cd's when i travel!!
people that make me laugh and smile
God's will and plan for my life
my singleness (by faith, I typed that! ha!!)
the here and the now.....never know when we will leave this earth
God's constant love and pursuit of me. (i am sooo unworthy!)
music, music, music, music...did i mention music??
Well, I hope that this Turkey day and every day we can all take a second and think about all the wonderful things that we have in our lives that we can be thankful for....even in the midst of a not so great time! (i am preaching to myself!!!)
BTW....please comment and tell me all that you are thankful for!!
Thanksgiving is a tough holiday for me and my family. BOOOO for Turkey Day! ha! OK, well in all seriousness it isn't a fun holiday. The thought of Turkey Day is always followed with thoughts of my mother. I have replayed her last day on this earth in my head over and over again. Somedays I want to cling to those memories and other days I wish I could forget them! Turkey Day just isn't turkey, mashed taters, stuffing, and cranberries (from the can of course!)....it's the constant memory of my mom and the ache that is inside of me wishing she was still with us!
This Turkey day I stayed in Morgantown and yes folks, my turkey day dinner was a baked potatoe with all the fixin'zzz!!! Meaning, brocolli, cauliflower, cheddar cheese (fat free of course), and fat free sour cream! One word: YUMMMMMOO!! I had decided I wasn't going home a few weeks ago, then I changed my mind at the last minute and decided I was gonna drive home, then I got sick....too sick to make the trip, plus I didn't wanna get my family sick. So I stayed in Morgantown. I had high hopes for my day...wanted to sleep in, watch the Office on DVD, and organize my room. Well, the day was a success! Sweet! BUT also the Lord just met me on Turkey Day as well. The constant streams of truth that were spoken to the depths of my heart provided love and comfort that just filled me to the brim! How great is the Lord that He cares for us when we are weary! How great is He that He loves us enough to give us what we need to get through tough days!! I have decided that this Turkey Day, I would share with you all that I am thankful for, in no particular order!!
my sweet, sweet Jesus!!
nature
The Teodoro family
my family (step-dad, dad, bro's, sistah's, nieces and nephews)
Comfort and peace that only comes from the Lord
memories of my mom
BASKETBALL!
WVU football, oh ok and basketball too
Kleenex's
pictures
good friends (Jill, Ginny, Aja, Liz, Carla, Brooke, Dooke, Katie, Ashley, Liz, Stace, Jay & Amanda, Klinkie, Matt, Amanda H., Anthony, Kristen, Chrissi, Roy, Crystal, Steve & Dawn, Gretchen, Amy, Shannon, Melissa, Sandy, and my home group gals!!)
laughter
purity
the WORD
funny people
great music
people who love the Lord and love others
Ephesians 3:14-21
good books
cell phones that work
computers that work
cars that work
Chestnut Mountain Ranch
Blogs
the fall
the ability to smell
The Biggest Loser
Project Runway
THE OFFICE!!!!!
Cheese filled Ravioli (yumm)
God's grace
the gift of meeting with women and ministering to their hearts and encouraging them in their walks with the Lord
Africa
God's provision
funny memories of my mom
myspace: come on, it's great!
snowflakes
warm vanilla chai
light caramel frappacinos
panera!
learning
guitar hero (played for the 1st time last week...spittin' image of Pat Benetar!!)
examples of godly marriages!
being around people who are smarter than me (wait....that's pretty much everyone!)
prayer
ghetto cruiser
adobe indesign (makes me look more talented than i am!)
being under warm blankets when the air around ya is cold!
flip flops
trying new things
good concerts
God's strength to do what He has called me to do
Obedience
Taking steps of faith
sweet surprises from Jesus during the day
the guitar
makeup....oh my, am I a sight without it! SCARY!!!! (even if i wear it really light, still does a world of difference to my ugly mug!)
my shower radio
my rice cooker (seriously, best purchase I have ever made!)
Netflix
People magazine (my one guilty pleasure!)
getting mail, except for bills
the ability to serve others
the joy in living each day the Lord chooses to bless me with
The things in my life that draw me closer to the Lord (I tend to think of these things as negatives, but look at what they cause me to do!)
Jacob and Sam Teodoro!!! (I wish I could steal them!)
good movies
the ability to see the beauty in God's creation
funny quotes
plane rides
meeting new people
church
fellowship
the ability and freedom to worship
healing
ginger peach candles
chocolate
vanillalight twinkies!
weight watchers
encouraging people
ipod...no more carrying around 1,000 cd's when i travel!!
people that make me laugh and smile
God's will and plan for my life
my singleness (by faith, I typed that! ha!!)
the here and the now.....never know when we will leave this earth
God's constant love and pursuit of me. (i am sooo unworthy!)
music, music, music, music...did i mention music??
Well, I hope that this Turkey day and every day we can all take a second and think about all the wonderful things that we have in our lives that we can be thankful for....even in the midst of a not so great time! (i am preaching to myself!!!)
BTW....please comment and tell me all that you are thankful for!!
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