tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86405882473090474532024-03-05T01:59:03.923-08:00Moove Over Munchkin"Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked." Psalm 84:10 NIVAmandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18257878915555975755noreply@blogger.comBlogger53125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8640588247309047453.post-34007735008433544802012-09-14T19:31:00.001-07:002012-09-14T19:32:55.968-07:00New Blog I have created a new blog. I am hoping to keep up better with the new one. Keep your fingers crossed! LOL <br />
<br />
You can find it at <a href="http://www.livingmylifetoserveyou.blogspot.com/">www.livingmylifetoserveyou.blogspot.com</a>. <br />
<br />Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18257878915555975755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8640588247309047453.post-81692617832159487752011-04-08T12:39:00.000-07:002011-04-08T12:41:12.457-07:00Expedition Earth: A Journey Through God's WorldAnother great giveaway this week from Confessions of A Homeschooler....Expedition Earth: A Journey Through God's World. This curriculum studies 31 countries across the globe with hands on activities, crafts and recipes. <br />If you have never checked out this blog, you should it is soooo good!! She has lots of great ideas for learning....Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18257878915555975755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8640588247309047453.post-5459437287572515142011-03-29T19:38:00.000-07:002011-03-29T19:44:59.326-07:00Confessions of a HomeschoolerAs many of you know by now, we have decided to homeschool Anna Grace. I am very excited, yet nervous, but know that this is what we are supposed to do. We have prayed long and hard and had MANY confirmations that we are doing the right thing. <br /><br />Of course, I have searched for information on homeschooling and found this WONDERFUL BLOG www.confessionsofahomeschooler.blogspot.com. She is awesome.....so glad that I found her!! I found her blog about 9 months ago and thought I made it a favorite,but did not...so I was really upset....and had to research and find it...took me months to find it....AND was not in my history....ughhhh...but I did and so glad. <br />AsI read her posts, etc. we are so alike in our style of teaching, etc. so...I will be referring often. <br /><br />Almost weekly, she does a giveaway. This week she is giving away her very own curriculum....RoadTrip USA: A Journey Across the United States....I am really hoping I win this....I would be so excited....if not we will be ordering for K5!! Anyway, check her out and you will not be disappointed...she has sooo many cool things....printouts, etc...Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18257878915555975755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8640588247309047453.post-19232263356075562612010-12-08T19:26:00.000-08:002010-12-08T19:27:49.466-08:002010 Christmas Cards...<div class="sflyProductPreviewWidget" style="width:425px; height:494px;"><div class="sflyProductPreviewWidgetTop" style="height:6px; background-image:url(http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/top.gif);"></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewWidgetCenter" style="height:482px; padding: 0 6px 0 6px; background-image:url(http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/bg.gif); background-repeat:repeat-y;"><div class="sflyProductPreviewLogo" style="width: 105px; height: 34px; padding: 14px 0 0 14px;"><img src="http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/logo.gif"></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewContainer" style="height:350px; text-align:center; padding: 0;"><a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery"><img src="http://images-community.shutterfly.com/prs/v1/0QbOWLVyzYs6/0QbOWLVyzYs6cW/p/67b0de21b3127d902548/JPEG/1291865029000/0/"></a></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewMessageContainer" style="height:55px; background-color:#f4f4e9; text-align:center; padding: 15px 0 15px 0; line-height: 19px;"><div class="sflyProductPreviewTitle" style="font-family: arial, sans-seris; font-size: 15px; color: #333333; font-weight: bold;"><span>Nativity Blessing Religious Christmas Card</span></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewSEOText" style="font-family: arial, sans-seris; font-size: 13px; color: #333333;"><span>Create <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/christmas-cards" style="color: #6666cc;">unique Christmas cards</a> with Shutterfly.</span></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewViewCollection" style="font-family: arial, sans-seris; font-size: 13px; color: #333333;"><span>View the entire <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery" style="color: #6666cc;">collection</a> of cards.</span></div></div></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewWidgetBottom" style="height:6px; background-image:url(http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/bottom.gif);"></div></div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18257878915555975755noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8640588247309047453.post-66046192173705285672010-12-05T18:47:00.000-08:002010-12-05T18:49:48.875-08:00Christmas Cards cont...As I posted last time...I am using Shutterfly for my cards this year....don't forget to check out shutterfly for some awesome deals now AND after Christmas. You can check out their Christmas cards at: http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationary/christmas-cards or http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationary/christmas-photo-cards or http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationary/holiday-cards<br /><br />Merry Christmas!!!Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18257878915555975755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8640588247309047453.post-18945666456172427162010-11-30T17:54:00.000-08:002010-11-30T18:07:23.257-08:00Christmas Cards....I hope that everyone is having a great Christmas season so far!! Ever since Jason and I got married we have sent out Christmas cards. Of course, we only had 1 Christmas without a baby...so the next Christmas we decided that sending a card with a picture was the way to go. We decided this because I love to get photo cards to display myself. It is one of the many highlights of the season for me. We have typically gone to a local store and printed our cards, but this year we have decided to use Shutterfly. This is due to their great designs and quality products. Over the past year, I have ordered several things from them for gifts. Things such as calendars, cards with pictures that were sent directly to the recipient along with photo books. I must say, I am very much impressed with the quality of their products. Currently, I am trying to make a decision about which card we will use. It will either be the Elegant Cross or In His Name Christmas card. Once I decide on the exact picture, I will know which card it will look best on.Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18257878915555975755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8640588247309047453.post-72818184182351293492010-02-05T19:46:00.000-08:002010-02-05T20:11:45.789-08:00The New Addition to Our Family<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLZaLM5YKNJ5kA5T3S1OSoSAIDKVvcwrk_-LpPI4rTlV62-ordOOFqycNkwosg3JoB577uohjSk3gISXNLiQv94YDZUqSMzpR04anx2IByo6EHNu7WslkIEHQ8vk_7odFVFNhEUY0Nkjnc/s1600-h/100_4649.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLZaLM5YKNJ5kA5T3S1OSoSAIDKVvcwrk_-LpPI4rTlV62-ordOOFqycNkwosg3JoB577uohjSk3gISXNLiQv94YDZUqSMzpR04anx2IByo6EHNu7WslkIEHQ8vk_7odFVFNhEUY0Nkjnc/s320/100_4649.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434976077482395634" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcJhwBmLq3uzJb_rIeoHwv5i0qp54njE5vGsG9qctbZkUaYyPEkGzKzqtlfaTK2TAEUV3dK52Kk-K_dxsP_oFDQfyx1DbRtGJ7keQHsiv_EHBYJcSsso1V16yFGoaIJZaDQqsqymLD6EzY/s1600-h/100_4603.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcJhwBmLq3uzJb_rIeoHwv5i0qp54njE5vGsG9qctbZkUaYyPEkGzKzqtlfaTK2TAEUV3dK52Kk-K_dxsP_oFDQfyx1DbRtGJ7keQHsiv_EHBYJcSsso1V16yFGoaIJZaDQqsqymLD6EzY/s320/100_4603.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434976067730524978" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyeA0_eyCB9OalZWr_vLklvWgQxM10qZZmPYAuezEPkYlqgtK91KgH-fYniKQElqo2atP7dRmhH1Xp4E-FrxggWyFQ0RdJOyB_2exxbL8-ZrTAcKg8maCCAw6pYGkfAPl2YpkRI8PLiKgw/s1600-h/100_4592.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyeA0_eyCB9OalZWr_vLklvWgQxM10qZZmPYAuezEPkYlqgtK91KgH-fYniKQElqo2atP7dRmhH1Xp4E-FrxggWyFQ0RdJOyB_2exxbL8-ZrTAcKg8maCCAw6pYGkfAPl2YpkRI8PLiKgw/s320/100_4592.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434976059392753314" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqdAMcz6YoIbOEPAjrsWDw3lSsQCNTezl6j2azyZ6FKB81_J5GrWojEt69s6i77CKoVRSat-nGYG_S9WSSV26W2lDCoq_2LmjrarXYGnS8OtEnGA3pXseVYSk8ciz8RLS75CSGNe0T8O_w/s1600-h/100_4591.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqdAMcz6YoIbOEPAjrsWDw3lSsQCNTezl6j2azyZ6FKB81_J5GrWojEt69s6i77CKoVRSat-nGYG_S9WSSV26W2lDCoq_2LmjrarXYGnS8OtEnGA3pXseVYSk8ciz8RLS75CSGNe0T8O_w/s320/100_4591.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434976056602856674" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD7_PwkXRsMiB7Xazlekf_RXmYwd3MAY1ByfK4w2K9DaCsUvDOiZ0eX0bDQlLZKoSLdaNKUFJD_7QEpXgcwhME-KDfqYQx_9EmFAcXxInhKR4y1CpgPZx4CNuxzzqF6SEp5zDV_71tpwou/s1600-h/100_4531.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD7_PwkXRsMiB7Xazlekf_RXmYwd3MAY1ByfK4w2K9DaCsUvDOiZ0eX0bDQlLZKoSLdaNKUFJD_7QEpXgcwhME-KDfqYQx_9EmFAcXxInhKR4y1CpgPZx4CNuxzzqF6SEp5zDV_71tpwou/s320/100_4531.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434976050285676450" /></a><br />Ok....I have not blogged in forever but I am affraid that if I do not get pictures up of NG some people will disown me....I know I know...sorry!!! <br />NG was born January 11th...he weighed 9 lbs. 5 oz. and was 20 5/8 inches long. I knew I was in much pain for some reason...I had the feeling he was a big baby but I never dreamed that big....<br />Life with 2 is definitely different..but we love it..He fits right into our crazy world....our family would be so lost without him! I am just completely drained from no sleep...and hoping he will fall in line with ag and sleep through the night soon!!! I can hope right?!?<br />Anyway...here are the promised photos...<br />The one with Jason reading....love it...Noah loves story/devotion time each night...so glad...he better get used to it!! Ag is such a good big sister...we have had some challenges but over all...she loves it and would not know what to do without him!! The ones of me and J are when we were getting ready to leave the hospital...we thought we would never leave...we left on Thursday and had not seen AG since Monday morning since she got the worse stomach virus ever and too sick to visit...they would not even let Mom and Dad since she was staying with them!! It was hard...we were ready to see her!! The one of me in the hospital gown...don't worry that was right out of recovery...I had my makeup bag and bobby pins ready after that crazy hat thing I had to wear...I was putting on a little make up and throwing up all at once...Mom now laughs at me being so crazy about my makeup and throwing up...but after AG...whew I looked rough!!!! I was hoping to look like I had a little life in me this time!!! LOLAmandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18257878915555975755noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8640588247309047453.post-63971482248266295552009-07-03T17:16:00.000-07:002009-07-03T17:34:22.129-07:00I Need to Try a Little Harder...Wow...where does the time go??? It is July 3rd already...today J did not have to work so we took a family day to the mountains. Before leaving AG said that she wanted to see a bear...so we just kept saying keep your eyes open and keep looking...you might see one. All along J and I are thinking...that won't happen...AND just as she drifts off to sleep....we see a huge bear on side of the road...when it saw us it ran back into the woods...needless to say we woke her with saying bear but she still missed it. When we got to the top of Mt. Mitchell....she did see a bear in the museum (not alive of course)....that would do for her...thank the Lord!!! Anyway, it was muched needed with the craziness of our schedule lately. <br /><br />Little update...Grand-Dad did come through his surgery well...no trace of cancer...but he is having a rough recovery...keep him in your prayers! It is been a long couple of months. We are praying for FULL RECOVERY!!!<br /><br />I am just amazed at how time flies...AG will be 3 in August and I just can't figure out how that is happening soooo soon. She is growing up and saying some of the funniest things...she acts grown!!! She talks non-stop and tries to be funny all the time..I am not sure where she would get that from!!! HEHE! Anyway, we were running errands yesturday and she said, "Mama, let's go get our toes done!" WHAT?!? I just had to laugh...I really could not believe my ears. When we got in the car to run errands...she said this is fun mama!! Well, I do love that she can express herself and starting to tell us fun things...but she does share what she doesn't like as well! <br /><br />She is constantly saying she wants to go to school and see her friends...boy is that a long ways off...for her anyway! I do believe we have a reader on our hands...she wants to read constantly and really reads her favorite books from memory. I have really prayed and prayed and read and read to her hoping she would love it. It was so hard when I taught 2nd grade to work with a child who hated reading or struggled. Thank you Jesus!! She loves to sing also...she makes us her own songs as well...I love it...her newest one is " I am so happy because Jesus lives in my heart!" THe first time I heard her sing it; I about cried....I thought all this prayer time...Bible study with her has made a difference. She loves to pray and has the attention span of 30 minutes on good days for prayer!!!! That amazes me! She already knows the entire Psalm 23 by heart, The Lord's Prayer, Ps. 47:1, Genesis 1:1, a couple of verses in 2 Chronicles....and sings all the worships songs from church. I think she is destined to share Jesus!! I did not name her Anna for nothing...Anna in the Bible did sit at the feet of Jesus and just bask in His presence...that has been my prayer for her!! Don't worry...we still have our struggles...but we work through them. After correcting her we talk about what God's Word says and have a prayer time...some days...lots of God's Word and LOTS OF PRAYING..if you know what I mean! <br />OK....I will stop going on about AG...I just am amazed and pray that God constantly gives J and I the wisdom we need to be a light for HIM in all we do!!!<br /><br />Most of you already know that Sturkie Baby #2 is on the way....praying for this child and for the destiny that God has for HIM/HER!! I go back to the Dr. Monday for my checkup and another ultrasound...all is well just had a hard time with the first one. We should know boy or girl August 30th! We don't care..just a healthy baby and whatever God sees best in the expansion of our family!!!<br />I promise I will try to do better on posting!Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18257878915555975755noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8640588247309047453.post-59283709442868540572009-05-14T06:46:00.000-07:002009-05-14T06:51:13.688-07:00Big Day...Ok...I know I have not posted in a while...we were on vacation the last week in April and then returned to sheer craziness. Isn't that the way it always turns out? Vacation was extremely relaxing and much needed. We went to Hilton Head and there were not many vacationers there with school not being out yet. Good choice! <br /><br />Anyway...we returned and shortly thereafter found out that GrandDad (Jason's dad) has stomach cancer. This was Friday. So...tomorrow he is having surgery. They will remove his entire stomach. Jason's dad is 70ish in age. So...please please pray that the cancer is there in just that one spot and that it will all be gotten. Also...for a full recovery. This has had us all in shock and pretty emotional. We do not know what we are looking at tomorrow...but I do know that God is in control....For God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and a sound mind. Pray that God would prove Himself mighty through all of this!!! Thanks for all of your many prayers!!Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18257878915555975755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8640588247309047453.post-53114288989493587952009-04-04T19:25:00.000-07:002009-04-04T19:30:04.555-07:00Today....Ok...I am in a huge hurry...but I wanted to beat Amy to the punch!! HAHAHA! We had one wonderful day...Today Kathy Littleton got married and made one beautiful bride!! It was beautiful and a really fun day. We had pedicures at the best place ever...lunch at Olive Garden with Rhonda...then off to the wedding...then a quick dinner with Josh and LeeAnne Sargent. Sooo good to see people and catch up!! I am only doing this Amy...because you got on to me about updating my blog and I must say I think I must be doing good!! Then...to hit reality once again...I came home to AG having a fever of 103.1..not 99.1...so we're good for now...and last minute preps for Sundays hectic schedule....now with AG sick...I have come home to figure out who will fill Jason's Sunday duties...Oh well...back to reality I suppose!Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18257878915555975755noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8640588247309047453.post-3854682833942671262009-03-23T17:39:00.000-07:002009-03-23T18:07:09.750-07:00Forever...and Children...Ok...it has been a while..but we are doing great! I am staying extremely busy with church stuff..children...kids drama....they ministered in the service last week and AG got up there for the first time...she has dressed to do it before but got too scared on us. This time she actually stood there and did a few moves out of the entire song. I am amazed at her...I am sure the next time she will actually do it...she know the entire song without me doing it with her and can clap and move on beat. I am not surprised because I spend a great deal of time learning new dramas, coming up with them, and teaching them...she is always there to watch and knows most of them. I have even been subbing at AG's school even when she is not there and she is able to go with me. I do not mind doing it because it is fun and a little extra spending money...but I am not able to get ahead while she is gone. So lately...we have been crazy...<br />God is doing mighty things in our church right now...I recently started some ministry courses that I have to write papers and after I have completed I will get a certificate...I know..when do I have time? But I felt it was a must and I am learning a great deal. I love to study God's Word and ways to improve the ministries that I am heading up. I feel that God wants us to seek Him and do the best that we can do for Him! Many times that requires extra studying and PRAYER more than anything along with TIME IN HIS WORD!! How can I give to others if I have not received from the Father myself? The people I am leading can go no further than I am...So I have to constantly seek the Father...We are all called to share HIM. Are you seeking the Father and being all you can be for HIM? Are you setting the right example? Parents..your children are watching you...what kind of an example are you to them? They will do the things they see you doing. I encourage you...read the Word to your children daily....Model before them...do not do your QT after they have been to bed...let them see you pull out your Bible and read it...Let them join you for your prayer time...they can do it....AG does her devotions with me...and prayer time...sometimes our prayer time is 30 minutes ....sometimes I turn on a prayer CD to keep us focused as we're doing things. It is up to you..Parents to create the atmosphere for your children...they do not know unless you teach them. Teach them that JESUS is important in all situations. Used to when AG was sick...I would talk and try to figure it out and sometimes run for the medicine...but you know I started to feel convicted by that. I was not modeling faith to her...now when she complains...I ask what is wrong...why she thinks it is hurting...etc. then we pray...Didn't God heal people in the Bible? He can heal my child...THEN if we need medicine I go and get it...before I was teaching her to have faith in the medicine. I know crazy but true. Now she says PRAY MAMA...<br />Something I wanted to share...Parents..do not take for granted what your little can do now for God...Let me share some eye opening research to you on why it is important to teach and train your children (the church can only do so much..they are an extension of you and there to back up what you are doing at home...they should not hear it for the first time at church..but from you!)....<br /><br />By age 3: the child has already developed their own personality <br />By age 5: they have the brain of an adult, have learned 85% of what they will learn in their entire life, they have the foundation of their belief system established...everything is filtered through that beleif system! (WOW!)<br />By age 7: child is a miniture version of what they will be like as an adult<br />By age 9: His moral ANCHOR is in place, his fundamental perspective on truth, integrity, morality, justice, and ethics is formed <br />By age 10: many refine their views but with little change<br />By 12/13: this is who they are going to be...whatever he believes...he will die beleiving the same things<br />By 18: very little change<br />***Of course this is research and God can save and change...but why take the chance? Train your child now!! There is no time to wait. <br />We have had some battles with AG lately...but we are praying through them...it is not always easy BUT YOU ARE THE PARENT!!YOU ARE THE AUTHORITY JESUS GIFTED THESE CHIDLREN WITH...USE WHAT WAS GIVEN TO YOU! DON'T LET YOUR CHILDREN DOWN. YOU ARE LOVING THEM WHEN YOU MAKE THEM DO WHAT THEY ARE SUPPOSED TO DO! Lately we have had to change some thing because AG will not run this house, she will submit to authority...etc. in order to make these things happen...we have to not do some of the thing we want to do at this stage and work through it. It is getting better, but I would rather deal now at 2 rather than 16!! If she can not learn to listen to my voice and submit..how in the world will she be able to listen and obey the Father's Voice? <br />Not meaning to preach..but these things have been on my heart and mind lately and I wanted to share them! Love you all!!Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18257878915555975755noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8640588247309047453.post-23159692767423129102009-02-19T07:33:00.000-08:002009-02-19T07:39:06.955-08:00Excited!!Ok...it doesn't take a whole lot to make me excited. But...if you are a verizon customer...everybody probably already knew this but me...anyway...I got my bill via text and wondered why it was sooo much this time..I checked my account online and i had went over my minutes. When I checked; part of it was to Jason...he no longer has verizon...the firm pays for his phone....and my neighbor...she had a new baby the first of Jan. and I could not go over there due to my sickness...so when we would talk on her landline...I got charged for one conversation...$15.80. I was a little ripped up...On my account I did not know that I could put 5 nonverizon people's number on my account that I could talk unlimited to!!!! What...that is wonderful...so now when I talk to my neighbor...Jason....Amy...Beth...guess what I can talk however long and I am not charged. Now you have to be on the 900 min. Nationwide plan or more!!!! Just thought I would share...I was pretty pumped. I usually do not go over my minutes...but we do not have a landline...so everything I do is on my cell....which is great because we never used the landline. It was a total waste...but obviously last month I was pretty busy...I do have a lot of church calls to make and such....anyway give it try if you are verizon!Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18257878915555975755noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8640588247309047453.post-87125949507056789752009-01-24T17:37:00.000-08:002009-01-24T17:51:33.978-08:00JESUS.....You are in control!!!OK....some of you know and some of you don't...that I have been sick for 4 wks. I am not sure what is going on. I am fine...just wanting to feel better. I woke up the Sunday before Christmas with the normal cold...running nose, sneezing, sore throught, etc. Well, I was sick with all of that during that week. Then, I THOUGHT I was better...but not really. The congestion never really went away and I felt like I had no energy at all...so finally I go to the Dr. He gives me the Z Pack....that doesn't work so he gives me something else and it doesn't work. So back this past Tuesday I go...my cough is worse and worse and NO ENERGY! Well, he tells me the last time, which was 2 wks. earlier I had bronchitis (which they never told me) and suspected I could have had pneumonia...which they never told me...so here I am just a walking around thinking I have a common cold and I will be better quick. Well, I still have bronchitus and on more meds. (3 at the present time...so I am a little loopy!) They wanted chest x-rays and all was clear. So...I am not sure what the deal is...just that they want me to go to an allergist and I do not have allergies. My sister in law works with Drs. who do the test and she doesn't see that I have the symptoms nor do I!! But I am asking you to PRAY PRAY PRAY!!! I am just wanting to do the right thing. I feel good for a while and then all of sudden I feel like I cannot move and there is tightness in my chest. It is even a strain to talk and do things. But I have found out this is common for Bronchitus. The Dr. also mentioned mono...I am just not sure. I am praying for the guidance of the Holy Spirit and if there is anything I can do that I will know to do it!<br /><br />I also believe the Lord is trying to get me to prioritize my life better, say no, and to stop doing so much. So needless to say...AG and I have dropped several things off of our weekly to do list. I felt it was a must. I have had more time at home...thinking, praying, organizing and reorganizing our lives. I want to declutter (not just things in my house, but things in my life that consume my time that lead to nowhere!) I am on a journey and I had better make the most of it or I may never get to where God wants me. I have to pick and choose what I feel is important and leads to the destiny that God has marked for me and my family. Think about Moses and the children of Israel...they were detoured and Moses never made it to The Promised Land, but that was because of His own choices. God has the ultimate plan in place and I just have to obey each LITTLE step of the way if I am going to get there. In our Church Mission Statement...it says..."the journey is just as important as the destination we seek to reach!" That is soooo true. It is not just the end that has the rewards, but all the little choices I make in between!Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18257878915555975755noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8640588247309047453.post-22594560533890977992009-01-08T18:51:00.000-08:002009-01-08T19:12:06.438-08:00What is my House Built Upon?Today AG played hookie from school (taking after her mother and Ms. ARhonda) and J played hookie from work. He had actually planned to take the day off as well as tomorrow because he was not able to take the full two weeks he usually gets at Christmas. Soo...we decided to chase snow...<br />We drove and we found snow up past Asheville...the closer we got to the Tennessee line the thicker it got and the harder it fell to the ground....then all of a sudden it was just barely coming down and there were just patches on the ground. This was not cool after we had been in about 4 inches worth of snow. It was sooo much fun and AG just loved it...we stopped and let her play for a few minutes..but it did not last long since we have all been sick and I am still battling this old stuff. <br />I was thinking...we were sooo excited to get to the snow and it was GREAT...but it really did nothing for me. It had no eternal value...it was just amazing to see GOd's beautiful creation....I began to think about how often I chase after everything, but God for satisfaction.....<br />What is it that we daily RUN for because we cannot wait to see it, get it, buy it, talk to it, etc.? What is it that drives us? Is it things or people around us? What gets us all crazy and we will do silly things for it? For me, one thing that drives me is a GOOD DEAL...I love to buy something for nearly nothing...and I usually succeed. It really gets my adrenaline kicking...I must say that Amy did beat me out with a dirt cheap sportscoat for Todd and she called to brag!!! But....these things are well and good....but what happens when something crazy comes along? We cannot go running to that GOOD DEAL or CHASING SNOW to give us the hope that we need. We have to run to Jesus. How do we respond in uncertain times, when our faith is being shaken? Are we really running to Jesus or are we depending on others to pull us through?<br />I remember a few years ago...I came home from work on a Friday afternoon...I was not married and still living at home...no one was home, which was very strange with a 6 person house. Well, I was bored...I had made no plans and I thought I had to have something to do (there's always something to do with that many people in a house, I did not know what to do with myself)...well, I went through my entire cell phone contact list and called anyone I could to talk to....most everyone did not answer or could not talk long. I remember I was on and off within 15 minutes TOTAL! I finally realized that I was feeling the need to talk to someone...I was feeling lonely...but that was only God drawing me to Him. He longed to spend time with me and I was searching in all the wrong places. Where are we looking for that encouraging word, that laugh, that compliment? God is all we need! Why keep searching? <br />I encourage you....as Matthew 7:24 talks about..build your house upon the rock...the SOLID ROCK OF JESUS CHRIST and you will lack no more...you will not move when the storms come your way...you will remain strong. But if you build your house on the sand...you will crumble and fall. OH...just a thought...for me it is my expectations that get in the way. What I expect of myself and others..Do all you can today to build that solid foundation in your life and for you family!!! Instill that value into your children and know that they watch each and every move you make...even more than you realize!!Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18257878915555975755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8640588247309047453.post-19610003620406817582009-01-03T20:38:00.001-08:002009-01-03T20:51:10.425-08:00God Never Lets us Down...I was thinking tonight as I was cutting out the Shepherd's staffs and some characteristics of God for Children's Church in the morning...(a little behind with the holidays, so working last minute on a Sat. night, not so fun!)....<br /><br />I know in the last few weeks I have let sooo many people down. I am human and I cannot be all things to all people at all times. That is sooo hard because I am a fixer and a doer...I have so many people surrounding me who are facing many issues. I have to realize that I am not the source of everyone's strenght, guidance, healing, comfort, guide, etc. I am only a channel through which the Loving Father flows. It is He who decides the outcome and at which time that should take place. I have to accept that no matter how compelled I feel to help the outcome ...Anyway, as I was cutting out the Shepherd's staffs for in the morning (the children are going to paste things that God are to them....the idea was for them to come up with them but since there are a large number of younger children this was a better option.) I was reflecting all that God had been to me...He has been my Alpha and Omega, my Redeemer, my Savior, Healer, Protector, Guide, Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Prince of Peace, on and on and on..... I was amazed. <br />No matter what you may be facing at this current moment..reflect back and look at all the things the Lord has blessed you with and what all He has done for you...You are the apple of His eye...Just think..He loved us enough to lay down HIS LIFE for us...are we willing to lay down OUR LIVES for Him? Are we willing to give up some things to make more room for Him? To follow what God has called you to do? I know that in the upcoming year I need to lay aside some things so that I can focus more on what the Father has called me to!! I hope and pray that each one of us can look back this time a year from now and say that we are closer now that we were before...our relationship with the Most High has grown by leaps and bounds. The choice is ours...sometimes we wonder how in the world can God show us anything else..but it amazes me...He is forever revealing Himself to me and making our relationship fresh and new all over again and taking me to new heights and levels in which I did not even know was possible!! WOW! What a God!Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18257878915555975755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8640588247309047453.post-33366604956775442312008-11-11T06:01:00.000-08:002008-11-11T06:31:35.541-08:00What a Forgiving God...Wow...is all I can say about Sunday. We had a baptism service at 3PM at another church in the area since we are sort of in a make shift building at this point. We had 20 people to baptize and it was sooo amazing. I just knew Sunday was going to be awesome....from the my prayer time before church to getting to service. It was like it was just such a reverent repentent time....moved into a celebration time of who God is and what He has done for us. I was truely amazed at how God worked...When people were getting baptized...people were leaving that baptism pool a new creation..you could just see it. We had thorough teaching on Wednesday night about it and its significance to the believer. We had people who had been baptized who never really understood what they were doing...they were just doing because they knew it was something you do after giving your heart to Jesus. One girl gave her heart to Jesus last year and was baptized last year...but she said, "I did not know what I was doing..the church just said you need to be baptized...but this time I feel God working and I know that I will not be the same...it is almost as if God is plucking up those weeds of sin that have been there for so long." It was truely amazing. I was like I was being baptized all over again!! <br />Also..some of you know the couple that lives next door to Jason and I...well, they were not Christians and we had tried to share with them for so long...then at the first of this year they started to look at houses to buy..Jason and i was heart broken...like maybe we didn't do enough. Well, nothing seemed to work out for them to buy a house...shortly after that they started coming to church...and soon gave their hearts to the Lord...they are very active and they were both baptized Sunday as well...and you know I was balling the entire time they were being baptized. Ashley admitted to me that they just came because they figured we would leave them alone if they came and then the Lord grabbed their hearts. Isn't it amazing how God works.Most of their family was there to see Ashley and Travis get baptized..and most of them need Jesus also..so we are praying for them as well. Ashley is also pregnant and due around Jan. 6th. She is starting to have some problems so pray for her and the baby. Her little boy is the one AG plays with all the time. <br />I got baptized at the age of 7 or 8 after asking Jesus into my heart at 6 years old. I can remember sitting by the bed in my house with my Dad and brother, Corey. We ask Jesus to come into our hearts. Corey got baptized before I did because I was scared to go under the water. Funny..huh. Well, the next time it came around..I went ahead because I knew I needed to and Corey had done it...well, I knew what I was doing, but I did not understand the significance of what I was doing. I was just being dunked in water...I was more worried about choking in the water...then my dress was causing problems and I was worried people would see under my dress. Too many worries to get what I was doing. Well, about 4 years ago..Mom and I both got rebaptized because she was baptized as a young child. When we were...I cannot begin to describe to you the difference I felt. It was such a memorable moment in my life...I understood and had prepared my heart...to die to those things inside of me as I was under the water and prepared to come up a new creation...not just transformed..God makes us new..He doesn't rebuild...we are NEW!! How awesome is that!! <br />Although I was saved at 6 years old...it was a process...I would read my Bible off and on...with my Dad being a preacher and all He would ask us questions to see what God was teaching us...well, I would read just enough to be able to tell him something. I knew I needed to be reading it...but did not make it a priority. I even knew then that I was called to Ministry. I felt that calling so deeply. But I had a long way to go. Well, when I went to college...Rhonda and I went on the journey team retreat...this was at the beginning of our freshmen year...so many people were passionate about God and would read their Bible's and write in their journals about what God was teaching them. They were always sharing with us what God was doing. After that weekend...Rhonda and I would sit on our beds across from each other in New Dorm and do our quite time. I can still remember...that is when God really began to transform me and mold me into more of what He wanted instead of what Amanda was trying to build. It was just a steady growth from there. I can truely say that AU and all the teaching and training along with the friendships helped to transform my live. I guess I really do have to give Eric Pratt credit...all those time he would challenge us and make us do things we really didn't want to do...I understand now why he did those things. I am forever grateful. (EVEN FOR THE PAPERS I HAD TO STAY UP ALL NIGHT DOING SENIOR YEAR!! HAHA!!...still not sure if i actually learned anything from all that though!!)<br />I challenge you...claim victory in your life today over those things that hold you back from being all that you can be in Christ. What is getting in your way of giving it all to HIM!!Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18257878915555975755noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8640588247309047453.post-65671299884086018522008-11-05T18:40:00.001-08:002008-11-05T18:57:15.124-08:00God...and SingingWell...I have been amazed by God's grace and goodness lately!! I bought this box of prayer cards about 4 years ago...and surprise surprise have not used them a whole lot!! Well...in the last week I have started using these prayer cards in my prayer time and ladies they are rocking my world!! They are divided into catergories..about 30 or so for each..for example stronghold, unbelief, overcoming idlotry...and many many more. Well, honestly when I picked them up..I was desperate for a new twist on things and I thought I don't really deal some of these issues but I will pray them anyway...It is a scripture in the form of a prayer...I pray one catergory a day. I have seen more change in my life in these last few days. It is like I just feel so much more peace. I believe that the enemy wants us to belief that hey we are good like we are...we spend time with God..we do the right things..but we still have some issues in our lives that we did not even realize was there. Also...each and everyday I have been able to share one or more of the scriptures with someone I come in contact with. AG is with me and she is saying, "what you doing?" So she repeats some of them as well. I am determined that she is going to be a prayer warrior!! I encourage you ladies...the scriptures are powerful...pray them and allow God to break some of the stronghold that hold us from our "Promised Land." What is it that is holding us back from that place of rest? <br />A side note...tonight as I was teaching the children...you know me...no boundaries..just whatever..the kids think I am crazy..I will do anything for them to capture the meaning of the lesson...and really connect with God. Well, tonight Paige was not able to be with me as she normally is...Jason had to help me as I had a full full class. Well, when I decide to bust into song...Paige is there to bail me out and help me keep a tune. Well...don't worry not tonight. Jason is as bad if not worse than I am. He will not take offense, we often sing a little duet in the car and just laugh at the damage. I figure that God didn't bless me with the singing..just the dance moves!! HAHA!! Anyway...as I busted into song tonight I had to cut it short..I had no one to bail me out and it was BAD!!!!! HAHAHA!!! I was cracking up and could not hardly sing. The kids were loving it though!!! I just knew you all would get a kick out of my not so good singing self!! Rhonda..remember when Christi had us singing "real good" in her car that night..we were singing harmony!! HAHA! I also sing very loud during praise and worship at church...I have told people that are around me...I can't sing...but I just love Jesus!!! HAHA! I know they are secretly laughing on the inside!Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18257878915555975755noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8640588247309047453.post-53762921147438864012008-11-04T18:21:00.000-08:002008-11-04T18:33:46.056-08:00Hair Cut & VotingThe place that I get AG's haircut is just wonderful. She could not wait to go in when we pulled up. I did not really want to get it cut...BUT...I do have sad news.....some of her curl is leaving us. It is pretty straight and curls around the bottom. People ask me do I use a curling iron and no I do not. I am hoping that some of it stays, but I am not sure that it will. OH WELL. It is still pretty. When we got it trimmed today...some of the curl did bounce back. Her hair is growing sooo fast...hey but she is too. Lately...she has wanted to wear two tails...for two pigtails. Every once in a while we go through this to where everyday she wants tails and then she wants straight hair as she calls it. Too much fun!! <br />Today when I went to vote..of course we waited for an hour and a half. We were packed with our gear(juice, snack, baby doll, and books) and ready to wait a while...AG did sooo well. People could not beleive it. She was weary by the time we got to the voting booth...she wanted to see....what's that she kept saying...I would not pick her up because I knew she would be touching the screen and I could not vote...Well, she starts to shake the voting booth and has it rocking. Luckily, I knew exactly my votes and had read the ammendments and was just ready to press the screen in all the right places. I was sooo glad to be able to call it done and leave. She is really sooo good..but I tend to forget that at the trying moments. One of her new smart mouth remarks is....when we are not at home and she knows I forgot the spanking spoon and I threaten to spank...she says spankin spoon at home....I have to remind her that God blessed me with a hand that does just the same job. I do not like to use my hand...but in extreme circumstances...it just has to be done. <br />Just to let everyone know....Haywood mall has their $5.00 Christian bookstore right now until January...Oh how I love that place...It is right outside of Sears. I found lots and lots of books the other day that were great. I got ladies Bible study books for $3.00. That was great!! Amy..you need to make a trip...you would go crazy in there...I just know.Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18257878915555975755noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8640588247309047453.post-37077088981999156192008-11-01T17:41:00.000-07:002008-11-01T17:59:34.503-07:00AG's New Prayer....Hello Everyone....I have not blogged much lately. I have been repremanded, so here goes!!<br /> AG is such a prayer warrior...she is one awesome child...we were eating last night and she touched my head and said heal..Jesus Name...then she hugged me and said love you. It was sooo precious. This was just as my mom had done Sunday as she was praying for some ladies at church..she didn't say heal...but she prayed and then hugged them. It is amazing at what children pick up on!! Now as she prays over her meal....this is her new prayer...Lord, "EW MOTHER", AMAAAAN! I will not explain the "EW MOTHER" part, but I do not think that it needs to be!! HAHA! Then, the AMAAAN is so country. I love it. <br />When I am on the phone with people and I get off...she says, whoas aaat? For who was that? Country once again! She is forever asking me who people are...most of whom I do not know and What is that? She is very curious and asked lots and lots of questions. But...it is so much fun to talk to her. She can finally carry on a conversation with me. <br />Thursday...she had her school party and she was a bumble bee...I must say she was very very cute....and I have pictures of course (I am once again having some technical problems with the camera...I think). Anyway...yesturday J was able to get off of work and we rode to the mountains....it was lots of fun. We got homemade fudge and it is very very good. We are still eating on it...it was huge and very rich. It cost $7.00. A little much on price, but worth it! Then, we took a horse and buggy ride, which AG just loved...then, we found the playground, which was the highlight of the day...we had the best time!! This was a huge playground and my child was way brave...which is new for her. She thinks she is grown up even more since starting school. J and I even had fun sliding and acting like kids. AG climbed the rock wall...high for a 2 year old...she made it to the top...with us under her and holding...she kept going down the HUGE slide like nothing. BUT...she will not swing for anything...she doesn't like them anymore and cries. Doesn't make much sense to me, but whatever. <br />J was much impressed with my playground skills...I told him how we would go to the playground in college....and I was close to getting locked up due to code 42684...but managed to slip by the officers!! HA! They even had an undated seasaw...that was my favorite in elementary school...I would seasaw the entire play time if I could!! <br />I have some really cool pictures of this as well...but my camera is being hard to deal with. I should have taken the advise of Amy and gotten the other brand camera. I will know next time, it was just a really good sale!! You know me and sales! <br />Anyway...lots of fun. We were on the road last night, but she did get to dress up for school and got a whole grocery bag full of candy...what 2 year old needs all that? J bagged it and gave it away...it was too tempting to sit and just eat. He is a chocoaholic!! This is the most current and I will try to do better at keeping up!!Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18257878915555975755noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8640588247309047453.post-58950680904317460972008-10-04T17:51:00.001-07:002008-10-04T17:59:24.835-07:002 Year Old Pictures<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjncZ9fQSAPZLUiY6ZtysvEpvpSKE8IX1bJ-Meth8DY2qPhjtg5klnzRaFEK2a6_-A8cSnOik9jobxh8vyYfwVDWDsCyCl5PjEyytQYn4AJYmjZcZe2FKkfGt0tV5KMq2DJMbHpXcVUleEb/s1600-h/0005.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjncZ9fQSAPZLUiY6ZtysvEpvpSKE8IX1bJ-Meth8DY2qPhjtg5klnzRaFEK2a6_-A8cSnOik9jobxh8vyYfwVDWDsCyCl5PjEyytQYn4AJYmjZcZe2FKkfGt0tV5KMq2DJMbHpXcVUleEb/s320/0005.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253466928070878130" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj7ABa7Mnxf16eMK0bCETP7kS7KHQIgn2OMSdG4hL6jJlKu5rcoiH1ayakt79G0-Pqhq661_vsNLtYBTtqVi8yL_joizh2SvMkMO0WKpjacn4RVh8uvX-MJUVuQJ3xxc7ma6AiXWOTzapO/s1600-h/0019.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj7ABa7Mnxf16eMK0bCETP7kS7KHQIgn2OMSdG4hL6jJlKu5rcoiH1ayakt79G0-Pqhq661_vsNLtYBTtqVi8yL_joizh2SvMkMO0WKpjacn4RVh8uvX-MJUVuQJ3xxc7ma6AiXWOTzapO/s320/0019.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253466927747404754" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVQn-T_unKk3JoUdSGMn6riS1nxuEKmd5gLoobElBAlIOEGrl_7xtTiZKeHpe6HeXQko4GcDSajcICRSSGD1Zygf1lORZh6p-ifQD3FHXPbRdagIpB0cUR0cEoFZJ5qyKu2GTJcGCxbvHn/s1600-h/0042.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVQn-T_unKk3JoUdSGMn6riS1nxuEKmd5gLoobElBAlIOEGrl_7xtTiZKeHpe6HeXQko4GcDSajcICRSSGD1Zygf1lORZh6p-ifQD3FHXPbRdagIpB0cUR0cEoFZJ5qyKu2GTJcGCxbvHn/s320/0042.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253466933900910706" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic0OspeZ5Q29Btja0i0FaYxQKalv7xb7sGZxtFkpWfmaYuLliH1GnOPD8dQE1Ma2EDa-fh60ZBNBSyfbrEHNyj7JIzuEhmdPn8P8nKCWxMDadFBPjJEwABAgwoJrUAnvLD8nYfsSW85bRx/s1600-h/0003.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic0OspeZ5Q29Btja0i0FaYxQKalv7xb7sGZxtFkpWfmaYuLliH1GnOPD8dQE1Ma2EDa-fh60ZBNBSyfbrEHNyj7JIzuEhmdPn8P8nKCWxMDadFBPjJEwABAgwoJrUAnvLD8nYfsSW85bRx/s320/0003.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253466933420881298" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRBVNDLfFaQ4270d5w3URYOCVAr5qIf4bDTDpMdRUWlsdxUuLxibgCFD0qftCDpWZB1009BgWBQvcOMZAc7WExt-C3CEHgPeILQh0ESvkWAy4E8eHNhIogG9swDf9kLqlNitUOGQBijWQB/s1600-h/0030.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRBVNDLfFaQ4270d5w3URYOCVAr5qIf4bDTDpMdRUWlsdxUuLxibgCFD0qftCDpWZB1009BgWBQvcOMZAc7WExt-C3CEHgPeILQh0ESvkWAy4E8eHNhIogG9swDf9kLqlNitUOGQBijWQB/s320/0030.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253466931329344626" /></a><br /><br />We had AG's 2 year old pictures made yesturday...just a month behind...we have been a little behind with school starting, etc. Anyway...it was quite a dramatic event! We did get pictures..but she was not in the best of moods to start with..they normally take around 100 pictures...they only did 42. We were just thankful that she decided to smile...we could not keep her hands out of her mouth (this is new when she is uncertain or nervous) or she kept sucking her thumb. So...I am glad that these are done with..I was really close to just saying we will come back...it took at least 10 or 15 minutes just to get one picture. I am not exactly sure what the deal was yesturday. I am starting to wonder if she is cutting her 2 year molars. We have been a bit whinier than usual..runny nose and some bad diapers this week. I guess we shall see.Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18257878915555975755noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8640588247309047453.post-61280516845251227502008-10-02T17:20:00.000-07:002008-10-02T17:38:41.994-07:00Shoes....Today I had to make a return visit to the chiropractor after last weeks craziness. AG and I went after she got out of school so I decided we would run a few errands...I had to run in Rack Room for only a moment...I was wanting a pair of shoes I had seen..but they did not have my size in Anderson...I only go to Greenwood when I go to the chiropractor and could you imagine Jason trying to figure out which shoes they were??? Anyway, when we go in AG says..."my shoes" so we go to her shoes to "LOOK." I decide, hey while we are here I will measure her foot to just see what size it measures...so I take off one shoe...I am just looking and I turn around and my child has on her 1 tennis shoe and 1 patten leather (however that is spelled) red shoe. You have to understand....my child is girly girl all the way...but we also have a church that does not dress up...come as you are...I mean come on Mommy wears camo and black most Sundays for the dance team....So...then she sees...the black one just like the red and has to try both on...by this time I am just watching and laughing to myself. I just let her have fun...she is shopping like she sees mommy shopping. Well...the problem is she wanted the shoes and she has no need for those shoes....she already has her Sunday shoes for the winter. So....to the clearance rack I go...hoping just hoping I can find some cheap play shoes....we did this earlier in the summer and I got her some dress up shoes for $3.00. Anyway...I do find a white pair for $4.00 but she is unwilling to give up the black pair. Mind you she has on striped sweatpants (pink..brown...etc.) so she is comfy with her patten leather shoes on. So...she is about to have a melt down and I am having to think really quick on how to handle this. I am more than willing to buy the $4 pair for dress up...but not the $24.99 pair that she will not get to wear much at all. It is not practical with the way her foot grows. So...we make a deal and the young college aged guy has been watching this whole deal and is just smiling at her. So....he brings a sucker as I am about to make a deal with her....and it saves the day...all it took was a sucker and a promise that she could wear the shoes anytime she wanted to around the house and to walk Sally (the dog). So...out we head with her new shoes on and one happy child. We had to go to Wal Mart for groceries and we had many admirers of her shoes as she sits with them so that she can admire them and show them off. Then..on the way home...she started saying Ma's House...so we had to go by Ma's to show off the new shoes. She was singing and dancing...she was pulling out some moves I did not know she was capable of doing. I was much impressed...she really has rhythm and can really bust a move ( I think it was the shoes). I am proud of her, if I have to say so myself. It is times like this that I will look back and remember how funny and how much fun it was to watch her grow into the young lady that God made her to be. <br />Also....I know that she is going to be prayer warrior...her newest prayer now is LORD...with a little inflation of the voice...peace and joy...and Torey (Uncle Corey) gets more prayer than anyone!! Our house will have more peace and joy than anyone I know if she keeps this up!! Bring it on Lord! Also, tonight at dinner...her PURSE got prayer!!! How much fun!!Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18257878915555975755noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8640588247309047453.post-1202292798395890272008-09-25T12:06:00.000-07:002008-09-25T12:17:03.647-07:00Two Boys...Ok everyone....I am in need of some prayer!!! My little precious girl is best friends with "2 boys" as she likes to call them. I am not sure we are ready for this venture!!! HAHA!! All she tells me about school is "2 boys" and what they do. The teacher tells me that she absolutely loves a little boy named Jordan and I know the other boy is Bryson...her best friend from next door!!! Isn't this a little early? Today we were talking in the car and I was trying to keep her awake so she would take a good nap at home...well...I was singing and acting crazy...I was telling her that Jesus loves her...I said, "Grace, who loves you? She said "2 boys!" What? She was supposed to say Jesus!!! Anyway, I ask her what they talk about and she says "Comon, boys!" I ask her who was in charge and she said Grace in charge!!! Oh my...we may have a bossy one on our hands. Then, she keeps talking about a little girl Lannie in her class. She is starting to act really silly at school. I guess I should not be too surprised...I always seemed to have more guy friends anyway...I was surrounded by boys with my 3 brothers. I do believe that is why she is friends with the boys in her class more...with my brothers and the people who hangout around here...mostly boys...she is just used to it. One of our friend's Thomas...she just loves him to death. I wish you could hear her say his name...it is sooo cute. Anyway, I just wanted to share the cute story with you. I am so blessed to have such a wonderful little girl and husband!! <br /><br />By the way, I went back to the chiropractor today and all is well....I am walking normal now and very little to no pain. I am still being extremely careful. I was getting worried on Mon. I had never felt pain like that...exept AG and hernia surgery. That pain was expected...but to hurt yourself and not know what what could come of it gets a little scary!! So..thanks for the prayers. After Jonathan's emergency back surgery last year...I am very careful with my back. So...thanks and everyone have a great...wonderful..blessed day!!!Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18257878915555975755noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8640588247309047453.post-51546024442071244892008-09-23T17:03:00.000-07:002008-09-23T17:09:23.876-07:00Praise ReportThank you everyone for your prayers!!! I am feeling much better...walking much better but still hurting. When I went today it was better just really swollen and inflamed. He said it may take a few days but I should be good as new soon!!! YAH!!! <br /><br />Also...AG got put in time out for the first time at school...I know this is crazy, but I am sort of glad...that means she is getting used to the environment. She did not cry at all when I left her today. YIPEE!! Her and Bryson (the little boy from next door) would not listen and kept going into the closet after the teacher told them not to...they were of course laughing the entire time like it was a game. Since they would not listen she had to put them in timeout. It is funny to hear her talk about it...AG's version, "sit chairs...me and brys...out...closet!!!" The teacher says she laughs all the time...surprise surprise...is this really my child??? I never laugh!!! HAHA!Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18257878915555975755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8640588247309047453.post-74046958054949587942008-09-22T16:52:00.000-07:002008-09-22T17:07:25.674-07:00Prayer Please....I really need you guys to pray....I can barely walk due to my lower lower back/tail bone area hurting. I went to our chiropractor today...who by the way is just wonderful...a great friend of ours...he did x-rays and I have not broken anything (Praise the Lord!)..just bruised and inflamed..a disc is hitting an inflamed nerve...and my hip is out of line...sooo...I can't bend very well...pick up AG...hardly anything that puts pressure on it...he told me to rest..(haha that's funny with a 2 year old) and ice frequently and have to return tomorrow for more treatment..When sitting I am having to sit on AG's boppy..and try to find a place that I can tolerate the pain..AG has been a great help and listened great for the short amount of time that we have been alone..She is concerned as to why mommy is acting so strange and I have had to tell her that I am sick...she understands that somewhat..she was feeding me ealier today..and saying More? K. and feed me....So...pray that the pain would subside and that it would go away quickly!!! I know that God has a sense of humor and sometimes has to get our attention in crazy ways to get us to slow down...and quit over committing..maybe this is one of those things...who knows??? Just praise God that I am breathing and the Lord has blessed me beyond measure!!!<br />Also...AG had her 2 year old check-up today and Mom so graciously helped me...it took me forever to get to the 3rd floor of the Anmed Center...(I felt like I did after having AG and after hernia surgery...the walk is very funny! I got funny looks too!! HAHAHA!) Anyway...she is doing great...she will not have to go back until 3!!! She weighed 23 lbs. and 33 inches tall. She gained 3 lbs. since March (1 and half check up.) She said they like for them to gain about 4 a year and she had done that...but all in the last 6 months..yah...my child is finally growing!!! She is in the 25% for height and 15% for weight. Dr. Draisen said a lot of people may say "oh, she is small for 2," but she is ok..she is progressing nicely..she may be on the petite side.I never knew my mother-in-law due to her dying in a plane crash about 13 years ago...I have been told AG is built sort of like her....I wish I would have known her..It would be nice to have the Jason baby stories...and the little details Mom's remember. <br />Have a tremendous day everyone!!!Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18257878915555975755noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8640588247309047453.post-37152650900199925192008-09-20T17:59:00.000-07:002008-09-20T18:26:51.670-07:00The Zone....As most of you know....our church opened up a non-profit youth center last year called "The Zone" where youth in the area can come for free and play games...ping pong...pool...fooseball...air hocky...play station all for free. Our church staffs The Zone through volunteer help and we also give away free food. It cost the kids nothing to come in,which some people can not even understand or believe. Well...it was so amazing...I had really wanted to do something like this for a long time....when I served through the NAMB in Kansas...my primary job was to run a youth center in the similar way...help get grants...etc. But I thought to myself how in the world will this ever be able to work...no money...etc. <br />Anyway....it is a building in downtown HP and we painted it cool colors...the youth love it...yellow...black and orange...(Under Construction is the theme...it is an underlying name...We pray that each child that comes through the doors would be changed by God Himself...If they do not know Him....want to know Him.) We do not try to push the kids to come to church...we build relationships and become their friends so to speak...well....don't worry I know all about the girlfriends and boyfriends...what cool and what's not...I am some of their best buds...they can't wait to tell me what's the latest scoop..<br />My point is how God has sooooo graciously supplied all of our needs...when we purchased the building the vision that I felt like God had given me was way out and how would it come together...Dad wanted to make it nice..but I was about to tear a building upside down...(He did not know that). He paid for people to come and paint the colors...Yellow on top, black slim middle stripe and big orange to the bottom...well, I was about to have murals and scripture all over the walls.... splatter paint everywhere...Well..thanks to youth and many volunteers the vision was brought forth....we spent very little money getting this take place due to me getting sponsors....Then, I had been wanting authentic road signs...someone came by and gave us all the road signs we needed...the DMV was about to throw them out..they were old ones and he got them....we wanted old ones...we are under construction you know?<br />Last night...we had our big kickoff event with Ron Scarborough...he does the scoreboard with WRIX on Fri. nights...he came last year and did again this year to host live at "THE ZONE"...well, it cost us a lot to have him because it is also a 5th Quarter...we give free pizzas and drinks...last year we got 15 of the 30 pizzas donated...but this year ALL 30 PIZZAS PLUS PLATES AND NAPKINS came from Papa Johns....I thank God for their generous donation...we gave to kids last night who can't afford to go and do things like we can...well...that is not the end...we came out with around $1100.00 extra last night since drinks were donated and cups after donations and paying Ron. This will last us through the end of school...but we still have a few more businesses to talk with. How amazing is God!!!! I am so excited and I pray that God would just bring in the kids who really need Him and we can be that place....we are currently open on Thursdays...3:30-5 and Fri. nights. Oh...we had more than 100 kids come through last night...that is alot for HP...the town only has about 200...haha!! On Thursdays..we are averaging about 35-40. Anyway...please add this to your prayer list..I have been meeting with the schools and trying to work with them...and trying to figure out what times work best for us to be open and have enough staff to carry it forth. Pray that I would have wisdom..we are trying lots of new things this year...since we have 1 year down..we can branch out and do more. Thank you JESUS!!!<br />Also...a place called Extreme Refuge is open across the street...it is a good friend of ours..they sell skateboarding and paintball equipment..He also does a Bible Study with the kids on Tues. nights..we are trying to work together as a town to provide a place for our young people...Pray for them as well...that God would provide and that lives would be changed.Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18257878915555975755noreply@blogger.com1