All Things Beautiful

Hot Off the Press!!

2011-09-14T19:34:00.008-04:00

I traveled with Buckner International the summer after I graduated from college. It was on that trip that my life was changed forever. I had the privilege with ministering to orphans all over the country. In addition, we got the chance to do a shoe trip. It was here where we went to an orphanage, played with the kids, then surprised them with new shoes. This trip truly touched my heart. These kids had holes in their shoes. It was such a neat experience. The thing that impacted me the most was the memory that not every child got a pair of shoes that day. They lined the kids up and those that had the greatest need (aka: had not bottom left on their shoes) got new ones. It was on this trip that I was forever changed in my true understanding of who Jesus was to the least of these. It was on this trip I knew I wanted to go to law school to become an advocate for the least of these. And it was on this trip that I walked away knowing that I wanted to help get those kids that didn't get new have shoes in whatever way I could. While I have worked at the Buckner Shoe Warehouse, I wanted to do more.

I have always wanted to do a shoe drive as a result of the Guatemala trip. However, I never really knew how that could happen. When would I have the ability to gather large groups of people for the "sole" purpose of collecting shoes? Then it hit me: one day I will get married and there will likely be a lot of people there. I knew soon after getting back from Guatemala that my wedding day would be the capacity where I would have a large group of people together for one purpose willing to get me whatever I asked them to-enter shoe drive.

Because my dad is a pastor and we knew we were going to have lots of people in attendance at our wedding (and we did-around 500 to be exact), and because I had five showers, after much prayer and consideration, Scott and I decided to do the very thing I had dreamed of for years. We decided to head in full faith and do a shoe drive in lieu of gifts for our wedding. Weeks before the wedding, I would have little old ladies coming up to me saying, "I got my shoes for the wedding!" I have always known that being the preacher's daughter, it was going to be a packed house, but I did not think that the event required a new dress for those in attendance-after all, it wasn't the royal wedding (although I joked with Dad that it was...) Anyway, needless to say, it took me quite some time to figure out that the ladies at the church had not bought new dresses and new shoes for themselves, but were indeed referring to the fact that they had bought new shoes to bring to the wedding for Shoes for Orphan Souls! Such a fun event and something everyone really enjoyed! I highly recommend it-it truly was a rewarding experience.

When my parents delivered the shoe to Buckner in Austin, the lady was amazed at the amount of shoes. She contacted a Buckner writer, who contacted Dad, who contacted me, and voila! A story was written! We are truly honored. Anyway, here is a clip of our "wedding shoe" story from Buckner-hot off the press today! We hope as a result of our story that others are inspired to give, the oprhans are excited for new shoes, and that everyone is blessed as a result. And we know that none of this would have happened without those that selflessly gave shoes, so we would like to personally thank all those that did! To God be the Glory...

news.shoesfororphansouls.org/index.php/2011/09/shoe-drive-weddings/

Until next time...be blessed...and may we never forget to find ways to "pay it forward" and bless those around us in need...

Life as a Newlywed...

2011-09-12T12:41:00.003-04:00

Hello All! I know that it has been SO long since I have posted, however, between planning a wedding, school, and life, there has hardly been time to breath! While we are now married, school has started yet again, and we are back into somewhat of a routine, life does not look like it will be slowing down anytime soon. However, a slow life is no fun anyway! Bring on the adventure! Scott and I are in the process of trying to get our little house in order. We live in a 2 bedroom, 1 bath duplex very close to school. However, despite the extra room, we still have TONS of stuff all over the place! However, as of this past weekend, we have officially made each room liveable. Whenever we finish setting up shop, I will post pictures of our little newlywed nest!

I am going to write a more thorough blog about our wonderful wedding day. However, until then, the pictures are in-both my bridals and the wedding pics! Allison Notgrass from Focal Point Photographics captured the details of our wedding. If you are in need of a photographer in the Austin area-SHE.IS.FABULOUS. I have truly enjoyed reliving every moment of our day over and over again through these pictures. Click on either Duncan Bridals or Duncan-Stier (The password to both is amy). I hope you enjoy them as much as we have!

www.photoreflect.com/pr3/store.aspx?p=23264

Until next time be blessed...

Amy+Scott

2011-04-25T12:09:00.003-04:00

I have been waiting SO LONG to post these! I wanted the Save-the-Dates to get out before the pictures do. However, I think most of the save-the-dates are out and received! So, without further adeu, click on the link below to view our engagement picutres!

Engagement Pictures: "Share this album with anyone by sending them this public link:
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/fbx/?set=a.950632093593.2432913.9203154&l=7bda517ccd"

One of our friends from Law School offered to gift us our pictures, which was so kind! We are truly blessed to be surrounded by amazing people! You can check out her site below! She will also be moving to Texas soon so if you need a photographer, give her a call!

http://www.rachelbrenke.com/

Until Next time be blessed...103 days to go!!!

It's a Love Story...

2011-03-29T00:32:00.006-04:00

I had several people before I came to Virginia tell me I would meet my husband when I got here, to which I replied: "Yeah right." Little did I know that the man sitting next to me in Tort's class the first day of law school would be my future husband. I always thought I was falling in love with the law, but I think I was mistaken! ;) Scott and I spent countless hours together inside and outside of class getting to know each other (Scott told someone recently-he highly recommends study groups! ;) It is neat to see how God prepared Scott and I for "such a time as this," both individually and collectively. I feel so blessed and honored and we could not be more thrilled! So, withouth further adeu, the proposal story everyone has been waiting for...... I was coming home for the second half of spring break, so when Scott asked if he could come as well, I immediately said yes! Since Scott is from North Carolina, and with our busy school schedules, any time Scott (and I) get to spend with my family is truly cherished. On Thursday night, we had plans to go to Waco to have dinner with Mel and her boyfriend Patrick. Once we got there, Scott asked if he could give me a tour this time (as opposed to the many STUFU tours he has received from me!) Learning he had studied the campus, I skepically allowed him to guide me through campus.....FAST FORWARD. Scott takes me into Pat Neff. This is where the President's office is located on Baylor's campus. I was a little freaked out because I just knew we were not supposed to be in there. However, I was also thrilled beccause after four years at Baylor University, this was the only building I had always wanted to enter, but could never muster up enough strenght. As Scott disappeared into the bathroom for 15 minutes, I began wondering what was going on, only to find Scott walking out dressed from head to toe in a top hat, tail coat, and a dozen BEAUTIFUL flowers (made none other than the lovely Lauren Darr). I immediately said,"What are you wearing!?!" He replied, "I am Mr. Scott Darcy Stier." PAUSE. For those of you that don't know, Pride and Prejudice is my FAVORITE movied of all time. Mr. Darcy is the main character. I have prayed for Mr. Darcy to come into my life for years and on March 17, 2011, he appeared from the restroom of Pat Nef Hall. Best.day.ever. UNPAUSE. Scott and I walked up four flights of stairs to the path of rose petals (placed by my lovely sisters, cousins, and dear friend Katie). We finally ended up in the bell tower, which was AMAZING. Apparently I told Scott about someone I knew that got engaged up there and how cool it was and he remembered-from a year ago. Yep-Mr. Darcy is THAT good. Anyway, I sat down in a chair (graciously stolen from the ZTA chapter room for old time's sake). As Scott began reading me a six page letter he wrote he abruptly stopped. The following dialogue ensued: Scott: Amy, that [6 foot] bell sitting to the left of you will likely go off in approximately 5 minutes. Amy: Really?!? What will happen Scott: Our ear drums will bust. Amy: Really!?! Did they tell you that? Scott: Yes, and if that happens you and I will never be able to hear each other for the rest of our lives. So is it okay if I read this really fast and skip to the end? Amy: Yes!!!! Next, Scott highlighted the letter. Then, he got down on one knee and said I love you for the first time in our year and a half of dating. I know i have waited to hear those words for so long, but had no idea how good it would be to hear them! :) Then Scott pulled out a ring box. PAUSE. Before moving on you should note, I was looking at the ring box and Scott was looking at my face. UNPAUSE. As Scott opened the ring box, the most shocking look of horror overcame my face. Scott immediately looked down at the box to see why such horror to find out why: there was no ring in the box! Yes, I tell the truth. There was an empty ring box. A million and one things were running through my mind (the largest being I bet it got stolen in security, which is interesting because I did not even know Scott had purchased a ring) Anyway, as Scott stood up to search his pockets the following dialogue occurred: Amy: Is this a joke? (valid question to man in costume opening empty ring box) Scott: No, this is not a joke- I promise Amy: Do you know where it is? Did you bring it from VA? Did it get stolen at security? Scott: No it didn't get stolen. Yes it came from VA, but I konw where it is. Amy: Are you sure? Where is it? Mr. Darcy is really losing his edge (those exact words came out of my mouth...) Scott: It is downstairs in the bathroom. Amy: Are you sure? Scott: It HAS to be..... Neeedless to say, Scott scooped up the chair (remember we are racing against the darn bells, which later we found out were turned off...) and we immediately ran for the ladder. As we walked down Scott said, "There are more surprises!" I'm thinking-really? (slightly excited slightly said in fear). FAST FORWARD. We get back downstairs and there is a note telling me there is a surprise for me in the bathroom. I walk in to find my own Elizabeth Bennette dress. I put it on and go outside to find Scott standing under the bell tower asking me to dance. As we danced, he told me how he contacted the lady who plays the bell and sent her the sheet music to Pride and Prejudice Soundtrak, which she spent the previous week learning. As she played, we danced. It was sweet. Scott then seated me on the steps, read the WHOLE letter to me, and then got down on one knee (again!) and proposed. This time the ring WAS in the box and is more than anything I ever dreamed or imagined! I absolutely LOVE my ring. I love it even more for the fact that I never once told Scott my style, sent him a picture, nor did we ring shop together. Yes-he knows me that well. Mr. Darcy is a keeper! ;) The following pictures tell the story more than words could ever do...

Dancing......

So, despite the mishap, it all worked out. Scott did tell me that he bought Pride and Prejudice and had been watching/studying it (and Mr. Darcy) and reminded me that just as Mr. Darcy proposed to Elizabeth Bennett twice, he proposed to me two times. So, it really did work out. All I could think of to say when I actually did see the ring at the second proposal were "Oh my gosh-It's huge!" So, it all turned out okay-the proposal and ring were perfect! I still can't stop staring at my hand...

After the proposal, we went to Ninfa's for dinner where 15 of my closest friends and family were there-including Lauren (who flew in the day before from CA), Amanda (who flew in from LBK), Sar and her fiance Josh, Meredith (who "flew" in from Dallas), AND my best friend Katie who flew in from CA for the weekend. Jess was out of the country, but even got international texting for the ocassion. I am truly blessed for such wonderful friends. My sisters, mom, and dad also made the night happen with all their help-It truly was such a blessed weekend surrounded by those that know and love me best!!!

I cannot wait for our big day in August, but more importantly, I CANNOT WAIT to be married to Mr. Scott "Darcy" Stier-the kindest, gentlest, most servant-hearted, strongest, Godliest, man I have ever met besides my own Father. I truly get a better glimpse of Jesus because of Scott and how he loves me so unconditionally (even when I don't deserve it) and I cannot wait to be Mrs. Scott "Darcy" Stier!!!! This is a testimony that dreams really do come true-God truly is the greatest author of romance! Psalm 37:4; Ephesians 3:20

Until next time, be blessed........................

Whats Been Up...

2010-12-09T16:24:00.009-05:00

Well, finals mode and winter are in full swing here on the East Coast. The past two weeks, I have been tucked away in a hole preparing for finals. A professor once told me you can do anything for two weeks. Honestly, this is what I cling to during finals. Law school finals is unlike anything I have ever experienced-IMMENSE pressure and ALL other things, including laundry, eating, sleeping, etc. are put on the back burner. Maybe I'll devote a blog just to law school finals one day-it is actually quite humorus.This semester has been fast until the past two weeks-which have druuuuuuuuuugggggg on and on. I think that the fact that winter has officially hit, combined with the fact that Christmas season is in full swing and that I miss those dear to me has made the end of this semester slightly torturous. I cannot wait to get out of this hole to enjoy some Christmas cheer! Despite the crazyness of the past two weeks, I did manage to get a tree up and host a Christmas party at our house!!!

Above is the tree we set up in our house. It was pretty interesting because I have never put a fake tree together because we always always get lives ones at home. However, I was pretty proud of the end product. AND because the tree was a hand-me-down, it only cost $30 bucks to decorate! Every year the posse does a Christmas ornament gift exchange-this is my first year to use them! Love this little tree I set up in my room!!!Other than finals and decorating, here's what's been going on in my life as of late...in picture form...becuase quite honestly-I'm tired of writing....First, we had our first snow! This picture was taken at night, but the next morning it was completely white...Needless to say: I'M FREEEEEEEEEEEZING!!!!!!!!!!!!! Next up, I filed this 40 page brief for the Supreme Court and then argued my side in an oral argument in front of a panel of three judges. Whoever said law school gets easier after 1L year was wrong.... Next up, I wrote a 28 page operating agreement to form an LLC. Then studied hard and took a Business Associations final. I would like to say if you ever need to form an LLC, Corporation, or Partnership, I'll be there, but not so sure that is my calling/area of interest...I could however, point you in the right direction! :) Thought: I would rather hear "Christmas Shoes" 10,000 times over than look at this for 4 days straight...

What's up next you ask? Two more finals: one for Constitutional Law and one for Criminal Law, along with a law review deadline or two. I admit: I'm beat. However, the fact that one week from today I will be back in the great state of Texas where I belong for Posse Wedding Numero Dos is keeping me going. CAN.NOT.WAIT. to spend some time with these girls and celebrate the marriage of a dear, dear friend!!! I am blessed to have enriching friendships.....

Until Next time be blessed....and stay warm!

The Mystery of It All...

2010-11-10T10:12:00.000-05:00

Found this unpublished. It fits the mood, so I think its time this piece made its debut!

As I sit here and write, I am listening to Phil Wickham-"I Will Wait for you There." It has led me to ponder. Waiting-life is full of it. It is a game, and I am horrible at it. Waiting in lines. Waiting for the sun to rise. Waiting for the pain to end. Waiting for school to start. Waiting for the economy to turn around. Waiting for Christ to come. Waiting for the next song on your iTunes playlist. Waiting for love. What we are "waiting for" is different for everyone, but I think that we could all be honest and say that we are all waiting for something. The waiting game can be a very tricky game to play. Yet, we have no choice but to partake in the danger of the game-danger because we often have no control or knowledge of how the game will end. That is scary. So, we wait, whether patiently or not, because we have no clue what else to do...this is part of the mystery of it all...

If you are anything like myself, the waiting game can be frustrating, uncertain, overwhelming, and even has unwelcomed, unexpected twists. Being a planner, this can be a struggle and often leaves me wondering. Is God big enough to handle me, my future, and my struggles? I am frequently left wrestling with the answers to questions such as these. I have convinced myself that wrestling with God is ok. After all, Jacob did it. Doubts leave me wanting to take matters into my own hands. The quest for power and control is a sticky place to be as well. What I have found is that taking matters into my own hands brings fulfillment for a brief time, and then winds up leaving me empty, confused, and frustrated again. My prayers become pleas, plights, or orders to the Lord.

A few years ago, I was in a wedding of one of my lifelong friends and freshman college roomate. It was such a joyful week, but even during that week, I realized I was still in the midst of a waiting game-for someone to call my own. I found a bit of bitterness creeping into my heart, and it most definitely was NOT from the candy I ate at the candy bar. It was as if the huge wedding extravaganza had become one huge pity party for myself-complete with chocolate and dancing. As the bride and groom were sent off on their honeymoon and I was left sweeping the water-logged peach rose petals off the sidewalk, I found myself drifiting off into deep thought and making pleas with the Lord about my future: "Why has my turn not come yet? I am sick and tired of waiting!" Amidst the uncertainty, bitterness, and angst, I found my answer under the wings of my Lord with gentle whisper...."Wait my daughter. Your time will come and it will be more than you could dream or imagine for yourself. Just you wait...I have you tucked away in the castle for such a time as this..."

Even as I received my answer from my sweet Saviour, I still struggle in this waiting game. Waiting. I admit: I hate it. The longer I find myself waiting, the more I am tempted to order God around. My waiting seems to become so unbearable that I feel the urge to take matters into my own hands and tell God what to do next-as if He needs my assistance! Katie's wedding was supposed to be a beautiful outdoor wedding. As the week progressed, the forecast for rain became increasingly more evident. So, we did what all normal "good Christian girls" would do-PRAY! "Dear Jesus-please bring sunshine, a light breeze, and 75 degree weather for Katie's big day. And while you are at it-give her perfect weather for her honeymoon!" As you can see, we had missed the point. We were not praying that despite the rain that we would have a good attitude, that the Lord's will would be done, that the Lord would bless Katie and Ryan's marriage despite the rain...no we wanted things OUR way immediately! The motives of our hearts were not necessarily right-they were selfish. Maybe Alabama needed rain for replenishment. The Lord knew that-we did not. Who are we to tell God what to do with the weather, our lives, or anything for that matter? It is as if we view God as a genie in a bottle only to grant our every wish and whim. So often, we not only do we view God as a wish granter, but we limit him, keeping him in the bottle, only to come out when we need something...Now that I have put it this way, I guess I do not truly believe at the depth of who I am that the Lord is big enough to handle it...How foolish and juvenile are our thoughts of the Lord? How humbling is that realization?

Clearly, I have not mastered the art of waiting. In fact, as much as I am try to be diligently patient-I can be very impatient. I was talking to a dear friend and mentor at Jen's graduation. Her husband died in 1987 when he was in his early thirties after many years of marriage, leaving her to raise three very young girls on her own. He unexpectedly dropped dead while on an early morning jog due to an unknown heart condition. No one could have known or planned such a horrible event. Not only did this leave her upset, scared, and questioning the Lord, but it left her a SINGLE mom for 14 years-key word being single. As we talked, I asked her how she did it-it being living content being single for that long. She said that she pushed into God and developed the most intimate relationship with Jesus-more intimate than any earthly relationship. She had such an intimate relationship with the Lord that once she remarried, she had a time of grieving because she longed for that intimacy with the Lord she had when she was single-see now her time was divided between the Lord and her new husband. The intimacy that Beth had with the Lord was so evident by her life and the way that she lived out her love for Jesus. Jesus truly was and is the lover of this strong woman's soul. Even as I write this, tears come to my eyes because Beth mastered the art of the waiting game. She is my muse for writing, and inspiration of what to be, and an epiphany that I have so far to go to become more like this amazing woman. She loved Jesus, her daughters, suffered, remained single, and loved WELL. So this is my charge to you and myself, as you wait for the Lord-push into Jesus.

Jesus is a beautiful mystery. I have no clue why He sometimes chooses to leave His plan a mystery to His children. I think that it is so that we will learn to fully rely on Him, to wait on His timing, and to deepen our faith and trust in Him immensely. I have found that it is in times of waiting, I suffer-mostly because it is uncomfortable for me. Think about it: when we are comfortable and standing, we rely on ourselves. When we struggle and are pushed out of our comfort zones, we often have no one else to go to but Jesus. While we wait, we have a choice. We can be like myself-throw yourself one big pity party, pout, and become bitter. Or we can take it in stride like Beth so faithfully did and push our lives completely into Christ and the things of Him. I am certain that the latter is the MUCH better option. Once we grasp hold of this concept, we will begin to realize that God IS faithful and IS big enough to handle situations without our feeble attempts to assist Him. He is in control-I don't have to be. I like resting in that knowledge. So, we wait-with our knees to the Earth and our face to the ground, we bow down to everything that Jesus is...and we are not....

I don't know what any of you are in your own lives. Maybe you are waiting for the Lord to provide, show up, or give you clarity. Maybe like Katie and I, you are asking for sunshine in your life-for beautiful mountain top weather! But maybe, just maybe, the Lord wants to bring the rain into your life to replenish the dry desert and rejuvinate and revive your soul...After all, that is what rain is for-growth, revival, and replenishment! Jesus-bring on the rain!

So, the mystery of the waiting game is to request more of Jesus and less of self. Wait on Him, regardless of how hard it is, know Him more, and grow in His ways! While you wait, find comfort in the fact that just because Jesus is sometimes a mystery to us does not mean that we are mystery to Him! God is your creator. He knows what He is doing-so let Him!

Until next time be blessed.....

Raise Your Hopeful Voices...

2010-11-01T14:58:00.000-04:00

I am sitting here in my kitchen waiting for someone to come fix our broken oven...for the fifth time. After a long week, I spent all day Saturday working on law review, saw a late night movie, then spent most of the day yesterday cleaning and keeping myself busy with errands and therapy shopping. Now, sitting in my kitchen, all alone, I am forced to do what I do best (but try so often to avoid by staying busy): process. Admittedly, life has been better. Due to prior plans "falling through," I found out this past weekend that I will be spending my first thanksgiving alone. Between now and December 3rd, I have three thirty page papers due, an article of organization (a quasi-contract), and homework and preparation for class. This does not include the finals to prepare for on top of everything. To be honest, I am overwhelmed and slightly unmotivated. Hence, I am a mix of emotions, homesick for a familiar face and those back home that I dearly love, and desparately longing for this semester to be over. There are days when I want someone to take me away from this...and today just happens to be one of those days. So, what do I do? I process. What I have discovered in midst of processing (aka: pouting and feeling sorry for myself that I am at this place...once again) is that while life has been better, it has definitely been worse...

Kingdom Come by Elevation Worship is a song that we sing often at the church I attend here in Lynchburg. As I stood in church yesterday listening to the song, I was convicted and inspired. At one point in the song, the lyrics state "take heart, for He has overcome the world." This got me thinking about what it means to "take heart." It goes on to say, "raise your hopeful voices, make a joyful noise, and sing unto the King of Glory." It is here where it clicked. Take heart means: have hope and raise those hopeful voices to the Lord in prayer, make a joyful noise, despite the pain (enter James 1), and then sing unto the King of Glory. After all, He did overcome the world, and He will and can overcome your problems.

Other lyrics in the song say: "We'll show the world how you love...Take our heart and make it yours." I once heard a pastor say that the best way that Christians can display the love of Christ and what can distinguishes Christians from non-Christians to the rest of the world is how Christians handle suffering. When we suffer well, we display the love, glory, and beauty of Christ. Suffering is also how Christ "takes our hearts and makes it His." I have found that the times when I am in the valley are the times where I have fully submitted my will to Christ in order that His will would be fulfilled, not mine, and that my heart would be fully His.

One of my professors, Professor T, (you try to pronounce Tchidivijan and you would called him Professor T as well-he also happens to be one of Billy Graham's grandsons-I digress) led a devotional today before class. I am realizing that I love me some Spourgin. I admire Professor T because his devotionals are always timely. In this morning's devo Professor T said just because you give your all to Christ does not mean that you will spend eternity with Him. Professor T then went on to ask what our motive in giving our all to Christ is: Is your motive to give to get from God or give merely because He is God? This got me thinking...and got me convicted. I think so often I say that I am giving my all to Christ so that He will make my heart His. In reality, I am giving my all to Christ so that He will eventually give me what I think will make me happy: if I don't submit, He won't deliver. This is not an act of worship, but an act of selfishness. Wow, Spourgin and Professor T have done it again: been used as vessels of Christ to convict me to the core. Way to go...

So, as I sit here in my kitchen all alone, I am hopeful; I am joyful; I am prayerful. As I talked to one of my roommates yesterday about all that is going in life right now, she asked: "Have you asked God what He wants to teach you through this?" Man, I love those pointed questions that get right to the heart of the issue. My silence was an answer in and of itself. Just as Karlee charged me to think about the motives of my heart, I charge you today do the same. 1. Have you asked God why He is allowing you to go through struggles? 2. Are you hopeful and joyful despite those struggles because God is the King of Glory and knows what He is doing with your life? 3. Have you given your all to God? And if so, what is the motive: to get something in return or for the mere fact that God is God. These are just a few convicting thoughts rolling through this little mind of mine. I hope and pray that this blog finds you doing well and that it draws you closer to your Heavenly Father...

Until next time...listen to Kingdom Come by Elevation Worship...you will be richly blessed...

Elevation Worship - Kingdom Come Lyrics

2010-11-01T14:35:00.000-04:00

Elevation Worship - Kingdom Come Lyrics:
May your kingdom come
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven
For yours is the kingdom
The power and glory
Forever you reign, forever you reign

Pre-Chorus:
Let hope swell in our lives
And we will be the Church
To live out your heart

Chorus:
Oh God arise up in us
We'll show the world how you love
Jesus, take our heart and make it yours
Salvation reign over us
The fight was won on the cross
We take heart, for you have overcome the world

Bridge:
Raise your hopeful voices
Make a joyful noise and
Sing unto the King of Glory"

Anatomy of a Study "Carol"...

2010-09-22T20:49:00.002-04:00

Introducing "Carol"-the one I spend most of my time with:
I thought I would do a quick update on my law school "adventures." The picture above is where I sit and study all day...everyday. Last year, I lived by myself, so I could study at home some. While we have an office and there are a few days I will study at home, I spend most of my time at the library with "carol" because my roomates and I just have too much fun together! As far as the roomate situation-it is going well. I could not ask for better roomates. It is nice knowing I will have someone to come home to and we have roomate dinners each Wednesday night! Other than the drug bust two doors down last week, the spider the size of my head two nights ago, and the carbon monoxide leak last night-we LOVE the house! It gives us plenty of personal space and room to have Sunday night dinners with about 20 of our law school colleagues. Our neighbor, affectionately called "Old Man Flip," in addition to some wonderful Godly men in our law school class that mow our huge yard and make late night calls to kill HUGE spiders-take wonderful care of us. So despite the few mishaps-we feel very safe! :) DISCLAIMER: Mom, if you are reading this, I realize I forgot to mention that we had a carbon monoxide leak. Not to fear however, it is under control and the silent but deadly gas has not killed me

I decided to use a visual to update you all on my life and what is going on in law school.

The books on the left top shelf are my school books for class. This semester I am taking Criminal Law (my favorite), Constitutional Law (might be the death of me), Appellate Advocacy (a writing class), and Business Administration (surprisingly, another favorite of mine-it reminds me a lot of contracts, which was my favorite class last year-and surprisingly I LOVE corporate law more each day....). I am also in a required law skills course, which teaches us how to practically use what we learn. In that class we are currently learning and practicing negotiations-it is SO much fun. Hopefully by the end of this, I will be able to negotiate my way into anything! Mel and Jen better beware...my tactics just went up a notch....
To the right of that you will see my lunchbox and water bottle. I usually pack for an entire day in there...and sometimes I eat with "Carol."
To the bottom left you will see a stack of newspapers: because of Business Administration, we were encouraged to get a subscription to the Wall Street Journal. I am so glad that I did. Today, I was told that a good preacher has a Bible in one hand and a newspaper that gives global perspective in the other. I am convinced that a good lawyer does the same. It is so easy to live in the "law school bubble," oblivious to what is going on in the world around. I am trying to broaden my knowledge with the newspaper. And ironically, it is helping with an article I am writing (see point 5 for more details about said article).
You can't see it, but under the newspaper is another stack of papers for some research for legislation I am currently undertaking. I am a part of the new Institute for International Human Rights at the law school. I, along with a few other students, are working under a professor at the Helms School of Government at undergraduate Liberty (who went to law school, was editor of law review, is currently editor for Supreme Court Ecomonic Journal, has spoken at the Oxford Round Table, is writing a book, worked in fashion law, AND is passionate about human rights...needless to say, I'm kind of obsessed. Did I mention she has three young kids?) I digress...we are working with a senator researching and writing legislation to criminalize human trafficking in the state of Virginia, which is one of the only states that does not have legislation for this. We will then be educating attorney generals, senators, the community, etc. about the problems of human trafficking right here in the United States. Hopefully, other states will use it as a model to make their legislation better. Needless to say-I.AM.PUMPED. It is fun to be doing things that I actually came to law school for...
On the right of my computer you will see a stack of books. These books are mostly dealing with issues of modern-day slavery and human trafficking. In addition to my classes, I was blessed to make Law Review. Basically, this means that I, along with the other classmates on LR, will be helping the editorial board edit and cite check law review articles for publication. In addition, I get to write my own scholarly article on anything of my choice! What did I choose you might ask? I chose to write about how fashion impacts human rights issues. This is very broad about my research, but I don't want to get too specific because it has to be novel and I don't want to spill the beans! I will say, it is a very fun topic and I get to read about fashion and human rights-two of my favorite things-for school!

Overall, I like 2L year MUCH better than 1L year. Maybe it is experience, routine, or comfort, But for whatever reason, I am less stressed (maybe the summer at the beach/pool put some perspective on school). Whatever a less stress life stems from-life is good. I am in such a good place spiritually, academically, emotionally, and physically (for those of you that know me know that a 10 lb weight gain is an answered prayer!) God is good-I am blessed beyond measure. I will write again soon because I have so many thoughts going through this mind that need to get on paper. This update will suffice for now! Until next time...

Quick Update...

2010-08-16T13:48:00.002-04:00

Well, after a long drive back, I am back in "the burg," as they call it. The past two weeks have been good. It is good to be back when classes are not in full force. For the first time, I am actually enjoying the place that I now call "home" a little bit.

I have been taking a public policy summer intensive the past two weeks and school officially resumes a week from today. I moved (luckily just next door) and now have two roomates. I am very excited about the upcoming year. Because of the move (and the fact that our internet provider has failed miserably), we are still without internet and am not sure when we will get it. When it is up and running again, I will post new pictures of our new house and what is going on in my life as of late...just wanted to let everyone know I'm alive and well!

Until next time be blessed....

Summer Nights

2010-07-18T22:45:00.000-04:00

It's official...I'm in love...with summer. I am enjoying my Texas summer...probably too much. However, I got spoiled with the cool East Coast weather and forgot how hot and humid Texas is! So, while the days are long and hot, I am definitely enjoying the cooler, summer nights along with the beautiful Texas sunsets! I had one goal in coming home: RELAX and remember the art of a de-stressed lifestyle! Besides a relaxing trip to the beach in the Pacific, here are some things that I am thoroughly enjoying as I get some R&R:

Joshua Radin is a new favorite that puts me in the summer mood!

Nothing like those summer nights to lay in the hammock or sit by the pool and read...for fun. If you need some good summer reads, I highly recommend these:

Nothing like those summer nights to sit on the patio, catch up with good friends, and eat some great food! No better place than the Triangle in Austin to sit around and ponder life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. This little Italian market called Mandola's is such a fun atmosphere and has WONDERFUL gelatto-so wonderful that our discussion quickly turned to moving to Europe (namely Oxford, Italy, or Spain) where we can sit and sip tea and talk all day long until our heart's desire....maybe we will, maybe we won't...but perhaps we will...

Oh the joys of being young, dreaming big, and grad school which frees up summer for revitalization and rejuvenation. Summer nights: Won't you please stay for a while? 2L year of law school: Won't you please stay far, far away for a long, long time? I'm having too much fun...
Until next time, be blessed....

Every Road That's Traveled...

2010-06-04T00:38:00.015-04:00

It's official: My first year and two credits of my second year of law school are done! These are just a few words that come to mind when thinking back over my first year of law school: intense, exhausting, exhilarating, excruciating, challenging, fulfilling, a dream come true, and stretching. This past year flew by so fast. The other day, I was wondering where it went...then I realized I left it at the library...

It is difficult to put the law school experience into words. Maybe it is the fact that the Monday after finals ended (which count 100% of your final grade in each class), I started a 2 week intensive class, drove home as soon as that ended, and have been working on law review ever since I got home that leads me to drone on about how exhausted I am. They say that the first year of law school they scare you to death, the second they work you to death, and the third, they bore you to death. After the year I have had, I am interested to see what "work you to death" means...

I was recently on iTunes, looking at the top ten Christian songs of the week. I noticed Amy Grant was back in the top ten with her new song: "Better than a Hallelujah." As many of you may (or may not know), I love Amy Grant. Call me old fashioned, but I boldly and unashamedly claim it. Maybe it is the fact that we share the same name or that I used to want to be her when I was "younger." For whatever reason, Amy holds a special place in my heart. One word describes her in my mind: TIMELESS. No matter what her circumstances in life or where she has been, she always seems to make a come back. Some may say it is time for her to stop making "come-backs," but then again, their songs aren't on the top ten, now are they? I admire her drive, resilience, and ability to persevere-not to mention, her music never gets old and there is a song for every emotion and stage of life. Anyway, as I was reflecting on the past year of my life while listening to Amy's new album, the theme of roads revisited my mind. These are a few of the words to one of Amy's songs, "Every Road:"

Every road that's traveled, teaches something new;
Every road that's narrow pushes us to choose.
I'd be lying if I said I had not tried to leave a time or two;
But every road that leads me, leads me back to you.

Just like Robert Frost was my inspiration as I started my first year of law school, Amy Grant is my inspiration as I conclude it. I have traveled this road, and I have been taught something new: what it takes to be an advocate of the law, the discipline the study of law requires, what it takes to be a better writer and communicator, the high calling and integrity involved with being a lawyer, and the importance of working hard to ensure a better future for myself. I have been pushed to choose between complacency and excellence; laziness and diligence; retreat or perseverance. I have definitely threatened to quit a time or two (or three or four) but for whatever reason, I have been led back to the study of law. I have said it and will say it again: law school has been the most challenging and exhausting experience of my life thus far. With the intensity of the program, there have been times where my relationship with the Lord has taken a back seat. As much as I hate to admit that, I am also gracious that the Lord continued to pursue me. Despite the hard days, just as I returned to the study of law, the road continues to return my heart to my beautiful Savior.

I am grateful to be on this road that is leading me to a path of a career full of opportunity and fulfillment. In my short time in the study of law, I have gained a deeper passion for the importance of advocating and understanding of what it means to allow the Lord to work in my life so that He can reach His full potential in and through me. The Lord has been gracious in granting me perseverance and reliance this past year. I'm excited and driven. I can't wait to see what's at the end of the road.

Speaking of roads, the drive home was long; but it was comforting when I passed the Texas state line to see the wide open spaces. I was beginning to feel claustrophobic in the mountains. Even so, I have to admit I am gradually falling in love with the East Coast...and I don't hate it. Maybe God is preparing me for something new "somewhere down the road...." I am becoming more okay with that as each day passes....

As I conclude, I realize that each person that reads this blog is most likely on a very different road or journey than I am on. That is the beauty of the diversity that life brings. I pray that each person that reads this will realize that every road that's traveled teaches something new. While on the path set before you, whether it be a road of joy or full of sorrow, seek what the Lord wants to teach you as you make the journey.

Until next time...be blessed....and know I am getting my fill of Blue Bell and Tex-Mex to last through the next upcoming year...

Super Hero Strength...

2010-03-21T19:47:00.003-04:00

The snow has finally disappeared...thank goodness. This past week was spring break. I was hoping to have more free time to give a more thorough update of my blog, work on summer internship applications, and rest. Unfortunately, the moot court tournament starts tomorrow. Each 1L is required to give an argument as to why the court should hear their case using case law. We have spent all semester writing a long brief (what you file with the court for them to hear a trial). I must give an argument "on brief" (aka: for my side) and then "off brief" (against my side). Considering we have been researching and writing for months to prepare "on brief" arguments, the thought of doing an "off brief" argument is a little daunting. Needless to say, my spring break was spent working on my oral argument, updating outlines, and doing homework. While I do wonder some days what I have gotten myself into, I am still enjoying law school. I have already seen how it is making me a more well rounded thinker...and I like that.

While I did spend most of my week at the library, I did manage to get away for two days with some of my girl friends to Myrtle Beach. While it was too cold to spend too much time at the beach, we did get our fair share of shopping, good food, and movies in! It was a much needed escape from Lynchburg...with all the mountains surrounding, I was starting to get claustrophobic.....no lie....this Texas girls needs some wide open spaces!!!

While I am getting ready for my first round of the tournament tomorrow, I took a break and came across this article. When I interned in Guatemala, I got the privilege of interacting with these children every day. They truly are as precious as the picture makes them out to be! As I read this article, I was reminded that I often times muster up my own super human strength to accomplish a task. However, it is not on my own strength that I can do anything. I find the more I try to do it on my own, the more overwhelmed I become. The more overwhelmed I become, the more I ultimately fail because I am human and my strength will fade. I can only accomplish great things (aka: present an oral argument) by God's grace and strength alone. These super heroes are my inspiration to get through preparation for this argument tonight, so I thought I would share...

www.itsyourmission.com/news-super.shtml

I will write a more detailed update after the moot court tournament this week. It will be interesting...law school is a daily reminder that I am not the "strongest" in the fact that I am surrounded by brilliant people...it's always a race to the top...until next time be blessed....

Use Your Brain...

2010-02-05T12:21:00.004-05:00

I am snowed in...again. Days like today lead me to ponder...more than usual that is. However, today while I have been snowed in, I have been working away on case briefs and a daunting research assignment coming up. So, even though school is not in session today...these wheels just keep on turnin....

With the realization that all I do these days is read, think, eat, read, think, read, think some more, go to bed thinking and wake up thinking, I find myself wondering if I should be doing more for the glory of God. However, I am daily learning there is a season for everything under the sun.

A friend of mine wrote this uplifting and insightful article that put intellect in a new light for me! Go to the post and read the entry titled "He'll Blow Your Mind." Whether you exercise your brain muscles with a good book or your finger muscles with the remote in hand...it will both encourage and challenge you...just "think" about it...

www.sageministries.org/Girls/Blog

Well, I better get back to the thinking tank...until next time be blessed...

Much Belated Update...

2010-01-29T23:18:00.005-05:00

I seriously don't know what happens to the time. I can't believe it has been two months since I last updated my blog. With the intensity of school and desire to spend as much time away from the computer as possible when I am not doing school work (which rarely happens), updating my blog got put on the back burner. I will try to be better at that this semester, but no promises! Since my last blog update, my first (intense) round of finals came and went, along with my first semester of law school, next went my Christmas vacation, and so did 2009 now that I think about it. Time flies when you are having fun!

Immediately following my last final, the snow in Lynchburg started. Fearful that I would be stranded here for Christmas like I was on Thanksgiving, I crafted a plan to escape the winter wonderland. So, my winter break began in Wilmington, NC. However, I did not completely escape the winter wonderland. In fact, we drove straight through it. Even though it took 8 hours to get home as opposed to 4, it was fun! I can honestly say I have now driven (or ridden rather) in tons of snow, through the mountains, in a two-door little convertible. Looking back on it now, it was quite dangerous, but at the time, I found it quite exhilarating, sort of like an unexpected twist on a roller coaster! Kids, don't try that at home....

Update of past two months since finals: Lynchburg, VA to Wilmington to Charlotte, NC to Austin, TEXAS...after five LONG months...lots of quality family time! Austin to Waco to Dallas...twice...and lots of quality friend time! Austin to Pittsburgh to Raleigh to Lynchburg. (still not sure about the logic behind that route, but I didn't have to get off the plane so it worked...). Mini trip from Lynchburg to Richmond and Jamestown to do some sight-seeing then back to Lynchburg. Reality set in...Then back to the grind...

School is back in full swing. "They" said that the hardest part of law school has passed. Although, with the rigor of the first two weeks and getting back into the swing of things, I am not sure I believe them (whoever "they" are). While first semester ended well (God's strength and grace are sufficient), I am still figuring out this law school thing, how to balance work with play, and yes, even though I have one semester down, how not to allow law school to scare the pants off of me! However, I am determined to conquer this fear with the Lord's help....I'll let you know how it goes....

I hope all is well...I will post a more thorough update soon! Until next time be blessed and know I am enjoying the snow!

The Reason for the Season...

2009-12-01T15:43:00.000-05:00

Finals are here and I am overwhelmed....overwhelmed with all that I have to do and learn as well as God's mercy, grace, strength, and endurance that have been getting me through the days on little or no sleep...and sadly to say, little or no food some days. It is in these days that I need to be reminded of why I came to law school. Hence, this blog....

Not only did I come to law school to challenge myself, but because of my heart to defend the fatherless and oppresed (Ps. 10:17-18). Many of you know that two summers ago, I traveled abroad to Guatemala to work with orphans all over the country. I have always had a heart for orphan ministry, but my life was changed as a result of this trip. I returned with a newfound heartbeat to help the least of these. While I was there, I learned of the dire need for lawyers to aid in international laws and the adoption process. The need is not for any lawyer, but Christian lawyers. So, I came back and got serious about God's calling on my life. Next step: law school-to gain the knowledge, skills, and education to advocate for those that need a voice and to change the world, one person at a time. I do have big dreams for myself, but I know that the Lord is capable of doing more that I can dream or imagine for myself. I guess you could say I am not going to settle for living in the ordinary, but am going to strive for the extraordinary life Christ has set out for me....

Did you know that there are 145 million orphans in the world? I don't know about you, but to me that number is staggering. The Bible says that the poor we will have with us always. To be honest, when I first heard this verse, I thought, "Interesting. So if we will always have the poor with us, why should I do my part to help reduce it? Isn't it a lost cause?" The more I thought about it and discussed this, the more I realized how far from the truth my thought process was. The poor we will always have with us, so we should have more of an urgency to help those that are in need and the least of these. That verse is portraying the idea that the poor we will have with us always so the heart of service we must always have! That is a high calling, which will require great sacrifices.

With that being said, I would like to take this time to mention that I am honored to be a part of a council called The Voice Council. It is comprised of people in their twenties and thirties who have a passion for the cause of orphans. While I serve on this counceil to "Be a Voice," I also give money monthly to the organization. 100% of the donations go to the orphans. This is not true of many organizations, which usually take out a portion of your donation for overhead costs, such as salaries and such. Buckner is sold out to ensuring that 100% of your money goes to the cause you intended it to go to.

For the time being while I gain the education to help these people, I feel as if I cannot do much. However, by giving, I feel as if I am doing a small part in helping to make their lives better. I mentioned that it takes sacrifices to help the least of these: time, energy, prayers, and even financial. For a poor law student, my monthly donation is a sacrifice (you would understand if you were a law student minimizing Starbucks coffee intake). However, this is a great cause because there is a huge need. I can assure you that the the reward is far greater than the sacrifice.

James 1:27 says, "Religion that our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneslef from being polluted by the world." This verse has been on my heart ever since I went to Guatemala. Again, this is a high calling. There are so many things in this world that are enticing and alluring. I have to be the first to admit that I daily allow myself to be allured by the things of the world. One thing that I have found is that when I am investing in other's lives and serving the least of these, I find myself thinking and concerned on the things of the Lord. This is what causes us to have pure lives-when our entire mind, body, soul, and heart are consumed with the things of the Lord. SO in summary, caring for the oprhans and widows=pure religion=protection from being polluted by the world!

I also write this blog to be reminded that Christ is the reason for this season. I hope and pray that you will take time this season to think about others needs. I know this is hard to do with all the gifts, family gatherings, memories, Christmas parties, finals, and other things that we have going on. But, I promise whether you serve with your time or money (0r both), you will be enriched as a result. I pray that the Lord will tug on your heart to become invested in the lives of others whether it is your neighbor, co-worker, or the 145 million orphans in the world.

If you are moved as a result of this blog and intereseted in giving, please visit the link. I promise your life will be changed as a result and you will not miss the money!

https://donate.bucknerfoundation.org/SSLPage.aspx?pid=2845

Until next time, be blessed!

He Can Move the Mountains...

2009-11-08T21:47:00.016-05:00

I would love to have time to write an inspirational piece, but since most of my writing has been going into my objective memo that is due at the end of the week, I will be brief. Here is what has been on my mind as of late as a result of many conversations, devotionals, and sermons. The Lord has surely been trying to teach me something...I am convinced that repetition is no coincidence...

Matthew 17:20 says, "I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." The Lord wants to do immeasurably all than we can ask or imagine in our lives. (See Ephesians 3:20). As I sit here and write, I am at the ski lodge overlooking the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. (see above pictures). As I look at the mountains, Matthew 17:20 is put in a different light. These mountains are enormous. The idea that God could move them blows my mind. We serve a mighty God. If God can move these ginormous mountains, how much more able is He to move the "mountains" in our own lives? As I sit here and watch the sunset, I pray that the Lord allows each of you to shed your fears and allow Him to move the "mountains" in your life. It is only when we place our fear in the Lord that He can do immeasurably more than we could ask or imagine....

Law school has probably been one of the most difficult "adventures" I have embarked on. It is certainly not a journey I could do without the Lord's strength. Each day as I walk into school and pass the mountains, Psalm 121 comes to mind: "I life my eyes to the hills-where does my help come from: My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of Heaven and Earth." He has been my Help and I know He will continue to do so (He has also provided an amazing support group to get me through)! The Lord is not only capable of moving mountains, but He never fails to prove Himself faithful....

Until next time, be blessed.....

I Have A Bio...

2009-10-26T21:43:00.004-04:00

I am involved in a non-profit Christian girls ministry called SAGE Girls Ministry. We have recently launched a new website, so I wanted to do my part to spread the word! Some of my writing is featured in the blog this month...and I have a Bio. Weird but fun! If you have teenage girls or know any, send them to this site! There is also a link for parents, girls ministers, leaders, and info about upcoming events! Be sure to check it out!

http://www.sageministries.org/Girls/Blog
http://www.sageministries.org/

Hope everyone is doing well! I will update soon about law school! Until next time be blessed and know that I am LOVING fall-it is BEAUTIFUL here!

Go, Gadget, Go!

2009-09-20T21:10:00.008-04:00

The four books above are my case books...there is one for each week I have survived law school! These books represent my life and where I spend most of my time…with my nose in them. I wake up every morning around 5 am (which is 4 most of my reader’s time). I get to school around 6:30 and don’t leave sometimes until 5, 6, 7, 8, 9….I say that I am boring, but seeing me get to school is most definitely a sight to behold! If you cannot tell, the books pictured above are rather large, meaning they are heavy. These are only the books for my four main classes. I have two other classes and about 15 other books in addition to these (which are not much smaller!). For those of you that know me know that I am not built to carry such weight! Thus begins the sight to behold. As if I were ever cool or even thought about being cool, I have officially lost ALL cool points in law school. First of all, I have a wheely briefcase. NOT cool…but everyone is doing it here…I promise! Secondly, I pack my lunch…in a lunchbox. I have a badge that I wear clipped to my outfit that has an expander string. Furthermore, I wear high heels every day. I also park at the bottom of a hill and have to walk quite a ways to the entrance of the law school. You would think getting up the hill would be the hardest leg for me. While it is a struggle, leaving is where it gets dangerous. I have to exit by going down the hill, which means that I have to run down the hill from fear of being attacked by my wheely bag that is gaining momentum behind me (and that weighs more than I do). I feel a little bit like inspector gadget. I am doing good if my bag doesn’t attack me and my badge doesn’t hit me in the face. One day my friend said she was going to yell at me to wait on her to walk to our cars. But then, she saw my head and in an instant, I was gone (I was running down the hill.) She said it was hilarious. I can only imagine. Go, gadget go!!! Needless to say, I do not need to spend any time in the gym. My daily walk up and down the hill in heels does the job. I am hoping for stellar calves as a result soon!

Other than my overly dramatic and ridiculous difficulties of getting to and from class, law school is good! I LOVE the challenge it brings! I told a friend that I am in the early stages of love with the law, to which she responded: “That is good, but let me know when you want to divorce it!” (good thing I know a good lawyer J) So far, the honeymoon phase is not over. The Lord has been gracious to me. I have been called on about once a week over the course of the term. I say the Lord has been gracious because it is only by His strength that I have done well and been able to endure the rigor of the past four weeks of class. One kid got kicked out of class the second day of school. That is a different story for another day…while I am grateful it was not me…it has definitely been a humbling learning experience…

Since I have been in law school, I have learned a lot. For those of you that don’t know much about law school, the majority of my new knowledge has come from studying the cases on my own. While classes are an aid to learning the topics, the professors expect us to wrestle with the material on our own time. I will say that the classes have been enlightening for reasons other than learning the law: my classmates. Please do not get me wrong, I love them all dearly. Our class is made up of about 120 students-all of which are very diverse, with very different backgrounds, and very strong opinions. Imagine taking all the best of the best type-A personalities and putting them in one room…things can get hostile. It has also been a humbling, eye opening experience because I see myself in some of them…this is not necessarily a good thing. I have divided the “types” of law students into different categories. I will not bore you with all the details, but I will describe my favorite category (mostly to amuse myself). There are fellow classmates that seem to have “the case of the helium hand.” These are the students that always raise their hand and have something to say. In some instances it is insightful, but in most cases, they should keep their hand down. Their statements usually start with something along the lines of….”so hypothetically speaking….in my experience…how does that relate to contracts (said in torts class)…if you changed the facts how would that change the situation…when I filed a complaint…in my opinion…if I were the lawyer in this case…I disagree because…professor, I think you are wrong…blah, blah, blah.” These students seem very eager to learn, but honestly, they are just trying to prove themselves verbally. While it is rather obnoxious and distracting, it does become entertaining when professors spout off that no one cares about THEIR opinion-it is the LAW that matters. I prefer to be placed in the category of “the silent, yet deadly and genius.” Mid-terms are coming up in one week, so we will see about that….guess it’s time to see what I am really made of…I am sure that will be a humbling learning experience as well….

In addition to categorizing the “types” of law students, I have decided that being a 1L does weird things to you. For your entertainment, I will give a few examples: one classmate ripped one of his casebooks in half because he was so stressed out. If you notice the picture above, that is a lot of stress. One colleague claims that since he has been in law school, he sings song by Cher he didn't even know he knew. That same friend shot straight up at 4 am in the morning and started running down the hall. Once he got down the hall, he realized he had no clue where he was running to. I guess he thought he was late for class. You find yourself in study groups laughing for no reason (probably to keep from crying). I will say that while law school has a weird effect on people, it does give me a legitimate excuse for my absent-mindedness. For those of you wondering-No, I have not lost my keys…yet.

Law school is all consuming. My lunch conversations have moved from chit chat to deep, meaningful conversations about life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness...and mostly the law. I eat, sleep, and breathe law. I cannot seem to turn my brain off from law. I had several people tell me before law school to enjoy my last few days of thinking like a normal person...now I get what they meant. Today as I sat at lunch with some friends, the conversation eventually ended up at law. While most days I enjoy it, I am beginning to think that I need friends outside the law school. I will say that I am very blessed with the friends I have. Some have referred to law school as “academic hazing.” I would say while that is not entirely true here, law school does resemble Greek life in the fact that you are thrown into a rigorous, emotionally draining experience, forcing you to rely on 60 classmates you know very little about. This causes you to grow very close to people very quickly. I spend all day every day with the same people. In this regard, it is almost like rush all over. The only difference is that I am not welcomed with showers of blessing and gifts, but loads of reading assignments…Despite all the weird tendencies of the beginning of law school, there is no place I would rather be.

On average, I study 14 hours a day. Some classmates and I calculated that we have read 1200 pages, (at a minimum) these past four weeks. I would also like to take this time to explain that reading 15 pages in a case book takes about three hours for an average first year law student to read…I will let you do the math. I think that I have learned more in these first four weeks of law school than I did my entire time in undergrad. That is NOT because Baylor did not prepare me well. In fact, that is quite the contrary. I had a classmate ask me what I studied in undergrad because I “seem to be grasping and understanding the material.” He assumed I had a degree in the letters (I am assuming Greek, Latin, etc.) and when I responded no, I had a degree in Child in Family Studies, he was shocked. Thank you Baylor education. During my first few weeks here, I have also been mistaken as a fashion design major. Now while this might not be the WORST tag, it is not the best compliment amongst scholars, CEO’s, philosophers, and politicians. While it might mean that I have good taste in fashion, it might also mean that I am viewed as ridiculous (see above description of my journey to class). Hopefully, I can disprove the theory that fashion and child and family studies are not easy nor ridiculous majors…it is all about how you apply yourself to achieve your goals…

Surprisingly, there is never a dull moment in the midst of all the studying. While I may be boring and uncool, I LOVE what I am studying. The material is always evolving, making it invigorating. I have read cases from fashion designers suing their advertisers for breach of contract, arguments over the possession of a Barry Bonds baseball, the duty of a blind person to act reasonably when walking the streets, and a brief written in poetry about two actors that scared a taxi cab driver almost to death….literally. These examples barely scratch the surface of my studies. It is SO interesting (and sometimes ridiculous what people sue over). For fear of boring my readers, I will politely resist the temptation to talk in detail about all the fun things I am learning, but I feel blessed to be able to be back in the world of academia....

In addition to a love and respect for my classmates, the faculty and staff are also amazing. Before each class, the professors lead a devotional and prayer. I really could ask for no greater place to study law. At times I feel as if I am at a seminary/law school combination because of the amount of Biblical truth the classes are laced with. Some nights I have homework requiring me to spend 3 hours (at a minimum) in the scripture finding Biblical examples and truths about the topic being taught for the day. I can definitely see God’s hand in leading me here…

I had my first client interview this week. I will not bore you with the hilarious details of the case, but it went well! I also watched the 2L/3L: moot court competition (and served as a bailiff). It was quite interesting watching these students argue before real-life judges (some of which are on the U.S. court of appeals). Advocacy is definitely a talent I fear I do not have…it is quite intimidating realizing that next spring I will have to do the very thing that I was mesmerized by this week…Have I mentioned that it is only by God’s work and strength that I will survive law school…I am however up for the challenge…not my will Lord but Thine…

I would like to take a moment and thank everyone for the encouragment and feedback I received regarding my last blog, whether through facebook, email, phone, or word of mouth. When I blog I really have no idea who reads it or how it impacts them. I genuinely love writing and pray that the Lord will continue to use this to encourage my readers! Maybe one day I will be the next Julie & Julia...ha! Thanks also for the prayers. While law school is difficult, I have felt an abundance of the Lord's presence and peace...I know that is only because of all the prayers...

Until next time, be blessed…..

The Road Less Traveled...

2009-08-24T23:05:00.009-04:00

Today was an accomplishment-I survived my first day of law school! As I sat in class this morning listening to the professor interrogate students using the socratic method by standing on a chair pretending to be a judge, I was moved. I have dreamt of this day for many years. Honestly, I had doubts that this day would ever come, but the Lord is gracious. It was more than I could have asked for. As I sat in class, I sort of felt like I was in a movie...it is all very surreal....

I guess being back in the world of academia has spurred me to reap inspiration from those that have gone before-you know-famous poets, writers, judges, politicians, historians, and professors. I have watched movies such as "Mona Lisa Smile" and "A Beautiful Mind" and been inspired not only to succeed, but to inspire others. Even as I write, I am reminded of one of the most inspirational people in my life-my father. He has always instilled a sense of appreciation for academics. Even as young children, Dad would read poetry to us-nevermind it was as punishment. When Dad first introduced Robert Frost to me, it brought tears to my eyes....and they were not tears of joy or appreciation....

Prior to last week's orientation, I decided to do some venturing around town. As I traveled the trails with a friend, I was somehow coerced off "the beaten path" to take a view of the river. Through this "adventure," I realized that in my own life, I stay on the beaten path. I rarely (if ever) take the road less traveled to marvel at God's creation or explore a different avenue-I like to stay on the road paved before me. As I stated to my friend that I normally don't get off the beaten path, Matthew 7:13 was quoted to me. I contested, "That's not true!" But, as the journey progressed, the day continued, and the week of orientation began, this concept and verse resonated in my heart and mind. Maybe I do take the easy way out...maybe I do take the road that is paved before me instead of the road less traveled....maybe I do journey on the wide road that leads to the gate of destruction....just maybe...

Orientation began with a Dean's reception. During his inspirational greeing, he encouraged us to write down all of our dreams and ambitions on a piece of paper. Next he said the unthinkable: "Take your dreams and goals you have set out for your own life and throw them away. Dream bigger because God is capable of doing immeasurably more than we could dream or imagine on our own (Ephesians 3:20)." As he spoke, my mind immediately returned to the day I hiked. The Dean in his own way was charging the new 1L class to take the road less traveled. So, feeling on top of the world from the rush of meeting people, starting law school, and having just been told God was capable of doing IMMEASURABLY more than I could ask through me, I came home and began crafting BIG dreams! I guess you could say, I am turning a new leaf....

New leaf in a nutshell: Excellence is the minimum. To whom much is given, much is required. Pray and dream the unthinkable. Inspiration breeds action. Get off the beaten path. Live under the umbrella of God's sovereignty and control all the time.

All this time I thought Dad read poetry as a means of correction, but today, I gained a new appreciation for the art of reading poetry to children as a means of punishment. Poetry is inspirational and leads to a creative mind-it sparks intellect. So, dad read poetry to spur our eager imaginations at a young age, but also to ignite a passion for knowledge that would be the driving force to fulfill our dreams and goals as we grew older. Today was a hallmark occassion in my life beginning the journey of doing just that....So, as I sat in class, I was moved-moved that I have begun the major stepping stone to accomplishing my dreams, goals, and calling on my life. Ultimately, I am blessed beyond measure. It is only by God's grace that I am here, and it is only by His mercy and strength that I will survive this year...

The Road Not Taken

TWO roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

Just as I am here because of God's grace, I am also here because my earthly father told me to dream big! So, as I close this blog, I would like to thank my dad for reading poetry to us when we didn't understand, for encouraging our little heart's ambitions that have now turned into lifelong dreams and goals, for awakening our "eager young minds" to crave knowledge, wisdom, and intellect that will assist us in "making all the difference," and above all for going the extra mile in showing us what "taking the road less traveled" means by being a tangible example of our Heavenly Father and a person that truly strives to walk the narrow path towards Heaven....

Until next time, be blessed....

Welcome to My Humble Abode...

2009-08-16T16:53:00.023-04:00

This post is the result of several requests to see pictures of my apartment. Inspired by Elisabeth Elliot, I have decided to call my humble abode "The Closet," in which I describe it with three C's: cozy, comfortable, and character. While there are still some small touches and decor items that need to be bought, it is mostly put together! This is due to the fact that I have had a goal to complete this project of putting together my home by the time class started (or it might never get done) and because I have had quite a bit of time on my hands. I preferably would like to wait for the finished product before I post pictures, but since I am about to be full swing in the study of law, I figured I better have an "open house" before the door to my little apartment is locked down, and I am "in the zone." Now, I am no Lauren Darr or Nate Burkus, but I have had a lot of fun decorating, crafting, and shopping around to make my place feel like home! I have developed quite a love for bargain and thrift shopping-finding those knick-knacks and making them like new again! I have included some tips and ideas highlighting a few of the items I made for my apartment if you are trying to decorate on a poor law student budget or just want to save some money. It may require a bit of time, but using your creative side can be a great stress reliever!

You will all have to come visit because these pictures do not do The Closet justice (mostly because I am a horrible photographer). However, I have done my best to make you feel right at home! The tour begins with the outside of my apartment...window boxes are coming soon! And no, that is not my minivan.....

The stairs in the inside entrance leading to my home:

This is what my door opens to:

First decorating idea: $10 board from IKEA in the damaged goods section (may have been a table top that was missing legs?)+little paint+50 cent vases and voila!

From the kitchen looking into the living room:

My prized possession #1 room divider/shelving unit from IKEA that separates my living room from my office area: (which happens to be the most expensive thing I bought for my apartment at $200)

Prized Possession #2: $10 frame+a little paint+cork+fabric=message board

The extra cork and fabric works great in other areas (this happens to be on the wall in my hall):

The item above my desk in the picture below is an old drying rack from Laverty's in Waco for $5. I painted it, along with some clothespins and there you have another message board/picture hanger. This is probably the most clean you will ever see my workspace:

Looking out from the living room (to the left is the bathroom and bedroom):

The picture of prized possession #3 is for the Posse: I made this in an attempt to keep up with my keys. Notice both sets are on the hook: so far so good!

Hallway to the bedroom:

From the door:

Prized Possession #4: I wanted a vanity to get ready at since I don't have counter space in my bathroom. I happened upon this 1950's vanity at The Caring Place for SUPER cheap. It is a goodwill-type store in Georgetown that supports services for low-income families in the community. You can find stores like these in most communities, along with treasures for super cheap (the board from the key hook and vases from the board above the stove are from The Caring Place as well). Fix them up to suit your style, and your purchase is helping someone else! A little paint, new pulls, and a new mirror (also from IKEA), and this vanity looks brand new!

$5 vase, $5 shade from World Market, and a lamp kit (which can be found for around $3). I only came up with the design...I have to thank Jen for the construction!

Another idea: I think throw pillows are a great touch to any room, but they can get pretty pricey. So, I decided to take matters into my own hands. I discovered that napkins (the fancy cloth kind) and some place mats make great throw pillows. If you want to know how it can be done, just ask me! The pillow below is the result of $1 place mat at Pier 1 on sale. The unfinished artwork above the bed was a doozy to hang, but with some determination, we succeeded!

The curtain replaced the gross sliding doors that were on my closet:

So. there you go: That is my home in a nutshell! I hope that you enjoyed the tour! (and ideas). I have officially survived almost two weeks in Lynchburg. I am learning to love it here. My landlord has been very helpful. She even took me around town to become familiar with the sights, complete with ice cream from Mister Goodies (which is a trailer in the parking lot-they say it's the best ice cream EVER, but they have never had Blue Bell). Orientation officially starts on Tuesday. I am ready to finally meet some new faces and my future law school colleagues! Thanks for keeping up with my law school adventures! Until next time, be blessed!

I Think I'm Going to Like It Here...

2009-08-11T18:58:00.014-04:00

I am sitting on my landlord’s back porch listening to Brooke Fraser and watching the rain (and the rabbits). Other than lacking my coffee, life is pretty good. Here is the view I am looking at:

My family and I I arrived in Lynchburg last Monday. They left at 5 am on Thursday morning, leaving me to the real world. Despite a few challenging moments, I am learning to love this new phase of my life. For those of you that don’t know, I am living in an apartment above a lady’s garage. I moved here never having seen the place: it really was a leap of faith, but has worked out better than I could ask! The Lord really knew what he was doing when I found this living arrangement. I feel very safe, and my neighbors are wonderful! There are still a few last minute touches regarding décor, but my apartment is mostly set up and starting to feel more like home. I have no internet (hence the reason I am stealing wireless signals from my landlord’s porch), no cable, and my phone hardly gets any service in my apartment. I went to the AT&T store to see what could be done about this (and hopefully prevent getting a landline). The lady that helped me suggested leaving the phone where it gets service (aka: the back porch or propped up in the window) and to use a Bluetooth. So, if you call, just imagine me using my Bluetooth…yes, I know, I am a nerd. Hopefully, I won’t forget to take it off before I go into class…

People say that it is backwards here, but in the words of a Lynchburg native, “That is how we like it.” I would not go as far as saying it is backwards, as much as saying it is a little behind the times. For example, there is no 3G network here at all and AT&T has only been in Lynchburg for three years (not to mention the shopping is not quite up to par). Even though it seems a little outdated, everyone I met have been beyond hospitable. I think it is going to be the perfect setting for me to focus on law school, without all the high pace of life. It is amazing how productive one becomes without access to the outside world. I think I am going to like it here: it is very peaceful. I will post more pictures as my apartment becomes more “showable,” but until then, here is my peaceful little porch where I have found I spend most of my time. The weather is perfect for it right now!

Saturday morning during my exploration of the city, lookouts, and mountain trails, I stumbled upon the farmer’s market, where they have home grown fruit and vegetables. Since I was feeling a bit down, I decided to treat myself to some fresh flowers. I felt like they came straight from the flower shop they were so beautiful! There were so many, they filled a part of my entire house (and they were so cheap!). I have found that while the roads in Texas are grid-like, the ones here wind like a circle. It can be rather confusing. Last night, I got lost and wound up in the historic downtown. I was not disappointed and almost caused a few wrecks because I could not keep my eyes on the road. The homes were elaborate and really did look like something straight out of a movie. Did I mention that I think I’m going to like it here?

Other than shopping for my apartment, running errands, and exploring Lynchburg, I am already in full swing with homework. Classes do not start until August 24th, but I already have a lot of reading to do. Even so, I am finding time to relax, enjoy myself, and do a few fun things before the craziness of school begins. I am realizing more and more what I have gotten myself into with law school. While I am a bit intimidated and overwhelmed by the rigor of the program, I am mostly exhilarated at what is to come. This morning while doing my quiet time, I came across 2 Timothy 1:7 (Ironically, Jess also mentioned this verse to me before I left Texas). I will not be filled with “a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.” I have a feeling that this verse will be the driving force behind many of my days…

Thanks for all the prayers as I journeyed here. I have felt so loved and encouraged by the support of those I left back home as I have ventured across the country to fulfill my dreams and goals. Even so, I am realizing more each day that absence truly does make the heart grow fonder.

Until next time, be blessed….

Load Em Up...Move Em Out!

2009-08-01T01:19:00.004-04:00

Whoever thought ALL my stuff could fit in a pull trailer all that way to Virginia...well let's just say I had to leave a few things behind...but the trailer finally did get loaded and packed thanks to my wonderful friends, Dad, Jen, Mom, and by the grace of God. Miracles do still happen. The rubber is about to meet the road (literally) in regards to living simply...poor law student life...here I come...as well as a HUGE wake up call of what the real world is REALLY like...I have a feeling that my "romantic" view of life is about to be altered a bit. To this I say, "Bring it on!" I am a mix of emotions right now. In just a few short hours, I will be moving across the country to start law school. It has been a crazy week of goodbyes, packing and cleaning, and reminiscing. At the same time, it has been a week of looking forward to a fresh beginning, independence, meeting new people and seeing new places, and being back in the world of academia. While it is a wave of emotion and hard leaving family and friends behind, I would say I am mostly feeling excited about the adventurous journey that lies ahead in the coming days! Thanks for all the prayers, love, support, and encouragement! I have truly felt a peace that surpasses all understanding these past few days! I look forward to all that the future holds!

Next time we meet, I will be in my new home (and in a different time zone)! Until then...be blessed!

My Cup Runneth Over...

2009-07-02T00:04:00.006-04:00

I would just like to take a brief moment to thank Ashley Dubose Bouwer for my blog makeover! I didn't lie when I said that my blog would be revived and alive-Isn't is great? It is inspiring me to write with intention...I guess you could say my cup runneth over...or maybe my mind...or maybe my mouth...either way...stay tuned...

Alive and Kickin!

2009-05-18T13:41:00.008-04:00

To my fellow readers: I just wanted to say that I know I have been MIA, but I am still alive and kicking! I have been super busy the past few months with SAGE conferences, D-Nows, and visiting friends and family-basically, I have been living life on the road, but loving every second of it! On the rare occasion I am home, I am loving Austin-what better place to spend a summer!?!

Just a quick note to say that my blog will soon be coming alive and revived again-so stay tuned!

I hope everyone is doing well! Until next time, be blessed....

A Little Bit of Elle Woods

2009-01-30T18:47:00.024-05:00

Hello to all my fellow readers out there! I am here to report that I have just returned from a visit to the state of none other than VIRGINIA! If you have been keeping up with my blog, you may remember that I was accepted to law school at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia. I know that you may be wondering why someone would want to move to a place named "Lynchburg?" The name itself seems to ward off any newcomers. I, however, decided to venture to the beautiful countryside for a visit before I let the name scare me away. I am here with a full report! It was a good trip, but an interesting one to say the least! So, here goes!

It all started when my mom and I almost missed our flight. For some reason, we had two early departures going and coming home. While we left the house in plenty of time, my mom forgot her phone, causing us to turn around. As you are probably guessing, we did not get to the check-in on time. The lady was not going to let us in. Mind you, we arrived twenty minutes before the flight, but nonetheless, we were there. After much pleading and conversing (and realizing that we already checked in online) she let us go through to security. I know that most of you are probably surprised by this next bit of information if you know me at all, but I packed (or crammed rather) all of my belongings that I would need for the trip into a carry-on sized suitcase. This was a rather large success for me considering I needed dress clothes for this venture to visit the law school. So, since we were too late for baggage check-in, we were able to carry our bags on the plane. This was quite a humorous experience. I plopped my suitcase on the surveyor belt and explained (or said in a hurried tone) for the security man to take whatever he needed out because all I needed to do was get that plane! This was no small task. My clothes were flying everywhere, I made the metal detector go off, and I even forgot to follow some rules, such as taking off my shoes and hat. All that to say, we passed through security and I got to keep all of my items over 3 ounces for some odd reason, including 12 ounces of contact solution. Maybe I reminded the old man of his granddaughter.....

I decided to run ahead to the gate and tell them that my mom was coming. Unlike myself, she did not get the kind old man and was having difficulties getting through security. As I hurriedly walked to the gate, I heard this over the loud speaker: "Would passengers Amy and Judy Duncan please come to gate 20. Your flight is now leaving!" I came flying around the corner. After some questioning as to who I was, the lady was going to let me on the plane. The only problem was, my mom had not yet made it. Finally, she arrived, to our next dilemma: she had three carry-ons as opposed to two. Easy solution: she put her purse inside her carry-on. The only problem was that it was not "inside" and was sticking out. The man taking tickets looked at my mom with a rather odd expression as if to say, "What do you think you are doing?" My mom responded as if she was reading the man's mind, "There! It's one!" The man looked at me, rolled his eyes, said something the effect that he hoped the FAA didn't find out about this, and graciously let us on the plane! This was a miracle. So, while the beginning of our trip was an interesting one, we made it! Little did we know, this was only the beginning of an odd week.

Once we go to Charlotte, we got some Chili's and sat down to rest during our three hour layover. We replayed the events of the morning, and laughed over and over again about the miracle of how we made it through security with all that stuff. If we were flying out of DFW, there would be no way that would have happened, but since we were flying out of the ATX, it somehow worked. I guess the principle "Keep Austin Weird" did something for us that morning. Here is a picture of me rejoicing that we had made it to Charlotte, NC.

After we filled our tummies, we headed back to the gate to await our plane! This is where things got interesting again. First of all, the plane had a grand total of 8 rows and we had to go outside and walk onto the plane! Then once we finally got the full plane loaded and started to take off, there was a rather pungent smell of gasoline inside the cabin. So, what did we have to do? You guessed it! We had to go over to maintenance and haul off the plane for about a thirty minute delay. This was turning out to be the longest day of our lives. But, despite all of the complications, we arrived in Lynchburg that afternoon. It was icy and FREEZING COLD! Apparently, the fact that the weather was like this was unusual even for Virginia, which was good to hear, but unfortunate that it had to be during our visit. It is hard to get a feel for the city when you can't even see it due to the fog. Thus began our trip! Here are some pictures to prove the weather. Somehow, even though it was immensely foggy and icy, it was still beautiful, especially all of the trees covered in ice!

Wednesday and Thursday I was to make a visit to the law school. Wednesday was to be an information and tour trip, and Thursday was to be a day where I sat in on a couple of classes. While, I did do both of these things on these days, it was delayed two hours due to the ice on the roads. The only thing that I did not get to do was attend the university wide convocation. While I really would have liked to get a feel for the university in this manner, I felt that it was more important to get a tour and feel for the law school while I was there.

The law school really was pretty. There were three courtrooms for mock trials and even a courtroom built after the Supreme Court. The dimensions, decor, and seating were to the Supreme Courtroom to a T. It was such a pretty room! They have people from all over come and do mock trials before going before the Supreme Court. So neat....

As far as the classes go, they were really interesting to sit in on. All of the students were very laid back and down to earth, which is unusual for a law school setting. They were immensely friendly with each other. At one point a student was called on to stand up and brief a case and the other students started chanting his name, as if to say, you can do it! It was rather endearing. While there was a laid back atmosphere, you knew that the students were serious about their education and calling to be lawyers. They were all very prepared for class and engaged in what the professors were saying. As far as the professors go, they were all very friendly! I feel as if most law school professors are intimidating and flat out mean. While these professors did have an intimidation factor about them (probably because law school is just intimidating in and of itself), they were not scary, and you could tell that the students did not fear them at all. They feared them in the sense that they respected them, but were not afraid to talk to them. They have an open door policy and this is something that is so key to me as I am looking for further my education. So, overall, the people at the law school were super friendly, positive, and supportive. I think I would thrive much better in an uplifting environment rather than a condescending one, so this law school seems like it would fit me quite well! Although, everyone is called Mr. or Mrs. and then their last name. So, I was Mrs. Duncan all week, which was rather odd. I wanted to scream: "My name is Amy!" Instead, I smiled and nodded. This formality will take some getting used to for me I suppose. Here is a picture at the law school with the icy tree. I did not get any good pics at the actual school in front of the signs because of the horrible weather and fear of humiliating myself in front of the "cool" law students. The second day the sun finally came out, thus the beautiful second picture of the school emblem on the mountainside!

In the afternoons, my mom and I ran all over the city looking at apartments. The head of admissions of the law school was kind enough to give me loads of information on the appropriate places to live, so that was helpful. As far as running all over the city goes, it was not difficult to do because the city is not large by any means. I would equate it to the size of Waco, with less attractions....GASP! I know....that will be interesting, but I suppose as a student, I should be studying and not out gallivanting around town. I will say that it would be nice to be able to see a movie every now and then and even this small luxury will not be easy to come by. The movies showing were small in number and all very outdated, most of which were already released on film. The town is small and conservative, which will take some getting used to as well, but it was so friendly and really pretty. The mountains made it hard to want to leave. It is also an hour from Roanoke, a few from Richmond, and three from Washington D.C., which is where I will have to take weekend getaways when I am in need of some good shopping. Speaking of which, this city is also SERIOUSLY lacking in the shopping, with the mall being smaller than the mall in Waco, making it more like a hall. For those of you that know me, this will also make it a rather difficult adjustment for me. Although, life will go on without good shopping. Here are some neat pictures of some of the buildings in historic downtown Lynchburg. It sort of reminded me of a little bit of Cambridge...little being the key word. You can in one way compare this city to the wonderfulness of Cambridge, England.

Lastly, I would like to add, the fashion of the people that live in this small, conservative town seemed to be impeccable. I had a certain fashion envisioned in my mind (similar to the fashion on the show "17 and Counting"), but I was pleasantly surprised to see red high heels, bright pink sweaters, dresses and tall boots, and even a pink mac book. I guess there is an Elle Woods in every law school, and I am completely okay with that....It is nice to know that there is always someone more over the top than I......

So that is my trip to Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia in a nutshell. It was a very good trip. I really enjoyed visiting the law school and getting a feel for the community. I am glad I didn't just decide to move up there on a whim without a visit. While I am still not certain I am going to attend, the trip did bring some perspective to my choice. I would have liked for there to have been more clarity, but I know that the answer to my future will come in the Lord's timing only. I am doing myself no good by trying to rush the answer or decision. I guess I just thought that my visit would be similar to that of Baylor when I was deciding on my undergraduate education. I stepped onto that campus, and I knew that was it for me....so much so that it was the only place that I applied to! That did NOT happen at Liberty. The beauty of the city did make a small portion for the lack of the beauty of the actual campus, but I guess I am more of a pretty campus kinda girl. I guess I got spoiled going to Baylor, which truly is a BEAUTIFUL campus, even in the heart of dry, flat Texas! While certain clarity was not afforded through this trip, I have not written it off, and I know that the Lord has wonderful plans in store for me, whether that be through a law degree and education at Liberty University or somewhere else!

On another, but similar note, last night, I went to see "Legally Blonde: The Musical" at the Bass Hall in Austin with the girls from my accountability group. These girls have been such a blessing in my life as I have made the transition to life after college in Austin. We are all girls that have just graduated or are about to graduate from college and are all experiencing the same phase of life-2 being from UT, 2 from A&M, there is me from Baylor, and our fearless leader went to OU! It is really neat to see how God crafted this beautiful group of girls together! I have been looking forward to going to this show for about a month now, and it was a blast! The music was SO cute. We decided to dress "pretty in pink," and we were not alone in that idea! There were so many people getting in the "Elle Woods" mood by wearing obnoxious amounts of pink! It was one of the most fun evenings I have had in a very long time! We went to eat at this restaurant called Vivo's that gives out roses to all the women. The color choice for roses that evening just so happened to be pink! It could not have been more perfect! The timing of the show also worked out perfectly, having just come back from visiting the law school! I LOVE the movie, so the music, costumes, and live performance only made it that much better! Here is a picture of the "pink ladies" during our night out on the town-doing the bend and snap, of course!

Well, I guess that pretty much sums up my "Elle Woods" experiences as of late! I hope that you can tell that I am having so much fun during my time off of school and absolutely, genuinely love my life! I know I say this often, but I am immensely blessed! I hope that everyone is doing well!

Until next time, be blessed!

The Real Thing!

2009-01-07T21:17:00.004-05:00

So, the new year has begun! I am so excited about the new year and all that it holds! Today, I had a meeting at church at 6. I had a little bit of time in between work and my meeting, so I decided to stop into Subway to feed my craving for a sandwich. I wanted a real sandwich, as opposed to the puny ones I make in the comfort of my home. I went through the line and told the man that I wanted a 6 inch turkey sandwich on wheat with American cheese, lettuce, pickles, and ranch. I then decided to make it a meal deal because you have to have the chips and drink, right? So, after receiving my change (which was a process for some reason), I proceeded to get my drink and chips. It was here that I had a decision to make. I really wanted a diet coke with some sort of flavoring, maybe vanilla or cherry. To my dismay, the only option was REAL coke with cherry. Considering I had long day and was in DIRE need of some caffeine, not to mention that I had a craving that needed to be filled, I decided to live a little and drink a real coke. I took a sip, and my eyes were opened to a whole new world! I immediately thought, "What have I been doing drinking diet coke all this time?!?!" I will just say that it tasted like a little bit of Heaven in my mouth. And to top it off, I decided to go with Doritos, as opposed to the bland taste of original baked lays I usually opt for. Oh what a glorious day of the real thing it was!

I know that this sounds silly, but as I left Subway tonight, I began to think of how many times I often settle for the "diet" products in my life, as opposed to waiting and expecting "the real thing." I began to think about the new year and what I want to accomplish in my life this upcoming year. I want to be able to look back on my life and say that I lived a full, happy, adventurous life. I want to be able to say that I accomplished and set out to do what Christ has called me to do. For some reason, I have been settling in different areas in my life. I have been accepting mediocre things as normal. What I have failed to realize is that while I have been sitting there sipping on a diet coke, there is a whole open wide world that I have been missing out on: "the real thing." This metaphor seems utterly ridiculous, but I hope that you could relate. If the coke thing doesn't work for you, think of it this way: I have been settling for clothing at Target, all the while failing to accept the significance of saving and waiting for the quality and goodness of Anthropologie! So, in an attempt not to settle and live life to its fullest, I have set out to adopt these principles in my life this upcoming year.

I will stress less. Life is too short to be stressed out all the time. It affects my health, energy, mood, etc. So, I am attempting to stress less, especially about the petty things that don't matter anyways. It is taking years off my life and giving me too many gray hairs.
Invest my time in things that truly matter and that enhance my mind and spirit.
Take more risks by being more spontaneous. A.K.A. Enjoy life more, but in ways that are honoring to Christ.
Do things I have always said that I wanted to do and have never done. What better time to stop dreaming and start living?
Invest more time and energy in the meaningful relationships in my life and not take them for granted.
Do my best and make a difference where I am at, wherever that may be, even if I am not in a place in my life that I pictured I would be or in a place that I may not particularly want to be. Christ has placed me where I am for a reason, so I might as well seize the opportunity while I am there.
Save money to spend on things that help me accomplish my dreams (aka: less shopping and more money for my future, travels, helping others, etc.)

Tonight, I went to see "Bride Wars" with Jenni. It was a pretty cute movie, and I related well to Anne Hathaway's character. So, if you have time, grab a girlfriend and go see it! If nothing else, you will get a few good laughs in and burn a few calories from the real coke you are going to start drinking after reading this blog, as opposed to the diet cokes you have convinced yourself you "love!"

Until next time be blessed!

Grown-Up Christmas List

2008-12-06T13:14:00.015-05:00

I haven't updated in a while, mostly because I have been super busy, and mostly because there isn't really anything interesting going on my life lately. But alas, I feel as if I need to make an update for my few faithful readers. So, here goes.

As I have gotten older, I have found myself not really wanting, needing, or asking for much for Christmas. And the things that I do ask for seem rather boring. Some of which are more of a necessity than a want. I guess this is what happens when you get older. I have also found myself getting more sentimental during the holiday season. Next, I will be asking for no more lives torn apart, that wars would never start, that time would heal all hearts....that everyone would have a friend, that right would always win, and love would never end...

Speaking of having a friend, this past weekend, I made the trek to Dallas for Christmas with my posse! It was a fun-filled weekend of all girl time and laughter! Jess was so kind to open up her home to us, and Kyle was so nice to leave for the weekend to allow us to have our girl weekend! When we all got into Dallas late Friday evening, this is what we arrived to:

This puts the term "Winter Wonderland" to shame. I thought that Jess and Kyle decorated their porch and went all out for Posse Christmas reunion. When Lauren and I arrived at Jess and Kyle's apartment, we were awestruck. We literally sat in the car outside her apartment staring for at least five minutes. First question was: "Is that Jess and Kyle's?" Next question was: "What the heck?!?" It seriously looked like something straight out of A Christmas Story, complete with a giant stuffed holiday penguin, lights, and bubbles. Only Jess. We quickly found out that there was a competition amongst the apartment complex for money off January rent. Needless to say, Jess and Kyle won! And it did make for a perfect picture opportunity! Posse Christmas card? Quite possibly.....

After hauling all of our stuff into a one bedroom, one bathroom apartment (which was interesting with 6 high maintenance girls), we opened presents. The posse decided that we would start a new tradition of getting each other ornaments each year instead of drawing names. This is such a timeless idea. In a few years, it will be fun to see all of the ornaments that we have accumulated and the meaning behind them. It will be interesting to see if we can keep up our creativity and sense of humor about this situation as well. Although, I do not foresee a problem with this! Ever since the posse has known each other, we have given each other the label of a Disney princess, since there are six princesses and six posse members. These assignments are based on personality and appearance, of course. In honor of this fun posse memory, I gave each posse member a Disney princess ornament straight from the home of the princesses-none other than Disney World! I received ornaments in the following order:

Meredith: a beautiful letter "A" from Anthropologie

Amanda: three chocolate chip cookies (because I always call her asking for help, distraught when my cookies do not turn out quite like hers)

Lauren: sparkly cupcakes (because she knows of my love for sweets)

Sarah: a big gold cross (very funny accountability partner)

Jessica: the letter "A" that looks like a Christmas cookie, which looks like I could bite into it!

Luckily, my sisters and I have decorated our tree in the upstairs "apartment," so I had a tree to put my new ornaments on. I thought I would share a picture of this beautiful tree with all of you. The theme is immensely girly, complete with Winter Barbie, which we made into a tree topper holding an ornament. The tree is mostly dead since we bought it around Thanksgiving, but my new ornaments are a lovely addition to the decorum of this tree!

The next part of the weekend schedule was where I realized how sentimental and sappy I have become. We went to see Prestonwood's Christmas musical "Gloria." I cried during the second song before it hardly even started. Maybe it was the music, the fact that I was tired, or the fact that at that moment, I felt immensely blessed. Whatever the reason, I was trying to hide the fact that I was tearing up. This became harder as the tears started pouring down my face. Needless to say, word spread down the row, and everyone started laughing. Only Amy. It was quite humorous. Besides the few tears, this musical was an experience in and of itself. I often refer to Prestonwood as "Six Flags Over Jesus," and this was only proven to be true when angels ascended from the sky, drummers were in cages doing the drum line, dancers danced down the aisles, and confetti shot from the ceiling...twice. Yes, it was a production! John Tesh even made an appearance. As I sit here and jest, it was incredibly well put on and very moving (hence the tears). The choir really did sound like angels. So, yes Sarah, "Six Flags over Jesus" is furthering the Kingdom of God! Here are some pictures of us enjoying the show!

In addition to giving each other ornaments, we have decided to start adopting a Christmas Tree Child to help someone else that needs it during this joyous time of year. Again, adding to our grown up Christmas list. Plus, it goes with our theme of Christmas trees! This year, it worked out well that the children's ministry that Jess is a part of at her church was doing this the Sunday that we were in town. So, we all headed up to the church to help her have a Christmas party for the leaders and the kids. I will just say that this was CRAZY! There was much chaos, but the posse tried to add a little order! It was fun mingling with the kids. We have some crazy stories to come away from this such as a second grader singing a song about the Nutcracker (which may or may not have been appropriate), a kid spilling red soda all over the new girl's face (and white shirt), and a girl named Ashley that highly offended Sarah (Sarah kept calling her Ash-the girl yelled at Sarah that that was not her name ran away). Only Sarah. The posse also may or may not have picked out which child would be ours based on appearance, but mostly personality. This was highly entertaining, and hilarious, I might add. An example is as follows: Jessica's kid had on a purple dress, black tights, silver shoes, two braces on her two front teeth only, and crazy hair with a crab clippie in the front...nuf said! This is only one example of six. Funny to say the least. While the morning was kind of crazy, we did manage to get some pictures in front of the tree!

So, as you can tell, there was not a dull moment at Posse Christmas. I am so blessed to have such great friends. This was a posse Christmas to remember! So, I guess I don't need to add wonderful, God-seeking, beautiful, talented, well-rounded, life-long friends to my grown up Christmas list! I have already been blessed in that category! So, this is a shout out to my posse!

Now back to the reality of my life. I am trying to find a time to make the trip to Virginia to see if this is a move that I indeed need to make. I am also currently in the process of gathering household items to take to Virginia with me. So far, I have a kitchen table, some red plates, a desk, and a bed. I am in the process of getting a Kitchen Aid. Maybe that should be on the Santa list...You know you are a grown up when, you add things like a mixer to your Christmas list...

I hope that everyone is enjoying this holiday season. I love everything about the holidays. I love the warm drinks, cold weather, music selection, winter fashion, Christmas trees, seasonal decorating, baking holiday goodies, lots of good food, the spirit of giving, memories made, and time with friends and family! I also like the excuse to shop often and for it to be okay! Although, I have not bought a single Christmas present yet. I should probably get on this, considering Christmas is just a little over a week away.

Work is going well for those of you wondering. Although, today, I had a blond moment. For those of you that know me, you know that this is not uncommon in the life of Amy D. Unfortunately, the people at work are just now figuring this out. Today, I was going from one office to the other (I have offices at separate locations and spend half a day at one and half a day at the other). So, I had my hands very full and was going to run a stack of mail by the mailbox to be sent out. My boss handed my paycheck to me, along with another employee's that works at the other office. I dropped the mail off and proceeded to grab some lunch and go to the second location. As I was approaching Pflugerville (where the new office is located), I realized I had made a horrible mistake: I had put the paychecks in with the pile of mail and mailed it! Needless to say, she had to print up new checks. This is the consequence of living with my head in the clouds. Oh Amy.....

I guess that is all the excitement in my life right now.

I hope that everyone is enjoying the holiday season and that you get everything on your Christmas wish list! I hope that during this holiday season you will take some time think beyond yourself and indulge in the season of giving! Create your own grown up Christmas list! Also, be sure to enjoy this cold winter weather and stop by for some Starbucks to keep you warm!

Happy Holidays and Until next time be blessed!

Don't Let Life Pass You By!

2008-11-11T23:59:00.001-05:00

So, tonight was the last official night of the Bible Study that I have been involved in over the past 8 weeks. I know that I have mentioned it in the blog, so I thought that I would share what God has taught me! For all those single ladies out there (which is 3/4 of my primary target audience) this is especially for you!

The Bible Study is titled "Identify" and it taught integrity in singleness and Biblical womanhood. You can imagine the issues I was challenged with in this class! So here goes bullet points of 8 weeks worth of information in one blog....

The first week we talked of covenants, the old and the new, and their importance in relationships. This lesson blew my mind. It was immensely in depth, and I came away wanting to know more! Did you know that all covenants have two parts? Basically in the old covenant when people sacrificed animals, they cut the animal in two and walked between the animal, signifying that if they broke their covenant with God that what happened to that animal would happen to them...intense right? Well, when Jesus came as the ultimate sacrifice (the curtain tore in half into two pieces...interesting I know...) we no longer have to sacrifice animals, but we are still to have the same kind of mentality regarding covenants. I never fully understood the gravity and depth of a covenant such as in marriage and my covenant relationship with Jesus. I mean the idea that if I break a covenant relationship I am saying break me in two? Ok, so not literally, but you get the point! That is intense in depth commitment right there! The symbols of two parts of a covenant are written all over the marriage relationship. A bride walks down the aisle between two parts, a groom stands at the front initiating the relationship, just as Jesus initiates a covenant with us, there is the lighting of the unity candle signifying the two becoming one...I could go on, but I will stop. This lesson rocked my world and if you want to know more details about the covenant relationship we have with Jesus and how it relates to our worldly relationships, just ask! I would LOVE to talk more in detail about this!

Aha #2: Adam just woke up one day and Eve was there! This is so cool and relevant to us as young single women. I think that so many times we feel as if we have to go looking for a boyfriend or mate, but this is so far from the truth. We just need to wait on the Lord and His timing! He will provide for you just as He did for Adam and Eve...maybe when you least expect it, such as while you have laid your head down for a little nap...

Aha Momento Numero Tres: God does not withold anything good from us! Just because you don't have a boyfriend, husband, or fiance right now and you feel as if you are all by yourself...Christ has you right where He wants you! When God says no to one thing, He is saying YES to something else. Find out what the Yesses are and delight yourself in them!
Lesson #4: God is a God of redemption and grace...that is all I have to say about that except that I encourage you to fully experience God's redemption in your life...it will be so liberating and change your viewpoint of how you extend grace to those around you!

I got tired of numbering them: We talked about women's roles according to the Bible. Eve was created to be Adam's helper. This is not about inferiority, but role and function. As women, we are called to submit to our husbands, but we are also all called to submit to God and authorities in all areas of our lives. A lady came and led a panel discussion for our class. She did not get married until her 37th birthday (great birthday present, huh!). She said that during her time of singleness, she submitted her life to Christ and that it was GREAT practice for marriage and learning what it means to submit to her husband's leadership. God created man and woman equally, but He created each of them to perform a different function. This is so great, yet I feel as if that verse has gotten so mis-translated! The greek word hupotasso means "to subject oneself," and has a tone of willingness, not forced obedience. Submission is not subjection, but the heart of submission is rooted in deep love for one another. This does not mean that a woman cannot be a leader (after all, I am convinced that leaders surround themselves with leaders), but she is to ultimately submit to her husband's leadership and humbly lead where God calls her to in other realms. This does not call for wimpy women or doormats, nor does it call for tyrants or dominant women. God did not call women to either of these ways of life, but to be a helper, to have a heart of humble leadership, and joyful submission. Submission means to "affirm, receive, and nurture strength and leadership." What a wonderful assignment! And when looking for a husband, you are searching for the pastor of your home, so choose well my friends! A husband and wife should be a Godly team, displaying Christ to a lost world in their relationship and ministering together in their God appointed roles. Don't settle for less when looking for a partner in ministry for the rest of your life!
Focus on kingdom things rather than getting a date! If His house grows more full while our homes grows more empty, then it is worth it!

Walk in your singleness joyfully!

God is 100% good to me RIGHT NOW!

When considering a man to be your husband, do not have unrealistic expectations (i.e. dark, tall, handsome, plays every instrument, ALWAYS puts down the toilet seat, can sing me to sleep, has gorgeous hair, future president of the universe....you get the point...). God may want to surprise you with something different than you would have chosen yourself, so allow negotiables, but don't confuse character qualities with actions. Good can be the greatest enemy to best. We have to be willing to give up really good relationships in order to free ourselves to live in faith, waiting for the best relationship that God could design for us. Work on becoming a Godly woman, and when looking at a potential mate, there should be non-negotiables that stem from the expectations of Jesus Christ. Check out these verses to see what it looks like to be a Godly woman and to see what to look for in a Godly man:

*1 Timothy 3:2-11; Proverbs 31; 1 Corinthians 13:4-13; Ephesians 5:22-33; Titus 2:1-8; 1 Peter 3:1-18

Desires are not bad (such as for a husband), but when it becomes an idol, it is not okay. It is okay to hope for, but not to put all your hope in things you may not have now.

Marriage is about your holiness, not your happiness. You have to find your fulfillment in Christ and Christ alone, or you will never be truly happy! Marriage is good, but so is being single. Neither is better than the other. Being single is hard, but so is marriage, so in these times, if Christ is not your foundation, it will seem almost impossible to get through the rough patches! Marriage is meant to help us catch a better glimpse and understanding of our relationship and intimacy with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, not fulfill or complete us. Until then, learn to delight in Him with all that you have!

This one is hard for me to grasp, but God does not promise us a husband, family, children, etc. I know, GASP!!! But, he does promise to take care of us! I have talked to some close friends and we all agree that as long as Jesus lets us get married BEFORE He returns to take us home, we will all be happy, satisfied, and lived a fulfilled life! First of all, it is hilarious that we are telling Jesus when to come back. Second of all, even if we are still "single and ready to mingle" by the time He does return, how beautiful is it that the first aisle you walk down is towards your Bridegroom, Jesus Christ?!?

Lastly, as young single women, so many times we see marriage as the start of our life and happiness...we will get married and have our happily ever after ending and everything will be fine and dandy forever and ever...right? WRONG! Your life starts NOW, so get going! Don't waste your time! If you see marriage as your goal and end all in life, there will always be other things you want, such as desiring a child, wanting the "American Dream,"(house with white picket fence, SUV, soccer mom), or the desire to be PTA president, so end this line of thinking NOW! Don't see marriage as the start to your life...because let's be honest..if we did that, we may be waiting around for a very, very, very, very, very, long time (i.e. 37) to start our lives... Don't let life pass you by! (Luke 1:38) Live life NOW! And don't forget, to everything there is a season....

That is my two cents on my Bible Study. It may be more information than you ever wanted to know, but I know that it encouraged me and challenged my thinking in a way that I had never been challenged before, so I hope that this blesses you as well!

As for the good news....drum roll please...I got into law school at Liberty University! Not only did I get accepted, but I got a scholarship as well! This is just another testimony of God's goodness and grace in my life. He has had His hand on my life the whole time. Waiting on the Lord's timing and plan to come to fruition was immensely discouraging and challenging, but when I look back on it, I see God's faithfulness and it makes me appreciate the struggles I have been through all the more. It has also helped me to delight in His blessings! After a year of rejection, I started doubting my abililties, moved home and got a job, and had a HUGE pity party for about 3 months until I realized it was time to snap out of it! Now the Lord is showering down His blessings! I get to go to law school, and not only that, He is providing economic assistance. AND I get to go up north to the East coast, which has been a dream of mine since I was a little girl! AND I get to study law at a Christian institution! What could get better than that? The Lord really does know what He is doing and His plan really is better than anything I could come up with on my own....

Lastly, but definitely not least, I had a great weekend! My weekend with SAGE Girls Ministry surpassed any expectation that I had. The women that run that show are immensely well rounded and everything I hope to be one day! They are funny (hilarious actually), goal driven, intelligent, beautiful, and the ultimate example of Biblical womanhood that I spoke of above. They are a non-profit organization that puts on conferences around the U.S. and challenge teenage girls to live a life that is above reproach by going full out for Jesus. AND it is a weekend of all girl time! I was "SAGE tired," as they call it, when I got home, but it was completely worth it. I am sure you will hear more about this in the future....I think that I may be doing some more conferences through an internship program that they have! I will say I had my first experience with someone asking for my autograph, which I find hilarious...those girls will be a little disheartened when they find out that their autograph is worth no more than the corn biscuits they had for dinner (the conference was in Oklahoma and I feel as if they would eat corn biscuits for dinner...hence my random tangent)....

That is all....The theme of the SAGE conference this year is transparency...maybe that is why I have talked everyone's ear off way too much tonight...if you have stuck it out and read this through, thank you! I hope God blesses you extra...maybe He will send you a corn biscuit to enjoy for dinner...or prince charming...

Until next time be blessed!!!

Back to the Real World....

2008-11-03T22:59:00.000-05:00

Homecoming has come and gone and so here I am, back to the real world. I realize I miss college...a lot....I have nothing left to say about that because it is rather upsetting, so I will just give you an update on the past week or so of my life.

Last Wednesday, I got to partake in "The Great Pumpkin Hunt" for the first time in my life. What is "The Great Pumpkin Hunt," you may be asking yourself. Well I am glad you asked. It is a HUGE hunt around the entire town of Georgetown amongst the youth at First Baptist Church. Each clue leads them one step closer to the prize..."The Great Pumpkin." What or who is "The Great Pumpkin" you may be asking yourself...well I am glad you asked. It is a person dressed up in a pumpkin outfit that is hiding in the church. Interesting, I know. So, yes, these kids drive all over town looking for clues leading them to a person dressed up as a pumpkin. That is the end. The way these kids compete you would think that there is a HUGE, fantastic prize awaiting them at the conclusion of this mad game, but all that awaits them at the church once the pumpkin is found is cookies, hot chocolate, and bragging rights for a year until next year's harvest season comes around. This was a fun and crazy experience to say the least. There were over 300 youth that attended and my dad was "The Great Pumpkin." I wish I had a picture of my dad dressed in a pumpkin outfit to post here for everyone's amusement, but alas, I do not. It was a fun night to say the least....and I got assigned to be the driver for a car full of boys so you can imagine the conversation in the backseat, and the stories I have to take away from this most interesting experience....Is God preparing me for something...maybe...maybe not. All I have to say is that I learned far more about the young male mind that night than I ever hoped.....

As far as work is going...I am enjoying it more and more each day. The company that I am with is in the process of doubling their rental property and is building 80 new town homes. The past week or so I have been going out to the new site in the afternoons. This has been chopping my afternoons up a bit and making the days go by much faster. I am busier, which is always a good thing!

Now to the good stuff....this past weekend was Baylor homecoming!!! I have decided that there are two levels of homecoming. The first level is awkwardness. The reason being that you run into people that you may not expect to. I am not sure why you wouldn't expect to because Baylor has its way of being so large, yet so small at the same time. But anyways, it happens and awkward moments arise. Then there are always those people that you see that have been recently engaged, married, or maybe even had a kid...and you NEVER knew. This can sometimes create awkward moments because you realize how truly out of touch you are with those that you once called "friends." Or it creates awkward moments because you have none of that...and you realize how you have very little to connect to that person you once had so much in common with....awkward. Then there is always the question, "So what are you doing now?" This can (and most likely) creates some awkward conversations. For me it did anyways, only because I am not quite the well established person I had hoped to be at this time in my life. This may or may not have led me to "exaggerate" where I am in my life right now, only after stumbling to answer the question. This is always awkward for all involved. I tried coming up with a cool story such as follows: I created a new invention of the post-it note that is to debut next week actually...so I am kind of important to 3M right now and am rather surprised you hadn't heard.....while a good story...I just stuck with the truth...I am a college graduate living at home....sigh....Lastly, I found it awkward because there is this pull to still want to be a student and hear all the gossip, sit on the student section at the football game, and do other random things that should be strictly allowed for students, but you find yourself doing them anyways. It is hard crossing the line from Baylor student to Baylor alumni...and this poses some conundrum and awkward moments. I guess this all just takes time to perfect the art of passing from good student to good alum.....I will say that after the heat of that game on Saturday, I will pay whatever price it takes to get the shady seats...there are some perks to being an alumni...

Besides the tiny bit of awkwardness, I have decided that homecoming is pretty much the greatest invention EVER! The entire week leading up to homecoming, the Posse and I had been emailing and counting down the days. I kept saying, "College life...here we come!" And that we did!!!! My weekend was complete with Pigskin, the bonfire, a midnight snack on campus (comprised of pizza and fanta), girl talk, laughter, late nights, sleepless nights, slumber parties, dance parties, early mornings, the sound of Diet Dr. Pepper opening in the A.M., being with the posse again, waking up to familiar faces as I did for two years, early morning routine, inappropriateness, parades, more girl talk, bonding, college football, crammed car rides, back seat drivers, sonic happy hours, naps, more girl talk, more laughter, shopping, memories, awkward moments, 6 girls talking at once yet somehow understanding it all, and inside jokes! I have discovered that some things never change, and that while we may think that Baylor will never change or go on without us, in fact Baylor (and life) does go on!

Homecoming is such a wonderful time of tradition and memories, AND you get to see people that you have missed so much, so the good FAR outweighs the little annoyances of awkward moments. I really enjoyed seeing all of my friends and catching up on life! I always find myself laughing a ton when I am around these people, and it brings such joy to my heart. There is just something about homecoming that warms the heart. Maybe it is the liveliness of Pigskin, seeing old friends and professors, and being at the place that had such a huge impact on my personal growth, development, and maturity. Whatever it was, I LOVED every last second! Although, it went by WAY too fast. I found myself kept wishing it would slow down, but alas, it did not. I suppose we shall have to wait until next year to reunite again....sigh....

So this has been my past week (or so) in a nutshell. It has been a fantastic week! Homecoming and Halloween have come and gone, and this can only mean one thing: The holiday season is just around the corner!!!! I am SO excited! This week I am only working four days (one down...three to go) because I am going to work a girls conference in Oklahoma next weekend with Sage Girls Ministry. I am very excited about the opportunity to serve and minister to young girls and possibly intern with the women that run this show! Please pray that all goes well. I will update you on how the conference goes. Also, I have some exciting news that I am not ready to share with the public world of blogging yet, but stay tuned....it is GOOD!

I enjoyed seeing everyone at Homecoming and missed those of you that were not there. I send you all my love! Until next time...be blessed!

It's Tough Getting Older....

2008-10-21T23:35:00.000-04:00

So today I turned 23. Someone asked me what I was going to do to celebrate today and I simply (and slightly smugly and bitterly) replied, "Everything I did not do when I turned 18 and 21. And I am going to do it all by myself!" We laughed and I went about my day. I said this because I knew my 23rd birthday was not going to hold too much excitement, and I guess I wanted to escape reality and imagine what excitement might look like in the life of Amy D for a split second...oh Amy....some might say.....I was immediately snapped back into reality as I realized how ridiculous I was truly being. First of all, I was not going to buy a pack of cigarettes and smoke them, or buy a lotto ticket, or buy alcohol and get drunk, nor was I going to go to a club just so I could get carded....and I most definitely was not going to get a tattoo...my luck is that if I actually did these things, I would get drunk and then get a tattoo and wonder why I had BOB's name on my back.....oh Amy...Second of all, this is just plain delinquency...and NOT the excitement I would want or need....although it would make for an interesting story to tell the grand kids....

It was a rather odd birthday, but overall it was a good one. I had to work on my birthday. I am not going to lie....It is tough getting older and adjusting to the real world. So, as I drove into work this morning a little before nine, the calls just started rolling in telling me Happy Birthday. It started with my grandparents, which is always a delight because they talk to me at the same time! I can envision them sitting in their recliners one on one phone and the other on the other phone just talking away....It brings joy to my heart! My heart was gladdened when they raved about how proud of me they are and how young I am.....that's when I received a phone call from Sarah Begin. Being that I am the first posse member to turn another year older, she reminded me of how old I am (a slight contrast from the conversation I just had with my grandparents). Then throughout the day the entire posse decided to let me in on a few secrets as to why it is a good thing to get older....here are just a few reasons (I have filtered because as we all know....sometimes the posse can be inappropriate...)
1. Senior Discounts
2. Depends-who needs a bathroom break from the routine of your day when it is on you....
3. Handicap Parking-you can drive slow AND park close....along with whatever the heck else you want....you have a handicap parking sticker...that is all that matters....
4. Earlier to bed-no one can give you a hard time about it
5. You can say whatever you want when you want-no filter required and it is acceptable...sort of.

SO, as you can tell, my birthday was a very uplifting and encouraging day....haha. I am kidding. This did bring some laughter into my mundane day at work. Although we did have a party at work today because my boss' birthday was yesterday....it was fun. Olive Garden was for lunch and that is a favorite of mine so I can't complain.....

As I complain and joke about getting one year older, there truly is no place I would rather be. To keep things in perspective, I would like to reflect on the past year of my life and state some reasons why I am so excited about getting another year older (and wiser I might add).
1. I have become a more confident woman who is starting to really know who I am and what I want in life....I can't say that about myself a year ago from today...it really is a FANTASTIC feeling...
2. To add to #1, I am becoming my own person, gaining independence, truly being myself, and doing things that I want to do for a change....I guess you could say I am sassy and satisfied!
3. The past year's experiences have brought me so much pain (and many tears), but also the most joy, fulfillment, and freedom I have ever experienced in my life....
4. I have experience God more in the past year than I have in a very long time....this has been well worth every second of the long road of this past year....
5. I have wonderful, wonderful life long friends that love me dearly and encourage me on every level and every step of the way...that has never rang more true in my life until this past year....
6. I have been blessed with two Godly, wise, amazing parents, and two beautiful, vibrant sisters who I love more than life itself....without these people I would not have been able to make it through this past year...for this, I am eternally grateful and immensely blessed.....
7. And for the perfect 7: I have never felt more challenged, dealt with more struggle, or had as much heartache as I have over the past year, but as a result, I have never been more in love with my Savior, never been so full of life and joy, and never been so at peace at where the Lord is taking me!

So, I guess getting another year older isn't so bad. It is a time to reflect and think back on the past year of your life and look forward to a new beginning and year ahead.....

As I arrived at accountability group this evening, I was feeling rather sorry for myself, for a number of different reasons which I will not bore you with (the depressing old folk jokes hadn't helped this even though they did bring some laughter...) As I arrived with cake (left over from the roaring party at work), we began to discuss how it was my birthday when one girl said, "But imagine how much has happened in the past 23 years, how far you have come, and what all is going to happen in the next 23 years!" My perspective changed at this point. I really do have so much to be grateful for. I have had countless facebook messages, emails, phone calls, and text messages from many, many people that care about me and love me and wanted to wish me a happy birthday. I have a good job, wonderful friends, and an immensely gracious family! I have had a great year of growth and change...and this is just in the past year...this doesn't even include the last 23 years of my life! If life has been this good for 23 years...I can only imagine what the next 23 will be like! I hear life gets better with age...I look forward to experiencing that to its fullest! I've got a lot of living to do! So here's to getting another year older...it really is a wonderful thing and I look forward to where life is leading me!

Oh, and for those of you wondering...my birthday didn't turn out too bad....in fact it was excellent and concluded by a good movie with my parents and some good friends and some new clothes from none other than Banana Republic...it really is okay getting older...

Until next time...be blessed!

Silence....

2008-10-16T20:31:00.001-04:00

So I am sitting here writing this blog in utter silence, which is interesting since my sisters are home for fall break from Baylor. Jen has gone to get the food (since the parentals are gone) and Mel is taking a cat nap. Which leads me here writing to both of my faithful readers (thanks Mom and Dad).

This week I got the honor of going to a conference called Conclave. It is put on by the Baptist General Convention of Texas and it is strictly for youth ministers and youth workers. Considering I spent two summers working in youth ministry, took several classes at Baylor surrounding the adolescent age, and I am currently work with 7th graders as a small group leader, I immediately jumped at the opportunity to go. I got to stay at a really nice hotel and learn about youth ministry! It was an awesome experience. I also got to have lunch and coffee with some dear old friends! It was a much needed break from the monotony of what has become my everyday life!

I got to learn a lot about youth ministry and how to minister to youth effectively, but I think that the most interesting thing that I learned about was girls and the media. The media is having such an effect on young girls today, their sexuality, and their attitudes. It was very interesting (and heart breaking) to hear statistics and facts about this. What I took away from this session was that we cannot change the media or the fact that the media and advertisements are affecting young adolescent girls today. What we can do, is train them how to think and respond to this. This is something that I am in the process of doing...keeping an extra close eye on letting the pure in and guarding against the impurities of our society. After all, if I am not living this out in my life, how am I going to encourage young girls to do it?

I got home last night and spent the night in this huge house all by myself. It was not as bad as I thought....probably because I was asleep by 9 because I wasn't feeling well. I did not wake up until the alarm went off, so I didn't hear one weird noise being all alone! I did wake up without a voice, however. If you were to hear me saying this to you as opposed to writing it, I would sound like a man in your ears. Yes, I have a man voice, probably due to the fact that the doctor diagnosed me with an upper respiratory infection this afternoon...not exactly a pleasant arrival back home after a great week conferencing! But it looks like I will have a full week off of work...

I would also like to take this time to give a shout out to the TRI! I miss you all dearly! I hope you are all having a TRI-riffic day...homecoming is in two weeks and I am more ecstatic than you know! Until next time...be blessed!

I never would have thought....

2008-10-11T22:31:00.000-04:00

I am sitting here watching college football, wondering how I got here. I NEVER would have thought that I would ever be this into college football. I think that it is my freshman college roomate who is obsessed that I have to thank, or maybe the fact that it is a great way for me and my father to bond. He does put up with a lot from all us girls, so it is the least I could do! Whatever the reason, I never would have thought that I would waste this much time watching different teams run around a field tossing a football. But alas, here I am, and I have to say that I may waste a lot of time, but I am LOVING every minute of it. There is something about the excitement of the fans in college football, the energy of the team, and the exhileration of never knowing what is going to happen! Today is another prime example. First of all, A&M lost and have a worse record this season than Baylor, which makes me very happy. UT, ranked #5 beat the #1 OU team....HOORAY AND HOOK 'EM! Florida (#11) is beating #4 LSU. OSU (#17) is beating #3 Mizzou...and BAYLOR BEAT IOWA STATE 38-10...SIC 'EM!!!!! This has been a great and exciting day in the life of college football! AND the announcers are saying REALLY GOOD THINGS about Robert Griffin, Baylor's new quarterback. He is going to be a star, and I am excited about the future of Baylor football. The class of 2012 gets to be the second largest class, the class that is around during the ending of vision 2012, AND experience good football at BU, with possibly a bowl game during their college career...JEALOUS? I believe I am!

This past week at work was MUCH better! I am finally getting into the groove of things and figuring out my place in the office. Everyone in the office has started calling me the business counselor...mainly because everyone that calls feels like telling me their entire life story, not leaving out a single embarrassing or gory detail. At least it keeps things interesting and makes the time not creep by so slow. I am not sure what it is about me that makes complete strangers confide the details of their life in me. I will say that I prayed this past week for the Lord to show me how He can use me at work, but I never would have thought it would include listening with a counselor's ear at a real estate investment firm...

Friday night, we made the trek back to Baylor for parents weekend! We had dinner with Mel and some of her friends and their parents at none other than Ninfas! Mexican food is my favorite, so Ninfa's is always a welcomed delight! We then made a girls weekend trek to Bedford so Mel and Jen could meet Baby Riley! We had so much fun having a girls day with our cousin, grandma, aunt, each other, and the new baby! Mom made more bows, so naturally, I put each one one her head, while oooing and awing. I almost put her in my purse and brought her home with me...those bows are TOO CUTE, especially on her precious little head!You always wonder what a baby will look like when its in the belly of a friend or family member, but I never would have thought she would be THIS cute! Here is some proof of my mother's amazing bow-making talent and just how cute they/she really are/is. These are just a few of the bows...and pictures...

Tomorrow (Sunday) a good friend and her mom are coming to church and lunch. I am very excited about seeing them both and know that it will be good times! Then, I will make the trek to Austin to my Bible Study. I have thoroughly enjoyed being a part of this women's Bible Study. I have learned so much about myself, who the Lord is, and about Biblical womanhood. It has only been three weeks, and I have been challenged spiritually on a level that I have never been challenged before. And, I have met some amazing girls that are in the same place that I am in life. I never would have thought it would be this much of a blessing in my life! This week we are learning about women's roles according to the Bible and submission....I am looking forward to it, but am praying that the Lord can open my heart to teach me what I need to learn from this complicated, and slightly controversial issue in society among Christian women, men, and churches in today's world. I will let you know how it goes.....

Well, I am going to peace out for the night....football is calling my name!Until next time be blessed!

It's Time to Make History...

2008-09-30T20:57:00.000-04:00

This is where the making of history begins.....

So the past few days have been good! Today as I drove home, I was talking to my father about a few things that have been going on in my life. The past seems to keep revisiting me and it has been an emotional time, but also a time of healing and rejuvenation in my life. Anyways, as I sat there and talked with Dad about my day, the conversation turned once again to how I am doing. My father has an interesting way of saying the right thing at the right time. His words usually contain a level of wisdom, which usually leaves me pondering. So, I thought that I would share Dad's wise words for the day with the rest of you: "Amy, it is time for you to make history, and stop trying to relive it." Now, I don't know about you, but for me this is revolutionary advice! So many times I catch myself getting so caught up in the past: how to change it, how to go back to it, how to redo it. No matter how badly I want to, the past is in the past....it is time to move ahead...so I might as well try to make history while I am forging on as opposed to reliving it!

This leads me to an update of the events in my life most recently. This past weekend was very eventful. Friday night, I met Mom and Dad for dinner after work. We shopped a bit and then met Jenni for a movie. Now for most of you this sounds like a normal Friday night, but for me it was rather odd. We saw "A Night in Rodanthe", and it was NOTHING like I expected it to be. It started out good...and ended BAD! Overall, this movie was great, but for me it was an emotional roller coaster. All I can say is that if you tend to cry during movies, don't go see this one. I usually do not cry in movies, and I cried through most of it...maybe it was the long week...who knows...

Mel and Jen came down with ZTA for sisterhood retreat to shop on Saturday morning, so we got to go to lunch and have some family time. This is the time I value dearly, so it always stinks when they have to go back to school, and I have to stay here. Oh how I wish I were still at good ole Baylor-U, but once again, I can't live in the past...I must move forward! Luckily, we have discovered the greatness of skype and can have sister time anytime we want through the internet. Tonight, they decided to do a dance (or two) for me, which made for hilarious entertainment for the evening!

Now for the explanation of the pictures of me with a baby. For those of you wondering, no, I did not have a child...Saturday afternoon, Mom and I made a mad dash to DFW because my cousin had her baby two weeks early! She had a baby girl named Riley Nicole. She weighed 7 pounds, 10 ounces. She is the MOST PRECIOUS little girl you have ever seen...I'm not biased or anything...I got to hold her for hours and never wanted to let her go. At this stage in my life, I am convinced that the best kind of babies are the ones that you can love on, cuddle, dress up, feed, spoil, and then give back to their mother! My mom made some bows to take to her, so I took it upon myself to try every single one of the bows on her little bitty head. Her grandpa didn't like the idea for fear of squeezing the baby's genius brains out, but me and Riley's mom enjoyed it thoroughly. It added some entertainment and Riley was a hit among the nurses! All I can say is that this little bundle of joy came into this world in style! Here are some pictures of her to capture your heart...

So, Baby Riley came into this world and history was made! A baby is a beautiful miracle from the Lord...it is also a constant reminder to me signifying the hope of a new beginning, a thought that brings peace to my heart during this transitional phase of my life! As you can tell, she is adorable, the bows are precious, and our home has officially become a bow-making sweat shop (minus the small children)! I am slightly obsessed with Riley! I guess she is a second cousin, but because of my relationship with my cousin, I feel like an extremely proud aunt!

As you can tell, my week has been much better than last! Work is getting significantly better and busier day by day which is a HUGE blessing to someone who cannot stand sitting still at a computer for hours! God keeps reminding me in small and large ways that I still have so much to learn! I hope that each one that reads this is having a fantastically wonderful week! Until next time be blessed and take your turn in making history, instead of living in it!!!

Taste and See...

2008-09-26T00:31:00.000-04:00

Have you ever tasted something that did not turn out quite as you had imagined? Maybe it turned your nose up, made your lips pucker, and made your taste buds incredibly angry. Ironically, these type of things are usually the things that are best for our body. If you are anything like me, you taste things that you maybe shouldn't and they taste wonderfully perfect, leaving you wanting more! These delicacies may scan any category; but for me, they are sweet, valued at 427 calories, contain 38 grams of sugar, and are evenly tossed in partially hydrogenated oils to top off the goodness...Ah, the joys of having a sweet tooth...

As I lay in bed last night, unable to sleep and attempting not to cry myself to sleep (it was unsuccessful), my mind wandered to my taste buds. While I have to admit that I often find myself lying in bed wondering what item will be the first to make it into my body the following morning, this night I thought of my taste buds in a different light. I realized that just like my taste buds, my humanity usually desires things that are also not the best for me. I am sure that some of you can relate to this statement. Maybe it is the really cute boy sitting next to you in class that you can't have, the new pair of shoes that are a "necessity," but will rack up your credit card bill a little higher (or in my credit card-less state, there is no money in the bank), or the perfect job that you want now, but can't have because you lack the experience or education (thus leaving you to settle for the less than perfect job). Whatever you insert into that blank, we all have things that we want and can't have or taste of things that are not healthy for us on any level. I usually rationalize it by saying, "But it just tastes so good!" That is, until things turn sour....

I was made aware that I have been doing this lately. I have been tasting things, holding onto things, or desiring things that I just can't seem to have. It may not be that I will never get to taste the goodness of these earthly things, but the Lord continues to whisper gently, "Wait for my timing. Pursue Me. Love Me. Follow Me."

After my sleepless night, I sat on the back porch with my mother having a heart to heart conversation. Again, I found myself crying my eyes and my heart out from a sense of unfulfillment in my life, for whatever reason. Yet, as I did this, I once again heard Christ hum in my ear: "Taste Me. See how good life can truly be when you live in the goodness of Me." This calmed me down, while reminding me once again that I have been trying to taste and fill my life with things and people, but have not been doing my very best at tasting the sweetness of Jesus. My challenge today is Psalm 34:8. This will calm any aching heart...and the best part about it is that He comes calorie free!

Until Next Time be Blessed.....

Life in the Real World

2008-09-17T22:13:00.001-04:00

Monday I started a part time job. I am not enjoying the real world quite as much as I imagined, but I am immensely grateful for a job. Maybe my mind will change about the real world after a few paychecks! My job is only part time, and I am basically answering phones, doing some marketing, working with customers, and helping lease out property owned by the company I work for. I miss college and have not been more excited about going back to school as I have been this week! I am in a good mood, so I will share something with you that I do in my journal when I have a good day and want to write about it or when I have a bad day and need a pick me up! If you adopt this, it will change your outlook on life to appreciate the small things!

Reasons to Smile:

sweetened passion tea from Starbucks
meeting up with friends
a new car
the thought of stealing the security guard's car and taking it for a spin around the parking lot
doing to others as you would have them do unto you
tokens of appreciation
random acts of kindness
looking at my grandparent's wedding album
old fashioned love stories
marriage that lasts 50 years
finding someone that you can spend 50 years with
Mexican food
laughter around the dinner table
a much needed hair cut
sour patch kids
a surprise present
road trips
a sense of new found independence
freedom in Christ
love of a foreign country
a cool crisp evening
the colors of fall

Until next time....be blessed!

Quick Update...

2008-09-11T23:49:00.000-04:00

This will be short and sweet as not to bore you, but I have had a very good week!!!

1. I did apply to Pier 1. They don't need help until the holidays but I did get my table! :)

2. While I may not have a job with Pier 1, if everything goes well, I may have another one lined up! I know...gasp...haha. It is with a real estate investment firm. I would be helping lease some town homes and doing administrative work. All I know is that this is very exciting of even the possibility! Money coming in and something to do with my time are a positive thing!

3. I am almost done with law school applications, and I got a new computer, which is a blessing because the buttons on this one are falling off, the battery doesn't stay charged so it is no longer a laptop, and it doesn't follow half of the commands I give it...interesting, I know. It might have made more sense to get a new computer before applications and a summer of spending all my time on the computer in "the office," but I am not complaining...there really is never a dull moment in my life...

4. I had a meeting with the youth minister at FBC, and I will start on Sunday working with 7th grade girls. This is ironic because my 7th grade year was dramatic and slightly tramatic...its just an awkward transition year, not to mention that I was immensely nerdy and awkward with poofy bangs, glasses, and braces, which is not a good combination for someone trying to survive in the halls of Meadows Middle School. Hopefully, I can help these girls have a more pleasant memorable experience than I had...once again, never a dull moment...

That is all for now. It has been a busy, yet successful week! Until next time, be blessed!

A Serious Conversation...

2008-09-07T23:07:00.000-04:00

Wow! Where did the month of August go? It flew by so fast and now we are almost halfway through September. I guess time flies when you are having fun! I will be honest, I am probably having a little bit too much fun for someone who just graduated college. I should be doing something productive in the "real world," whatever that means! Anyways, the past few weeks have been very encouraging and rejuvinating time for me.

A few nights ago, my dad and I sat down for a "serious conversation," or a meeting if you will. I penciled him into my schedule and we sat down for a talk. It was one of those conversations where a dad asks hard questions such as, "What are you doing with your life? What do you feel called to do? Do you really want to go to law school?" These are the questions that need to be asked, but there are days when I would much rather be on the asking end of the conversation! In the end, I left feeling encouraged, refreshed, redirected, and rather confident in my abilities. Dad's have a way of doing that...they say things like you are beautiful, talented, smart, etc. Who wouldn't feel revitalized after a conversation such as that. With affirmation being my love language, you can imagine that this was a much needed conversation for me!

I left the "meeting" being told to do three things:
1. Have more faith and trust in God's timing! (The words to be expected from a father who is a pastor doing a series on faith from the pulpit...)
2. Stop feeling sorry for yourself, no more moping, and no more pity parties because God has a plan for me! (This is easier said than done...oh successful father of mine... )
3. Get a Job! (These are just the words of a father who is probably tired of paying for his graduate daughter's groceries...)

I jest while I explain these words of wisdom, but these three goals are good advice! So now that the meeting is over, I have plan of action! This week I will finish my law school applications and wait on where the Lord places me. I will also get a job. I have decided that I am not above working at Pier 1...I may be overqualified but they have a super cute table that I have had my eye on. What better excuse than to get a fantastic discount!?! I have no kitchen to put the table in, but another thing Dad mentioned is to start buying stuff for the apartment I will one day have...I think he is trying to tell me something...

I have also decided to volunteer at the advocacy center and Texas Baptist Children's Home. If I can't get a job in something that I am qualified for, I may as well spend my extra time wisely gaining experience and pouring out my God given talents on something that I am passionate about. I have also joined a women's Bible Study at Austin Stone. I am craving community with some people my age, so hopefully this will be an outlet for that!

Lastly, I will hopefully have a car in the next week. These are not to be done in any particular order, although it would be wise to get a job before a car...although that doesn't seem logical because how will I get to the job!?! Oh the story of my life lately...nothing is happening in the right order!

So that is my plan of action. As I sit here in "the office" and write, I am overwhelmingly motivated to get myself into high gear! After the serious conversation, no more pity party! It is time to get movin! I have a big week! Going from doing hardly anything productive to being overproductive may be hard on the sleeping schedule, but hopefully it will leave me more fulfilled than sleeping and movies! Yay for the "real world!"

Until next time...be blessed!

The Real Me...

2008-08-22T17:13:00.001-04:00

So, since I haven't blogged in a few weeks, I will do a quick update on what I've been up to. I went on family vacation to Florida. One of my best friends Katie and her mom joined us for a few days where we shopped til we dropped. We had so much fun and laughed so hard we cried reminiscing about old memories. I love it when friendships never change regardless of distance or time. Yes, we did go to Magic Kingdom for a day, and surprisingly, I was just as excited about it at 22 as I was at 7. We rode every ride and watched the parades...it really is a place where dreams come true...haha. The rest of the week it rained, so sadly, I did not get the tan I was hoping for, but it was good to be with the family and relax a bit. When I returned home, I went to Celina's wedding in Waco and got to spend some quality time with my posse and dear ZTA friends! Lastly, I helped Mel move back to good 'ole Baylor U. It was here that I realized how odd it is that I am not returning there in the fall....it is bittersweet. It is weird that so much has changed in a summer. Life must go on I suppose....

So fast forward to this week. This week has been interesting to say the least. I got to see some family friends from Granbury and laugh harder than I have laughed since I was in Florida. I love to laugh...it is what seems to be getting me through life right now. While things in my life have not turned out quite like I planned, I might as well go ahead and laugh....It is neat to see how God works things out because that wonderful family dinner of laughter immediatly followed my first emotional break-down since graduation, mostly due to the fact that I am a single, unemployed college graduate living at home. And to top it all off, I have zero mode of transportation.....yes I know, such a sob story...once again...life does go on.

Yesterday after my break down, I sat at my desk for about five to six hours straight applying to jobs and doing some research. It is quite disheartening when I am trying so hard to find my place in this world, and nothing seems to work out. After talking to a previous boss today, almost in tears for need of a job, I was reminded that prayer is my weapon right now, waiting is my game, and that home may be where God has placed me in this season of life to mold me and teach me some lessons ...hard lessons, but lessons that need to be learned none the less. Humbing? Yes, I believe so....

Last night, I got the invitation to go to a Natalie Grant and Lindsey Kane concert in Austin. I was uncertain about the caliber of the concert, but desperate for interaction with young ladies my age, I decided to tag along. It is neat how God works because there was another young lady in my same shoes. I realized I am not alone in this world...haha. Further, the concert was much needed. Lindsey Kane sang a song about being beautiful and flawless in God's eyes, and Natalie Grant ended the concert talking about letting God love you, taking down your mask, and being the real you. This was such a message that I needed to hear. I think that so many times it is so easy to put on a mask and act as if everything is alright, while deep down inside you are dying piece by piece.

Yes, the concert was just what I needed. It forced me to think about this summer and where God has brought me today. As the summer comes to a close, I can honestly say that I have had a restful, relaxing, and much needed type of summer where I have learned so much about who God created me to be. I think that it is so easy to try to please other people and control situations in life. I have found myself doing this, and as a result of trying to make everyone else happy, I have forgotten who I am, my own desires, and needs. I want to be a person that gives more than I take, but sometimes I need to realize that in the midst of taking care of everyone else, I also have to take time to care for myself. I have also realized the importance 0f sitting back and letting God take the reigns of my life. This has been a summer of realization: what it means to let God truly rock my world, revolutionize my life, and craft His perfect plan for me....in His timing, not my own. I can honestly say that this has been one of the most liberating feelings I have ever had! It has not been an easy road and there are still struggles ahead, but I am determined that it is in brokenness that God creates the most beautiful artwork. I am learning day by day what it means to let God take the lead, be comfortable in my own skin, and that God is proud to call me His child. He loves me just the way that I am and that is something to be grateful for because I am most definately not perfect by any means! As a result, I am becoming comfortable and confident in my talents, abilities, and strengths, as well as my weaknesses, quirks, and complexities. Being comfortable with your weaknesses is hard! Humbling? I believe so...

So that is an update on my life! If you haven't done so yet, let God make you comfortable in your own skin and take control of your life! It is the most amazing thing that can ever happen to you when you become the real you that God created you to be! Until next time....be blessed!

Just an Update...

2008-08-05T18:21:00.000-04:00

The past few weeks have been crazy with company! Our home has become the "Hotel D" which has been a revolving door with people in and out. Since I am blessed to have a little suite of my own on my side of the house, this is the place where most of our company sleeps. Needless to say, the past few weeks, I have gotten very good at washing and changing sheets. It has been very fun though to spend quality time with friends and relatives the past few weeks!

Over the past few weeks, I have also made a lot of decisions regarding my future! As my last post stated, I got accepted to a law school in Michigan. I found out that I got accepted for the January and Summer term as well. So, after much thought and counsel, I have decided not to start until January. This will give me more time to visit and find a place to live. I will also probably retake the LSAT and reapply to a few places in Texas with an attempt to get into a Texas law school one more time. If this doesn't work, I will at least have a place to go in the spring and start law school. I am not sure if I will ever practice law or what God has in store for me, but I know that if I don't attend law school now while I have the opportunity, I will always regret the decision! I am again in a waiting period in my lifetime...waiting for a job and waiting for January to arrive!

That is about all that is going on in my life right now! I am going to Orlando, Florida this weekend through next week so I am pumped about that! This is my last hoorah before summer oficially ends for me! Ihave been so blessed to have had this time in my life to relax and take a break from school and just enjoy myself, my friends, and family. I have learned a lot about myself this summer and the direction that God is leading me in my life! That is a whole different post though! Maybe I will share next time! Before I sign off for the day I have to remind everyone that it is three weeks and one day until the first Baylor football game of the season! Not only is it the first Baylor football game of the season against Westpoint, but it is the first game of the college football season! I LOVE college football and I LOVE Baylor so this is exciting for me!

Until next time be blessed....and Sic 'Em!!!!!

Expect the Unexpected!

2008-07-26T17:36:00.001-04:00

I have a quick update because I don't have much time to write, but there are a few exciting things that have happened since I last blogged. I will write more details as soon as I know them. Since I am a list person, I will just keep it simple!

1. I just returned from a road trip up to Monroe, LA. I interned here one summer at a church. This was my final and last destination, but I got to see many friends along the way and it was a much needed trip and experience!

2. I saw Mama Mia....can't you tell my life is really exciting right now!?! Anyways, I thought it was fantastic and loved the music and scenery (I am listening to the soundtrack as I write). If you are doing nothing like me, you should go see it!

3, I found out a few days ago that we are taking a family vacation to Orlando...Disney World anyone? Haha, but it should be fun. I get to meet up with a lifetime friend that lives in Birmingham, AL who was also my freshman college roomate....I am stoked beyond belief because I haven't seen her in over a year!!!!

4. Last, but not least, I got into law school at a law school in Lansing, Michigan. Classes start Septemeber 2, which is VERY soon. I hear it is cold there....I will keep you posted on that decision to go or not!

I am off to research housing in Michigan, so until next time...be blessed.

Sassy and Satisfied!

2008-07-12T16:35:00.000-04:00

So, I haven't posted anything in a few weeks, and that is mainly because I have been in a huge transitioning period in my life the past few weeks. I returned from Guatemala, spent a week in Dallas with my posse to celebrate Jessica's wedding festivities, and then moved back home to Georgetown...indefinitely. I have finished unpacking and getting my things situated in my room. I keep telling myself that I am living here temporarily, so I don't need to get too comfortable, but the more I unpack, the more permanant this living arrangement feels. I will have to say that I have struggled with the idea of moving back home for a very long time. I would be lying if I said that I don't still struggle with the fact. It is not because I don't want to be near my parents because that is false. I have been blessed with wonderful parents with whom I have a fantastic relationship. I think it is just the stereotype that people who move back home get that rubs me the wrong way. I have been asked about a million times what I am doing now that I have graduated from college. I want to scream every time I am asked this and say, "Well since I got rejected from numerous law schools and can't find a job paying more than $10 per hour with a college degree, I am not sure, so for now I am living at home bumming off my parents!" This is only what I feel like saying. I would like to call this my sassy side, which I tend to have. This side of me does not always make me proud either...I am in the process of learning to tame the sassyness. In response to this question, I have just learned to smile and say, "I am not sure. I am in a period of waiting on the Lord right now." People smile back, say good, while silently judging about how unproductive and unmotivated they think that I am. I have come to grips with the fact that I am 22 years old, live with the parents, and am unemployed. I am not sure how long this peace will last.....

If you are wondering where I am going from here...I am too! As I searched for a job the other night, I found one that seemed to suit me at a local orphanage. My parents were very excited that I found a job that I might enjoy, until I told them that they pay started out at $10 an hour. My dad said, "That is not very much money for a college graduate." To which I slyly replied, "It is more than I am making sitting here on this couch!" Sassy remark numero uno. Did I mention that I am working on taming my sassyness? Well, I am, but sometimes it is just more fun to release my inner thoughts and create a zing effect....

Amidst all this frustration and uncertainty, my dad and I have joked about me being unemployed and a college graduate. He did mention that Sonic, Pizza Hut, and the job being the Cow at Chick-fil-A are all open. He also mentioned being a dressed up chicken at the Dell Diamond Baseball field would be a good job and that they were indeed hiring. My job would entail running around the field in a dot race, and doing the chicken dance during the seven inning stretch. To this, I sassed off sassy remark numero dos saying something to the effect that you couldn't pay me enough. These were all said in jest, but I am beginning to think that my dad wants me to get a job. My most recent (and sassiest remark if I may say) when my dad referred to me as unemployed or gave another bright employment idea was something to the effect of: "Dad, I am on a sabbatical." Luckily, I have a father with a wonderful sense of humor and we laughed off at my sassy (and rather witty if I may say) remark. I got a new short haircut...maybe this is why I feel the need to be so sassy lately...

While I said this to my father in jest, I began to think as I walked away from this conversation. What exactly is a sabbatical? So, I decided to look it up. What I found was a pleasant surprise. A sabbatical is something that brings a "period of rest." There were many more definitions for this word, but this is the one that I liked the best and that I felt fit closest to my life right now. I do feel as if I am on a sabbatical of sorts. I am taking a break from school, work, etc. and I have most assuredly found rest. In Guatemala, I learned so much about myself, others, and got a glimpse of my place in this world. I feel as if my passion for people was reignited. I want to make a difference. When I say I have discovered much about myself, it is in the places of rest that I have found out the most. Now, all I have to do is figure out how to make my dreams and goals come true. It is going to be something that I am going to have to work hard at, but after the trip to Guatemala, I am ready for the challenge!

My dad helped me move my desk upstairs next to his tonight. He was against the idea at first because he thought that is might make the room cluttered. I told him that I needed a place to work. He laughed and said, "What do you need to work on?!?" I laughed back and just said, "Stuff." I also believe that this is where I also inserted sassy remark numero I've lost count....I told him that maybe if I had a place to work I would be motivated to work on the LSAT again or get a job. I also secretly hoped that if my desk is next to his, I will be motivated and become as smart as my dad by osmosis...so far it has been an unsuccessful attempt. After much discussion (which happens often because we don't argue, we "discuss") and probing, my desk was up here next to his, begging to be decorated and used. So, here I am, sitting at my computer at my rather cute desk realizing that even though my life hasn't turned out the way that I envisioned it upon graduation from college, I know that God has a plan for me. I was talking to a friend the other night and he mentioned to me that a pastor said that we are to be content where God has placed us. He went further to explain that coveting is the opposite of contenment and that we are not to covet or ask God to put us in a place that we are not. After all, why would God move us onto bigger and better things when we have not mastered satisfaction where we are? So, here I am learning to be content where God has placed me...

So I guess you could say that the theme of this blog is that I am sassy and satisfied. Both of these things I am working on....I am working on not being quite so sassy and being more satisfied. I am beginning to feel more comfortable with the idea of living here...so much so that I have started unpacking a few boxes that I boxed up for my next apartment...just a few things to make the space that I live in feel more like home. So after decorating and unpacking and after the shell shock factor has passed away, here I am, once again, waiting on the Lord to show me the next stage of my life.

So that is what is going on in the world of Amy D right now...I know that my faithful readers are so excited about my riveting tale of my desk being moved upstairs next to my fathers, but being the unemployed college graduate that I currently am, this is about the extent of my excitement in life. I did go see Get Smart last night, which I would highly recommend. Steve Carell is pretty hilarious! Anyways, as soon as a door is opened into the next stage of my life, I will let you all know and hopefully next time something more exciting will be going on in my life! Until next time...be blessed!

Life In A Suitcase...

2008-06-29T15:28:00.000-04:00

Well I have arrived back on American soil, and I am not quite sure how I feel about it yet. As, i roamed around the house thinking of what to do, I realized that I wanted some ice cream. While in Guatemala, I had some form of ice cream once a day (this is probably where my 5-10 pounds of extra weight came from. While I said I would not eat at McDonald's until next time I return to Guatemala, I found myself wanting to drive through to get a McCono dipped in chocolate...I decided to settle on a sugar free fudge bar that I stumbled upon in Mema and Bo's freezer. I also had my first apple with Nutella today. They had Nutella in Guatemala, but it cost more than $7 per jar. I decided that I could do without Nutella for the month and opted to settle for Hazella, which is the Guatemalan version of Nutella. Needless to say, it did not taste the same, and I forgot just how delightful Nutella was until my treat today! As I roamed around the house, I thought to myself: Self, I miss Guatemala. There were things that I vowed not to do for a very long time. These things included eating at McDonald's, taking a cold shower, sleeping with the windows open and fans on, and living out of a suitcase. What I found out upon my arrival home was that I wanted to do each of these things, and I even found myself doing some of them. When I arrived back in the states, we made a two hour trip to Tyler to visit Melanie at camp and have dinner with my grandparents. We came back to Dallas and I have been staying at my other grandparent's house the past two days. When we arrived at their house, there was no air conditioning. One thing that I did not miss while I was in Guatemala was the hot Texas summers. We were spoiled with 60 to 70 degree weather (it is currently their winter and rainy season so it was cool) and there was not a necessity for air conditioning. When it is 90 to 100 degree weather, there is most definitely a need for air in a house. Luckily, a storm blew through Dallas and the house cooled off a little bit, but it was still hot. So again, I found myself sleeping with the fan and windows open. I also found myself taking a cold shower at 11 at night to try to cool off and wash all the airplane grime off of me from the long day of travels. I thought that I would never say this, but it was quite refreshing and comforting. It reminded me a little bit of the place I had called home the past month.

Today I have arrived in McKinney, Texas and I will be living here the entire week. I am in a wedding this coming Saturday and instead of traveling three hours to Georgetown and three hours back in two days, I decided to stay here and rest. And rest I will. This place is like a second home to me. I lived here for a summer and the family that I lived with is nice enough to let me come back anytime I want. I find this place very peaceful. It is in the country, with a wrap around porch, and rocking chairs. This is the perfect place to relax and reflect on my past month and prepare my heart for my future and returning home to "the real world."

This is my life back in America so far. I am safely back home, but there is a weird feeling in my soul. It is a wierd feeling because I miss Guatemala so much more than I thought possible, but I am also loving being back near familiar faces and familiar territory. Even though living out of a suitcase can be unorganized and sporatic, I am still enjoying it. It is sort of a liberating feeling and a feeling that I have learned to appreciate. I was talking to my grandma this morning and she was asking my plans for this week. I gently said: "I don't have any. I am a free spirit." She laughed and agreed with me. For those of you that know me, you would laugh at this as well because a free spirit is not a term that is generally used to describe me, but over the past month the Lord has been teaching me flexibility and how to delight in the stillness and quietness of Him, His timing, and plans for my life. This has been one of the most liberating experiences. While I may not be a free spirit, I am letting the Spirit teach me how to trust Him and enjoy life. I know that one day God will show me what his plans are for me in His timing, but for now, I am going to just enjoy living out of my suitcase and continue to the Spirit set me free! Until next time...be blessed!

The Time Has Come...

2008-06-27T01:14:00.000-04:00

Well it has happened...the trip is basically over. We are going to spend the day at the hotel tomorrow and then bright and early Saturday morning we are leaving to go home. I am not fully ready to go home... I am ready to see my family and friends but other than that I could stay...or pack a few kids in my suitcase and bring them home....since I can do neither I suppose I will just leave. I am exhausted physically and mentally which means that I must have done something right since I have been here. All good things must come to an end I suppose. Please pray for safety and mercy as I travel home and prepare my heart to leave this precious country which has grown so dear to me....until next time be blessed...

Livin in the Dump....

2008-06-22T20:02:00.000-04:00

Today was a very eye opening day. My team and I went to the dump. This sounds utterly disgusting, which it is, but the most saddening part of the entire situation is that people live here. The dump is the place where all of Guatemala´s trash is disposed. There are communities of homes, or one room shacks, that live all around it. The women work at the dump collecting cans, silver, and gold to recycle and make money. It is one of the most saddening, humbling, eye opening experiences I have ever had. I can definately say that I am humbled and there really are no words to explain what I experienced today. I can honestly say that I caught a small glimpse of the life that Jesus led today. He loved on the poorest of the poor and the dirtiest of the dirty....and he did it by merely loving them and not judging them....Once again, the most humbling experience...

We were joined by the boys and girls from the transitional homes. These young men and women live at the Buckner transitional homes, meaning that they are too old for the orphanage but that they are not ready to be on their own. Living here is a reward to them in a way. They have earned their way to these homes by good behavior, grades, etc. They range in ages from 12-20. These young adults have had rough lives of their own. Yet here they were handing out food to these poor people that live in the dump. Just as we had a humbling experience, these youth also had an eye opening and humbling experience. It was neat to see their energy, enthusiasm, joy, and ministry in their own community. It was a joy ministering with these young people and developing relationships with them along the way!

As I sat in church this morning and then ventured to the dump, God has laid some things on my heart. Here are all of these people from Guatemala ministering to people in their own community and here I am in another country ministering to their people and yet I do not take initiative or time to minister to people in my own community and surrounding area. This hit me hard. The missions coordinator and his daughters and family pour their heart, body, and soul into ministering to the people in this country...pour is not the correct term. They dump their entire life in their ministry here working 7 days a week with the toughest situations and with the toughest people. Yet they give and love unconditionally. It is such an inspiration to me. I am sad to leave here and go home because I have gotten so accustomed to the culture and the people, but I am also extremely excited to dive deep into ministry in my own community and country!

This is a mere glimpse of my day today. For updates on the past week you can check out the blog that is under Buckner. It is far more detailed about what our team is specifically doing week by week in Guatemala. I will say something that was such a God thing that happened to me individually this past week. If you have been reading my blog, you know that last week I was sick. This was merely a bump in the road and gratefully, did not hinder my ministry and I am feeling much better this week. But being so sick and so far away from home, I was beginning to get homesick at the conclusion of my second week here. The first blessing happened last Sunday when we were meeting the group from Arkansas at church. The mission coordinator that came from Buckner in Dallas is a friend from Baylor and a familiar face. I was so thrilled to see her. The familiar face was such a blessing and unexpected surprise. She ended up staying later than she though and is still here ministering with us. This is a double treat! This was only the beginning of God´s surprises for me this week.

The group from Arkansas was staying at a really nice hotel. So each morning, we pack a change of clothes and go straight from the orphanages to the hotel to change and have dinner with them. This particular day, I was tired and missing home. I was minding my own business and gathering my things. I was so glad to be getting out of the van after such a long drive and long day. As I obliviously jumped out of our mini-van, I heard my name. This was odd considering I was in a foreign country. I looked up to see none other than another dear friend from Baylor named Claire standing in the doorway of the hotel! I found out that she has been in Guatemala the entire month of June as well with another organization and she had a group coming to the same hotel! This was such a delight for me! This might seem such a small thing, but when you run into someone from home in another country unexpectedly, you have to know that it is God alone that brought us together. I got to see her a few times at the hotel throughout the week and have heart to heart conversation. My team is a blessing, but since we haven´t known each other for long, sometimes it can be hard to open up. All this to say...God is good! God has a way of blessing his children if we are faithful to do what he has called us to do, even if it is something as small as seeing a familiar face so far away from home!

This has been my week thus far. Thanks again for all your prayers. Please pray for my team as we wake up at 4 am in the morning and drive five hours to Zacapa to deliver food to the villages. This will be a long day because we are making the trip in one day. Please also pray that I will continue seeking what God has planned for me and that I will take what I have seen, observed, and learned to heart. This time next week I will be back in the states, so please also pray as I prepare to leave and go home! Until next time be blessed......

Praise God for Miracles!

2008-06-16T21:37:00.000-04:00

Miracles do still happen! I know that you are probably thinking that I am about to write about how some child accepted Christ today here or that someone was healed. This however is not the case. While God is doing amazing things here in Guatemala, I am merely writing to say that miracles still happen because I had a hot shower two days in a row! This seems small and insignificant but after weeks of 30 second showers due to the freezing temperature of the water, you can imagine my joy! It is sometimes in the small things that make us happy and make us excited! Today and yesterday were my day for the luxury of hot agua! So all this to say, I am praising God for the small things that I sometimes take for granted on a day to day basis...and today I am praising Him for hot showers!

Hospital de Guatemala.....

2008-06-14T18:18:00.000-04:00

This week has been a long week to say the least. It all started when we had a team arrive from the states. It was the first week that we have worked with another team, and for some reason, it was not what we expected. I think that the fact that we hit the halfway mark of our trip this week, was something that made this week a little bit of a lag for each of us. My team and I were tired, had a lack of energy and enthusiasm, missed the kids in Hue Hue, and some of us were sick. This is where the interesting part of my week starts.

All day on Thursday, I was not feeling well, but I just thought that it was because I was tired. Afterall, I had been playing with children all day everyday. These children are not the best behaved children so you become their jungle gym. It can be very painful to say the least. On top of that, this week, we were painting the inside of the baby home. So, there was lots of manual labor and this is the reason that I thought that I was not feeling well. Needless to say, I was wrong. I came home on Thursday night and I had a high fever and was in the worst pain I have been in in a while. I prayerfully took some tylenol and went to bed, hoping to wake up renewed and refreshed. My team and I were going to Antigua the next morning, and I have heard about the amazing shopping in this town. If you know me at all, you know that I rarely pass up a shopping trip!

The next morning I awoke only to have a higher fever. To my dismay, I exchanged my shoppping trip for a trip to the hospital. This was an interesting experience to say the least. A lady named Alice drove me to the hospital. She is a very nice woman and she speaks English well so this was immensely helpful in communicating with the doctors. When I arrived at the ¨hospital¨ I was slightly nervous. This looked more like a doctor´s office than a hospital and I was concerned about the sanity. To be honest though, at this point, I did not care what they did to me or how sanitary it was...I just wanted to feel better (at the end of this trip, I realized that even though it was very different from American hospitals, it was very clean and the doctors were incredibly knowledgeable). I was immediatly taken back to the room (the perks of having the director of Buckner´s husband own the hospital) and began the questioning. I will not go into details for fear of boring my gracious readers. I will just say that the doctor thought that I had an appendicitis. Luckily after a long doctor´s visit, a blood test, 2 x-rays, and multiple other tests later, they found out that I had a severe infection. As a result, I had three shots and was prescribed three medications. As you can imagine, I would have much rather been shopping.

Even though this experience made for a long day and for unpleasant poking and proding by random people that I did not know, this was a neat experience for me. This seems odd, I know. First of all, I got to experience the Guatemalan hospital and not many people can say this. Second of all, and most importantly, I got to experience the hospitality of the people in this culture. They truly are so giving and amazing. I spent so many hours here and I did not pay a penny for any of the services or medicines I received. On top of this, Alice spent most of her day with me at the hospital. As I mentioned earlier, the director of Buckner´s husband owns the hospital. So, while we were waiting for the blood results, we walked behind the alley way to the doctor´s home for some toast and hot tea. Here, I got the chance to talk to Alice about the culture here and how it differs from America. I also got to get to know her and hear about her life. It was such a neat experience for me.

When I arrived back at the house, my team members had already left for the fun day of shopping and tourism. I slept from 1 until 7 straight. This is so unlike me because I hardly ever take naps. This was probably due to the medication I was on. When I finnaly aroused from my slumber, I awoke to see the Mission Coordinator and his daughter hovering over me to make sure I was okay. My team was eating dinner at the hotel with the team from the US and this would have left me by myself at home until very late hours in the night. Luckily, Amed was there to tell me that his daughter (who is a fourth year medical student here) was here to stay with me all night and give me medicine as needed. This was such a blessing, as you can imagine. Once again, this was another time when I got to bond with a girl (who was exactly my age for the record) who is from this country. It was such a neat experience.

So, while the past few days have not been fun for me physically, it has been a learning experience and a time that I have grown to truly treasure. If I had not gotten sick, I would not have gotten to bond with these two amazing women of this culture. I would not have gotten to fully experience the amazing hospitality of the people here, and I would not have gotten to see God working in these people´s lives. It truly was so wonderful to have these women take me under their wings, minister to me, treat me with such kindness. Being so sick and so far away from my own home, I was immensely homesick, but these young women made me feel like family and like I was at home. I am continually finding myself being blessed by these people, even though I came to minister to them. It is this kind of selfless love that I aspire to attain . So my trip yesterday did not end up all that bad. And I feel about ten times better today (shots works miracles!) And I found out that our team is going to Antigua again next week. So Lord willing, I will get my shopping trip after all!

2008-06-09T00:17:00.000-04:00

After 17 games of chicken, 5 servings of panquaques, and a 6 hour roller coaster ride around some mountains, my team and I arrived back at our home in Guatemala City. Just like it was by the grace of God that we made it to Hue Hue, it was by the grace of God to make it back. Needless to say, our team is relieved to be on sound and somewhat safe grounds.

Today was a great day. Even though it was like a 6 hour roller coaster ride around the mountain, it was so worth it. We took a detour today and we stopped at Lake Atitlan. It was one of the most beautiful sites I have ever seen. The lake is surrounded by volcanoes and it was absolutely breath taking. We took a boat ride onto the lake and it was as if we were in a crater in the middle of volcanoes. It was wonderful. We had a wonderful lunch and were back on the road again. It truly was a long detour, but so worth it. God´s beauty at its best right there folks!

Even though we have concluded our roller coaster ride through the mountains, part of the roller coaster ride of this trip has just begun. We worked at the orphanage in Hue Hue this past week. This orphanage houses 95 children ranging in ages from infants to 17 years old. It was one of the most humbling experiences I have ever had. We invested in the lives of these children all day every day, and as you can imagine, we got very attached. It was very hard to leave. The last day that we were there, we threw a pizza party for the kids and played with water balloons. There was even a child that was in dire need of a new wheelchair, so we pulled our money together and got him one. The reaction on his face when he saw his new wheelchair is somthing that will forever be ingrained on the back of my mind.

As we were about to leave the orphanage, the children had planned a surpresa (surprise in spanish) for us, which was a program. They danced and sang for us. Some of them danced native dances, while others did a drama to a song about how they made it from the streets to the oprhanage. It was incredibly moving and there was not a dry eye in the room. These children were so giving, loving, and warm. They opened their hearts to us and bestowed gifts upon us as we departed. We came here to minister to these children and they in turn, ministered to us. Needless to say, there were many tears as we departed. The children wanted to know when we would be back and now knowing if I would ever return was a difficult realization for me and the children. There were a few children I wanted to stick in my suitcase and bring home, but I am not sure if that would be acceptable to customs....

So the roller coaster has ended and yet just begun. God is daily showing me of his grace, mercy, and undending love. Please continue to pray for our team. Pray for rest: emotionally and physically. We are starting again bright and early tomorrow morning with a team from the states, so please pray for this team as they are about to experience the roller coaster ride with us! Even though this experience has been a bit of a roller coaster thus far....know that I am having the ride of my life and that I feel immensely blessed to be here! Thanks for your prayers! I can feel the presence of God and your prayers and am excited about all that lies ahead!

Until next time...be blessed!

A Long Hue Hue From Home...

2008-06-04T23:08:00.001-04:00

My team and I arrived in Hue Hue on Sunday night. Let me tell you all...we arrived here by the grace of God alone. The trip from Guatemala City to Hue Hue was supposed to take 4-5 hours but it took a little over six. We packed our bags for a week, loaded the bus, and were on our way! Imagine all of the worst driving conditions that you could possibly have and we had them all at once. First of all, the driver drove very fast and Buckner gets only the finest drivers apparantly, so I fear for the lives of the other passengers in this country. We were driving around a mountain with rock slides, on a road that was under construction (which is much different than roads under construction in the US), in the rain and fog (you could not even see 2 feet in front of the van), and to top it off...we were driving on the wrong side of the road. It was a five hour trip of chicken. This is no exaggaration. Needless to say, my team and I were excited beyond belief to arrive at our hotel safely (which is surprisingly a very nice hotel for such a small city).

We have been working at the orphanage in the mornings while the chilren are at school doing various projects such a dumping old strawberry milk and refried bean mix down a drain, playing the role of extreme home make over...room edition where we recovered couches, and bagging up pounds of soy wheat to deliver to the towns people. This has been an adventure to say the least!

The most beautiful part of this entire trip though, is the children. Today we got to the orphanage and there was nothing for us to do. We were supposed to paint a wall this week but due to the constant rain, we have not been able to. So, today we got to take the children that are not in school to the Mayan Ruins. The expression on their faces when we told them that we get to go outside of the orphanage walls is something that I will never forget. It was the neatest experience. There we were in the Mayan Ruins (which is so beautiful and breathtaking that no picture could capture its greatness) playing futbol with the children. It was wonderful!

In the afternoons we have been leading a VBS at the orphanage. This is hard because of the language barrier, but overall it has not been as hard as we thought that it would be. The universal language is love, so my team and I are loving these children as much as we can. Love is our form of communication and it has been amazing to see he Lord work and begin to break down the language barriers. It is neat to see how loving and understanding the people have been about this barrier. I have been praying that the Lord will help me to be able to relate to the chidlren and see myself in them. Yesterday, this very thing happened. One child, named Carlos, is not in school but seems very eager to learn and help. I asked why he was not in school and our translator told us that he is from the Mayan culture and does not speak Spanish. He speaks Mayan. God has worked in his life and he is beginning to understand the Spanish language but in that moment I realized that he did not understand not only us, but also the chidlren that he lives with each day. I have a translator to help me understand, Carlos has no one. After this, the language barrier did not seem like such a big deal.

I have many more stories to tell and I will as time goes on, but I am on a friend's computer and I need to head to bed. I am pretty beat after a long day of playing with los ninos! Please continue to pray for our team as we finish our work in Hue Hue. Pray that the children here will see the love of Christ in us and that we will be able to communicate that with them, whether it be through words, pointing and gestures, hugs, or merely through playing soccer for hours on end! Thanks for your prayers!

Until next time...be blessed!

I Have Arrived!

2008-06-01T00:40:00.000-04:00

So I arrived in Guatemala last night and thus far it has surpassed any expectation that I had. I have been here a little over 24 hours and already God has begun to work in my heart and in my life! Here is a brief summary of what we did today:

Our first stop was the single mothers´home. This is a home where three single mothers live with their children. They have a wonderful, loving environment and are still able to go to school. This was on of the most touching things I have ever experienced. As a mother sat there and talked about how they have Bible studies and only want to do what is best in their lives according to God, my eyes welled up with tears. These young girls have had a hard life and they are filled with such joy. It was a neat experience. As we all sat in the living room and talked, these young girls seemed so old. Then they strapped their babies in a stroller, which then sat by why their mother´s jumped onto the trampoline and began to have the time of their lives! This was truly an eye opening experience-these women are forced to be put in adult roles but they are still so young and children themselves. It truly was a great experience.

We also went to the boys and girls transitional homes. In these homes 7 boys and 7 girls live and they have a family that lives with them. They are children from the government orphanage that Buckner has taken in. Because they were so good, they have earned their spot in this home. The children told us that they love living here a lot. The girls were so fun and we played futbol with them. The boys were such gentlmen and we played basketball with them. We were so impressed to find out that these children were full of joy, well mannered, and in the top of their class at school. They have dreams and goals for their lives, and some even aspire to be doctors! This was such a humbling experience!

We also visited the baby home. Most of the children that live in this home are newborns to about 3 years old. The children that live here are mostly children that are disabled for some reason and children that no one wants. The government does not take children into orphanages if they are disabled. The children here were so sweet and they greeted us at the door with hugs, kisses, and some even jumped all over us as soon as the door was opened. It was a tiring experience, but overall, it was an experience that I will never forget. This was a greeting of a lifetime by children that did not know us, nor could they understand us, but somehow they knew that we were there to play with them and love them...and that we gladly did!

Overall, Guatemala is a great place so far. It is beautiful with perfect weather. It was cool most of the day, requiring a jacket. I have only been here a day, but I have had many realizations. In Guatemala, everyone greets each other with a kiss. This was very awkward to me at first, having people I did not know greet me with a kiss on my cheeck, but secretly I like it...haha. The people here are so friendly, welcoming, and loving. The people here are very warm hearted and I love that. The faucets here have one knob and the option is COLD. If there are two knobs for a faucet, only one works and it is COLD. It is not that bad though. The drivers and roads are crazy, the food is good. I look forward to finding out more about this culture, the people, and the land.

We leave tomorrow for Hue Hue (which is pronounced way way). It is a 6 hour drive and the roads are apparantly bad and under construction so it could take longer. Please pray for our safety and health. We will be painting a wall, running a VBS at the government orphanage here, and playing with the children. There are 96 children at this home and there are only 10 of us so it will be an interesting, but rewarding experience I am sure. Please continue to pray for me and my team! I am off to bed now! Until next time...be blessed!

Time to Take Off!

2008-05-30T11:35:00.000-04:00

As I write this morning, I am sitting here on a computer in the lobby of a hotel so this is going to be short and sweet. I came to Dallas yesterday and started my training for my trip to Guatemala. It was a long but great day! I met a lot of new people and a lot of anxiety went away as the day went on so that was an answered prayer! Now I am just excited beyond belief and ready to board the plane! It did hit me when we were praying at the end of the night. Our leader thanked God for those of us that were willing to give up a month of our life. As I stood there half listening to the rest of the prayer I wondered, what have I done?!? But overall, I am very excited and in the big scheme of things, one month of my life is not that long. I am so excited about all the God has in store for me and my team. I was definitely made aware that my type A personality that likes to know what is going on is going to be challenged this month (and already has been). It will be good for me though to have some spontaneity in my life and a time where I will be forced to be flexible. Maybe I will come back a changed person living life on Guatemala time...the relaxed way!

We have had a relaxing morning. Our plane leaves at 6 pm this evening, so we got to sleep in and just have some down time. After a busy day yesterday this was much needed. Thanks to all of you have been praying for me. Please continue to pray for me and my team. If you are interested in the trip, I am the official team blogger, which should be interesting, but check out the site listed below for updates on our trip!

http://itsmymission4kids.blogspot.com

I hope everyone has a blessed day and a blessed month! I am off to the beautiful country of Guatemala...apparently the country is filled with volcanoes that erupt every month so we will probably be there during this amazing sight of God's creation! It will be so cool to see this! It isn't everyday that you get to see lava flow down the side of a mountain so I am pumped about this!

Until next time...be blessed!

Packed and Ready to Go...

2008-05-28T19:40:00.001-04:00

Well, I have packed, repacked, and then crammed some more of the necessities of my life into two suitcases and am about to be off to Guatemala for the month of June. I thought that I was a pretty good packer until I realized that the weight of my "necessities" were significantly more than I expected and that it will most likely cost me an arm and leg in addition to the arm and leg I have already put down on this trip. With the new regulations set for the airlines, necessities is all that there is room for, not that I have any need for luxury on this trip. It is all about service. I am thinking about this trip excited with anticipation, but also with some reservations. I really do not know much about the trip, do not have a clue what to expect, and do not know a single person that I will be spending the next month with. While this is liberating to a certain extent, it is also slightly terrifying. I know that the Lord will use it for good and grow me as a result of this experience though.

There are some things that I am thinking about as I dive into the adventure of this cultural experience. I am going into this trip with the intentions to serve the least of these, but it is also hard for me not to hope (and pray) that I gain something from this trip. I hope to learn more about what it means to be a servant of Christ, learn so much more about myself and the Lord's plan for my life, and to grow even closer to the Lord that I am serving. I am praying that God breaks my heart for those that I a ministering to, so much that I empathize with and for them. I am praying that the Lord humbles me and that I am able to be used by Him to serve the children in the orphanage. In addition, I am praying that I can lead by example and be able to minister to those traveling with me on my team. Lastly, I am asking that the Lord opens my eyes and heart and helps me to come away from this trip with a fresh perspective on this world, my place in it, and serving the least of these than I had going into the trip. I simply want to be broken and used. These are my prayers for this trip and if you are reading this and want to pray these things with me then I would be honored and gracious if you would do so.

I hope that everyone has a great summer! If you are interested in my trip I will try to post pictures and update posts on how my trip is going. It really will depend on how much time I have to keep everyone updated and how much internet access we have where we will be. If I don't post anything, then know that when I get back I will update everyone on my trip!

Until next time...be blessed!
Mark 10:45

Weddings, Weddings, and More Weddings.....

2008-05-26T16:58:00.000-04:00

As I sit here on this Memorial Day after an afternoon at the pool with my apple and nutella in hand, my diet vanilla coke from sonic happy hour next to me, and a body that feels slightly sunburned, I am realizing that summer has begun. Oh yes, summer has begun which means so has the season of weddings! I laid awake in bed last night after yet another weekend of wedding festivities. As I laid there, I began to ponder all the events that have occurred over the past few weeks. It has been a whirlwind of shower after shower, wedding after wedding, and in the midst of all of this graduations. I don't know how people graduate and get married at the same time, but yet it all comes through. As I sit and observe those around me it all seems so surreal. I feel as if every time I look up there is another finger being jeweled (usually with a diamond the size of something I could only dream of having), another gift to buy, another invitation posted to my refrigerator, and another bride to attend to. Ah yes, it is the season of weddings and new beginnings. But as I lay in bed thinking about all these things, feeling slightly sorry for myself, it occurred to me to look at the positive side of things. Even though some days it seems as if I am all alone and all I am left with is a naked finger, an empty bank account, a closet full of dresses that I will probably never wear again, and a nicely decorated fridge, there is so much more that I have to look forward to. So for those of you that are in the same shoes as me...single and ready to mingle but it seems as if there is no one to mingle with.....this is for you!

While all of your friends, younger sisters, or relatives may be getting hitched before you look at the bright side. I would first like to start with the law of reciprocity. The law of reciprocity simply states that what you do to others, they will do unto you. So if you are like myself and have served as a bridesmaid for numerous friends who are getting married (all of whom are deserving of course), your bridesmaids options will be limitless. And think that while you may not be that crazy about the dress you so graciously purchased to wear for "the big day," or the shower that costs an arm and a leg to throw, just remember it will be your turn one day and all of your bridesmaids can wear whatever you say and your presents will be pouring in by the dozens!

Secondly, while all of your friends stress out about colors, flowers arrangements, food for the receptions, wedding sites, etc. just think: while all of your friends are going through this you get to sit back, observe, and take it all in. You get to see what you like and what you don't like. You get to observe and learn from the mistakes and successes of all their weddings. This will only lead to a more perfect day for you.

On a slightly more serious note, and most importantly my favorite: if you are anything like me and have a relationship with Jesus Christ, your state of singleness gives you an advantage that a lot of your friends who are now pouring the majority of their time into a husband (and soon to be children) may not have the luxury of having. The advantage being that you get to invest as much time as you want loving on Christ and letting Christ love on you because mostly likely, as a single young adult, you have more free time on your hands. Go to Africa and serve. Work in London for a year. Write a book. Sail the ocean. Spend a day at the beach. Do it because you can. You have all the time in the world. And know that one day your knight and shining armor will come. In the meantime instead of moaning that you don't have a significant other in your life (which I often find myself doing), spend the time that you have preparing your heart and life becoming the person that Christ called you to be. This will only make you more prepared for that special someone one day. You will be blessed because of it (and so will he)!

So, now that I have shared my heart, let me just end by saying that this is not a marriage bashing post nor is it to knock anyone who is getting married or is newly engaged. To each of you: Congrats! I am so happy for you. All of the people that I know who are getting married are very deserving and people that I am honored to celebrate and share in their wedding festivities. It truly is a privilege. So, this is not to knock those people or discourage those that are getting married. To everything there is a season and God has prepared some people for marriage earlier than others. What this post is set out to do is to encourage those like myself that look around and see everyone getting married, engaged, or even dating seriously. It can be a discouraging time in one's life, especially when you are not getting any younger. To those of you in the same shoes as me, I want to encourage you to keep the faith, love on the Lord, and know that to everything there is a season and your time is coming! View this time in your life as a blessing! I know I have to constantly remind myself to wait on God's timing and not try to rush things, but as you wait, be patient and trust in the Lord's timing because He has great plans for you, as well as an extremely special person picked out just for you!

In the meantime, while you are waiting (and since we are in the same shoes) don't just twiddle your thumbs watching the time pass by as you wait for God to land the man of your dreams in your lap...go buy yourself a new pair of shoes...because you can! Then, go out and walk confidently in the woman that God created you to be!

That is all for now...until next time be blessed!

I have entered the world of blogging....

2008-05-25T22:42:00.001-04:00

I have decided to test out the world of blogging. I have heard that it is fun and a great way to keep up with people, but we shall see. I thought that I would at least give it a try. I love writing and especially about my feelings but I will try not to make this too insightful, sappy, or deep....all of which I tend to be. Hopefully some of these posts may inspire those of you that read them. We'll at least give it a whirl. So now here goes with my first official post.....

Today is Sunday. It has been a great day, but a long day. It all started when I went to church and heard a great sermon by my father. It was titled "Time Matters." As I sit here, a graduate from college without a job and without definite future plans, I am beginning to wonder what I am doing with my life. I want my time here on Earth to matter and I want to invest my time doing things that are wise and that make a difference in this world. What am I doing now that matters though? While I strive to matter, I was made aware that maybe I am not doing my best at making my time and life matter. So now I am on a quest to redeem the time that God has given me and making it matter for something! As I leave to begin my quest, I will leave you with a few words and insights from my day...

Make your time matter. Invest in something besides yourself. Walk in the Light of the Lord...Walk in love and give off the aroma of the glory of Christ. Know that there will be uncertainty in life but look to the light of Christ during these times. Know that to redeem the time that Christ has given us means that we don't have to live in our own power, but that we live in the power of Christ. Lastly, put Christ at the center of your heart and at the center of your time, which may mean saying no to a lot of other things, but in the end know that it will be so worth it.

Well, I guess that is it for my first post. I am stopping so that I have something for next time....until then be blessed.....