Something Heavenly

Lessons Learned in Unexpected Ways

2011-09-27T00:20:00.004-05:00

I want to try to make this as brief as I can, but HAD to share something that just came to my heart.

This afternoon, Ben and I (and his dog Trigger), headed to the farm to do a little greenfield planting. As usual, Ben was walking around spreading seed, I'm on the Polaris "Dragging" behind him (in order to cover up the seed he just spread out) and of course Trigger is being his usual self, running around, playing in what little water we have in the pond and getting in our way (like he typically likes to do). At one point, Ben was picking up these large rocks and throwing them in the woods to get them off the greenfield. He said, "Can you believe Trigger is actually fetching these huge rocks I'm throwing??". So Ben throws one big rock into woods and yells at Trigger "NO!", yet Trigger proceeds to run in after to "fetch" the rock, but what Trigger didn't realize is that Ben was just about to throw another BIG rock. Right when Ben let the big rock leave his hands, he KNEW what was about to happen. I screeched as I watched it unfold in slow motion. I knew he had hit Trigger, but just wasn't sure where (on complete accident of course). So Trigger kinda limps/walks weird out of the woods and Ben is looking at him, checking him out to see for any broken bones or lacerations from the rock. He doesn't notice anything right away, but notices that Trigger is just not acting right. Almost as if he was having a mini-seizure (which he's had before). After a little time of slowly allowing Trigger to try and walk, we finally got him on his feet (still not acting like himself though). His muscles seemed really weak and shaky. He finally started wagging his tail which is always a good sign. We are still keeping an eye on him of course, but will watch him closely. Hopefully he was just "knocked silly" and has come out of it or maybe the impact of the huge rock hitting him, threw him into somewhat of a seizure. I know I sure wouldn't have been totally "with it" if I had been hit with one either. What you don't know is that Ben's other black lab, Dixie who is 11 years old is at the vet clinic having surgery by Dr. Colley to remove what he think is skin cancer. So that's all we need is for something to be wrong with both our "babies".

I realized something through all of this and it's funny that I had this "epiphany" (if you will) while watching Trigger lay there unsteady......I realized that SO many times in life God tells us "NO" or to "WAIT" for something or someone. Lots of time we choose to be a "Trigger" and run straight toward what looks SO good (the glamorous stuff), but God quickly tells us "No, my child" and yet we go in that direction anyway. We go after that which we think will make us happy, even just for a little while, but CLEARLY what happens, is that we end up getting HURT. Just like Trigger did by that rock. Some of us make decisions or go thru things and we are never the same--whether it be physically, emotionally, mentally changed.

I learned what I believe to be a valuable lesson just from watching our dog get hurt for a stupid reason. Did he REALLY NEED that big rock? Most of us would ask, why in the WORLD would he go after something like that? But people on the outside looking in are able to do that. They can see the things that we can't because we become blinded. We become blinded to what is best for us rather than being able to SEE what is the right thing. I've been learning that I need to be "still" more before Jesus. He wants me to be STILL, then maybe I can hear his whispers and even shouts. I have no idea what my future holds, but as they say, I know who holds the future. I'm SO ready to know what God has in store for my life as a wife, in my job area, kids etc.

So maybe that's something you can pray for today. Maybe pray that when God tells you "NO" or "WAIT" (and He will, trust me)...then do just that--TRUST HIM!! I'm having to learn this the hard way just like Trigger did. Heck, maybe it does take Him knocking us upside the head in order to get our attention. Next time you feel that little nudge which may quickly become a rock knocking you upside the head, remember God is halting you for a reason---SO THAT YOU DO NOT GET HURT!!!

I'm preaching to myself when I say this, and I only say it out of love. So next time, just listen...He is always there waiting to give you an answer, just may not be exactly what we want to hear at the time. But years down the road, you'll realize WHY He gave the answer He did, and it will finally make sense, when before, it seemed so unclear....

A New Hobby=Obsession

2011-08-16T23:56:00.010-05:00

I realize it's again, been a pretty good while since I have blogged. I am on call for work tonight, so naturally, I can't sleep and it's late at night. I figured I would try to catch up on what's been going on with the Adams family.

I started hunting last season and quickly discovered that I loved it. I killed a deer on my first time ever going hunting (with Ben) and I was hooked.

November 26, 2010

There is no other feeling like "buck fever". That's the rush and nervousness you get when you see a deer then make the decision to shoot it. Your adrenaline is pumping, your heart's racing and you are shaking all over. Then, after you shoot it and realize it was successful, you can still hear your heart beating in side your chest and your hands are still shaking. I remember after killing my 2nd deer (a 7 pt), I was wanting to text people cause I was so excited and could hardly do it because my hands were shaking so bad. It's such a great feeling and the closer it gets to hunting season, the more I crave it.

December 26, 2010

So, that leads me up to my newest hobby/obsession...archery. I NEVER in my wildest dreams would have ever thought I would like hunting much less, hunting with a bow. A couple of weeks ago, I told Ben that I wanted to learn to shoot a bow. It was not his idea, but mine. My friend, Andrea has bow hunted for a couple of years, so I borrowed hers just to see if I even liked it. The thing about shooting a bow that most people don't realize is that it's A LOT harder than it looks. Andrea's bow was set at 42 pounds (the weight that you pull back). So, naturally, I could NOT pull that back without Ben's help. Pulling back a bow requires muscles in your shoulders and back that you don't normally use. After a couple of days of Ben helping me pull the bow back, we finally went up to Sportsman's Outpost to get the pounds lowered. I still couldn't pull it back. After much debate and talking, I decided that instead of using some extra money I had to purchase a rifle, I bought a bow instead. I haven't regretted it since. I can always borrow a rifle, but a bow is made to fit the individual based on their draw length and such. So in order to learn the proper way, I needed a bow that fit me perfectly. Let me just go ahead and say--I'm IN LOVE with my bow.
Of course my bow wouldn't be complete without pink accessories :). I have liked it so much that I've developed tendonitis in my left shoulder from over doing it! I would either shoot or pull back my bow SEVERAL times a day for the past 2 weeks. I've increased the weight I pull back and feel at this point, it's a personal challenge. I am hoping to get up to legal weight for this season to be able to attempt to kill a deer with my bow.

I'm getting better at getting my arrows closer together :)

I'm not able to shoot for a little while until my shoulder heals a little better. But trust me, I'm itching to get back to it! I have gotten in touch with several women hunters on facebook and have become friends with Leigh Creekbaum who has a hunting show with her husband, Travis called The Chase with Leigh and Travis. They live in Birmingham, Alabama. I had the privilege of meeting Leigh in person for lunch the other day. She is SUCH a sweet, down to earth person and I wish I could see her all the time because I could've talked to her forever that day. She's been such an encourager through me learning to shoot a bow :)

This past Friday, Ben and I went to a marriage seminar at our church called "Love Worth Fighting For" by Kirk Cameron. It was such a great conference and was so neat to hear someone famous in Hollywood give such a testimony to God's faith in marriage. I also got a cute, but cheesy t-shirt while I was there :)

Oh, and check out this huge rattle snake that Ben killed right near our house! I can't believe I actually held the darn thing, but I told Ben I would hold it with gloves on.

I will end on this note....even the Bible tells us to hunt :)

"Now then, get your quiver and bow and go out to the open country and hunt some wild game..."

--Genesis 27:3

Our Fairytale

2011-05-31T07:23:00.020-05:00

I finally got the pictures of the wedding back from Marie and I must say that I was blown away! She captured the day PERFECTLY! She provided me with so many images that I will cherish for the rest of my life! There is no way I can post them all, but wanted to share some of the pictures from the day to highlight a few things. Bear with me, this will be quite a lengthy post. Our wedding day was SO much fun (understatement) and it was literally a dream come true. Not only did I get to marry the man of my dreams and the one that God had for me, but I also got a perfect wedding. I have to admit, that along with all the fun of planning the wedding, came the stress as well. EXTREME STRESS!! I agonized for months over money, budget for the wedding, details, etc and I can truly say that it was all worth it that day. I have a dear friend who is planning her wedding as we speak and she asked me one day, "Amy, was it really all worth it?" and I said without a doubt "YES".

After the rehearsal dinner, I came home (to my parents house) and immediately got ready for the next day and then jumped into bed. Of course I had trouble sleeping, so then I got on the ever faithful Facebook and posted pictures from the rehearsal dinner. I finally got sleepy and went to sleep. Then, woke up at 3:30 am and COULD NOT for the life of me go back to sleep! Wedding day butterflies! So I went ahead and got up early and got all my stuff together for the day. I ended up being able to head out to Oakbowery Plantation early. Courtney (owner & Coordinator) thought I was crazy, but I actually enjoyed going out there so early. It was the perfect morning--sunny, cool and calm. I unloaded some props/decorations that I had prepared for the reception ahead of time. I took all of my stuff upstairs and got settled. I realized by that time, it was only 9:30 am. So I took off to town and got some breakfast. I came back, plopped on the bed, ate and listened to music. It was SO relaxing and peaceful. Kristen came a little early, she read me a devotion & prayed over me. It was exactly what I needed to start the day. Then it started--Nicki came to start doing my hair, all the other girls arrived and it quickly went from quiet to lots of chatter. But I LOVED it! We all spread out through the bedrooms upstairs and just had great girl time.

Having girl talk and munching on chicken salad
ALL Laughs while getting ready
Mimosas for everyone!

Then the girls helped me get into my dress....seriously, how many bridesmaids does it take to put on a dress? Definitely had lots of laughs!

My special day hoodie :)
Getting my boots on

Natalie helping me get my garters on. Notice one is camo :)

Marie snapped a few pictures of me then I got to go and see my groom for the first time that day. This was such a fun moment. I absolutely loved seeing him so excited. Definitely a big highlight for the day

On the balcony (Ben was right below me!)

On the way down the stairs to see him!

There he is!

Showing him my dress

Yay!

Then Marie took us around and got different pictures of just us. Then of course, we did bridesmaids/groomsmen pictures, family pictures....the whole 9 yds...

This is the only remotely smile picture we got of Bennett that day :)

The ceremony: After spending the morning getting ready and taking pictures at the plantation, we rode over to the church to get some pictures before the ceremony.

The group
Taylor McCall provided all the music before the ceremony and during the ceremony. He is the worship leader at Clearwater Community Church. He is simply amazing! The music was the perfect style for our ceremony.
My girls are so awesome. They prayed over me right before the ceremony...
Making the famous walk down the "tunnel" :)

Ok..I lied...THIS is the best picture we got of the kiddos that day :) While we were back in the "bride's room" at the church waiting, they had the BEST time playing with each other and laughing.
Watching my ceremony and getting teary eyed!
Getting REALLY nervous!
Here Comes the Bride!
Mr. & Mrs. Benjamin Cofield Adams!

Married and HAPPY!!

Marie, Ben and I rushed out of the ceremony to head over to the plantation to get a few pictures before guests started arriving. After the guests served their food and were seated, Route 66 announced the entire bridal party, then Ben and I had our first dance..

The plantation was the most absolute, PERFECT place for our reception. LOVED every little detail!
The food was provided by Judy Sellers with A Little Taste of Home and it was DELISH!
Introducing Mr. & Mrs. Ben Adams!

My brother and I surprised everyone with a "fun" dance
Cotton-eyed Joe
Superman!

The surprise dance with my brother was so much fun and everyone loved it. Everyone kept asking "how much did you have to pay your brother to do that dance with you?" But I think he had just as much fun as I did. Of course, we had to do the usual cake cutting and then was able to enjoy the band a little before heading off..

Cuttin' a rug on the dance floor
Group picture!
SO beautiful!

We had corn thrown on us, very fitting for Ben and I. We had little corn cones that said "As Ben and Amy come your way, toss this corn and shout hooray!" I thought it was cute and different.

Me with some of the "hens" :)
Love these ladies!!

We left on the Polaris...again, so fitting for us :)

Off we go!

"...and the two will become one." --Ephesians 5:31

Blue Like Jazz

2011-05-18T17:06:00.004-05:00

I just have to say that I have started reading the book, "Blue Like Jazz" by Donald Miller because it was recommended to me by a friend a while back. I am only on chapter 6, but I ABSOLUTELY LOVE it so far!! This book is so real and I think everyone (Christians & Non-Christians) should read it.I will have many more posts about this book because I have already underlined SO much in the book already! Can't wait to share!

One of my first quotes that I love is:

"The entire world is falling apart because nobody will

admit they are wrong. But by asking God to forgive

you, you are willing to own your own crap."

--Donald Miller

Our First Home!

2011-05-17T14:53:00.007-05:00

I finally got some good pictures of the cabin to share. I have to admit, that I wasn't too crazy about living in the country when I first met Ben, but I knew that had been his lifelong dream. That's the whole reason he bought his property in the first place...because he knew he wanted to live on it one day. God has really done a work on my heart about where we live throughout our relationship leading up to us getting married. I know it's a normal "girl" thing to dream about how you want your house to look, how you want to decorate, what style you will choose etc. Before meeting Ben, I had more of a traditional/transitional style. I've always liked to mix traditional decor and contemporary decor. Somehow, during the early stages of our relationship, I started to lean more towards a "rustic" style. Ben had duck mounts, deer mounts etc in his house before meeting me and one thing I told him at the beginning was that I did NOT want "animals" in my house..especially birds! Anyone that knows me well, knows that I do NOT like birds whether they are alive or dead. Once we got engaged and started talking about where we would live, I told Ben that I would compromise and let him put a deer mount in our house, but NO birds.....he agreed to that. See the thing is, when we get to build our house on his farm one day, he will have a "man cave" where he can hang ALL of his mounts. After a while, we decided that we would rent this cabin since it is the best option for our current situation. I have to admit, I wasn't too thrilled about the idea at first. The cabin is 20 minutes from Opelika which meant that it would now take me over an hour to get to work (in Montgomery). I really had to warm up to the idea. After seeing the cabin, I liked it, but it seemed small, wasn't sure how I would decorate it etc. But again, after a while, I started to be more "okay" with the idea.

At the beginning of April, Ben finally started moving his stuff into the cabin. I went in and started placing decorations and putting things the way that I liked and it REALLY started to grow on me. I was actually really starting to like it! I figured that it would definitely have a more rustic look (obviously) with a little twist. Most people that know me, are shocked to find out that I actually LOVE the rustic style now. The "fine china" that I registered for has a nice rustic look that will look perfect in our new house one day (once I can get a china cabinet).

When we started decorating the cabin, Ben wanted to put THREE deer mounts on the big wall in the den and he also had FOUR bird mounts out! One of the bird mounts was right at eye level and looked like it was flying at me--I told him it had to go. So....after much discussion and thinking, we came to a great compromise. He took the flying bird mount out, the other small bird mounts are up HIGH on a shelf (as to not creep me out) and we decided to have 2 deer mounts on the main wall and then I could put something in the space under it. Then I told Ben that if he wanted to have the 3rd deer mount, he could hang it in the upstairs loft area. Needless to say, he was VERY happy about that and I'm a happy camper too.

It really has been fun placing things and decorating. I know it's still a work in progress, but has quickly become home. Here are some pictures...

The den area
side of the cabin
Front of the cabin

Main bathroom (notice my deer antlers) :)

Another view of the kitchen
Kitchen
Bar area since we don't have a table yet

another view from the loft area
side table in the den
upstairs bedroom
Upstairs bathroom
The loft area

I am SO excited to continue making this cabin more our home. I love it so far! Next thing I wanna do is get some cute curtains made for the den area :)

Bridal Portraits, Bridesmaids Luncheon & Rehearsal Dinner

2011-05-16T17:12:00.010-05:00

I had bridal portraits taken by Marie Hughes of Sarah Marie Photos at the end of March at the Reserve at Oakbowery (reception location). I cannot say enough good things about Marie. I've known her and her family for a REALLY long time and was SO glad she was the one to photograph all of my wedding pictures. If you are ever in need of an awesome photographer for weddings, senior portraits, family portraits, she's your gal! Here are a few of my favorite pics from that day.

I've had several people ask me where I got the turquoise necklace that I'm wearing in some of the pictures. I ordered it from Ezza Exclusive on Etsy. You can also find her on Facebook as well. She makes SUPER cute stuff and it was perfect for the theme of my wedding. The veil I wore was my "Something borrowed" from Natalie's mom, Mrs. Debra Bennett. Shelley (Natatlie's sister) also wore it several years ago when she got married. It is a GORGEOUS veil and made my dress look even more awesome!

The bridesmaids luncheon was held the day before the wedding at the Moores Mill Country Club. The hostesses were:

Angie Stephens (my aunt)

Cindy Bridges (my aunt)

Juanita Bridges (my grandmother)

The food was amazing and we had such a fun time!!

Flower arrangements on the table

Me and Savannah, my flowergirl
All my sweet gals!

My wonderful hostesses

Me with my Mama and Mama-in-Law
The monogrammed jute tote bags I gave as gifts
The girls opening their bridemaids gifts
The charm cake--so FUN! The deal with the charm cake is that the charms are tied to ribbon inside the cake. There is a specific charm for the flowergirl and a specific charm for the bride. All the other charms are to be picked by each bridesmaid. Each charm then has a "fortune" to go along with it. I wish I could remember all the charms and who got what, but I just remember that I got the marriage license--obviously! :)

The rehearsal dinner was held in the party barn at The Reserve at Oakbowery. We had BBQ, corn on the cob, baked beans, brunswick stew and lots of yummy desserts. We even had a fun slideshow thrown in the mix too. Thanks to all that participated in my wedding. I love each and every one of you!! (More pictures to come later thanks to Marie!)

MY family!

Me & my dad :)

Catching Up on Showers & becoming an Aunt!

2011-05-16T16:41:00.009-05:00

I wanted to write a couple of updates since I didn't get a chance to blog during all of the wedding stuff. On January 29th (also my birthday) we had a couples shower at Cock of the Walk restaurant. The shower was given by:

Natalie Bennett

Mike & Debra Bennett

Jason & Shelley Young

Daniel & Katie Mundie

Temple & Jenny Anderson

Robert & Dacy Lee

Jack & Terri Rubio

It was a fabulous shower! Such great food, great gifts & great company. Here are a few pictures from the shower.

I had my work girls give me a shower in Montgomery at the end of March. We got together at El Rio Mexican restaurant and it was delish as well!

I also had a Bridal Shower at the end of March as well. It was at the home of Kristen Horn and was absolutely beautiful! Got lots of good stuff! The hostesses of this shower were:

Kristen Horn

Casey Stewart

Jill Moore

Blair Pruitt

Mel Schnarr

In between all of that, I became an aunt for the first time! Ben's sister, Beth gave birth to her first child...a baby girl! Here are her stats:

Katelyn Elizabeth Middlebrooks born on February 28, 2011

The week of the wedding some of "the hens" took me out to the Irish Bred Pub for some girl time and to unwind. Always interesting when you get the "Cacklin' Hens" together :) In attendance was: Me, Casey, Mel, Heather, Martha, Brandi and Tracy. Thanks for such a good time gals!

Husband, New name, new home etc..

2011-05-15T23:22:00.020-05:00

Well, I just realized that it's been a really LONG while since I've updated my blog. It has kind of fallen by the wayside since all the wedding planning, getting married, getting adjusted etc. Alot has happened since I last blogged in December.....I may have to split these in the different blogs so I an update the way I want.

1.) Ben and I got married on April 16th and it was an absolute PERFECT, fairytale day! I got me a husband, a new name (officially Amy Callaway Adams--YAY!) and a new home!

There will be TONS of more pictures to come!! Marie is hoping to have all of them done by next week....can't wait to post more!

2.) We went on our honeymoon to Cancun, Mexico and stayed at The Excellence Resort. It was AWESOME!! (except for me losing my phone on the first day & Ben coming back home with DOUBLE ear infections!) The food was great, the service was top-notch...I could not say enough good things about this place. Would highly recommend it to anyone needed to book a honeymoon!

3.) I started getting our very first home settled and decorated. Here are a few pictures taken with my phone of what I've done so far..

I ordered some new pillow covers for my Pottery Barn pillows that I had on the couch. Then I got Jane Randall Jackson to hand-paint me the 2 pillows in the center. Since most of the flowers used in my wedding were silk (Jess did such a great job, you couldnt even tell), I wanted to use the flowers to add some color in such a drab cabin, so Jane used that color scheme and connected it when she was making the pillows. I absolutely LOVE them! I think they are a perfect fit for our style. What great work Jane Randall!! I also added 2 of the mossed cubes that Jess made for my hi cocktail tables at the reception. I just took out the dead/dying flowers and replaced them with silk ones...thought it turned out really good.

I hung a shelf in the space that looks like it could hold a fireplace (but clearly doesn't). And on the shelf is the mossygrammed "A" that Jess did for me for the wedding. I also used some of the bridesmaids bouquets and the mason jars from the wedding as well. I think it turned out really cute! Jess is suppposed to be making the mossygram a little different, but I am super pleased at how it turned out.

Of course, one of our many compromises as a newly married couple is figuring out where to have the infamous "mounts". I compromised and told Ben he could have those 2, if he would let me hang stuff in the lower space...he agreed...then i caved and told him he could put one in the loft. My cabin is going to be covered in deer/animals before I know it!! HE knows how I feel about birds and I am allowing the birds mounts to remain on high shelves... :)

The kitchen is still a work in progress, but it feels more like home everyday..just one small problem...it does NOT and I repeat, does NOT have a dishwasher.....that would be someone by the name of Ben. Just kidding...I do help wash the dishes some, but have to admit that it's not my favorite thing to do whatsoever!

I am SO thrilled about our new, little cozy cabin home..its just a matter of getting used to it and I think GOd has changed my heart big time since we first we decided we were going rent the place. It may be small and different, buts its OUR first out together and that makes it special no matter what :)

Day #10-Something You're Afraid Of

2010-12-18T07:22:00.003-06:00

I've been slacking a little on the whole 30 Day Blog Challenge, but today I'm supposed to write about something I'm afraid of. Anyone that knows me well, knows that I have a deathly, abnormal fear of BIRDS!!!

We have NOT been able to figure out why I don't like birds, but it honestly, is a true fear of mine. I don't like any kind of bird. Most people say how pretty they are and don't understand why I don't like them, but thing is, I'm scared of birds, the same way others are afraid of the dark, or of snakes or spiders. I can't stand going to the beach and having tons of seagulls quacking and squaking at me. I will go inside in a minute! I've seen videos of people being attacked by birds and while most may think that's funny...it terrifies me! I know it's weird, but it's just me!

Day #8-Place You've Traveled To

2010-12-02T15:11:00.004-06:00

I'm having to do 2 days in one because I haven't been able to keep on track since I've been at work the last 3 nights. But now I am off for a week (YAY!), so hopefully I will be able to keep up this week. Today, I'm supposed to write about a place I have traveled to. I honestly haven't traveled to alot of extravagant places in my life. I'm hoping to do lots of traveling later in life. :) But I think the neatest place I've traveled to is.....

LAS VEGAS! I went to Las Vegas in September 2009 and it was SO much fun. It was a neat experience and I hope to go back again one day to see more. I got to see the Blue Man Group which was so neat.

It really is the biggest little city in the world. So much to do, so much going on....VIVA LAS VEGA$! :)

Hope everyone is having a happy Thursday!!

Day 7-Favorite Movies

2010-12-01T15:54:00.004-06:00

I'm a day or so off because of work. When I work, all I do is eat, sleep and work it seems like. But today I'm supposed to write about my favorite movies. Gosh! Where do I even begin??

(Listed in random order..)

1.) Love Actually
2.) Monsters Inc.
3.) Sex and the City 1&2
4.) All the Twilight movies
5.) Legends of the Fall
6.) Hocus Pocus
7.) The Notebook
8.) The Holiday

I'm sure I have tons of other favorite movies, but it's hard to think of them all!

Day #6-Picture of Something that Makes You Happy

2010-11-29T09:54:00.005-06:00

I was thinking about what makes me happy and that are lots of things that make me truly happy. I'm not sure I can narrow it down to just ONE thing. But if I had to choose one thing, it would be....

My fiance and best friend, Ben, is something that makes me truly happy. Sorry to get all sappy, but he is the BEST guy I've ever had the pleasure of knowing and one of the best people in general that I've ever known. Ben has such a caring, servants heart. Some of the things he does and says just blows me away. He is your typical, southern gentleman who would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. He doesn't meet a stranger and is an excellent leader. I can't wait to marry him on April 16th and have him as the leader of our family and get to call him MY husband. Never in my wildest dreams did I think God would have blessed me with someone like Ben.

A few other things that make me happy are:

1.) Christmas
2.) My dogs, Lacy & Gracie
3.) Big family get togethers
4.) Bonding with a patient at work
5.) Killing my first deer :)
6.) Being at the lake, riding in a boat
7.) When God shows me something new

Day #5-Siblings

2010-11-27T22:00:00.002-06:00

Today I'm supposed to write about my siblings. Well...I have one brother. His name is Luke and he is 19 years old (will be 20 in January). Surprisingly he is an awesome cook (he works at Archie's Oyster Bar in Auburn as a cook and he is the kitchen manager) and he also can do awesome yard work (he works for Williamson's Lawn). He loves to work on his truck, hunt, fish, mud ride....anything that a typical southern boy likes to do. Luke is excellent at fixing stuff and is such a handy man. He may be tall and skinny, but that boy is STRONG.

I never would have thought that I would be that close to my brother because we are 7 years apart in age, but the older we get, the closer we get. It makes me feel good to know that I have a brother who loves me, takes up for me and does anything he can to protect me. I feel that's what he's supposed to do....

Opelika game 2007

Summer 2008

Christmas 2009

St. Patrick's Day 2010

"There's no other love like the love for a brother. There's no other love like the love from a brother." ~Astrid Alauda

Day #4

2010-11-27T07:15:00.006-06:00

On day #4 of the blog challenge, you're supposed to write about your parents, but I have a little something else I would like to share today.
Yesterday I killed my very first deer, the very first time I ever went hunting. It was SO exciting and fun! I am still feeling the excitement! It all started with a little target shooting yesterday at Ben's farm. I had been telling him that I needed to target shoot because I eventually wanted to go hunting. I was a little nervous about shooting the gun because I know guns usually "kick" and I was scared it would hurt. I went out to Ben's farm right around lunch time (yes, in the nasty rain) and we practiced. I was so surprised that the gun I shot didn't kick me at all (well...it didn't hurt at all.) After several practice shots, Ben said I was good to go.
At the last minute Ben decided that it would be a great day for hunting (because of the weather) and figured we would see some deer if we went as long as I could stand sitting in a tree stand with it raining some. I decided that I needed to take the chance, so we both suited up and headed out to his lease land. The scariest part was climbing in the stand! I couldn't believe how nervous I was about that. I'm not normally scared of heights, but I think it was the fact that the wind was blowing, therefore the tree was moving and it just made me nervous. Within 10 minutes, we had already seen 3 doe and a 5 pt that was way too far to shoot. We saw several other doe (one that I ALMOST shot at, but hesitated and she walked away) and then saw a spike walk RIGHT in front of our stand at about 8 yds away! It was really neat. There was a green field that we kept eyeing just waiting for something to walk out. I started getting pretty cold and my hands were like ice, but Ben said it was getting to be "prime time" and I decided I was not giving up now. Then all of a sudden, a doe walked onto the green field...I started getting excited....so I pulled the gun up, found the doe in the scope and watched her...I waited a little too long b/c she walked behind a tree. There was a smaller deer right behind her, but I knew I wasn't going to shoot that. Then all of a sudden another one walked into the green field...what appeared to be a good size doe. I lined it up, and didn't hesitate. I shot the deer and it literally dropped like a sack of potatoes at about 90 yds away. Ben was so excited...I think he was more excited than me at first. He was like "ahh you dropped it, I can't believe you dropped it!!" Ben grabbed the gun for me and was going to shoot the other doe that had been in the field, but she ran away. We got out of the stand and walked to see my kill and realized it was a spike!! I know normally you don't shoot spikes, but it was my first time and we could tell that it was a spike from the stand. We met up with Ben's cousin Chris Adams and the photo shoot began. I got a little blood on my cheeks and started posing away. :) After loading it up, we went by Chris Schnarr's house to show it off (and take more pictures).
It was such a fun and exciting experience. I never would have thought that I would have actually ENJOYED hunting. I always wanted to go just to go and maybe even kill a deer (just to say I killed one). But I sorta can't wait to go again and hopefully kill a bigger buck next time. I am blessed that my first experience deer hunting was a good one. Saw lots of deer, it wasn't TOO cold (although I got pretty cold) and I ended the hunt with a kill. Doesn't get any better than that!!

"Now then, take your weapons, your quiver and your bow, and go out to the field and hunt game for me..."--Genesis 27:3
Here are some pictures from the night...

Day #3-Your First Love

2010-11-26T07:11:00.003-06:00

"This is how we ought to know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down His life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers."--1 John 3:16

"For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten son. That whoever believes in Him, shall not perish, but have everlasting life."--John 3:16

Growing up I always heard the song, "Jesus Loves Me", but didn't really understand what it actually meant until I was much older. I went through elementary school and high school knowing that God loved me and He had a plan, and knew what I should do, but I didn't necessarily do it. I wasn't a "bad kid" by any means, but I didn't have a strong relationship with God like I do now. Most people drift away from their beliefs and their relationship with God when they go off to college. They start experiencing new things and somehow get caught up in the everyday life, forgetting what's truly important. The opposite was true for me. I started college and immediately began going to church by myself every Sunday morning. That lead to me getting involved in the college ministry at our church as well. Once I started going, I jumped in head first and haven't regretted it since. After learning how important a strong faith and relationship with God is, my life changed. I saw things in a different way...it really is true when the Bible says,

"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will."--Romans 12:2

I experienced a full-on "renewing of my mind" and it was such an exciting thing to experience. It's all been history from there. Sure, I have my times where I don't spend as much time reading the Word as I should...I don't spend enough time in church or at bible study, but one thing I do know to be true is that God's love never fails. We may experience heartache and other people may disappoint us (more than once) but it is HIS love that is constant. I know that His amazing grace has been poured out over me even when I don't deserve it. But that's why God is SO good. He loves us even when we fail. He has the true "agape" love for us.

"Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. "--1 John 4: 7-12

See, God is in the business of love. That's what He does best. I strive each day to love others, even when it's hard because He loves me even when I am unlovable...

Day # 2-Meaning Behind Your Blog Name

2010-11-24T23:52:00.004-06:00

Day #2 of the 30 day blog challenge is to tell the meaning behind your blog name. My blog title is "Something Heavenly" and it comes from the Santus Real song called, "Whatever You're Doing". You can listen to the song and watch the video here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iN9J8eqKovY

The part of the song that's my favorite (where my blog title came from) is when the song says,

"I surrender to whatever you're doing inside of me,

it feels like chaos, but somehow there's peace.

Though it's hard to surrender to what I can't see,

I'm giving into something heavenly."

I've felt like God has really been working on my heart big time these last couple of years. There have been things to happen in my life that I don't understand..I don't understand God's timing, I don't understand His ways. But the bible tells us that His thoughts are not our thoughts and His ways are not our ways. I've been SO stubborn at times waiting on God's will that it's only hurt me in the end. God only wants to save us from things that hurt us and sometimes that's the very thing that we choose. Sometimes it may hurt so bad...to our very core..it may seem like chaos, but that's what the song says...that even though it feels like chaos, we should have peace knowing that God is behind it ALL. Even though we can't see our future and it's hard to hand over control of our lives, we just need to give into something that's WAY bigger than us. He's up to something that's bigger than us and bigger than our circumstances, if we just let Him work. This song is my heart's cry...it's such a great song and the reason behind my blog name :)

Oh...and HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

"Give THANKS to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever."

--Psalm 107:1

30 Day Blog Challenge

2010-11-24T10:32:00.003-06:00

I stole this idea from a friend at work. It's a 30 day blog challenge. Each day you write about something different, so I thought I would try it since I've been extra lazy in my blogging (Thanks Katherine!!)

Day 1: Introduce, recent picture and 15 random facts about me.
Well, for those of you who don't know me, my name is Amy Michelle Callaway. I am 26 years old and live in Opelika, AL. I have worked the past 2 years at Baptist East in Montgomery in Labor & Deliver/High Risk OB. I love being a nurse...it's what God has called me to do and I think it fits me perfectly. I got engaged on August 13th to the sweetest, best guy I've ever met. Ben and I will be getting married on April 16th at our church (where we met). You can go to our wedding website here: http://weddingwire.com/amycallawayandbenadams
the password is: adams

This is such an exciting time in my life as well as stressful. I can't wait to marry my best friend and God's man for me in just a few short months!

15 Random Facts About Me

1.) Anyone that knows me well, knows that I have a deathly, ABNORMAL fear of birds….always have and always will. Don’t ask why or how…that’s just how I am and it’s not going to change. People that know that about me always try to figure it out, but it’s just the way I am, there’s no explanation for it.

2.)I could eat a chicken finger anytime, anyplace, anywhere. Although it’s not necessarily my favorite food, I have always liked them. My mom says that I was such a picky eater as a child, that’s all I would eat :)

3.)I wear my emotions on my sleeve. Usually you can know how I am feeling just by looking at my face. I don’t hide it very well….although if you ask me…I’ll deny it (typical girl, huh?)

4.)I’ve been told I have “champagne” taste with only “beer” money. That seems to be true.

5.)I love it when God shows me something new…

6.)I always dust off my feet before I get into my bed.

7.)I drink all dark beverages (usually) including COFFEE, through a straw. I know, sounds crazy to drink coffee through a straw. Ever since I got my braces about 7 years ago, I have been very particular about my teeth and about getting them stained and so forth, so that’s why.

8.)When I was in 5th grade, I was on Entertainment Tonight. It was a quick clip, but still, I had my moment of fame….and no, I’m not lying.

9.)Most people would be surprised to know that I have 2 tattoos. I don’t mind telling that. It’s on my lower abdomen and it’s of an Icthus (Jesus fish). And my latest one is on my left wrist of the word "agape". I got this to be a constant reminder of God's unconditional love for me. It also reminds me to try and love people unconditionally. It is by grace that I'm saved through faith...all of this because of God's agape love.

10.)I still do math by counting on my fingers or on paper, even simple math…..I took math classes in college all the way up to Calculus II, but to this day, I count on my fingers.

11.)People always ask me if I am related to the Callaways of “Callaway Gardens” or “Callaway Golf”….sadly, I have to tell them “no”.

12.)I always have a bottle of water beside my bed.

13.) I am addicted to trash TV. I always tell myself I'm not going to get caught up in ANOTHER reality TV show, but I do. I couldn't believe I actually started watching "Jerseylicious" one day!

14.) I love laughing. Laughing is my favorite thing to do. I know people say it might be a bad thing if you laugh at yourself or your own jokes, but I love it when I do that. I think it says that you have a sense of humor. I also like to surround myself with people that make me laugh. I find that I have a better day that way.

15.) I've always been told that patience is a virtue..well...it's a virtue that I clearly don't have sometimes. I feel like God has really been working on me the last several years on helping me gain some patience in my life. It's a tough thing to learn, but I KNOW that I will be a better person because of it.

Oh....and this is my FAVORITE time of year! I love decorating for all the holidays and enjoying family time..it's the GREATEST!

The BIG GREEN Monster

2010-11-20T21:42:00.005-06:00

We all know that monster..that big green monster that finds it's way into our lives when we least expect it. It's the monster that can cause heartache, distraction, pride and worry. That BIG GREEN monster is what I like to call....jealousy.

This past week, our bible study was on jealousy and although it's hard to admit (out loud), it really spoke to me. After going through this lesson, I was able to admit to myself and to someone else that I have some "jealous" areas in my life that I need to work on. Everything in this lesson is true and spoke volumes to me, so I thought I would share just in case it's something anyone else needed to hear as well.

The Truth About Jealousy

"Just because we see someone advancing before us does not mean that God is withholding His goodness toward us. He may be simply preparing us for what will come in the future."

I know I have had a VERY hard time with this about certain things in my life. I used to not understand why all my friends were getting married and I kept having failed relationship after failed relationship. Now, I see why...God knew I would meet Ben and God was rescuing me from all those other relationships that may have been good, but they weren't God's plan. At times, I don't understand why God hasn't granted me a huge desire of my heart---to have children (when everyone else is having them), but I have to remind myself that He sees the bigger picture as I see only the here and now.

"God loves us with an everlasting love, and He has a plan for our lives. This plan, however, may not unfold at the same time as God's plan for another person. We need to be patient and wait for God to give us His blessings at the right time. When we become jealous, we risk missing His best gifts because we are focused only on what we do not have. When we choose this route, a lot of time can be wasted entertaining feelings of heartache, frustration, worry and envy."

God may as well have been standing right in front of me speaking this to me, because it sure felt like it! I have to remember that Satan's primary goal is to shift my attention/focus away from God and onto my circumstances. The enemy wants me to become jealous, distracted and prideful. Lots of times our circumstances don't make sense to us from our perspective, but from God's point of view, they make perfect sense.

"God knows what we need and what we can handle. He may want to bless us in a certain area, but if He knows we are not ready for the blessing, He will withhold it for a later time. Are you willing to wait?"

Disarming Jealousy

How can we effectively deal with the jealousy in our own lives?

1.) ADMIT that we are envious.

2.) ACKNOWLEDGE that we are in conflict with God.

3.) THANK God for what He has done in our lives. (Mrs. Karen said one time that whenever you feel down and don't understand why something is happening...think of something to be thankful for. It's hard to be mad and thankful at the same time.)

4.) PRAY and ask God to help us see the heart of the other person at the center of conflict.

5.) We need to be willing to WAIT for God to work. (As we wait, we can listen for His voice of instruction.)

6.) ASK God to help us hear His voice over the clamor of the world.

7.) DELIGHT yourself in God. ("Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart."--Psalm 37:4)

I have SO much in my life to be thankful for...I don't want to ruin that by letting the enemy get a foothold with jealousy. I know this lesson really spoke to me, I hope it spoke to you too! :)

On a completely different note, Beth (Ben's sister) had a baby shower today. It was so much fun! I can't wait for my very first niece, Katelyn, to get here at the end of February!

Stepping Back from the Canvas

2010-10-25T14:34:00.002-05:00

I just realized that it's been a while (yet again) since my last post. I hate that I haven't had much time to just sit down and write a blog post. I guess that's what happens when life gets in the way. I was looking through my devotional book last night and re-read an entry from August 11th. It really spoke to me in that moment and I thought I would share....

I think back to things that have happened in my life before now; things that have led me to where I am today and realize that by being in this moment, stepping back from the canvas, all things (even the very bad things) HAVE worked together for good. We all go through things in our lives that make us ask the question, "Why me?" or "Why did that have to happen?" or "Man, I can't seem to catch a break." It often seems like when it rains, it pours. At least I've known that to be true with many cases in my life. They say there's always a calm before the storm or life is a series of "mountain top" experiences and "deep valleys". It's funny that when we are going through those "deep valleys" that we aren't able to understand why God is allowing this to happen and what He is trying to teach us. I've learned that if you make a mistake, the best thing you can do is make sure you learn something from it, ask forgiveness and move on. As long as you learn a valuable lesson from mistakes in your life, I think it ends up being worth it. There are things that have happened in my past, that when I look back now, I can totally see why God had me in that place. Sometimes we may never know why we had to endure a painful trial in our life, but the most important thing to remember is that as long as we are living for God, He will use everything for the good of those who love Him.

Ellen Miller writes, "Have you recently faced a crisis that you feel you may not emerge from? Can you step back from your tragedy? Can you shine a different light on your situation? Are you far enough away from the event now that you can see--from standing back here--that while one dream didn't come true, other, even more beautiful realities (that you had never allowed yourself to conceive of) have been gifted you?"

She makes such a great point here. God knows what we need more than we know what we need. So of course, when He allows something to happen (most of the time to teach us something important), we only see the bad...we usually don't see the good until much later. I am VERY guilty of not even wanting to see the big picture. All I can think about is how it feels NOW, what is going on NOW and why things aren't working out NOW. But usually something comes along (like this devotional) that reminds me not to only think about what's going on NOW, but to remember to look at it from a distance. God sees the big picture while we merely only see what's going on here and now.

She also writes, "If you're in the middle of a crisis, I know you can't see clearly either. It's hard when you're smack-dab in the middle of it. But tomorrow you won't be. You'll be looking at your masterpiece from a new perspective and you'll be absolutely amazed at your new life story and the difference a bit of distance can make....so HANG ON!"

"Those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint."

--Isaiah 40:31

It's Been a WHILE

2010-10-01T09:35:00.019-05:00

I haven't updated my blog in what seems like FOREVER, especially since I used update it on a regular basis. A lot has happened since my last post, so I will try my best to make it short & sweet.

1.) The first and biggest thing is that Ben and I got engaged on August 13th! It was a total surprise and perfect. He proposed out at his farm in the very spot where we will live one day. We then met at my house where his parents, sister etc were there to celebrate with us. I seriously was on TOP of the world! You can visit our wedding website:

http://www.weddingwire.com/amycallawayandbenadams

the password is: adams

2.) I went to my very first dove shoot a couple of weeks ago. I really enjoyed it despite it being SUPER hot. Ben loves to do any kind of hunting so it was nice to see what it was finally all about along with hanging out with all the hens!

3.) Some girls from work got together for a bachelorette/lingerie shower for Niki. It was lots of fun!

A few REALLY good quotes..

2010-08-02T15:37:00.003-05:00

I just realized the other day that it has been MONTHS since I last wrote something. It's odd because I used to write blogs all the time...I guess time has gotten away from me. I have come across a few quotes lately that really hold a lot of meaning for me and I thought I'd share those. I am a firm believer in that sometimes the words of others can say it better than you. :)

"Hope helps us to lift our eyes off the broken pieces in front of us to see the big picture God is working in our lives."--Kirk Sullivan--Often times when we are going through trials or when God is doing that lovely thing most people like to call "refining", it's hard for us to see WHY. Since most people in today's society live for the moment and only think about what's going at that specific moment in time, it's hard to think about what God might be getting you ready for in the future. I know I'm that way the majority of the time. I feel as though since I'm living RIGHT NOW, why can't God just show me or why can't God make it better RIGHT NOW since it seems unclear, RIGHT NOW. But the truth of the matter is, God is WAY bigger than we could ever imagine and His plans are certainly not our plans. I've found though, that if I look back on my life, I can see how things have come together (God's way) and how most things have all worked out for the better, whether it was painful or not. That's where faith comes in. We have to have faith and know that God IS working together for the good of those who love Him and He only has our best interest in mind.

"Their is virtually no way to discern God's will without waiting quietly. God must be asked. We must listen."--This one goes along with the first one. We do not know the mind of God, so our job is to ask, be patient and listen. Those are 3 of the hardest things to do when all you want to do is NOT wait, but they are the most important.

"God closes doors no man can open and God opens doors no man can close..."---I cannot say how true I have found this to be in my life. I have seen it happen in others lives along with mine and it really is an amazing thing. I've found that if God takes something or someone out of your life, it's for a really good reason and although it might kill you at the time, just know that God has something better. He always uses things, people, situations for His good, so if you're following Him, you can't go wrong.

I will leave you with this one:

‎"Nothing is as hard as it looks. Everything is more rewarding than you expect; and if anything can go right, it will, and at the BEST possible moment."--This rings true in my life more than you will ever know!

New Blog and New Lessons

2010-04-18T07:23:00.005-05:00

First of all, I would like to say a huge thank you to Rachel at Uniquely Yours for giving my blog a "face lift". She does such a wonderful job of making over your blog and she's so easy to work with!

I feel like I haven't written anything in a while and normally my mind is full of things I want to share, but I've had a hard time lately trying to figure out exactly what I want to share. Anyways...just this morning I was sitting reading my Bible. Something led me to the book of Hosea. Hosea is one of those books of the Bible that I think people forget about. Since it's not Genesis or in the new testament, I feel it is easily forgotten (at least by me). One of the main reasons I even know about this book is because of an incredible book I read years ago called, "Redeeming Love" by Francine Rivers. If you haven't read this book, I recommend you running out to get it TODAY because it is THE BEST book/love story EVER. This book, "Redeeming Love" is fiction, but it is based on the book of Hosea and it's incredible.

Basic Synopsis: The book of Hosea is a love story--real, tragic and true. Transcending the tale of young man and wife, it tells of God's love for his people and the response of his "bride". A covenant had been made and God had been faithful. But Israel, like Gomer, was adulterous and unfaithful, spurning God's love and instead turning to false Gods. Then after warning of judgement, God reaffirmed his love and offered reconciliation.

Hosea was commanded by God to marry a woman who was unfaithful and would cause him many heartaches. --"Go take to yourself an adulterous wife and children of unfaithfulness, because the land is guilty of the vilest adultery in departing from the Lord." (1:2) The footnotes in my Bible say that it is difficult to imagine Hosea's feelings when God told him to marry a woman that would be unfaithful to him. He may not have wanted to, but he obeyed. I know I sure as heck wouldn't want to be with someone that I KNEW would end up being unfaithful to me, but sometimes God requires extraordinary obedience from us. God may ask us to do something difficult and extraordinary. Would we obey him, trusting that He who knows everything has a special purpose for his request?

My favorite verse:

"Therefore I will block her path with thornbushes; I will wall her in so that she cannot find her way. She will chase after her lovers but not catch them; she will look for them but not find them." (2:6-7)

--God is saying He is going to block Israel's path by making the rewards of idol worship so disappointing that the people would be persuaded to turn back to God. Despite Israel's unfaithfulness, God was still faithful and merciful. He would continue to hold His arms out to his people, even thought He might have to place obstacles in their way to turn them back to Him. I have this written in my Bible next to this verse-"God says He will thwart all our efforts to find life apart from Him. He does this in order to wear us out, get us to turn back to Him in thirsty longing. He often takes us aside from every other source of comfort so that He alone can have our heart's desire." WOW! I'm sure I wrote that a couple of years ago and it still speaks to me now when I read it. God wants us, ALL of us and if there are things in our lives that take priority over Him, you can almost guarantee that He will eventually take whatever that may be, out of your life.

"Therefore I am now going to allure her; I will lead her into the desert and speak tenderly to her." (2:14). Then He begins to "woo" us. God uses even our negative experiences to create opportunities to turn back to him. As we face problems/trials, we need to remember that God speaks to us in the desert and not just in times of prosperity.

Another thing I had written in my Bible says, "God allows things to happen to get our attention. God knows how hot things are getting and His hand is on the thermostat."

Chapter 6, verse 1 says, "Come, let us return to the Lord. He has torn us to pieces but he will heal us; he has injured us but he will bind up our wounds." This verse is telling us to return to Him as we are. God may break us down, but He is the BEST at putting us back together.

A promise: "Let us acknowledge the Lord; let us press on to acknowledge him. As surely as the sun rises, he will appear; he will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth." (6:3). This verse is telling us and God is ALWAYS there...He is the only thing constant in our lives and how comforting to know that!! When you are feeling down and don't really know which way your life is headed or if you are having to make a decision that is heartwrenching, just remember that God is always there and His way is the BEST way.

"Who is wise? He will realize these things. Who is discerning? He will understand them. The ways of the Lord are right.." (14:9).

The Refiner's Touch

2010-03-28T08:22:00.001-05:00

Just thought I would share this story that was sent to me. It is SOOOO encouraging!! and gave me chills at the end...

There was a group of women in a Bible study on the book of Malachi. As they were studying chapter three they came across verse three which says, "He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver." This verse puzzled the women and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God.

One of the women offered to find out about the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible study. That week the woman called up a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest in silver beyond her curiosity about the process of refining silver. As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that, in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest so as to burn away all the impurities.

The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot - then she thought again about the verse, that He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver. She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined. The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. For if the silver was left even a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed.

The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, "How do you know when the silver is fully refined?" He smiled at her and answered, "Oh, that's the easy part -- when I see my image reflected in it."

If today you are feeling the heat of the fire, remember that God has His eye on you and will keep His hand on you and watch over you until He sees His image in you.

Coming Home to a Sweet Face

2010-03-13T10:12:00.006-06:00

This past week at work is what I usually call my "bad work week" and that's simply because of the way my schedule is. I have a really awesome schedule, but on this particular week in the rotation, it just feels like I can't catch a break! That's because I work a 4 day (night) weekend, then I'm only off for 2 days and then have to go right back for 2 days, so sometimes it's tough that week to be able to catch up on sleep, do things I WANT to do etc. Anyways...the point of this blog is not for me to complain, but to say that I am SO thankful for my Father in Heaven who chooses to bless me and give me little "surprises" even when I complain or don't seem very thankful. One of those came in the form of Natalie's nephew, Bennett (I've pretty much adopted him as mine too). Thursday morning I came home and he was here because he had spent the night when Nat. As soon as I walked back down the stairs, he was waiting for me and gave me a HUGE hug. I had so much fun eating breakfast with them and cutting up. This is what I came home to on Thursday morning:

So when I get home from work on Friday, Bennett wasn't here right when I got home, but about an hour or so later, Shelley (Nat's sister) shows up with Bennett AND Brooks! Double the FUN! Let me tell you, we had a chaotic house that morning because Natalie was baking/decorating cakes, Bennett was running around vacuuming (yes, the kid LOVES to vacuum!) etc. Shelley had to run to the store and left us in charge of the boys and it was all great and dandy until Bennett decides he's gonna sneak in Natalie's room, pick up her cell phone and somehow manage to call Chris (Nat's b/f) on speakerphone! When I realized what he was doing, I was trying to get the phone from him before anyone answered (mind you, I'm trying to hold a screaming baby in the midst of this). Chris answers, I'm trying to get the phone to tell him what's going on, (Brooks screaming), I drop the phone ON Brooks (he's still screaming) and am finally able to walk into the loud kitchen where Natalie is busy mixing, baking, decorating etc to hand her the phone. Needless to say, we all walked away without injury, but I sure broke a sweat! haha! It really was fun having the boys for the day and when it ends like this....you can't help but smile :)

God is GOOD!!

"When we expect to be satisfied with the basics, God

will often surprise us with treats."

--James MacDonald

Jesus, Take the Wheel

2010-03-09T09:12:00.008-06:00

I found this quote the other day and when I came across it, it really struck me in a weird/neat way. It says,

"An evidence that our will has been broken is that we begin to thank God for that which seemed so bitter, knowing that His will is good and that in His time and in His way, He is able to make the most bitter waters sweet." --Nancy Leigh DeMoss

WOW! When I read that, it made me think about certain things in my life that I have tried to control. When I try to control things, or do things my way, it ALWAYS ends up a disaster! Sometimes we wonder why certain things happen to us or we ask God "Why did you do this to me?" or "why can't I just have THAT?!". We question "why do bad things happen to good people?" Well first of all, we live in a fallen world and are all sinners with a devil that will stop at nothing to keep up from having a relationship with God, so of course there are going to be bad things happening to us all the time. The good news is seeing God's amazing grace IN those situations we seem to be thrown into. This quote to me, describes exactly what God's grace is all about. When we thank Him for being the amazing God that He is during our rough times, He is able to teach us things through our hard times. We learn, we grow and we come out of the valley being a better person, a stronger person and having a stronger relationship with God. Sure, it hurts like heck while we are going through trials, but when God takes that situation and makes it "sweet", that's his amazing grace poured all over you! I guarantee you, that if you look back over the last few years of your life (or longer), you will be able to see so many times how God took that situation and taught you SOMETHING. It may have been something so small, but my theory is, if you go through something and you don't learn anything, what's the point? We don't always understand God and why His timing is SO completely different from ours, BUT we can rest in the fact that He IS God and His ways are always best. They may not always be the easiest, but the best.

"Faith is deliberate confidence in the character of God whose ways you may not understand all the time."--Oswald Chambers

There have been PLENTY of times that I cannot for the life of me understand why I am made to wait for certain things, or why certain things happen to ME. But what I have to constantly remind myself of is that God is in control and if I let him take the wheel of every situation in my life, He won't steer me wrong...

Ok, on a different subject 2 Sundays ago one of my very best friends (and roommate) got baptized! She recently joined our church (First Baptist Church of Opelika) and since she was a member of a Methodist church before, it was time for her to get dunked! I love this sweet girl SO much and don't know what I would do without her in my life (and house)! Her little sister's best friend got baptized on the same night!! Praise the Lord x2!!

Watching their baptism made me think of one of my favorite songs right now. It's called "Washed by the Water" by Needtobreathe. They are AWESOME!! check it out!

Living the Answer

2010-02-28T04:13:00.004-06:00

I came across this quote that I found on a magnet (of all places) and thought I would share....I will be writing more later! I am up at 4 am and cannot go back to sleep!! So frustrating!! Ok...so here's the quote...

"I beg you..to have patience with everything unresolved in your heart and try to love the questions themselves as if they were locked rooms or books written in a very foreign language. Don't search for the answers, which could not be given to you now, because you would not be able to live them. And the point is, to live everything. Live the questions now. Perhaps then, someday far in the future, you will gradually, without even noticing it, live your way into the answer..."

--Rainer Maria Rilke

Habakkuk...never thought to look there!

2010-02-21T23:06:00.003-06:00

Often times I find myself usually reading out of books of the Bible that I know pretty well, you know, the major ones. I am for sure always looking/reading out of the New Testament, but this morning in church, I came across a verse in a small book in the Old Testament and it made me realize, "Maybe I should start reading in the Old Testament more". Reason being because of this verse from Habakkuk. It says,

"Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay." (2:3)

This morning in church, Brother Steve happened to make a reference to Habakkuk. He didn't ask us to turn there, but I did instead and I'm SO glad I did. This is a verse that I definitely needed to hear and God knew that. I know a lot of us may struggle with not really knowing or understanding God's will for our lives or at least in certain situations. Sometimes we don't understand why He puts us where He puts us, but the truth is HE DOES and that should be enough for us. A lot easier said than done, right? This verse is about God's timing and that He works in HIS time, not ours. He is basically saying, "Be patient! I will work out my plans in my perfect timing." Just like that was God's answer WAY back then to Habakkuk, it's the same answer He would give us, today. And this is a verse I know I can cling to; that even though I don't understand why I am in certain situations or He isn't bringing me out of certain situations, I can rest in the fact knowing that He is in control. He sees the big picture and ONLY has my best interest in mind.

When There's A Hole in Your Soul

2010-02-19T09:06:00.003-06:00

Over the last week, my daily devotionals have been about having a "hole in your soul". She defines a hole in your soul as a "deep, dark well that resides in the core of your being. And the harder you work to fill it with stuff, the bigger the doggone thing gets!" She talks about how we tend to fill it that "hole" with other THINGS such as clothes, romance, status etc. We think we choose the right things to fill the hole in our soul, but OUR choices end up being sinful choices and cause more harm than good in the long-run. He knows what's best for us.

She also talks about how we can have a hole in our soul because we feel that we've been cheated. Cheated out of a happy childhood, cheated out of a loving relationship, cheated out of the wonder of motherhood, cheated out of good health..the list goes on. We start to blame the people who hurt us or the ones that didn't come to our aid when we needed it..sometimes we even blame God. The question she asks is "Have you let your anger and disappoinment fester into bitterness that is now eating a hole in your soul? Will you let the past define your future? Will you continue to fill your hole with stuff?" Sometimes the only way to find peace is to forgive. Being bitter is not fun and makes life miserable. Joel Osteen once said,

" Forgiveness is a choice, but it is not an option."

All the bitterness you let build up starts to eat a hole in your soul, so let forgiveness work as your antacid. Sometimes our unrealistic expectations of others can eventually cause us to have a hole in our soul. I know this one convicted me the most. I often times have expectations of others or expect certain things out of others and in the end, I'm the only one being let down and it's only hurting me. It's twisted of us to think that when we do a favor for someone that we expect something in return. She defines it as a "loan interest", not an act of kindness. When you don't see a payback within a short amount of time, you begin to wonder why you're the only one sacrificing...but eventually...that sort of thinking turns the good deed that you did, sour. She says, "many times those who most need our kindness are incapable--due to worry, fear, grief, confusion, exhaustion or embarrasment--to respond to it all. I finally figured out that it's not an issue regarding their poor manners. It's more of an issue regarding the condition of my heart."

Expecting gratitude turns your good deeds sour.

We set ourselves up for a lifetime of dissapointment when we create rules and expectations for OTHERS to live by. We must be willing to give unconditionally. I know this is certainly something I NEED to work on. Of course being a nurse allows me to give without expecting anything in return, but I must admit that sometimes I would like for my patients, my managers, my co-workers to notice the good things I do and acknowledge them, but I have come to realize that those things aren't always going to happen. Sometimes I will get a patient that I do everything in the world for and for whatever reason, they will never show how grateful they are because they either don't know how or think that they deserve to be treated well. I just have to know and get the satisfaction from knowing I've helped someone and that should be enough.

"You have not lived today until you have done something

for someone who cannot pay you back."

--John Bunyan

Our sunday school class has started a study at night called "Love, Sex & Lasting Relationships" by Chip Ingram. We had the first session last sunday (Valentine's Day) and I must say that I was impressed. The speaker gave some really good points and I am extremely excited for the rest of the study. The first session was basically comparing Hollywood's formula (or the world's view) of lasting relationships vs. God's way of how to make a relationship last.

Hollywood's view is this:

1.)FIND the right person.

2.) FALL in love.

3.) FIX your hopes and dreams of future fulfillment on that person.

4.) If FAILURE occurs, repeat steps 1-3.

God's view is this:

1.) BECOME the right person.

2.) WALK in love.

3.) FIX your hope on God and seek to please Him through your relationship.

Let me tell ya, #1 on God's list was INCREDIBLY convicting for me. I never thought about becoming the right person. I'm always praying for God to prepare my husband for me, but I never think to take a look in the mirror and see what all I need to work on. Sure, lately I know God has been working a lot in my heart and revealing a lot of things to me and this is sure one of them. In this time of singleness, I need to grow in my walk with the Lord because it will not only help me to become a better person, but to be able to WALK in love as well. True and unconditional love ONLY comes from the Father above and until we know His love, we won't be able to truly give and receive any kind of love. That's just a little snippet of what our first lesson was about....more to come! Something he said during the talk that really impacted me was this:

"Love is giving the person what they need the most, when they least deserve it."

Snow....FINALLY & Zumba Love!

2010-02-13T22:37:00.012-06:00

So...I have to write about the SNOW DAY we just had! I have to be honest and say I really thought the weather man was telling us another lie, but he actually came through this time!! Can I just say...I LOVE SNOW!!! I don't know what it is about it. I guess it's probably because we NEVER have snow, so when we do, it's just a big deal. I'm sure most people who live up north absolutely HATE the snow. I am such a kid when it comes to snow. It was snowing when I walked out of the hospital from work Friday morning and I just couldn't believe it, I was so excited. On the drive home (45 min drive), the snow stopped right before getting into Auburn, so I was a little worried that the Auburn/Opelika area wouldn't actually see the snow. I went to bed and slept for a few hours and when I woke up, I immediately looked out my window and I see TONS of snow and it's coming down really hard! I got all wide-eyed and excited just like a kid on Christmas. I got to play in it, but not nearly as much as I wanted to. Here are some pics from the day.

Needless to say the snow was a success and I hate that it's already gone today. I guess there's always next year right? (Since we only seem to get snow MAYBE once a year).

Today at the Sportsplex there was a Zumba Love Benefit for Haiti Zumbathon.

It started at 1:00 and ended at 3:00. We seriously did Zumba for 2 hours straight and it was SO much fun, but my body is sure feelin' it! It was open to the public and all you had to do was bring certain items or donate money to the relief for Haiti. It was for such a good cause! Jessica, the Zumba instructor at the Sportsplex headed up this event and she taught the class for the entire time along with other instructors from Health Plus. If you don't know what Zumba is, you should definitely check it out!

Before Zumba....

After Zumba.....

Had such a good turnout!

Robyn gettin' down Zumba-style

I will leave you with a quote I just found that I really like.

"You are unrepeatable. There is magic about you that is all your own."

--D.M. Dellinger

Living a Life that Causes Heads to Turn & Footprints!

2010-02-10T14:22:00.005-06:00

WOW, WOW, WOW, WOW!!! It has been another awesome morning with God revealing Himself to me! It's so encouraging to know that when we start to feel down, God always has a way of picking us up! Whether it's through a simple song, reading His Word, through advice and encouraging words of a faithful friend...all these things, He uses to pour out His love on us and remind us that He never leaves or forsakes us.

My devotion for today was really convicting, yet really good at the same time. She has been talking about living intentionally, with a purpose. Today in the devotion, she asks,

"How much time did you spend yesterday thinking about how someone hurt your feelings? How much time did you spend yesterday thinking about how unjustified that situation was? How much time....etc.." Then she went on to say, "How much time did you spend collectively last week thinking about how you could encourage someone? How much time did you spend collectively last week about how you could show love to a neighbor?"

That really makes you stop and think, right? Well, she goes on to talk about how we should never underestimate the impact we have on others, positive or negative. She' says "Nothing is neutral--you make a mark on someone's life today. Did you inspire or motivate? Did you leave that person more confident than when you found them? Did you extend kindness and mercy? Did you make someone laugh?"

We come in contact with many different types of people everyday. It may be the person that checked you out at the grocery store, it may be someone at work (for me co-workers and patients), someone attending your church for the first time, someone who simply stops and asks for directions...you left something....what did you leave?

Her words were SO convicting! We all need to be more conscious of how we are presenting ourselves, not only to people we know, but to people we are meeting for the first time. I know for me, I want to be a light. I want people to be able to look at me or meet me and see how much joy and love I have in my heart and think "Where does that come from?" and I would have to say that it ONLY comes from my Father in Heaven and Jesus in my heart, because if it wasn't for Him, I would be a total mess. This devotion reminded me of a verse that I always try to stay conscious of. It says,

"Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us."

--1 Peter 2:12

In my Bible I had written next to that verse from a speaker I heard that said, "Live a life that will cause heads to turn because of Jesus in your heart." THAT is what I want, right there! I want people to see me as different, I want to stand out, I don't just want to blend in. A new song I found today was so encouraging to me and part of it says,

"Be strong in the Lord and never give up hope. You're going to do great things,

I already know. God's got His hand on you, so don't live life in fear.

Forgive and forget, but don't forget why you're here.

Take your time and pray. That's what I would say....from one simple

life to another...."--Sidewalk Prophets

We are called to hold each other accountable and be encouragers to one another. "But encourage one another daily, as long as it is Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness." (Hebrews 3:13).

Are you leaving someone with a smile or a scowl on your face? Are you saying something uplifting or are you choosing to gossip? Remember to "Be kinder than necessary for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle" (Anonymous). You may be the only smile they see that day, you may be the only word of encouragement they get that week or the first hug they've had in months.

Are you living a life that causes heads to turn?...

"The true measure of a man is how he treats someone who can

do him absolutely no good."--Samuel Johnson

On a completely different note. This past week, I have felt led to start volunteering for The Footprints Ministry.

Their mission is:

"Walking in God's grace and Sharing His Love with families in the

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit."

This ministry is there to support families who have babies that are born extremely early or are extremely sick and have to stay in the hospital in the NICU. This is really close to my heart because although I don't work in the NICU, I work a lot on our High Risk OB unit which has lots of moms who end up having babies early and their babies end up in the NICU. I get so close to a lot of these moms, hence the reason this is close to my heart. The ministry gives each family a gift bag which has a bible, a camera (for the family or nurses to take pictures of the baby),gift cards to local restaurants and stores, a burp cloth monogrammed with footprints, a scent blankie with poem attached for the mother to sleep with and return to the baby, toothbrushes, prayer request cards, pens/notepads, kleenex, baby magazine. There are so many opportunities to volunteer with this ministry and I can't wait to get started! They are having a "Footprints to the Finishline" run/fundraiser this month on the 27th. Although I can't be there to be apart of it, I am sending my entry fee as a donation. If anyone is interested check out their website. It's for a GREAT cause!

God Saves the Best for Last

2010-02-04T12:02:00.006-06:00

I decided that since my last post was just about my birthday, I would let this one be more about what's going on in my heart, so I'm going to go ahead and apologize if this post gets a bit lengthy; just please bear with me. I mentioned in my last post that over the past month I have come across things or heard things that I would think to myself "Man! I really want to write about that!" but just never found the time to sit down and type it out...well, now I am.

First and foremost I feel like I started the year 2010 off the right way. I have not only been in church REGULARLY but in the Word regularly as well. My very good friend Kristin, gave me a devotional book to start for the new year and I must say, I have read it everyday (almost everyday) and it has had really good tid-bits of inspiration.

I think it's so neat when I have moments where I just happen to be flipping through my Bible and something happens to jump off the page at me. It may be a verse or something that I've written down from a sermon etc. But that's when I KNOW it's something God wanted me to hear in that moment. It's something I obviously NEEDED to hear. I pray for those moments all the time because I sometimes wonder if I am actually hearing Him and getting what I need, but those moments are just reassurance from my Heavenly Father above saying "Here my darling, this is something specific I want to tell you today". It's so awesome when that happens! Something I came across a few weeks ago that literally jumped off the page at me was something I had written down from a sermon of Brother Steve's at church over a year ago. It boldly stated,

"Sin gives you FUN at FIRST and makes life HARD LATER.

God's way is HARD at FIRST and BETTER LATER.

God saves the BEST for LAST."--Bro. Steve

I LOVE the way Bro. Steve put this because it's SO true. So many times we just give into sin or to what WE want because it's the easiest or the most "fun". But if you think about it, it really does make life harder later. It's kind of like the law of the harvest. Not only do you reap what you sow, but you reap later than you sow and more than you sow. God's way is usually hard at first because normally it's us having to WAIT for something/someone. Believe me, I am the world's worst at waiting (I'm getting better, God is definitely working with me on this one), but most of us today are all about instant gratification. We want what we want, when we want it and how we want it. We don't care about the outcome, we just know that we want it NOW. I'm quickly learning that I HAVE GOT to start trusting God more because He sees the BIG picture. He sees everything, while I'm only seeing what's going on right now simply because I'm living right now. When something doesn't work out or go the way I want them to, I usually get down and wonder what I did wrong or why it didn't work, but truth is, (as brought to my attention by a very dear friend) that instead of seeing it as a bad thing, I need to see it as a RESCUE. I'm being rescued by my Father from something that He could see was totally wrong for me when I thought it was so right. When I start to think of it that way, it starts to make me feel better...starts making me feel like even though it's something that seems so good and so right, RIGHT NOW; God is saving the BEST for LAST.

Another point when it comes to waiting that I came across in my bible is that,

"God's delays aren't necessarily denials."--Karen Scoggins

Mrs. Karen said that during one of our sunday school lessons and that really hit home with me. God is constantly preparing us. Just because He doesn't give us something or something we want right when we want it, doesn't mean He is saying "no", He may just be telling us to "wait". There's that ugly word that starts with a "W" again! But it's the truth! Often times we THINK we are ready for something and we really AREN'T.

"But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently."

--Romans 8:25

A couple of weeks ago in sunday school, we had a time of sharing our testimonies. I was not one of the ones that shared (I didn't feel led to at the time), but the ones who did share, gave some awesome testimonies and shared some very good points with the class. One point that someone shared that really hit home with me was,

"I wanted God in my life, but I didn't want Him in my business."

How true and convicting is that statement?! That person hit the nail on the head! So many times I think we want God to be in our lives and we want Him to be apart of our daily living, but there are certain things that we DON'T want Him to be a part of. There may be certain areas of our lives that we have totally surrendered to Him and other areas that we continue to hold on to. Those are the very areas that God himself is trying to get you to let go of. Just like in the story of Abraham and Sarah, where God wanted Abraham to sacrifice his only son, the son that they had prayed and waited for, for so long. The minute Abraham finally decided to give his son over to God, God saw what faith and trust Abraham had and said to him, "Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son." (Gen. 22:12). This is exactly the place God wants us sometimes. He wants to bring us to the place of total surrender where we say, "Ok, God, it's yours." What would you do if the thing you're waiting on, God says, "Place it on the alter"? Could you without hesitation?

"Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's

purpose that prevails."--Proverbs 19:21

I was reading through Proverbs the other day and came across this one and it is quickly becoming one of my favorites because it is SO true in my life right now. Lots of times we make our own plans or decisions without even considering what God wants, but truth is, God's plan will always prevail. Just like the verse I've shared before from Job says, "I know you can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted." (42:2). We can try everything in the book to make things go our way, but God is WAY bigger than us, so we really need not even try.

"Never underestimate God. He works in mysterious ways. Keep

believing He can instead of He can't. You'll see. I've seen

Him do so much and He's always there."

"Nothing happens by "chance", but God is always behind the scenes, working

all things together for the good of His people (Rom. 8:28). There is no

such thing as "luck" or "fate" for believers." --John MacArthur

That last quote came from a book I recently read called, "Twelve Extraordinary Women" by John MacArthur. It was a really great book about 12 women in the bible and what God did with and through their lives.

I guess to end my post, I will leave you with some great songs I have come across over the last month (since I'm constantly finding/looking for new music). Definitely check them out if you have a chance!

1.) By Your Side- Tenth Avenue North

2.) Hold My Heart- Tenth Avenue North

3.) Trust You- Brandon Heath

4.) I'd Need a Savior- Among the Thirsty

5.) Forgiven- Sanctus Real

6.) Your Hands- JJ Heller

7.) Rend- Jimmy Needham

8.) Umbrella (Christ Mix)- Coffey Anderson

9.) Wait and See- Brandon Heath

10.) Washed by the Water- Needtobreathe

11.) I Will Rise- Chris Tomlin

12.) Never Let Go- Matt Redman

13.) Lay Em' Down- Needtobreathe

They Say It's MY Birthday!!

2010-02-03T09:44:00.014-06:00

I just realized it's been a while since I last posted anything. Funny thing is, I have had things happen or come across things in the past month that I wanted to write about, but didn't really find the time to actually sit down and write them. So now, I can't seem to remember all that I wanted to share! ah! First of all, I just had a birthday (the 29th) and it was wonderful (besides the fact that I turned 26 this year). My wonderful, awesome roommate, Natalie started my day off RIGHT by making me a straight-from-heaven-breakfast.....

and also organized a surprise party for me on my birthday at Cock of the Walk. I was SO surprised and so glad to see the wonderful people who came. It meant so much to me! It was a good time to hang out, eat some good food (and cake). Here are some pics from the night:

And Kristin also took me to Birmingham to shop and out to eat at P.F. Chang's for my birthday. It was my first time ever eating there, but I had heard it was SO yummy and always wanted to go. It was great and I already can't wait to go back!!

In the middle of January, we also had a Progressive Dinner with our sunday school class. In case you don't know what that is, it's where you go to a different house for appetizers, salads, main course and dessert. Natalie, Robyn and I were in charge of desserts. We had at least 200 mini cupcakes (different kinds of course). It was such a fun time with GREAT food at each house!

"Be thankful. Cultivate an attitude of gratitude. Thankfulness is much more dependent on attitude than circumstance. When you feel the lack of what you don't have, thank God for what you do have! At any time, there is more going right in the life of a committed Christian than there is going wrong. It's just that the wrong makes a lot more noise than the right."--Jim Stephens

Don't jump off the plane...

2010-01-04T17:15:00.004-06:00

Ok...so can I just say WOW?! First of all, I just want to say that God is SO good! I'm sure most of you know that and those of you that don't-HE IS! ("Taste and see that the Lord is good."-Proverbs 34:8). This year has definitely started off right. And what I mean by that is my attitude. I have spent more time in the Word the last couple of days than I have in a long time. It's what I have needed and it's been awesome. I spent almost a whole entire day listening to Louie Giglio & Andy Stanley sermons online and lemme tell ya, they are PHENOMENAL if you've never heard them. Those 2 men can certainly preach the word of God. I got so much out of their messages and I know for sure I was led to those sermons for a reason. My roommate, Natalie just got back from a retreat with our sunday school class and it was so exciting just listening to her talk about everything that happened and listening to her share what their sessions were about. A lot of what she shared with me were definitely things I needed to hear, but there was one thing she told me that really stood out and has definitely stuck with me. It had to do with waiting..basically..which is the story of my life (by the way).

Here's the analogy: Think about being on an airplane. You're on the airplane and you're anxious, you're anxious just to get off because you know where you're going or where you want to go, but you're still in the air. You have a pilot-you can't see him, but you know he's there because you can hear him over the intercom every now and then telling you about the weather conditions and how much longer it may be til you land or he may just tell you that he can't land and not always give you a reason. He's constantly in touch with air-traffic control waiting to land at the perfect time. In the meantime, you are still very anxious just to get off the plane, so you decide to take matters into your own hands and jump out of the plane to get to the ground quicker. But what happens if you do that?....you die, right?

So many times in life we get anxious and get tired of waiting (Lord knows I do!) and we try to take matters into our own hands. We think that we can do things better and we know the right time in which to do things. The truth of the matter is, we don't...because what happens when we DO take matters into our own hands?...it leads to death. We have to trust in our ultimate pilot that He's going to land our plane at the right time because we knows that's the safest way. That analogy spoke to me and my heart so much because I am so guilty of trying to "jump from the plane" before it's ready to land. Lately so many good scriptures have been brought to my attention. Here are a couple:

"I know that you can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted."--Job 42:2

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.."--Eccl 3:1

"Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth, He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak."--Isaiah 40:28-29

Something else that really just jumped out at me and literally made me say "WOW!" out loud was, I was just opening up my Bible a little while ago to look something up and the first page I happened to open up to was the story of Isaac & Rebekah. On the first page, I happened to look down and something I had written (I write all my notes in my Bible instead of a notebook) that Mrs. Karen Scoggins said one morning in sunday school blew me away. It said "God's delays aren't necessarily denials." When I read that, it made me want to keep reading and so on the very next page, I wrote "God calls us to WAIT & when it does happen, its so special." Another said, "If God is trying to bring about something in your life, let Him do it-don't try to manipulate it." God knows what we need, when we need it and actually, even before we need it or think we need it. He loves us and is on top of things. Remember...He sees the BIG picture while we are just seeing this small portion of it.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

2009-12-25T06:14:00.006-06:00

"Christmas gift suggestions: To your enemy, forgiveness. To an opponent, tolerance. To a friend, your heart. To a customer, service. To all, charity. To every child, a good example. To yourself, respect."--Oren Arnold

So...... I figured that since I'm up BEFORE the crack of dawn like a kid on Christmas (and I barely slept after work yesterday), I needed to write a little something.

"Even as an adult I find it difficult to sleep on Christmas Eve. Yuletide excitement is a potent caffeine, no matter your age." --Carrie Latet

I was actually scheduled to work last night, but THANK GOODNESS I got put on call. I worked the night before (Christmas Eve, eve) and when I got home, I only slept about 4 hours and woke up and for the life of me, COULD NOT go back to sleep. I got up, got ready, went to the early Christmas Eve service at church and luckily they put me on call. I was able to go spend some time with Natalie's family, exchange presents with her and just chill out last night, of course watching A Christmas Story. Now, here I sit, not being able to sleep once again.

But I have another reason for this post. At first I was kind of frustrated for having to work around the holidays. This is the first year ever that I've had to work on the actual holiday (even as a nurse). I worked Thanksgiving night and the night before Christmas eve and was supposed to work Christmas Eve. I kept thinking about how I just really didn't want to work and how tired I was going to be on Christmas day trying to do that family thing and the more I thought about it, the more frustrated I got. One day my sweet friend Lee, who is a CONSTANT voice of reason for me reminded me that on the Eve of Jesus' birth, I would be helping to bring the greatest gift of all to mothers and that's the gift of life since I work in Labor & Delivery. I had never thought of it that way, and she had a good point but it still didn't settle all that well with me. I mean who wants to be at work on Christmas?? Allow me to continue...

Over the last month, I have had a patient on our high-risk OB unit who was scheduled to have her C-Section on Christmas Eve morning. She has been such a wonderful patient. She has had her 3 yr old daughter there with her almost everyday as well and she has really become like family to all of us. She is one of the sweetest people I have ever met and just incredibly grateful for everything. I have had many talks with her late at night and one thing she said to me that I will never forget is "you can't miss something you never had". She will admit that she has had a rough life and that's what makes her so grateful for any blessing God gives her. She often talked about how much of a blessing I, along with the other nurses were to her, but what she didn't realize was what a blessing she was to me. I am truly going to miss her. I am going to miss seeing her get excited to see me walk in her room and seeing her daughter run up to me and beg me to pick her up. Just knowing that I have a patient that is excited to see me and appreciates me that much, makes me job worth it. Every morning when I would leave, she would always ask when I would be back. I got the priveledge of being with her and running the OR room during her C-Section Christmas Eve morning and everything went great! It was so neat to be with her during the last month and then be there with her during the "finale" so to speak. To be able to be there to meet her little boy when he was born on Christmas. Life really is the greatest gift of all, and being in that operating room that morning reminded me that's what Jesus being born on Christmas is all about. He was born to ultimately die on the cross to give US LIFE. That's what the true meaning of Christmas is all about. I know am just as bad as anyone else about getting caught up in the hustle and bustle of shopping and such, but Jesus really is the reason for the season.

"But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." --Luke 2:10-12

Tis The Season to be MERRY!

2009-12-05T06:30:00.004-06:00

Well...the Christmas season is in full force. Our christmas trees are decorated (almost), as Natalie put it the other day, "it looks like Christmas has thrown-up on our house" and my iPod is continuously playing the sweet tunes of Christmas. I must say...I LOVE IT!! I am always anticipating this time of year...well...year round! There is something about Christmas that is different to me. I'm sure most of you would agree with me. I'm so glad my roommate shares the same passion about the holidays as I do (thank goodness I don't live with a Scrooge!) We have our tree up (but it's not completely decorated yet-we got tired), our house is decorated and I even put a little tree up in my room! I had this little 5-6 foot tree from a couple years ago and decided that since my room was plenty big enough, I should have my own. I got some of those big bulbed/old-timey lights and used some of my "meaningful" ornaments and decorated it up. Here's the finished productNot too bad for a small tree huh? Anyways....my next favorite thing..MUSIC! Over the last couple of years I have created a pretty big Christmas music playlist on my iPod. Every season I continue to find new stuff I like that just adds to the list. I have such a wide variety I have everything from Louis Armstrong to Jack Johnson to Amy Grant to Shane & Shane to Bing Crosby to Ingrid Michaelson to Third Day to Mariah Carey to Kenny G to Trans Siberian Orchestra and more! Right now, thanks to Tyler, my favorite album that is on constant repeat is the Shane & Shane Christmas album Glory in the Highest.
I have to admit though, not only do I love the old classics, but I love finding new artists that take a new twist on the old ones. I also like new artists that have completely new songs. Don't get me wrong some of them just totally not right for Christmas music (such as Lady GaGa), but here are a few that I've come across that are some of my current faves:

1.) It Came Upon a Midnight Clear- Sixpence None the Richer

2.) The Christmas Song- Gavin Degraw

3.) Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow- Michael Buble (the whole album is good)

4.) Snowfall- Ingrid Michaelson

5.) Christmastime is Here- A Fine Frenzy

6.) Wintersong- Sara Barellis & Ingrid Michaelson

7.) Greensleeves- Vanessa Carlton

8.) Auld Lang Syne -Mairi Campbell (anyone that is a fan of SATC will know this version is from the movie)

9.) Last Christmas-GLEE cast (LOVE LOVE LOVE this show!!)

10.) Mistletoe- Colbie Caillat

11.)Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer- Jack Johnson

12.) Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas- Tyler Hilton ( I also like Coldplay's version too)

13. ) Winter Snow -Chris Tomlin & Audrey Assad

14. ) O Come, O Come Emmanuel- Enya

15.) Silent Night- Priscilla Ahn

16. ) Eternal Gifts- Leigh Nash

That's just a few of many. Hope everyone is having a great start to the holiday season!

God sees the big picture...

2009-12-03T23:06:00.002-06:00

I read this and it was definitely something that I needed to hear. Just thought I would share it!

Today, choose to keep an attitude of faith and expectancy. Begin to thank Him for the opportunities that are just ahead for you. Shut the door on fear and let God lead you by His peace through the door of opportunity He has prepared for you! "I know all the things you do, and I have opened a door for you that no one can close" -Revelations 3:8

I know there are lots of times that I get scared or worried about the future or what's going on in my life. Sometimes I doubt the fact that God is working in MY favor. The Bible tells us that God works for the good of those who love Him. A great quote that I read just the other day goes along great with this. It says:

"When God takes something from your grasp He's not punishing you, but merely opening your hands to receive something better."

I have to believe that's the truth. Even when I don't understand why things don't work out when or how I want them to. I have to know that there's a reason...GOD'S reason. He is only doing it because He loves me and can see the big picture while I only see what's going on right now. Last Sunday my pastor, Brother Steve preached a great sermon on worrying. He talked about how worrying is a sin and no sin is any worse than the other. I think about how much I worry over the smallest things sometimes and really, it's ridiculous! Truth is, if we're worrying, we aren't trusting. I have faith knowing that whatever God has planned for me (which has to be good) will happen. I love the verse in Job where it says, "I know that you can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted." (42:2). That's so comforting to know! And I can think back to times in my life where I can clearly see that the Lord's will was done one way or another. I may have fought against Him hard, but in the end, He won and it was most definitely for the better. Of course I didn't think so at the time, but I am able to see it now....

Perfect Love

2009-11-30T11:20:00.004-06:00

I remembered someone giving me this to read a couple years ago when I was going through a tough time and it really spoke to me. Just thought I would share it....

"Everyone longs to give themselves completely to someone, to have a deep soul relationship with another, to be loved thoroughly and exclusively. But God, to the Christian, says, "No, not until you are satisfied and content with living, loved only by me alone to have an intensely personal and unique relationship. I love you my child, and until you discover that only in me is your satisfaction to be found, you will not be capable of the perfect human relationship that i have planned for you. You will NEVER be united with another until you are united with me - exclusive of any other desires or longings. I want you to stop planning, stop wishing, and allow me to give you the most thrilling plan exsiting, one that you cannot imagine. I want you to have the best. Please allow me to bring it to you. Keep watching me, expecting the GREATEST things. Keep that attitude knowing that I AM. Keep learning and listening to the things I tell you. You must wait, don't be anxious and worry. Don't look around at what others have gotten or who i have given them. Don't look at the things or relationships you think you want. Just keep looking up to me, or you will miss what I have to show you. When you are ready, I will surprise you with a love far more wonderful than you will ever dream. You see, until the one I have for you is ready, (I am working this minute to have you both ready at the same time) and until you are both satisfied with me and the life I have prepared for you, you will not be able to experience the love that exemplifies your relationship with me -PERFECT LOVE"

GIVING..it's the gift that keeps on giving!

2009-11-21T10:30:00.001-06:00

"Everyday, we get to give the gift of life. It can be painful. It can be terrifying. But in the end,it's worth it; Every time. We all have the opportunity to give. Maybe the gifts are not as dramatic as what happens in the operating room. Maybe the gift is to try and make a simple apology. Maybe it's to understand another persons point of view. Maybe it's to hold a secret for a friend. The joy supposedly is in the giving. So when the joy is gone, when the giving starts to feel more like a burden, that's when you stop. But if you're like most people I know, you give till it hurts...and then you give some more." --Meredith, Grey's Anatomy

This quote was from the most recent episode of Grey's Anatomy which was the "holiday" episode. When I heard her say it, it really struck me. When the holiday season rolls around, a lot of us get caught up in the shopping and all the superficial stuff. Don't get me wrong, I am definitely all about some shopping and I LOVE the holiday season; it's my absolute favorite time of year, but sometimes I have to stop and remind myself of what it's really all about. I have found that when I give a gift, give of myself or of my time that's when I receive the most joy. I was starting to feel sort of down about this holiday season because of various reasons, but a very dear friend of mine reminded me that I will be doing a great thing on Christmas eve (working) which will be bringing life into the world on the day of Jesus' birth! How neat is that?! That really helped me change my perspective on things. Because helping bring life into the world is really the greatest gift of all. God gave His one and only son, Jesus for each and every one of us. That's what Christmas is all about...and I'm constantly having to stop and remind myself of that when I catch myself getting caught up in other things...

Taking time to stop and smell the roses...

2009-11-12T11:22:00.005-06:00

Have you ever felt like you were waiting to hear from God and you couldn't hear Him? Have you ever felt like you couldn't hear His tiny whispers and if He wanted you to hear something He was literally going to have to shout it to you? Sometimes we hear those tiny whispers and it's such a wonderful feeling because it's almost like feeling something soft & simple...like a cool breeze blowing through your hair. But sometimes, for me, I feel such unrest about something and for whatever the reason may be, I'm not hearing His soft, gentle whisper. For that reason, I NEED Him to SHOUT to me; put it RIGHT IN FRONT OF MY FACE where there is NO WAY I can miss it. Let me share with you what God has been literally been shouting at me the last couple of days.

CONTENTMENT! God has basically been saying to me to just be content with where I am in my life RIGHT NOW and not worry about WHERE I AM GOING or WHERE I WANT TO BE. That topic has been brought up on several occasions in the last couple of days and I have just felt like God has wanted me to hear it. Not only has God used people to speak that to me, but also for me to voice that to others that may need to hear it. It's really an awesome thing! My roommate, Natalie and I were enjoying a great moment together the other night. We had spent the entire day together (which contrary to popular belief, doesn't happen often even though we DO live together) and we were starting dinner, drinking some hot apple cider together and Natalie said, "It really doesn't get any better than this does it Amy?" and me being negative said "Well, I guess it could" and she boldly started saying how we need to enjoy where we are because if we are constantly worried about the next step in our lives then we can't enjoy the moments now. The cliche that comes to mind is "taking time to stop and smell the roses". I know, it's a horrible cliche, but it's true. And a great quote that goes along with that is:

"Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not;

remember that what you now have was once among the things

you only hoped for."

A great way of thinking about it is that when you graduate high school, all you can think about is moving out, then when you move out, all you can think about is graduating college and starting your "grown-up job". In the middle of all of that I'm sure you're thinking about dating and such...your heart longs to find "that person". Well, you find someone...you start dating and it's perfect, everything you dreamed it would be (but of course it's not enough), you start thinking about when you will get engaged and get married because now that's ALL YOU WANT is just to be married, while at the same time you don't want to live with your rooomate anymore, you JUST want to buy a house of your own (because at this point you are in your "grown-up" job that you so badly wanted a couple years ago). So, now you're "happily" married and you've just bought a new house. You've been married a couple of years, but now ALL you want is children and of course you need a new car because you can't drive that 2 door sports car anymore because kids can't fit in that!...I won't continue with the story because we all know how it goes....we are never completely happy and we all know that once we attain one level of what we think we want, we always want more...it's never enough, that's just life and our sinful nature I'm afraid. But what God is teaching me right now is really just to find contentment in where I am and more importantly in Him. He is going to give me what I NEED. If we don't take time to enjoy the season in which we are in, we will miss it! We will miss out on SO many memories and fun things we could be doing RIGHT NOW and what God is teaching us RIGHT NOW because we're too worried about what's down the road or what we aren't getting. Trust me, I'm the world's worst about doing this, but I've realized that it's time for a change. I think I'm definitely going to try my best to take more time to stop and smell the roses because if I don't, I could miss one that smells REAL sweet! :)

"But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently." --Romans 8:25

Inspiration in the little things...

2009-11-09T00:23:00.005-06:00

Last weekend I went to the race in Talladega with Jill, Kyle and Matthew. We had a really good time just hanging out and observing the "culture" around us because let me tell you, it is definitely a different culture of people at the races :)

Most of you who know me and know me well, know that I LOVE music (I'm sure I've mentioned that once or twice). I seem to find lots of inspiration in music. I have recently found a new artist that I love, Brandon Heath. I may be a little late finding him, but I love his music. There is a song of his called "Give Me Your Eyes" and the lyrics are phenomenal. Here they are:

Looked down from a broken sky
Traced out by the city lights
My world from a mile high
Best seat in the house tonight
Touched down on the cold black tile
Hold on for the sudden stop
Breath in the familiar shock
Of confusion and chaos
Are those people going somewhere?
Why have I never cared?

Chorus:
Give me your eyes for just one second
Give me your eyes so I can see
Everything that I keep missing
Give me your love for humanity
Give me your arms for the broken hearted
Wasnt it far beyond my reach?
Give me your heart for the once forgotten
Give me your eyes so I can see

Step out on a busy street
See a girl and our eyes meet
Does her best to smile at me
To hide whats underneath
Theres a man just to her right
Black suit and a bright red tie
To ashamed to tell his wife
Hes out of work
Hes buying time
Are those people going somewhere?
Why have I never cared?

Chorus

Ive Been there a million times
A couple of million eyes
Just moving past me by
I swear I never thought that I was wrong
Well I want a second glance
So give me a second chance
To see the way you see the people all alone

To me, this song proves that we just need to be more mindful that other people are going through tough times just like we are. I've come to realize that everyone has a story; everyone has a past, but if we all could learn to see each other through His eyes, even just a smidgen, we might have a little more compassion....a little more grace towards others. We have to learn to meet people where they are because we never know when we might be in a place hoping for someone to meet us...

It's just a bunch of Hocus Pocus...

2009-10-31T01:07:00.015-05:00

I have realized it's been a while since I last posted, so I figured I needed to while I had a few minutes. I went a couple weeks ago with my sunday school class at First Baptist Church Opelika to paint a lady's house for a My Jerusalem project. What that is, is where a couple times a year groups in the community get together a complete about 50 projects around the community. These are projects such as painting houses, doing yard work, plumbing work on houses, putting roofs on houses etc. Anything that needs doing, these groups do it! Not only was I doing work for Jesus, but I had fun in the process! It's so rewarding to know that I am helping someone who truly needs help and otherwise wouldn't be able to complete the task themselves.On a different note, actually, tonight, our sunday school class had a Halloween party. We dressed up in costumes, carved pumpkins, ate good food and just had a good ole time. I really enjoyed being able to dress up (I always LOVE to do that!) and just hang out with good friends and laugh. Here are some pictures from our fun night!

Such a fun time! And more fun to come this weekend! I'm off to the races at Talladega!! Gentlemen...start your engines!!! :) Oh yeah..and HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

Vicariously living through all my wonderful friends..

2009-09-27T13:23:00.030-05:00

Lately I have decided to start living vicariously through my wonderful friends. Although, I have to admit to myself that I do have a pretty good life (even when it doesn't feel like it sometimes). I am independent, I am fortunate to have found an awesome person to live with (my Natty), I have amazing friends that I wouldn't trade for anything in this world, I just got back from a great trip to Vegas, I have a good job that I love doing (most of the time) and so much more! You're thinking what more could a girl ask for, right?? Well...I guess there are lots of things I could think of, but I WON'T GO INTO THAT. :)

It has really hit me lately what amazing friends I have. These are the kind of friends that I know will last me a lifetime. God has been SO good to me in placing the right people in my life at exactly the right time-He is SO faithful! Even though I may lose touch with some of my good friends, we always pick up right where we left off and that is simply something money can't buy. There is a quote that comes to mind when I think of my friends:

“Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born.” --Anais Nin

That quote is so true in so many ways because each friend truly represents a different world in us. I believe God places people in our lives to fulfill different purposes. It's neat to me how people come into your life that you never thought would, but end up being apart of your life forever. I have certain friends that I consider to be my "voice of reason", friends that make me laugh all the time, friends that just listen, friends that I share my deepest darkest secrets with etc..

Lots of my friends are married and have children (or have babies on the way) and although that is something that I want, I have learned just to "live vicariously" through them until it's my turn. I love all of my friends (and their babies) dearly and love sharing their lives with them. I consider it a TRUE blessing.

Smiling..and VEGA$!!

2009-09-22T00:34:00.009-05:00

Ok..so I have been on a little hiatus from the blogging world, but I am BACK! I just got back from a vacation in VEGAS and am ready to write!

So I left last Monday and made my way to Las Vegas. I must say..it was SO great to go and visit and see the city of lights. Let me tell you, it was definitely full of them (amongst other things that I won't go into). All around it was a good trip. I have always said I wouldn't gamble (I have learned to never say never), but I ended up actually playing some slots (the penny machines). One morning..I was up by myself and decided to play. I lost a little and it kinda kept going up and down for a while..then I hit the jackpot!! (well...the jackpot for me anyways). I won $250 betting 60 cent!!! You can't believe the excitement and surprise I felt! I pretty much stopped while I was ahead, which was probably a good idea. I got to see lots of the casinos, the Vegas sign (something I really wanted to do) and got to see the Blue Man group!We sat front row and center in the splash zone. They were pure awesomeness!!! OMG!! Just watch the video to get a little snippet of what I got to see..it was incredible and so much fun!
Another thing I have been thinking about is laughter. Seriously...if someone asked me my most favorite thing ever in life, it would be LAUGHTER! I was thinking about how much a good laugh means to me and how I love it when something just makes me laugh so loud that I can't even control it. It really is THE BEST feeling in the world to me. I also had a thought about smiling (goes hand in hand with laughter, right?). Someone actually came up to me on the street in Vegas and said "you look scared...you should smile!". That got me to thinking..I love laughing and smiling, so I need to do it MORE. I think of myself as a happy person most of the time, but have realized that my face may not always show it. I found a few quotes I really like about smiling/laughter....

Keep smiling - it makes people wonder what you've been up to.--Unknown

A laugh is a smile that bursts.
-- Mary H. Waldrip

A smile costs nothing but gives much. It enriches those who receive without making poorer those who give. It takes but a moment, but the memory of it sometimes lasts forever. None is so rich or mighty that he cannot get along without it and none is so poor that he cannot be made rich by it. Yet a smile cannot be bought, begged, borrowed, or stolen, for it is something that is of no value to anyone until it is given away. Some people are too tired to give you a smile. Give them one of yours, as none needs a smile so much as he who has no more to give.
-- Author Unknown

Even if there is nothing to laugh about, laugh on credit.
-- Author Unknown

If you smile at someone, they might smile back.
-- Author Unknown

The person who knows how to laugh at himself will never cease to be amused.
-- Shirley MacLaine

Thank Goodness God Doesn't Make Junk!

2009-09-05T22:29:00.004-05:00

I watched this video tonight and I HAD to post it and write about it. Please take the time to watch it because it is ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!! It will definitely bless your heart because it most certainly blessed mine.

It is SO true that God knows what we need even before we realize it or even know we need it. It continues to amaze me how things happen and then I realize "that was SO God". It's such a neat and comforting feeling when I actually realize that. This video has such a good message and God knew that I NEEDED to hear it. Lately, I feel like I am in such a battle with the enemy. I feel like just when things start going good and I am happy in the place God has me, the enemy comes along and tries to make me believe otherwise. The enemy is VERY good at doing that...very good at casting doubt. But the truth is, if we can recognize when it's the enemy, then we really have the upper hand. We can choose to believe the lies the enemy tells us everyday, or we can choose to believe the truth that our Heavenly Father tries to impress upon us everyday. It is hard not to believe the enemy..he is very good at what he does, but God is SO much bigger and better. I make a concious decision everyday to believe what I know to be TRUTH. God says He will make us His masterpiece and He doesn't make junk. He created each and every one of us in HIS image....and anything He creates is "good".

For so long I have let the enemy tell me that I am really not a good person or good enough etc. But God tells me different. Sometimes we get to points in our lives (just like the video says) where God is trying to "chisel" away what shouldn't be there. I'm sure if you sat down and thought about it, it wouldn't take you long to come up with a BIG list of things that shouldn't be in your life. I know I can. Another way God has come through and helped me defeat the enemy is by words of encouragement through my wonderful friends. I have realized that over the last 2 or 3 days, I have gotten so many words of encouragement and I had no clue where it was coming from...then I realized..this is God. This is God letting me know that I am fearfully and wonderfully made and whatever bad opinions I may have of myself simply aren't true--they are lies. So watch the video and BE ENCOURAGED!!!

It's Been a While

2009-08-29T22:53:00.008-05:00

It has been FOREVER since my last blog post, so I figured while I had some free time, I would try to write a little and post some pictures. A couple of weeks ago I went to Birmingham to visit with Dacy, Robert and DC. While I was there, I also got to hear some friends (Jaden South) play at a place called Wine'd Down. It was really a neat place and tons of fun! Here are some pics from that weekend.

Lately, I have just been working (still lovin' nights!) and just hanging out. I am getting ready for my big trip to Vegas in September!! I'm SOOOOO excited! It's definitely going to be an experience that's for sure!

So...for some reason, as I sit here looking at the computer, my mind has drawn a blank. Normally when I sit down to "blog", I have tons to say, but for some reason tonight, the words just won't come. I guess I will leave you with this thought :

"We cannot go back and start a new beginning, but we can start today and make a new ending."

2009-08-15T22:24:00.003-05:00

I found this and I really liked it...thought I would share...

"Heavenly Father, Help us remember that the jerk who cut us off in traffic last night is a single mother who worked nine hours that day and was rushing home to cook dinner, help with homework, do the laundry and spend a few precious moments with her children.

Help us to remember that the pierced, tattooed, disinterested young man who can't make change correctly is a worried 19-year-old college student, balancing his apprehension over final exams with his fear of not getting his student loans for next semester.

Remind us, Lord, that the scary looking bum, begging for money in the same spot every day (who really ought to get a job!) is a slave to addictions that we can only imagine in our worst nightmares.

Help us to remember that the old couple walking annoyingly slow through the store aisles and blocking our shopping progress are savoring this moment, knowing that, based on the biopsy report she got back last week, this will be the last year that they go shopping together.

Heavenly Father, remind us each day that, of all the gifts you give us, the greatest gift is love. It is not enough to share that love with those we hold dear. Open our hearts not just to those who are close to us but to all humanity. Let us be slow to judge and quick to forgive and bless us with patience and empathy and love. "

WOW!! Makes you stop and thinking huh?

Letting Go and Letting God

2009-07-22T23:29:00.003-05:00

I found this in a little monthly devotional called "Journey" and thought I would share it. It really spoke to me.

"When someone has hurt you, forgiving that person is the only step to take toward growing, healing and moving on. In order to free yourself from chains of bitterness and anger, release any thoughts of revenge.

Forgiveness is an ongoing work of the Holy Spirit, so don't be alarmed if your anger takes a while to fade and doesn't disappear immediately after you've made the choice to forgive someone. Depending on how much you were hurt, you may have to continue to forgive on deeper levels as the Holy Spirit reveals how badly you've been wounded. When life isn't going like we expect it to or want it to, it's time to take a closer look at our expectations. Behind our expectations our pride and self-centeredness give our wishes and desires preeminence. When we get upset because life isn't going like we planned, it often reveals exactly how strongly we believe that we are more deserving or more important than others. The truth is, life does not revolved around us. Plus, we live in a fallen world, so life will most likely not go according to our plans.

When your expectations aren't met, talk to God about it. Acknowledge to Him that His ways aren't always your ways, and ask Him to help you let go of your expectations and depend on Him. When someone's telling us something we don't want to hear, but they're right and we're wrong, it's time for us to swallow our pride, take advice and change....."

My mom actually gave this to me to read and I was like "WOW! if that's not God speaking to me, then I don't know what is!" The last part where it talks about life not going as you had planned...MAN! That is SO me right now. I think lately (just being honest), I have felt a little...down. I can't really put my finger on why exactly, but I think after reading that, it helped me a lot. I think I have just been feeling lately that nothing is going my way. (Sounds like a 5 yr old doesn't it??). It seems like everything I touch is doomed for failure or something. Maybe I am in a depressed mood..I don't really know, but all I know is that I want OUT of this FUNK--NOW!! It's like the devotion said, I know I just need to take that and lay it before God. Let Him know what my expectations are and give all that up to Him. I need to let Him handle it. He knows far better what is best for me than I could EVER imagine. I THINK I know what's best for me, but He has definitely proved me wrong there before. I need to remember times where God has proven himself to me the most and know that He is taking care of me. Even in this season of my life where I feel like nothing is going right...He is there, every step of the way, taking care of me..I just have to let HIM guide my steps. Maybe I haven't been doing that as much as I thought I have...maybe it's time to really hand it all over...but that's the hard part right?? Actually handing it over? I know God is trying to draw me closer to Him right now...now more than ever maybe...and I just need to surrender it all. I am starting the Beth Moore study in the next week or so called "Esther" and let me just tell you--I am PUMPED!! It's gonna be awesomeness! Here is a quote from the study that I found, that I L-O-V-E!!

"Even those most serious about their pursuit of God and godliness fail to be perfect examples all the time.... The mystery is not that an earthly hero can still be flawed and fall to cultural pressures but that God, in His mercy, chooses at times to retain only the snapshots He took when they were standing firm."--Beth Moore

Love This!

2009-07-17T13:20:00.001-05:00

"My heart has seen difficulty. My life has been changed. The fact that I belong to Jesus has not changed, and although tragedy and heartache have come knocking on my door and I have repeatedly asked why, He has told me that sometimes the answer is not as important as the faith it takes to ask the question. I may ask why, but I won't let the lack of a full blueprint trouble my heart. I won't be troubled by the lack of answers. Instead, I will let that perfect peace rest deep in my heart and soul--the peace that even as I ask the same questions again and again, I may not get every answer just this second but I will be safe and He will provide for me, like a parent cares for a child. The peace that He loves me and that He knows how much of the answer I can handle right now, and how much needs to be saved for later."
---Anonymous

Famous Words...Not Mine...

2009-07-12T23:12:00.003-05:00

I thought I would do a post of some of my favorite quotes and what they mean to me. I already have some of them posted on my facebook (if you have seen my facebook profile) and some of them on my blog site as well. But just in case you care, or if you're like me at all and LOVE quotes...here ya go!

"Find someone who makes your circle just, someone with whom you want to end each day where you began."
--- Dr. Charles Hannah

*I got this quote from my 12th grade AP English teacher (most of you probably know him). He was such a hard teacher, but he really was very smart. At the end of the year, he gave us this typed out sheet of "life lessons" we could carry with us from all the stories and poems that he made us read. This was one of them. I can't remember from which story it could be applied, but I really liked it. You really do want to make sure you find that person "with whom you want to end each day where you began".

"Not all love stories are epic novels. Some are short stories, but that doesn't mean they are any less filled with love." Carrie, SATC

*This was from the SATC movie. I love it because it's saying that a relationship (love) doesn't have to be a long one to be meaningful. You can date someone a few weeks, a few months a few years and it is just a meaningful. I have always thought that it's not the labels you put on relationships that matter; it's what's in your heart. :)

"Nothing changes the human heart so deeply as to look bad in the presence of love, to be seen with all that is wickedly ugly about us and to still be wanted, more, to be delighted in. That's grace." --Larry Crabb

*This came from the book The Papa Prayer. It is such a good book; I recommend it to anyone. I read it about a year and a half ago which was right around the time that God was really teaching me about grace. Sure, I have always heard about grace, sung about grace (Amazing Grace), but never really thought about what grace actually is. Grace is definitely something we as sinners don't deserve, but because Jesus died on the cross for our sins..that's grace....when we get something we don't deserve. I have also realized that when something bad happens, God can take it and make something good out of it...that's grace. This quote is saying that when we are seen for all that we are even when it's bad (wickedly ugly) and we are still wanted and even more than that...DELIGHTED IN...that's GRACE!

"When we expect to be satisfied with the basics, God will often surprise us with treats." --James MacDonald

*This is from a book called "Lord, Change My Attitude Before It's Too Late". I was reading this book last summer during a bible study and I must say..it's a must read also. It's so true that if we just basically take what God has given us and expect to just be satisfied with that; satisfied even if it's only with Him...then the blessings come...

"Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for."--Anonymous

*You know how sometimes you wait and wait for something and you finally get it? You are SO excited that you finally got whatever it was that you had wanted for so long. Well..after a while that "thing" that you wanted so dearly just becomes the "norm"...it's not so...special anymore. Then you start wanting something else. The thing we need to remember (and I am definitely guilty of this) is that we still need to continue to treasure what it was that we wanted in the first place even if we start longing for something else..because if you remember..that first thing...used to be something you only hoped for..

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.." --Ephesians 3:20

*This is one of my favorite verses in the bible. I don't think this one needs much explanation..God really can do IMMEASURABLY MORE than we could EVER ask or imagine!!

"Did you say it? I love you. I don't ever want to live without you. You changed my life. Did you say it? Make a plan. Set a goal. Work toward it. But every now and then, look around. Drink it in. 'Cause this is it. It may all be gone tomorrow." --Grey's Anatomy

*This was on the season finale of Grey's Anatomy this year and it gave me chills when Meredith said it. Those words really hit home with me. So many times we just go about our everyday life and we don't tell the people we love how much we really do love them and how much they mean to our lives. We don't appreciate the people in our lives, the things in our lives, the direction our lives are going...we don't appreciate the little things. We should all "take time to stop and smell the roses" because it really could all be gone tomorrow.

"You never know the biggest day of your life is the biggest day. Not until it's happening. You don't recognize the biggest day of your life, not until you're right in the middle of it. The day you commit to something or someone. The day you get your heart broken. The day you meet your soulmate. The day you realize there's not enough time, because you wanna live forever. Those are the biggest days. The perfect days. You know?" --Grey's Anatomy

*This one, also from Grey's Anatomy except for it was Izzie who said it. I just really liked it....that's all...

Well..there ya have it..some of my favorites quotes. Just thought I would share! :)

Deuces!!

Happiness

2009-07-08T23:39:00.002-05:00

I absolutely LOVE The Fray!! I have liked them ever since they came out with their very first single "Over My Head (Cable Car) a few years ago. A few months ago I purchased their 2nd album and I must say that I am in love! Here is one of my favorites off the album..its called "Happiness"

"Happiness is just outside my window
Would it crash blowing 80-miles an hour?
Or is happiness a little more like knocking
On your door, and you just let it in?

Happiness feels a lot like sorrow
Let it be, you can’t make it come or go
But you are gone- not for good but for now
Gone for now feels a lot like gone for good

Happiness is a firecracker sitting on my headboard
Happiness was never mine to hold
Careful child, light the fuse and get away
‘Cause happiness throws a shower of sparks

Happiness damn near destroys you
Breaks your faith to pieces on the floor
So you tell yourself, that’s enough for now
Happiness has a violent roar

Happiness is like the old man told me
Look for it, but you’ll never find it all
Let it go, live your life and leave it
Then one day, wake up and she’ll be home
Home, home, home"

So here goes another one of my lyric interpretations. This song has great meaning. It's obviously talking about happiness. I think they hit the nail on the head with this one too. It's basically saying that happiness is not something that should be looked or searched for..it's something that should just...happen. I like the part where he says, "Happiness feels a lot like sorrow. Let it be, you can’t make it come or go. But you are gone- not for good but for now.
Gone for now feels a lot like gone for good." He is saying you can't make happiness (which is alot like sorrow) come or go. Then, to me, it's like he is saying happiness is gone (not for good) but just for now. Maybe he has gone through something that has hurt him, made him sad, made him wish each day would get better. He knows that eventually it WILL get better, that the sorrow he feels WILL go away and he WILL be happy again, but basically the way he feels right now, feels like he won't ever be happy again. He feels like happiness is gone for good. We have all been in those situations. Situations where we can't seem to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Situations where it's hard to put a smile on our face even though we need to.

My favorite part in the whole song is towards the end where he says, "Happiness is like the old man told me. Look for it, but you’ll never find it all. Let it go, live your life and leave it. Then one day, wake up and she’ll be home". He is saying don't go looking for happiness; just let it go and go on about your life. Then out of the blue one day, happiness will find you. I believe this is how God works. Sometimes there are things in our lives that we hold on to so tight and all God wants us to do is give it to Him. He is there waiting and most of the time we are the ones fighting. We are fighting it because we want to have control. But why do you think God wants it this way? He wants it this way because that's what's best for us and that's how we will ultimately be happy. Most of the time, the moment we give something up to God, that's when He surprises us. Isn't that SO neat?! God wants to do that for us! He wants to give us the desires of our hearts if we would just let Him. He knows what's best for us so much more than we do.

Here is the song in case you want to hear it. :)

Bearable to Beauty

2009-07-03T14:03:00.002-05:00

So..for those of you who know me well, know that I LOVE quotes. I have said it once and I will say it again, I feel like sometimes the words of others can say it better than I can (same way with music). Here is a quote from a very wise woman:

"If Jesus gives us a task or assigns us to a difficult season, every ounce of our experience is meant for our instruction and completion if only we'll let Him finish the work. I fear, however, that we are so attention-deficit that we settle for bearable when beauty is just around the corner."

---Beth Moore

When I read that quote it really spoke to me. It made me realize that this is what God has been trying to do with me for a long time and I just haven't let Him. Most of the time when we go through trials we know that we are supposed to learn something from them, but the thing is, I think sometimes we miss what God is trying to teach us (I know I have!). I think we end up getting so impatient with whatever situation or season we are in, in our lives that we kinda just give up. We think that this is how it's going to be all the time and don't realize that if we just learn the valueable lesson God is teaching us, we will most definitely come out better on the other side. I LOVE the part where she says "we are so attention-deficit that we settle for bearable when beauty is just around the corner." I think she is SO right! We get to where we are comfortable leading our own lives and we are easily drawn off course. The devil is very good and sneaky at doing things like that. He sees that we are getting closer to God and His perfect will, and it angers him, so he knows our weak spots and tries to push us to the limits. He does everything he can to veer off the course that God is so desperately trying to take us on. I have definitely noticed this in my own life. If our relationship is so rooted in God, we can fight the enemy, so that we no longer "settle for bearable", but we get to enjoy the "beauty".

"In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength... Therefore the Lord LONGS to be gracious to you, and exalts himself to show mercy to you. For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are those who wait for Him." --Isaiah 30:15,18-20

Birthday, Rock Band and a Lesson..

2009-06-29T16:31:00.007-05:00

This past weekend was my weekend to work (I only work 1 weekend a month). My rotation works Thursday night-Sunday night. Friday afternoon I got a call from the hospital asking if I just wanted to be on call Friday night--HECK YEAH!! So, I was able to go hang out with some girls from work for Niki's birthday. Let me tell you, it was SO much fun! We just hung out, played Rock Band and it was good for me to spend some time with my co-workers outside of work because I have really wanted to try to get to know them better! Here are some pics from the night.
Night Shift Gals!
One day last week I got to help my friend Lee with her baby for the day. She wasn't feeling well and just wanted an extra hand, so I said SURE! I did EVERYTHING! From feeding him, to playing with him, to changing his diaper, to bathing him...everything! He loves his boppy....

On another note, I was reading a friends blog and I loved her post! She had actually read one of her friends blogs and was passing along a message from that blog (did that make ANY sense??) She was talking about a book called "Can You Drink the Cup". I have never heard of it but after reading this quote she posted, I am definitely going to read it! Here is the quote she posted.

"Just as there are countless varieties of wine, there are countless varieties of lives. No two lives are the same. We often compare our lives with those of others, trying to decide whether we are better or worse off, but such comparisons do not help us much. We have to live our life, not someone else's. We have to hold our own cup. We have to dare to say: "This is my life, the life that is given to me, and it is this life that I have to live, as well as I can. My life is unique. Nobody else will ever live it. I have my own history, my own family, my own body, my own character, my own friends, my own way of thinking, speaking, and acting- yes, I have my own life to live. No one else has the same challenge. I am alone, because I am unique. Many people can help me to live my life, but after all is said and done, I have to make my own choices about how to live."

Can we say wow?! That is so true! There are so many times that we compare ourselves to others, what others are doing with their lives and what they have (I am INCREDIBLY guilty of that). But we need to realize that our life is unique. God has set us apart. We can't lead someone else's life, and the cool thing is, no one else can be US! I really needed to hear that today and wanted to continue to share. I think it's neat how God can speak to us through other people's blogs. If God has spoken to one person through my blog, then my babbling is so worth it!

Coming Back to the Heart of Worship

2009-06-22T00:28:00.005-05:00

This past weekend was such a good weekend. Not only did I get to spend some sweet time with my friends Dacy and Robert in Birmingham, but I really felt like God spoke to me as well. Today was Robert's birthday (along with his very first Father's Day), so initially it was supposed to be a "birthday surprise" that Kyle and I were coming, but Dacy ended up having to spill the beans, but in the end, it was a great weekend. They have such a precious 3-month old baby girl, Dacy Caroline. It is just SO neat to watch Dacy and Rob with her. Dacy and Rob have been good friends of mine for years now. Dacy and I went to high school together and then I was in their wedding and now I am able to share in their joy of having a daughter! It's just SO neat how life changes. Here are a couple pics from the weekend.

Sunday was so great because we got to go visit Rob and Dacy's church, Clearwater Community Church (which I LOVE!) I felt like I was back in "Revolution" which used to be our college ministry at FBCO. Chris Harris was the college minister then and now he has started his own church in Birmingham (Chelsea) with quite a few of the same people that were leaders during the "Revolution" days. But the great thing about church this morning was the worship. To be perfectly honest, I have felt a bit disconnected from my worship for quite some time now. I used to LOVE praise and worship..it was one of my FAVORITE things to do above anything else and lately I have just sorta lost touch with that. Maybe it's because I need more of a contemporary style of worship and I haven't been involved with that lately. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE the sunday school class that I am in at FBCO, Mrs. Karen Scoggins is wonderful, and I feel like I'm being fed there in such a great way. But at the same time, after experiencing the type of worship I did today, it is starting to make me think otherwise. The praise band led us in a song called "Marvelous Light" and it really hit home. Not only is that such an amazing praise song, my eyes were filling up with tears, and I felt like in THAT MOMENT, I was coming back to the heart of worship. I felt like the Holy Spirit just came to me and filled me up like an empty cup, and it was such a marvelous feeling; like no other. It felt so wonderful to be able to sing at the top of my lungs and cry out to Jesus and know that He heard me. I must admit that I have struggled lately with sort of finding my place in church. I thought I had definitely found my place when I joined the One2One sunday school class about a year or so ago. It has blessed me so much and I have found great friends through that, but I am starting to think now it is time for me to try and branch out a little. I think my heart needs that contemporary worship, so I may try doing that for a while. Lately I have just been feeling a sense of "unrest" I think. I couldn't really put my finger on a word to describe what I have been feeling lately, but Natalie put it perfect to me when she said "Amy, I think you are just feeling lots of unrest right now." I think she hit the nail on the head. I am settled into my new job and the whole night shift thing is going really well! The Lord has blown me away by that. He has totally helped me adjust to nights so easily and I am SO thankful for that. I was so nervous about it and worried that it was going to turn my world upside down to be on night shift (I NEVER thought I would have been able to stay awake at night, much less sleep during the day), but God has totally made that transition easy for me. That's lets me know (even in something small) that He will provide for me; He will take care of me when I need it. He knows our needs even when we don't even know. Isn't that awesome?! It reminds me of a verse that I love that says,

"Now to him who is able to immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us..."
Ephesians 3:20

And that verse reminds me of another great verse,

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:6-7

I have definitely heard that verse plenty of times before, but it's one I need to hear right now. He is telling us to not worry about anything, but take our requests to God. Tell him what you want/what you think you need. Tell Him your fears, tell him your feelings; that's what He is there for. I have realized that if I am upset, I can cry to God. I can tell Him that I don't understand, I can tell him that I'm mad/upset/hurt...He is the ultimate comforter. It's hard not to worry about things. But a footnote in my bible says, "Whenever you start to worry, stop and pray." I guess in my case, I should be praying a whole lot more than I am, because I know I'm a worry wort.

Although some parts of this weekend were tough for me, I definitely had an eye-opening experience today. It was something I needed..something I think my heart has needed for a while now; just needed to be in the right place. Here is a video of "Marvelous Light".

Praying through a Storm...

2009-06-17T15:40:00.002-05:00

Here is a blog from a sweet family I know Mike and April Reed. He has been battling Hodgkin's disease for quite some time now. Here is a recent post by April:

"I try not to blog much about cancer, but I guess I can break my own rule every once in a while. I feel like God wants me to open up about this subject. So, if you're looking for some cute pictures and fun stories, this probably won't be the post for you:)

This September will be 10 years since Mike's initial diagnosis of Hodgkin's Lymphoma {yes, the one with a 90% cure rate.} Mike will be 30 next month. He was diagnosed when he was 19 years old. He's spent almost 1/3 of his life with cancer. He hasn't been in remission since 2003. He's had cancer the entire time we've been married. But you would never know it; that's one of the coolest things about Mike. Thankfully it's rubbed off on me too. I figure that if Mike doesn't want to talk about it and dwell on it, who am I to make it a constant topic of conversation? But sometimes that gets hard...

Friday night Mike woke up at midnight with throbbing back pain. He thought sitting up in the recliner would help, but it only got worse. At 2:30 am, he told me he needed to go to the ER. This would have always upset me, but this time was different. There's something about picking up your sleeping child to put him in a car seat to drive your husband to the ER at 2:30 in the morning that makes you angry. I wasn't angry at Mike, and I don't think I was angry at God. But I was angry. It was one of those times I just wanted a normal life, as if there is such a thing.

Today when Dr. M came in the room and told us that the PET scan results showed an increase in cancer after the current chemotherapy regimen, I couldn't hold back the tears. This was only the second time I've cried during one of Mike's doctor appointments. I can usually hold it together, but today was different. I kept thinking about Trent and how I don't want him to worry about cancer. I know you can't always protect your children from pain, but I want him to have a healthy daddy.

One of our biggest goals is to live our lives as if cancer wasn't an issue. Mike succeeds 99% of the time, and I like to think I'm getting better too. Thankfully we have a loving God and a great support system.

Mike starts another treatment tomorrow. If you think about it, say a prayer for us. I'm overwhelmed, but I'm blessed to have such a Godly husband and precious son."

Please be praying for them during this time. Here is their website as well.

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/michaelreed

A Night in the "Ante-Hood"

2009-06-16T16:17:00.003-05:00

I wanted to write real quick because I feel like this blog is not only a place to share with you what's going on in my life (if anyone cares), but also to a place for me to vent. I am going to put a disclaimer out there about this post that if you don't like reading anything "gruesome" or "sad" about healthcare..then don't read this post. But believe me..I DO have a point to make with it.

I went into work last night, not knowing what would be ahead. I guess every night that I walk into the doors of the Labor and Delivery unit, I NEVER know who/what will be there, much less what is gonna stroll up during the night. Last night was a little different though. I was assigned to work on "Antepartum" which is the high-risk OB patients. These patients are either PIH (pregnancy-induced hypertension) and have to be on certain medications that they need to be watched closely, or they are in pre-term labor or simply being observed for one reason or another. The night was going pretty well so far...pretty laid back for the most part (I LIKED it!)....until about 1:00 am. We had a patient on our unit who was barely 23 weeks and her water was broken and she was already dilated 3 cm. She still had some of her fluid (which is what protects the baby), but was already leaking some of it. Well...the rest of her water broke while we were in the room and my partner and I knew it was only a matter of time. After lots of running around and calling people/doctors/NICU..at 4:18 am that little-bitty-barely 23 week old baby was born. They rushed the tiny thing to NICU to see if there was anything they could do, but they called and said they were never able to get a heartbeat. It was so incredibly sad for me to watch all of that take place. I guess it's because I have never actually been in on a delivery like that one...where it's not all happy...where it's not the right time...where you just wonder "why is this happening?". I sat and watched as the mother and father cried, yet we still had to do our work as nurses after the delivery.

You are probably wondering "Amy, why in the WORLD would you share something like that??" Well..truth is, we often wonder why God allows certain things to happen the way He does. Some people say "If God really loved us, He wouldn't do such a thing like that!" But the truth is, although God DOES love us (so much) we live in a fallen world. But God has such bigger plans than we could EVER imagine. I remember being 5 years old and my mom got pregnant. I was SO excited! I was finally gonna have a baby brother or sister! Then I came down with the chicken pox and since my mom had never had them, she got them too. She ended up losing the baby and I thought (at the ripe age of 5) that it was MY fault. I remember crying and asking my mom was it my fault...did I make the baby go away. And she explained to me then that God has a reason for everything and maybe that baby was sick anyway and needed to go be Home with Him. How neat is that though? There are thousands of "why" and "what if" questions, but the truth is, we don't have to know them all. I am the worlds worst about wanting to know answers to everything. I feel like that's the only way to have closure sometimes. But that's where our faith steps in and tells us it's ok not to have all the answers, but trusting in God will get us through. That is so much easier said than done (believe me, I know). But I am trying, each day to live with that perspective. No, I don't know why babies have to be born early and not make it, I don't know why perfect relationships seem to crumble, I don't know why good people have to die early or go through horrible circumstances, but God sees the BIG picture and He knows why. Thank you for letting me share my story..hope it wasn't too much. We'll see what tonight brings....

Seeing God in the Little Things

2009-06-15T16:00:00.005-05:00

Here lately, I feel like God has really been working in my heart. He's doing lots of things. I have noticed just over the last week or so that I am so much happier and just have a joy that has come out of nowhere. The only place that I know to say it comes from is from my Heavenly Father above. He's the only place we can get pure joy like that. Lately, I have been able to see Him in even the smallest of things. For instance, one night last week, my roommate Natalie made a WONDERFUL dinner (understatement). She made these delicious french dip sandwiches. I had no idea what hers would taste like because I have only had those at restaurants, but let me tell ya, anything that girl makes is gold! But I took one bite and I was in heaven..seriously! I said "Oh my goodness..this is like heaven on earth!". It really felt like God came down and said "Hey Amy, What's Up?". He was giving me something to enjoy, to relish in. How neat is that?! I LOVE it when I have those little moments where I feel like God gave something to me, so specifically and it's like he is right there with his hand on my shoulder waiting to give me a big hug and say, "delight in this my sweet daughter." Then over the last couple of days, I have been off work and just been able to lay out by the pool with a good book in hand and soak up the sun. Not only is it relaxing, but just taking in a deep breath and feeling like life just can't get much better than this. I am feeling like my perspective on life is changing. Yes, it has been changed for a while, but we all have those periods of doubt. We all have those times and go through certain situations where we question and wonder "why". Trust me, I KNOW. But the truth is, we may change, people around us may change, our circumstances may change but the one thing that NEVER changes is our precious heavenly Father. His love sustains and is always there. Don't get me wrong, I have had a hard time coming to grips with this and still am. I still struggle with trusting in His perfect timing, but God is sovereign and His word tells us,

"I know that you can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted."

Job 42:2

God is SO much bigger than us AND our circumstances. We may think that we have blown it 1,000 times (and we probably have in some cases), but the truth is, if we turn to Him, with God all things are possible. I am learning more and more each day how to lean more on His promises and rebuke the lies that Satan tried to feed me because believe me, the devil is constantly trying to pour lies and rubbish into my head all day long.

I just finished reading the book "Captivating" for the 2nd time. I read it a few years ago when it first came out and I highly recommend it to anyone really. It's good for women to read to help them to see their value and it's good for guys to read to see what's really at the heart of a woman and more importantly, why it's there. Well..it's off to work for me now..3 nights of night shift..then off work for a week! YAY!

Also, my thoughts and prayers go out to my friends Robert and Dacy Lee. Robert's grandmother..also known as "Rah-Rah" has been really sick in ICU at EAMC this past week and today they are moving her to Bethany House. I pray for their family during this time. I know they all know the Lord and there is no doubt she will be in heaven, but that doesn't make a time like this any easier. Love you Bob and Dacy!!

The Same All The Time

2009-06-14T11:20:00.002-05:00

This is actually a post from a friend, but I found it SO encouraging that I wanted to share it. It spoke to my heart so much and was exactly what I needed to hear! I hope you like it and it speaks to your heart the same way it did mine...

"The Same All The Time

For I know that sometimes the things that we think are for sure

They fad like the ending of day

Sometimes the things that we think are secure

Pass away

For I know that sometimes the things that we seek and we find

Break both our hearts and our mind

But Lord, you are the same

The same all the time!

I pray that as anxious and uncertain as my heart is I can find rest and peace in knowing that my God is the same all the time. No matter how sad or scared I may be... He is here.

Even know right now my heart is very sad. I do have some encouragement to share! God wants to do so much more in our lives than just grant our desires. He wants to give us what we NEED. To simply provide what we want would be much too easy for our heavenly Father. AMEN!

I read these words today and they truly shook me. " Why do we love Christ? Simple- because He first loved us (1 John 4:19). That is what makes His love so beautiful. He loved us when we didn't care a thing about Him. He loved us so much that, "while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). God loves us anyway and PURSUES us continually until we finally love Him back!"

To know that God is pursuing us no matter where life may find us right now makes me have so much joy! Praise God! Happy, sad, scared, depressed, sick, tired, worn down, God is still pursuing your heart and mine. He wants to connect with us no matter where we are!"

--Thank you for your words Savannah!!

I Made It!

2009-06-08T15:09:00.001-05:00

Well..I can safely say that I made it through my very first night shift EVER! Honestly, it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be (which is what everyone said). I thought it would be incredibly hard to stay awake because for those of you who know me, know that I am definitely a morning person and have been for the last 2 years. So, I wasn't really sure how this whole night thing was gonna work for me, but it may end up being ok. It wasn't too hard to stay awake as long as I had something to do, then around 4:00 am I started feeling sleepy but that's when other patients started rolling in, and gave me my "2nd wind" so to speak. The drive home was the WORST though! I was SO sleepy by that point! But once I finally made it in the bed, sleep was pretty good. Hopefully tonight will be the same! I am so appreciative of all the encouragement that I have gotten from everyone including friends, co-workers etc. Thanks!!

A Few of my Favorite Things..

2009-06-06T11:02:00.013-05:00

I don't know what has compelled me to write another post...maybe because I'm bored..who knows. But I have seen others do this and thought it would be neat. These are some current things that are staple items (things that if I were to have to do without; it would be hard to function). Here goes...

1.) My Phone-The Blackberry- I admit that I don't know what I would do without my phone. Some people can't stand cell phones and think the world would be a better place without them (since we were able to exist without them for many years before), but for me...it is one of my only ways of communication. I keep my appointments in my phone, I text (like a madman) on my phone...I don't know what I would do without it.

2.) MY iPod- I am a lover of music. I find TONS of meaning in music. I think lots of times
others can say/express what I'm feeling better than I can. I carry my iPod in the car with me (since I have a 45 min drive to work), I play it while I am getting ready or just hanging out, while we are making dinner at home...whenever I can really! I am constantly on iTunes downloading new music and I am always finding new songs and artists that I fall in love with. My new current finds are:
*Belief-Gavin Degraw
*Something I Said-SafetySuit
*Closer to Love-Mat Kearney
*Be There-Howie Day
*Her Diamonds-Rob Thomas
*My Baby Blue-Dave Matthews Band
*The Funeral-Band of Horses
*Can't Help Falling in Love-Ingrid Michaelson
*Turn to Stone-Ingrid Michaelson
Those are just a very few of many!

3.) Chapstick- I keep a tube of chapstick in
my purse, in my pocket at work, beside my bed...I ALWAYS have chapstick. And it MUST have SPF especially for the summer months because the worst is getting sunburned lips! I can't stand it when my lips are dry, hence the fact, I ALWAYS have chapstick.

4.)It's A 10 (leave in conditioner)- I use this on my hair EVERYDAY. My hair is naturally
wavy/curly so it gets so many tangles while I'm trying to brush it out. This stuff works WONDERS. If you have a problem with tangles and it takes you forever to brush out your hair, this is the product for you! love it!

5.) COFFEE!- I don't know what it is about mornings, but I HAVE to have a cup of coffee
RIGHT when I get up in the mornings. That's the only time I drink it, but I crave it when I wake up in the mornings. I don't even think I drink an entire cup..EVER..but boy that's the very first thing I do when I get up (besides use the bathroom) is make coffee.

6.) Moxi Box (or better known as TiVo)- I love to watch TV but can never seem to find the
time to actually be at home when my favorite shows are on, so this is a PERFECT invention for me. My roommate and I are always coming home and watching shows that were recorded days before. If I didn't have this, I would never be able to keep up with TV!

7.) My Camera- I absolutely LOVE my camera and I take it everywhere with me. Actually, it
lives in my purse because I never want to pass up a moment for a great picture. I love taking pictures and capturing special moments!

8.) Lotion- I know, I know, sounds crazy, but after working in Labor and Delivery, around
babies so much (and this is the only lotion available there), I have grown to love Johnson's baby lotion. I wash my hands SO many times throughout the day that they get incredibly dry, so I keep a small bottle of this in my pocket and it makes my hands feel so soft. Not only can I not stand having dry lips (hence the chapstick) but I cannot stand having dry hands!

I know this post may be kinda cheesy, but whatever. Looking back at my list, it's kinda sad that most of the items are electronics. Makes me wonder...what would I do if the power failed and all we had was running water and candles??

Facing the Giants

2009-06-06T10:30:00.004-05:00

I finally watched "Facing the Giants" last night. I know it has been out for a long while now, but I finally watched it and I must say, aside from the cheesy acting at times, it was a GREAT movie. It brought up quite a few points that I feel like I need to consider in my life. For those of you who haven't seen the movie or don't know what it's about; it's basically about facing your giants. It's about loving God no matter what. Loving and praising God in the good times and the bad times; whether you win or lose. At one point in the movie, a man is telling a story about 2 landowners who had been praying for rain because there had been a drought in the area for years. Here is the clip from the movie..I don't think I could do it justice...

That was such a great point to me because I think so many times we ask God for so many things that we aren't ready for and we don't even realize it. Whatever it may be, I think we all need to start preparing ourselves for it because I have learned that God has our best interest in mind and He is not going to give us something if our hearts aren't ready. Lots of times we agonize over handing something over to God because we think we can handle it better when often times, the minute we finally relinquish it all...that's when BIG things happen. I know it's a constant struggle of mine, but it's definitely something I'm working on.

Patience in God Comes Great Reward

2009-05-25T10:03:00.006-05:00

Waiting...such a hard thing to do right? There have been so many seasons and situations in my life where God has told me to "wait", mind you, I don't have the highest patience threshold either, so that makes the waiting EVEN harder. I'm sure that's what God is trying to teach me each time. Maybe He knows that patience is a hard thing for me to learn, so He is trying to give me bits and pieces of it here and there, so I can gradually learn to be patient..but let me tell ya...for me, it's HARD. Although someone told me just the other day that patience in God comes great reward and I do know that to be true, it still is incredibly hard to be patient at times. I know there are many instances that I can look back on now and realize that even though in that moment, God did not give me what I wanted (or thought I wanted), eventually...I got what I needed and then maybe a little later...He blessed me with what I asked for in the first place. I remember in nursing school ALL I wanted to do was work in Labor and Delivery..that's ALL I wanted to do. I simply COULD NOT find a job in that area when I finished school and the frustrating thing was, most places wouldn't hire new grads. So, I ended up getting another job, which I liked, but it still wasn't exactly what I wanted. Now..here I am almost 2 years later with a job in Labor and Delivery at a great hospital. Although it would be nice not to have to drive 45 mins to work, I still love it! The job is everything I thought it would be and more! All I know is that now I can say, that is an instance where for whatever reason, God didn't give me exactly what I wanted right when I asked for it, but now...I have it and it's wonderful!

The other Sunday, Bro. Steve gave a great message on Jesus and the Garden of Gethsemene. After listening to that sermon, I felt like I was more able to identify with my Jesus. I don't know what it never hit me like that before. Sometimes it takes someone saying just the right thing for the light bulb to go off and boy it did! He talked about how Jesus went through depression-so will we. In Mark 14:33 it says, "He took Peter, James and John along with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled." (emphasis mine). His friends were about to desert him, He would be arrested etc. Our Jesus went through depressing circumstances, so will we. Then Bro. Steve went on to say that Jesus didn't get everything He wanted from God-neither will we. WOW!! that hit me like a ton of bricks, but it's true! In verse 36, Jesus cries out "Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will." We know what happens, Jesus died on the cross for our sins, but he cried out to God begging him to take this burden from him..He didn't want to do it, but He wanted God's will to be done. Bro. Steve also said that Jesus struggled with surrendering to God's will for His life. One thing that stuck with me that Bro. Steve said was

"Tell God what you want, but take what He gives."

We are not wise enough to know what is best for us. We think we do sometimes, but ultimately, God sees the big picture while we only see what's happening right now.

It had always been hard for me to grasp the idea that Jesus really knows what I'm going through and it's ok to cry out to Him when I'm hurting etc. But the truth is, we can run straight to Him...He knows..He agonized in the garden...He felt depressed...He knows what it's like to have friends bail out on Him when He really needed them..He knows what it's like to pray to the Almighty Father and not get what He wanted...He knows what it's like to wait...He knows what it's like to feel physical pain...He knows emotional pain (think of Peter denying Him and Judas betraying Him). Now, I really know that when I'm hurting, all I have to do is cry out to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ because He knows it all. I need to allow Him to just hold me because His word says "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5) That's my little lesson...here are a few other things....

As most of you know,I am living with Natalie Bennett and it's going GREAT!! I couldn't ask for a more awesome roommate! We compliment each other so well, and that is such a blessing in itself b/c I think the older you get and the more set in your ways you get, it gets harder to live with someone else if you are used to being alone. Natalie makes me feel SO welcome here. She is constantly telling me that she loves it that I live here etc. On the job note..I got hired for a night shift position (which is quickly approaching and I'm getting VERY nervous a/b it), BUT I took a day shift position in the L&D OR, so when I can start that, I will work days 6a-6p. Right now, they are very short staffed on nights, so I will probably have to work nights through most of the summer until they can get people trained. Doesn't seem too bad, but we will see how I adjust to this whole "night thing". Hope everyone had a great memorial day weekend!

A Few New Things..

2009-05-04T10:48:00.003-05:00

A few things have changed recently, so I thought I would give you an update. I know I may have mentioned before about not really knowing if I wanted to buy a house or rent for a while and try to save for one..well...it just so happens that I found a roommate about 2 weeks ago, moved in last week and am SO glad I did! Natalie Bennett is my new roommate and it's so neat how it all worked out. We just went to lunch one day, (neither of us actually looking for a roommate)...we got to talking and she mentioned that she already had a place, I came to look at it and it was perfect! I moved in last week and so far we have had a blast! I have only moved out once before for about a year and had to move back home, even then, I lived by myself. I have always wanted to have a roommate (chosen very carefully) and now I have the chance and it just really shows that God works even in the small things.

On another note...I am still really liking my job in Labor and Delivery. I actually go to nights next week and I have to admit...I'm kinda freaking out a little. Not b/c of the job itself, but b/c I have become such a morning person over the last couple of years that I'm worried this night shift stuff will turn my world upside down. Lots of people say they love nights, but I guess we will see how it goes. Anyways..I know it isn't much, but just thought I would give you a little update on what's going on in the wonderful world of Amy. Have a great week!

Remembering to Breathe....

2009-04-25T14:48:00.003-05:00

Do you ever feel helpless? I mean, completely helpless? Like you absolutely don't know what to do? The kind of deep feeling in the very pit of your stomach that won't seem to go away that sometimes is accompanied by that lump in your throat that never ceases? The feeling like you have to keep reminding yourself to breathe? Yeah...well..that seems to be the feeling I have today. Although, all day I have just spent so much time reading God's word and trying to let His words comfort me and for the most part, they have. Psalm 143 absolutely blew me away when I read it. Isn't it funny how you may have read the Bible cover to cover, but then you stumble along a verse later that you may have forgotten and how refreshing it is when you do?? Psalm 143 is lengthy but this is what it says,

"O Lord, hear my prayer,
listen to my cry for mercy;
in your faithfulness and righteousness
come to me relief.
Do not bring your servant into judgment,
for no one living is righteous before you.

The enemy pursues me,
he crushes me to the ground;
he makes me dwell in darkness
like those long dead.
So my spirit grows faint within me;
my heart within me dismayed.

I remember the days of long ago;
I meditate on all your works
and consider what your hand have done.
I spread out my hands to you;
my soul thirsts for you like a parched land.

Answer me quickly, O Lord;
my spirit fails.
Do not hide your face from me.....

Show me the way I should go,
for to you I lift up my soul.
Rescue me from my enemies, O Lord,
for I hide myself in you.
Teach me to do your will,
for you are my God;
may your good spirit lead me on level ground...."

This Psalm is such a cry out to the Lord! It's exactly how I feel right now! David is crying out and asking God not to bring him under judgment for his sinful nature for he knows no one is good enough to be in His prescence and he confesses his sin that the enemy is constantly pursuing him and it hurts him to know that what he does is so displeasing to the Lord. He even is so bold to say, "Answer me quick, O Lord".... WOW!! That's how I feel at this very moment! I want the Lord to breath through me, the speak to me, to guide my steps, to show me what He wants me to do. I think so many times I go to God in prayer and I feel like I can't say those types of things to God, but that shows me that I can! I can cry out to Him, I can ask Him to reveal anything to me, I can beg Him for mercy and quick answers! He is my heavenly Father and because Jesus died on the cross, I am able to do that! How awesome is that?!?!

Something else that really spoke to me was in the book of Hosea. I got in bed last night and flipped to this book...I think sometimes we forget about the small books in the Old Testament, but Hosea really is a great love story. If you have ever read or heard of "Redeeming Love", that books was based off the book of Hosea. Something in Hosea caught my attention along with something I had written in my Bible next to that verse a while back. Verse 6-7 says,

"Therefore I will block her path with thorn bushes;
I will wall her in so that she cannot find her way.
She will chase after her lovers but not catch them;

she will look for them but not find them."

And next to those verses in my Bible I had written, "God says He will thwart our efforts to find life apart from Him. He does this in order to wear us out, get us to turn back to Him in thirsty longing. He often takes us aside from every other source of comfort so that He alone can have our heart's attention". I felt like that was God telling me that I need to be totally complete in Him before I can be ready for someone else. It's like I have all this "junk" that I thought I had dealt with and apparently, I haven't. You know sometimes we think we have given something to God to quickly realize it's right back in our hands? And that's not God's fault by any means...we are totally the ones to blame. Have you ever felt like your walk with God isn't what it could or should be? I know I have felt like that before and sorta feel like that right now....I heard Brother Steve say in a sermon a long time ago that God isn't the one that "moves"; we are. God stays still while we go off and frolic and do what we will and He is there the whole time and then welcomes us back with open arms. How awesome is that? There is a song by Mark Schultz called "Back in His Arms Again" and in the chorus is says,

"I believe that He loves where you are,
I believe that you've seen the hands of God
I believe that you'll know it when you're back in His arms again.
I believe that He never let you go, I believe that He's wanting you to know,
I believe that He'll lead you til you're back in His arms again."

Everybody's growin' up!

2009-04-14T09:37:00.010-05:00

So Friday night my brother attended his last prom. He got ready and we went over to his friends house and a big group of them took pictures like we used to do (back in the day it seems) and then they got in their big stretch limo-Navigator thing and went on their way. It's so weird thinking that my little brother is about to graduate high school. It seems like it was only yesterday that I was in the very same place he is....graduating high school...not really knowing exactly what I wanted to do with my life. It's weird to think that I am now doing what I was meant to do (be a nurse), but if you had told me that my SR. year of high school, I probably would have laughed in your face. It wasn't until my 3rd year of college that I knew I wanted to be a nurse and that was my calling. Anyways...here are some pictures..

Another little one that is growing up is little Dacy Caroline (who is referred to as DC). I got to see her for a while yesterday and it was SO great! She was awake when I got there and then she just fell asleep in my arms and I just held her while she slept. It also gave Dacy a chance to get a few little things done that she needed to do. She is so precious and its so neat to look at all her little features and try to figure out who she looks like. I think she is a great combination of Rob and Dacy. She will be 5 weeks this week yet she is still so tiny! Here are some pics of my visit...

She was all laid out!

Slumdog Millionaire

2009-04-05T20:15:00.003-05:00

OMG!! I finally watched Slumdog Millionaire today and it was AWESOME!! I absolutely loved it!! Normally I don't go for the Oscar winning movies because to me, they just aren't that good, BUT...I REALLY liked this one. It starts off kinda slow, but if you give it a chance, I promise you will like it!

Weddings, puppies and grown-up worries...

2009-04-05T08:08:00.010-05:00

Well..lots has happened this weekend (so far). Work has actually gotten A LOT better. I know I posted last week that I was a little frustrated with things and was uneasy about the nurse that was orienting me, but all of a sudden one day things just got better! My preceptor seemed nicer, things at work just started making a little more sense and all around, everyone was nicer. I still think a lot of gossip goes on there, but anywhere you go, you will find that right? I guess I had an innocent perception of the "grown-up" world. I thought that all the gossip, stabbing people in the back etc. got left in high school/college, but I have quickly realized in my "big girl" world that it doesn't. If anything, it only gets worse and you have to toughen up and not let yourself get sucked into all of that mess. But as far as work itself, it has gotten much better and I feel TONS better about it now.

Friday night after working 3 LONG 12 hr days, I went to hear the band play at the Relay for Life in Auburn.They did a great job and lots of people got involved. I had my first "hey, are you a nurse we need some help" encounter. It wasn't a big one, but it was one. A girl came up to me (b/c I still had on my scrubs from work-gross, I know!) and asked if I was a nurse. She told me her friend was playing around and had fallen and hurt his knee would I come look at it. I told her sure, although I didn't really feel qualified. So, I went over, asked him what happened, tried to "assess" the situation somewhat and gave them my opinion. I don't know if it was a good one, but it was just weird b/c the 2 years that I have been a nurse, I haven't really gotten asked anything like that outside of work.

Saturday we got a new edition to the family, Bella, a yellow lab puppy. My brother mentioned that he wanted a lab puppy for his graduation....and here she is...precious!

We also went to Marie and Steve's wedding. It was so great! I am SO happy for them! Wedding season is in full swing now! Yay for Marie and Steve!!

On a completely different note....one of my frustrations lately is that I really wanna buy a house. It doesn't have to be a really nice, fancy house, but just SOMETHING. I feel like if I pay the high rent prices around here, I could basically be making a house payment and actually investing in something instead of throwing money away on something that I could own. I am SO ready to get out of my parent's house again and be on my own and I feel it's time to be my own person and have complete responsibilities, but it's SO hard to do it ALL on your own...without....(I hate to say it)...another person. I don't mind being just Amy, but at the same time when you are given a situation like this, I can't help but think about the fact that I can't do it alone. Not that I can't physically do it alone, but really financially. I probably COULD do it by myself..but I wouldn't have money for the luxuries that we all love. It's like if I just had ONE more paycheck...it would be great! Sometimes I let it get me down and I know I don't need to. I feel like everyone else that has "grown up" jobs is able to go out and get new cars ( at least I have done that) and buy houses and start their lives and I am still living at home with my parents! uh! I guess my day will come and I just need to continue to try to save money and keep looking. If anyone has any ideas or suggestions....send em my way! I'm open!

Love is patient...

2009-03-18T09:37:00.004-05:00

After recently watching "Fireproof" (the movie), my mom purchased the book "The Love Dare" that was a huge part of the movie. I decided that I wanted to read it. Not because I am in a marriage that is crumbling to the ground, but to maybe give me a better understanding of love...true love. The way the book is laid out is it's a 40 day journey (or dare, if you will) and each day starts with teaching a characteristic about love, then at the end of that chapter it gives you a "dare", something to do for your spouse that relates to that characteristic of love. I haven't finished the book yet, but I wanted to share some things that have really jumped out at the me and have spoken to me already.

The very first day is about patience. I was actually really excited to read this chapter because those of you who know me well, know that I have little-to-NO patience! It's something I have always strived to have more of, but I have never really seemed to grasp it. In this book, it tells us that love will inspire us to become patient people. It says that rather than being restless and demanding, love helps you settle down....it brings an internal calm to an external storm. The book said something though that really hit home for me and you can apply it not only to a marriage, but to any relationship you have. It says,

"Patience gives your spouse permission to be human. It understands that everyone fails. When a mistake is made, it chooses to give them more time than they deserve to correct it. It gives you the ability to hold on during the tough times in your relationship rather than bailing out under pressure."

This, to me not only is a great definition of patience, but of forgiveness and grace as well. We are human, we are going to make mistakes. I have learned that when you truly love someone (the kind of love that ONLY comes from God), you are able to forgive someone that seems unforgivable and are able to extend grace (and mercy) to people that don't deserve it. The reason we are able to do that is because we have Christ in us and that is the ONLY way we are able to do it. Without Him, it's impossible, but with Him, ALL things are possible. Just through reading the first few chapters of this book, I am learning more about how TRUE love only comes from God. There are other types of love (which I will write about later), but those types of love will quickly fade in time, but true, agape love which comes from Jesus in us, NEVER fails.

"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love." Ephesians 4:2

Changed...Again!

2009-03-16T14:42:00.002-05:00

I have changed the way my blog looks..yet again! Sorry! I guess I just can't find the perfect look for my blog. I know I just need to figure out a look and keep it, but I'm just not satisfied yet. Maybe this is it.....for now at least. Oh and by the way..I am hating this cold, rainy weather...can I get an AMEN? I know I just need to be thankful that we are getting rain, but 4 days of it is about enough for me. I have to go back to work tomorrow and would really like to not have to drive in it. One thing I can celebrate is the fact that I got part of my tax refund in--WHOO HOO!! That's definitely a blessing! Hope everyone is having a great Monday!