Amber, Just a Girl

Lord, if you are willing, you can do it.

2012-02-04T13:28:00.003-05:00

Jesus came down from the mountainside. Large crowds followed him. A man who had a skin disease came and got down on his knees in front of Jesus. He said, "Lord, if you are willing to make me 'clean,' you can do it." Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. "I am willing to do it," he said. "Be 'clean'!" Right away the man was healed of his skin disease. – Matthew 8:1-3 Any of us who

A poem

2011-08-19T00:38:00.000-04:00

Originally posted on 5/28/08 Dawn's Eternal Invitation Early morning The stars retire from their watch Withdrawing their luminance Silence cloaks all creation Suddenly Dawn Breaks upon the horizon Daylight comes with symphony Bringing with her a new day And so You are In my bleakest moment Bursting forth in a song of grace Beckoning me to dance

The Better Way

2011-08-15T09:04:00.000-04:00

Some call me old-fashioned when it comes to dating. I wasn't always this way. Until the last year or so, if I liked a guy, I went for it, because if I didn't let him know I was interested how would he know? Surely no one could put us together better than I could, and certainly God couldn't find the right person for me and put things together without my help. I am by nature a go-getter and I

His.

2011-08-06T09:30:00.001-04:00

I find that God often uses normal, everyday things to teach me or remind me of things about Himself or who I am in Christ. Those moments have come after cleaning a kitchen, only to have it immediately dirtied again. They have come watching Kirby learn new things. That reminder may come in the form of a beautiful flower that I feel God sent just to cheer me. Recently, a reminder of who I am

Cooking blog -- à la Amber

2011-01-13T22:40:00.000-05:00

Check out my new cooking blog! And the delicious Strawberry Lemon Sourdough Muffins!

For Sentimental Reasons

2011-01-02T01:38:00.000-05:00

Do you remember that girl in elementary school who always used to pass notes? And she would go home with a pocket full of them, put them on her dresser, and a week later shove them into a drawer only to forget about them for a while? What about that girl in middle school who would save each and every little note or pencil or piece of gum or anything from a boy? After that flavor had expired

Memories: Footprints in the Snow

2010-12-25T00:13:00.002-05:00

This time of year tends to cause a person to reminisce. Past experiences become a part of the ever-changing landscape of our lives. While Jesus is central to Christmas, it is also a time of togetherness, a celebration of family and love, tradition, and a time to make memories. Tonight I am reminiscing of Christmases past.When I was a little girl Christmas Eve was always spent at my dad’s

The Reason for Christmas

2010-12-25T00:13:00.001-05:00

The Gift(Adapted from the Holy Bible)In the beginning was the WordThe Word was with GodThe Word was God The Word became fleshAnd dwelt among usFor to us a Child is bornTo us a son is givenHe's called Wonderful, CounselorMighty GodEverlasting Father, Prince of Peace He was despisedRejectedA man of griefFamiliar with pain Pierced for our transgressionsCrushed for our sinsWe are healed

Be Imitators

2010-09-17T09:33:00.004-04:00

Ephesians 5:1, 2 Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. “Amber! Amber! Amber! You’re here!” she yells as I open the front door and walk inside. She has been waiting for my arrival. A quick hug, sometimes not, and then she disappears. She walks

Here am I. Send me. (Part 2)

2010-03-04T10:17:00.002-05:00

Yesterday we left off at the part where God made it clear that He wanted me to attend Lighthouse and use my musical talent to serve Him there, which brings us to where God still had bigger plans than I did.I knew that the group met at a home every Wednesday night for a small group Bible study. I had been putting off attending because it's a long drive for me (about 40 minutes) and was a little

Here am I. Send me. (Part 1)

2010-03-04T09:28:00.003-05:00

Don't tell God that you're willing to serve Him unless you are really willing to serve Him.For the past couple of years, I haven't had time to be as involved in church as I'd like to be. I also haven't had a church that I could really call my church home. I have come to a point that not only do I have time to serve, but looking at the big picture I can see that God has had a place for me all

I Will Move Ahead Bold and Confident

2009-12-04T01:23:00.004-05:00

Seventeen and a half years ago I embarked on a journey having no idea where it would take me. Dressed in a plaid jumper with my hair pulled back as tightly as Mama could get it, I walked into the classroom for the first time as a student. In kindergarten, I wanted to be a teacher. I probably also wanted to be a teacher in first grade, second, third, forth, and fifth as well. By the time sixth

True Wealth

2009-07-07T23:08:00.002-04:00

I woke up this morning in the camper that I'm living in and thought, "I am so rich." I have no money that is truly mine. I have no income. I don't have money to go out and shop, get my nails done, or get a new car, but I am so rich. My parents give me just enough money every month to cover food, gas, and my gym membership. I live in a camper. I drive an old car with almost 190k miles on it.

First Impressions

2009-06-10T09:15:00.006-04:00

There are times when we are all put into situations where we aren't able to be ourselves. Perhaps it's an awkward situation, a bad day, our of your comfort zone... whatever it might be for you, it's inevitable that during one of those times you will meet someone and make a first impression that doesn't necessarily reflect who you are. This poem is about one of those times.The many commas in the

A Shelter in the time of Storm

2009-05-09T16:59:00.003-04:00

The temperature has dropped at least ten degrees in the last twenty minutes. The thunder has been rumbling for about the last forty-five minutes and the storm clouds have been rolling in from the south. I know it's the south because I looked at the map and saw which direction the road ran and it runs SE to NW and so I determined that the storm is coming from the south. The lighting is shooting

The Lesson of the Amaryllis

2009-04-15T21:46:00.005-04:00

A friend received an amaryllis bulb as a gift. It came with a soil disk and a pot. She planted the amaryllis and we watched as the bulb took root and the first green shoots sprung up out of the soil. Daily she watched over that little plant, making sure that it had enough water, the right amount of light, and that everything was done to ensure its growth. After a week of watching the plant,

Perfect Dissonance

2009-03-28T23:17:00.005-04:00

I am black and whiteHot or cold, never just rightClean lines, sharp cornersThunder and lightningHitting hard, leaving quicklyFlorida summerYou are shades of grayCozy and comfortableSoft lines, round edgesThe perfect weatherApril showers, May flowersA typical SpringOpposites attractYou and I are night and dayPerfect dissonance

Easter Frills and Thrills -- Sonrise 2008 SAU

2009-03-10T09:38:00.002-04:00

50 First Dates

2009-03-02T17:11:00.005-05:00

I had a date this morning. In fact, I've had a date every morning for the last 50. And I have to say... I am falling madly in love. Now, ya'll need to understand something. I am NOT a morning person. I don't do mornings. Ask my brother -- I punched him for waking me up once. I know what you're thinking. It's ok, go ahead and pity my date. He knew exactly what he was getting into though.

The Price of Purity

2009-02-27T14:51:00.003-05:00

This morning, I read a story on Fox News about a 22 year old who is selling her virginity online. According to the story, the young woman's offer has netted a 3.7 million dollar offer and has had over 10,000 bids.The Moonlite Bunny Ranch, the brothel that is arranging and hosting the deal, sounded especially gung-ho about Dylan."Natalie is a virgin and would like to sell this priceless and rare

The Power of Xylitol

2009-02-20T14:13:00.001-05:00

Smack, smack, POP! As I write this essay I am enjoying my Trident® Watermelon Twist™ gum and its benefits to my oral health. Trident® gum is one of many products on the market containing xylitol. In clinical studies, xylitol has been proven to safely and naturally reduce decay by increasing saliva production, “starving” Streptococcus mutans, and maintaining the pH balance of the oral cavity.

Funny Video

2009-02-09T19:38:00.000-05:00

Stoned Little Kid After Dentist Visit - Watch more Funny Videos

In Which the Red Sea Parts

2009-02-08T17:22:00.006-05:00

The Israelites escaped Egypt with Moses as their leader, but God as their guide. God told Pharaoh, "Let My people go." After a bit (ok, a lot) of persuasion, he finally did. So, guided by a pillar of fire/ cloud, the Israelites were led toward the Red Sea. Pharaoh must have been hit in the head by a few too many frogs or perhaps got some parasite that decided to eat away at his brain from

Youth Rally

2009-02-06T22:45:00.002-05:00

On Having an Attitude of Gratitude

2009-01-27T17:38:00.003-05:00

I came home from school today and noticed that there were dishes in the sink, so I rinsed them off and loaded the dishwasher. No sooner than I had put the very last dish in the dishwasher, The Child comes along, fixes herself something to eat, and drops her plate (not even rinsed, mind you) into the sink. Then, The Child fixes herself something else to eat and leaves a mess. Then, The Child

Raising Children

2009-01-23T18:15:00.002-05:00

For my daily devotions, I have been reading from the book Patriarchs and Prophets. The book covers from Creation to the reign of King David and discuses the role of our planet in the cosmic conflict between right and wrong. The author talks about the rebellion of Lucifer and fall of man and writes about how this ongoing conflict between God and Satan affects each of us. It does this by showing

Guarding the Fortress

2009-01-20T16:31:00.003-05:00

My heart is secured by lock and key,bound by walls you cannot see.What was once a hospital for healing,has become a prison of my own design.You're chipping away at the fortress within,and I desperately long to let you come in.A pebble slips out, small and unnoticed,mortar crumbles, stones fall, keys turn.I must remain on guard and alert,so my walls will not fall down and Iwill not with reckless

The One-Minute Writer: Today's Writing Prompt: Obama

2009-01-19T10:31:00.000-05:00

The One-Minute Writer: Today's Writing Prompt: ObamaI don't know that I could speak to him. I voted McCain/ Palin and I'm proud that I voted McCain/ Palin. Beyond being civil like I would to almost anyone, there is very little beyond civility that I could say to him and REMAIN civil. I do not like him. I did not vote for him. I do not agree with him. I am not looking forward to inauguration

Tears

2009-01-15T09:18:00.002-05:00

One Minute Blogger Question -- What is the last thing that made you cry?Exhaustion. Sunday night, due to excitement about school starting mixed in with some anxiety and just a generally difficult time falling asleep these days, I didn't sleep at all.Monday was an intense day, filled with frustrating things and so as I sat there, I just felt like crying because I was so completely exhausted. So,

A Picture Paints a Thousand Words

2009-01-11T10:12:00.004-05:00

One Minute Writer Prompt: What one moment in your past do you wish was immortalized in a photograph?When I look back on my past and the things that I will remember most, there are a few times that stand out for me. One is cutting the grass with Papa or reading on the couch with him. He had a huge yard and he'd let me ride on the lawnmower with him whenever he cut the grass. We read so many

A Good Day

2009-01-05T17:29:00.002-05:00

The weather was beautiful today. Well, it didn't start out that beautiful, but it turned into a lovely day. I got up this morning, laid in bed for a long time with my laptop listening to music, catching up on blogs, seeing what was new on the Facebook scene, etc. Then, I got up and went out for a walk. It was cloudy, but warm. I came home, got a shower, and made myself a boca burger to curb

He Knows My Name

2009-01-05T00:10:00.001-05:00

Cyrus, I am sending for you by name. I am doing it for the good of the family of Jacob. They are my servants. I am doing it for Israel. They are my chosen people. You do not know anything about me. But I am giving you a title of honor. I am the Lord. There is no other Lord. I am the one and only God. You do not know anything about me. But

Walking with God

2009-01-04T13:36:00.001-05:00

I finished reading The Shack recently and did not like it for various reasons; however, the overall message of the book was good. Since reading it there are a few things that have stuck with me -- one being that God is all about relationship.So often, I think we get caught up in the "rules". Don't drink, don't smoke, go to church, be a good person, don't screw up, don't say bad words, don't

Snowflakes

2008-12-09T21:26:00.000-05:00

Varenda and I went to Target today. As we walked into the store I commented on how it was warmer than what I had expected (about 50ish) and that I didn't really need my jacket. When we walked out of the store, she said, "Oh look! There are snowflakes!" I said, "No.. it's too warm." And then I looked, and sure enough -- there were white flakes falling from the sky!! "It really is snowing!"

More Bad News about Justin

2008-11-24T21:34:00.002-05:00

My cousin's MRIs are giving the doctor reason to be concerned and they are going to start aggressive radiation therapy with him. The type of cancer they SAID he had only has a 30% chance of survival rate with surgery and chemo/ radiation. My dad said that my uncle said (that idk who said) that the doctors are now not sure what kind of cancer it was, which doesn't make since b/c the pathology

updates

2008-11-24T15:40:00.003-05:00

I never blog here. I don't know why because I blog at Xanga and I read other's blogs. I should just double post. I think part of the reason I don't though is because I know who reads my Xanga and I have more control over it (or at least I know how to have more control over it). If I were to double post, I might have to start being more careful what I say!So, let's see what's been going on in

Come soon Jesus

2008-10-10T23:51:00.003-04:00

UPDATE: The pathology report showed that the tumor was cancerous. I haven't spoken to Justin, but our uncle said that he is in good spirits and positive. He was released from the hospital today and is going to be staying at a rehab center in Jacksonville -- I don't know for how long.I think it's really poopy that my 19 year old cousin has cancer. But I KNOW that God is bigger than this and no

Drag You Down -- Charlotte Kendrick

2008-10-01T01:15:00.002-04:00

This song really spoke to me. I searched all over for the lyrics, but I don't think they're on the internet at all. So, I decided to type them out myself so I could share with you guys. If you listen to the song here, and figure out that she said something different than what I heard, let me know.