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I have had a couple of people tell me they were sad they missed out on buying t-shirts that I was selling to raise money for the Zambia trip I am going on in a few weeks. Anyone and everyone can purchase shirts from other people raising money to go on mission trips on the company's web site, www.fundthenations.com.
Fund the Nations also has some shirts they are selling as well as the shirts individuals are selling to raise money. They are from various countries, with quotes/verses in various languages with various designs so you should definitely check them out!
"...and your blood has ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation." Revelation 5:9
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Friday, June 27, 2008
Viernes...Friday
As you can see, I have just spent about 15 minutes deciding on how to "revamp" my blog. Does anyone know how to change the font on my header? I'm very blog illiterate and just recently discovered how to add a photo to the header.
Today is another free day and I LOVE it! I'm going to run a bit, pack/unpack/organize some dorm room boxes (it is a never-ending process), pick up some wedding invitations for my future brother-in-law (yes, Dane's brother is getting married in a few weeks), and then get some craft supplies for camp (Camp Piney) on Tuesday. I'm teaching a Spanish craft class so we're going to make paper bag piñata and I'm pretty excited about it!
I love kids and I love Spanish so put the two together and you have one happy girl.
I want to brag on my fiance just a bit. Last night, we talked about how it's hard for me to advance in my Spanish when I'm out of class because I have nowhere to use/practive it. So he then let me tell him about my day in Spanish and let me translate a Piper devotion into Spanish even though he has no idea what I am saying. I did miss some words but I was surprised at how easy it is to just talk once you get started. My days of talking to my family in Spain truly helped A LOT!! I have the best fiance ever!
Today is another free day and I LOVE it! I'm going to run a bit, pack/unpack/organize some dorm room boxes (it is a never-ending process), pick up some wedding invitations for my future brother-in-law (yes, Dane's brother is getting married in a few weeks), and then get some craft supplies for camp (Camp Piney) on Tuesday. I'm teaching a Spanish craft class so we're going to make paper bag piñata and I'm pretty excited about it!
I love kids and I love Spanish so put the two together and you have one happy girl.
I want to brag on my fiance just a bit. Last night, we talked about how it's hard for me to advance in my Spanish when I'm out of class because I have nowhere to use/practive it. So he then let me tell him about my day in Spanish and let me translate a Piper devotion into Spanish even though he has no idea what I am saying. I did miss some words but I was surprised at how easy it is to just talk once you get started. My days of talking to my family in Spain truly helped A LOT!! I have the best fiance ever!
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
A little politics and life
Today was the first day of Camp Piney. This is a camp that the church I grew up at has on Tuesdays and Thursdays for 4 weeks during the summer. I am working there this summer and the first day went quite well! I absolutely adore the opportunity to love on kids that don't get loved on daily! I want to show them the love of Christ and let them know that they are so special and unique to God!
I've also been sitting here tonight reading several blogs of couples who have adopted internationally. I know I am ahead of the game since Dane and I aren't getting married until the Spring, but I can't wait to adopt! This is something Dane and I have talked about and is still a few years in the future but it is something that is near to our hearts and we pray that God continues to prepare the way for it.
This is such a random blog, but I've been listening to Fox News while blog surfing. Hannity and Colmes are discussing the Dobson/Obama issue. I need to research it because at the moment, I hear Obama's comments about the Bible and think his theology is not up-to-par but Dobson only seemed to say the same thing I do - that his Obama's theology isn't accurate and that he doesn't support him. Not sure that those quotes are a reason to be fired up against Dobson but who knows. There is probably more to the story that I haven't read yet. I need to call Adrian and do some coffee with her. She is a friend of mine and Dane's that knows her politics, theology and economics. So far I haven't disagreed with her yet and I absolutely LOVE discussing it all with her. I'm a little discouraged with the Obama/McCain nominations. Not that I think Clinton would have been any better, but I don't like any of them.
Last week, a guy met me as I was coming out of the HUC at UAB and asked me to sign a petition to allow third party candidates to be on the ballot because "Lincoln was a third party candidate." So I took the clipboard and read the form (something many people probably don't do) to see that the petition is ACTUALLY one to add Ralph Nader's name to the ballot. Seriously Nader, give up already. You've tried for years and got nothing.
I've also been sitting here tonight reading several blogs of couples who have adopted internationally. I know I am ahead of the game since Dane and I aren't getting married until the Spring, but I can't wait to adopt! This is something Dane and I have talked about and is still a few years in the future but it is something that is near to our hearts and we pray that God continues to prepare the way for it.
This is such a random blog, but I've been listening to Fox News while blog surfing. Hannity and Colmes are discussing the Dobson/Obama issue. I need to research it because at the moment, I hear Obama's comments about the Bible and think his theology is not up-to-par but Dobson only seemed to say the same thing I do - that his Obama's theology isn't accurate and that he doesn't support him. Not sure that those quotes are a reason to be fired up against Dobson but who knows. There is probably more to the story that I haven't read yet. I need to call Adrian and do some coffee with her. She is a friend of mine and Dane's that knows her politics, theology and economics. So far I haven't disagreed with her yet and I absolutely LOVE discussing it all with her. I'm a little discouraged with the Obama/McCain nominations. Not that I think Clinton would have been any better, but I don't like any of them.
Last week, a guy met me as I was coming out of the HUC at UAB and asked me to sign a petition to allow third party candidates to be on the ballot because "Lincoln was a third party candidate." So I took the clipboard and read the form (something many people probably don't do) to see that the petition is ACTUALLY one to add Ralph Nader's name to the ballot. Seriously Nader, give up already. You've tried for years and got nothing.
Friday, June 20, 2008
One thing
I just want to say that I LOVE the show Jon & Kate + 8! Everyone should tune into TLC and watch!
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Let the wedding planning begin!
So I have officially begun to plan. Not much has been accomplished yet except making various files on my Favorites tab and saving pages I like. Dane and I are still working on the place and that will determine the date as well. Hopefully we can nail this down soon! Then it's off to set colors and dresses! I must be honest, I'm most excited about finding my dress! The bridesmaids dresses are very important, but I can't wait to begin trying on wedding dresses! Yay!!
Early Saturday morning Dane and I are traveling with my family, my aunt/uncle and cousins, and my grandparents to Memphis for the weekend in celebration of my grandparents 50th wedding anniversary. I'm pretty excited! I, unlike many, love family vacations!
I really want to begin reading the book "The Shack" by William Young. I've heard many different critiques (both good and bad) about it from people I respect and really want to see for myself what it says. I think I will try the Centre Library although I am not sure how many books they have that have been printed in the past 5-10 years...we'll see.
I'm also reading John Piper's "What Jesus Demands of the World" and it's really good! I've only read chapter 1 so far.
For now, I think I'll read Fox News for a bit, unpack a box or so then get to bed.
Early Saturday morning Dane and I are traveling with my family, my aunt/uncle and cousins, and my grandparents to Memphis for the weekend in celebration of my grandparents 50th wedding anniversary. I'm pretty excited! I, unlike many, love family vacations!
I really want to begin reading the book "The Shack" by William Young. I've heard many different critiques (both good and bad) about it from people I respect and really want to see for myself what it says. I think I will try the Centre Library although I am not sure how many books they have that have been printed in the past 5-10 years...we'll see. 
I'm also reading John Piper's "What Jesus Demands of the World" and it's really good! I've only read chapter 1 so far.For now, I think I'll read Fox News for a bit, unpack a box or so then get to bed.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
I'm ENGAGED!!
The date begins as we pack a picnic of cheez-its, turkey and cheese sandwiches and cheese and crackers. He told me he wanted to take me to various spots around town that had been significant to our relationship. At each spot he read me special passages about love, family and marriage from the Bible and from other authors we like.
First stop: picnic in Homewood Park...my favorite place in Birmingham.
Next we went for dessert at Chili's where we had our first date.
I know you must think I had an idea by now, but no way! This is not out of the ordinary for him. He does great dates like this for no reason at all. Next we drove to the Trussville park (another place I love) as it began to rain. We found a dry spot under a tree and Dane brought out his guitar and sang Brown-Eyed Girl to me. (These are the chord sheets he had printed off.) We still managed to get a little wet from the downpour.
We then stopped by Lifeway (he works there) because he had to "check some e-mails." When we came back to the car these GORGEOUS flowers were waiting in my seat! I LOVE them!!
He then drove me downtown then blindfolded me. He says you get some strange looks when driving in downtown Birmingham with a blindfolded girl in your front seat.
He took me to the BCM and read something he wrote to me while we were seated on the same couch that we met on in August of 2006. He then reached in his pocket and got down on one knee and asked me to marry him!! Of course, I SAID YES!!
This is "THE COUCH."
We then went to Dane's house where his family, my family and Sybil and Meghan were there to celebrate! Sybil, Meghan and I admire the ring!
The ring and the BEAUTIFUL daisy!
My ring from the MOST AMAZING guy!
First stop: picnic in Homewood Park...my favorite place in Birmingham.
Next we went for dessert at Chili's where we had our first date.
I know you must think I had an idea by now, but no way! This is not out of the ordinary for him. He does great dates like this for no reason at all. Next we drove to the Trussville park (another place I love) as it began to rain. We found a dry spot under a tree and Dane brought out his guitar and sang Brown-Eyed Girl to me. (These are the chord sheets he had printed off.) We still managed to get a little wet from the downpour.
We then stopped by Lifeway (he works there) because he had to "check some e-mails." When we came back to the car these GORGEOUS flowers were waiting in my seat! I LOVE them!!
He then drove me downtown then blindfolded me. He says you get some strange looks when driving in downtown Birmingham with a blindfolded girl in your front seat.
He took me to the BCM and read something he wrote to me while we were seated on the same couch that we met on in August of 2006. He then reached in his pocket and got down on one knee and asked me to marry him!! Of course, I SAID YES!!
This is "THE COUCH."
We then went to Dane's house where his family, my family and Sybil and Meghan were there to celebrate! Sybil, Meghan and I admire the ring!
The ring and the BEAUTIFUL daisy!
My ring from the MOST AMAZING guy!
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
One great song
I have no idea how to even begin to post a song on my blog so I am just going to write the artist and title and TRUST that you will seriously check it out.
Todd Agnew
"Martyr's Song"
Below are some of the lyrics of the song. I absolutely love the image that's portrayed of my God, my Father anxiously waiting to show me, his bride, what his place is like, to show me his glory! How beautiful that we have a Father who loves us like that!
I've been waiting to see you tremble as you're embraced.
By a world saturated with my love
I've been waiting to watch you realize
What all your longing was for
I've been waiting to show you the thread of grace
That ran through all your pain
Monday, June 9, 2008
Just another Monday in Centre
So...it seems I start off most posts with the word, "so." I am back in Centre from my weekend + 2 days in Birmingham and am loving the laid back time I have this summer. So far I've slept late, watched Whose Wedding Is It Anyway and What Not to Wear - 2 of my favorite shows. I think I'll go run now (part of my exercise-this-summer plan), shower, then begin what I think will be the week-long process of unpacking/organizing/purging (got this word from Jessica) everything I own. Since I moved out of my dorm and left for Spain in all of 4-5 days, my bedroom and the downstairs garage are filled with my boxes. I am sure that I will post again today because I'm in a blogging mood; but, for now, it's off to the treadmill!
Shall return later!
P.S. I really want to post a picture of my "bedroom o'boxes" but I don't know where my laptop bag with my camera cable is to download the picture to my laptop. What has happened to the OCD-organized Amanda? She must return...ASAP!
Shall return later!
P.S. I really want to post a picture of my "bedroom o'boxes" but I don't know where my laptop bag with my camera cable is to download the picture to my laptop. What has happened to the OCD-organized Amanda? She must return...ASAP!
Monday, June 2, 2008
Part 2 of Today
So...it turns out the baseball game was at 5 instead of 7 so I missed it...at least he plays again tomorrow night.
I want to share a few quotes with you that I read and provoked many thoughts for me while in Spain. Dane and I have been going through "My Utmost for His Highest" by Oswald Chambers so I will begin with that book.
May 14: "We have to form habits to express what God's grace has done in us. It is not a question of being saved from hell, but of being saved in order to manifest the life of the Son of God in our mortal flesh..." Now I know you may think the word "habit" doesn't necessarily fit into a relationship with God, but the devotion and surrounding days in the book explain that part and it's too long to type here. I just want to share with you the part about God's grace coming to us in order to manifest Christ in our flesh, our lives. I actually heard a preacher say once "I hope hell scares you into getting saved." Quotes like this present a false gospel and relay unbiblical teaching.
May 24: THE DELIGHT OF DESPAIR
"There are times when God cannot reveal Himself in any other way than in His majesty, and it is the awfulness of the vision which brings you to the delight of despair..." It is oddly comforting to know that the glory of God is so powerful, so magnificent that it can be seen as awful, as uncomfortable to us as humans. I think the word 'awful' does not mean 'terrible' or 'bad' here in the sense of defining God's glory; but, the knowledge that when bad things come, God is sovereign and has carried out his plan since before time. It reminds me of when Moses was on the mountain and God passed by. Moses wasn't even humanly able to see God's glory face to face!
May 26: "The danger with us [humans] is that we want to water down the things that Jesus says and make them mean something in accordance with common sense; if it were only common sense, it was not worthwhile for Him to say it. The things Jesus says about prayer are supernatural revelations." I realize only giving you these tidbits can be quite confusing without the whole devotion, but you need to read this book anyway. It's a great devotional! I have had countless discussions with people I love and respect about human logic and responsibility vs. God's purpose and plan. Many say 'God wouldn't have given us logic if he didn't want us to use it.' This is true, we are not told to follow Christ without intelligence; HOWEVER, we are told to follow. Following means doing whatever he says, whatever the cost. This is hard to swallow and brings about great conviction because I don't live this out. But just imagine what the church will look like once it truly forsakes all and follows Christ! Follows him by taking his glory to the nations!
Lastly, I want to ask you to join me in praying for the people of Afghanistan. Please pray for...
-Relationships that allow a clear and open witnessing of the gospel by foreign relief workers (medicine, education, business, agriculture, etc.).
-Protection of the workers from kidnapping and murder.
-Continued development of the small house churches scattered across the country.
-God's blessings on Afghanistan's secret believers so the Afghan Church may live and grow to be an instrument of blessing (salt), transformation (yeast), and truth-giving (light) for the nation.
-The government of Afghanistan lead by presidnet Hamid Karzai.
I want to share a few quotes with you that I read and provoked many thoughts for me while in Spain. Dane and I have been going through "My Utmost for His Highest" by Oswald Chambers so I will begin with that book.
May 14: "We have to form habits to express what God's grace has done in us. It is not a question of being saved from hell, but of being saved in order to manifest the life of the Son of God in our mortal flesh..." Now I know you may think the word "habit" doesn't necessarily fit into a relationship with God, but the devotion and surrounding days in the book explain that part and it's too long to type here. I just want to share with you the part about God's grace coming to us in order to manifest Christ in our flesh, our lives. I actually heard a preacher say once "I hope hell scares you into getting saved." Quotes like this present a false gospel and relay unbiblical teaching.
May 24: THE DELIGHT OF DESPAIR
"There are times when God cannot reveal Himself in any other way than in His majesty, and it is the awfulness of the vision which brings you to the delight of despair..." It is oddly comforting to know that the glory of God is so powerful, so magnificent that it can be seen as awful, as uncomfortable to us as humans. I think the word 'awful' does not mean 'terrible' or 'bad' here in the sense of defining God's glory; but, the knowledge that when bad things come, God is sovereign and has carried out his plan since before time. It reminds me of when Moses was on the mountain and God passed by. Moses wasn't even humanly able to see God's glory face to face!
May 26: "The danger with us [humans] is that we want to water down the things that Jesus says and make them mean something in accordance with common sense; if it were only common sense, it was not worthwhile for Him to say it. The things Jesus says about prayer are supernatural revelations." I realize only giving you these tidbits can be quite confusing without the whole devotion, but you need to read this book anyway. It's a great devotional! I have had countless discussions with people I love and respect about human logic and responsibility vs. God's purpose and plan. Many say 'God wouldn't have given us logic if he didn't want us to use it.' This is true, we are not told to follow Christ without intelligence; HOWEVER, we are told to follow. Following means doing whatever he says, whatever the cost. This is hard to swallow and brings about great conviction because I don't live this out. But just imagine what the church will look like once it truly forsakes all and follows Christ! Follows him by taking his glory to the nations!
Lastly, I want to ask you to join me in praying for the people of Afghanistan. Please pray for...
-Relationships that allow a clear and open witnessing of the gospel by foreign relief workers (medicine, education, business, agriculture, etc.).
-Protection of the workers from kidnapping and murder.
-Continued development of the small house churches scattered across the country.
-God's blessings on Afghanistan's secret believers so the Afghan Church may live and grow to be an instrument of blessing (salt), transformation (yeast), and truth-giving (light) for the nation.
-The government of Afghanistan lead by presidnet Hamid Karzai.
Back in the USA!
So I now have internet whenever I want and I am embracing it. I have spent an insanely abnormal amount of time on the internet today just reading the latest news, updating myself on everyone's facebook changes, seeing the new summer fashions, etc. It's been glorious celebration of the use of internet!
I have an exciting summer ahead of me: family vacation to Memphis, Camp Piney, and Zambia! I plan to fill the in-between time with a yard sale, making a few mosaics, sewing, reading lots of books and organizing. What fun!
For your summer, I recommend you read "A Thousand Splendid Suns" by Khaled Hosseini. It's about a girl's life growing up in Afghanistan and is such an amazing book!
I'm off to watch my little cousin's baseball game! I love baseball!
I have an exciting summer ahead of me: family vacation to Memphis, Camp Piney, and Zambia! I plan to fill the in-between time with a yard sale, making a few mosaics, sewing, reading lots of books and organizing. What fun!
For your summer, I recommend you read "A Thousand Splendid Suns" by Khaled Hosseini. It's about a girl's life growing up in Afghanistan and is such an amazing book!
I'm off to watch my little cousin's baseball game! I love baseball!
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