The Quiet Night of Snow-Whiteness

Ever since we returned from Christmas break to Lynchburg, I have been praying for snow. Since Scott and I recently decided we would take the Texas bar exam, I knew that my time on the east coast was running short. In addition, snow in Virginia is different than snow in Texas. In Texas, there is sleet and flurries and then it quickly disappears. In Virginia, there is snow, mounds of it, and it falls for hours, sometimes days. So, I began to pray for one last snowfall.

Last Sunday Scott and I were in Virginia Beach for a competition he competed in. When word reached the beach that snow was headed to Lynchburg, I literally leaped with bounds of joy as if I reverted back to my childhood. Surrounded by law students and professors, you can imagine the looks I received. However, nothing could contain my excitement of the news that we would get around six inches of snow. So, we packed up and headed back to Lynchburg, but not even the 6 am early departure would ruin my utter joy.

The snow began falling about an hour after we got home and fell for about twelve straight hours. Being that I was physically exhausted from the weekend, I opened the curtains, raised the blinds, and laid in bed watching the snow fall until I fell asleep. It was heaven on earth. Watching the snow made me want to get outside in it, so around eight in the evening, I asked Scott if he wanted to take a walk with me in the snow. Being that I am more of an "indoorsy" girl and that Scott is quite the athletic opposite, he jumped at the idea. So, we got all bundled up, got our hot tea and cider in hand, and charged out the door. Again, heaven on earth.

As we walked, Scott and I began to talk. I wanted to talk about what I had been thinking about all day watching the snow, and the chance to walk in the snow and talk about the meaning of snow was much more romantic than merely talking about the snow. So, we walked and we talked. The scenery: dark, quiet, peaceful, snowy, cold night. Topic: snow and God.

As I watched the snow fall softly all day, my mind went to snow and God. I first thought about how peaceful snow is. Even as I am sitting here now, there is a thunderstorm outside. I love a good thunderstorm. However, when it rains, you can hear it fall and the purpose of rain is to replenish the earth. But when it comes to snow, you cannot hear it fall. When rain falls, it is to replenish the earth; when snow falls it is for pure beauty sake. This got me thinking about the different attributes of God through nature. Rain equals replenishment. Storms show God's vengeance and power. Snow, however, resembles his still, small voice and peace. And it reminds me of how he washed my sins white as snow in a fresh way unlike any other form of nature.

So, I am grateful for the snowfall we had this past weekend. Not only was it fun to be in the snow, but it reminded me of God's amazing peace. It reminded me of the ways He has continually come into my life like the silent snow: quiet, uninhibited, peaceful, purifying, and merely to beautify my heart towards Him. So that is why I am grateful for the beautiful snowfall. God is good.

May you be reminded that God loves you so much, he washed your sins white as snow, may you always be in tune to His still small voice, and may you feel His peace in your life.

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

Hot Off the Press!!

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...

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

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...

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 skeptically 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 strength. 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 know 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...

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...

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.....