a thanksgiving story to reallllllly make me thankful...

so, my Thanksgiving this year in the land of oz didn’t consist of pumpkin pie, pumpkin spice lattes (oh yum), turkey, green bean casserole, or grandma’s FAMOUS stuffing (oh you gotttttta try it.) No, my Thanksgiving went like this...

I was jumping on a trampoline with three other college students at a school function (awesome afternoon at Brian and Bobbie Houston’s river front land.) I landed on the trampoline a bit funky with my neck towards the ground and my back half higher than my head...another person on the trampoline also landed on the trampoline at the same time I did. Their whole entire body weight happened to land on my neck. I immediately got up from the incident-holding my neck- freaking out- crying- disoriented-dizzy...

Immediately, I didn’t feel “right” so I told one of the pastors what had happened and the rest of the story goes like this...

“Well, Amanda- we don’t mess around with neck injuries- we need to get you to the ER.”

And... that is where I spent my Thanksgiving afternoon. In the ER getting xrays of my neck, spine, skull, vertebrae...

Definitely not part of the plan...

The good news is that ALL is good on the home front. No broken bones, no spinal cord anything related stuff...just lots of torn muscles and maybe some torn ligaments.

The bad news is that it takes time to heal. I am just completely and utterly ridiculously sore. And having to really take it easy.

But, this year (so ironic it happened on Thanksgiving) I have a) never been so traumatized by an accident and b) have never been so incredibly thankful that I can walk, talk, feel my fingers, feel my toes, have an incredible future that still awaits me and know the God who works everything out for my good.

Maybe one of the scariest things in my life thus far.
Definitely made me stop and think and wow.
It could have been so much worse. I am lucky. I am thankful.

Please continue to pray for me as I heal. Please pray that I would not have any lingering effects for long term.

Love you guys. So. So. So. So. Much.
Awww, I am going to cry now. Thank you for being my prayer warriors.

worship, pruning [prunes?], burned popcorn.

three key things have honestly changed my world and I hope can speak into your world today.

worship

I think I came to Australia expecting to learn how to be a better worship leader. Funny, because WHAT YOU DO DOES NOT DEFINE WHO YOU ARE. I am reminded of the journey that got me to Australia, and now, the very painful moments I have had here in Australia so far. I may sing, I may have incredible talent... but, if my life does not reflect the God I am worshipping it is all for nothing. I have been challenged in this time to truly seek Christ in every area of my life. He hems me in from behind and goes before me. I think I came to Australia with the expectation that my life would begin to look glamourous and beautiful and I realize that I must seek God more than riches and fame. More than anything else in this world, I must first choose Him- even in the small things. Even in the things that I think, “People aren’t going to see that...” Even in those moments. It literally changes everything to begin to walk in the Spirit more and more. I am finding myself more broken for injustice, more passionate for life, more hopeful for the hopeless. I have been challenged to continue to lay down my rights as a human. All of humanity was made for the glory of God. I want to be used by God with worship more than ever before. My calling has been confirmed over and over. Therefore, I am beginning to wholeheartedly and without relinquishing, pray for God to breathe songs into me. Songs that I am simply a vessel for. Pray that God would bless me with a guitar. Please pray with me. Please pray earnestly and believe with me. I am so grateful and ready...

prunes [pruning]

John 15: 4-8
"Live in me. Make your home in me just as I do in you. In the same way that a branch can't bear grapes by itself but only by being joined to the vine, you can't bear fruit unless you are joined with me.
 5-8"I am the Vine, you are the branches. When you're joined with me and I with you, the relation intimate and organic, the harvest is sure to be abundant. Separated, you can't produce a thing. Anyone who separates from me is deadwood, gathered up and thrown on the bonfire. But if you make yourselves at home with me and my words are at home in you, you can be sure that whatever you ask will be listened to and acted upon. This is how my Father shows who he is—when you produce grapes, when you mature as my disciples.
I am taken back by this verse lately. I have accepted that God is pruning me. He is cutting back the branches that don’t bear fruit. He is building in me a solid foundation to stand on...forever. Not for a season, but forever. I think I will be candid and say that my faith, up until now, has been more than not like an ocean wave. Tossed back and forth. Gray areas, not black and white. Lukewarm. Undecided. “But God, just let me keep this habit or this idol...” Not to be cheesy, but the waves in my heart have stilled. My tree is being pruned. Places that bear much fruit are being grown and watered. Places that don’t bear fruit in my life are painfully being snipped. I have never been more sure that God has created me to be a lamp stand to a dark world, to be a vessel to help bring broken humanity back to God. My life must reflect the God I worship. Every area, not just the pieces I want to hand over.
so that is that... I hope that is ok for you.

burned popcorn

Honestly, I just made some popcorn and was anticipating how great of a snack it would be...and I opened it and it was burned. And I had a moment’s twinge of let down. And then I got all creative and imagined that the disappointments that I have met along the way so far are much like the burned popcorn [that I am still eating...] In the moment, burned popcorn seemed like a problem [ especially the smell], but in the long run...it isn’t a big deal. It is only a snack. In the long run...the good outweighs all the bad that I have faced over here so far. The bad has ended up not being a big deal. And the goods have been really good [if I could ever make unburned popcorn...] But, I wouldn’t take back anything that has been difficult here thus far... I truly believe I am being positioned to be a blessing to those people that I will encounter in my world. I believe that God is helping me overcome moments of “wanting to throw the towel in” for the future generations, for more people to rise up and declare Christ’s Lordship over their life, for my future husband that I could be the Godly woman He needs, for my future kids that I could be an awesome mom for them, for the songs that God will birth in my heart... burned popcorn, you have got nothing on me. ; )

well friends, that is my heart at this moment in time.

I pray that out of His glorious riches you would KNOW how wide and long and high and deep God’s love for you is today.
If you don’t love God today and you are reading this...man, just know that He loves you today.

Be Encouraged. [I promise to update more than every 2 months...I am even trying to catch up writing in my journal]

In Christ forever I'll stand...

I will believe

You are strong enough

in my weakness

God be lifted up

and I will sing

Lift your praises high

Lord be magnified

You make all things new.

I will believe.

long time in the making: i have never thought this hard about a blog entry...

Simply A Crossroads Confessional
It Starts with a Choice.


For a while now I have been restless. Not here in Australia, but everywhere. Life in general. My life has been at a crossroad of sorts. I think I can sum it up like this...

This crossroad is a more of a daily surrender. The Bible says, “Choose THIS day whom you are going to serve.” Everyday is a crossroad; a choice. Life or Death. Obedience or Sacrifice. Honor or Dishonor. Gentleness or Harshness. Encouragement or Arrows. Love or Intimidation. Self-control or Indulgence...

“either this way or that, there really isn’t another option, darling.” I have been hearing these words echo in my soul. The truth is, I have been in a war for my life. Not a war for picking a career- though very real because, some people are CLEARLY called to be nurses and doctors, teachers, administrators, managers, engineers, dolphin trainers...? and then there are the rest of us who just simply don’t fit in. Who are simply, wandering around dreaming these big dreams and almost feel bad for not knowing how to have a valuable career or fit in to an acceptable mold for society. This war has been for keeping light inside me. A war for not losing saltiness. A war for not compromising and settling. A war against flesh. I find great hope that even from the start of Creation... God has been in the business of drawing people to Himself. His beloved creation. His chosen people. His heart broken for their choices. His love to send Jesus for reconciliation. As Jesus walked the Earth and told these stories that immediately went deeper than surface level friendships. These stories that captured people and then set them free.
Whether it be Israel. Whether it be me. Whether it be you.

His love story has been written over humanity.

And I have a CHOICE.
And You have a CHOICE.
the harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.

Jesus said to them, "Come with me. I'll make a new kind of fisherman out of you. I'll show you how to catch men and women instead of perch and bass." They didn't ask questions, but simply dropped their nets and followed.
I love that the first thing Jesus said was “come with me.” Be with me. Choose me. Turn this way. And then, I will make you fishers of men. Then, I will change your life. But come as you are and we can deal with all your stuff...
You see, it doesn’t matter how overwhelming our dreams look like from human eyes. With God, they are greater. With God the ordinary becomes unordinary. And He calls ordinary people. And He has called You and me. FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS. The harvest is plentiful... He dreams bigger dreams for you than your heart knows capable. And He misses you more than You can grasp when you are turned another direction. And the real truth is that apart from Him there is no good in any of us. So, whatever it is you are called to.. whatever I am called to... remember today that Jesus can change your life if you just go with Him. He will make you fishers of people. Souls to touch that only YOU can touch. I am ready for unordinary living. I was ruined for the ordinary a long time ago. And this crossroad... I choose Jesus. I am praying whoever is reading this today will choose Him too.

new blog being written...
new blog to come soon.

good to get a vent out.

I don't know if those of you who have moved continents can agree with this, but moving allows/makes you open your eyes really wide. I think you could see my heart in my eyes right now, they are opened that wide. I understand moving allows you to meet people from all walks of life- richer and poorer, younger and older, more mature and less... and I have experienced all of this in the past month..?... (have I been gone that long?? wow.)

At the risk of using my blog for a vent session tonight...

This adventure is going to get really fun soon. I am so hopeful. It has been more hard than fun so far.
Hard things are normally the best, though (In all my years of wisdom... ha.)

I love Hillsong's heart so much. To build the church. To love people. To enable and equip.

So here might be the vent...

complaining, whining, unsatisfaction, disappointment, disenchantment, self-pity, self-righteousness, the love of attention, having to get your way, talking about yourself all the time... did I mention whining?
Oh I am guilty some of the time (for sure, not pointing fingers) but
I can't seem to get away from it when I am at home, when I am at the church, when I am at the grocery store, when I am by myself...
I like the people I live with now.
I like the people I have lived with before.
I love my friends so much.
I love my family so much.
I love my church.

And then I realize we are all only human.
And we are all learning.
Everyday.
Learning to be different.
Learning how to survive and dream and live and be and act with what God has given us.

And God gives us great grace, but I don't simply want to walk away from this burden and frustration tonight the same. I am learning we can only be responsible for ourselves. We can only have control over our response to situations.

So, I am pondering all I heard today... the constant whining... an engagement ring that needs to be bigger, not making enough money, my hair doesn't look good today, my makeup, my clothes, my body, i am so huuuuuuuuuuuunnnnngry, i am so thiiiiiirrrrrsttty, "well this is what I wants", that is too cheap, this is too much, he isn't cute enough, i don't have any friends, the bus not coming at the right time (this was my complaint), "why can't we do what I want to do's?" (this was also my complaint...) = )

there are people without clean water in this world tonight.



check out this blog to hear about people getting water for the first time...

there are little people who are fighting for their lives with cancer tonight.

I don't know these two families, but through the grapevine, I have happened onto their sites.
LETS PRAY FOR HEALING!

pray for kate

pray for daisy

there are people, who literally don't know the next time they will eat in this world tonight.
there are little people who are becoming victims of human trafficking tonight.

So, I am still pondering...
Oh if we could look beyond ourself and realize...
Without justice there is no worship. they work together.
You cannot have one without the other.


I don't deserve to whine and complain. (sorry mom and daddy for all the many many many years...)
And whoever you are, reading this tonight, You don't either.

Because, lets be honest---lets just pray, lets just give of our time, lets be generous, lets be doers and not only hearers, lets work together for justice, lets realize how blessed we are, lets speak those things out regularly, lets be grateful, lets thank God.

And lets stop the whining.
Ok, thanks.

Ending vent.

Guys what is the next step in this ponder? Ideas are being accepted!

just dance. it'll be ok...

random thought tonight:

we should all stop taking ourselves so seriously.

seriously...

at the risk of really embarrassing myself and in attempt to stop taking myself all too seriously...



hope this makes you laugh.
when i had a face plant fall in front of the church the other day i was laughing too...
and so was God...

just dance. it'll be ok.

video updayyyyte.

be home. and be all there.

Hi!
I have started school.
I am getting so pumped up.

We have had our first couple of days of "intensives."
What are those, you ask?
INTENSE.

But in all honesty...
Jesus has changed my life. Well, He already did. But He did it again. And if these past two days were the ONLY reason that I am here in Sydney, Australia at Hillsong Church (I am definitely believing this is not only the reason haha...) (that would have been a really expensive trip...) I could honestly walk away from them and be a better young woman, friend, daughter, helper, server, employee, future wife, future mom....
And if this is only the beginning...
I am set up for a WIN.

And this, friends, is only the beginning...

answers to prayers

this is the first day that i have felt as if this was "home"...

good emotions.
feeling prayers for me today.
so grateful.
and expectant.

when I arrived in my old set of clothes, I was half a world away from my home

A song by Brett Dennen that has been my anthem the last few days...
Enjoy....

When I arrived in my old set of clothes
I was half a world away from my home
and I was hunted by the wolves
and I was heckled by the crows
Darlin’ do not fear what you don’t really know

Alongside my innocence I laid in bed awake
conflicted and in chains with the impetus of age
but like a phantom she crept across the floor and out the window
Darlin’ do not fear what you don’t really know

From its place on the mantel my heart was taken down
scattered in a thousand little pieces on the ground
and I below the streetlamp like an orphan with a halo
Darlin’ do not fear what you don’t really know

Cause it won’t last
worries’ll pass
all your troubles they don’t stand a chance
and sometimes it takes more than a lifetime to know
Darlin’ do not fear what you don’t really know

Your confidences fall as your faith etched in stone
neither could comfort you from the wild unknown
so bury your burning hatred like a hatchet in the snow
Darlin’ do not fear what you don’t really know

If you have a broken heart or a battered soul
find something to hold onto until they go
to help you through the hard nights
like a flask filled with hope
Darlin’ do not fear what you don’t really know

Cause it won’t last
your worries’ll pass
all your troubles they don’t stand a chance
and it always hurts the worst when it’s the ones we love the most
Darlin’ do not fear what you don’t really know

sometimes your path is marked in the sky
sometimes it falls too thin in between the lines
sometimes all you can do is say no
Darlin’ do not fear what you don’t really know

I said when I arrived in my old set of clothes
I was half a world away from my home
and I was hunted by the wolves
and I was heckled by the crows
Darlin’ do not fear what you don’t really know
I said Darlin’ do not fear what you don’t really know

We said Darlin’ do not fear…

a funny little story...

Everyone has a story.
A few people have asked me my story. I gave them a shorter version... ; )
And I cannot help but smile when I think about it.
So, today... I will share my story for you.
The story of the last year.
The story that makes me a believer in the verse...
"For His ways are not our ways, and His thoughts are higher than our thoughts."

A glimpse into this journey.

March 2009 I was accepted to Hillsong International Leadership College.
There was more hesitation than excitement at that point.
A few days before I had gotten a job in the kitchen at Stillwater Medical Center...
I can laugh now (and my parents can too...) but for those 3 months I just felt very purposeless, so aimless...
I had just graduated college and THIS is all there was?
I had just been so involved in an incredible worship ministry and had friends everywhere and THIS was all there was?

I pushed through.
Realized I needed to start looking for another job.
I just wanted to sing.

Began looking for a new job.
A job opportunity was available in Labor and Delivery.
I applied. The day I quit the Kitchen job, I got an offer about the other one...
Completely and totally God.
I took the job with Labor and Delivery. Best thing I could have ever done.
The day before I was supposed to start my new job I got really sick and was in a lot of pain.
Spent a night in the emergency room... Tests. Scans. Money.
Right now I am so thankful for insurance. Like... forever thankful.
The next few months are sort of a blur, but long story short...
I ended up having to have surgery in November 2009.
Something that would not resolve itself. Something that needed surgery.
Without insurance it would have cost 9,000 dollars.
With insurance it cost 2,000 dollars.
Working at the hospital was exactly God's plan for that season.
The news after surgery wasn't the best.
The fallopian tubal torsion would just take time to heal. Could heal perfectly. Maybe not.
At the end of November I was feeling like I needed to be involved with LifeChurch.
I had been loving the 9 PM Late Service. Just wanted to serve. Needed to serve.
Needed to heal. Needed to see beyond myself.
I had resolved to be grateful to serve anywhere they needed... so I started calling around.
This part I have to throw in... because it is random.
(I had never wanted free Cheez-Its...ever..)
The week after I had come back from surgery I went to the late service.
I was feeling like I needed some free Cheez-Its after worship.
I left the room. Got some Cheez-Its.
The worship band (my friends) were sitting out in the lobby.
Caught off guard (You know the Cheez-Its and all..)
I was asked if I would want to start leading worship on the weekends.
I couldn't even believe it.
YES. I wanted to serve. I was fine serving anywhere.
But, this God met me where I was. And provided something that I love. Wow.
January 2010 I became committed to going to Australia in July 2010.
And the rest is kind of a blur as well...
I say that because it flew by, it was so fun...
I worked. Worshiped. Got up really early on Sunday mornings. Went to bed really late on Saturday nights.
Very purposeful. Very aim-filled?... ; )
I was able to save up money enough to actually come to Australia.
I was able to have fundraisers. And see how loved I am. And that was freeing and life-giving.
And I left the United States with everything and more that I had set out for. Goals were achieved.
Even down to the funny things.
And everything makes sense.

When I saw July (2010) written in the clouds in May 2009 It was true.
(I thought I was crazy...)
Although the doubts were still there.
This God; He is true.
He is not safe.
But He is good.
There are ups. There are downs.
So thankful for the jobs, the insurance, the tears...
The steps to get from THIS to THAT.
Hard. But worth it.
And His ways are different than ours.
His thoughts are higher. Way higher.
So, if you are reading this... know that YOU.
You have a story.
And you are a big part of my story.

no biggie.

pushing through the homesickness today...

and the, "what the crap did I do?" thoughts as well.

Resting in the fact that God knows me by name.
He sees and He hears.
He is a good Shepherd.

2 things, ok maybe 3.

Observations 101

1) There are so many Asians... more than I ever expected. A person said the other day, "Asian Invasion." I have to agree. Although, I love Asians... they are cute and have wacky style and great hair... I don't mind that they are here. It does cut my chances at seeing/meeting a blonde-haired-blue-eyed-surfer-dude, but whatever.

Another observation...(so maybe there are three observations today.) Ok, so these said Asians are the pushiest of people on the bus, off the bus, on the street, off the street, in the crowd...it is getting kind of ridiculous. I just want to turn around and say, STOP I AM FROM OKLAHOMA!!!! (Jordan's advice to me! HAHA!)
No, but really, sweet Asian people, ... the pushing in and the sitting-right-on-your-lap-on-the-bus has gotta stop. Love ya, but mind your neighbor. I am not pushing you...

2) I am finding I am caught up in the Aussie accent. So, someone said "goodonya" the other day and I found myself wanting to sit and listen to his accent...but I was at a bank, so I thought that might be weird...

So remember two things today:
no one likes a cranky Asian...
goodonya- well done, be well, congratulations.


so... goodonya.
or good on ya.
or good on you.

a dream is a wish your heart makes...

I got to fulfill a dream tonight! I went to the Hillsong Conference 2010.
So anointed. So powerful. So exciting to be in the same room with some of the most influential people in the world...
Getting off to a great start.
Feeling better. (Was sick feeling for a couple of days.) Time travel and I were not fast friends...
All in all...things are good. Excited to move into my own apartment soon and meet my roomies!

Super Expectant about this year!!! WOW!!

For your viewing pleasure...
Acer Arena. THE Place To Be In Sydney...




Love You.

picture post.

The best family a girl could ask for. (Hey fam!)



I am here.
And now I am eating butternut pumpkin soup...which I have seen many signs about in the city.
It looks like baby food. Tastes pretty good. It is a cool day here.
So funny leaving summer and arriving in winter.

a goodbye of sorts.

...and yesterday I stopped and thought, "what did I do to be so loved?"


my heart is full. more to come...

short, but sweet for certain.

this picture sums up my thoughts tonight...
an old pair of shoes, a new pair of shoes.
old journey, new journey.
out with the old, in with the new.
leaving something good, for something better.

oh yeah, and a shameless plug for TOMS shoes.

www.TOMS.com
one for one... i can get on board with that.

back to packing...

i'll see you soon, then...

it's about that time...

JULY 3rd WILL BE HERE BEFORE I KNOW IT.

where has the time gone?
i have spent the last 8 months of my life, after i became seriously at peace with moving, preparing for this adventure.
i have devoted much time to raising money.
i have invested and been invested in.

with your help i have raised $8,700 i am so thankful.
i am now more at peace than ever before that "for such a time as this"...
i am called to live and make community and serve in sydney, australia.
there really could be worse places..... ; )


5 of my favorite memories of the last 8 month season of my life in no particular order...



these precious girls are one of a kind.
(this picture is missing brynne.)
what an honor to invest in these girls lives.
they make me better.
and teach me more about Jesus.
and loving others and family and friends.
and.. and.. and..


this trip to drumright, usa.
the winery, the friendship, the swings.
the laughter, the drive.
just a great time.
february 2010. you were good.





the zumba missions fundraiser.
overall such a successful and fun night.
i have been changed by every single one of those zumba ladies.
and i love dancing...so why not?



the liberty fundraiser benefit concert.
such a special time.
i felt so loved and cared for.
we raised 3,000 dollars in one night.
that. is. incredible.





this will be one of my fondest memories forever.
being able to be a part of new life.
met so many wonderful people.
grew up some.
working at a hospital...
most rewarding experience.



and now... makin' more memories.

i am learning to be faithful in the little things; in the small beginnings.
i am understanding more what that means too-- to be faithful.
and tonight...i think it simply means to be content in the place you are at.
invest in those around you.
invest at your job, at your doctor's office, at your coffee shop,
at your medical spa, at your church, with the people around you, in your community.
love and talk to those around you.
tonight, i am humbled and grateful to love and be so loved.

we'll grow our hair long and forget all we used to know.

Well hello everyone! I am writing this today to give you an update on what has been happening. There is so much going on and so much coming up.

First of all:

Financial Support update- $5000.00 given. I am beyond blessed. Thank you. And if you are reading this and haven't received a thank you card yet, know that I am truly thankful. And they should be on their way this week.

So things to still do...
Celebrate the marriage of Kiley Stone and Josh Edington
Move back to Tulsa
Pack my humble world in some suitcases

Now, other things still happening...

FUNDRAISER JUNE 18th

There is a ZUMBA FEST from 7-9 PM on June 18th.
Community Center in Stillwater, OK
There will be dancing.

There will be booths available for rent. Do you have a small business you would like to represent?
email me. ajb428@gmail.com

There will be a bake sale. Do you want to bake something? LET ME KNOW ASAP!

Tickets are for pre-sale. 12 dollars a ticket. EVEN IF YOU CAN'T GO TO THE EVENT... YOU COULD BUY A TICKET AND SUPPORT US THAT WAY! BUT YOU ARE NOT GONNA WANNA MISS THIS!!!!!!!!

BENEFIT WORSHIP CONCERT WITH TONY EWING

This will be a sweet time of worship on June 6th. TIME TO BE ANNOUNCED THIS WEEK.
Coffee and Desserts.
An honor that my parents' friends want to support me.

BAKE SALE AT TOTAL HEALTH
in Stillwater, OK

If you want to make special/healthy/unhealthy treats for this bake sale let me know.
June 23rd is the day for this.
6 AM to 11 (ish) AM

Come buy treats and support a good Cause.

------

Also, if you are looking to buy a used car, my car will be for sale very shortly. 2001 Honda Civic. 2 door. Red. 121,000 miles.
It has been loved. Great car. Great times had. PRICE TO BE DETERMINED.

------

WOW. A lot going on. I might even squeeze in a car wash with Tulsa friends. My friend Brian already said he'd wear a bikini... sold. People will come all over to give......

------

and at the end of all of this... my prayer is to sit back and remind myself that it isn't about me.
going to Australia isn't going to be about me
raising money isn't about me.
the call on my life isn't about me.
learning more about God isn't about me.
loving others more isn't about me.

and, gosh, I pray that it would never become about me.
I pray that it would always and forever be about His fame, His glory, His renown, His love.
... I give MY life to honor THIS. the love of Christ.
That is definitely my prayer today. God, let me see beyond myself.
Somehow, some way- make beautiful things from this mess.

Isaiah 58:11
"The Lord will guide you always; He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail."




As of late...

Life would be boring without friends and a computer. Here's just a few...
more pictures to come...








LOVE YOU!

a support raising update....

Adding everything up, including my savings, I now have about $3000 dollars to budget towards my first few months in Australia.
I would like to raise 2-4,000 more.

I am selling my car...I know that my dad will be generous. He always is!!
There is a zumbathon June 18th. Potentially a huge community wide event... So excited. Meetings today for that.
Qdoba is giving me 10% of the "fish bowl" they are putting out today...so that is going to be cool.
Car washes and bake sales are in the works.
Friends and family just are so faithful. God is faithful.

I am so excited to share this journey with you.

are we human or are we dancers?

I enjoy this blog and this time in my life... when nothing seems put together and everything is messy.

i have a feeling a lot of life's seasons will be like that...

As far as support raising for AUS progess... God is way too good to me.
I am buying my plane ticket this week.
My visa application was accepted.
I have been blessed by friends and family.

Looks like the next thing to do is pack my bag.... I mean, my bags.... oh man, that is really overwhelming to me.

I have been realizing lately (I know, I know.. why haven't I known before?) that life flies at me really fast. I don't know about you, but I suppose it is probably that way for you too. I realize that I have to RUN at something full force/100000% if I ever want it to get done.... so cheers to trying that out. that is a lot of "0"s...................

Organization- not a strong suit. Please Pray. ; )

songs are stirring... and I couldn't be more excited for what is to come.
i am really excited about the start of some songwriting-- i just said that. i know. repeating it. good.

just to let you in on a little bit of my life as of lately... it definitely has a lot to do with michael jackson's thriller cover...and alicia keys cover songs.

if that doesn't make sense, someday you will understand.

until next time...

from journal to journal...

oh the freshness of a new journal. Love it. LOVE. LOVE.

I think it is so ironic the times in life when I start a new journal. It always seems to make sense in my life that this point is good for starting again.

I am reminded today to always remember "why you wanted to start/change in the first place.."

Motivation may be hard to find on some day, but remember why you wanted the change in the first place...and that is good. He is good. And God is worth the change-- like forever worth it.

So the motivation for doing good is lacking? Don't grow weary in doing good.

in everything.

in everyday life.

in all things remember: ok, good. He is good.

Amanda