A New Year

I wrote this at about 1 A.M. on New Years, but I forgot to post it. So here goes

Another year comes and goes, and here we are ushering in a new one. All I can think about is how much I have been blessed, am blessed, and will be blessed, and how much I want to change this year, how much I want to grow, and do, and tell and.... change.
Since it's 2012, I narrowed myself to, 12 broad scope resolutions. Here they are in random order:

1). I want to seek Christ more than ever this year. Wholeheartedly, nothing held back, seeking and desiring Christ, above all else. This is pretty much the basis of all of my resolutions.

2). I want my prayer life to grow. I find comfort and am pretty consistent in the Word but, I don't pray like I should and want to.

3). I want joy. Joy in the little things, in the big things, in hard times, good times, and every time in the middle. I want to proclaim with my life that Jesus is enough to make me happy and content, with the exclusion of all else if need be.

4). I want to be selfless among my friends. I want to put them first, and I want it to be evident, to the glory of my God. I want to love them like Christ loves them. Like the Father loves them. I want to always be positive about them in front of, and behind their backs, and always be someone that they know will listen.

5). I want to be driven and passionate about the cause of the glory of my Lord. I want to never tire of proclaiming His name and fighting for the day that "every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." Philippians 2


6). I want to be driven academically, to have the desire to learn, and to work hard and use the facilities to learn that God has in me to the best of my ability. And besides just knowledge, I want the wisdom of the Lord to dwell in my heart. But maintaining my 4.0 wouldn't be bad as well. ;)

7). I want to see this nation changed. To see revival sweep the nation, starting in Tulsa, Oklahoma. I want Christians all over the world to be empowered to proclaim their faith with boldness.

8). I want to take the time to relax, enjoy the beautiful things in life and simply, "Be still and know You are God," instead of getting caught up in the dumb little things in life that try to drag my attention away from Him.

9). I want to be grateful; to be constantly in a state of blissful thanksgiving for all God has blessed me with. I really can't comprehend it all, but I want to seek to be a thankful, humble person that realizes and lives in light of the fact that it's only by His grace. It being, everything.

10). I want to live in the light of the cross and do everything with Him and his beautiful gospel at the forefront of my mind.

11). I want to be a truly giving person. No strings attached, no motivations, no thought of it. A humble, loving person that gives out of second nature because that person is more important than what I think I need or deserve. Because I love them, because they were created in the image of my God. I want to give my time, money, skills, labor, and energy, even when I feel like I have nothing left to give. I want to be driven by a greater purpose than my own welfare. I want to be driven by love. I want to give.

12). Twelfth and lastly, I almost wrote, I want God's will for my life to be evident. But actually, I want to have the faith to move forward with faith, even when I can't see His will. Which is way better. But both would be okay. :)


God, this must all be through your might, through the blood of the Lamb, in sanctification by Your grace alone. Mold me, harden me,and use me. I'm a cracked vessel, but You dwell in me. Shine through the cracks. Drive me, motivate me, set me on fire.
I dedicate 2012 to You. Use me.

Thankful

Living in our "padded pews" as my dad says, we really have no clue how much we have to be thankful for. Not only our very life and breath,the classic examples of family and friends, and daily necessities; but all the random little things no one knows or considers why we even have.
First off, I'm thankful for my family. Simply having had, and continuing to have, their unconditional love throughout every stage of my life blows my mind. God has so greatly blessed me with such a strong Christian family that has raised me in not just an awareness, but a love and a preoccupation with the gospel of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Thinking about the kids growing up in families where they simply don't care, hurts my heart and opens my mind to how much I truly am blessed.
Second, I am thankful for my friends; old, new, out of touch, and haven't met yet. I'm thankful for the chance God has given me to not just have companionship, but a chance to influence, affect, and help those around me.
Third, I am thankful for school; stress included. I love school, I'm a nerdy little perfectionist, over achiever; and prooouud of it. I'm thankful for the ability to learn. I'm thankful for the lessons I learn not just in academics, but in life, as I learn to deal with little problems that are preparing me for bigger ones.
Fourth, I am thankful for the trials God sends us all; the big life changing ones, and the everyday annoyances. I'm thankful for the lessons He teaches us through them. The strength He gives us for every day, including patience to endure them.
"No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it." 1 Corinthians 10:13
Finally, and most importantly, I'm thankful that He has saved me and that I live to praise Him. In the dark days, His light is always shining. In the fire, He is water; in the storm, He is peace; in weakness, He is strength; in pain, He is relief. My God is good.
"I believe in the sun even when it is not shining; in love even when I am alone; and in God even when He is silent" -Found scratched into a wall in a Nazi concentration camp.
Overall, I believe that most of the fickle little "problems" we encounter in everyday life would disappear if we truly lived in the light of the cross. We painted that phrase on the ceiling above my bed. Because if we do? To live is Christ, and to die is gain. And that's all. By being content with Christ, we are saying to ourselves, to God, and to the world that our God is enough. That is what brings God glory, and that is the epitome of living to glorify God. Nothing else can touch us if we live in light of the fact that we are not our own. We are bought with a price, we are slaves to righteousness, and yet we are beloved children of the most high God. Every time we choose to let go of the little things, and praise His name, we show a lost and broken world a God who saves.
"Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world." -1 John 4:4
Who are we to live in a spirit of fear?
"For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control." -2 Timothy 1:7
"The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is safe." -Proverbs 29:25
We are empowered by the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ who gave everything so that we could have peace and fellowship with Him. I love the Holidays, for many reasons. Cold weather, mugs of hot cocoa, fuzzy socks (and purple leopard pajama pants thanks to my amazing big brother) Christmas music, baking cookies, and family; but, I also love the Holidays because they make us stop and think about how much we have been given. This time offers a chance to take a step back, and redirect our lives to the one and only purpose that consumes all those who are in Christ. Once again this year I am rededicating my life to seek, find and follow with my whole heart, the Mighty Creator, Prince of Peace, Jehovah Jireh, Savior King, Yahweh, Everlasting Father, and Friend.
I love you Lord, and I seek to give all that I am, to all that I know You are.
In Christ Alone
Amy

Change

Change. Such a small word, but soo much meaning there. Like Hope. Faith. Grief. Grace. Courage. Love. The weight behind these words, and the depth of meaning can fill your heart, whether it be with joy, pain, or optimism. Change holds this meaning for me, partly because I've been through so much of it in the past years. I never thought I would get adjusted throughout the move and all of the simple every day trials that came along with it. My sister Bethany and my favorite buddy Ian moving back in. Dad looking for a job. Finding a job. Molly engaged. Bethany engaged. Life hasn't really slowed down and I can't really see that happening in the near future. Once again, life is about to turn upside down once again. My adorable, hilarious, crazy best friend and sister, Molly, is going to be married in less than two weeks. Yeah. You heard me.

LESS THAN TWO STINKING WEEKS.

Ahh.

It wouldn't be so hard if she weren't moving across the country. San Diego, California, watch out she's on the way!! Her fiance Lynn, is stationed in San Diego and is awaiting her coming with eyes filled with rapture and joy in the coming of his bride-to-be. I couldn't be happier for them.

I realized yesterday that I haven't been apart from her for more than two weeks in my entire life, (I might add that those two weeks were when she went to visit Lynn on his graduation from boot. But I'm not bitter;).

Most exclaim that these two are much too young, being 19 and 20 upon their wedding day. But I say that's crap. Let me explain. Yeah, they're stinking young buuut, the way I see it is, they couldn't really NOT get married right now. Let me explain. They're both so on fire for God, that, that's what their relationship is based on; and they'll be SO much better together, than they are apart. So much better for God. Not to mention HAPPIER. Like wooahh... :) So you see, it really is a good thing. Good. But hard. For pretty much all of us, but Lynn. :P

One of my friends explained change to me like this, "when change happens, a little piece of you has to die, to make room for something new." Now, a piece of me isn't dying, but a piece of my soul IS leaving me and moving across the country.

Molly has been my twin (3 years older) ever since we were little. Our bedtime changed at the same time, we were allowed to watch the same movies (spiderman comes to mind) at the same time, and through the move we got a TON closer.

I know this will be amazing for her and I'm so excited for the both of them! My other sister April flew in last week and since we've been having a constant girl party including Sandra who came up for bridal party pictures. :) :) I reeally wish I could post them.... but not til after the wedding!!! :)

Through this I'm hoping God will teach me that He is all I need and that I shouldn't have to depend on others for my happiness. Though it helps. :) God is so good, and I'm so excited to see what comes of this new chapter in their/our lives. :)

Have a great day, and pray for me!!! They're not kidding when they say weddings are stressful..... :P but I'm STILL not gonna say she's a bridezilla....yet.......;)

In Christ Alone!

Amy <3

A Hero

Okay, so I was planning on posting a part of my paper this week, after having read Tokien's The Hobbit on what being a real hero means, buut.... it's really long. So, I apologize. Feel free to skim.

When asked what they think of when someone mentions a hero, most reply that they picture a tall, bronzed, toned man with wavy blonde hair, that strides into danger with a swagger in his step, demolishing evil with a shake of his gorgeous head. I don’t think so. Heroes come in all shapes and sizes. Not always expected, not always recognized, but, all around you. A hero is someone that puts the pleasure, comfort, or safety of the people around him above himself. Also, a hero is not a hero if there is no struggle. A hero is someone who faces difficult situations and comes out fighting for what he believes. He does not always conquer, he does not always slay that dragon, but the point is that he faces the dragon, no matter how much he would like to turn and flee. A real man is someone that in spite of the fear in his heart, and the fact that all odds are against him in the battle he knows he must fight, turns and faces the conflict head on. Ambrose Redmoon sums it up nicely, “Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something else is more important.” A hero is not someone who does all of this for the approval or acceptance of others. In fact, he does it regardless of the opinion of the people around him. Even in the majority of classic stories, the lead is forced to be heroic when all around him stand in opposition. Actually, that is in most cases the majority of the hardship. Doing what is right is easy when everyone around you is supporting you, doing what is right when all stand against you is when your true character shines forth. The makings of a hero are not incredible strength, cleverness, or even luck; what makes a hero is his heart. A hero is not someone who wears a red suit and a cape, and flies around being dashing and debonair, he is more a servant then a god, more a slave then a master, and he is strong out of love and compassion, regardless of the opinions of others. It is not to say such men do not fear, for that is simply not human. But courage is acting in spite of your fear. It is saying that what you are fighting for is more important to you, than your fear of what is standing in your way.

I for one, have many heroes in my life, but the main one that comes to mind is my incredible, unselfish Dad. He amazes me every step of the way with how everything he does is for us, his family, and how he sets aside everything he wants to the extent that sometimes I can't tell if he really wants something, or if he's acting that way just for us. I want to thank him.

Who is the hero of your life? Overall, it should be our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He gave everything. He came down from heaven where he was eternally exalted into this miserable wretched world, preached, healed, and eventually DIED to save us. He, the perfect one, DIED so that we could spend eternity with Him. It really kinda bugs me when people say "why do bad things happen to good people?" really, that only happened once, and He volunteered. What love, what self sacrifice. He is our one and only true hero, and an amazing example to follow.

Have a blessed day!:)

Amy

I'm back again

So, I started out not extremely excited about the whole blogging thing. Meh, who blogs anyway right? But, I'm going to try again. No promises but, here we go. This post is gonna be slightly boring. But I promise they'll get more interesting.

As winter fades and spring is nigh, every student holds their breath in anticipation of what is to come.

SUMMER!!!!!!!!!!!

It's almost here, we're on the verge, about to tip into the chasm of freedom. Sweet freedom. I can almost taste it.

My lovely sister Molly is about to get married. I'm SO happy for her! Like, I can't even say! Buut... she's also moving to CA. Epic Fail. *mushroom cloud of fail* Sigh. But I'll make it.

Summer for me includes permit test, ACT, wedding, church camp, and hopefully, much more.

So close.

From now on my blogs will include thoughtfulness, hilarious stories, poetry, and whatever else crosses my mind.

Amy

Okay so i've decided that I'm going to blog! I am. Seriously though this time. Really. Why are you laughing. No, wait! I'm serious! Stop... okay. Do we have control now? Okay lets get on with this then.
So aalot has happened. But those of you who actually care enough to be reading this will know the basics. Life is good. No really. Mainly. For the most part.
Church planting is complicated. Just saying. (so i just noticed that most of my sentences so far aren't sentences. lol:P) But yeah there is so much that goes into planning what kind of a vibe you want people to walk away from Mercy Hill with. We have biblestudies on Thursday nights with the family thats helping us... the Nichols rock:) And that is really encouraging... to have a family that wants the same things we want and is willing to work alongside us for it. (and they have a 16 year old daughter who rocks, and a 9 year old daughter who rocks, and then their son is 14)
I could use prayer with weird joint problems... doctors, rheumotologists (thinkin about it) and just weird junk like that.
I need to go to bed now but I WILL be back. Honestly. Don't start laughing again. I'm warning you.
love you guys:)
Amy

hah. woops:)

okay so i forgot again... for a long time. my last post was about fiddler! alot has happened since then... ALOT!
anyways i can't catch you up on all of it so i'll just tell you about this past week...
we got back monday from ponca and then molly went with the hopkins on tuesday to spend a couple days with them. Lynn took his vows on thursday and is now officially in the Navy. he's at basic right now... please be in prayer for him, his family, and our family. (mainly molly) :)
i decided it would be best if i stayed behind on this one so i helped with VBS at bethel this week! it was soo much fun! it was really great to get to know the youth group better by serving with them. including pranks, etc...i had basketball practice thursday night, twisted my ankle and got a black eye. well sort of. its red and swollen. so now both of my knees, my ankle, and my face are hurt as well as having a pretty bad sunburn. hah. i got many teases and jokes from my friends at church. they told me i needed to just get a wheelchair cause i'm falling apart:P
though i miss ponca and all of my beloved friends there i'm beginning to feel at home here. well i wouldn't go that far... i'm beginning to feel like i belong at bethel. nowhere really seems like HOME right now... but i really do love it here:) the people are so sweet and i feel very loved:)
I LOVE MY FRIENDS! old and new:)
AMY:)